Fishing in California
Your complete guide to 180+ fishing spots across California: lakes, rivers, reservoirs and more.
Interactive Map
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Top Venues
Top Fishing Spots in California
The best-rated fishing venues across California.
- 1
Clear Lake
California's largest natural lake and one of the top bass fisheries in the country
- 2
California Delta
1,000+ miles of waterways with world-class largemouth and striped bass fishing
- 3
San Diego Bay
Year-round saltwater fishing for halibut, bass, and seasonal yellowtail runs
- 4
Lake Castaic
Southern California trophy bass lake that once held the world record contender
- 5
Eastern Sierra Streams
High-altitude trout fishing paradise with crystal-clear creeks and alpine lakes
- 6
San Francisco Bay
Halibut, striped bass, and sturgeon fishing in one of the world's great natural harbors
- 7
Crowley Lake
Eastern Sierra stillwater famous for trophy-class rainbow and brown trout
- 8
Lake Perris
Southern California hotspot for bass, trout, and catfish with excellent shore access
- 9
Channel Islands
Offshore kelp bed fishing for yellowtail, calico bass, and white seabass
- 10
Sacramento River
Premier destination for salmon, steelhead, and striped bass throughout the year
Species Guide
Species You Can Catch in California
Learn about the fish you’ll find across California.
Getting Started
Fishing License & Tips for California
License Information
A California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Annual resident licenses cost approximately $55, and non-resident annual licenses run about $142. Additional report cards are needed for certain species like steelhead and sturgeon. Licenses are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and can be purchased online or at licensed agents.
Read the full fishing license guideQuick Tips
- The California Delta is a bass fishing factory from March through June. Flip jigs and punch baits into tule mats for 5 lb+ largemouths on outgoing tides.
- Eastern Sierra trout fishing is legendary from late April through October. Stock up on PowerBait and small spinners for planted trout, or fly fish wild streams with dry flies.
- For saltwater, target halibut in San Francisco Bay from April through September using live anchovies drifted along sandy flats and channel edges.
- Download the GilledIt app to find public fishing access points across California, including DFW-stocked trout lakes and urban fishing ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in California
A resident annual sport fishing license costs about $55, while non-residents pay approximately $142. One-day and two-day licenses are also available for visitors. Additional report cards are required for steelhead, sturgeon, and abalone. Purchase online through CDFW's website or at sporting goods stores statewide.
Clear Lake and the California Delta are consistently ranked as the top two bass fisheries in the state. Clear Lake produces incredible numbers of 3-6 lb fish, while the Delta offers big fish potential with heavy cover flipping. Southern California lakes like Castaic, Diamond Valley, and El Capitan also produce trophy-class bass. Check recent reports on the GilledIt app.
The general trout season in most California streams and rivers runs from the last Saturday in April through November 15. However, many lakes are open year-round. The Eastern Sierra opener is a major annual event drawing thousands of anglers. Urban stocked lakes may also be open year-round. Always check CDFW regulations for specific waters.
Yes, California offers excellent shore-based saltwater fishing from piers, jetties, and beaches. Ocean fishing from a public pier does not require a fishing license. Popular species from shore include surfperch, halibut, mackerel, and rockfish. The GilledIt app can help you locate public piers and surf fishing access points.
The California Delta fishes well year-round, but spring (March-June) is prime time for largemouth bass during the pre-spawn and spawn. Fall brings excellent topwater action. Striped bass fishing peaks from September through December. Summer is great for catfish and panfish. Tidal movement heavily influences bite times on the Delta.
Yes, California offers two free fishing days per year, typically one in early July and one in early September. On these days, no sport fishing license is required, though all other regulations still apply. It is a great way to try fishing or introduce someone new to the sport.
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