July 2022 Fishing Report, San Francisco Bay (#276)
I do not have formal reports from bait shops. However, I have an idea what is happening based upon some personal sources
Remember — Surfperch Regulations: Surfperch may not be taken or possessed by a person in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay between April 1 and July 31, inclusive. Shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from this seasonal closure and may be taken and possessed up to their daily bag limit.
Remember — Sturgeon Regulations: Sturgeon must be between 40 and 60 inches, (fork length) to keep.
San Francisco Piers
Fort Point Pier — Halibut are available, especially if you go through the trouble of getting live bait at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also get them on swim baits but live bait is better. Small rockfish should be available under the pier and though perch are present and will be hooked, remember they are illegal in July. A few stripers and even salmon may make an appearance. Ditto some big bat rays. How To Get There: From Highway 101 the easiest way is to turn into the parking lot near the toll plaza at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, from there Battery E. Road winds down the hill to Lincoln Boulevard, turn and follow the road to the pier
Fort Mason Piers — Jacksmelt, small rockfish, kingfish (white croakers) and sharays (smoothhounds and leopards) should be available, If you’re lucky you might see a striper or halibut. How To Get There: The entrance to the parking lot is at the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. From the north, Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge, head east on Doyle Drive till you come to Marina Boulevard; follow it to the entrance of the park. From the south, Highway 101, take Van Ness Avenue north all the way to Bay Street, turn left and follow it to the park entrance.
San Francisco Municipal Pier – Pretty much the same as the Fort Point Pier— Halibut are available, especially if you go through the trouble of getting live bait at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also get them on swim baits but live bait is better. Small rockfish should be available around the pier and though perch are present and will be hooked, remember they are illegal in July. Sharays, brown smoothhound, leopard sharks and bat rays should show while a few stripers and even salmon may make an appearance. How To Get There: From Highway 101 north, take Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue, turn left and follow the street till it ends at the pier. From Highway 101 south, take Van Ness Avenue straight to the pier.
Pier 7 — If the anchovies are showing by the pier this can be a good pier for stripers, halibut, leopard sharks, etc. How To Get There: From the Bay Bridge follow the First Street exit and follow to The Embarcadero, then left past the Ferry Building to the pier. From the Golden Gate, take Lombard to Van Ness, turn left and go to Bay, turn right and follow to The Embarcadero, turn right and follow to the pier. From the south and Highway 101 take Van Ness and follow as listed above.
South Harbor Marina Pier — Jacksmelt should be available. How To Get There: From the Bay Bridge (I80) heading into San Francisco take the Embarcadero exit and then turn right on the Embarcadero to the pier. From south on Highway 101 take exits marked for Fisherman's Wharf (First Street). This will take you to The Embarcadero. Once on the Embarcadero turn right and follow it all the way until you see Pacific Bell Park. The marina sits just north of the ballpark and the pier is located behind the marina parking lot. A left turn on Townsend will take you into a small parking lot that has some spaces available for the public; a right turn on Townsend will offer a few metered parking spaces. Coming up the Embarcadero from the south turn into the parking lot at Townsend Street (just past The Java House restaurant).
Agua Vista Pier — Jacksmelt and rockfish should be available as well as a possible halibut. How To Get There: Take the Embarcadero south past Pacific Bell Park to Third Street. Turn left and follow the road to its intersection with China Basin Street and then turn right (south) to the park and pier.
Heron's Head Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays are available as well as a possible striped bass. To Get There: Third Street to the Islais Creek Bridge and then left (east) on Cargo Way to the end where it meets Jennings Way. The park is located on the other side of the parking lot. To get to the pier take the first trail off to the right of the main trail (near the entrance); it will wind around to the pier. Candlestick Point — No report this month. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Candlestick Park exit and simply follow the road to the park.
Candlestick Point – There should be a group out there daily pulling in the jacksmelt with one rod and setting up for halibut on their other rod (and getting some fish). The main pier at Sunrise Point remains open. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Candlestick Park exit and simply follow the road to the park.
South Bay Piers
Brisbane Fishing Pier — Some jacksmelt should be around as well as sharays (leopard sharks, brown smoothhounds, bat rays) and possibly a halibut or two. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Sierra Point Parkway and follow it to the end. Where it ends, near the Sierra Point Yacht Club, turn left and follow the unpaved road to the unpaved parking lot near the front of the pier (northeast end of this area).
