It’s official. After three long years of closed waters, drought-stricken rivers, and empty docks, salmon fishing is back in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) have confirmed the return of both recreational and commercial salmon seasons for 2026 — and the Bay Area is right at the center of it.
Whether you’re a lifelong angler who’s been counting the days or a first-timer wondering what the hype is about, here’s everything you need to know about fishing the San Francisco Bay this summer.
What Happened — and Why Salmon Are Back
The 2023–2025 salmon fishing closure was triggered by historically low Chinook salmon returns, driven by years of drought that devastated spawning habitat in California’s rivers. Juvenile salmon couldn’t survive the warm, low-flow conditions, and the adult population collapsed.
So what changed?
The heavy rains of recent winters transformed the picture. Improved river flows gave migrating juveniles the conditions they needed to survive and reach the ocean. On top of that, the California Salmon Strategy — launched in 2024 — fast-tracked habitat restoration and removed migration barriers across key waterways, including Alameda Creek.
The result: enough returning adults to support a carefully managed fishing season for the first time since 2022.
2026 Recreational Salmon Season Dates (San Francisco Area)
The San Francisco Management Area runs from Point Arena to Pigeon Point. Here are the dates recreational anglers need to mark:
Summer Season:
- June 27 – July 22 (first window)
- August 1 – August 23 (second window)
Fall Bonus Season:
- September 1 – October 31
The harvest guideline for the San Francisco area is 34,900 Chinook salmon. If that number is reached early, CDFW can close the season ahead of schedule — so don’t wait.
Pro tip: Call the CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 before heading out to confirm the season is still open in your area.
Commercial Season Highlights
For the commercial fleet, the season includes multi-day openers starting May 1, with new vessel-based trip limits of 160 Chinook per vessel per open period. The statewide commercial harvest cap is set at 83,000 Chinook.
What You Need to Go Salmon Fishing in the Bay Area
If you’re planning to get out on the water, here’s your checklist. And if you’ve never fished the Bay before, we’ve got a full breakdown in our guide for first-time anglers.
Licensing:
- Valid California sport fishing license (purchase at wildlife.ca.gov)
- Ocean Enhancement stamp (for salmon)
- Salmon punch card (report card — mandatory for tracking harvest)
For a full breakdown of what licenses and waivers apply, check out what to know before you fish in SF Bay.
Gear:
Salmon trolling in the Bay Area typically calls for downriggers or diving planers, herring or anchovy bait, and hoochie-style lures. If you’re heading out on a fishing charter with Molly’s Boats, all gear is provided — just bring yourself and a cooler.
For a deeper look at Bay Area fishing techniques, read our guide to trolling, jigging, bottom fishing and more.
What to wear:
The Bay gets cold, even in summer. Dress in layers, bring a windbreaker, and wear non-slip shoes. We break it all down in our post on choosing the right clothing and gear for cold bay waters.
Where to Fish for Salmon Near San Francisco
The prime salmon grounds stretch from the Golden Gate out past the Farallon Islands. Key areas include:
- Outside the Golden Gate — trolling lanes along the continental shelf
- Duxbury Reef to Point Reyes — northern runs
- Half Moon Bay / Pacifica — southern approach, popular for sportfishing
- Farallon Islands — deeper water, bigger fish (check out our Farallon Islands guide)
The species you’ll encounter depend on the time of year and how far offshore you go. During salmon season, Chinook (King) salmon are the primary target, but you may also encounter halibut, rockfish, and lingcod.
Why Book a Salmon Fishing Charter
If you don’t have your own boat — or if you want a captain who knows exactly where the fish are running — a charter is the way to go. Here’s what you get with a Molly’s Boats fishing trip:
- Local knowledge — our captains have fished these waters for years and know where the salmon stage
- All gear provided — rods, reels, tackle, bait, fish cleaning
- Safety and comfort — Coast Guard inspected vessel, experienced crew
- No guesswork — we monitor CDFW reports, water temps, and bait patterns daily
View all our available fishing trips or go straight to book your charter.
What Else Is Happening on the Bay This Season
Salmon isn’t the only thing making a comeback. The Bay is alive this year:
- Whale watching — humpbacks have been arriving earlier than usual. Read about the early whale phenomenon and consider combining a fishing trip with a whale sighting.
- Bay tours — see the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and Angel Island from the water with our boat tours.
- Open water swimming — the Bay is one of the best open water swim destinations in the world. Check our swim routes guide or learn how to prepare for your bay swim.
- Eco adventures — explore the Bay’s ecosystem with our eco-focused excursions.
For a full overview of what’s best during each season, see our seasonal activities guide.
The Bottom Line
Salmon fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area hasn’t been this exciting in years. The fish are back, the season is set, and the clock is ticking on a limited harvest window.
Don’t wait until the quota fills. Book your salmon fishing charter now and be part of the comeback.
Got questions? Check our FAQ or contact us directly. We’re on the water every day and happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
Molly’s Boats — San Francisco Bay fishing charters, bay tours, open water swim support, and eco adventures. Learn more about us.