California Fishing Guide 2026: 60+ Best Lakes, Rivers & Spots

California packs more fishing variety into one state than almost anywhere in North America. You can fish high Sierra alpine lakes, warm Central Valley reservoirs, wild trout streams, and the Pacific coast — all without crossing a state line.

This guide covers 60+ of California’s best fishing spots, organized by region. Maybe you want trophy bass at Clear Lake, kokanee at Pardee, or a day on the famous Hat Creek. Either way, you’ll find details here on species, techniques, seasons, and local tips.

How to Use This Guide: Jump to your region using the sections below, or browse the full list at the end. Each spot links to our detailed fishing report with current conditions, gear picks, and local strategies.

Northern California Lakes

Northern California holds some of the state’s most productive water, from massive Lake Shasta to the clear lakes around Mount Shasta. You can fish these lakes all year for trout, bass, and salmon.

Lake Shasta & Keswick

Lake Shasta is California’s largest reservoir and one of its best fisheries. The lake holds strong numbers of rainbow and brown trout, spotted and largemouth bass, king salmon, and catfish. Keswick Reservoir sits next door and offers great trout fishing on smaller, quieter water.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for trout trolling, summer for bass, winter for trophy browns.

Lake Almanor & Butt Valley

Lake Almanor grows some of Northern California’s biggest trout. Its cold, clear water holds rainbow and brown trout plus smallmouth bass. Rainbows over 5 pounds show up here all the time.

Best seasons: May-June and September-October for trophy trout, summer evenings for hex hatches.

Lake Siskiyou & Shastina

The Lake Siskiyou area gives you postcard views of Mount Shasta while you fish. Lake Siskiyou Resort offers great rainbow and brown trout fishing, with the odd trophy fish over 10 pounds.

Best seasons: Spring through fall, with best trout fishing in April-June.

Lewiston Lake

Lewiston Lake is a fly fishing paradise. Cold water flows in steadily from Trinity Dam, and the lake grows trophy rainbow and brown trout — fish over 5 pounds are fairly common. A 10 mph speed limit keeps the water calm and perfect for fly fishing.

Best seasons: Year-round, with peak action March-June and September-November.

Manzanita Lake at Lassen

Manzanita Lake sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It offers catch-and-release fishing for trophy rainbow and brown trout in a striking volcanic setting. Fish average 16-22 inches, and anglers land fish over 24 inches every season.

Best seasons: June through October when park roads are open.

Additional Northern California Waters

• Marble Mountain Wilderness - Backcountry alpine lakes with wild trout
• Little Grass Valley Reservoir - Sierra trout fishing
• Susan River - Wild trout stream near Susanville

Sierra Nevada & Foothills

The Sierra Nevada range has it all, from high alpine lakes to foothill reservoirs. This is trout country. You’ll find wild and stocked fish in some of the prettiest water in California.

Donner Lake

Donner Lake near Truckee fishes well for rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and mackinaw (lake trout). The historic lake has shore access and boat rentals.

Best seasons: May-October for surface action, winter for mackinaw through the ice (where legal).

Boca, Prosser & Stampede Reservoirs

The Boca, Prosser, and Stampede reservoirs near Truckee give you three trout lakes in one trip. Stampede holds the biggest trout. Boca and Prosser offer easier access and steady action.

Best seasons: Ice-out through early summer, then again in fall.

Loon Lake, Union Valley & Ice House

Loon Lake, Union Valley, and Ice House Reservoir sit in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. All three fish well for rainbow and brown trout, and the campgrounds are beautiful.

Best seasons: June through October, with peak fishing in early summer.

Bucks Lake Area

Bucks Lake and its neighbor lakes offer top trout fishing in a quiet Sierra setting. Rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, clean water.

Best seasons: Memorial Day through Labor Day, with best action in June.

Emigrant Wilderness

Emigrant Wilderness holds over 100 alpine lakes full of wild trout. Pack trips reach water that rarely sees a fly. Golden trout live in the highest lakes.

Best seasons: July through September when snow has melted.

Northern Sierra Overview

Our Northern Sierra fishing overview covers more lakes and tactics for the region.

Gold Country Reservoirs

The Mother Lode’s reservoirs offer some of California’s best fishing, warm water and cold. These foothill lakes fish all year for bass, trout, kokanee, and catfish.

Lake Pardee

Lake Pardee is widely called California’s top kokanee salmon lake. Water skiing is banned, so the water stays calm. The lake also fishes well for rainbow trout, bass, and catfish, and our guide covers trolling techniques and seasonal patterns.

Best seasons: March-May for trout, May-August for kokanee, year-round for bass.

Lake Amador

Lake Amador is famous for Florida-strain largemouth bass that can top 15 pounds. Our Lake Amador trout guide covers its strong planted trout fishery.

Best seasons: Spring for spawning bass, winter and spring for planted trout.

