Plan a Fishing Trip to San Francisco, CA

16 guidesBest months: May, June, April, July

What's Biting in San Francisco Right Now

Dungeness Crab
Excellentsaltwater
Crab Traps, Ring Nets, Hand Lines
Pacific Cod
Excellentsaltwater
Bottom Fishing, Jigging, Trolling
Striped Bass
Goodboth
Trolling, Casting, Live Bait Fishing
Steelhead
GoodVarious
Black Rockfish
GoodVarious
Lingcod
GoodVarious
Copper Rockfish
GoodVarious
Dover Sole
GoodVarious
Kelp Greenling
GoodVarious
Vermilion Rockfish
GoodVarious
Petrale Sole
GoodVarious
English Sole
GoodVarious
Blue Rockfish
GoodVarious
Cabezon
GoodVarious
California Halibut
GoodVarious
Rockfish
GoodVarious
Canary Rockfish
GoodVarious
Coho Salmon
FairVarious
Halibut
Fairsaltwater
Bottom Fishing, Trolling, Drift Fishing
Chinook Salmon
Fairboth
Trolling, Fly Fishing, Drift Fishing
White Sturgeon
FairVarious
Yelloweye Rockfish
FairVarious
Bat Ray
FairVarious
Bocaccio
FairVarious
Great White Shark
LowVarious

What to Bring

Check with San Francisco guides about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For inshore / freshwater Fishing

  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear
  • Light rain jacket

California Fishing License

License: Sport Fishing License and Sturgeon Report Card

Specific closures and regulations apply to certain waters, including the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Check current regulations before fishing.