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This article integrates geological, biological, ethnographic, and archaeological lines of evidence to reconstruct fishing patterns between approximately 4100 and 500 BC in the northern Gulf of California. In addition to shell collecting along the coast, several species of fish were captured, mainly endemic sciaenids of the upper gulf. Our study focuses on the northern Sonoran coast where recent archaeological studies have discovered scores of otoliths (fish ear bones) in archaeological contexts. We report the species composition (chano, corvina, totoaba) and relative size of the prehistoric catch and discuss the modern biology of these species known to inhabit this area. Our evidence suggests that this area offered an important resource for Archaic hunters and gatherers who were drawn here to exploit fish at certain times of the year. Following sea level stabilization around 6,000 years ago, particular geomorphic settings provided opportunities to easily harvest large quantities of fish by spearing, netting, or hand catching them. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]