Fishing in California is a great idea for those looking to participate in a leisure activity that allows them to spend quality time with their loved ones. Not only is the weather warm most of the time, but there are also multiple bodies of water to choose from when going on a fishing adventure.
Be sure to check out this guide to learn more about some of the best fishing spots in California. Use this knowledge to your advantage to find good fishing spots in California that will yield great results for you and anyone else who goes fishing with you.
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Best Fishing Spots In Southern California
Freshwater Fishing Spots
Learn More About: Best Time To Fish for Trout (By Type, Day & Season)
Learn More About: Trout Fishing Tips: How To EASILY Catch Trout
Fly Fishing Spots
Ocean & Surf Fishing Spots
Related Article: Surf Fishing Tips (Tips & Techniques On How To Surf Fish)

Pier Fishing Spots
Related Article: Pier Fishing Tips (Beginners Guide On How To Pier Fish)
Best Fishing Spots In Northern California
If you're planning to spend time in Northern California and want to go fishing, it's crucial to know more about some of the best fishing spots in the Northern California area. You can make sure that you're traveling to the ideal spots to capture the specific fish species that you’re most interested in catching and bringing back home with you.
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is a popular spot because it’s home to a large population of Largemouth Bass. The river is home to many fish, including midsize and large options that fishing enthusiasts look forward to catching on their line. Some of the different fish you can see while you're here include Catfish, Salmon, Shad, Yellow Perch, and more. It's an excellent spot for catfish lovers because there are several types of the species found swimming in this area.
Bodega Bay
Anglers of all experience levels can look forward to a stop at Bodega Bay, another incredible spot in Northern California known for its massive fish population. It’s a great spot to visit when you want to catch Crab, Halibut, Rockfish, Salmon, and more. If you’re looking to see what you can find and like the idea of suspense because you never know what you might get, a trip to this location is in order. The season for fishing begins in March and continues until January.
Lake Almanor
People looking for an incredible fishing experience while taking in breathtaking views can enjoy a visit to Lake Almanor. It’s home to many types of fish species, including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, King Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass. While not as common, it’s still possible to find some catfish while you’re here. Many anglers enjoy coming to Lake Almanor for the experience it provides, along with the impressive variety of fish available.
Russian River
Not to be confused with the Russian River in Alaska, the Russian River in Northern California is still a great fishing spot for anglers to enjoy. It’s home to Bluegill, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, and more. There is a lot of public access to the river throughout different parts of the region, including Monte Rio, Jenner, and Forestville, to name a few. If you want to have a relaxing experience with the opportunity to catch different fish with ease, this is an excellent place to visit in the Northern California area.

Best Fishing Spots In Central California
Suppose you're spending time in the Central California area instead of Southern or Northern California; no worries! There are still some great places to visit while you're here. So, if you'd like to visit some of the best fishing spots in Central California, be sure to check out the following local hot spots.
Clear Lake
Because the water is shallow in Clear Lake, it makes the process of finding and catching fish that much easier. If you want to have a relaxing and enjoyable time that yields plenty of fish, Clear Lake is the spot to be. In addition, this spot is known as the leading lake for finding different bass species. So, if you like catching bass, it’s yet another reason to give this place a try. Along with bass, you can find Catfish, Carp, Bluegill, and more.
Eastman Lake
Although it’s an artificial lake, Eastman Lake still has much to offer anglers of all experience levels. Whether you’re new to fishing or not, you can have a great time at this lake while capturing different types of fish, such as Hensley, Catfish, Crappie, Trout, Bass, and Bluegill. The impressive variety of fish available makes this a coveted spot, often considered a secret fishing spot in California worth visiting in your spare time.
Hensley Lake
Don’t forget about Hensley Lake, another popular spot in the Central California region. It’s a slow lake that is great for beginners and is home to many Catfish, making it easy to catch something while you’re there. Some of the different fish you can find while at this lake include Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass, all of which are worth bringing home and cooking if you enjoy eating the fish that you capture on your adventures.
The Lower Kern River
There are several sections by the Lower Kern River that allow for excellent fishing opportunities, including Democrat Beach to Lower Richbar and Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach. Many people enjoy visiting this river because of its heavy population of Rainbow Trout, Bass, and Browns. So, if you want to catch different fish species and enjoy your time by the water, this is a great spot.
Kings River
Find wild and stocked fish while spending time at Kings River. It’s the place to go for Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. If you’re looking for trout, this is the spot to be. People enjoy this spot because it’s open all throughout the year, providing countless opportunities for fishing adventures. In addition to being open throughout the year, it’s not hard to land a good catch, making this a favorite spot for most anglers.
What Do You Need To Fish In California?
Most of the fishing spots in California will require you to have a fishing license or permit. If you’ve asked the question, “Do you need a fishing license for the ocean in California?” the answer depends on which spot you’ve selected.
Related Article: How Much Is A Fishing License? (Price Guide For All States)
If you go fishing without a license, you could end up facing a fine that would cost you thousands of dollars. So, the best way to avoid that problem is to research the areas you’re planning to visit and find out if you need a license to fish there or not. And, if you don’t want to obtain a fishing license, you can always visit one of the spots that don’t require a license or permit to enjoy the water and capture the fish.
Besides licenses and permits for specific spots, be sure to have your equipment, including a reliable fishing rod with a durable line and plenty of bait to use. Come prepared to increase your chances of catching more fish.

California Vs Other US States – How Does The Fishing Compare?
California is an incredible state to visit for fishing experiences. It's a popular place for anglers because of the fantastic weather throughout the state.
On the other hand, while locations on the east coast may have much to offer, there are times when fishing becomes nearly impossible because of the cold temperature.
The west coast may, at times, experience those colder temperatures. Besides the beautiful weather, California is home to dozens of bodies of water that provide perfect opportunities for fishing.
Fishing In California FAQs
When is the best season to go fishing in California?
The best season for fishing in California is during the summer months. While June, July, and August are prime months for fishing, you can still enjoy trips to California at other times of the year for fishing, including September and October.
What fish can you not keep in California?
Different fishing spots have different rules and regulations. For example, in some spots, there is no weight limit, but there is a limit to 10 fish that you can keep and bring home with you. There are limits to different fish you can keep, too, such as a limit of five Largemouth Bass and a limit of 10 Striped Bass. Some of the fish you can’t keep for eating include China Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Black and Yellow Rockfish.
Is night fishing legal in California?
Yes, night fishing is legal in California in some locations. However, if you're fishing at night, you can't catch certain types of trout, such as Brown, Brook, Lake, or Rainbow Trout. Be sure to make a list of the fish you can and can't keep to avoid running into any issues.
What rockfish are illegal in California?
Certain types of Rock Fish are illegal in California. Some of these fish include Bronze spotted Rockfish, Cowcod, and Yelloweye Rockfish.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned more about some of the best fishing spots in Southern California and other parts of California, you can decide where you’d like to go to have the best fishing experience possible. There are plenty of good fishing spots in California that are worth visiting. So, whether you’re planning to go fly fishing, surf fishing, or traditional fishing, there are plenty of opportunities to catch different types of fish on your journey.