This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Sunday, April 20th San Francisco Bay fishing report.

First off, the spring bite has definitely kicked in around the Bay. Anglers have been finding solid action especially on California halibut and striped bass. Reports from yesterday’s party boats tell the story: the Lovely Martha out of San Francisco landed 10 halibut and 4 stripers on their half-day trip, while the Argo brought in 3 halibut and a striper with just 3 anglers aboard. Over in Berkeley, the Right Hook checked in with an even 3 halibut and 3 stripers for 6 anglers. Out of Emeryville, the Sea Wolf ran out for rockfish and lingcod and came back loaded with 27 lings and a whopping 150 rockfish. That tells you both the inside and outside are producing, depending on your target species and run distance from the dock[2][4].

For shore and pier anglers, the striped bass bite is on the upswing—especially near Oyster Point, Candlestick, and the Berkeley flats. If you prefer a boat, hit the south bay flats for halibut in 8-20 feet of water, drifting live anchovies or trolling hoochies and swimbaits. The San Mateo Bridge has also been steady, with bass moving through on the tide changes[4][5].

As for the tides, we’ve got easing conditions coming off the bigger swings last week, which is prime for halibut to get more aggressive. Low wind and clear mornings are the trend—expect light west or northwest breezes by early afternoon. Today’s forecast is calling for mild temps in the high 50s to mid 60s, mostly sunny—with sunrise at 6:27 AM and sunset at 7:50 PM.

As for bait and tackle: live anchovies and herring are always gold for halibut if you can get them, but don’t overlook white or chartreuse swimbaits or sardine-patterned spoons. For bass, topwater plugs early in the day and chartreuse soft plastics or pile worms near structure have been working well. Out the Gate, for those after rockfish and lings, drop jigs or shrimp flies tipped with squid or mackerel strips.

Hot spots to try include Angel Island and the flat areas around the Alameda Rock Wall for halibut, and the mid-bay reefs, Pier 7, and Crissy Field for striped bass. If you’re heading out for rockfish, the Marin Coast and areas outside the Golden Gate are producing limits.

That’s it for today’s report. Tight lines and good luck out there—spring is officially on in the Bay!

This is Artificial Lure with your San Francisco Bay fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025. Anglers, spring fishing is truly heating up across the Bay, and the bite has been picking up nicely after a slightly tougher spell last week. As we approach the heart of April, the halibut and striped bass are showing up in better numbers, and recent reports confirm the action is spreading throughout the central and south bay.

Today, sunrise was at 6:28 AM and sunset will be at 7:47 PM, giving us a solid window for morning and afternoon bites. Tides are moderate and backing down, which usually improves the halibut situation, so expect conditions to be favorable for working the flats and drop-offs[4][5].

On the weather front, we’re waking up to gentle winds and overcast skies, with highs reaching the upper 50s to low 60s by midday—classic Bay weather, perfect for a day on the water.

Let’s talk fish counts: Yesterday’s party boats out of San Francisco hit some solid numbers. The Lovely Martha brought in 14 California halibut and 10 striped bass on a full day, while their morning run saw 10 halibut and 4 bass landed. The Argo put 3 halibut and a striped bass on deck with just three anglers for a half day. Over in Berkeley, the Right Hook recorded 3 halibut and 3 striped bass in the AM, while Emeryville boats continued to fill coolers with rockfish and lingcod for those heading out to deeper reefs[1].

Bait-wise, live anchovies and shiners are the ticket for halibut, especially on a three-way swivel rig or drifting a trap rig just off the bottom in 8 to 20 feet of water. If you prefer artificials, white swimbaits and chartreuse flukes are getting hammered in the clearer edges of the Bay. For striped bass, drifting live bait along current seams is producing, and trolling with Rat-L-Traps or Hair Raisers near the piers and along the Marin shoreline remains effective.

Hot spots right now include the South Bay flats near Oyster Point and the waters around Alcatraz and Treasure Island for both bass and halibut. Berkeley Flats have also lit up, especially on outgoing tides, and the piers around the San Mateo Bridge continue to produce fish for shore anglers.

Overall, the bite is steady and the fun is picking up for Bay Area anglers. With tides easing and fish on the move, now’s the time to hit the water, grab your favorite bait, and chase down a spring halibut or striped bass before the summer crowds arrive. Tight lines and see you on the water[1][4][5].

This is Artificial Lure with your Friday, April 18, 2025 fishing report for San Francisco Bay.

We’re rolling into mid-spring and the bay is heating up for anglers. Today, expect a mild start with light morning winds and mostly clear skies. Temperatures should peak in the low 60s. Sunrise came at 6:30 am and sunset tonight will be around 7:47 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to get on the bite.

Tidal action is favorable with moderate movement most of the day—ideal for targeting both halibut and stripers, particularly during the last two hours of the incoming tide and first hour of the outgoing. The tides are just backing down from earlier in the week, so fish will be actively feeding[4].

On the fish front, halibut and striped bass are leading the show. Party boats are consistently putting up solid numbers: reports from the last two days show boats like the Lovely Martha landing 16 halibut for 8 anglers along with stray stripers. The Reel Addiction out of Berkeley had a nice haul of 6 halibut and 8 stripers for 6 anglers, and Emeryville boats have had days with 10 halibut per boat[5]. Lingcod and rockfish are also showing in good numbers outside the Gate and at the Marin Islands, especially after the recent season opener[6].

Best baits for today: Live anchovies, sardines, grass shrimp, and pile worms are pulling in stripers and halibut. For artificials, small swimbaits and jerkbaits in silver or white are money, especially when water clarity is good. Popular picks include the Keitech Fat Swing Impact, Z-Man Diezel Minnowz, and P-Line Twin Tail Squids for halibut. For stripers, try Yo-Zuri or Rapala minnow plugs, bucktail jigs, or Kastmasters. Tip your jigs with squid or sardine for added scent[6][10][7].

If you’re heading out, two hot spots to focus on:

Berkeley Flats is the go-to for halibut and stripers—drift live bait or work plastics near eelgrass beds.
The Marin Islands, just outside the Richmond Bridge, are producing a mixed bag of rockfish, lingcod, and halibut. Great for bouncing jigs or soaking bait.
For shore anglers, Fort Point Pier and Candlestick Point are both steady for jacksmelt and the occasional halibut or striper, especially fishing cut bait on a sliding sinker rig[7][6].

Remember, perch are mostly off-limits right now except for shiner perch. Rockfish and lingcod are fair game if you venture outside the bay proper, and bat rays are still kicking around the piers if you’re soaking larger baits.

Overall, with the spring transition, fish are on the move and biting well. Today looks like a fantastic day to be out—whether you’re drifting live bait, tossing plugs, or working plastics, odds are good for a tug on your line.

Good luck out there and tight lines!

Artificial Lure here, reporting in with your San Francisco Bay fishing update for April 16, 2025.

Today’s weather is shaping up classic springtime in the Bay — expect mild morning temps, light winds, and mostly clear skies, making for very fishable conditions through the day. Sunrise came at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be around 7:46 PM, giving anglers a long window to get after it. The tide’s working in our favor too, with the best action anticipated during the last hour of the incoming and the start of the outgoing — key times for both bank and boat anglers[2][6][7].

The bite has been heating up as April rolls on. Out on the boats, the counts have been strong: party boats fishing out of San Francisco and Emeryville are reporting limits or near-limits on California Halibut, with good numbers of Striped Bass mixed in. Recent trips saw catches like 16 halibut and a stray bass for just 8 anglers and similar tallies out of Berkeley and Emeryville, where some groups even pulled double digits of both halibut and bass. Lingcod and rockfish are also showing well, especially on the Marin coast and near the Farallon Islands, with counts like 15 lingcod and 190 rockfish for a full boat[1][8][6].

From shore, Fort Point Pier and Candlestick Point remain hot spots. Anglers fishing these areas are hooking up with jacksmelt, some solid perch, and the occasional halibut or striped bass. The striper bite can be a hunt, but they’re there. South Bay piers such as Oyster Point are seeing mostly smelt and some bat rays, but the odd halibut is in the mix, especially on high tide pushes[6][7][9].

When it comes to bait and lures, here’s what’s working now:
- For halibut, you can’t beat live anchovies or shiners if you can get them, but soft plastics like white P-Line Twin Tail Squids, Pitbull Tackle Killer Jigs, and Keitech swimbaits rigged on a half-ounce jighead are top choices for artificials. Color-wise, stick to white, silver, or baitfish patterns for best results[6][10].
- Striped bass are smacking cut anchovies and pile worms, while bank anglers are scoring with 1 to 2 inch swimbaits, Kastmasters, and classic jerkbaits in perch or smelt patterns. Try Gulp! swimbaits or bucktail jigs if you want to cover water and find active fish[7][10].
- For rockfish and lingcod, get out to the reefs near Marin or the Golden Gate and drop down shrimp-flavored plastics, large swimbaits, or traditional jigs. The bite has been very good early in the season[6].

If you’re looking for action today, aim for the Berkeley Flats or the Marin Islands from a boat for halibut and bass, or, from shore, set up at Fort Point Pier or Candlestick Point — both are producing a mix of species and steady bites[6][7].

All told, conditions are prime and the fish are biting. Get out there and fish while the run’s on — and as always, tight lines from Artificial Lure!

San Francisco Bay fishing is heating up this April 14, 2025, with excellent opportunities for both anglers on boats and those casting from shore. Here’s the latest report to help you plan your day on the water.

The morning tide in San Francisco today features a low tide at approximately 5:45 AM, followed by a high tide around 11:50 AM. This tidal pattern makes the late morning a fantastic time to target fish as water movement often activates a feeding frenzy. Weather conditions are favorable today, with clear skies, light winds, and temperatures peaking around 65°F by midday, creating an excellent environment for fishing.

Recent catches have been promising. Boats from Berkeley and Emeryville, such as the Lovely Martha, reported great success with California Halibut and Striped Bass. On April 13, the boat Lovely Martha tallied 16 halibut and one striped bass for eight anglers, while the Sea Wolf out of Emeryville landed 15 lingcod and 190 rockfish for 19 anglers. Shore anglers at Fort Point Pier have seen a mix of jacksmelt, small rockfish, and occasional striped bass.

If you're targeting California Halibut, head to Berkeley Flats or the Marin Islands, which have been highly productive. For Striped Bass, using cut baits like anchovies or grass shrimp has been effective. On the other hand, if you're planning on using artificial lures, both swimbaits in silver or white and soft plastics like P-Line Twin Tail Squids or Pitbull Tackle Killer Jigs are excellent choices. For trolling, fresh anchovies or herring behind a flasher are sure to attract halibut, especially in clearer waters.

For shore anglers, Fort Point Pier provides consistent action for jacksmelt and occasional perch (currently only shiner perch can be kept). Candlestick Point is another solid option for halibut and perch, while Oyster Point Pier occasionally yields jacksmelt and bat rays.

A couple of hot spots to consider today include:

- **Berkeley Flats**: Ideal for halibut and striped bass anglers. Use live or fresh bait during tidal changes.
- **Marin Islands**: A mixed bag with halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. Target lingcod using jigs or soft plastics near rocky structures.
- **Fort Point Pier**: A reliable option for shore anglers looking for a variety of smaller fish, including rockfish and jacksmelt.

Lastly, be sure to abide by local fishing regulations. Perch retention is limited to only shiner perch until August 1, and sturgeon are catch-and-release only. With clear skies, cooperative tides, and active fish, today promises to be a fantastic day on the bay. Tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your fishing report for April 12, 2025, covering the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you’re heading out on a boat or casting from shore, today looks like another promising day for fishing.

First, let's look at the weather and tides. San Francisco is experiencing partly cloudy skies this morning with light winds, creating excellent conditions for both boaters and shore anglers. Sunrise was at 6:36 AM, and the sun will set tonight at 7:44 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy your fishing. The tide chart shows that the last hour of the incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing tide today should provide peak fish activity, particularly for species like striped bass and halibut.

Speaking of fish activity, April is shaping up to be a fantastic month on the Bay. With the Rockfish and Lingcod season recently reopened on April 1, anglers have been scoring impressive numbers, particularly on party boats. Lingcod and Rockfish are being hauled in consistently, especially around the Marin Islands. For halibut enthusiasts, the action has been fantastic at Berkeley Flats, with reports of good-sized California Halibut biting on live anchovies and soft plastics. In the last few days, boats like the C Gull II and Lovely Martha have reported double-digit halibut catches along with several striped bass.

Live bait, particularly anchovies, shiner perch, and grass shrimp, continues to be the best option for halibut and striped bass. For those using artificial lures, swimbaits and jerkbaits in silver or white have been highly effective when water clarity is decent. For halibut, soft baits like the P-Line Twin Tail Squids or Z-Man Diezel Minnowz are productive, especially if tipped with a piece of squid or sardine. If you're chasing striped bass from the shore, cast smaller lures like Kastmasters or Rat-L-Traps for consistent results.

