California is known for its beautiful coastlines and abundant fisheries. With over 3,000 lakes throughout the state, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes time to take a trip on the water! If you’re looking for some top-notch fishing opportunities, check out these California lakes that are sure to put your line in deep waters with trophy fish. We have compiled a list of some of the most popular and beautiful lakes that offer a great outdoor experience for all ages. Whether you are an experienced fisherman or enjoy spending time on the water, these destinations are perfect for your next trip.
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is one of the best fishing lakes in California, and it’s located at the border of both Riverside County and Imperial County. It has a surface area of 240,000 acres. It has become a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts because of its saltwater fish population. The Salton Sea hosts various species, including sturgeon, spotted bass, tilapia, and hardhead catfish. It’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced anglers looking to catch the big one!
Lake Oroville
Lake Oroville is located in Butte County, California, roughly 70 miles north of Sacramento. This lake features three main recreational areas: Bidwell Canyon Marina, Beals Point Recreation Area, and Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay. Lake Oroville has a surface area of over 15,800 acres! It boasts an enormous population of warm water fish like bass, crappie, catfish, and cold-water species like rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. If you’re looking for a quieter fishing experience, Lake Oroville offers it all.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is another excellent fishing lake in California, and it’s located in Nevada and Placer County. This beautiful mountain lake spans an incredible surface area of 122,000 acres. The trout population here has been thriving for many years because Lake Tahoe boasts a year-round cold water system that supports residents and migratory fish. If you’re looking for a more active fishing experience, the Lake Tahoe Sport Fishing Fleet offers guided charters to get your line in deep waters.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is located in Mohave County, Arizona, and it’s roughly 165 miles southeast of Grand Canyon National Park. This lake features a surface area of over 20,000 acres. It boasts an enormous population of cold-water and warm-water fish like striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Lake Havasu is a quieter experience for anglers who are looking to spend some time on the water in peace.
Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake spans an impressive 22 miles of shoreline with its 11,450 acres. It’s located in Sacramento County, California, and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. It features the Folsom Lake State Recreational Area and hosts an impressive amount of species, including bass, trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, Sacramento perch, and Chinook salmon. If you’re looking to catch big fish from the water in California with some friends or the whole family, Folsom Lake is an excellent choice.
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is located in Lassen County, California, and it spans an impressive surface area of over 16,500 acres. It’s a quieter experience for anglers who are looking to enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle. Eagle Lake has two main recreational areas where you can fish, including Eastshore Road Recreation Area or Old Marina Boat Ramp. This lake hosts an abundance of cold-water fish like brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon.
Lake Almanor
Last but certainly not least is Lake Almanor, which spans a very impressive 16 miles of shoreline, with its surface area being just under 29,000 acres. It’s located in Plumas County, California, and is a beautiful destination for fishing enthusiasts. This mountain lake hosts much cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, and black crappie. It’s located within the Lassen National Forest, making it an unforgettable experience for anglers looking to enjoy nature at its finest.
Goose Lake
Goose Lake is located in Lassen County, California, and it’s roughly 20 miles southeast of the town of Chester. This mountain lake spans an impressive surface area of over 93,000 acres, one of the largest California fishing lakes. It has two main recreational places to fish, including Goose Lake State Recreation Area and Boggs Mountain Demonstration Forest. The trout population thrives in this lake year-round because of its cold water system. It’s an excellent fishing destination for anglers looking to spend some time on the water with their families or friends.
Lake Shasta
Lake Shasta is another beautiful mountain lake located in Siskiyou County, California. This stunning body of water spans an impressive 45 miles long, with its surface area being just under 30,000 acres. It’s the largest reservoir in California. It boasts a wealth of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Lake Shasta is a beautiful destination for anglers looking to catch big fish from the water in California with their family or friends.
Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa is located in Napa County, California, and it spans an impressive 22 miles of shoreline, with its surface area being 21,000 acres. It’s a quieter experience for fishers looking to spend some time on the water in peace. Lake Berryessa has two main recreational areas where you can fish, including Monticello Dam and The Monticello Fish Hatchery. This fantastic lake hosts an abundance of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, Sacramento perch, and largemouth bass.
Mono Lake
Mono Lake spans an impressive surface area of 55,180 acres. It’s one of the largest and best fishing lakes in California, and it has two main recreational places where you can fish, including South Tufa Area and North Tufa Area. This fantastic lake hosts an abundance of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, and brown bullhead.
Honey Lake
Honey Lake is located in Lassen County, California, and it spans an impressive surface area of 47,000 acres. It’s a quieter experience for fishers who are looking to enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle. Honey Lake has two main recreational areas where you can fish, including The Main Ramp Area and Westshore Recreation Area. This lake hosts an abundance of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, and Sacramento perch.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is one of the largest fishing lakes in California, and it spans an impressive surface area of 44,400 acres. It’s a quieter experience for fishers looking to enjoy nature without a lot of people around them. Clear Lake has two main recreational areas where you can fish at. This lake has an abundance of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, and largemouth bass.
Tule Lake
Tule Lake is located in Modoc County, California, and it spans an impressive surface area of 13,000 acres. It’s a much quieter experience for fishers looking to enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle that other fishing lakes have. Tule Lake has two main recreational areas where you can fish, including Eastshore Area and Westshore Area. This lake hosts an abundance of cold-water fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, yellow perch, Sacramento perch, and largemouth bass.
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