Southern California has plenty to offer in the way of fishing. The area is not only the entertainment capital of the world, but also offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing for anglers of all skill levels.
Southern California is the second most populated urban area in the United States. The Colorado Desert and the Colorado River are both near the eastern border of the area, and the Mojave Desert is on the north border. Both Los Angeles and San Diego lie within Southern California. The area experiences hot weather in the summer and mild winters, making it a great year-round destination for fishing trips.
The entertainment industry is largely centered within Southern California as well as a large skateboard and surfing community. You can visit several large amusement parks such as Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. With a lot to see and do in the cities, there is also beautiful natural landscaping all throughout the area. From forests to mountains to deserts, there is something for everyone and a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
Saltwater
Anglers who want to stay on the shore have ample opportunities for beach fishing along the coast. The best time to try your luck is in the early morning or later in the evening when the fish head closer to shore to feed. An incoming high tide will bring in the most fish. Various types of fish are available at multiple points during the year, depending on the seasons. Summer months with warmer water temperatures typically offer the most chances for a catch. The types of fish you are most likely to catch from the shore include:
- Surfperch
- Corbina
- Croaker
- Bat Ray
- Halibut
- Leopard Shark
If you prefer offshore fishing, there are a wide variety of options available. Local guides offer chartered boat trip out to the open waters for the best variety. Depths can drop up to 300 feet, opening up even more species of fish. Some offshore hotspots include Santa Catalina Island, Butterfly Bank, Avalon Bank, Hidden Reef, and Nine-Mile Bank. In the deeper waters of Southern California, anglers can try their hand at catching:
- Sole
- Midshipman
- Bass
- Pompano
- Whitefish
- Lingcod
- Sheephead
Also popular for saltwater fishing are the Southern California piers. They are popular with anglers of all ages and experience levels, meaning there is usually a crowd. But the piers do offer incredible changes to make a catch, including many of the same species that live near the shore area. To get a fishing spot, it’s best to get to the pier early and avoid the crowds. This is especially true during the busy Southern California summer months. The Santa Monica Pier offers a bait and tackle shop right on the pier, while the Venice pier is ½ a mile from the Venice boardwalk, and the Belmont Pier is over ¼ of a mile long.
Freshwater
While saltwater opportunities are abundant in Southern California, anglers can also find plenty of freshwater experiences. The Los Angeles River runs through the area and is home to species such as:
- Panfish
- Bass
- Carp
- Suckers
- Tilapia
The San Gabriel River is slightly more scenic in areas, giving anglers the opportunity to step outside urban life. The river follows 20 miles of trail behind and through local neighborhoods with access through parks and trailheads. The best fishing areas are farther upstream where the San Gabriel River meets the Angeles National Forest. The area is heavy with native trout and sees a lot of visitors in the early spring.
Get in Contact With a Top Fishing Guide in Southern California
For more information on the incredible fishing opportunities available in Southern California, speak with one of these top fishing guides. They will be able to point you in the right direction, giving you the best fishing opportunities and trips possible.