Los Angeles is more than just celebrities, movies, and fancy restaurants, it’s a gem for fishing enthusiasts too. Believe it or not, the City of Angels is blessed with endless access to the Pacific Ocean and a variety of man-made lakes, offering perfect opportunities to reel in something special. So grab your tackle box and let’s dive into the best places to go fishing around L.A. where you might just catch a big one!
1. Lake Balboa
Lake Balboa spans 27 acres and is accessible from dawn until dusk. Fishing is permitted only in designated lush areas along the water’s edge. During the colder months and spring, the Department of Fish and Game stocks Lake Balboa with rainbow trout. In summer and fall, anglers can also catch channel catfish. Additionally, you might reel in some largemouth bass and carp.
📍 Location: 1 Balboa Pier #1, Newport Beach, CA 92661
2. Echo Park Lake
At first glance, you might not think Echo Park Lake is worth a cast, but it’s more than just a pretty backdrop for your photos or a place to paddle a swan boat with your date. This surprising fishing spot in Los Angeles is teeming with catfish, bluegill, and crawfish.
State workers regularly “plant” the lake with rainbow trout, though many of them become a feast for the local birds, especially during winter, spring, and fall. So whether you’re fishing or simply soaking in the views, there’s always a catch to enjoy!
📍 Location: 751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
3. Santa Monica Pier
Metro LA boasts numerous iconic piers, but our top choice is the quintessential Santa Monica Pier. Stretching 2,000 feet, it offers the chance to reel in mackerel, sharks, white seabass, and perch. Being a popular tourist hotspot, you can expect a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
And the best part? Even if you don’t catch anything, you can still enjoy some delicious seafood right at the pier in one of the many restaurants!
📍 Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
4. Venice Beach Pier
Venice isn’t just one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in a city full of incredible people, roller skating, and street art. It’s also a fantastic fishing spot for several reasons: it’s free and open 24/7. Here, anglers can hook a variety of fish, including halibut, barracuda, queenfish, and white ocean bass.
📍 Location: XGGH+QP4, Los Angeles, CA 90292
5. Legg Lake
Legg Lake is located just 1.5 miles from South El Monte in Los Angeles County and is famous for its crappie fishing. Anglers can expect to find a variety of fish here, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, panfish, bream, bluegill, and, of course, crappie.
📍 Location: Legg Lake, California 91733
6. Dockweiler State Beach
If you enjoy surfing or fly fishing, Dockweiler State Park is a must-visit spot. Its serene 3-mile shoreline is perfect for sunbathers and families enjoying a day at the beach. The park attracts many tourists, offering plenty of space for everyone to relax. You can reel in croakers and corbina here.
📍 Location: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
7. Hermosa Beach Pier
The Hermosa Beach Pier is one of the quietest fishing spots in Santa Monica Bay, nestled among beautiful beaches, bars, and restaurants. Fishing here is a relaxing experience, with anglers often reeling in mackerel, yellowfin croaker, corbina, and sardines.
While it’s common to catch white croaker at this pier, it’s important to note that this fish is on the Do Not Consume list due to high levels of contamination from DDT, PCBs, and mercury.
📍 Location: 1 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
8. Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake is one of the est places if you’re looking to go fishing near Los Angeles. Just a short drive from downtown, this popular man-made reservoir is stocked with bass, catfish, and trout. It’s also perfect for swimming and kayaking, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination.
📍 Location: Main Ramp Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
9. Malibu Pier
The pier in Malibu is one of the best fishing spots near L.A. Summer brings peak season for halibut, thresher shark, and bat rays, while corbina and mackerel are available year-round. After a day of fishing, unwind by soaking in the sunset views or head to one of the city’s many upscale beachfront restaurants for a perfect ending.
📍 Location: 23000 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265
10. Green Pleasure Pier
If it’s not too crowded, Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon is an amazing fishing spot. You can venture out to Catalina Island and beyond for amazing tuna and mahi mahi fishing in open waters via boat, or simply stay closer to the coast for calico bass, sheephead, and yellowtail.
📍 Location: Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, CA 90704
Do I need a permit to fish in Los Angeles?
Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Los Angeles, unless you’re fishing on a public pier. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires anglers aged 16 and older to obtain a fishing license.
Licenses can be purchased online, at local sporting goods stores, or at various authorized retailers. Additionally, specific areas may have their own regulations, so it’s essential to check local rules before fishing.
What fish are in season in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, the fishing seasons vary depending on the species and the type of fishing (saltwater or freshwater). Common fish that can be caught include bass, catfish, and trout in freshwater lakes, while saltwater fishing often yields species like halibut, yellowtail, and rockfish.
The best time to fish generally falls between late spring and early fall when these species are more active. If you are looking for a particular species, we recommend checking the Fish and Wildlife website. Still, if you’re a fishing enthusiast all year long and are happy with simply catching something, here’s a breakdown of what species you may find seasonally!
☀️ Summer fishing season
In summer, you can target species such as yellowtail, bluefin tuna, mahi mahi, halibut, and barracuda. These fish are abundant in the warm waters off the coast and are popular among anglers.
🍂 Fall fishing season
During the fall, you can catch species like white sea bass, calico bass, and rockfish. The changing temperatures often bring these species closer to shore, making them more accessible to fishermen.
❄️ Winter fishing season
Colder months bring species like sand bass, California sheephead, and various types of rockfish. The colder waters can make fishing a bit more challenging, but these species can still be found.
🌹 Spring fishing season
This time of the year marks the return of species like trout in freshwater lakes, along with halibut and corbina in saltwater. This is also a good time to target species such as Barracuda and a variety of bass as they become more active with rising temperatures.
Can tourists fish in California?
Visitors need to purchase a California fishing license, which is required for anyone over 16. Many popular fishing spots, like lakes and coastal areas, offer opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Additionally, guided fishing tours are available, providing an excellent way for tourists to experience fishing in California while ensuring compliance with local rules.
Which fish are not safe to eat in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, some fish species contain harmful toxins like mercury and PCBs, making them unsafe for regular consumption. Fish such as sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and white croaker are particularly risky.
These toxins can accumulate over time, posing health risks, especially for pregnant women and children. The California Department of Public Health advises limiting consumption of these species and avoiding fish from contaminated areas like the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
For safer alternatives, opt for low-mercury fish like salmon, trout, or sardines, which are generally considered safe to eat more frequently. Always consult local health advisories before consuming locally caught fish. For more information on fish safety and consumption guidelines, visit the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.