The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Southern California

Discover the best fishing lakes in Southern California. With an abundance of lakes to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the top spots for fishing in the region, including their best features and amenities. Read on to find the perfect fishing lake for your next trip.

Castaic Lake

Located in Santa Clarita, Castaic Lake is a large lake with over 32 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for a variety of anglers.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, and Bullhead
Types of Fishing: Shoreline, boat, pier, and trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Tackle Express shop
Fishing Guide Service: V&M Fishing Services offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Castaic and Fairfield Inn & Suites Valencia
Nearest Fishing Store: Tackle Express is located 5.5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Swimming beach, boat launch, boat rentals, fish cleaning station, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron is located 5 miles away

Lake Perris

Situated in Riverside County, Lake Perris is a 1,560-acre lake with high water clarity and excellent weather.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Carp, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Visitor Center
Fishing Guide Service: Lake Perris Fishing Adventures offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton Moreno Valley and Hampton Inn & Suites Perris
Nearest Fishing Store: Tackle World is located 11 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramp, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 6.6 miles away

Lake Piru

Located in Ventura County, Lake Piru is a 489-acre lake surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Lake Piru Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Fish Warrior Guide Service offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Inn of Ventura and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fillmore
Nearest Fishing Store: Daddy’s Bait, Tackle & Cafe is located 18.5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fishing pier, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic area
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 5.5 miles away

Lake Skinner

Located in the foothills of Temecula, Lake Skinner is a 3,000-acre lake surrounded by hills and valleys.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Lake Skinner Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Lake Skinner Fishing Adventures offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Temecula Creek Inn andCourtyard by Marriott Temecula
Nearest Fishing Store: Reel Bass Fishing Tackle is located 11.2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Valero is located 4.5 miles away

Lake Cachuma

Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Lake Cachuma is a 5,100-acre lake with plenty of recreational activities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Cachuma Lake Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Fish Locker Santa Barbara offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Lake Cachuma Recreational Area and Holiday Inn Santa Ynez Valley
Nearest Fishing Store: Santa Barbara Fishing Charters & Tackle is located 14.9 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 10.3 miles away

Diamond Valley Lake

Located in the foothills of Hemet, Diamond Valley Lake is a 4,500-acre lake with plenty of fish and other recreational activities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Diamond Valley Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Huck Finn Fishing Adventures offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Hacienda Inn Hemet and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hemet
Nearest Fishing Store: Reel Bass Fishing Tackle is located 12.8 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 6.4 miles away

Lake Isabella

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Isabella is a 3,300-acre lake surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Lake Isabella Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Kern River Valley Fishing Charters offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Best Western Lake Isabella Inn and Holiday Inn Express Kernville
Nearest Fishing Store: Kern River Outfitters is located 9.6 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 8.2 miles away

Otay Lake

Located in the Otay Valley of east San Diego, Otay Lake is a 1,500-acre lake filled with freshwater trout.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Trout, Catfish, Bluegill, and Carp
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Otay Lake Marina
Fishing Guide Service: TROUT LOVERS Fishing Guide Service offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Otay Valley Hotel and Comfort Inn Chula Vista
Nearest Fishing Store: Greatwater Fishing Supplies is located 8.3 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic area
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 2.2 miles away

Lake Henshaw

Located in the Palomar Mountains, Lake Henshaw is a 1,200-acre lake with plenty of wildlife and recreational activities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Bank and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Lake Henshaw Resort
Fishing Guide Service: Fish-N-Fool Guide Service offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Lake Henshaw Resort and Oakzanita Springs
Nearest Fishing Store: Swami’s Tackle is located 14.2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic area
Nearest Gas Station: ARCO is located 3.2 miles away

10.

Lake Elsinore

Located in Riverside County near the Cleveland National Forest, Lake Elsinore is a 3,000-acre lake with a variety of fish species.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Bank, kayak, and boat
Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing poles and tackle are available for rental at the Lake Elsinore Sporting Goods Store
Fishing Guide Service: On the Bite Fishing Charters offers guided trips with experienced anglers
Closest Hotels: Motel 6 Lake Elsinore and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Elsinore
Nearest Fishing Store: Lake Elsinore Bait & Tackle is located 4.3 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid California fishing license, bag limits and size limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, fish cleaning station, camping, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron is located 5 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Southern California and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for a great fishing spot in Southern California, then look no further! Our interactive Google Map below will help you find other lakes and good fishing locations in the area. From the crystal clear waters of Big Bear Lake to the serene atmosphere of Lake Elsinore, you’re sure to find a spot that fits your needs. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore Southern California‘s many fishing spots and see what secrets they hold!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Southern California

The weather in Southern California is perfect for sport fishing year round, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. In the winter, temperatures range from the low 50s to the high 70s, and in the summer, temperatures generally stay between the low 70s and the low 90s. This mild climate provides ideal conditions for sport fishing, with plenty of warm, sunny days and plenty of cool days to keep the fish biting.