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Berkeley Fishing Charters

Berkeley fishing charters work the San Francisco Bay’s inshore flats, rocky edges, and nearshore reefs for striped bass, halibut, lingcod, and seasonal salmo

Top Rated Charters in Berkeley

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TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Berkeley, California —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Berkeley, CA Fishing Guide

Berkeley sits on the east side of San Francisco Bay, with quick access to both calm inshore water and the open Pacific. Most boats run out of Berkeley Marina, which has fuel, bait shops, and plenty of parking. From there, it’s a short run to the Berkeley Flats, Treasure Island, or the South Bay channel edges for halibut and stripers, or west under the Golden Gate to fish the Marin coast and offshore reefs for lingcod and rockfish. When salmon are running in summer and early fall, charters often head just outside the Bay to work those schools. Trips are usually half-day for inshore or full-day for salmon, rockfish, or a mix of Bay and ocean fishing.

The variety of structure is what makes this area special—mudflats, tidal channels, rocky pinnacles, kelp beds, and nearshore reefs all within reach. Spring usually kicks off with halibut on the flats, drifting live anchovies or trolling tray baits along the tide seams. Summer brings salmon trolling with rigged anchovies or hoochies outside the Gate, while rockfish and lingcod stay steady on the reefs. Stripers are taken by drifting live bait along the channel edges or casting swimbaits near bridges and rock piles. Fly fishing is possible on calmer days, working the current lines for bass and halibut.

Fishing changes with the seasons. Winter is slower thanks to wind and swell, while spring through fall is prime time. Water clarity, tide strength, and wind direction decide where the fish are and how you’ll target them. While the Bay is the main focus, some captains also trailer to the Delta for stripers or run south to Half Moon Bay for tuna when conditions line up. Berkeley’s spot on the map means you can switch plans quickly, chasing the best bite without long runs.

Fishing Seasons in Berkeley

Spring (March–May)

Spring kicks off halibut season in the Bay, especially between Berkeley and Angel Island. Live anchovies or herring are the top baits, either drifted or slow-trolled. Stripers start showing in better numbers on incoming tides, and if salmon season opens, boats head offshore when weather allows. Trips often mix inshore and nearshore spots depending on the tide and bait. Cooler water means fish hold tight to structure and aren’t as quick to hit artificials as they will be later in summer.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is the busiest season. Salmon runs outside the Golden Gate draw full-day charters, trolling rigged anchovies near the shipping lanes and along the coast. Inside the Bay, halibut stay strong and stripers chase bait aggressively. Rockfish and lingcod are steady on the reefs off Marin and San Mateo, with shrimp flies, bait rigs, and jigs all producing. Calmer seas open the door for longer runs, and if warm water pushes close, some boats chase albacore or bluefin.

Fall (September–November)

Fall brings stable weather and a variety of fish. Salmon can stay strong into October, halibut linger in the Bay, and stripers feed hard before winter—often hitting topwater plugs and swimbaits. Rockfish and lingcod remain reliable, with less boat traffic on the reefs. Clearer water makes sight-fishing for halibut possible on the shallow flats. Many fall trips start offshore for salmon or rockfish, then move inside for halibut or stripers to round out the day.

Winter (December–February)

Winter is the quietest season, with storms and swell limiting trips. On calm days, boats target stripers and halibut inside, but action is less consistent. Sturgeon become an option in the South Bay and Delta, using grass shrimp or eel baits in deep channels. Many captains use this time for maintenance, but when the weather and tides line up, there’s still fishing to be had.

Gamefish in Berkeley

Berkeley Fishing FAQs

Most charters run from Berkeley Marina, with fuel, bait shops, and easy access to the Bay and ocean.

Half-day trips target inshore halibut and stripers; full-day runs go after salmon, rockfish, or a mix of Bay and ocean species.

Yes, most provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly gear is usually available on request for specialty trips.

Yes. Anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license, available online or at local shops.

Spring through fall offers the best variety—halibut in spring, salmon in summer and early fall, plus steady rockfish and lingcod.

Live bait drifting, trolling, jigging, and casting swimbaits inshore; trolling and bottom fishing offshore.

On calm Bay days, kids can catch smaller halibut, stripers, leopard sharks, and rockfish.

Some captains offer summer night trips for sharks or stripers inside the Bay.

Yes, in late summer or early fall if warm offshore water brings albacore or bluefin within range.