Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This San Francisco Bay Area fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, based on seasonal patterns and the current forecast rather than verified party-boat counts. Northwest forecasters are tracking deep Pacific lows late this week that are expected to send large swell toward the West Coast, while the strongest atmospheric river stays aimed north of California. Mid-November in the Bay Area usually favors striped bass in the Delta and the north bay, surfperch on the beaches, and sturgeon interest as the first real rains arrive.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass are the most consistent inshore target, with many fish following bait into the Delta, Suisun Bay and San Pablo Bay as the water cools. Surfperch, especially barred surfperch, become a mainstay along the ocean beaches from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay as winter approaches. Sturgeon draw attention in San Pablo and Suisun bays after rain freshens the water, though rules for them have tightened, so read current regulations carefully. Leopard sharks and bat rays remain in shallow parts of the bay on warmer days. Halibut have largely faded for the season.
Where to Find Them
In the Delta, sloughs around Rio Vista, the Sacramento River near Decker Island, and the San Joaquin near Antioch hold striped bass in fall. San Pablo Bay’s flats and the Carquinez Strait are traditional sturgeon and striper areas. Ocean beaches such as Pacifica, Ocean Beach and the stretches near Half Moon Bay hold surfperch in the troughs. The Berkeley and Pacifica piers give shore anglers deeper water.
Tides & Conditions
Bay tides are strong, and the November 9 new moon makes this week’s flows larger than average before they ease toward the November 17 first-quarter moon. Large swell late this week will make ocean beaches dangerous and can close the Golden Gate bar to small boats. Inside the bay, wind and current determine comfort and clarity. Check NOAA marine forecasts and swell predictions before planning a beach or ocean trip.
Tackle & Tactics
For Delta stripers, use soft-plastic swimbaits, spoons or sardines and anchovies on a sliding sinker rig. Surfperch respond to sand crabs, grubs and Gulp! sandworms on a Carolina rig with a light surf rod. Sturgeon anglers use heavier rods with ghost shrimp, grass shrimp or eel on the bottom. Bring heavier sinkers for the strong tides and lighter tackle for surfperch.
Local Intel This Week
The Berkeley Pier area and the Pacifica Pier give shore anglers deeper water, though pier status can change, so confirm before driving. Brannan Island State Recreation Area near Rio Vista offers Delta access and a boat ramp. The Antioch Fishing Pier reaches the San Joaquin. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline offers San Pablo Bay access. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Avoid the ocean beaches during large swell.
This Week’s Tip
During large swell, move inside the bay or to the Delta instead of fishing the open beaches. When the surf calms, return to the beaches on an incoming tide with sand crabs for surfperch.
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