New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake is Gold Country’s largest reservoir, and it offers real variety. Expect strong spotted bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and crappie.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for bass, year-round for trout trolling.

Lake Don Pedro

Lake Don Pedro is a huge reservoir with great trout trolling, bass fishing, and landlocked king salmon. Its size gives you plenty of room to find fish.

Best seasons: Spring for trout and salmon, spring through fall for bass.

Lake Englebright

Lake Englebright offers boat-in camping and fine trout fishing in a scenic canyon. Rainbow and brown trout respond well to trolling.

Best seasons: Year-round, with best trout fishing spring and fall.

New Hogan Lake

New Hogan Lake fishes well for striped bass, plus largemouth bass and catfish.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for stripers, summer evenings for catfish.

Bay Area Urban Fishing

The San Francisco Bay Area hides surprising fishing within reach of millions of people. These urban lakes offer quality angling without the long drive.

Lake Chabot

Lake Chabot sits in the East Bay hills, minutes from Oakland. It holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. Check our Lake Chabot facilities guide for boat rental info.

Best seasons: Year-round, with planted trout November-April.

Lake Del Valle

Lake Del Valle near Livermore is the East Bay’s largest lake and one of its best. Our detailed Del Valle guide covers tactics for trout, bass, striped bass, and catfish.

Best seasons: Year-round fishing with seasonal variety.

Lake Merced

Lake Merced offers trout fishing inside San Francisco city limits. Our guide covers access, regulations, and the seasonal stocking schedule.

Best seasons: November through April for planted trout.

Lake Anderson

Lake Anderson in the South Bay fishes well for bass, catfish, and panfish.

Best seasons: Spring for bass, summer for catfish.

Parkway Lake

Parkway Lake is a pay-to-fish lake stocked with trophy trout, including fish over 10 pounds.

Best seasons: November through April for trophy trout.

Central Valley & Delta

The Central Valley and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta offer world-class fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, salmon, and catfish in California’s farm country.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is California’s largest natural lake and its top bass water. Florida-strain largemouth regularly pass 10 pounds, and fish over 15 are possible — our species guide covers bass, catfish, and crappie tactics.

Best seasons: Year-round bass fishing, with spawning action February-May.

Lake Berryessa

Lake Berryessa is one of Northern California’s most versatile lakes, with camping and 7 species. Our Lake Berryessa bass tactics guide covers both smallmouth and largemouth strategies.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for bass, year-round for variety.

Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake near Sacramento fishes well for bass, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon. Shore access and boat ramps make it an easy trip.

Best seasons: Year-round, with best bass fishing spring and fall.

Lake Mendocino

Lake Mendocino offers strong striped bass fishing plus largemouth bass and catfish.

Best seasons: Spring for stripers, year-round for bass.

Indian Valley Reservoir

Indian Valley Reservoir offers quality bass and trout fishing without the crowds.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for best fishing.

California Rivers & Streams

California’s rivers and streams hold world-class trout, steelhead, and salmon. From famous wild trout streams to heavy salmon runs, the moving water deserves its own trip.

Lower Sacramento River

The Lower Sacramento River below Red Bluff is California’s most accessible king salmon and steelhead water. Professional guides work it year-round.

Best seasons: July-December for salmon, December-March for steelhead.

Hat Creek & Baum Lake

Hat Creek and Baum Lake hold some of California’s finest wild trout. The Hat Creek Wild Trout Section is famous among fly fishers.

Best seasons: May through October, with best hatches spring and fall.

Pit River

The Pit River runs through remote country full of wild rainbow and brown trout. The fly fishing is technical, and skilled anglers do best.

Best seasons: April through October, avoiding high water.

Putah Creek

Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa offers quality wild trout close to Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Best seasons: Year-round, with low flows best in summer and fall.

Mokelumne & Merced Rivers

The Mokelumne and Merced Rivers offer trout fishing in the Sierra foothills.

Best seasons: Spring and fall, avoiding high snowmelt flows.

Pine Flat Lake & Kings River

Pine Flat Lake and the Kings River cover both worlds, from warmwater bass to coldwater trout.

Best seasons: Spring and fall for most species.

Species Guide: What to Target When

Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth)

California bass fishing peaks during the spring spawn (February-May), when fish move shallow to bed. Fish feed hard before and after the spawn. Fall (September-November) brings one more feeding rush before the winter slowdown.

Top bass waters: Clear Lake, Lake Berryessa, Folsom Lake, Lake Amador

Rainbow & Brown Trout

You can catch trout all year in California. Spring (March-May) brings heavy stocking in lowland lakes. In summer, fish early or head for high country. Fall fishing is excellent, with cooling water and fewer crowds.

Top trout waters: Lake Almanor, Lewiston Lake, Hat Creek, Donner Lake

Kokanee Salmon

Target kokanee from late spring through summer, when they feed in cool thermocline water (40-55 degrees). Troll dodgers and hoochies, or small spinners, at 30-60 feet for steady catches.

