The state of California covers a huge area and includes a variety of habitats, which makes fishing in California a whole lot of fun. You will find mountain lakes and rivers, desert areas, and ocean fishing. Deciding where to go will depend on what type of fish you want to catch. You can catch bass in lakes, trout in rivers, or bigger species in the ocean. The state has two sets of regulations, one for inland fishing and one for fishing in the ocean. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license unless they are fishing off a pier in the ocean or bay. Also, if you’re catching certain species like salmon or steelhead, you’ll also need to keep a report card about what you catch.
Fishing Spots in California
Here are some of the best fishing spots in California. You can fish for a variety of species, and you’ll enjoy California’s vast differences in landscape and scenery while you’re out.
Lake Shasta
Lake Shasta is located in northern California near Redding, in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This lake is the ideal place to catch bass, especially spotted bass. There are many marinas around the water’s edge where you can rent a boat to get out on the water. Use spinnerbaits, plastic worms, swimbait, or live bait for the best results. The fishing is good year-round, but it’s best in the spring.
There are lots of RV campgrounds around Lake Shasta and in nearby Redding. Dispersed camping is also available in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is full of opportunities for fishing in California and Nevada, since the lake spans two states. The Tahoe State Recreation Area near Tahoe City is near the Tahoe City Commons Beach and Elizabeth Williams Park – both great places to fish from shore. There are beaches and piers all around the lake’s 72 miles of shoreline that make excellent fishing spots. You can also rent a boat to fish in the lake. You may catch Mackinaw, Rainbow, and Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.
McCloud River
The McCloud River in northern California offers excellent fly-fishing opportunities. You will find nice campgrounds, waterfalls, and a river that is stocked with trout. If you go above the McCloud Reservoir, the water is shallower, so it is easier to wade in while casting. Fish is also stocked regularly at Fowlers Campground. You can use bait, lures, or flies to fish here. Keep up to five tasty trout for dinner.
The Delta
The California Delta covers a wide area and is an excellent fishing spot where the San Joaquin River and the Sacramento River meet. The area has plenty of fishing holes, both secluded and out in the open. There are marinas all over the Delta where you can rent a boat. Be ready to catch some good-sized striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Mammoth Lakes
The Mammoth Lakes are located in the central-eastern part of the state. They are stocked with Rainbow and Alpers Trout, and there are brown trout as well. The lakes are fantastic for fishing from your boat or a float tube. There is also plenty of fishing from the bank. Do not plan to fish Horseshoe Lake, however, since it is not stocked like the others and does not offer good fishing spots.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located near Mariposa in California. This area is known for its wildlife and gorgeous scenery. The park also has lakes where you can fish year-round and rivers where you can fish during the right season. You can take five brook trout daily if they’re at least 10 inches long. The national park does not allow bait fishing in many of its streams or rivers, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip.
Yosemite has ten campgrounds inside the national park that allow RV camping. The campgrounds do not have hookups, and they fill up quickly, thanks to the park’s popularity. You can also find lots of campgrounds in Oakhurst, just outside of Yosemite. Fresno is the nearest big city and also has lots of camping options.
Castaic Lake
This Southern California lake is home to trophy-size largemouth and striped bass and is a popular place for fishing tournaments. Castaic Lake is also a great lake for families. The upper lake is a good spot for fishing from small boats, while the lower lagoon is a good spot for shore fishing. This is a busy spot for fishing in California year-round, but the fishing is especially good in spring.
The campground at the state park has electric and water hookups, along with showers and a dump station. You can also look for campgrounds in nearby Santa Clarita.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a great place for saltwater fishing. Fishing licenses aren’t required on public piers, so this is an easy spot for beginners and kids to give it a try. You might catch mackerel, surfperch, halibut, or even sharks off the pier. The Santa Monica Pier also has a roller coaster, a ferris wheel, souvenir shops, and places to grab a bite to eat. Fishing is best at sunrise and sunset.
Look for campgrounds in Los Angeles or near Santa Monica to stay close to the pier.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is an island off the coast of Southern California, which you can reach via ferries or charter boats from Long Beach or Dana Point. The island has world-class fishing, and you can try for yellowtail, White Seabass, or Calico Bass. You can fish off the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon which is also the island’s official weigh station. You can also rent a boat or sign up for a deep-sea fishing excursion for a more serious fishing trip.
You can find RV campgrounds in Long Beach, near where you pick up the ferry or charter to the island.
Where to Fish in California
Fishing in California gives you the chance to try a variety of styles. You can enjoy fishing in wilderness rivers, high mountain lakes, and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. You can also fish for a variety of species, and you’ll get to experience the vastly different types of scenery all across this beautiful state.
Camping and Fishing in California
When you go fishing and camping in California, you’ll want to carry your valid fishing license with you unless you’re fishing from a pier into the ocean, or if it’s a free fishing weekend.
Be sure to bring your pole and tackle box, depending on what type of fishing you’ll be doing. Be sure to bring plenty of tackle since many of the wooded fishing areas may cause you to cast into the brush and lose your bait or lure. The lakes often have rocks or sunken logs that will grab your bait as well. If you fly fish, bring a belly pack so that you can carry gear with you when you wade out. You will probably want waders, too, since many of the rivers contain snow runoff and can be extremely cold. For ocean fishing, you will want a thicker pole that stands up to waves and currents. You’ll probably enjoy mild temperatures in the state year-round unless you’re in the Sierras.
With an RV rental from RVshare, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you have spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV.
