Where to fish in San Francisco

The Golden Gate City doesn’t always bring to mind visions of bent rod tips and a running drag, but San Francisco offers some of the best fishing of any city in all of California.

Set alongside the Pacific Ocean on one side, the San Francisco Bay on the other, a massive delta and several freshwater lakes nearby, San Francisco offers superb salt and freshwater fishing.

Below we have highlighted some of the premiere fishing destinations in the bay area both fresh and salt.

1) Pacifica Municipal Pier: Only a 20 minute drive from San Francisco, Pacifica is a top-rated fishing location located in the Bay Area. Many people flock here due to there not being a fishing license requirement. The pier is stocked with salmon, halibut, striped bass, and largemouth bass. 

Pacifica Municipal Pier: saltwater - salmon, halibut, striped bass, and largemouth bass

https://fishbrain.com/cities/us/ca/pacifica

2) Lake Chabot: Located 30 minutes from San Francisco, Lake Chabot is one of the most popular freshwater fishing spots in the Bay Area. Anglers usually go here to catch and release crappie, largemouth bass, and a variety of trout. Since there is an abundance of fish here, you’re almost destined to catch at least one fish, making this the perfect place for beginners!

Lake Chabot: freshwater - crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish

https://fishbrain.com/fishing-waters/bNqseM5q/lake-chabot

3) Pillar Point Harbor: About 30 minutes from San Francisco, this fishing hotspot does not require a fishing license. What’s more? There are lessons available here for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be sure to start pulling chinook salmon, lingcod, and kingfish. 

Pillar Point Harbor: saltwater - chinook salmon, lingcod, and kingfish

 https://fishbrain.com/fishing-waters/XJ-P_fSt/pillar-point-harbor

4) Lake Merced: Many come here to catch largemouth bass, striped bass, and rainbow trout. Because of the fluctuating saltwater levels in Lake Merced, it is home to many fish that have learned to live/thrive in both saltwater and freshwater.

Lake Merced: freshwater - largemouth bass, striped bass, and rainbow trout

https://fishbrain.com/fishing-waters/ubuvi1z7/lake-merced

5) Golden Gate: Maybe this wouldn’t be your first thought when it comes to fishing spots. The Golden Gate Bridge is known for many things, one being a prime spot to catch California halibut, lingcod, and chinook salmon. There’s no better place to enjoy the beautiful view while catching an array of different fish.

Golden Gate: saltwater - California halibut, lingcod, and chinook salmon  https://fishbrain.com/fishing-waters/yyHEFsMA/golden-gate