Fishing & Crabbing
A Note on Pacifica Pier
The Pacifica Municipal Pier has been closed since June 2026 due to structural damage discovered at the pier's base, and it remains closed indefinitely while the City assesses repair and rebuilding options. The Chit Chat Cafe at the pier entrance has also been demolished for safety reasons.
We know how many of you love casting a line from the pier — the good news is Pacifica's coastline offers plenty of other great spots to fish while we wait for updates. For the latest on the pier's status, visit the City of Pacifica's official pier page.
During the last week of June through the first week of August, Pacifica’s inshore waters offer some of the best fishing in the United States. The rocky coast, with its small bays, is renowned for its salmon. In July 1995, a remarkable salmon run saw 300 salmon caught within hours, 600 the next day, and over 1,000 the following day. While salmon are less abundant now, striped bass, kingfish, sharks, perch, and occasionally sturgeon, barracuda, and bonito can still be caught.
Perch can be caught at Linda Mar Beach in the spring, rockfish at Pedro Point in the fall, and striped bass from any Pacifica beach in the summer. Although there are no public boat ramps, some launch small boats through the surf at Linda Mar Beach with caution.
Where to Cast a Line Right Now
With the pier closed, our beaches and points are the best way to experience Pacifica fishing:
Linda Mar Beach
A local favorite for surfperch in spring and striped bass through the summer. There are no public boat ramps in Pacifica, but some anglers launch small boats through the surf here with caution.
Rockaway Beach
Easy access and parking make this a great option for casting from the shore.
Sharp Park Beach — Right near the pier itself, this stretch of beach remains open for shoreline fishing.
Pedro Point
Head here in the fall for rockfish among the rocky outcroppings.
Mori Point
Just south of the pier, this scenic bluff overlooking the coastline is a favorite for salmon and bass — watch for diving pelicans, a sign that baitfish (and the bigger fish chasing them) are nearby.
San Pedro Beach & San Pedro Point
A bit further to reach, but worth it. Anglers here have landed king salmon, striped bass, halibut, and cabezon.
Nearby Piers Worth the Drive
If you're set on pier fishing, two nearby public piers offer the same license-free fishing Pacifica Pier is known for:
Oyster Point Fishing Pier (South San Francisco, ~20 minutes north)
Sheltered from the wind and popular for surfperch, halibut, and the occasional leopard shark.
Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay, ~20 minutes south)
Try poke-poling along the jetty for cabezon and rockfish in calmer harbor waters.
Before You Go
Fishing from a public pier or beach in California doesn't require a license for those under 16, and anyone 16 and older fishing from a public pier is exempt from license requirements — but a license is required for surf and shore fishing at most beach locations. Check current rules, seasons, and limits before you head out.
