North Coast tides turn early as fall cool-down takes hold

What's next

Expect that same early-high, mid-morning-low pattern to hold through the week. With the moon in its Last Quarter phase, this is a neap-tide stretch, meaning the exchange between high and low stays moderate rather than sharp, a window that favors steady presentations over fighting a hard push. The best timing bet through the next few days is that early-morning stretch between the high around 5:30am and the low that follows roughly four hours later.

Watch for the water temperature reading to keep easing as the week goes on; a continued drift down from the mid-50s would confirm the fall transition is on schedule rather than stalling. Heading into the weekend, anglers planning around the tide should lean on that same first-light-to-late-morning window, since the neap cycle keeps things predictable before the stronger swings return with the next new or full moon.

Context

Mid-50s water temperatures in early October are right on schedule for the San Francisco Bay and Bodega Bay stretch, which typically starts its fall cool-down about now as the region moves out of the late-summer pattern. A Last Quarter moon keeping tides in a neap cycle is normal for this point in the lunar month, and the resulting smaller tidal swing is typical rather than a sign of unusual conditions. Check current state regulations before keeping any catch, since seasonal rules can shift this time of year.