Oyster Point Pier — Basically the same as Brisbane—jacksmelt, sharays, and a possible halibut. How To Get There: Take Hwy 101 to South San Francisco/Oyster Point Blvd exit. Then one mile East on Oyster Point Blvd. Turn right on Marina Blvd and follow the road to the pier, which will be on your right side.
Robert E. Woolley Peninsula Park Pier — Jacksmelt and bat rays should be available. How To Get There: From the south, take Highway 101 to the Broadway Exit and go east to Airport Boulevard to Anza Boulevard, and follow it to the end, where the park is located. From the north, take Highway 101 to the Airport Boulevard exit, go east to Airport Boulevard, "then go south to Anza Boulevard where you turn left and follow Anza to the park (it is just past Rings and the Embassy Suites Hotel).
Redwood City Marina Pier — A brand new pier and a good place to catch jacksmelt and sharays. How To Get There: Leave US 101 (Bayshore Freeway) at the Seaport Blvd. exit (also marked Port of Redwood City and Redwood City Marina) and drive east until you see Seaport Court. Turn left and go to the back of the parking lot behind the buildings.
Dumbarton Pier — Sharays will probably be the main fish showing up but there’s always a chance for a striper or sturgeon. How To Get There: From I880 take Highway 84 west to the Paseo Padre Parkway exit; follow the exit and road south back under the highway, the road will turn into Thornton Avenue; follow it till you see the signs on your right indicating both the visitor center for the wildlife refuge and the pier; after entering the refuge, follow the road three miles to the pier.
East Bay Piers
San Leandro Marina Pier — No report. How To Get There: From I880 go west on Marina Drive; turn left on Neptune Drive and go to South Dike where you will turn right; follow it to the pier.
Arrowhead Marsh Fishing Pier — Striped bass should be available during high tide conditions. How To Get There: Take I880 to Hegenberger Road then go west toward the airport; go to Doolittle Drive and turn right; follow it to Swan Way where you will turn right again; the entrance to the park is a third of a block down on your left. To get to the main pier simply follow the park road as it winds to the north; the road ends at the parking lot near the pier.
Doolittle Pier — Stripers at high tide? How To Get There: Take I880 to Hegenberger Road then go west toward the airport. At Doolittle Drive turn right and go just past Swan Way to the pier. There is limited parking at the front of the small pier.
Veterans Court Fishing Pier — Jacksmelt and striped bass will make an appearance. How To Get There: From Alameda, take Hwy. 61 (Encinal Ave.) south as it turns right into Broadway and then left into Otis Dr., follow it toward the Bay Farm Island and then turn right at the first street past the bridge (Island Dr.) and then make another right just after your turn - onto Veterans Ct. Follow to the pier. From the south. Take I880 to Hegenberger Rd. (as though you're going toward the airport) and follow it to Doolittle Dr. Turn right and follow it all the way till you see the Alameda Municipal Golf Course. The first road past the golf course is Island Drive. Turn left and then make a quick right onto Veterans Court just after your initial turn. Follow it to the pier.
San Antonio Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays should be present, especially bat rays. How To Get There: From I880 take the 16th Avenue exit onto Embarcadero and turn left, follow the Embarcadero until you see the Executive Inn and the Motel 6, the pier is located between and behind the two motels.
Estuary Park Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays with a possible striper. How To Get There: From Interstate 880 take Jackson west to Embarcadero, turn left and follow the street to the pier. The pier is eight blocks south of Jack London Square.
Port View Park Pier/Seventh Street Pier —Jacksmelt should be available as well as various sharays. How To Get There: From San Francisco leave Interstate 80 at the West Grand Avenue exit, soon you will see the Harbor Terminals exit, go south on Maritime Street till you hit Seventh Street, turn right and follow the street to the park and pier. From Interstate 880 take the Eighth Street exit and go west to Peralta, turn left on Peralta and then right onto Seventh Street; follow it to the park and pier.
Emeryville Marina Fishing Pier — There should be jacksmelt and stripers as well as the usual sharays. How To Get There: From I80 take the Powell Street exit in Emeryville, head west and simply follow the road to the end where you will find a small park and the pier.
