What You'll Find at Miller/Knox

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is a 287-acre park that wraps around the northern edge of San Pablo Bay, just north of Richmond. The shoreline itself is the main draw for anglers — a mix of rocky points, sandy beaches, and mudflat access that holds striped bass, leopard sharks, and jacksmelt depending on the season and tide. The park sits where Wildcat Creek feeds into the bay, and that freshwater influence creates pockets of brackish water that attract fish moving between the creek and open bay.

The fishing here is tidal and seasonal. Spring and early summer bring striped bass to the shallows, especially around the rocky outcrops on the north side of the park. Fall can be strong for leopard sharks along the sandy stretches. Jacksmelt and surfperch show up year-round in the shallows, making it a reliable spot when bigger fish aren't cooperating. The park also has a small freshwater pond inland — Wildcat Marsh — but it's closed to fishing and serves mainly as a wildlife refuge.

Key Takeaways

  • Miller/Knox offers rocky points and sandy beach access to San Pablo Bay, with striped bass in spring and early summer, leopard sharks in fall, and jacksmelt available most of the year.
  • Parking is free and located near the main entrance off San Pablo Avenue; the shoreline is a short walk from the lot, making it accessible for anglers of all mobility levels.
  • Tides matter here — incoming tides push fish into the shallows, while outgoing tides concentrate them near deeper channels, so check tide tables before you go.
  • No fishing is allowed in Wildcat Marsh or the creek itself; stick to the bay shoreline and the designated beach areas.
  • The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a paved path system, but no bait shops or tackle rentals nearby, so bring what you need from Richmond.

Getting There and Parking

Miller/Knox is located at 1540 San Pablo Avenue in Richmond, about 3 miles north of downtown. From Interstate 80, take the San Pablo Avenue exit and head north; the park entrance is on your right. Parking is free and sits in a paved lot near the main gate — usually has space even on weekends, though it fills up during peak summer days.

Once parked, the shoreline is a 5- to 10-minute walk depending on which section you're heading to. A paved path runs along much of the bay edge, making it easy to scout different spots without scrambling over rocks. The park also has a network of inland trails if you want to explore the upland areas, but the fishing action is concentrated on the bay side.

Best Spots and What to Fish For

The rocky point on the north end of the park is the most productive area for striped bass, especially during the incoming tide from April through June. Fish the rocks with live anchovies, shrimp, or small swimbaits. The bass here tend to be in the 12- to 18-inch range, though larger fish move through during spring tides.

The sandy beach stretches on the south side of the park hold leopard sharks from August through October. Use fresh mackerel or squid on a simple two-hook rig, and fish the first two hours of the incoming tide. Jacksmelt and surfperch are scattered along the entire shoreline year-round — they're not trophy fish, but they're reliable and fun on light tackle. A small jig or spoon works well, or cast small shrimp under a bobber in the shallows.

Wildcat Creek enters the bay at the eastern edge of the park, but the creek itself is closed to fishing. However, the mouth of the creek during incoming tides can concentrate striped bass and leopard sharks as they move in and out with the tide. Fish the bay side of the creek mouth rather than wading into the creek itself.

Tides and Seasonal Timing

Tides are critical at Miller/Knox. The bay here is shallow — most of the fishing area is 4 to 8 feet deep — so tidal movement is dramatic. Incoming tides push fish into the shallows and onto the flats; outgoing tides concentrate them in the deeper channels. Plan your trip around the incoming tide, especially in spring and early summer when striped bass are most active.

Spring (March through May) is peak season for striped bass. Summer (June through August) slows down for bass but can be good for jacksmelt and surfperch. Fall (September through November) brings leopard sharks and a secondary run of striped bass. Winter is slowest, though jacksmelt and surfperch remain available. Check a tide table for San Pablo Bay before you go — the difference between a slack tide and a moving tide can mean the difference between catching fish and going home empty.

Gear and Tackle to Bring

For striped bass, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod with 12- to 15-pound braid or monofilament. Live anchovies or shrimp work best, though small swimbaits (2 to 3 inches) are effective too. A simple sliding sinker rig or a small jig head will keep your bait near the bottom where the bass hunt.

For leopard sharks, a heavier setup works better — 7- to 8-foot rod with 20-pound line and a basic two-hook rig. Fresh mackerel or squid is standard. For jacksmelt and surfperch, light tackle is fine — a 5- to 6-foot rod with 8- to 10-pound line and small jigs or spoons. Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the shallows, and wear wading boots if you plan to wade — the bottom is rocky and uneven in places.

There are no bait shops at the park, so buy live bait or frozen mackerel in Richmond before you arrive. The closest option is likely a tackle shop in downtown Richmond or along San Pablo Avenue heading south.

Rules and Restrictions

A California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of two fish. Leopard sharks have no minimum size but a daily limit of 10 fish. Jacksmelt and surfperch have no size minimum and a daily limit of 20 fish combined.

Fishing is not allowed in Wildcat Marsh or Wildcat Creek itself — stick to the bay shoreline and designated beach areas. The park closes at sunset, so plan to leave before dark. Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on-leash in the day-use area. No camping or overnight fishing is permitted.

What to Expect Year-Round

Spring brings the most reliable action and the most anglers. The water is cool, the tides are strong, and striped bass are feeding hard. Expect to share the rocks with other fishermen, especially on weekends. Summer is quieter but slower for bass — the water warms and fish move deeper or out into the bay. Fall picks up again with leopard sharks and a secondary bass run, plus the weather is often clearer and more pleasant than spring.

Winter is the slowest season, but it's also the quietest. If you don't mind cooler water and fewer fish, it's a peaceful time to fish. The park itself is beautiful year-round — the bay views are good, the trails are well-maintained, and the facilities are clean. Even if the fishing is slow, it's a pleasant place to spend a morning or afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Miller/Knox?

No. The shoreline and beach access are productive enough for shore fishing. Most of the striped bass and leopard shark action happens in water you can reach from the rocks or sand. A kayak or small boat would let you reach deeper channels, but it's not necessary.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

The incoming tide is more important than the time of day. Fish the incoming tide whenever it falls — that could be early morning, midday, or evening depending on the day. Check the tide table and plan your visit around the tide, not the clock.

Can I keep striped bass I catch here?

Yes, if they're 18 inches or longer. You can keep two per day. Leopard sharks have no size minimum but a 10-fish daily limit. Jacksmelt and surfperch are 20 fish combined per day with no size minimum.

Is there anywhere to buy bait at the park?

No bait shop or tackle rental is at Miller/Knox. Buy live anchovies, shrimp, or frozen mackerel in Richmond before you arrive. Several tackle shops operate in downtown Richmond and along San Pablo Avenue.

Can I fish Wildcat Creek?

No. Wildcat Creek and Wildcat Marsh are closed to fishing. Stick to the bay shoreline and the designated beach areas within the park.