How to Catch Salmon off Bodega Bay: Tactics, Timing & Trolling Setups
Master the salmon bite off Bodega Bay with this detailed guide to trolling techniques, gear setups, and the best months ...
Read MoreCalifornia · Northern California
BODEGA BAY
FISHING CHARTERS
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About
Bodega Bay Fishing
Bodega Bay is Sonoma County's premier fishing destination, offering protected harbor access to productive Pacific waters. The Cordell Bank and Bodega Canyon attract salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and Dungeness crab, while the bay itself provides calm-water halibut fishing. Just an hour north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay combines world-class fishing with stunning coastal scenery.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Bodega Bay?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
P | G | G | F | F | F | - | - | - | - | G | P |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | G | P | P | G | G | G | F | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | F | P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | F | F | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Bodega Bay Fish Species
6+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Bodega Bay
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
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Bodega Bay Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Bodega Bay.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Bodega Bay Fishing Reviews
Red Hot Rockfish at Cordell Bank
Ran out to Cordell Bank and the rockfish were absolutely stacked on every drop. Limits of quality yellows, blues, and olives came over the rail in under two hours. Several fish pushing 5 pounds — the kind of day you dream about all winter.
C
Captain Kenji Takahashi
September 2025
Yellowtail Rockfish
Blue Rockfish
Olive Rockfish
Salmon Limits Before Lunch
Trolled herring cut-plugs from Bodega Head north toward Jenner and got into a solid push of Chinook. We had full boat limits of salmon by 11 AM with several fish over 20 pounds. The bite was steady and the ocean was flat calm — perfect combo.
C
Captain Sarah Lindgren
August 2025
Chinook Salmon
Lingcod Thumping on the Reef
Anchored up on a rocky reef in 90 feet and jigged heavy swimbaits for aggressive lingcod all morning. We boated eight keepers to 22 pounds before switching to rockfish. The lingcod were keyed in on the live bait schools moving through — had to work for them but it was worth every drop.
C
Captain Doug Prescott
April 2025
Lingcod
Rockfish
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