February 2026 — San Francisco / Bay Area: Late Winter — Herring Run Peaks, First Spring Striper Talk. February is a late winter month with water in the 58-62°F range — rockfish and lingcod; bay halibut; first signs of yellowtail late month. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — February 2026
Primary targets this month: Sturgeon, Rockfish, Lingcod, Striped Bass.
Sturgeon
Sturgeon on San Pablo Bay, Suisun Bay, and the Delta — white sturgeon catch-and-release primarily, with specific slot retention; verify CDFW current rules. Bottom fishing with cut herring, anchovies, or pile worms on heavy tackle (50-80 lb braid). White sturgeon are mostly catch-and-release; verify current state slot retention rules. Big fish (4-6 ft) routine; trophy fish over 7 ft possible.
Rockfish
Rockfish on the offshore rocky bottom — the Farallon Islands, the Pacifica reef, Half Moon Bay rocky bottom, Cordell Bank — black, blue, vermilion, copper, and yelloweye. Drop 6-10 oz iron jigs or shrimp flies on a multi-hook rig to the bottom in 100-300 feet. Multiple species in a drop — vermilion, chili pepper, copper, china, and the occasional lingcod.
Lingcod
Lingcod on the rocky bottom of the Farallons, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Bodega — 100-300 ft depths. Large swimbaits (8-10″), live bait (small rockfish, mackerel), or big iron jigs. They hammer baits aggressively. Stout tackle (60-80 lb braid) to lift fish off structure.
Striped Bass
Winter striper — limited fishery; some inshore wintering populations and offshore migratory schools. Verify state-by-state regulations.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 58-62°F. Rockfish and lingcod; bay halibut; first signs of yellowtail late month. SF Bay has massive tidal flow (6-7 ft on big tides) — the entire Bay-Delta is tide-driven. Halibut bite best on the moving tide; striped bass at the Carquinez Strait push hard on outgoing tide. The Farallons and offshore rockfish/lingcod fishing is driven by ocean conditions and current rather than tide; check Cordell Bank for wind windows.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Water temperature is everything. Yellowtail like 64°F+, white seabass like 60-65°F squid spawns, bluefin tuna 68-72°F.
- Live bait priority. Bait quality determines success — buy active anchovies and sardines from the bait barge, use them quickly.
February Outlook
Winter patterns hold; cobia/spring migrations begin showing in southern waters by month-end.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Rockfish/Lingcod: CA seasons highly variable by depth zone — verify CDFW current rules. Lingcod 22″ minimum. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Hi’s Tackle Box (San Francisco, 415-221-3825); Fisherman’s Supply (San Rafael); Half Moon Bay Sportfishing; Sun Valley Bait & Tackle (Concord); Berkeley Marina bait shop.
Public Boat Ramps: Berkeley Marina (Bay halibut, striper), San Rafael public ramp, Pittsburg Marina (Delta), Antioch public ramp, Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay), Sausalito Marina, Loch Lomond (San Rafael).
Charter Fishing: $150–$250/person walk-on Bay halibut/striper; $200–$300/person rockfish/lingcod day trips (Berkeley, Emeryville); $1,200–$2,500 private; $200–$350 salmon when open.
More San Francisco / Bay Area Resources
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