Detailed Guide to Fishing in California

California is one of the most diverse fishing states in the United States, offering anglers access to the Pacific Ocean, countless rivers, large reservoirs, and high mountain lakes. With year-round fishing opportunities, California is considered a hub for both freshwater and saltwater fishing enthusiasts.

This guide covers the essential details needed for anyone looking to explore California for fishing. We’ve highlighted the best rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, the prime fish species, seasons, and fishing license information.

Best Rivers to Fish in California

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River is the largest river in California and one of the most popular fishing spots. It is well known for its salmon runs and abundant striped bass. The best fishing is during fall when Chinook salmon migrate upriver, but spring and summer also provide excellent striped bass and sturgeon fishing.

American River

A prime tributary of the Sacramento, the American River is most famous for steelhead and salmon fishing. Fall (October through December) is peak season for salmon, while winter and early spring bring the best steelhead runs.

Klamath River

The Klamath River in Northern California is considered one of the top steelhead fisheries in the state. Fall delivers strong salmon and steelhead runs, while summer offers solid trout action.

Russian River

Located in Sonoma County, the Russian River is well known for steelhead and salmon runs during winter months. Success here depends heavily on seasonal rains.

Feather River

The Feather River is a major salmon hotspot, best fished in late summer and fall. It also holds strong runs of striped bass and steelhead.

Best Lakes for Fishing in California

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is California’s largest natural freshwater lake and consistently ranks among the best bass lakes in the U.S. Anglers can target largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish year-round.

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is a prime fishing destination for spotted bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, and king salmon. Spring and fall are considered the best times to fish here.

Lake Tahoe

Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers fishing for lake trout (mackinaw), kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Fishing is productive year-round, with summer being especially popular.

Lake Oroville

Known for its healthy population of spotted bass, Lake Oroville also has catfish, crappie, and king salmon. Spring and early summer are the best times for bass fishing here.

Big Bear Lake

Located in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds bass, catfish, and sunfish. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons.

Best Coastal Areas for Fishing in California

San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay is a hotspot for striped bass, halibut, leopard sharks, and sturgeon. Spring through fall is the prime season for fishing in the bay.

Monterey Bay

Known for its rich marine life, Monterey Bay offers fishing for rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and salmon. Charter boats operate year-round for deep-sea fishing adventures.

San Diego Coast

The San Diego coast is a premier saltwater destination, with access to tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and calico bass. Offshore trips are especially popular in summer.

Channel Islands

Off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands are a favorite for deep-sea fishing. Anglers regularly pull in white sea bass, yellowtail, halibut, and rockfish here.

Fish Species in California

Trout

Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are found in rivers, lakes, and mountain streams throughout California.

Bass

California is a top state for bass fishing, with largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass available in lakes like Clear Lake and Lake Shasta.

Salmon

Chinook and Coho salmon thrive in rivers like the Sacramento and Klamath, with fall runs being especially productive.

Steelhead

Found in Northern California rivers, steelhead runs are most active in winter and spring.

Striped Bass

Striped bass migrate through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and coastal bays, providing excellent fishing opportunities year-round.

Saltwater Species

Offshore waters hold tuna, yellowtail, dorado, halibut, and rockfish, making California one of the top states for deep-sea fishing.

Best Fishing Season in California

Fishing in California is year-round, but peak seasons vary by species and location:

• Salmon & Steelhead: Fall and winter.
• Bass: Spring through early summer.
• Saltwater Species (Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado): Summer into early fall.
• Trout: Spring and fall in lakes and rivers.

Best Fishing Time in California

Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish across California, with cooler water temperatures increasing fish activity.

Fishing License in California

Purchasing a License

A fishing license in California can be purchased online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website, at license agents, or in sporting goods stores across the state.

License Types & Costs

Resident Licenses:

• Annual Fishing License: ~$61
• One-Day License: ~$19
• Two-Day License: ~$30
• Ten-Day License: ~$61

Non-Resident Licenses:

• Annual Fishing License: ~$166
• One-Day License: ~$19
• Two-Day License: ~$30
• Ten-Day License: ~$61

Additional validations are required for ocean salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.