CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Richmond, CA Daily Water Report — October 7, 2026

Richmond gets a clear green light for small-craft time today, with boating the standout at 8.9/10 and diving close behind at 8.8/10. This is a notably gentle water day: waves hold around 0.3–0.4 m, with a modest 0.2 m southwest swell at 10.8 seconds and barely any wind-wave contribution. The representative southeast wind is just 6 knots, though it can reach 7.5 knots and gust near 9.3 knots around 6 PM. Calm water is not a safety guarantee, but it is an excellent starting point. The most useful all-around window is the morning through early afternoon. The tide rises sharply from the 4:02 AM low of 0.06 m to a 1.79 m high at 10:45 AM, overlapping the 9:46–11:46 AM solunar major period. That combination supports today’s 7.1/10 fishing estimate, while the stable 1012 hPa pressure and light wind keep the practical side of the day tidy. Fishing is solid rather than exceptional, and the afternoon ebb toward the 4:30 PM low may suit those who prefer working a changing tide; the 4:16–5:16 PM solunar minor period is a useful extra, not a magic appointment. Kayaking rates 8/10, sailing 7.6/10, and wildlife viewing 7.2/10. The tradeoff for sailors is simple: the breeze is orderly but light, so expect more patience than power. For paddlers, current is reported at about 0.14 m/s toward north, and the tide will be moving—plan around it rather than treating the flat wave height as the whole story. Diving conditions score well on the low waves, light wind, available clarity inputs, and 19 C marine SST; atmospheric visibility of 13.7 km is good for getting around, not a measure of underwater visibility. Compared with the recent CatchWindow record, boating remains near its best levels, while fishing is a touch below the 7.2–7.3 scores seen on several recent days. Diving improves from an unavailable score yesterday and edges above the 8.6 readings earlier this week. Thursday stays similarly small at 0.4 m waves, but Friday and especially Saturday look breezier and rougher, with Saturday waves building to 0.7–0.8 m. Best bet: launch into the rising morning tide, enjoy the glassy 0.3–0.4 m water, and be back with the day still behaving itself.