Ferry Point Pier – If you know what you’re doing you might grab a halibut although jacksmelt and sharays are more common. How To Get There: From I-580, there are two main Point Richmond exits, Canal Boulevard and Castro Street (also the south terminus of the Richmond Parkway). Take either into the center of town where you should see Dornan Drive and a tunnel that says Ferry Point. Go through the tunnel and continue out to the end of Dornan Drive. The park is intersected by Dornan Drive and Brick Cove Road
North Bay Piers
Point Pinole Pier — Schoolie stripers and sharays probably lead the hit parade. How To Get There: From I80 take the Hilltop (Richmond) exit; go west on the Richmond Parkway to the exit for Giant Highway and a sign for Point Pinole Regional Park.
McNear Beach Fishing Pier (San Rafael) – Stripers and a few halibut may be available as well as jacksmelt and sharays. If lucky, a sturgeon may also show up. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Point San Pedro Road east and follow it for approximately 8 miles to the park entrance and road.
Paradise Park Pier (Tiburon) — Apparently the pier has been seeing some decent halibut and striper action along with the lesser species, the sharays and jacksmelt. How To Get There: Take Highway 101 to the Tiburon exit (State Highway 131). Drive west on Tiburon Boulevard until you come to Trestle Glen Boulevard where you will turn left; follow this until you hit Paradise Drive where you turn right and drive a short distance to the entrance of the park.
Elephant Rock Pier — A variety of small rockfish are available as well as the possibility of a cabezon or other bottom dweller. Jacksmelt should be available in top-water depths and rock crabs are always a good bet. The pier can also produce some BIG bat rays and sharks. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Tiburon exit west and follow Tiburon Boulevard (State Highway 131) to Paradise Drive where you will see the pier. The pier is at the corner of Paradise Drive and Mar West Street.
Fort Baker Pier — Rock crabs are available but perch aren’t legal in July. Expect some small rockfish, jacksmelt on top and sharays, mainly bat rays on the bottom. I’m not sure how the halibut are hitting here. Remember you cannot keep Dungeness crabs taken from the pier. How to Get There: Take Alexander Avenue off of Highway 101. It is the last exit before driving onto the Golden Gate Bridge going south and the first exit after the Vista Point going north. Take Alexander Drive down the hill until you see Danes Drive and the, just before the tunnel, turn right onto Bunker Road and follow it down to the pier.
I do not have formal reports from bait shops. However, I have an idea what is happening based upon some personal sources
Remember — Surfperch Regulations: Surfperch may not be taken or possessed by a person in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay between April 1 and July 31, inclusive. Shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from this seasonal closure and may be taken and possessed up to their daily bag limit.
Remember — Sturgeon Regulations: Sturgeon must be between 40 and 60 inches, (fork length) to keep.
San Francisco Piers
Fort Point Pier — Halibut are available, especially if you go through the trouble of getting live bait at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also get them on swim baits but live bait is better. Small rockfish should be available under the pier and though perch are present and will be hooked, remember they are illegal in July. A few stripers and even salmon may make an appearance. Ditto some big bat rays. How To Get There: From Highway 101 the easiest way is to turn into the parking lot near the toll plaza at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, from there Battery E. Road winds down the hill to Lincoln Boulevard, turn and follow the road to the pier
Fort Mason Piers — Jacksmelt, small rockfish, kingfish (white croakers) and sharays (smoothhounds and leopards) should be available, If you’re lucky you might see a striper or halibut. How To Get There: The entrance to the parking lot is at the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. From the north, Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge, head east on Doyle Drive till you come to Marina Boulevard; follow it to the entrance of the park. From the south, Highway 101, take Van Ness Avenue north all the way to Bay Street, turn left and follow it to the park entrance.
San Francisco Municipal Pier – Pretty much the same as the Fort Point Pier— Halibut are available, especially if you go through the trouble of getting live bait at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also get them on swim baits but live bait is better. Small rockfish should be available around the pier and though perch are present and will be hooked, remember they are illegal in July. Sharays, brown smoothhound, leopard sharks and bat rays should show while a few stripers and even salmon may make an appearance. How To Get There: From Highway 101 north, take Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue, turn left and follow the street till it ends at the pier. From Highway 101 south, take Van Ness Avenue straight to the pier.
Pier 7 — If the anchovies are showing by the pier this can be a good pier for stripers, halibut, leopard sharks, etc. How To Get There: From the Bay Bridge follow the First Street exit and follow to The Embarcadero, then left past the Ferry Building to the pier. From the Golden Gate, take Lombard to Van Ness, turn left and go to Bay, turn right and follow to The Embarcadero, turn right and follow to the pier. From the south and Highway 101 take Van Ness and follow as listed above.
