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California

Looking for the best fishing in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Fishing Spots in and near California

  • Kyburz, California

    Hike to Twin and Island Lakes

    5.0
    7 mi / 1600 ft gain
    The Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams.  The marsh-like water is very slow moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime.  Be sure to loa...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake

    30 mi / 8000 ft gain
    This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...
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  • Bishop, California

    Sailor Lake Backpack & Climb of Mt. Haeckel

    5.0
    13 mi / 2500 ft gain
    The basic part of this adventure is a backpack to Sailor Lake. From there you can enjoy small dayhikes to the nearby lakes or waterfalls, go fishing, enjoy some photography or just lounge in camp and gaze at the beautiful scenery. Although Sailor Lake looks smaller than the nearby lakes it stil...
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  • Twin Bridges, California

    Ropi Lake via Pyramid Creek

    4.7
    4.87 mi / 1581 ft gain
    The trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee to park in the trailhead parking lot. The hike i...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Hike to Lower Monarch Lake

    5.0
    8.4 mi
    The drive takes about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead from Three Rivers, CA so plan accordingly and make sure you get there early. Lower Mineral Lake is located below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park.Once you're parked and ready to jump on the trail, head to the Sawtooth Trailhead. You'l...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Green & Camp Lakes via Meysan Lakes

    5.0
    8.16 mi / 3248 ft gain
    Green Lake via Meysan Lakes Trail is hiked from mid-June to end of September most seasons. Once the snow starts to fall, the road to the trailhead will be closed. A permit is require for overnight. You can obtain the permits online or at the ranger station in Lone Pine. Book online if you plan on...
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  • Imperial Beach, California

    Catch a Sunset at the Imperial Beach Pier

    5.0
    From San Diego, head South on Hwy 5 for 12 miles. Take a right on exit 5A for Palm Ave/CA-75. Take CA-75 west for 1.6 miles. Stay on Palm Ave as it splits from CA-75. Take Palm Ave for 1 mile until it reaches the coast. Turn left on Seacoast Dr and take it for 1 mile until you reach the Imperial ...
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  • Klamath, California

    Relax at False Klamath Cove

    4.0
    Wilson Beach in False Klamath Cove is a small but scenic spot in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Surrounded by thick forest, the dark gray sandy beach is scattered with driftwood, interesting rocks formations, and tide pools. The small free parking area has picnic tables and is a popular spo...
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  • Oceano, California

    Camp at Pismo State Beach

    4.7
    Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

    5.0
    Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of near...
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  • Del Norte County, California

    Backpack to Raspberry Lake

    1.0
    12 mi / 1800 ft gain
    If you wish to experience the beauty of the Siskiyou Wilderness and avoid the crowds associated with The Devil’s Punchbowl, then consider a visit to Raspberry Lake. Beginning at the Young’s Valley Trailhead (Coordinates: 41.889919, -123.654755), this hike is a great option for those seeking wide...
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  • Big Pine, California

    Trout Fishing in the Owens River

    3.0
    Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, Inyo, and White Mountains, the Owens River Valley is picturesque and home to some quality trout fishing on the Owens River. If you like to pair photography with fishing then this is the ideal location for you - the color pallet is beautiful, especially in the wint...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Crystal Lake via Mammoth Crest Trail

    4.8
    2.5 mi / 1257 ft gain
    In Lake George, park along Lake George Road and walk towards Crystal Crag Trailhead sign to begin the hike. If you couldn't find it, you can head to the boat rentals by the lake and you will see a sign saying trailhead is behind you. The trail is well maintained and it is really easy to follow. ...
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  • Independence, California

    Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney

    47.35 mi / 11745 ft gain
    Trip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley.  Our fi...
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  • Independence, California

    Flower Lake from Onion Valley

    5.04 mi / 1352 ft gain
    Make sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    3.7
    Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5...
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