Fishing In Orange County

ByHeidi Deal Updated

It's no surprise that fishing is a popular pastime in Orange County. Miles of ocean and numerous lakes provide ample opportunity for people to enjoy fishing from the shore, or by boat. Here are some of the best places for fishing in Orange County. Be sure to get your fishing license before casting your line and check with local beaches for fishing restrictions before fishing from the shore.

California fishing licenses: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid California fishing license, including for surf fishing, shore fishing and ocean charter trips. Exceptions include fishing from qualifying public ocean piers, fishing at certain privately operated pay-to-fish lakes such as Santa Ana River Lakes, and Irvine Lake under its current operating rules. A public pier exemption does not automatically extend to nearby beaches, jetties or boats. Species, size, bag-limit and report-card rules may still apply. Check current CDFW licensing requirements and each location's posted rules.

California Free Fishing Days: California offers two designated free fishing days each year when a fishing license is generally not required for recreational fishing in eligible freshwater or ocean waters. All other applicable fishing regulations, including species limits and any required report cards, remain in effect.

Here are the California open fishing seasons.

Best Places to Fish in Orange County at a Glance

LocationFishing typeBest forLicense guidance
Irvine LakeFreshwater lakeShore fishing and familiesNo state license currently required under lake rules
Laguna Niguel Regional ParkFreshwater lakeTrout and catfishGenerally required for ages 16+
Mile Square Regional ParkFreshwater lakeLocal family outingsGenerally required for ages 16+
Huntington Beach PierPublic ocean pierBeginners and saltwater fishingNo license for qualifying public-pier fishing
Newport PierPublic ocean pierSaltwater fishingNo license for qualifying public-pier fishing
Dana Point Harbor sportfishingOcean charterGuided and family tripsCheck trip-specific rules; ages 16+ generally need a license
Newport Beach Harbor sportfishingOcean charterHalf-day and full-day tripsCheck trip-specific rules; ages 16+ generally need a license
Santa Ana River LakesPrivate pay-to-fish lakesStocked trout and catfishNo state license generally required; admission fees apply

Fishing rules, hours, stocking, access and fees can change. Confirm the latest requirements with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the location before you go.

Guide To Fishing In Orange County

Best Fishing Spots for Beginners and Kids

For a first fishing trip: Public ocean piers such as Huntington Beach Pier and Newport Pier can be convenient because fishing from qualifying public piers does not require a California fishing license. Follow pier rules, size and catch limits, and check current access conditions. Irvine Lake is another family-friendly shore-fishing option with no state license currently required under its operating rules. Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Mile Square Regional Park offer lake fishing, but adults generally need a license. For a guided ocean trip, check current family programs and fares with Dana Wharf Sportfishing.

Catalina Island Fishing

Located about 25 miles from the Orange County coast, the island of Catalina waits for visitors to come out and relax, fish, and enjoy island time. The island is only 22 miles long and 8 miles wide but offers plenty of activity to keep visitors busy and coming back for more.

One of the favorite activities in Catalina is of course, fishing. The coves and reefs around the shoreline of the island create bountiful habitats for bait fish like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. The bait fish in turn draw in larger fish to feed including Yellowtail and White Sea Bass. When the water is warm, fishermen may even hook up with larger fish like Marlin, or Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna.

There are several companies, including those listed below that offer sportfishing charters from Orange County that go out to fish Catalina. There are also a few companies on the island itself that offer charter fishing.

See our Guide To Catalina Island for Fishing, Camping, Hiking, and Where To Stay

Dana Point Sportfishing

34675 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point
888-224-0603

Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching offers an amazing set of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. They offer regular daily fishing charters like the other sportfishing companies ranging from half day to overnight and more. They offer whale watching for the public and educational field trips.

One of the unique options available at Dana Wharf is a private charter on the catamaran to search for sharks including Great Whites, hammerheads, mako, and thresher sharks. Dana Wharf has offered children's fishing programs, camps and family-friendly fishing trips. Clinic schedules, age limits, promotional fares and included equipment may change; check Dana Wharf's current offerings before planning a visit. Dana Wharf also offers live music harbor cruises, parasailing, and more.

Davey's Locker

400 Main Street, Newport Beach
949-673-1434

Davey's Locker is a popular sportfishing company that offers fishing charters and whale watching trips. Half day trips off the coast fish for rock fish, sculpin, and other small fish. Full day trips and overnight trips fish for larger species like tuna and yellowtail.

Year-round whale watching trips take spectators out in search of gray whales, dolphin, orcas, humpback whales and other sea life, depending on the season. Davey's Locker offers field trips, private charters, and other special accommodations. A variety of boats can be rented for fishing trips and harbor cruises.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel
949-923-2240

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is a popular local fishing spot with a 44-acre lake stocked with catfish, bass, and during the winter months, trout. Fishing is available from the shoreline only. No boats are allowed here. Everyone 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license to fish at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Kids can fish without a license. Fishing is available during regular park hours. This is a great spot to teach the kids to fish, or to just enjoy a relaxing day near the water in a beautiful location.

Newport Landing

309 Palm Street #A, Newport Beach
949-675-0550

Newport Landing offers deep sea fishing charters in Orange County. Whether your a first-timer or an experienced enthusiast, Newport Landing has something for everyone. Fishing charters are offered for half-day (about 5 hours), full day, overnight, and more. Depending on the season, what's biting, and location, you can catch rock fish, sea bass, sculpin, tuna, halibut, yellowtail, and more. No matter which charter you choose, you're sure to bring home some fresh, beautiful bounty of the sea.

