The picturesque landscape of California, hugging the rivers and lakes, is waiting to be explored by fishing enthusiasts. It is easy to see why anglers love fishing in southern California. The temperate weather, above the deep blue sea, makes it an ideal fishing spot. If you’re looking to find the best locations for fishing in Southern California, we have curated a list for you in this article.

San Diego

San Diego is known as one of the finest cities in the US and if you’re looking at fishing charters, this reputation is completely justified. If you ask any serious angler there is no fishing that happens better than when you’re on charter. A few spots that you must visit are-

  • San Diego Bay
  • Mission Bay
  • La Jolla
  • Coronado Island

The commonly found fish here are Yellowtail, Mahi Mahi, Rockfish, and Halibut bite.

Catalina and San Clemente Islands

The Catalina Islands is no less than a piece of heaven itself, located just 28 miles from California. It is known to be a baseline for sportfishing since they are anything but quiet. Catalina is so populated with fishes that anywhere you cast your rod, you are bound to catch some monstrous fishes. If you’re looking for offshore fishing, this is truly the place to go, just take your boat and ride out. It will be easy to find Marlin, Tuna, YellowTail, and Barracuda, all in impressive sizes. You can visit a few of these spots to catch them.

  • Avalon Bay
  • Two Harbors
  • Green Pleasure Pier
  • San Clemente Islands

Dana Point

Southern California is almost too perfect and that is because the oceans are bluer than usual, the sun is brighter and the sand softer too. So, what makes Dana Point so special is the countless fishing opportunities. Fishing Charters are the best way to hop on your boat and wet line in a deep blue Pacific Ocean.  You can find some of the finest fish here – Calico Bass, Halibut, White Sea Bass, Bluefin, Albacore, and even Big Eye. Two Shore fishing spots you can visit to catch these are Doheny State Beach and Dana Cove Park.

Los Angeles Area

Famously, introduced as the ‘City of Angels’ you may believe the city is only for glitz and glamor, but little is it known for its varied range of fishing spots. Los Angeles is home to at least 30 species of fish. Isn’t that quite a number? The fishes range from Calico, Halibut, Tuna, Largemouth Bass. The best places to fish are –

  • Huntington Flat
  • Horseshoe Kelp
  • Santa Monica Bay
  • Santa Monica Pier

Castaic Lake

The Castaic Lake is known for its recognizable V shape and freshwater fishes, like Bass, Stripers, Crappie, Catfish, and Trout.

Author: Christian Bacasa

Dupe a Fish, LLC.

Find a trip that is perfect for you or your group. We are working to have the widest variety of guides and services available on the web and specialize in offering trips that are perfect for you, your group, and your budget. Start defining your perfect trip now. We make it easy!

Connect with us on Social Media

Instagram   Facebook   Twitter   YouTube   LinkedIn   Pinterest

Want to learn more about fly fishing?  Subscribe to the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast