30 Best Fishing Lakes in California, Ranked by Anglers

Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to grab your rod and cast a line in one of California’s many fishing hotspots. A new list from Fishmasters, a website dedicated to all things fishing, has ranked the 30 best lakes in California for anglers.

The rankings were based on firsthand experience, local knowledge, and advice from anglers across the state. The result? A mix of famous fishing destinations and hidden gems that offer everything from bass to salmon to trout.

California’s Top 5 Fishing Lakes

1. Clear Lake – Topping the list is this Lake County favorite, known for its legendary year-round bass fishing as well as catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
2. Lake Shasta – Just north of Redding, California’s largest reservoir boasts a wide range of catches, including multiple bass species, rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and catfish.
3. Don Pedro Reservoir – East of Modesto, this massive lake offers 13,000 surface acres and is loaded with trout, salmon, catfish, and crappie.
4. Lake Oroville – Located near Chico, Oroville is a prime spot for Chinook salmon and spotted bass across 15,000 acres of water.
5. Castaic Lake – Easily accessible off I-5 in Los Angeles County, this popular spot offers striped and largemouth bass, catfish, and trout.

Full Top 30 List

The full list includes Northern California standouts like Lake Almanor (No. 8), Trinity Lake (No. 16), and Lake Sonoma (No. 22), along with iconic destinations like Lake Tahoe (No. 10) and Big Bear Lake (No. 13).

Check it out:

No. 1- Clear Lake
No. 2- Lake Shasta
No. 3- Don Pedro Reservoir
No. 4- Lake Oroville
No. 5- Castaic Lake
No. 6- Lake Berryessa
No. 7- Diamond Valley Lake
No. 8- Lake Almanor
No. 9- New Melones Lake
No. 10- Lake Tahoe
No. 11- Folsom Lake
No. 12- Lake Cuyamaca
No. 13- Big Bear Lake
No. 14- Eagle Lake
No. 15- Silverwood Lake
No. 16- Trinity Lake
No. 17- Lake Isabella
No. 18- Lake Skinner
No. 19- San Vicente Reservoir
No. 20- Lake Nacimiento
No. 21- Lake Perris
No. 22- Lake Sonoma
No. 23- Lake Gregory
No. 24- Bass Lake
No. 25- Dixon Lake
No. 26- El Capitan Reservoir
No. 27- Hesperia Lake
No. 28- Lake Casitas
No. 29- Lake Henshaw
No. 30- Lake Pardee

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a weekend fishing trip, this list offers no shortage of inspiration to reel in your next big catch.