1
Lake Havasu
A 45-mile reservoir on the Colorado River behind Parker Dam. Warm water most of the year, sandy coves, boat-in campsites and the London Bridge in town.
8 ramps & marinas4 campgrounds8 fish species448.19 ft
Best lakes and rivers for fishing in California
Our picks for fishing in California, ranked by what's on the water: boat ramps, campgrounds, fish and photos. Every pick links to the full trip planner.
2
New Melones Lake
Gold Country reservoir known for kokanee and quiet houseboat coves.
2 ramps & marinas3 campgrounds1 fish species63% full
3
Big Bear Lake
Mountain lake at 6,750 ft with pontoon rentals and pine-shaded camping.
1 ramps & marinas3 campgrounds1 fish species
4
Lake Isabella
Kern River Valley reservoir, wind-friendly for sailing and windsurfing.
1 ramps & marinas3 campgrounds1 fish species25% full
5
Folsom Lake
Sacramento's backyard lake. Ski boats, beaches and the American River trail.
3 ramps & marinas1 fish species40% full
6
Shasta Lake
California's biggest reservoir, with 365 miles of shoreline and houseboat coves.
3 ramps & marinas1 fish species51% full
7
Castaic Lake
LA County's go-to for striped bass and a separate no-wake lagoon.
3 ramps & marinas90% full
8
Clear Lake
Largest natural freshwater lake fully inside California. Trophy bass water.
1 ramps & marinas1 fish species
9
Lake Berryessa
Napa County coves, the Glory Hole spillway and calm morning ski water.
1 fish species83% full
10
11
Upper Sacramento
Blue-ribbon rainbow trout drifting below Keswick Dam in Redding.
1 ramps & marinas216 cfs
12
Diamond Valley Lake
Southern California's largest reservoir and a serious bass fishery.
Ranked from our data: number of launch ramps, campgrounds and fish species, plus photos and hand-checked details. Partner links are marked and never change the order.