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Fishing in California

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

California has over 4,000 natural lakes and 1,500 major reservoirs. From Sierra Nevada trout and Shasta Lake bass to world-class saltwater fishing on the coast, California offers incredible fishing diversity.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Northern California

Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake, Sacramento River, Klamath River -- Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Steelhead

Sierra Nevada

Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, high mountain lakes -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Golden Trout

Central Valley & Delta

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Clear Lake, Folsom Lake, Berryessa -- Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sturgeon, Crappie

Central Coast & Bay Area

San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz -- Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Salmon, Dungeness Crab

Southern California

Pyramid Lake, Castaic Lake, San Diego Lakes, offshore -- Largemouth Bass, Yellowtail, Tuna, Rockfish, Calico Bass

Eastern Sierra

Crowley Lake, June Lake, Bishop Creek, Owens River, Hot Creek -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout