Trout Fishing Locations In California

Guide to fishing for rainbow, steelhead, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

California is a haven for trout fishing enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of trout species and abundant fishing opportunities in its lakes and rivers. Among the popular trout species found in California are rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous California lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout call the Pacific northwest home, however they are also stocked in many lakes. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore California's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. Some popular destinations for brook trout fishing include the Eastern Sierra lakes, the Trinity Alps, and the San Gabriel Mountains. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select California lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. Brown trout trout thrive in both coldwater and warm water habitats, making them adaptable to various environments. Brown trout can be found in rivers such as the Owens River, McCloud River, and the Lower Sacramento River, as well as in lakes such as Crowley Lake and Lake Davis. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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California boasts numerous lakes and rivers that offer excellent trout fishing opportunities. The Eastern Sierra region is renowned for its pristine alpine lakes and world-class trout fishing. Locations such as Mono Lake, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes attract anglers from near and far. The Sierra Nevada rivers, including the Owens River, Truckee River, and Kern River, are also popular destinations for trout fishing.

In addition to the Eastern Sierra, the state is dotted with other trout fishing hotspots. The High Sierra region offers breathtaking scenery and excellent trout fishing in lakes like Lake Tahoe, Silver Lake, and Lake Sabrina. The northern part of the state is home to renowned trout rivers like the Upper Sacramento River, the McCloud River, and the Trinity River.

Whether you prefer fly fishing in remote mountain streams or casting your line in well-stocked reservoirs, California provides a wealth of opportunities for trout fishing enthusiasts.

Trout Lakes In Northern CA

Northern California has clear cold water lakes which the trout adore. You can find trout in Boca Reservoir, Bucks Lake, Copco Lake, Donner Lake, Eagle Lake, Folsom Lake, Lake Almanor, Lake Alpine, Lake Berryessa, Lake Combie, Lake Lewiston, Lake Natoma, Lake Oroville, Lake Pillsbury, Los Vaqueros Reservoir, New Bullards Bar Reservoir, Shasta Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Trinity Lake and Whiskeytown Lake. Northern CA lakes with populations of steelhead include Lake Mendocino, Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir. Ice fishing for trout is popular in winter at numerous lakes in the state. Feeder streams and waters coming out of the spillways may also provide some exciting trout fishing.

Trout Lakes In Central CA

Consider trying your luck for trout at Bass Lake, Beardsley Lake, Cherry Lake, Crowley Lake, Lake Don Pedro, Donnells Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, H. V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake, Huntington Lake, Ice House Reservoir, Jenkensin Lake, June Lake, Lake Cachuma, Lake Camanche, Lake Del Valle,
Lake Kaweah, Lake McClure, Lake Sonoma, Lake Tulloch, Lake Nacimiento, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Millerton Lake, New Hogan Lake, New Melones Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Pinecrest Lake, San Luis Reservoir, San Pablo Reservoir, Shaver Lake, Silver Lake, Success Lake, The California Delta, Topaz Lake and Union Valley Reservoir. It's always a good idea to stop by the marina or local bait store and pick up some gossip about where the best stringers of trout are coming from.

Trout Lakes In Southern CA

With generally warmer waters in Southern California, trout fishing opportunities are limited to some larger, deeper impoundments like Big Bear Lake, Canyon Lake, Diamond Valley Lake, El Capitan Reservoir, Laguna Niguel Lake, Lake Cahuilla, Lake Hemet, Castaic Lake, Lake Elsinore, Lake Perris, Lake Piru, Littlerock Reservoir, Pyramid Lake, San Vicente Reservoir, Silverwood Lake and Skinner Reservoir. Lake Sutherland offers steelhead fishing.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Visit the California Department of Fish & Game website for information regarding trout stocking in California.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

California Record Trout Locations

Brook trout - Silver Lake
Brown trout - Twin Lakes
Bull trout - McCloud Lake
Cutthroat trout - Lake Tahoe
Golden trout - Virginia Lake
Lake trout - Lake Tahoe
Rainbow trout - Lake Natoma
Steelhead - Smith River

Additional trout information

Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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