Bodega Bay fishing forecast
Bodega Bay is a saltwater fishing spot in Northern California, United States. Anglers here target Chinook Salmon, Pacific Albacore, Lingcod. The most productive months are typically May, June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 10.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 11 km/h from SSE |
| Wave height | 1.2 m at 9 s |
| Current | 0.07 m/s toward N |
| Pressure | 1013 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 0% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay currently scores 46 out of 100 (Fair). Water temperature is 10.9 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Bodega Bay:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
What you can catch
-
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
-
Thunnus alalunga
-
Ophiodon elongatus
Best months by species at Bodega Bay
| Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific AlbacoreThunnus alalunga | ||||||||||||
| LingcodOphiodon elongatus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lingcod | 2/day | min 55.9 cm | Aug 1 – Nov 30; Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Resident Sport Fishing License required. Annual ~$56. Additional report cards for certain species (salmon, sturgeon)., non-residents Non-resident annual ~$142; 1-day and 10-day options available.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Always verify current rules at wildlife.ca.gov before fishing. California regulations are complex and subject to emergency changes.
Check Bodega Bay before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
Download on the App Store
Scan to install on your phone
Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 267 km of Bodega Bay.
-
Clear Lake CA
Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon
Sacramento River California
Sacramento River CA
Shasta Lake California
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Bodega Bay?
Anglers at Bodega Bay target Chinook Salmon, Pacific Albacore and Lingcod.
When is the best time to fish Bodega Bay?
The most productive months at Bodega Bay are typically May, June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Bodega Bay right now?
Bodega Bay currently scores 46 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Bodega Bay?
Fishing at Bodega Bay follows the local rules for Northern California, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Salmon: Kings, Coho, and SockeyeHow to Catch Albacore: Chasing the Speedsters Along the Temperature BreakHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.