The Best Places To Fish in California

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

California offers a plethora of fantastic fishing locations, both inland and along its extensive coastline. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing opportunities in the state, for a variety of fish species. Among the best places to fish in California is the Sacramento River, known for its abundance of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. The San Francisco Bay area is another popular spot, with opportunities to catch striped bass, halibut, and sturgeon. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide pristine alpine lakes and rivers, such as Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, where anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Along the coast, the waters of Monterey Bay attract anglers in search of rockfish, lingcod, and Dungeness crab. Southern California offers excellent fishing opportunities as well, with prime spots like the Channel Islands known for their plentiful yellowtail, calico bass, and white seabass. With such diverse fishing options and abundant species, California is truly a haven for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing experiences.

There are many great places to fish in The Golden State. There are so many great lakes to fish and beautiful country to see in California. In addition to the lakes we cover, there are smaller lakes, ponds, creels, streams, river systems and the ocean to fulfill your fishing desires. Often, the best place to fish in California is one with your favorite species and is convenient to you.

California's Top, Amazing Fishing Spots

Northern CA

Central CA

Southern CA

These six lakes represent the best place to fish in each region. Defining the "best" lakes can be somewhat arbitrary and can vary year to year, especially with water level fluctuations. However, these have proven over the years to be a great place to start. Learn more...

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Most Popular Fish Species In California

California waters proudly offer four species of catfish, three species of bass, four species of salmon, both species of crappie, six species of trout and a host of other desired species. Learn more...

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Best Places to Fish for Catfish in California

Northern CA

Central CA

Southern CA

Catfish, especially big ones really thrive in rivers. Some of the best catfish lakes are ones with a fertile river feeding the lake. Some lakes are stocked with catfish and create a nice fishery for both quantity and quality. These lakes are a great place to start, or try your luck on most of the river systems across the state. Learn more...

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Best Places to Fish for Bass in California

Northern CA

Central CA

Southern CA

Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass draw anglers to many of the lakes throughout the state, in search of monster bass. The world record spotted bass was caught from New Bullards Bar Lake. Learn more...

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Best Lakes to Fish for Salmon in California

Northern CA

Central CA

Four species of salmon are available to fishing enthusiasts. Landlocked Chinook Salmon are stocked in many California lakes, they put up a respectable fight and are tasty table fare. Learn more...

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Best Places To Fish For Crappie in California

Northern CA

Central CA

Southern CA

Sometimes the best place to fish for crappie is the crappie lake closest to you. Over half the lakes in the state have populations of crappie, some better than others. Learn more...

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Best Trout Fishing Lakes in California

Northern CA

Central CA

Southern CA

The Golden State has plenty of water to excite trout fishing enthusiasts. Here, we cover lakes. However, there are many rivers and streams with quality trout fishing as well - especially the the northern half of the state. Learn more...

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Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in California