Fishing in California
Plan a family fishing and boating weekend on Lake Berryessa in Napa Valley or experience an urban fishing adventure from the shore of Dockweiler State Beach in Los Angeles.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN CALIFORNIA
YOSEMITE LAKE
SAN DIEGO LAKES
CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK
GET A CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN CALIFORNIA
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
CALIFORNIA HALIBUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Californai halibut are not known to make any extensive migrations such as its larger northern relatives do.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Inland coastal medium to fast-action casting rod |
| Reel | Baitcasting reel |
| Line | 15 pound monofilament test fishing line |
| Lure | Single Tail Grubs, Rubber Fish |
KELP BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The kelp bass, a member of a large group of seabasses, which inhabit the eastern Pacific, is a robust fish with a typical, well-known bass shape.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-8 foot fast tapered graphite rod |
| Reel | Casting reel |
| Line | 15-20 pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Swim Baits (5-6 inches) |
COHO SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The Coho Salmon, is one of the most highly sought after game fish of the Pacific Ocean and the many rivers that run into it.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8.5-9.5 foot light spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel to hold at least 100 yard line |
| Line | 15-20 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinners (#4 or 5), Spoon |
CALIFORNIA CORBINA
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
When summer comes to Southern California, the corbina arrive on the beaches. They cruise the shoreline searching for food.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-6 rod rated for 4 - 10 lb. line with a Medium-Light action |
| Reel | 2000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Soft-Shelled Crab, Fresh Mussels, Mackerel, Sand Crabs |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
