Bodega Bay is our home base, and both the F/V Bigeye and Sorta Salty have permanent dock slips, allowing us easy access to the open sea. We always have at least one fishing boat at Bodega Bay ready to go from April to January, ensuring that our charter services can meet the high demand of enthusiastic anglers eager to experience the thrill of ocean fishing. North Bay Fishing Charters has been operating out of Bodega Bay since 2013, targeting primarily king salmon, rock cod, and crab, all of which are plentiful in the area. Bodega Bay boasts some of the best fishing along the west coast, renowned for its excellent bottom fishing. Access to rich fishing grounds such as Cordell Banks and the northern Sonoma Coastline only enhances the experience for our clients. The real reason Bodega Bay is such a good fishery is that the waters are very rich in nutrients, supporting large schools of anchovies that attract nearshore and offshore predators such as King Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, and a variety of other hungry fish that keep our lines tight and our clients smiling. Bodega Bay does have one downside: the wind and a lack of protected areas. Being located near Point Reyes, the windiest location on the coast, the northerly winds can blow for days or even weeks at a time, making some trips a bit challenging. However, these northern winds push in nutrient-rich water, which is critical to supporting all of the fisheries in the area. Despite the weather, Bodega Bay is a very popular tourist destination, offering good local food and an abundance of hotels and camping locations that provide a perfect getaway for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The charm of the town, combined with the stunning natural beauty of the coastline, makes Bodega Bay a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of California’s coastal fishing.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Bodega Bay

The seasons are usually pretty predictable, and you can plan your trip to escape the scorching valley heat or to try and catch a rare glimpse of a sunny coastline in northern California.

Spring

Typically, April brings fantastic fishing opportunities on the few days we can venture offshore to target lingcod and rockfish, especially in the world-renowned Cordell Banks. While April has its share of unpredictable rainstorms and seasonal weather shifts, it also offers the chance to enjoy the beautiful transition between winter before the summer fog and wind. Embracing this bit of uncertainty is definitely worth it, as the potential for landing impressive lingcod is likely on fishable days! From May through June, we typically experience foggy mornings and a lot of wind, but don’t let the wind deter you; excellent lingcod and salmon fishing await if conditions calm for a few days. But beware the wind can blow for days or even weeks a time non stop during the spring. Salmon season is always an exciting time, and while the exact dates are announced by the CA DFG in early April, the anticipation only adds to the thrill of spring fishing!

Summer

By July the wind typically starts to decrease and the fishing heats up. The foggy northern California Marine layer keeps temps down all day and afternoon winds are pretty common. Many people are visiting the coast to get away from the inland heat every day of the week. July is defiantly the busiest month and you can expect a lot of tourist visiting Bodega Bay on the weekends and even weekdays. July can be windy some years, but you can pretty much always expect on foggy cool days and good fishing for most of the month. Salmon is typically the main target for July and when the fish are around you can expect fast action and increasing size as it gets closer to August. By early August the salmon fishing is at its peak, as the large Bodega bay kings are in close feeding on anchovies on the beaches all the way down to Point Reyes. If your looking for good salmon action, the first 2 weeks of August are always the highest demand and usually yield the best days of the year. The tuna can start making a showing in August, with a wave of bluefin from the south and albacore to north commonly being spotted around mid august. We typically plan on consistent tuna fishing later in the year though.

