Best places to fish in San Francisco

41 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

San Francisco Bay and the coast outside the Golden Gate offer a varied, seasonal fishery: salmon (when the season is open) is the marquee target, alongside striped bass and halibut in the bay and rockfish and lingcod along the coast. Many operators run crab combo trips in Dungeness season. Charters and party boats run from Fisherman's Wharf, Sausalito and Emeryville. Salmon seasons are set year to year and can be restricted, so always confirm what is open. Match the trip to your target, and confirm the boat and what is included. The operators below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical pricing

Typical San Francisco charter pricing: roughly $550-$1,600 - a shared party-boat day at the low end, a private full-day charter at the top. Party boats price per person; confirm the all-in rate, the open season and any crab combo with the operator.

Typical fishing charter cost in San Francisco

A half-day inshore charter in San Francisco typically runs $550-$1600 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

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Fishing Charters (7) Public Fishing Spots (4) Fishing Piers (11) Bait & Tackle Shops (4) Fishing Guides (1) Marinas & Boat Ramps (18)

Top-rated fishing in San Francisco

FAQ

Fishing in San Francisco - common questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in San Francisco? +

San Francisco charters typically run about $550-$1,600 - shared party-boat days at the low end, private full-day charters at the top. Confirm the all-in price and what is open with the operator.

Is salmon fishing open in San Francisco? +

Salmon seasons off California are set annually and have been restricted or closed in recent years, so always confirm the current season with the operator before booking a salmon trip. When closed, boats target striped bass, halibut, rockfish and lingcod instead.

What else can you catch out of San Francisco? +

Beyond salmon, trips target striped bass and halibut in the bay and rockfish and lingcod along the coast, with Dungeness crab combos in season. Ask each operator which trip matches your dates.

Where do San Francisco charters depart from? +

Party boats and charters run from Fisherman's Wharf, Sausalito, Berkeley and Emeryville. The ranked list below covers the Bay Area by review volume and rating.

Top-rated fishing in San Francisco

PIER 39

Pier 3

Torpedo Wharf

McNears Beach Park

Safe Harbor Emeryville

Paradise Beach Park

Pier 14

Pacifica Municipal Pier

Oyster Point Marina

Hook'd Up Sportfishing

Pier 40

Berkeley Marina, Dock K

Gus' Discount Fishing Tackle

Fish Emeryville

Pier 7

Moore Rd Pier

Flash Sport Fishing Charters

Hi's Tackle Box

Lost Coast Outfitters

Safe Harbor Marina Village

Grand Marina

Encinal Boat Ramp

The Marina at Pier 39

Schoonmaker Point Marina

Safe Harbor Loch Lomond

Pier 17

Fortman Marina

Golden State Sportfishing

Happy Hooker Sport Fishing

Waldo Point Harbor

Brisbane Marina

New Coastside Bait & Tackle

Richardson Bay Marina

Fifth Avenue Marina

The Brickyard Marina and Waterfront Offices

Lovely Martha Sportfishing

Travis Marina

The Wharf Store & Chandlery

Tidewater Boating Center

San Francisco Fishing Charters

Grand Street Launching Facility

Fishing in San Francisco - common questions