The Bay Area calendar is driven by rain, current and the herring spawn. Halibut occupy the warm months on the shallow flats, striped bass are available nearly year-round, and sturgeon arrive with the winter storms.
Related: San Francisco Bay Area Fishing Guide · San Francisco Bay Area Weekly Fishing Reports
| Month | Top Species | Peak Technique | Conditions & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sturgeon, Herring, Rockfish | Bait fishing, bay trolling | Sturgeon move into San Pablo Bay after the rains |
| February | Sturgeon, Herring | Bait fishing | The herring spawn pulls fish into the bay |
| March | Striped Bass, Sturgeon | Trolling, bait | Spring stripers move through the Delta |
| April | California Halibut, Striped Bass | Drifting live bait | Halibut arrive on the shallow flats |
| May | Halibut, Striped Bass, Rockfish | Drifting, trolling | Halibut strong; rockfish season typically opens |
| June | Halibut, Striped Bass, Rockfish | Drift bait, jigs | Peak halibut fishing on the bay flats |
| July | Halibut, Striped Bass, Rockfish | Drifting, swimbaits | Summer pattern; heavy morning fog |
| August | Halibut, Striped Bass, Lingcod | Drift bait, coastal jigs | Halibut continue; coastal bottom fishing strong |
| September | Striped Bass, Halibut, Lingcod | Live bait, jigs | Stripers feed hard through the bay |
| October | Striped Bass, Rockfish, Lingcod | Live bait, jigs | Excellent striped bass month |
| November | Striped Bass, Sturgeon, Rockfish | Trolling, bait | Sturgeon return with the first rains |
| December | Sturgeon, Striped Bass | Bait fishing | Winter sturgeon pattern in San Pablo Bay |
Best Months to Visit San Francisco Bay Area
California halibut: May–August on the bay flats. Striped bass: September–November. Sturgeon: December–March after the rains. Rockfish and lingcod: May–October, subject to season.