Fishing Charters in California

Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch chinook salmon.

Corsario Ocean Adventures - Corsario Ocean Adventures
Corsario Ocean Adventures

Corsario Ocean Adventures

Avalon, California

Book a charter for fishing trips or leisure cruises with Corsario Charters located in Avalon, California on Catalina Island. Join the top sports fishing boat on Catalina Island as you enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the California coast.

inshore
Avalon, California
Ranch Hunt Club Company : Hunting Clubs And Ranches With Fishing - Ranch Hunt Club Company : Hunting Clubs And Ranches With Fishing
Ranch Hunt Club Company : Hunting Clubs And Ranches With Fishing

Ranch Hunt Club Company : Hunting Clubs And Ranches With Fishing

Geyserville, California

We list over 200 Oregon and California Hunting Ranches, Hunting Clubs, Public Lands for Boar, Deer, Ducks, Turkey, pheasant, dove, quail and pigs. Hunting land property for elk, deer, pigs, upland birds and waterfowl. Private access to free hunting and fishing maps to the best Oregon an California hunting places.

inshore
Geyserville, California
Likemind Fishing Charters - Likemind Fishing Charters
Likemind Fishing Charters

Likemind Fishing Charters

San Diego, California

Self-guided boat rentals and custom inshore & offshore private bareboat charters

offshoreinshore
San Diego, California
Mustang Sportfishing - Mustang Sportfishing
Mustang Sportfishing

Mustang Sportfishing

San Diego, California

inshore
San Diego, California
Limitless Sportfishing - Limitless Sportfishing
Limitless Sportfishing

Limitless Sportfishing

San Diego, California

inshore
San Diego, California
Seasons Sportfishing - Seasons Sportfishing
Seasons Sportfishing

Seasons Sportfishing

San Diego, California

Home to some of the best salt water fishing in the world.

inshore
San Diego, California
Fish Withthe Finest - Fish Withthe Finest
Fish Withthe Finest

Fish Withthe Finest

Oxnard, California

Experience the best team building activities in Ventura County with our deep sea fishing charters. Book now!

offshore
Oxnard, California
Sea Shift Sportfishing - Sea Shift Sportfishing
Sea Shift Sportfishing

Sea Shift Sportfishing

Bodega Bay, California

Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center - Sea Shift , Fort Bragg and SF. Specializing in Salmon, Halibut, Crab, Tuna Rockfish and Lingcod. Fishing Reports Available

freshwateroffshoreTunaStriped Bass
Bodega Bay, California
Pole Dancin Sportfishing - Pole Dancin Sportfishing
Pole Dancin Sportfishing

Pole Dancin Sportfishing

Bodega Bay, California

Book your next fishing charter aboard a 27’ North River with high quality fishing gear, specializing in salmon, rock fish, lingcod and crab off the Bodega Bay coast

freshwaterSalmonLingcod
Bodega Bay, California
Reel Time Charters - Reel Time Charters
Reel Time Charters

Reel Time Charters

Sausalito, California

Memorial At Sea | United States | Sanfranciscoashscattering.com

inshore
Sausalito, California
Pacific Fresh - Pacific Fresh
Pacific Fresh

Pacific Fresh

Santa Cruz, California

PacificFresh specializes in wild troll-caught pacific fresh seafood including King Salmon, California Halibut, Lingcod and Pacific Snapper.

freshwaterCalifornia HalibutSalmon
Santa Cruz, California
Tanker City Sportfishing - Tanker City Sportfishing
Tanker City Sportfishing

Tanker City Sportfishing

Half Moon Bay, California

Experience a unique and thrilling day on the water when take a trip with all-in-one private fishing charter.

inshore
Half Moon Bay, California

Best Time to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon can be caught year-round in Bodega Bay. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Chinook Salmon Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

both

Targeting Chinook Salmon off Bodega Bay requires understanding the ocean's dynamic nature. The salmon follow the bait, so keep an eye on reports of anchovy and krill concentrations. Peak season is typically late summer and early fall, when these mature fish stage before heading up the Russian River and other tributaries to spawn. Trolling with downriggers is a popular and effective method, allowing you to present your lures at the depth where the salmon are holding, often dictated by water temperature and current. A productive area is often near the entrance to Bodega Bay itself, where the salmon intercept bait being swept in and out with the tide. Pay close attention to tide charts, as the changing currents can concentrate bait and trigger feeding frenzies. Launching from the Bodega Bay harbor provides easy access to these productive fishing grounds, but be prepared for potentially rough ocean conditions.

How to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing Regulations in California

License Required

Sport Fishing License

Regulations vary widely by river and time of year; consult the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations booklet for specific locations and seasons. Many rivers have specific gear restrictions and quota systems.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the California state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in California

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good spots to catch Chinook Salmon near Bodega Bay?

Popular spots include trolling near the entrance of Bodega Bay, or fishing from boats further offshore. Check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information.

Do I need a license to fish for Chinook Salmon in Bodega Bay?

Yes, you need a valid Sport Fishing License from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

What's the best bait for Chinook Salmon in Bodega Bay?

Popular baits include herring, anchovies, and various trolling lures. Talk to local bait shops for recommendations based on current conditions.

Are there any regulations I should know about when fishing for Chinook Salmon in Bodega Bay?

Yes, but the exact season, bag, and size limits are currently unknown. It's important to check the latest regulations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before heading out.

More Chinook Salmon Fishing in California

Other Species to Fish in Bodega Bay

Ready to Catch Chinook Salmon in Bodega Bay?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.