As of January 3, 2025, the fishing scene in the San Francisco Bay is showing some promising signs, despite the early winter conditions.
First off, let's look at the daylight and tidal conditions. Sunrise today is at 7:25 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 36 minutes of daylight[2].
The weather is relatively calm, with no significant rain forecasted for the day, which should keep the water clear and favorable for fishing.
For tidal conditions, the bay's tides are improving, which often signals a better bite around this time. Anglers have been seeing a mix of fish activity, particularly around areas like Coyote and AT&T Park, where herring spawns have been observed in the past, although recent checks at spots like Paradise, Elephant, and Spinnaker have not shown any herring in casting range yet[1][3].
Striped Bass (Stripers) are active and can be caught from both shore and boats. They are not huge, but consistent effort can yield some good catches. Hair raisers have been effective lures for stripers. Halibut are also present, with some nice catches up to 9 pounds reported in recent trips out of Fisherman's Wharf[1].
Sturgeon fishing has been good, especially after recent improvements in tidal conditions. These fish are biting on anchor, and both keepers and catch-and-release fish are being reported. For sturgeon, using traditional baits like shrimp, anchovies, or even eel can be very effective[1].
If you're looking for hot spots, the Golden Gate Bridge Fishing Pier is always a good bet for striped bass and rockfish. Alcatraz Island is another great spot, particularly for halibut and rockfish. Paradise Park near Tiburon is also known for its productive fishing, especially during the striped bass season[4].
In summary, with clear water, improving tides, and active fish, today looks like a good day to get out on the bay. Make sure to check the local bait shops like Hi’s Tackle Box or Loch Lomond Live Bait House for the latest tips and gear recommendations. Happy fishing