Plan a Fishing Trip to San Francisco, CA

16 guidesBest months: May, June, April, July

What's Biting in San Francisco Right Now

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

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.