South Harbor Marina Pier — Jacksmelt should be available. How To Get There: From the Bay Bridge (I80) heading into San Francisco take the Embarcadero exit and then turn right on the Embarcadero to the pier. From south on Highway 101 take exits marked for Fisherman's Wharf (First Street). This will take you to The Embarcadero. Once on the Embarcadero turn right and follow it all the way until you see Pacific Bell Park. The marina sits just north of the ballpark and the pier is located behind the marina parking lot. A left turn on Townsend will take you into a small parking lot that has some spaces available for the public; a right turn on Townsend will offer a few metered parking spaces. Coming up the Embarcadero from the south turn into the parking lot at Townsend Street (just past The Java House restaurant).
Agua Vista Pier — Jacksmelt and rockfish should be available as well as a possible halibut. How To Get There: Take the Embarcadero south past Pacific Bell Park to Third Street. Turn left and follow the road to its intersection with China Basin Street and then turn right (south) to the park and pier.
Heron's Head Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays are available as well as a possible striped bass. To Get There: Third Street to the Islais Creek Bridge and then left (east) on Cargo Way to the end where it meets Jennings Way. The park is located on the other side of the parking lot. To get to the pier take the first trail off to the right of the main trail (near the entrance); it will wind around to the pier. Candlestick Point — No report this month. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Candlestick Park exit and simply follow the road to the park.
Candlestick Point – There should be a group out there daily pulling in the jacksmelt with one rod and setting up for halibut on their other rod (and getting some fish). The main pier at Sunrise Point remains open. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Candlestick Park exit and simply follow the road to the park.
South Bay Piers
Brisbane Fishing Pier — Some jacksmelt should be around as well as sharays (leopard sharks, brown smoothhounds, bat rays) and possibly a halibut or two. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Sierra Point Parkway and follow it to the end. Where it ends, near the Sierra Point Yacht Club, turn left and follow the unpaved road to the unpaved parking lot near the front of the pier (northeast end of this area).
Oyster Point Pier — Basically the same as Brisbane—jacksmelt, sharays, and a possible halibut. How To Get There: Take Hwy 101 to South San Francisco/Oyster Point Blvd exit. Then one mile East on Oyster Point Blvd. Turn right on Marina Blvd and follow the road to the pier, which will be on your right side.
Robert E. Woolley Peninsula Park Pier — Jacksmelt and bat rays should be available. How To Get There: From the south, take Highway 101 to the Broadway Exit and go east to Airport Boulevard to Anza Boulevard, and follow it to the end, where the park is located. From the north, take Highway 101 to the Airport Boulevard exit, go east to Airport Boulevard, "then go south to Anza Boulevard where you turn left and follow Anza to the park (it is just past Rings and the Embassy Suites Hotel).
Redwood City Marina Pier — A brand new pier and a good place to catch jacksmelt and sharays. How To Get There: Leave US 101 (Bayshore Freeway) at the Seaport Blvd. exit (also marked Port of Redwood City and Redwood City Marina) and drive east until you see Seaport Court. Turn left and go to the back of the parking lot behind the buildings.
Dumbarton Pier — Sharays will probably be the main fish showing up but there’s always a chance for a striper or sturgeon. How To Get There: From I880 take Highway 84 west to the Paseo Padre Parkway exit; follow the exit and road south back under the highway, the road will turn into Thornton Avenue; follow it till you see the signs on your right indicating both the visitor center for the wildlife refuge and the pier; after entering the refuge, follow the road three miles to the pier.
East Bay Piers
San Leandro Marina Pier — No report. How To Get There: From I880 go west on Marina Drive; turn left on Neptune Drive and go to South Dike where you will turn right; follow it to the pier.
Arrowhead Marsh Fishing Pier — Striped bass should be available during high tide conditions. How To Get There: Take I880 to Hegenberger Road then go west toward the airport; go to Doolittle Drive and turn right; follow it to Swan Way where you will turn right again; the entrance to the park is a third of a block down on your left. To get to the main pier simply follow the park road as it winds to the north; the road ends at the parking lot near the pier.
