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Best Fishing Spots in California

11 top-rated fishing spots in California. Discover prime fishing locations with excellent catches and beautiful scenery.

PIER 39 (San Francisco, 4.6 from 131,806 reviews), Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica, 4.6 from 126,928 reviews) and Redondo Beach Pier (Redondo Beach, 4.6 from 26,119 reviews) are the most-reviewed fishing spots in California. The full ranking below covers 11 spots, ordered by how many people have reviewed them, each with photos, ratings and directions.

FishingFly fishingShore fishingBoat fishingIce fishing

Top Fishing Spots in California

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin

PIER 39

PIER 39

Tourist attraction · San Francisco, California

Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

Fishing pier · Santa Monica, California

Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.

Redondo Beach Pier

Redondo Beach Pier

Tourist attraction · Redondo Beach, California

Landmark pier known for scenic oceanfront dining, shopping & nightlife, plus music & festivals.

Newport Beach Pier

Newport Beach Pier

Fishing pier · Newport Beach, California

Scenic pier popular for fishing & ocean views, convenient to beach & nearby shops & restaurants.

Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach Pier

Public beach · Manhattan Beach, California

This restored 928-ft. concrete pier is the oldest on the West Coast & features a cafe & an aquarium.

Hermosa Beach Pier

Hermosa Beach Pier

Public beach · Hermosa Beach, California

Long-standing 1,140-foot pier featuring beach & sunset ocean views, plus public restrooms & fishing.

San Clemente Pier

San Clemente Pier

Public beach · San Clemente, California

This long wooden pier extends into the ocean for sweeping views of the ocean & shoreline.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area

Park · Fremont, California

Lakefront park offers 471 acres of space for picnicking, swimming, fishing & non-motorized boating.

Seal Beach Municipal Pier

Seal Beach Municipal Pier

Tourist attraction · Seal Beach, California

A tourist attraction in Seal Beach, California.

Cabrillo Beach Pier

Cabrillo Beach Pier

Fishing pier · San Pedro, California

A fishing pier in San Pedro, California.

McNears Beach Park

McNears Beach Park

Park · San Rafael, California

55-acre green space with picnic tables & tennis courts, plus a fishing pier, swimming pool & trails.

Trip packing checklist

Gear for Fishing Spots in California

Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Rod and Reel Combo

Good entry point if you want one simple setup for the trip.

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Tackle Organizer

Keeps hooks, lures, and small tools easy to find near water.

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Polarized Sunglasses

Cuts glare so it is easier to read the water.

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Rubber Landing Net

Helpful for landing fish while reducing line tangles.

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Tips for Fishing Spots in California

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Obtain necessary fishing licenses and permits

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Check local regulations on catch limits and seasons

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Bring appropriate gear for the target species

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Practice catch and release for conservation

More water adventures in California

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