Top kokanee waters: Lake Pardee, Stampede Reservoir, Donner Lake

King Salmon

Landlocked kings in reservoirs like Don Pedro and Shasta take trolled gear. On the Sacramento River, anglers back-troll or fish at anchor for kings.

Top salmon waters: Lake Don Pedro, Lake Shasta, Lower Sacramento River

Striped Bass

Stripers feed hard in spring and fall. Delta fishing peaks April-June. Reservoir stripers bite all year.

Top striper waters: Sacramento Delta, Lake Mendocino, New Hogan Lake

Catfish

Summer nights bring the best catfish action, though whiskerfish bite year-round. Channel cats are most common, and some waters hold blue catfish.

Top catfish waters: Clear Lake, Lake Berryessa, Lake Del Valle

California Fishing License & Regulations

License Requirements

All anglers 16 years and older must have a valid California fishing license. For 2026:

• Resident annual license: $54.00
• Non-resident annual license: $145.00
• One-day license: $18.00
• Two-day license: $27.50

Additional Stamps

• Steelhead Report Card: Required for steelhead fishing ($8.36)
• North Coast Salmon Report Card: Required for certain waters
• Second Rod Validation: Allows two rods while fishing ($17.48)

General Regulations

• Check specific water regulations before fishing
• Some waters have special size limits, bag limits, or gear restrictions
• Barbless hooks required on many wild trout waters
• Catch-and-release only on some trophy waters

Official regulations: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Month-by-Month Fishing Calendar

January-February

• Trout plants in lowland lakes
• Pre-spawn bass begin moving shallow
• Steelhead in coastal rivers

March-April

• Bass spawn begins at low elevations
• Excellent trout fishing as waters warm
• Kokanee trolling starts at Pardee

May-June

• Peak bass spawning
• High Sierra lakes ice out
• Sacramento River salmon season opens
• Best kokanee fishing

July-August

• Early morning fishing essential
• Target deep, cold water for trout
• Catfish peak at night
• Kokanee continues strong

September-October

• Fall feeding frenzy for bass
• Excellent trout fishing returns
• Salmon runs peak on rivers
• Many anglers’ favorite months

November-December

• Trout stocking resumes in lowland lakes
• Trophy brown trout spawn
• Steelhead arrive in rivers
• Winter bass fishing slows

Essential Gear for California Fishing

The right gear makes California fishing easier and more fun.

For a complete breakdown of fishing rod options, see our Best Fishing Rods 2026 Buyer’s Guide.

Planning Your California Fishing Trip

Weather Considerations

California’s geography means wild swings in weather. Sierra lakes can have snow in June. Central Valley reservoirs can top 100 degrees. Check the forecast and bring layers.

Camping Options

Most California fishing spots offer camping:

• Reservable sites: Book through ReserveCalifornia or Recreation.gov
• First-come sites: Arrive early, especially on weekends
• Boat-in camping: Available at Englebright, Berryessa, and other lakes

Best Times to Visit

• Weekdays: Less pressure, more fish
• Early mornings: Essential in summer
• Off-season: Fall offers excellent fishing and fewer crowds
• Avoid holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day bring maximum crowds

Complete California Fishing Destination Guide

Northern California

• Lake Shasta & Keswick
• Lake Almanor & Butt Valley
• Lake Siskiyou
• Lake Siskiyou Resort
• Lewiston Lake
• Manzanita Lake
• Little Grass Valley
• Marble Mountain Wilderness
• Susan River

Sierra Nevada

• Donner Lake
• Boca, Prosser & Stampede
• Loon Lake, Union Valley & Ice House
• Bucks Lake
• Emigrant Wilderness
• Northern Sierra Overview
• California Ice Fishing

Gold Country

• Lake Pardee Fishing Report
• Lake Amador Bass Guide
• Lake Amador Trout Guide
• New Melones Lake
• Lake Don Pedro
• Lake Englebright
• New Hogan Lake

Bay Area

• Lake Chabot
• Lake Chabot Facilities
• Lake Del Valle
• Lake Del Valle Tactics
• Lake Merced Overview
• Lake Anderson
• Parkway Lake

Central Valley & Delta

• Clear Lake Species Guide
• Lake Berryessa Complete Guide
• Lake Berryessa Bass Tactics
• Folsom Lake
• Lake Mendocino
• Indian Valley Reservoir

Rivers & Streams

• Lower Sacramento River
• Hat Creek & Baum Lake
• Pit River
• Putah Creek
• Mokelumne & Merced Rivers
• Pine Flat & Kings River

Species & Techniques

• California Trout Species
• Ocean Salmon Trolling
• Ocean Salmon Tackle
• Sturgeon Fishing
• Halibut Tactics
• Rockfish Guide
• Surf Smelt
• Grunion Runs
• Bat Ray Fishing

This guide is updated regularly with current conditions and new spots. Bookmark this page and check back before your next California fishing adventure.