From Mountain Lakes to Winding Rivers, Check Out These Top California Fishing Spots

Quick Take

• One lake on this list regularly produces double-digit bass, yet most Southern California anglers have never considered fishing it. Discover Diamond Valley Lake →
• There's a single day challenge at one Eastern Sierra lake that separates casual anglers from serious ones. It involves four different trout species. Try the Sierra Grand Slam →
• California's largest natural freshwater lake holds a bass record most anglers wouldn't believe, and the lake itself is probably not the one you'd expect. See the record bass lake →
• One river on this list carries nearly a third of California's total surface water, and the fish runs it hosts are just as staggering. Explore the Sacramento River →

California offers some of the country’s most diverse fishing. From mountain lakes to winding rivers and man-made reservoirs, anglers can cast their lines in nearly every part of the state. Whether you want to reel in trophy trout, Chinook salmon, or giant largemouth bass, California has a fishing spot for every interest or skill level. Read on to discover some of California’s top fishing spots.

1. Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is one of Southern California’s best fishing lakes, with 525 acres of surface area. Located in Riverside County, it offers a wide variety of fish species. Here you can fish for smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, walleye, trout, and blue catfish. The lake also offers gorgeous views.

You’ll have access to a boat launch ramp and nearby lodging. Primitive campgrounds and RV hookups are also available. There’s a bait and tackle store nearby and a convenience store where you can buy everything you need. After a day on the water, head to one of the local community restaurants for dinner.

2. Diamond Valley Lake

Diamond Valley Lake is located only 10 miles from Temecula in Southern California. The lake has a surface area of 4,500 acres. It’s popular for being one of the best tournament lakes in California and has a reputation for delivering trophy fish. Bass weighing over 10 pounds are regular catches. Along with largemouth and smallmouth bass, you’ll also be able to fish for channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, and white crappie. The lake is also home to rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, and striped bass.

Since the shoreline access is limited, kayak fishing often works best here. However, you’ll have access to a six-lane concrete boat launch ramp, as well as a marina. Boat rentals and a nice campground are also available. Plus, there’s a bait and tackle store nearby.

3. El Capitan Reservoir

Another Southern California lake is El Capitan Reservoir. Located in San Diego County, the lake is the perfect spot for bass enthusiasts. Channel catfish, blue catfish, and black and white crappie are also popular catches. El Capitan was created in 1935 after the completion of the El Capitan Dam, and this reservoir has the largest capacity in the San Diego reservoir system. When full, the surface area increases to 1,562 acres.

There are also 22 miles of shoreline, so no boat is required, but you’ll have access to a marina, boat launch ramp, and boat rentals at El Capitan Reservoir. The boat launch ramp is three-lane, and all parking spots are paid for. If you are planning on traveling in an RV, the reservoir has RV hookups, and there is also a campground available.

4. Clear Lake

In Northern California you can find Clear Lake. This natural freshwater lake is the largest in California. With 68 square miles of surface area, you’ll be able to enjoy an abundance of fish and wildlife sightings. Here you’ll be able to fish for channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, white perch, and more. However, about two-thirds of the fish caught are largemouth bass. The current record belongs to a 17.52 pound bass. There are regular fishing tournaments at this lake, attracting anglers from all over the world.

It’s always a good idea to check the water levels before your visit. They’ll close the boat ramp if the water levels get too low. However, there’s almost always vehicle access allowed to the day use facilities. You’ll be able to access the parking lots, trails, and restrooms. There’s also a museum that opens in May and keeps regular hours through the summer. The park hours for the lake are sunrise to sunset.

5. June Lake

June Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the state. Its surface area of 320 acres makes it one of the largest lakes in the Eastern Sierra region. This lake is also naturally occurring, not a man-made reservoir. Here you’ll be able to fish for cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. The lake is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout, so the numbers are typically good. While you’re there, catch a Sierra Grand Slam, which is a brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout all on the same day.

Hiking, swimming, and camping are also available at June Lake, but there are no RV hookups. It’s one of the most fun locations on our list for outdoor enthusiasts. June Lake does not have a great deal of shoreline, so if you prefer fishing from a boat, this is a great location. If you need a boat, there are also boat rentals available.

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada on the border of California and Nevada, is famous for its beautiful views, attracting visitors from all over the world. You can fish for Mackinaw (Lake) trout, rainbow trout, and you might even catch a few kokanee salmon. The pristine, and chilly, water is home to some of the largest trout. The lake record for brown trout was 15 pounds.

You’ll also have access to a lot of amenities. There’s a boat ramp, boat rentals, and a marina with public access. There are also nearby campgrounds, RV hookups, and lodging. Since it’s a popular tourist destination, anything you need is just a short drive away. You’ll find that Sand Harbor is one of the most popular places to access Lake Tahoe. Its sandy beaches, boat launch, and group-use facilities make it a popular spot.

7. Sacramento River

The Sacramento River runs nearly 400 miles south from the Mt. Shasta area in Northern California to the San Francisco Bay. It is the longest river in the state, carrying about 30% of California’s total surface water. The river is best known for its runs of chinook salmon, steelhead trout, striped bass, green and white sturgeon, and lampreys.

Woodson Bridge State Recreational Area near Corning is a top spot for Sacramento River salmon, striped bass, steelhead, and trout fishing. The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area is a prime location for striped bass, sturgeon, and shad. Anderson River Park in Anderson is a popular spot for trout, steelhead, and chinook salmon. There are various amenities at each of these parks and recreational areas, so visit their websites for more information.

8. Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake in northern California was formed by the damming of the Sacramento River in 1948. It is the largest man-made reservoir in the state. Shasta Lake has plenty of room for fishing with a surface area of around 30,000 acres. The lake is a great place to fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and sturgeon.

There are over a dozen marinas on Shasta Lake, offering services such as boat rentals, retail stores, fueling, and even dining and lodging at Bridge Bay Marina. Shasta Lake also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, camping, climbing, caving, picnicking, hiking, boating, water-skiing, hunting, horseback riding, and mountain biking.