California · Northern California
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is an outstanding destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in April, September. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — San Francisco
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in San Francisco, CA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in San Francisco
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in San Francisco
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Pacifica Pier
Pacifica Pier extends into the Pacific south of San Francisco, providing free shore-fishing access for striped bass, jacksmelt, surfperch, and seasonal runs of king salmon and halibut. The pier's length puts anglers over productive nearshore water, and its lights attract baitfish and squid during night sessions.
Mile Rock
Mile Rock sits just outside the Golden Gate where rocky reef structure and powerful currents create a concentration point for lingcod, rockfish, and striped bass. The rock's position at the gate's entrance means it fishes best during specific tidal phases when current speed allows proper bait presentation.
Duxbury Reef
Duxbury Reef off Bolinas in Marin County is the largest intertidal reef in North America, and its submerged outer edges hold lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish in kelp-covered structure. Boat anglers work the reef's deeper contours for quality nearshore bottom-fishing within a short run from San Francisco.
Pedro Point
Pedro Point south of Pacifica features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon hold in kelp beds and around submerged boulders in 30 to 70 feet of water. The point's exposed position catches upwelling currents that support productive nearshore ecosystems.
Other Species in San Francisco
More fish you can target while visiting San Francisco.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in San Francisco are May, June, July, August. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the San Francisco area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in San Francisco are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in San Francisco, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Chinook Salmon in San Francisco, you may also catch Rockfish, Dungeness Crab, Lingcod, Pacific Halibut, Albacore Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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