The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Orange County

Discover the best fishing lakes in Orange County, California! Learn tips and tricks on where to fish, what type of fish can be caught, and the best time of year to go fishing. Get the most out of your fishing experience with our guide to the best fishing lakes in Orange County.

Anaheim Lake

Anaheim Lake is located in northwestern Orange County, near the city of Anaheim. It is a medium-sized lake with a surface area of about 10 acres.

Types of Fish: Carp, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish, and White Crappie.
Types of Fishing: Traditional bait casting, spinning, spincast and fly-fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Radisson Suites Buena Park, Knights Inn Buena Park, and Motel 6 Buena Park.
Nearest Fishing Store: My Mark Outdoors, about 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a boat ramp.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 5 miles away.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is a great fishing destination, with a surface area of about 5.7 square miles.

Types of Fish: Trout, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie.
Types of Fishing: Fly-fishing, bait casting, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available at the marina.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Bear Mountain Lodge, Big Bear Hostel, and Lodge at Big Bear Lake.
Nearest Fishing Store: Big Bear Sporting Goods, about 3 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell station, about 6 miles away.

Irvine Lake

Irvine Lake is located in the foothills of Orange County, near the city of Irvine. It covers an area of about 2,500 acres and is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the area.

Types of Fish: Trout, Catfish, Carp, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
Types of Fishing: Fly-fishing, spinning, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana-Orange County Airport, and Courtyard by Marriott Irvine.
Nearest Fishing Store: Orange County Fishing Supply, about 5 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 5 miles away.

Laguna Niguel Lake

Laguna Niguel Lake is located in the city of Laguna Niguel, in southern Orange County. It is a medium-sized lake with a surface area of about 84 acres.

Types of Fish: Catfish, Carp, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass.
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, spinning, and fly-fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Fairfield Inn & Suites Laguna Hills, Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum, and Residence Inn Irvine Spectrum.
Nearest Fishing Store: Long Point Marine, about 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 3 miles away.

Newport Beach Harbor

Newport Beach Harbor is located in the city of Newport Beach, in Orange County. It is a great fishing destination. The harbor itself covers an area of about 7 square miles, and there are several smaller nearby lakes and bays.

Types of Fish: Barracuda, Mackerel, Yellowtail, Halibut, and Bass.
Types of Fishing: Surf casting, trolling, and bait casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: The Resort at Pelican Hill, Balboa Bay Resort, and Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
Nearest Fishing Store: Newport Landing Sportfishing, about 2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and several boat launches.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 1.5 miles away.

Prado Regional Park Lake

Prado Regional Park Lake is located in the city of Chino, in southwestern Orange County. It is a large lake with a surface area of about 900 acres.

Types of Fish: Large Mouth Bass, Catfish, Carp, Bluegill, and Crappie.
Types of Fishing: Traditional bait casting, spinning, spincast and fly-fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport, Holiday Inn Express Ontario Airport, and Comfort Inn Ontario.
Nearest Fishing Store: The Tackle Box, about 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a boat ramp.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 5 miles away.

Santa Ana River

Santa Ana River is located in the central part of Orange County. It is an excellent fishing spot, covering an area of about 105 miles.

Types of Fish: Catfish, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Carp, and Crappie.
Types of Fishing: Fly-fishing, bait casting, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available at several locations.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Palo Verde Hotel, Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn, and Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: Fisherman’s Warehouse, about 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and several boat ramps.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell station, about 5 miles away.

West Street Beach Park

West Street Beach Park is located in the city of Newport Beach, in Orange County. It is a small beach park, covering an area of about 7.5 acres.

Types of Fish: Halibut, Mackerel, Barracuda, and Sharks.
Types of Fishing: Surf casting, bait casting, and trolling.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill, and Balboa Bay Resort.
Nearest Fishing Store: Newport Landing Sportfishing, about 2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 1.5 miles away.

Yorba Regional Park Lake

Yorba Regional Park Lake is located in the city of Placentia, in northern Orange County. It is a medium-sized lake with a surface area of about 73 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Carp, Bluegill, and Crappie.
Types of Fishing: Traditional bait casting, spinning, spincast and fly-fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, available on-site.
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several local guides are available.
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Econo Lodge Fullerton, Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn, and Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: Fisherman’s Warehouse, about 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid fishing license and adhere to local and state regulations.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat ramp.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron station, about 5 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Orange County and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Are you an avid fisherman looking for new lakes and fishing locations in Orange County? Look no further! The Google map below shows the best spots to find good fishing across the county. Explore these lakes and fishing opportunities, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Happy fishing!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Orange County

The weather in Orange County is generally mild and sunny throughout the year, making it an ideal location for sport fishing. During the summer months, temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the low-90s and the ocean temperature stays in the mid-60s. During the winter, temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The ocean temperature during this time of year stays in the low-60s.