As for hot spots, the Berkeley Flats is a must-visit for excellent halibut and striped bass action. The Marin Islands are another top destination, with a great mix of Lingcod, Rockfish, and Halibut being caught there. For shore anglers, Fort Point Pier and Candlestick Point are producing steady action on jacksmelt, striped bass, and the occasional halibut.

Recent catches include 10 halibut and eight striped bass on a recent trip by the Happy Hooker, and the Sea Wolf reported a haul of 15 Lingcod and 190 Rockfish. If you're targeting shark species, the leopard sharks are larger this season, and fresh sardines have been the bait of choice.

With calm weather and plenty of fish biting across the bay, today is a great day to grab your gear and hit the water. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Friday, April 11, 2025, focusing on the vibrant waters of San Francisco Bay. Whether you’re heading out on a boat or fishing from shore, today’s conditions and recent activity are shaping up to make for a fun day on the water.

The sunrise graced us at 6:38 a.m., and the sun will set at 7:42 p.m., giving you a solid window of daylight. Weather-wise, it’s calm with light winds and clear skies this morning—ideal for fishing trips of all kinds.

Tidal movements are crucial when planning your day. The best fishing windows often coincide with the last hour of an incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing tide. Today, water clarity is fair, which bodes well for artificial lure action, especially for targeting striped bass and halibut.

As for fish activity, the Rockfish and Lingcod season opened earlier this month, and reports suggest party boats are bringing in impressive catches. For instance, the Sea Wolf out of Emeryville recently tallied 190 rockfish and 15 lingcod on a single trip. California halibut are also heating up, with significant catches recorded around Berkeley Flats and the Marin Islands. Boats like the Lovely Martha reported 16 California halibut and one striped bass on a full-day trip this week. Striped bass action has been consistent, with successful outings using cut baits like anchovies and grass shrimp or tossing swimbaits.

For shore anglers, hotspots like Fort Point Pier and Candlestick Point are producing jacksmelt, small rockfish, perch, and even the occasional halibut. Remember that perch regulations mean only shiner perch may be kept, with a 20-fish limit.

When it comes to bait and lures, live anchovies or smelt are highly effective for halibut, while sardines and grass shrimp are reliable for striped bass. Artificial lures such as soft plastics, swimbaits, Kastmasters, and P-Line Twin Tail Squids are recommended for anglers seeking versatility. If targeting lingcod or rockfish, jigs tipped with squid or sardine are the way to go.

For those venturing out, Berkeley Flats and the Marin Islands are top picks for halibut, striped bass, and rockfish this time of year. Meanwhile, shore-bound anglers will find consistent action at Fort Point Pier, Candlestick Point, and Oyster Point Pier.

With excellent spring conditions, the fish are biting, and the Bay is teeming with opportunity. Tight lines and good luck out there!

San Francisco Bay offered some excellent fishing opportunities today, April 9, 2025, for anglers both on boats and along the shoreline. The weather was favorable with clear skies and mild winds after a cool morning start. Sunrise was at 6:37 AM, and sunset is expected at 7:47 PM, providing ample daylight for fishing. Tides played a critical role today, with an early morning high tide around 3:30 AM and a low tide at midday, making late afternoon and early evening the prime time to fish.

The fish activity around the Bay remains strong, with spring delivering thriving Halibut action and the Rockfish and Lingcod season recently reopened on April 1. Reports indicate steady catches of Halibut and Striped Bass, especially near Berkeley Flats and the Marin Islands. Party boats had another successful day, with many anglers landing their limits on Halibut and Striped Bass during half-day trips earlier this week. A recent outing even yielded seven Halibut and seven Striped Bass for just seven anglers on board. Nearshore catches also include Jacksmelt, smaller rockfish, and the occasional shark or bat ray.

For bait and lures, live anchovies, sardines, and grass shrimp remained top choices for Halibut and Striped Bass. Artificial swimbaits in silver or white, Kastmasters, and soft plastics such as P-Line Twin Tail Squids worked particularly well for these species when targeting them near the flats or rocky shores. For shore anglers, smaller trout spinners or Panther Martins attracted consistent bites from Jacksmelt and more.

