7 Reasons California Is Home to the Greatest Fishing in the U.S.

California has it all. Large cities, vast wildernesses, and the hottest place in the United States! While it may not have 10,000 lakes like Minnesota, California is still a paradise for anglers. Today, we’re going to look at 7 reasons California is home to the greatest fishing in the U.S. Discover some of what the Golden State has to offer people who want to land the big one!

1. California Is Home to the Greatest Fishing in the U.S. Because of the Weather

First off, the weather in some parts of California allows people to take part in fishing throughout the year. That sentence is enough to make some anglers want to pack up their rods and tackle to head there right away. Places like San Diego have average high temperatures in the 60s throughout the cold winter months. That’s warm enough to stay out on the water and pursue some fish.

Of course, people who want to go ice fishing also have options. California has something for everyone. Whether you want to fish from the beach on a brisk autumn afternoon or drop a line to catch some spring Chinook salmon, the options are there.

2. The Golden State Has Gorgeous Views

California is full of scenic views that will make any fishing trip even more special. Anglers can fish in the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean or at gorgeous lakes with a mountain backdrop, like Lake Tahoe. People who go fishing in this state can fish along raging rivers or in serene bays, all in one state.

3. Anglers Love the Variety of Fish in the Waters

Another one of the reasons California is home to the greatest fishing in the U.S. is the sheer variety of fish that live in the state’s various waters. According to the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, the Golden State has over 150 species of fish living in its waters. That does not even count all the fish that people can catch off the coast!

People who love to fish have so many options throughout the year. They can go to rivers during a salmon run, catch gigantic channel catfish in the state’s rivers, or look for rarer species. Fishing charters can help anglers catch sharks or marlins off the coast, too!

4. The State Has Massive Lakes and Winding Rivers

People who enjoy freshwater fishing will love everything about California. This state is home to 3,000 named lakes and many others with no names at all. These lakes are spread throughout the state, offering people the chance to fish no matter where they live. Several large rivers are also in this state, providing hundreds of miles of shorelines from which people can catch fish. The freshwater fishing opportunities in this area are better than in most other states.

5. California Is a Saltwater Fishing Paradise

Aside from having amazing freshwater fishing, Cali also has saltwater fishing opportunities. California’s coastline is 840 miles long and has hundreds of public beaches for people to enjoy. So, anglers can try to catch fish from the coastline up and down the state, at least where it’s legal.

Like other coastal states, people can also take boats out into the ocean to catch fish. The Pacific Ocean is a vast body of water, giving anglers plenty of areas to set out and pursue all types of fish. Once again, the great climate in this region comes into play.

Many other places throughout the country have coastal fishing available. However, the Golden State has long stretches of coastline available in warm areas, ensuring that saltwater fishing can happen throughout the year!

6. Charters, Fly-Fishing, Shoreline Fishing and More

Another reason that this state’s fishing is among the best is that anglers of all disciplines can take part in the fun. Beginners can find calm lakes to start their fishing journey. Fly-fishers can find various mountain streams and rivers to get their casts just right. People who love fishing from their boats can head to the state’s massive lakes or go out into the ocean for an excursion. Every person who likes to fish can find something to enjoy here.

7. You’ll Find Fishing Locations Close to Everything or Far from It All

The last of the reasons California is home to the greatest fishing in the U.S. is the widespread availability of areas in which people can go fishing. With so many lakes and rivers and miles of coastline, residents in California are never too far away from a fishing trip. That opens up the possibility for people to go fishing far out in the wilderness or just a few miles from major cities, like Los Angeles or Sacramento.

All in all, the Golden State is a haven for anglers no matter what they seek. The state is home to over 100 species of fish and has thousands of places where people can go fishing. Those factors combined with the state’s climate ensure that anglers can have a great time whenever they want to go fishing.  

Summary of Reasons California Is Home to the Greatest Fishing