Newport Landing also offers year-round whale watching trips to the public, and educational whale watching field trips for students. Participants will spot dolphins and sea birds, and from November through April you might catch a glimpse of humpback whales, orcas, minke whales and gray whales. from May through October keep an eye out for minke whales, blue whales, fin whales, and gray whales. You never know what's waiting for you on the ocean.

Free Pier Fishing in Orange County

There are many places to pier fish in Orange County (no fishing license required):

  • Dana Point Harbor Pier (short pier)
  • Huntington Beach Pier
  • Newport Beach
    • Newport Beach Pier (also known as McFadden Wharf)
    • Balboa Pier
    • 13 Newport Harbor Short Piers (see Newport Harbor Public Pier Map)
      • N Street/Channel Rd (peninsula)
      • Washington St (Fun Zone area)
      • Fernando St (peninsula)
      • 15th St (peninsula)
      • Marina Park (peninsula)
      • 19th St
      • Central Ave (peninsula)
      • 29th St (peninsula) *Coming soon
      • Rhine Wharf (Lido Park dr/peninsula)
      • Coral Ave/S Bay Front (Balboa Island)
      • Opal Ave/S Bay Front (Balboa Island)
      • Emerald Ave/N Bay Front (Balboa Island)
      • Sapphire Ave/N Bay Front (Balboa Island)
      • Park Ave/E Bay Front (Little Balboa Island)
  • San Clemente Pier
  • Seal Beach Pier
  • Publicly owned jetties and breakwaters may also be "public piers" (free fishing allowed)
    • Dana Point Jetty South (On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required)
    • Dana Point Jetty
    • Newport Harbor South Jetty (On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
    • Newport Harbor North Jetty (Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required)

The California Department of Fish and Game has a great list of frequently asked questions. Fishing from the piers in California is free and does not require a license. All other restrictions and regulations apply, including catch limit, minimum size of the fish, and seasons.

Fisherman may have no more than two devices for fishing on any pier, including rods, nets, traps, and handlines. Hooks must be barbless when fishing from public piers. Local tackle stores are great sources of information regarding types of lures, hooks, seasonal catch, and additional regulations for pier fishing.

Santa Ana River Lakes & Huckleberry Pond

4060 East La Palma Avenue
714-694-7210

Santa Ana River Lakes offers lakeside fishing day and night, six days a week. Seasonal fish include catfish, rainbow trout, lightning trout, sturgeon, largemouth bass, bluegill, and more. Overnight camping is available here on select weekends. Boats are available for rent on a first come, first serve basis.

There is also a special area for kids at Santa Ana River Lakes. Huckleberry pond features a large enclosed fishing pond surrounded by a grassy area with a few select farm animals like chickens and a pig. They also have a mining area where kids can mine for gems and rocks.

At Huckleberry Pond, kids are guaranteed to catch a fish - usually catfish or trout, depending on the season. They have to keep what they catch, so plan on fish for dinner after a trip here. Rods are available for rent. Huckleberry pond is a great place to host events for birthdays and scouting groups.

Shore Fishing In Orange County

Most any beach in Southern California is open to fishermen, but a fishing license is required. Year-round fishing is available for surfperches, croakers, California corbina, and California halibut and other species. The best time for fishing from the shore is when a high tide is coming in, especially in the morning hours. Fishermen should come prepared with a 9-to-12-foot rod that is equipped with 20-to-30-pound test line, extra tackle, needle nose pliers, and a pack or bucket for fish. Fishermen who plan to enter the water should wear waders and a flotation device. While fishing from the shore can be fun, it is important to remember to clean up extra line and tackle and dispose of it properly. Never leave hooks, lures, or line on the beach and do not gut and clean your catch on the sand.

More Places to Fish in Orange County

For a unique experience catch grunion with your hands.

See the OC Parks Fish Stocking Schedule & California Fish Stocking Schedules.

Lakes and Reservoirs with No Public Fishing or Restricted Access

Important: Some locations prohibit fishing, while others allow it only for residents, members or authorized visitors. Confirm access rules with the lake or park operator before visiting.

Kids Fishing Derbies In Orange County

Mile Square Park: Hosted by OC Parks, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Angler Chronicles, the annual free kids fishing derby is held at the North Lake for kids ages 6 to 15. The event is generally scheduled in October and includes on-site fishing clinics, limited fishing gear available for loan, and trophies and prizes awarded.

San Clemente Day & Fishing Derby: Held annually at the San Clemente Municipal Pier, this event is for kids ages 6-13. Fishing gear will be available supplied by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, volunteers from Fish for Life will be there to help, and Dana Wharf Sportfishing will be there with t-shirts. Kids can win prizes for different categories.

Freshwater & Lake Fish Found in Orange County

These are the common freshwater fish found fishing in Orange County (species vary by lake):

Common species at various local fishing lakes include stocked rainbow trout and catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp and, at some waters, crappie. Species and stocking vary by lake and season; these fish are not present at every location.

  • Bluegill
  • Carp
  • Catfish (Blue, Channel, Imperial)
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth Bass (Northern and Florida)
  • Panfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Shad
  • Sunfish
  • Rainbow trout (commonly stocked in season)

Check the Orange County fish stocking schedule and each lake's regulations before visiting. Stocking and species availability are not guaranteed.

Whale Watching In Orange County
Best Beaches In Orange County
Ways To Experience Orange County By Water
Shark Sightings & AttacksBest Swim Spots In OC
Orange County Seafood MarketsScuba Diving & Snorkeling Spots

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Heidi Contributor Picture

Heidi Deal is the managing editor of Enjoy Orange County and writes many of its event guides, from Halloween happenings and fall festivals to surf contests and free concerts. She also wrote the Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Los Angeles & Orange County, and unwinds with solo hikes and outings with her kids and pup. Meet the rest of our writers on the About Enjoy OC page.