Wahoo fishing out of San Francisco Bay happens in August, about 40 to 60 miles out, where yellowfin are feeding on baitfish. Boats leave through the Golden Gate and run offshore to find them. Ramps, conditions and the rest of the port are on the San Francisco Bay port page.
When wahoo are around San Francisco Bay
Wahoo and yellowfin turn up in the same offshore window, and the window is short. This section covers the month and what the fish travel with.
August
August is the season, and the only month worth planning around. For how that window fits the wider coast, see the Pacific Southwest wahoo guide (see also the Pacific Southwest offshore fishing guide).
What they travel with
Wahoo here are found with yellowfin tuna, and the yellowfin are feeding on baitfish. If you find the bait and the yellowfin, you are in the water the wahoo are in.
How far boats run
For a private boat, the run is the go or no-go number, so plan it around the distance and the forecast.
40 to 60 miles out
Boats run about 40 to 60 miles out to reach the yellowfin water where wahoo turn up. The run starts through the Golden Gate and heads offshore.
Finding the bait and yellowfin
The maps can narrow the search before you commit to the run:
- OBS SST shows observed sea surface temperature.
- Chlorophyll shows where the bait-holding water is.
- Chart Contours shows bottom shape.
Together, these layers help you judge where bait and yellowfin are likely to be before you burn fuel on 40 miles. Cloud can block a satellite pass, so a gap in the data is a gap, not an answer. The chart layers are not for navigation. Check the NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you leave.
Grounds and structure near the Bay
One named ground sits offshore. The rest are inside the Bay and are known for other species.
Farallon Islands
The Farallon Islands are the named offshore ground near the Bay, at 300 ft.
Inside the Bay: striper and halibut water
The inside-Bay spots are striper and halibut grounds. The wahoo run is offshore, with yellowfin about 40 to 60 miles out.
| Ground | Location | Depth/Note | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farallon Islands | Offshore | 300 ft | |
| Alcatraz Island | Inside the Bay | Rocky reefs and back side | |
| Berkeley Flats | Inside the Bay | ||
| Angel Island | Inside the Bay | South side | |
| Golden Gate Bridge | At the Golden Gate | South tower | Striper |
| Raccoon Strait | Striper | ||
| Oyster Point | Halibut |
How wahoo are fished from this port
Wahoo fishing out of San Francisco Bay depends on timing and the run.
Local approach
Out of this port, three things matter: August, the 40 to 60 mile run, and finding yellowfin on baitfish. Gear, rigging and trolling are in the wahoo fishing guide.
Who fishes for them
The anglers are private boat owners running out of the Bay to the yellowfin water in August.
FAQ: wahoo fishing out of San Francisco Bay
Can you catch wahoo inside San Francisco Bay?
The wahoo run is offshore, with yellowfin about 40 to 60 miles out. The inside-Bay grounds such as the Golden Gate Bridge south tower and Raccoon Strait are striper spots, and Oyster Point is a halibut spot.
What month are wahoo around San Francisco?
August. They are found with yellowfin feeding on baitfish.
How far offshore for wahoo from San Francisco?
About 40 to 60 miles out, where yellowfin are on baitfish.
What else should I plan around in that offshore water?
The offshore gamefish guides cover the rest of the offshore picture.
Where do I find local methods and rules?
Gear and trolling are in the wahoo species guide, and the rules are with CDFW.