Fall

By September we start to see sunny days and little wind. The salmon in the area are usually very big but in general the salmon fishing often slows down a bit compared to august. The inshore rockfish and lingcod can be very good this time of year and there’s usually always something fun to catch. The tourism slows down and town is less busy with mostly retired folks visiting during the weekdays and there can be plenty weekend traffic when its hot inland. The tuna fishing in Bodega Bay typically starts to heat up around September to October and can be a real treat when it happens. October is one of the best months for offshore fishing with commonly sunny skies, calm seas and hot water temps to chase tuna and other pelagics. We are able to fish offshore in October for lingcod and rock cod and the fishing can often be excellent for all species. Tuna is often the real prize with 150+lb Bluefin and big 30 to 50lb albacore tuna commonly both residing close to shore. On land Tourism is very low even though its one of the best months weather wise to avoid the fog and wind. November is ultimately the most exciting month in Bodega Bay with the opening of crab and occasionally hot tuna action for the first part of the month. Usually the albacore head out by November, but in 2024 it was the best month of the year with most trips resulting high counts of tuna and limits of Dungeness crab. In 2023 and 2022 we experienced a incredible bluefin bite with miles and miles of jumping fish for the first week of November. The inshore rockfish is typically incredible and the lingcod can be hit or miss, but usually more of a hit. During November most of the tourist in Bodega Bay are fisherman, looking to harvest crab. Onshore temps usually have lows in the mid 30s and highs in the 40s with mostly clear skies, but offshore water temps stay up in the upper 50s until we get some big storms rolling though. By December the tuna disappear and crab is typically the common target, December can be nice weather wise some years but typically we are starting to see some rain and big swell. As the weather gets rougher, our trips start to taper off and usually we start to close down operations around Christmas but can continue crabbing into January some years.

Bodega Bay Dock Location

Select the google pin drop below of our exact dock location at the Bodega Bay Sport Fishing facility near Porto Bodega Harbor. This information is also available on our Pre Trip Information Page.

Things to Do on your Trip to Bodega Bay

1. Go Fishing (Chartered or Shoreline)

Obviously we encourage you to join us for some fishing on our boats, but there are excellent shore fishing opportunities available as well. To the south, you can explore areas such as Dillion Beach, known for its picturesque views with potential to land some large striped bass and surf peach. Additionally, heading north toward Salt Point State Park reveals even more fishing spots, where you can cast your line amidst breathtaking coastal scenery and catch some rockfish, perch and occasional lingcod. Both locations offer unique experiences that complement the joy of boat fishing, allowing you to choose the best option based on your preferences and experience level. Whether you prefer the tranquility of shore fishing or the excitement of being on the water, there’s something for everyone and if your in town for a few days we recommend first filling your freezers with us and afterword taking a day to explore the coastline.

2. Visit Bodega Head

A must-see bluff offering panoramic ocean views, great hiking, and seasonal whale watching. This breathtaking location provides not only stunning vistas, but also a diverse landscape ideal for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. As you traverse the scenic trails, you may encounter local wildlife and vibrant flora, making your adventure even more memorable. We see whales while fishing on most trips, and with a bit of luck, you will likely spot them breaching the surface of the sparkling water from land.

3. Explore Doran Regional Park

Perfect for families, this long, sandy beach is ideal for picnicking, kite flying, and building sandcastles. There’s a boat launch, birdwatching, and gentle surf for wading.

4. Sample Local Seafood

Enjoy fresh-off-the-boat crab, oysters, and chowder at iconic spots like Spud Point Crab Co., The Tides Wharf, or Fisherman’s Cove.

5. Kayak or Paddleboard in the Bay

Calm waters and wildlife make the bay a perfect place to paddle. Rentals are available locally, and guided eco-tours offer a deeper look into the marine environment.

6. Visit the Bodega Marine Lab (UC Davis)

Check for public tours or open house days to explore marine science exhibits and tide pool ecology.

7. Hike Coastal Trails

Try the Bodega Dunes Trail, Shorttail Gulch Trail, or the scenic walks along Salmon Creek. You’ll find dramatic coastal cliffs, wildflowers, and views of migrating birds.

8. Browse Local Shops and Galleries

Stroll through Bodega Bay’s small shops for coastal gifts, handmade jewelry, and art. Check out Local Color or Pacific Bay Gallery.

9. Go Wine Tasting Nearby

Just a short drive inland, the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast offer world-class wineries and vineyard views.

10. Take a Hitchcock Tour

Film buffs will love visiting filming locations from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds, especially the famous Potter Schoolhouse in nearby Bodega.

Check Out The Official Bodega Bay Website for even more fun things to do!