Richmond Fishing Charters
Richmond fishing charters work the San Francisco Bay’s southern flats, channel edges, and nearshore reefs for halibut, striped bass, rockfish, lingcod, and seasonal salmon.
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Richmond, CA Fishing Guide
Richmond sits along the East Bay shoreline, giving quick access to both inshore waters inside the Bay and the open Pacific just past the Golden Gate. Most boats run from the Richmond Marina or launch nearby at Ferry Point or Marina Bay. From there, short runs put you on productive spots like the Berkeley Flats, Red Rock, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge pilings for halibut and stripers. On the right tides, guides work the deeper channels and rockpiles inside the Bay, or run west for salmon, lingcod, and rockfish when ocean conditions allow.
The local fishery is a mix of mudflats, tidal channels, rocky ledges, and nearshore reefs. Spring kicks off the halibut season, with most trips drifting live anchovies or trolling tray baits along current seams. Stripers follow the bait into the Bay, hitting live bait, swimbaits, or plugs near structure. When salmon season is open, boats head outside the Golden Gate to troll rigged anchovies or hoochies along the coast. Rockfish and lingcod stay steady on the reefs through summer and fall, taken on shrimp flies, squid strips, or jigs bounced on the bottom.
Tides, wind, and water clarity make a big difference here. Incoming tides with clean water push fish onto the flats, while windy days might push trips to more protected areas inside the Bay. Some captains will also trailer to the Delta in late fall for striped bass or south to Half Moon Bay if tuna are in range. The location allows for quick adjustments, keeping run times short and fishing time long.
Fishing Seasons in Richmond
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings the first big push of halibut into the Bay, with the flats around Richmond producing on live bait drifts. Stripers show in better numbers as the water warms, feeding along channel edges and bridge pilings. Some trips mix halibut drifts with striper casting for variety. Salmon season may open late in spring, giving a shot at offshore trolling on calmer days. Water is still cool, so baits fished slow tend to do best.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime for salmon outside the Golden Gate, with boats trolling rigged anchovies along the Marin and San Mateo coasts. Inside, halibut remain strong and stripers chase bait aggressively. Rockfish and lingcod are steady on nearshore reefs, with jigs and bait rigs both producing. Calmer ocean days allow longer runs and more options, and some guides keep an eye out for albacore or bluefin if warm water pushes close.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings stable weather and mixed-bag trips. Late-season salmon can still be caught offshore, halibut linger in the Bay, and stripers feed hard before winter. Rockfish and lingcod fishing stays productive, often with less boat pressure. Clearer water makes sight-fishing for halibut possible in shallow flats. Many trips split time between offshore reefs and inshore drifts to take advantage of the variety.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows the pace, with fewer trips due to weather, but calm windows can produce stripers and halibut inside the Bay. Sturgeon fishing in the South Bay or Delta becomes a winter specialty for some captains, using grass shrimp or eel baits in deep channels. Most guides use this time for maintenance, but flexible anglers can still find action when tides and wind line up.
Gamefish in Richmond
- California Halibut – 8–30 lbs. On Bay flats and nearshore sand patches from spring to fall, caught by drifting live anchovies or trolling herring.
- Striped Bass – 5–30 lbs. Along bridge pilings, channel edges, and rockpiles, taken on live bait, swimbaits, and plugs.
- Chinook Salmon – 10–30 lbs. Outside the Golden Gate in summer and fall, trolled with rigged anchovies or hoochies.
- Lingcod – 5–25 lbs. On reefs off Marin and San Mateo, caught with jigs or large bait rigs.
- Rockfish – 1–5 lbs. On rocky structure and reefs, taken on shrimp flies, squid strips, or jigs.
- White Sturgeon – 30–200 lbs. Winter and early spring in the South Bay and Delta, on shrimp or eel baits.
- Leopard Shark – 5–20 lbs. Inshore mudflats and channels in summer, taken on squid, anchovies, or live bait rigs.
Richmond Fishing FAQs
Where do most Richmond fishing charters depart from?
Most trips leave from Richmond Marina, with other launches at Ferry Point and Marina Bay depending on the target and tide.
What trip lengths are common in Richmond?
Half-day trips focus on inshore halibut and stripers, while full-day runs target salmon, rockfish, or a mix of Bay and ocean species.
Is fishing gear included on Richmond charters?
Yes, most captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, with fly gear available on request for specialty trips.
Do I need a fishing license in Richmond?
Yes, anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license, available online or at local tackle shops.
What’s the best time to fish Richmond?
Spring through fall offers the best variety—halibut in spring, salmon in summer and fall, plus steady rockfish and lingcod.
What techniques are used on Richmond charters?
Live bait drifting, trolling, vertical jigging, and swimbait casting are common inshore; trolling and bottom fishing offshore.
Can kids fish in South Richmond?
Yes, calm Bay days are great for kids to catch halibut, stripers, leopard sharks, or rockfish.
Are night fishing trips available?
A few captains offer summer night trips for sharks or stripers inside the Bay.
Can Richmond charters target tuna?
Yes, in late summer or early fall if warm offshore currents bring albacore or bluefin within range.