Fishing in California
California offers the most diverse fishing in America — from trophy largemouth bass at Clear Lake to giant yellowtail off San Diego, Sierra Nevada trout streams, Delta stripers, and world-record spotted bass. The state has it all.
Tournament Scene
Clear Lake, the Delta, and southern California reservoirs host major tournaments year-round.
Local Tips
Clear Lake is the #1 bass lake in the West. The Delta produces giant stripers and largemouth. San Diego offshore fishing is world-class.
Major Trails
Local Circuits
Public Access
Good access on most reservoirs. Some require day-use fees.
Species in California
What you can target and when
Largemouth Bass
excellentBest Waters
Clear Lake · California Delta · Lake Casitas
Spotted Bass
excellentBest Waters
New Bullards Bar · Lake Oroville · Shasta Lake
Rainbow Trout
excellentBest Waters
Owens River · Hat Creek · McCloud River
Yellowfin Tuna
goodBest Waters
San Diego offshore · Catalina Island · Tanner Bank
Top Waters in California
Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries
California Delta
1,000 miles of waterways producing trophy largemouth bass and stripers.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Fall
Clear Lake
The #1 bass lake in the Western United States with incredible numbers of quality fish.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Fall
San Diego Offshore
World-class offshore fishing with long-range boats accessing incredible tuna grounds.
Top Species
Best: Summer/Fall
Mega San Francisco Tarpon Pursuit
Monster Oroville Bass Jamboree
Open San Francisco Snook Series
Predator Oroville Tuna Pursuit
National Oroville Marlin Knockout
Mayor's Cup Lake Isabella Trout Spectacular
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
Resident License
Annual Resident: $54.00.
Non-Resident License
Annual Non-Resident: $142.05. 10-Day: $54.00. 2-Day: $27.87.
Short-Term License
2-Day and 10-Day licenses available.
Youth & Senior
Free for residents under 16. Reduced rate for seniors.
Boat Registration
Required for all vessels.
Tournament Permit
Varies by water body. Some require special permits.
Regulations Overview
5 bass daily limit. 12-inch minimum. Complex ocean regulations by species.
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