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San Francisco Bay

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

California, United States

4.6·17005 catches

Top fish species at San Francisco Bay

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Check which species have trophy potential in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay fishing reports

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length · weight

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Broadnose sevengill shark

length · weight

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Striped bass

length · weight

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Striped bass

26 in · 6 lb

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Diamond turbot

length · weight

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Leopard shark

length · weight

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General info

San Francisco Bay is a part of an ocean located in San Mateo County, California, United States. It is also intersecting with Alameda County, California. It is most popular for fishing Striped bass, Leopard shark, and California halibut.

Location

37°41′4.1″N 122°17′3.8″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Striped Bass biting on San Francisco Bay?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at San Francisco Bay. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at San Francisco Bay, CA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in California can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Additional information
No closed season. Minimum size only applies north of Point Conception. South of Point Conception there is no minimum size. No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven curdy or winch.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
Season open: year-round
Leopard shark

Leopard shark

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size36" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
This species is included in the 10 fish RCG Complex limit, and also within the overall 20 finfish aggregate limit.Open year-round, no depth limit. Filleting aboard a vessel is not allowed.
Synonyms
Triakis semifasciata
Season open: year-round
California halibut

California halibut

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size22" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Bag limit increased to 5 California halibut in California waters south of a line extending due west magnetic from Point Sur, Monterey County.Fillets must be a minimum of 16 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact. A fillet from a California halibut (flesh from one entire side of the fish with the entire skin intact) may not be cut in half fillets. However, a fillet may be cut lengthwise in a straight line along the midline of the fillet where the fillet was attached to the vertebra (backbone) of the fish only if the two pieces of a fillet remain joined along their midline for a length of at least two inches at one end of the fillet.
Synonyms
Paralichthys californicus
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Local laws and licenses

California fishing license

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Reviews of San Francisco Bay

4.6
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112 ratings

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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Alameda

5.8 miles away

San Leandro

7.0 miles away

South San Francisco

7.7 miles away

Burlingame

8.2 miles away

Oakland

8.2 miles away

San Lorenzo

8.2 miles away

Millbrae

8.7 miles away

San Bruno

9.0 miles away

Ashland

9.2 miles away

Cherryland

9.9 miles away

San Francisco

10.0 miles away

Piedmont

10.0 miles away

Daly City

10.1 miles away

Emeryville

10.6 miles away

Hayward

11.9 miles away

Castro Valley

12.2 miles away

Berkeley

13.0 miles away

Moraga

14.1 miles away

Albany

14.2 miles away

Orinda

14.7 miles away

El Cerrito

16.3 miles away

Lafayette

16.9 miles away

Richmond

18.4 miles away

San Pablo

19.5 miles away

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FAQ about San Francisco Bay fishing

📍 Where is San Francisco Bay located?
San Francisco Bay is a part of an ocean located in San Mateo County, California, United States. It is also intersecting with Alameda County, California. Its coordinates are:
37°41′4.1″N 122°17′3.8″W
.
🎣 Where on San Francisco Bay is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on San Francisco Bay by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in San Francisco Bay?
The most common species in San Francisco Bay are:
📢 What are the latest San Francisco Bay fishing reports?
The latest San Francisco Bay fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at San Francisco Bay right now?
According to fishing regulations at San Francisco Bay, some of the species in season this November include: Chinook salmon, Lingcod, Pacific halibut, Cabezon, and Copper rockfish. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at San Francisco Bay?

Fishing in California requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include daily, annual, or combination licenses for residents and non-residents, purchasable online or at sporting goods stores.

In California, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. There is no universal senior exemption. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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