From beautiful beaches, lush forests full of wildlife, and breathtaking views, California is a dream come true for anglers worldwide.
Other than that, the Southern region’s pleasant temperature drifts above the vivid blue waves, enabling perfect fishing conditions.
This article will discuss the ten best places to go fishing in Southern California and some insider advice. Continue reading to know more.
Fish by the Pier in Southern California
One of the most enjoyable experiences an angler can have is pier fishing. It may place you in the middle of some very ideal fishing areas.
Hence, here are the best piers for anglers in Southern California to enjoy their fishing opportunities.
1. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is not only a well-known amusement park but also an excellent area to try fishing with your kids while enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean.
What makes it even better is that this public pier does not require a fishing license.
Furthermore, Santa Monica has become a popular fishing area for the following fish species:
- Halibut
- Herring
- Sculpins
- Stingrays
- Mackerel
- Surfperch
- Calico Bass
- Tiger Shark
- Leopard Shark
- White Sea Bass
If you’re a beginner, the Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Shop is the perfect shop for you, given its expertise and equipment. Additionally, they can even tell you what’s in season, recommend the finest bait, and lend you fishing poles.
Lastly, here’s insider advice for you; It’s better to go to Santa Monica Pier at night when it’s less congested. There’s no need to worry, as the bite game will still be on.
2. Redondo Beach Pier
The Redondo Beach Pier is known as the horseshoe-shaped angler sanctuary. It is where pier fishing in Southern California truly comes into being.
Anglers can also bring their family as it is located near an amusement park, which your kids can enjoy. In addition, the deep water of Redondo Submarine Canyon surrounds the pier quite closely, making the place ideal for fishing.
Redondo Beach pier is known for having several types of fish, such as:
- Bonito
- Halibut
- Sablefish
- Sanddab
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Cusk-Eels
- Barracuda (At Night)
- Yellowtail (Early Fall)
To top that off, beginners would love Redondo Beach Pier as one of the fishing spots in southern California. This is because there’s no need for you to have a California State fishing license to have fishing opportunities in this place.
Experience Surf Fishing in Southern California
With its biodiversity and mild climate, Southern California is often recognized as one of the world’s best spots for surf fishing.
Hence, here are locations where you can enjoy an excellent experience in Southern California.
3. El Capitan State Beach
This beachfront, located 20 minutes in the northern area of Santa Barbara, is a popular destination for anglers who love to surf fish.
El Capitan State Beach is a spot for various fish types. This includes:
- Calicos
- Halibut
- Rockfish
- Spunky Surfperch (average weight of 1-2 pounds)
A license is required if you go on to the water. For this reason, this place is regarded as a fishing area for expert anglers.
Hence, here’s insider advice for you; Avoid regions with a lot of seaweed and seek out places with darker water to increase your chances of catching something. And, of course, If you intend on being outside for an extended period, carry some sunscreen with you.
4. South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad is one of the numerous sites in San Diego County that offer great surf fishing. There are plenty of fish species that you can get from this site. It includes:
- Corbina
- Shark (Rare)
- Spotfin Croaker
- Barred Surfperch
Since there’s very little infrastructure on this very steep beach, here’s insider advice from expert anglers. Search for fish concentrated in holes and troughs.
To discover potential sites, get a bluff-top perspective during low tide. Fan-casting over a big area is also a good strategy to cover water and locate a school of fish.
Try Fly Fishing in Southern California
As an experienced angler, it is time for you to challenge yourself by trying out fly fishing in Southern California.
Therefore, to help you level up your game, here are locations in Southern California where you can experience this type of fishing.
5. Los Angeles River
This River is known as the “city of Los Angeles’s source of life.” The river runs more than 50 miles through Downtown Los Angeles and south to the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach from the San Fernando Valley.
Although trouts are impossible to find here, there are a lot of species that are popularly caught in this area, namely:
- Carp
- Barred Sand Bass
- California Halibut
- Spotted Sand Bass
Matus Sobolic, a fishing ambassador, has been fly fishing in this river. He said that it’s important to imitate the forage. Sobolic utilizes hand-tied imitation flies, specifically a crayfish or a reddish or brownish buggy nymph.
