San Francisco Salmon Fishing Charter (Full Day, up to 4 anglers)

A private king salmon charter out the Golden Gate

A full day of king (Chinook) salmon fishing for up to 4 anglers: 8 hours, $2,400 for the whole boat, leaving Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman's Wharf at 6:00 AM. The salmon are in the ocean now, so we head out the Golden Gate to find them. Later in the season they may come into the Bay. Rods, reels, tackle and bait are provided.

2026 season dates off San Francisco

• Summer: June 27 to July 22, and August 1 to 23. August 24 to 31 was closed in-season when the area neared its harvest guideline.
• Fall: September 1 to October 31, from near Point Reyes (38°02' N) south to Pigeon Point. A shared fall guideline of 20,000 Chinook means it can close early.
• From November 1, 2026: salmon fishing is closed statewide.
• 2027: CDFW and the Pacific Fishery Management Council set next year's seasons in spring 2027.

The full picture, including every California area, is in the 2026 salmon season guide.

Out of season

While salmon is closed, book a full-day fishing charter for the Bay or the ocean, or a Farallon Islands fishing charter for lingcod and rockfish (open April 1 to December 31 in 2026). Or give a salmon day for next season with a gift certificate.

Salmon rules to know

• 2 salmon per person per day, any species except coho, at least 20 inches long.
• Barbless hooks and one rod per angler. Circle hooks are required when fishing bait by any method other than trolling.
• Only one daily bag limit may be kept aboard in ocean waters, and salmon may not be filleted on the boat.

License: what you need, and what you don't

• Everyone 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license. 2026 prices: one-day $21.09, two-day $32.40, annual $64.54 for residents and $174.14 for nonresidents. Buy it online before the trip: how to get one.
• No Ocean Enhancement Validation is needed off San Francisco. It applies only south of Point Arguello.
• No salmon report card is needed for ocean salmon. That card covers only the Smith, Klamath and Trinity rivers.

What to bring

Your license, lunch, warm layers and a cooler. Leave the cooler on the dock and it's ready for your fish when you're back. The ocean outside the Gate can be rougher than the Bay, so if you're prone to seasickness, see the seasickness advice before the day.

Where to meet: Hyde Street Harbor, 2951 Hyde St, at Fisherman's Wharf. When you arrive, text Captain Molly from the bench. Please don't walk down to the boat on your own.

Booking and cancellation

Book online and pay in full at booking. There's no deposit. Cancel free up to 7 days before your trip. Within 7 days there's no refund. If Captain Molly cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.

New to charters? Read your first fishing charter on San Francisco Bay. Other fish by month: what you can catch on San Francisco Bay.