Taking Kids Fishing In California

Ideas and locations to take kids fishing.

Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life, and we encourage you to invest the time in kids. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.

California offers excellent opportunities for kids to enjoy fishing in various urban locations across the state. These urban fishing spots are carefully managed to provide a safe and accessible environment for young anglers to learn and practice their fishing skills.

Common fish species targeted in these urban fishing locations include trout, catfish, and sunfish. Rainbow trout are regularly stocked in many urban lakes and ponds, providing an exciting fishing experience for kids. Channel catfish are also commonly stocked, and their abundance makes them an ideal target for young anglers. Sunfish species such as bluegill and redear sunfish are abundant and eager biters, making them a great choice for kids to catch and learn about different fish species.

One popular urban fishing location in California is the Santa Ana River Lakes in Orange County. This fishery is stocked regularly with trout, catfish, and other fish species, offering a diverse angling experience for children. Lake Chabot in Castro Valley is another popular spot, known for its trout fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked regularly, and there are designated fishing areas for kids.

In addition to the Santa Ana River Lakes and Lake Chabot, many urban parks and reservoirs throughout the state offer kids fishing programs and events. These programs often provide fishing equipment, bait, and instruction to help kids get started in fishing.

It is important to note that fishing regulations and limits apply to these urban fishing locations, so it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of each fishing spot. Additionally, it is essential to teach kids about ethical angling practices, including catch-and-release and proper fish handling techniques, to ensure the conservation and sustainability of fish populations for future generations.

Overall, California's urban fishing locations provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience the joy of fishing in a convenient and family-friendly setting. These areas offer a variety of fish species to target and a supportive environment for young anglers to develop their fishing skills while enjoying the outdoors.

Places to take kids fishing

Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Golden State.

Clear Lake
- Redbud City Park

Fresno
- Roeding Park

Los Angeles
- Alondra Park Lake
- Belvedere Park Lake
- Cerritos Park Lake
- Debs Lake
- Downey Wilderness Park
- Echo Park Lake
- Hollenbeck Lake
- Kenneth Hahn Rec Area
- La Mirada Park Lake
- Lake Balboa
- Lake Elizabeth
- Legg Lake
- Lincoln Park Lake
- Peck Road Park Lake
- Reseda Park Lake

Oakland
- Aquatic Park
- Cesar Chavez Park
- Cull Canyon Lake
- Estuary Park Pier
- Fruitvale Bridge Park
- Lake Chabot
- Lake Merritt
- Lakeshore Park
- Portview Park Pier
- Quarry Lake
- Shorebird Park

Orange County
- Centennial Regional Park
- Clark Regional Park
- Craig Regional Park
- Eisenhower Park
- Huntington Central Park
- Irvine Park
- Mason Regional Park
- Mile Square Park
- Salt Creek Beach
- Tri-City Park
- Yorba Park

Richmond
- Contra Loma Park
- Ellis Lake Park
- Heather Farm Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Newhall Community Park

Sacramento
- Ancil Hoffman Park
- Bannon Creek Park
- Discovery Park
- Elk Grove Park Lake
- Gibson Ranch Park
- Mather Regional Park
- McKinley Park
- Miller Park
- Southside Park
- William Land Park

San Bernardino
- Seccombe Lake Park

San Diego
- Chollas Lake Park
- Lake Morena Park
- Lake Murray Park

San Francisco
- Golden Gate Park
- North Lake
- South Lake

San Jose
- Almaden Lake Park
- Coyote Creek
- Lake Cunningham Park
- Vasona Lake Park

Santa Cruz
- Westlake Park

Santa Rosa
- Lake Ralphine

Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in CA

1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.

2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.

3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.

Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.

Kids Fishing Video

See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.

California Kids Fishing Photos

Take a kid fishing and you might change the course of their life. Then take pictures and send us one of them with their prized catch. We will happily post it here.

Kids fishing locations and information, by state.