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Updated July 16, 2026 

GOLDEN GATE — Salmon fishing has been ‘off the hook’ with limits of big chrome salmon to 25 pounds being the story. The fish are averaging from 12 to 15 pounds, and they are pulling hard, limiting the landing ratio. Scores average from over a fish per rod to limits, and the fishing will only get better as the salmon move down from above Point Reyes. Big beach striped bass have been hitting the troll gear, and the bass counts have been impressive. A few party boats continue to rockfish at the Farallon Islands or nearby locations offshore for limits of rockfish and up to limits of lingcod. Recreational salmon season from Point Arena to Pigeon Point run from June 27 through July 22 and from August 1 through 31 with a harvest quota of 34,900 Chinook salmon. The second phase of the salmon season starting September 1 will be open with a harvest quota of 20,000 fish from the 38/02 line just above Point Reyes to Pigeon Point. 

SAN FRANCISCO BAY — Most of the boating interest has been outside the Golden Gate for ocean salmon, but there are still limits of striped bass to be taken for those boats staying inside the bay. During the week as it was too windy outside the Gate, limits of striped bass and a handful of halibut were the story for party boats drifting live bait in the central bay. 

HALF MOON BAY — The salmon counts have been averaging a fish per rod or slightly better as most of the action is taking place from the Marin coastline north. While salmon dominate interest, rockfishing remains a strong possibility along the coastline south of the harbor. Halibut are showing up along the coastal beaches. Private boaters and certain six-pack operators are waiting for the next weather window to head offshore for bluefin tuna. The Pacifica Pier remains closed.  

SANTA CRUZ — Boaters from the Santa Cruz Harbor are concentrating mostly on salmon fishing. Get them while you can. The steady bite has provided limits for many since the season opener. Most reports indicate 1 to 1 1/2 fish per angler, and straight skunks are not uncommon. Rockfishing remains a mainstay, especially from the deep reefs a few miles offshore. Big chilipeppers, vermilion, yellow and green spotted rockfish are the typical catch, along with bocaccio and the occasional lingcod. Halibut fishing resumed after a couple weeks of south swell action, and we can expect to find the flatties in 30 to 50 feet of water on the flat sandy areas. If conditions remain calm, even the surfcasters have a shot at legal halibut when fins the more protected areas.

You are only seeing a portion of our reports. Subscribers to our digital and print newspaper enjoy the full spectrum of fishing reports. Print and online subscribers receive the new issue via email on the Tuesday morning of issue weeks, before we post these reports online.
Subscribe to the online edition today using code “5OFFWON” to save $5 on the annual digital subscription, only $14.99 for the year!

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