Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
Top Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Destinations
Top Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Destinations
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in Bay Area
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in Bay Area
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Bay Area
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Bay Area
- Size 10-50 lbs
- Food Value Excellent
- Game Qualities Good
- Habitats Inshore, Lake, River, Nearshore
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
California is home to some of the most exciting angling in the country, and the Salmon fishing Bay Area waters lay claim to is the best proof. Chinook Salmon make the bays and estuaries their playground as they swim their way to the spawning rivers and streams.
From spring to fall, anglers intercept Salmon in numerous locations throughout the area and catching a rod-bending specimen is both a thrill and a challenge.
When to Go
The Salmon season starts in April, but the exact date varies every year, depending on the regulations. The number of fish has been decreasing in the previous decade, but Salmon is finally making a comeback in these parts. The fishery is usually open until mid-October, but the limits are strictly set at 2 Salmon per person.
The crucial factor to consider when booking your trip is the time of the year and the duration of the trip. Where Chinook hide depends on the month you’re going after them.
In the spring and early summer, Salmon are still in the ocean, so to make the most out of your time on the water, book a full day trip (usually 7–8 hours long). Even as the fish make their way upstream in the freshwater, going on a longer trip will ensure you stay on the fish’s hot trail.
There are captains who offer longer trips (10+ hours), in case you really want to play in the big leagues. If you have a close group of angling friends, private charters are your best option. In case you’re fishing on your own, shared trips are the way to go.
What to Expect
The recipe for success is simple – the more time you spend on the water, the greater the chances of catching something massive. The size of Chinook Salmon in these waters can range from 10–50 pounds, depending on where you’re fishing and the time of year. On a good day, you can catch 40-pounders several miles from the Golden Gate Bridge and around Stinson Beach.
Trolling is the name of the game, along with drift mooching. Kings find anchovies and herring irresistible, so they’re the best choice of bait. Local guides will provide you with the necessary tackle as well as expert advice on what to do when the fish strikes.
How to Prepare
Salmon fishing in the Bay Area will be an exciting experience for both novice anglers and pros. With a skilled captain at the helm, the sound of reels screaming will be the thing you hear the most. To prepare for your fishing trip, you need to buy a California fishing license and bring it with you. Don’t forget to pack rain gear, food, drinks, and plenty of layers to be fully equipped for your thrilling day on the water.
Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
Bay Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...
Seasonality
Chinook Salmon fishing in Bay Area is highly variable throughout the year. High season is July to October. Closed season is January to April and November to December.
Bay Area
4.5
/
5
Based on 28,556 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in Bay Area
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in Bay Area
The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious.
Thank you so much.
5.0
/
5
The fish we caught were fillet by the first mate. They were absolutely delicious.
Thank you so much.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Not as good fishing conditions as other months, but you can still catch fish. We werenโt able to catch any fish from the dock on Bethel Island where we were staying but much of that was limited by stormy weather. On a bass charter we were able to catch 1 largemouth bass and 1 striped bass. In February fishing is OK but not as good as spring and summer.
5.0
/
5
Not as good fishing conditions as other months, but you can still catch fish. We werenโt able to catch any fish from the dock on Bethel Island where we were staying but much of that was limited by stormy weather. On a bass charter we were able to catch 1 largemouth bass and 1 striped bass. In February fishing is OK but not as good as spring and summer.
Delta BASSNโ Guide Service
Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend
5.0
/
5
Weather was perfect for a T shirt and jeans or a lightweight sweater. 10 out 10 would recommend
SF Boat Support
Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early
5.0
/
5
Get upstanding about parking and the time you need to be so that you are not to early
fishSFbay
A nice captain and a well run boat
BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.
4.3
/
5
A nice captain and a well run boat
BUT the captain is a chain smoker and in the confines of the forward cabin we found that a MAJOR problem.
Bills Sportfishing And Guide Service
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
5.0
/
5
Great fishing boat and expert Captain. Arrive to dock at least 30 minutes early for best parking.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
5.0
/
5
Good options with lots of parking and cleaning areas. Dock and location wasn't packed or rushed.
David Rooney
Milpitas, CA
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
5.0
/
5
All the fish you want to catch are spawning and hitting and being caught at this time of year. Book charters out of san fran in july/august
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
East McKeesport, PA
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
4.7
/
5
Go with a positive attitude fishing is fishing and can go either way just have a great time.
fishSFbay
CEDAR E BETHL, MN
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
4.7
/
5
Make sure you have warm clothes on. Take something for motion sickness because the water is VERY choppy.
fishSFbay
Holt, MI
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
5.0
/
5
Bring sunscreen, windblazer, snacks, and friends to relax with as you all wait for the bite.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Cottage Grove, MN
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
5.0
/
5
If you are fishing the area for the first time, don't hesitate to book with Captain Frank. You will be glad you did.
Delta BASSNโ Guide Service
Stockton, CA
The fishing on SF Bay is the same as anywhere.except if there not biting great you get some iepic views of the bay! Some days are better fishing than others so hope for the best and enjoy the day!
5.0
/
5
The fishing on SF Bay is the same as anywhere.except if there not biting great you get some iepic views of the bay! Some days are better fishing than others so hope for the best and enjoy the day!
New Captain Pete Sportfishing
Felton, CA
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
4.7
/
5
Actually speak with the captain and make sure you know where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.
Argo Sportfishing
Red Bluff, CA
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
5.0
/
5
It's not like fishing for bluegill or other varieties in technique listen to the captain and you will do great!
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.
5.0
/
5
Hire John and he'll put you where it gives you the best chance to land the fish you're looking for.
Addictive Sport Fishing
Halibut! Lots of them. HUGE!!! Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf passing Alcatraz, seeing the sun come up over the east bay ills, watching the yacht regatta, passing all the freighters and cruise ships, going under the bridges, seeing the rising sun reflected off the skyscrapers; it's a gorgeous place to catch BIG fish.
5.0
/
5
Halibut! Lots of them. HUGE!!! Leaving from Fisherman's Wharf passing Alcatraz, seeing the sun come up over the east bay ills, watching the yacht regatta, passing all the freighters and cruise ships, going under the bridges, seeing the rising sun reflected off the skyscrapers; it's a gorgeous place to catch BIG fish.
Argo Sportfishing
San Jose, CA
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
5.0
/
5
Leave early to account for traffic delays and bring windproof jacket just in case.
Warrior Poet Sportfishing
Pacific House, CA
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
5.0
/
5
Be prepared for a high temperatures and power fishing. Knowing how to use baitcasting equipment is a must.
Delta BASSNโ Guide Service
West Menlo Park, CA
If you've never fished the Delta, this is a great starting point. All services available. June was a bit tough because of the post spawn, but whether or not you catch fish, being on this water is a treat. Beautiful place!
5.0
/
5
If you've never fished the Delta, this is a great starting point. All services available. June was a bit tough because of the post spawn, but whether or not you catch fish, being on this water is a treat. Beautiful place!
Delta BASSNโ Guide Service
Cayucos, CA