Introduction to: Where to fish near me in California
California is a paradise for anglers, offering a wide variety of fishing experiences across the state. From the majestic Pacific coast to serene mountain lakes and bustling urban waters, the Golden State has something for every angler. In this guide, we’ll explore the 50 best places to fish in California, covering a range of fish species, environments, and experiences.
Top 50 best places to fish in California
- Mono Lake
- Species: Cutthroat trout, perch, and more
- Location: Eastern Sierra
- Lake Tahoe
- Species: Lake trout, rainbow trout, and more
- Location: Sierra Nevada
- Big Bear Lake
- Species: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and more
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains
- San Francisco Bay
- Species: Striped bass, sturgeon, halibut, and more
- Location: San Francisco
- Sacramento River
- Species: Chinook salmon, steelhead, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Clear Lake
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Lake Shasta
- Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and more
- Location: Shasta County
- Lake Berryessa
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Napa County
- Russian River
- Species: Steelhead, salmon, and more
- Location: Sonoma County
- San Diego Bay
- Species: Spotted bay bass, halibut, and more
- Location: San Diego
- Castaic Lake
- Species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
- Owens River
- Species: Brown trout, rainbow trout, and more
- Location: Eastern Sierra
- Malibu Pier
- Species: Halibut, mackerel, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
- Pyramid Lake
- Species: Striped bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
- Lake Casitas
- Species: Bass, trout, and more
- Location: Ventura County
- Huntington Beach Pier
- Species: Corbina, croaker, and more
- Location: Orange County
- Santa Monica Pier
- Species: Mackerel, white croaker, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
- San Vicente Reservoir
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: San Diego County
- Lake Elsinore
- Species: Catfish, bass, and more
- Location: Riverside County
- Lake Arrowhead
- Species: Trout, bass, and more
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains
- Mammoth Lakes
- Species: Trout, salmon, and more
- Location: Eastern Sierra
- Lake Henshaw
- Species: Catfish, bass, and more
- Location: San Diego County
- Newport Beach
- Species: Corbina, yellowfin croaker, and more
- Location: Orange County
- Lake Cuyamaca
- Species: Trout, bass, and more
- Location: San Diego County
- San Joaquin River
- Species: Striped bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Central California
- Lake Nacimiento
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Central Coast
- Puddingstone Reservoir
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
- Lake Gregory
- Species: Trout, catfish, and more
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains
- Huntington Lake
- Species: Trout, kokanee salmon, and more
- Location: Sierra Nevada
- Lake Isabella
- Species: Catfish, bass, and more
- Location: Sierra Nevada
- Lake Perris
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Riverside County
- Yosemite National Park
- Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and more
- Location: Sierra Nevada
- Lake Amador
- Species: Trout, catfish, and more
- Location: Sierra Foothills
- Lake Chabot
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
- Lake Merced
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: San Francisco
- Lake Camanche
- Species: Trout, bass, and more
- Location: Sierra Foothills
- Silverwood Lake
- Species: Trout, catfish, and more
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains
- San Pablo Reservoir
- Species: Catfish, trout, and more
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
- Lake Piru
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Ventura County
- Donner Lake
- Species: Trout, mackinaw, and more
- Location: Sierra Nevada
- Lake San Antonio
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Central Coast
- Lake Mendocino
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Clear Creek
- Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Lake Earl
- Species: Bass, trout, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Lake Sonoma
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Sonoma County
- Upper Sacramento River
- Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Lake San Antonio
- Species: Bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Central Coast
- Lake Almanor
- Species: Trout, salmon, and more
- Location: Northern California
- Lake Gregory
- Species: Bass, trout, and more
- Location: San Bernardino Mountains
- Pyramid Lake
- Species: Striped bass, catfish, and more
- Location: Los Angeles County
Conclusion to: Where to fish near me in California
California’s diverse geography offers anglers an incredible array of fishing opportunities, from coastal shores to mountain streams. Whether you’re into trout, bass, salmon, or a variety of other species, you’re sure to find your perfect fishing spot in the Golden State. With these 50 best places to fish, you’re well on your way to planning your next fishing adventure in California. So, pack your gear and get ready to reel in some unforgettable memories in the land of endless fishing possibilities. Where to fish.