🎣 4 curated fishing spots
🗺️ Interactive map
📍 Community places
San Francisco Bay is one of the best urban striped bass and halibut fisheries in the country, fished from free public piers strung along the city's waterfront from Fisherman's Wharf to Candlestick Point, no boat required.
Anglers 16 or older normally need a California fishing licence, but it isn't required to fish from a public pier in California's ocean and bay waters — including every spot listed here. Even from a pier, size and bag limits still apply, and any halibut retained still needs to meet current California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules.
Fishing Spots
The 4 best fishing spots in San Francisco
All spots are curated and mapped — click any card for the full story, or open the map to explore.
Practical Info
Planning your visit
Best timeSpring through early fall (April–September) for striped bass and halibut, as both push into the bay's shallower flats and channels to feed.
Getting thereSan Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK) airports connect to most major hubs. Every spot listed here is reachable by Muni, BART, or a short drive from downtown.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about San Francisco
Do you need a licence to fish in San Francisco?
No — none of these spots require a licence, since California doesn't require one to fish from a public pier in ocean or bay waters. Size and bag limits still apply.
What fish can you catch in San Francisco?
Striped bass and California halibut are the two headline species around the bay, with perch, flounder, and the occasional leopard shark rounding out the catch.
Where are the best fishing spots in San Francisco?
The Municipal Pier at Fisherman's Wharf for an easy first cast, Pier 7 on the Embarcadero for deeper water, and Pacifica Municipal Pier for a rare shore shot at migrating salmon. See the full list of spots below or open the map to explore.
Can you fish in San Francisco without a boat?
Yes — every spot listed here is a public pier or shoreline park, no boat needed, and no licence either.
When is the best time to fish in San Francisco?
Spring through early fall for striped bass and halibut, as both move into the bay's shallower water to feed.
Explore San Francisco on the map
See all 4 fishing spots pinned on an interactive map — and add your own discoveries.
Roadmap
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