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5 Best Fishing Spots In Orange County

5 Best Fishing Spots In Orange County

Orange County boasts some of the best fishing in Southern California—and if you love spending time outdoors, and you’re always in for a fishing trip, you’re in for a treat! There are so many places you can go fishing in Orange County. You can cast your line along the scenic Orange County coastline, go sport fishing and whale watching from beautiful Dana Point, or kick back at one of the many peaceful park lakes (like Clark Regional Park Lake or Santa Ana River Lakes).

Just a quick heads-up: everyone 16 and up must have a fishing license. Check out the licensing fees and requirements in California

Now, let’s talk favorites! Here are the five places I’ve found to enjoy fishing in Orange County. This is no particular order—they’re simply my top picks based on the ease of parking, no large crowds, and good cleaning stations.

Grab your gear and let’s go fishing!

Table of Contents

Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers! It features a peaceful 4-acre lake with two piers perfect for fishing. The regional park lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the late winter months and catfish during the warmer months—so there’s always something biting no matter the season.

But it’s not just about the fishing. The regional park also has 3 acres of beautiful coastal redwoods, along with scenic trails for hiking and biking. It’s a great place to spend the day with family or friends.

Don’t forget—a fishing license is required if you plan to fish. And if you’re looking to relax, there are a few shelters scattered throughout the park lake where you can take a break, enjoy lunch, or just soak in the view.

Grab your pole, pack a picnic, and come enjoy all that Carbon Canyon has to offer!

Address:

  • 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd. Brea, Ca. 92823

Eisenhower Park and Lake

This beautiful park, located just west of Orange Hills, is a great spot to unwind and cast a line. The 16-acre lake offers hatchery trout fishing, usually stocked by mid to late winter, and catfish by early spring—so there’s always a good reason to come back with your gear.

There are plenty of walking paths and tons of open space, making it easy to find a peaceful fishing spot all around the lake. I find the park is still great to fish in early fall too—cooler temps and fewer crowds make it extra relaxing.

A fishing license is required, so make sure you have yours before you head out.

Whether you’re going solo or bringing the family, this park is a fantastic place to spend a day outdoors!

Address:

  • 400 N. Main St Orange, Ca. 92868

Irvine Lake

I love this fishing spot in Orange County! Irvine Lake is one of my favorites because they have more variety of fish species than most places around here.

Most fishing holes in Orange County have trout and catfish—and Irvine Lake has both. But what makes it stand out is the added variety: they also have bluegill, crappie, carp, largemouth bass, and even sturgeon. It’s a great place to try something new or introduce beginners to different kinds of fishing.

The only drawback with fishing at Irvine Lake is that there are special angling rules and limited fishing hours, so be sure to check ahead before you go.

Other than that, it’s a great place to fish and enjoy the day surrounded by nature. Bring your gear, a little patience, and you’re in for a fun time! Definitely makes fishing in Orange County one of the best things to do!

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Also known as Sulphur Creek Reservoir, Laguna Niguel Regional Park is a 44-acre lake that has trout fishing, carp, crappie, catfish, and big largemouth bass stocked in the lake. It is a beautiful lake with ample parking, cleaning stations, and plenty of good spots around the lake to use your best bait! The park lake also has plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails, and biking trails, making it the perfect spot for families! Keep in mind that a fishing license is required.

Address: 

  • 28241 La Paz Rd Laguna Niguel, Ca. 92677

San Clemente Pier

San Clemente Pier is one of my favorite pier fishing spots for the Pacific Ocean! If you don’t feel like booking charter boats, pier fishing on San Clemente’s pier can be pretty fun and relaxing.

I have caught mackerel and a stingray, and I’ve read that anglers have caught baby great whites, black sea bass, yellowfin croakers, queenfish, bat ray, and sheepshead. Definitely a solid spot for fishing enthusiasts!

A fishing license is not required, which makes it even easier to enjoy a spontaneous day by the ocean! And, there are plenty of cleaning stations, fishing gear, and bait stores in the area, so everything you need is close by!

Address:

  • 601 Avenida Victoria San Clemente, Ca. 92672

Orange County Fishing Tips

There are two times of year in Orange County when you can fish for free without a license: the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend and the Saturday of the Labor Day weekend.

So if you’ve ever been curious about fishing—or want to see if you have any passion for angling—that is the best time to go! It’s a great chance to try it out without the commitment of getting a license, and maybe even start a new hobby. Be sure to check the websites before you to go see when their next kids fishing clinic will be held!

In case you’re also wondering, it’s always a good tip to go around the Orange County fish stocking schedule, so you know when there’s plenty of fish biting!

Gather some gear from the local tackle shop, pick a good spot, and enjoy a fun, relaxing day outdoors. Who knows—you might just get hooked!

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Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

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