Today's hotspots included:
1. **Berkeley Flats**: A prime location for both Halibut and Striped Bass, especially during the outgoing or incoming tide.
2. **Marin Islands**: A great choice for mixed bags of Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod.
3. **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its consistent Jacksmelt action, with chances to hook small rockfish or even the occasional Lingcod.
4. **Candlestick Point**: Offering solid opportunities for Halibut and Striped Bass, with a scenic view to boot.

Legal and seasonal regulations remain critical to follow. Only Shiner Perch may be retained in the Bay at this time, with a 20-fish limit. Sturgeon is catch-and-release only as per regulation updates.

All in all, today’s anglers enjoyed a productive day on the water, with plenty of action across San Francisco Bay. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or shore, this is a prime time to hit the water with the right bait and a good plan. Tight lines!

San Francisco Bay anglers are in for a promising day of fishing this Friday, April 4, 2025. With light morning winds and a mostly clear sky, the weather is perfect for hitting the water. Sunrise graced us at 6:45 a.m., with sunset expected at 7:38 p.m., providing ample daylight for casting your lines. The tidal swings are moderate today, with the last hour of the incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing being prime times for action.

The Rockfish and Lingcod season opened on April 1, and reports suggest solid catches are being made already. Party boats have recorded impressive numbers, with Lingcod and Rockfish dominating the counts. From the shore, Striped Bass activity is steady, though many larger fish have retreated inland to river systems. However, plenty are still being caught in the bay using cut baits like anchovies and pile worms or artificial lures like swimbaits and Kastmasters. Californian Halibut are becoming more active as April begins, especially around Berkeley Flats and the Marin Islands, where anglers targeting these flatfish have had success with live bait and soft plastic lures.

For those seeking variety, areas like Fort Point Pier are seeing a mix of Jacksmelt, small rockfish, and the occasional striped bass. Further south, Candlestick Point offers solid halibut and perch action, though perch restrictions apply—only Shiner Perch may be kept, with a 20-fish limit. The South Bay piers, like Oyster Point Pier, are mainly yielding Jacksmelt and some bat rays.

For bait, anchovies, sardines, and grass shrimp continue to perform well. Artificial lures mimicking local forage fish—like smaller swimbaits and jerkbaits in silver or white—are also highly effective, particularly when there’s decent water clarity. For Halibut, soft plastics like P-Line Twin Tail Squids or Pitbull Tackle Killer Jigs have proven to attract quality catches, especially when tipped with a piece of squid or sardine.

If you're planning to venture out, hot spots to consider today include the Berkeley Flats for Halibut and Striped Bass or the Marin Islands for a mix of Rockfish, Lingcod, and Halibut. For shore anglers, Fort Point Pier and Candlestick Point are great choices for consistent action.

With the Rockfish and Lingcod season freshly underway and Halibut activity picking up, it’s a fantastic time to be on the water around San Francisco Bay. Tight lines!

The fishing scene in San Francisco Bay is heating up as spring rolls in. On April 4, 2025, anglers can expect a productive day on the water, with striped bass and halibut leading the charge. The tidal conditions for today show a low tide around 7:15 AM and a high tide later in the afternoon, creating favorable windows for fishing during the tidal changes. Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 7:36 PM, offering plenty of daylight for a full day of angling.

The weather is shaping up to be ideal, with calm winds and clear visibility reported. Although water temperatures remain cool, striped bass activity is thriving. Recent reports indicate that stripers are biting well, with catches averaging 20-22 inches, and limits being reached on some outings. Halibut action is just starting to pick up, though warmer water will improve their presence in the bay.

For bait and tackle, anchovies and sardines (either live or cut) are top choices for striped bass, while soft swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Rapala minnows can work effectively for both stripers and halibut. If targeting halibut specifically, glass minnow lures and slow-twitch baits are excellent. For a chance at sharks or rays, squid or chunks of smelt are reliable baits.

This time of year, fishing from piers or by boat offers great options. Hotspots include:

- **Berkeley Flats**: A solid location for halibut and striped bass.
- **Fort Point Pier**: Known for its accessibility and potential to catch a mix of species, including smaller rockfish and occasional stripers.
- **Candlestick Point Piers**: A great spot for striped bass and possible halibut action.

Regulations remain key—perch retention is prohibited until August, but shinerperch can be kept with a limit of 20. Dungeness crab cannot be taken within the bay, though rock crab is allowed.

Overall, spring fishing in San Francisco Bay is kicking off strong, with stripers showing consistent activity and halibut gearing up as temperatures rise. Whether from the shore or a boat, today promises rewarding opportunities for anglers.