Lure Compass

Fishing Piers · San Francisco, CA

Fishing Piers in San Francisco

11 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Fishing piers are among the easiest ways to get on the water without a boat - a stable platform out over the surf or a bay, often with railings, benches, lights for night fishing and a bait shop nearby. Many public piers are free to walk and fish, while some municipal and private piers charge a modest daily fishing fee, and a state saltwater or freshwater license may still be required depending on the pier and state. They are a favorite for families and beginners because the access is simple and you can catch a real variety of species right from the deck. The listings here help you find piers by city and state, with what to expect on arrival.

Below are 11 fishing piers listings in San Francisco, CA, ranked by Google review volume so you can start with the most established options and contact them directly. The most-reviewed is PIER 39 (4.6★, 136,986 Google reviews).

Typical pricing in San Francisco

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.

See our full guide to fishing in San Francisco for neighborhoods, local pricing and how to choose.

Top fishing piers listings in San Francisco

  1. 1
    PIER 39
    Charters

    PIER 39

    San Francisco

    Tourist attraction in Fisherman's Wharf, CA · 4.6★ (136986).

    ★ 4.6 · 136,986View →
  2. 2
    Pier 3
    Charters

    Pier 3

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Northern Waterfront, CA · 4.6★ (1289).

    ★ 4.6 · 1,289View →
  3. 3
    Torpedo Wharf
    Charters

    Torpedo Wharf

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in San Francisco, CA · 4.7★ (1112).

    ★ 4.7 · 1,112View →
  4. 4
    McNears Beach Park
    Charters

    McNears Beach Park

    San Francisco

    Park in San Rafael, CA · 4.6★ (704).

    ★ 4.6 · 704View →
  5. 5
    SFishing Listing
    Charters

    Safe Harbor Emeryville

    San Francisco

    Marina in Emeryville, CA · 4.6★ (634).

    ★ 4.6 · 634View →
  6. 6
    Paradise Beach Park
    Charters

    Paradise Beach Park

    San Francisco

    Park in Tiburon, CA · 4.7★ (527).

    ★ 4.7 · 527View →
  7. 7
    Pier 14
    Charters

    Pier 14

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Embarcadero, CA · 4.7★ (489).

    ★ 4.7 · 489View →
  8. 8
    Pacifica Municipal Pier
    Charters

    Pacifica Municipal Pier

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Sharp Park, CA · 4.5★ (482).

    ★ 4.5 · 482View →
  9. 9
    Pier 7
    Charters

    Pier 7

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Northern Waterfront, CA · 4.7★ (235).

    ★ 4.7 · 235View →
  10. 10
    Moore Rd Pier
    Charters

    Moore Rd Pier

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Sausalito, CA · 4.7★ (205).

    ★ 4.7 · 205View →
  11. 11
    Pier 17
    Charters

    Pier 17

    San Francisco

    Fishing pier in Northern Waterfront, CA · 4.5★ (108).

    ★ 4.5 · 108View →

FAQ

Fishing Piers in San Francisco - common questions

How many fishing piers are there in San Francisco? +
Lure Compass lists 11 listings for fishing piers in San Francisco, CA.
Who has the best-rated fishing piers in San Francisco? +
By Google review volume, PIER 39 is the most-reviewed fishing piers listing in San Francisco (4.6★, 136,986 reviews). Rankings follow review count, not paid placement.
Do you need a license to fish off a pier? +
It depends on the pier and the state. Some public piers operate under a blanket license that covers everyone fishing from them, while at others each angler needs their own state license. Check the pier operator or your state wildlife agency for the specific rule before you fish.
Are fishing piers free? +
Many public piers are free to fish, but some municipal and privately run piers charge a daily fishing fee, and there may be a separate parking cost. Fees, hours and any license requirement vary by location - confirm with the pier before you go.
What can you catch from a fishing pier? +
That varies by region and season, and pier regulars are usually happy to share what is biting. Reviews and listings here can point you to well-reviewed piers by city and state, but the pier operator or a nearby bait shop is your best source for current conditions and what is running.
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.

Fishing Piers in other cities

Other categories in San Francisco