Doolittle Pier — Stripers at high tide? How To Get There: Take I880 to Hegenberger Road then go west toward the airport. At Doolittle Drive turn right and go just past Swan Way to the pier. There is limited parking at the front of the small pier.
Veterans Court Fishing Pier — Jacksmelt and striped bass will make an appearance. How To Get There: From Alameda, take Hwy. 61 (Encinal Ave.) south as it turns right into Broadway and then left into Otis Dr., follow it toward the Bay Farm Island and then turn right at the first street past the bridge (Island Dr.) and then make another right just after your turn - onto Veterans Ct. Follow to the pier. From the south. Take I880 to Hegenberger Rd. (as though you're going toward the airport) and follow it to Doolittle Dr. Turn right and follow it all the way till you see the Alameda Municipal Golf Course. The first road past the golf course is Island Drive. Turn left and then make a quick right onto Veterans Court just after your initial turn. Follow it to the pier.
San Antonio Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays should be present, especially bat rays. How To Get There: From I880 take the 16th Avenue exit onto Embarcadero and turn left, follow the Embarcadero until you see the Executive Inn and the Motel 6, the pier is located between and behind the two motels.
Estuary Park Pier — Jacksmelt and sharays with a possible striper. How To Get There: From Interstate 880 take Jackson west to Embarcadero, turn left and follow the street to the pier. The pier is eight blocks south of Jack London Square.
Port View Park Pier/Seventh Street Pier —Jacksmelt should be available as well as various sharays. How To Get There: From San Francisco leave Interstate 80 at the West Grand Avenue exit, soon you will see the Harbor Terminals exit, go south on Maritime Street till you hit Seventh Street, turn right and follow the street to the park and pier. From Interstate 880 take the Eighth Street exit and go west to Peralta, turn left on Peralta and then right onto Seventh Street; follow it to the park and pier.
Emeryville Marina Fishing Pier — There should be jacksmelt and stripers as well as the usual sharays. How To Get There: From I80 take the Powell Street exit in Emeryville, head west and simply follow the road to the end where you will find a small park and the pier.
Ferry Point Pier – If you know what you’re doing you might grab a halibut although jacksmelt and sharays are more common. How To Get There: From I-580, there are two main Point Richmond exits, Canal Boulevard and Castro Street (also the south terminus of the Richmond Parkway). Take either into the center of town where you should see Dornan Drive and a tunnel that says Ferry Point. Go through the tunnel and continue out to the end of Dornan Drive. The park is intersected by Dornan Drive and Brick Cove Road
North Bay Piers
Point Pinole Pier — Schoolie stripers and sharays probably lead the hit parade. How To Get There: From I80 take the Hilltop (Richmond) exit; go west on the Richmond Parkway to the exit for Giant Highway and a sign for Point Pinole Regional Park.
McNear Beach Fishing Pier (San Rafael) – Stripers and a few halibut may be available as well as jacksmelt and sharays. If lucky, a sturgeon may also show up. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Point San Pedro Road east and follow it for approximately 8 miles to the park entrance and road.
Paradise Park Pier (Tiburon) — Apparently the pier has been seeing some decent halibut and striper action along with the lesser species, the sharays and jacksmelt. How To Get There: Take Highway 101 to the Tiburon exit (State Highway 131). Drive west on Tiburon Boulevard until you come to Trestle Glen Boulevard where you will turn left; follow this until you hit Paradise Drive where you turn right and drive a short distance to the entrance of the park.
Elephant Rock Pier — A variety of small rockfish are available as well as the possibility of a cabezon or other bottom dweller. Jacksmelt should be available in top-water depths and rock crabs are always a good bet. The pier can also produce some BIG bat rays and sharks. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Tiburon exit west and follow Tiburon Boulevard (State Highway 131) to Paradise Drive where you will see the pier. The pier is at the corner of Paradise Drive and Mar West Street.
Fort Baker Pier — Rock crabs are available but perch aren’t legal in July. Expect some small rockfish, jacksmelt on top and sharays, mainly bat rays on the bottom. I’m not sure how the halibut are hitting here. Remember you cannot keep Dungeness crabs taken from the pier. How to Get There: Take Alexander Avenue off of Highway 101. It is the last exit before driving onto the Golden Gate Bridge going south and the first exit after the Vista Point going north. Take Alexander Drive down the hill until you see Danes Drive and the, just before the tunnel, turn right onto Bunker Road and follow it down to the pier.