In California, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to what is available under the title “The Great Outdoors,” and few will complain about the wide range of fishing spots available to the weekend duffer and the pro-angler on the hunt for a mature Trout for their table. Here are a few of our favorites.
When it comes to freshwater fishing, few fish have the legendary status that the Rainbow Trout has, making fishing for these epic freshwater fighters one of our favorite outdoor activities. Beautiful but also a little shy, the Rainbow Trout is a truly renowned fighter and bound to give any level of angler, from beginner to old master, a real thrill once they are on the end of your line. California plays host to a wide variety of trout, from Redband to Steelhead to Coastal Rainbows, all of which set a sporting scene for the hopeful angler looking forward to the thrill of the hunt.
On the hunt for Rainbow Trout at Big Bear Lake
Good seasonal snows and rains feed this reservoir in the San Bernardino mountains. Nestled next to the town of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino national forest, this man-made reservoir is about as picturesque as it gets, and the 2,000+ acre lake is well known for its trout fishing. Trout love a cold, gravel-bottom expanse of water to call home, providing a challenge to anglers in the hotter months when they tend to hug the cool depths, but providing excellent sport fishing opportunities in cooler seasons when they hover closer to the surface. You’ll want to look up Boulder Bay and Juniper Point for your next trout hunting expedition at Big Bear Lake. Don’t forget to take a lightweight hat with you to keep the sun off. A bucket hat or lightweight Trucker cap will do the trick and can double as a handy spot to store a spare fly or tow if you are in a pinch–don’t forget to put it back in your tackle box when you’re done!
Fishing for Trout at Shasta Lake
If you thought Big Bear Lake was an impressive body of water, Lake Shasta will blow your mind. This 30,000-acre lake is the largest man-made reservoir in California and the third largest body of water in the state, next to the Salton Sea and Lake Tahoe. With year-round fishing permitted, Shasta Lake is an easy bet for a weekend escape for any angler. With a variety of fish inhabiting the lake–Rainbows and Brown Trout, Salmon, Bass and Carp, among others–there will be a variety of possibilities for the table or the barbecue.
Our recommendation is to start your lake Shasta fishing expedition in one or more of our favorite spots like Dry Fork, Little Squaw Creek (especially if you are a trout devotee) or Big Backbone creek. Shasta is immense, and its sheer size can be a daunting prospect for any angler. The trick? Try to cover only a small area of the lake, and choose your fishing spots to suit your ability and experience level. Take an extra t-shirt or two to help keep the sun and wind off your back and to let passers-by know not to disturb you while you are On the Hunt!
Do a Little Time at Convict Lake
If you are on the hunt for a Hollywood movie location that screams, “This is Where we Keep the Rainbow Trout!” Look no further than Convict Lake. This truly picturesque glacial lake is one of the deepest in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is home to some spectacular Rainbow and Brown trout. There’s an interesting backstory to the name “Convict Lake” from the days of the old West that we will leave for you to discover. What you do need to know if that at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the weather can be on the cooler side, so you’ll need some lightweight headgear and a spare tee or two for any expedition.
Remember to get your permits and check on seasonal availability before heading out to any of these majestic and beautiful lakes.
See You On The Hunt!