Can you fish for trout year-round in CA?


Sharing is Caring


When is trout season in California? Fortunately, you can fish for trout year-round in California. California has some of the best spots in the world to go trout fishing any day. While you can go trout fishing every day, part of the year you cannot take the fish with you.

What fish are in season in January in California?

  • January: Halibut, Calico Bass, Sculpin.
  • February: Calico Bass, White Sea Bass & Halibut.
  • March: White Sea Bass, Halibut, Rock Cod, Calico Bass, Sculpin, Sheephead.
  • April: Rock Cod, Squid, Halibut, White Sea Bass, Calico Bass, Sheephead, Lingcod, Sculpin.

Can you fish for trout in the winter in California?

Enjoy your winter fly fishing in California. With several blue-ribbon rivers now open year-round, there’s little reason to miss it. There’s no reason to avoid winter fly fishing.

Is January good for trout fishing?

Trout are sluggish all winter, but they’re extra sluggish in the chilly temperatures of the morning. Giving them, and their food, a chance to warm up and become more active will give you the best chance at success. Plus, you’ll be more likely to actually stay out and continue fishing if you’re not freezing.

Can you fish in the winter in California?

While it might seem like common sense to pack up the fishing gear when the leaves start to fall, winter is actually an ideal time of year if you live in or are looking to visit California.

What fishing is best in January?

  • Kenai, Alaska.
  • Morro Bay, California.
  • South Padre Island, Texas.
  • Lincoln City, Oregon.
  • Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, Alabama.
  • Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia.
  • Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico.
  • Miami, Florida.

What fish are in season in California?

  • Rockfish. The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes species) is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers.
  • Cabezon.
  • Kelp and Rock Greenlings.
  • Lingcod.
  • California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)
  • Leopard Shark.
  • Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish.
  • Other Federally Managed Groundfish.

Is night fishing legal in California?

Answer: Night fishing for crappie is permitted by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) as long as the lake where you plan to fish permits fishing at night (Section 2.15). Some lakes prohibit night fishing for purposes of access control, safety or security reasons.

How cold is too cold for fly fishing?

DON’T FISH when it’s below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, you find those special situations when you feel like you must be out there. But people layer up and duck hunt or deer hunt in cold, snowy windy weather, because that’s when those animals are on the move.

What temp is too cold for trout fishing?

65 Degrees Fahrenheit and Below Any warmer and you run the risk of playing a fish to exhaustion. Any colder and those trout will become lock-jawed as they do their best to conserve energy.

What month should I start fly fishing?

Fly fishing season peaks between the months of April and October. Though, for fly fishermen willing to brave the cold weather, it is technically a year-round sport. Additionally, with an abundance of warm weather destinations, fly fishing can be enjoyed all year long.

Is fishing good in San Diego in January?

San Diego Bay is a great option for winter time fishing. It is personally one of my favorite places to fish when I’m not going on longer trips. I have caught halibut up to 30 lb from the bay. Also, there is a great Corvina bite, Spotted bay bass, mud Marlins or bat rays and the occasional Calico Bass and Barracuda.

What is the best time to go fishing in California?

More specifically, the months from June to September (and, some years, even October) are when you can strike gold as you go fishing in the deeper waters of the sea.

Where is the best fishing in California?

  • The Delta. The San Joaquin Delta, running throughout California, should be on every angler’s bucket list.
  • The McCloud River.
  • Lake Shasta.
  • Santa Monica Pier.
  • Lake Almanor.
  • Lake Cuyamaca.
  • Castaic Lake.
  • Russian River.

What fish can you catch in the winter in Socal?

  • Bluefin Tuna.
  • Yellowtail.
  • White Sea Bass.

Which fish bite in winter?

If you’re looking to winter fish in the south then you’ll probably come across some crappies. Since bass are out of the question, crappie fishing will be your best bet. You can use minnows, small spinners, and small plastics to reel in some crappies.

Where is the best fishing in the winter?

  • Key West, Florida. Lots of large kingfish spend the winter near Key West, Florida.
  • Venice, Louisiana.
  • Miami, Florida.
  • San Diego, California.
  • Islamorada, Florida.
  • Galveston, Texas.
  • Hatteras, North Carolina.
  • Charleston, South Carolina.

Where’s the best trout fishing in California?

  • LAKE ALMANOR. Tucked away near the headwaters of the Feather River in Northern California’s Plumas County is Lake Almanor, one of the state’s most exciting and challenging trout fishing destinations.
  • PYRAMID LAKE.
  • NEW MELONES RESERVOIR.
  • LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR.
  • CROWLEY LAKE.

Can you fish Kern River year round?

Fishing is open year round along the Kern River. Live bait is allowed in the upper and lower sections and the limit is 5 trout per day/10 in possession. Above the Johnsondale Bridge special fishing restrictions apply, be sure to check local Fish and Game regulations.

Where is the best trout fishing in Southern California?

The San Bernardino Mountains offer some of the best trout fishing in California mountain lakes and streams for trout. Located primarily within the San Bernardino National Forest, this rugged mountain range is home to lakes that hold both wild and stocked fish.

What fish is in season January?

Shellfish dominates the January menu, specifically clams, mussels, oysters, crabs and scallops. In terms of fish, this month sees the first of cod while mackerel, Dover sole, halibut and monkfish are all good bets.

Is fishing with corn illegal in California?

Answer: Corn is permitted as bait for carp โ€“ and any other species of fish and in any type of inland waters where bait is allowed.

Do I need a fishing license in California if I catch and release?

A: This question comes up often. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate or crustacean in California, except for persons angling from a public pier for non-commercial purposes in ocean or bay waters.

Can you fish with 2 rods in California?

Yes, as long as you are actively using no more than two rods at any one time.

How much is the fine for fishing without a license in California?

If you are found guilty of fishing without a license in the state of California, the punishment is a fine of between $100.00 to $1,000.00. If this is your second offense in the last five years, the penalty is a fine of between $250.00 or $1,000.00.

Craving More Content?

Safe Harbor Fishing