San Francisco County, CA · Pacific Ocean
San Francisco Bay
The largest estuary on the West Coast — California halibut on the flats, white seabass and rockfish near the structure and the Gate, plus a strong striped bass and sturgeon run through the bay. Fished from boats and public piers around the city. Live tide and water temperature from the San Francisco station.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Rockfish — Marginal conditions for Rockfish.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at San Francisco Bay.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:05 AM | Low | 1.4 ft |
| 6:10 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 11:14 AM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| 6:07 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
Species at San Francisco Bay
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rockfish Marginal conditions for Rockfish. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 58°F water — inside rockfish's active range
What's hurting
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
About. Sebastes spp. — The Pacific “RCG complex” — dozens of Sebastes species worked over rocky reefs, kelp, and structure from jetties to offshore banks. The backbone of West Coast bottom fishing; dropped baits and shrimp flies take them.
Prefers. Water 45–58°F (ideal 52°F) · either tide · depth 20–300 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 10
10 fish/day in combination (rockfish, cabezon, greenlings), with species sub-limits (e.g. 1 copper, 2 canary). Boat-based season is typically Apr 1–Dec 31; shore fishing is open year-round.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 California Halibut Marginal conditions for California Halibut. In season 37/100
What's helping
- 58°F water — inside california halibut's active range
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — california halibut prefers incoming tide
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
About. Paralichthys californicus — The signature flatfish of the California coast — a sandy-bottom ambush predator drift-fished with live bait or bounced with jigs along beaches, bays, and channel edges. Bites best on a moving tide.
Prefers. Water 55–72°F (ideal 64°F) · incoming tide · depth 4–60 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 22"
- Daily creel
- 5
22" total length minimum, 5/person/day (3 south of Point Conception).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 White Seabass Marginal conditions for White Seabass. In season 37/100
What's helping
- 58°F water — inside white seabass's active range
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — white seabass prefers incoming tide
- 18 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
About. Atractoscion nobilis — The largest croaker on the Pacific coast — a prized, hard-fighting gamefish hunted around kelp beds and squid spawns, often at first light or under a strong moon. Targeted with live squid, sardines, and surface irons.
Prefers. Water 58–72°F (ideal 65°F) · incoming tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 28"
- Daily creel
- 3
28" total length minimum, 3/person/day — but only 1 fish/day from Mar 15–Jun 15 south of Point Conception.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Pacific Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
California
Coordinates
Notes
California: halibut 22" minimum; rockfish by depth/season (RCG complex). The bay also holds striped bass and sturgeon under their own rules.
Local reports & rules for San Francisco Bay: California CDFW fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at San Francisco Bay?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at San Francisco Bay you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at San Francisco Bay?
San Francisco Bay is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: California Halibut, White Seabass, Rockfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at San Francisco Bay?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at San Francisco Bay against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does San Francisco Bay have?
San Francisco Bay has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. California: halibut 22" minimum; rockfish by depth/season (RCG complex). The bay also holds striped bass and sturgeon under their own rules.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at San Francisco Bay?
state agency regulations apply at San Francisco Bay. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is San Francisco Bay tidal water?
Yes. San Francisco Bay sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.