Plan a Fishing Trip to San Francisco, CA

16 guidesBest months: May, June, April, July

What's Biting in San Francisco Right Now

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

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

Book Your Travel

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Things to Do in San Francisco

Activities for your non-fishing days

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.