SF Bay fall ocean salmon opener hits limits of big kings

After the San Francisco Management Zone’s summer recreational ocean salmon season ended Aug. 23, the fall opener on Sept. 1 answered the “will they bite?” question fast. Western Outdoor News’s Dave Hurley reports limits to near-limits of big, hard-fighting Chinook for private and party boats from Bodega Bay through Half Moon Bay — the first strong wild-caught salmon menu in three closed years.

The fall recreational season from near Point Reyes (38°02′ N.) to Pigeon Point runs Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 under a shared statewide fall harvest guideline of 20,000 Chinook (with the Pigeon Point–Mexico zone open only through Sept. 30 or until that guideline is hit). Captains cited Duxbury and the Middle Grounds as early hotspots; reported fish included kings into the low-to-mid 30-pound range on glassy water.

Hurley’s roundup quotes Captain Rick Powers (Bodega Bay Sport Fishing), Captain James Smith (California Dawn 2 out of Berkeley), Captain Jerad Davis (Salty Lady, Sausalito), Captain John Marfia (Tanker City, Half Moon Bay), and others posting limits or near-limits. Managers can still close open days early if the fall guideline is approached — check CDFW’s ocean salmon page or the (707) 576-3429 hotline before you leave the dock.

Photo: Danielle and Evelyn with fall Chinook aboard the Salty Lady — courtesy Captain Jerad Davis / Western Outdoor News.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Western Outdoor News — Fall ocean salmon opener provides spectacular action for party and private boaters (Sept. 8, 2026).