California is a land with a spectacular view and not only can hikers and road trip enthusiasts dream about it, but anglers also dream about it.
Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities are some of the best and most sought after in America, as this giant and diversified state is home to alpine lakes, rivers along the coastline, and rivers running off the coast.
Is it crystal mountain lakes full of trout, or are you attracted to huge reservoirs where they have big bass? In California, everyone can find something.
Admittedly, apps such as Fishbox are even better software that allows an angler to visit these locations based on personalized forecasts and expert advice, and your fishing trip would become smarter and more successful.
Whether you are a novice and want to have a weekend adventure or an expert angler who wants to land a trophy fish, this California fishing guide will tell you all the best fishing spots in California, as well as fishing by season, along with the necessary rules that should be observed when fishing.
Top Fishing Spots in California
It can be a difficult choice between hundreds of fishing-friendly lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that are scattered around the state.
Nevertheless, all of them are known as five of the top places to fish in California.
1. Lake Shasta
Lake Shasta is a well-established destination in Northern California, where quantity and quality aspects are at the high end, and angling is the main tourist destination.
It has 365 miles of coast and depths with various species, making it one of the most prolific lakes in California.
What fish can you catch in California? This is where your big mouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, brown trout and catfish come in.
Spring and fall are the best action, and in particular, bass action. The best time to fish is in the early morning and late afternoon, particularly on covers and submerged structures.
It is also beginner-friendly because there are nearby marinas that allow boat rental and tackle shops. Lake Shasta is family-friendly, too, and there are campgrounds and picnic grounds everywhere.
2. Crowley Lake
Crowley Lake is also well known as a place to fish for trout and is located close to the Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra. It is famous for large brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout production. Anglers of fly fishing and boats fall in love with this place, especially during the spring opener.
Although it is not open throughout the year, this is where fishing season starts the last Saturday of April and ends the last week of October.
Local tip: Back to midges and streamers when there is an early season fly fishing and always check the hatch local level. The winds tend to pick up fast, so afternoons are not usually your best bet.
3. McCloud River
The McCloud River is surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring scenery; it flows through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where the best of a cast line can be used. It is a common fly-fishing destination with a combination of both stocked trout and wild ones. The tranquility of this river is ideal for anglers who want to enjoy fishing in beautiful nature.
Access to the lower McCloud may entail some hiking, but, in most cases, it is worth the trip, boasting great fishing with less competition. Rainbow trout and brown trout here and there. It is a good time to visit in early summer and fall because flows and bug activity are consistent.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is better known as a skiing and beauty destination, but it also boasts one of the best places to fish in California. It is ranked the deepest lake in the United States, and hosts mackinaw (lake trout), rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon.
The most popular form of fishing is boat fishing, and this is mainly done trolling deep over big fish. Shore fishermen should go out early in the morning, especially at such locations as Cave Rock and Tahoe City.
The lake is open throughout the year and is known to have regulations regarding salmon and mackinaw during the season. Tahoe elevation implies that the weather can be changeable very fast, so bring the layers in case you fish there in Spring or Fall.
5. San Joaquin River
Whether your intentions are to have a multipurpose river system, the San Joaquin River is the one. It winds its way through the Central Valley and gives anglers access to many different types of fish, such as striped bass, catfish and even trout in the upper sections of the river.
The best time to have striper runs is in spring, and near the Delta. You will get the best results using live bait such as anchovies or shad. The river changes to cold waters with trout in abundance, thus suitable for fly fishing in the forks located in the upper regions of the Mammoth Lakes.
It is the perfect location in Wyoming to have a taste of everything: smooth waters at the beginning level for anglers, more complicated ones for more experienced anglers, and the waters that are near large towns.
When is Fishing Season in California?
Wondering when the fishing season is in California? This is a matter of destination and what you are aiming for. California has its general fishing period by region and by type.
Most lakes in California and rivers will be open all year round; however, high-altitude places, i.e. Eastern Sierra, normally open in late April and close in October. There are specific species in coastal waters.
- Spring (March–May): Bass, trout, and stripers are great during this season.
- Summer (June–August): Effective in deep-water trolling and night catfishing.
- Fall (September–November): This is ideal for trout and salmon runs.
- Winter (December–February): More slowly, and yet practicable, in Mackinaw and some of the bass lakes.
When you ask the question When does the fishing season end in California, it is better that you confirm with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife because it depends on the zone and the kind of species you are targeting.
Fishing Tips for California Anglers
Here are some useful hints about whether you like to go fishing in the Sierra or to go fishing off a city pier:
- Time It Right: The most productive times can be the mornings and evenings during the summertime. Increased activity may also come about due to overcast days.
- Gear Wisely: In the case of inland lake fishing, a medium-action rod and spinning tackle are very versatile. When you are going to catch trout in the streams, you should go lighter. In the case of saltwater piers, it goes to a heavy-duty arrangement.
- Avoid These Mistakes: Don’t forget to have a current fishing license. Lots of anglers forget to look through the hindsight of local rules, or rather, the bait ban, the size and the usage of barbless hooks.
California Fishing Regulations
There are several fishing rules in California, and it is necessary to know the rules before you drop a line. So, this is what you had to know:
- License Required: Everyone over 16 years of age must possess a valid California fishing permit. There are online or local retail options for one-day and annual options.
- Size & Bag Limits: These vary with the species as well as regions. Make sure you always have the latest information from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Special Areas: There are also waters which are BYOB (bait only) or catch and release only. It is required to use barbless hooks in a secure zone.
- Where to Learn More: The Formal California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides comprehensive maps, up-to-date regulations and its license application.
Responsible angling will keep California waters beautiful and stocked with fish to be used by future generations.
Conclusion
Whether it is the grandeur of Lake Tahoe or the trout-filled streams of the McCloud River, California has some of the most varied and easily accomplished fishing in the nation.
You can cast trout, bass or even salmon, as there is a destination that is just right for your style and aptitude. All it needs is a little planning and acquiring some outdoor interest, just like this California fishing guide.
Take your rod, make sure you know the fishing rules in California, and go out there because you are never far from going to your next big catch.
