Tomales Bay is a sheltered coastal estuary located within Marin County's Point Reyes National Seashore. This elongated tidal bay, oriented northwest-southeast, is a highly productive saltwater fishery renowned for its diverse marine life and scenic beauty. The bay's unique geography creates a mix of habitats, from expansive tidal flats and salt marshes to deeper channels, supporting a rich ecosystem. Anglers are drawn here for its variety of inshore species and the opportunity for both boat-based and shore-based fishing in a protected environment.
Learn what type of fish are at Tomales Bay and what's needed to catch them.
Amphistichus argenteus
Sebastes melanops
Sebastes paucispinis
Scorpaenichthys marmoratus
Paralichthys californicus
Oncorhynchus kisutch
Alopias vulpinus
Sebastes caurinus
Hexagrammos decagrammus
Triakis semifasciata
Ophiodon elongatus
Scomber japonicus
Amphistichus rhodoterus
Squalus acanthias
Morone saxatilis
Atractoscion nobilis
Learn how to get on Tomales Bay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Tomales Bay, and when to apply.
Point Reyes National Seashore beaches
Reservation permit · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Kayakers and boaters camping on the Tomales Bay beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore need a boat-in camping permit from Recreation.gov.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Point Reyes National Seashore
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
California's ocean sport fishing regulations govern marine and coastal waters, while separate inland regulations cover rivers, lakes, and bays above tidal influence. A single CDFW sport fishing license covers both environments, but species-specific rules, seasons, and report card requirements differ depending on where you fish. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife defines the boundaries and publishes the applicable rules for each zone in its regulations booklets.
Once you fish beyond state waters, NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council take over management under federal law. Federal rules govern species such as West Coast groundfish, tunas, and other highly migratory fish in those offshore zones, and permit or registration requirements may apply depending on the species and gear you use. Check NOAA Fisheries for current federal permit requirements before targeting offshore species.
Anyone 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license to take fish, shellfish, or other invertebrates from ocean or inland waters, whether resident or nonresident. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issues the license, and anglers can buy it online, by phone, or at authorized agents. Fishing from a public pier that meets the state definition does not require a license, and CDFW designates Free Fishing Days each year when the requirement is waived.
Size and bag limits apply to every marine species and can change throughout the year based on stock assessments and management decisions. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets these limits, and the current figures for species such as rockfish, California halibut, lingcod, yellowtail, and spiny lobster are published in the ocean sport fishing regulations. Always check the current regulations before you head out, as limits are updated and closures can be added mid-season.
Recreational harvest of mussels, clams, oysters, and other shellfish requires a California sport fishing license, and bag and size limits apply by species. The California Department of Public Health monitors the coast year-round for paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid, and can close areas or issue consumption advisories at any time due to biotoxins, harmful algal blooms, or other contamination. Current closures and health advisories are posted by CDFW and CDPH, and you should check both before harvesting.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Tomales Bay to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Tomales Bay to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Tomales Bay and check the marine forecast before you launch.
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