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Fishing Conditions for San Francisco Bay: Perch, Jacksmelt, and More Biting in February 2025
Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around San Francisco Bay. As of today, February 7, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Weather and Tides
The weather is looking relatively calm, with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. Water temperatures are still on the cooler side, which is typical for this time of year. For tides, we're in a period of moderate tidal changes. Today, you can expect a high tide around 11:15 AM and a low tide around 5:00 PM. These conditions should provide a good mix of water movement and calm periods, ideal for various fishing techniques.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:14 PM, giving you ample daylight to hit your favorite spots.
### Fish Activity
February is a great time to catch a variety of species in San Francisco Bay. Here’s what’s been biting lately:
- **Perch**: These are abundant throughout the bay, especially near the entrance. Fort Point Pier and areas around the Golden Gate Bridge are hot spots for perch. You can expect to catch a good number of them using small hooks with bait like small pieces of anchovy or shrimp.
- **Jacksmelt**: These fish are everywhere, from Fort Mason Piers to Brisbane Fishing Pier and Oyster Point Pier. Expect to catch both large solitary fish and plenty of finger-sized babies. The same small hooks and bait that work for perch will also be effective for jacksmelt.
- **Striped Bass**: Although many have moved inland into the Delta and Sacramento River, some stripers are still available. Use cut bait like anchovies, grass shrimp, or pile worms, and don’t forget to try artificial lures that mimic baitfish.
- **Sanddab**: If it’s a rainy year, sanddab frequently show up in January and February. Fort Point Pier and Fort Baker Pier are your best bets. Try using small jigs or baited hooks near the bottom.
- **Herring**: Keep an eye out for herring, which can appear any day. When they do, piers will be crowded with anglers snagging them or using nets.
- **Rockfish and Small Species**: Fort Mason Piers and other spots are yielding small rockfish and other smaller species.
### Best Lures and Bait
For perch and jacksmelt, small hooks with bait like small pieces of anchovy or shrimp work well. For striped bass, use cut bait or artificial lures that mimic baitfish. If you’re after sanddab, try using small jigs or baited hooks near the bottom.
### Hot Spots
- **Fort Point Pier**: Traditionally a good pier for perch this time of the year, as well as small rockfish and, some years, good for sanddab. It can also be good for jacksmelt, and if you're lucky, you might pick up a cabezon or lingcod. To get there, turn into the parking lot near the toll plaza at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, then follow Battery E. Road down the hill to Lincoln Boulevard, and turn to follow the road to the pier.
- **Fort Mason Piers**: These piers are mostly good for jacksmelt and small rockfish. The entrance to the parking lot is at the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. From the north, take Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge, head east on Doyle Drive until you come to Marina Boulevard, then follow it to the entrance of the park.
### Additional Notes
Remember, sturgeon fishing is currently catch and release only until new regulations are issued in April. Also, while it's prime season for Dungeness crabs, none may be kept from inside the bay; you need to be outside the Golden Gate to keep them. Rock crabs, however, are okay.
With these conditions and tips, you should have a productive and enjoyable day fishing in San Francisco Bay. Tight lines, and see you on the water
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intellig
Published on 10 months, 1 week ago