Also, check out our list of the best sand bass fishing spots in Southern California!
Deep-Sea Fishing in Southern California
This type of experience is a must-have adventure for anglers. The exhilarating view and diverse range of destinations is every angler’s aspiration.
Hence, start crossing things from your bucket list with these destinations.
6. Davey’s Locker
Davey’s Locker is located in Newport Beach, just 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and only minutes from the majority of Orange County. Other than that, it’s also a popular alternative if you’re interested in whale watching.
There are various types of fish you can find in this location. Here are some of the packages and the different species you can get.
Half-Day Fishing
- Bass
- Bonito
- Sculpin
- Mackerel
- Barracuda
- Sheephead
- White Sea Bass
3/4 Day Fishing
Overnight Fishing
- Dorado
- Yellow Tail
- Bluefin Tuna
- Albacore Tuna
- Yellowfin Tuna
- White Sea Bass
Moreover, Davey’s Locker offers charter fishing boats and private boat rentals for fishing and whale-watching excursions for all groups.
Fish by the Lake in Southern California
Lakes in Southern California are the ideal destination for a variety of forage. Hence, beginner or experienced anglers always come back for these lakes.
If you still aren’t familiar with the best lakes to cast your equipment, here are some places experienced anglers recommend. (You can also check out our top picks for fishing lakes in Southern California)
7. Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake, state-owned water storage, is situated North of Santa Clarita. This lake is famous for trophy fish during March and other fish from fall to spring-like.
- Striped Bass
- Rainbow Trout
- Channel Catfish
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
There are two major areas in Castaic Lake; the upper and lower lake. What makes it even better is the 24-hour fishing pier, making anglers love this location.
Additionally, there’s a campsite and picnic area on-premise, making it a popular venue for families to spend time together, as well as a place to rent rods or any equipment that you might need, especially for beginners.
Aside from the fact that this lake is fully stocked with Rainbow trout during cool months, significant catches have also happened. George Perry caught a 22.04-pound of largemouth bass in 1992. On the other hand, Rober Flaata, in 2006, caught a channel catfish weighing 48 pounds.
8. Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory, located in the pine-covered core of the San Bernardino Mountains, is a fishing paradise in Southern California. This tranquil 120-acre lake is a two-hour journey from Los Angeles. Even better, it’s also home to various types of fish, such as;
- Bluegill
- Bullhead
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Lightning Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Orange Tagged Fish
As Lake Gregory Regional Park is located in the San Bernardino mountains, it also offers camping activities, or you can just enjoy the forest.
A little insider advice for beginners and expert anglers; although fishing is available year-round, spring is the best season for anglers to go casting their rods for some trout fishing.
Lastly, anglers would be very excited to hear that an orange-tagged fish can be found on this lake every month. Not only will you get this fish, but the person who catches it will win prize money.
9. Lake Piru
Piru Lake, a year-round hotbed for “trophy” trout, is the place to go if you want to get away from the city. The Santa Clara River receives over half of its flow from this Southern California lake.
This lake has attracted much attention because of its catch-and-release trout fishing.
Indeed, a lot of forage can be found beneath the waters of this lake. This includes:
- Bass
- Trout
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Redear Sunfish
The stream and hiking trails attract many anglers, picnickers, and kayakers who come to savor the area’s natural beauty.
10. Diamond Valley Lake
This artificial lake, located between two mountain peaks in Hemet, is known for its “monster fishes.” Therefore, anglers worldwide come to Diamond Valley Lake to experience the best of Southern California fishing while battling these 15-pound monster fishes.
Other than this, other species can be found in this lake. This includes:
- Bluegill
- Black Bass
- Rainbow Trout
- Channel Catfish
Diamond Valley Lake is even better because boat rentals are also available to get you the perfect place to cast your rods.
Conclusion
By now, you should know the best places to go fishing in Southern California, from fishing by the pier to an artificial lake with monster fish.
Surely, our list of places will not disappoint any angler. Beginner or not, you’ll find a suitable location for you to enjoy a day of fishing.
Founder & Angler 
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