California, the Golden State, is known for its stunning coastlines, beautiful landscapes, and endless recreational opportunities.
Among these, bass fishing has become a popular pastime for locals and visitors. With its vast network of rivers and lakes, California is a true bass fishing paradise, offering countless locations and opportunities for anglers to reel in a big catch.
From the northern reaches to the sunny shores of Southern California, anglers will find some of the best places for bass fishing.
Planning a bass fishing trip in California? Be sure to note the best time to go based on the water levels, weather conditions, and target species, as these factors can significantly impact your experience.
So, which one of the 23 best bass fishing Rivers and Lakes in California will you choose to visit for your next big catch?
Best Bass Fishing Lakes in California
Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Northern California is a favorite destination for anglers seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass. Clear Lake offers prime fishing spots year-round with its shallow water and abundant cover.
The best time for bass fishing is usually early morning during the summer, with soft plastics and drop-shot rigs being popular among anglers.
Top Fishing Spots
- Henderson Point: Located on the north shore of Clear Lake, Henderson Point is a popular spot for bass fishing. The area is known for its deep water and rocky structure, which makes it an ideal habitat for bass.
- Rattlesnake Island: Rattlesnake Island is a small island in the middle of Clear Lake. The area is known for its clear water and abundant bass population. It can be accessed by boat only.
- Konocti Bay: Konocti Bay is located on the west shore of Clear Lake. The area is known for its shallow water and abundant vegetation, which makes it a great habitat for bass.
- Cache Creek: Cache Creek is a tributary of Clear Lake and is known for its excellent bass fishing opportunities. The area is known for its clear water, rocky structure, and abundant bass population.
- Redbud Park: Redbud Park is located on the east shore of Clear Lake and is a popular spot for bass fishing. The area is known for its shallow water, abundant vegetation, and rocky structure, which makes it an ideal habitat for bass.
Lake Shasta
Shasta Lake in Northern California is great for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass.
With miles of shoreline and deep water, Lake Shasta provides plenty of opportunities for bass anglers. During the summer, focusing on the western shore and the main body of the lake can yield impressive catches.
Top Fishing Spots
- Dry Creek: This is a popular spot for bass fishing on Lake Shasta, and it’s known for producing some big fish. Try using jigs, worms, or crankbaits in deeper water.
- Pit River Arm: This area is known for its rocky structure and deep water, which makes it a great spot for bass fishing. Try using drop shots or Carolina rigs with soft plastics.
- McCloud Arm: This area is known for its clear water and rocky structure, which makes it a great spot for sight fishing. Use finesse techniques like drop shots or shaky heads with small worms or creature baits.
- Sacramento Arm: This area is known for its shallow water and weed beds, which makes it a great spot for topwater fishing. Try using buzzbaits, poppers, or frogs in the early morning or late evening.
Lake Oroville
Located in Butte County, Lake Oroville is another top bass fishing destination in Northern California.
Known for its healthy bass population, Lake Oroville has a variety of structures and depths, allowing anglers to use different techniques to find success. The best bass fishing at this lake typically occurs during the early spring to early summer months.
Top Fishing Spots
- North Fork: The North Fork arm of Lake Oroville is known for its clear water and rocky shoreline, making it an excellent spot for smallmouth bass fishing. Try fishing around the rocky points and drop-offs for the best chance of catching something.
- Middle Fork: is another excellent spot for bass fishing, especially largemouth bass. Look for areas with submerged vegetation and fish around the edges using weedless lures.
- South Fork: Known for its deep water and steep banks, making it a great spot for both smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing. Try fishing around the submerged rock piles and drop-offs for the best chance of catching something.
- Lime Saddle Marina: The Lime Saddle Marina is a popular spot for bass fishing, especially during the spring and fall. Try fishing around the docks and submerged structures using jigs or soft plastic baits.
- Bidwell Canyon Marina: The Bidwell Canyon Marina is another popular spot for bass fishing, especially during the summer months when the water is warmer. Try fishing around the submerged trees and rocky points using topwater lures or crankbaits..
California Delta
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, commonly called the California Delta, is a vast network of waterways and sloughs that offers some of the best bass fishing in the Golden State.
With its miles of shoreline and diverse structure, the Delta is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. The top bass fishing spots in the Delta are near the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers.
Fishing Records on California Delta
- Largemouth Bass: The record for the largest largemouth bass caught in the California Delta is 17.52 pounds, caught by Michael Arujo in May 2007.
- Striped Bass: The record for the largest striped bass caught in the California Delta is 70 pounds, caught by Hank Ferguson in May 1992.
- Catfish: The record for the largest catfish caught in the California Delta is 72 pounds, caught by James R. Allen in August 1987.
- Sturgeon: The record for the largest sturgeon caught in the California Delta is 468 pounds, caught by Joey Pallotta in May 1983.
- Salmon: The record for the largest salmon caught in the California Delta is 88 pounds, caught by John A. Pettis in August 1984.
Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake in Southern California is well known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass.
With its variable water levels and steep banks, Castaic Lake provides excellent opportunities for anglers who seek big fish. Swimbaits and other soft plastics are popular for bass anglers at this lake.
Top Fishing Spots
- The main lake points and coves: These areas are known for holding bass throughout the year, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
- The dam area: The dam area is a great spot for catching larger bass, particularly during the summer months when the water temperature is warmer.
- The upper lake: The upper lake is a great spot for catching smallmouth bass, and it is also known for its scenic beauty.
- The lagoon: The lagoon is a popular spot for fishing for largemouth bass, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
Lake Havasu
Straddling the border between California and Arizona, Lake Havasu is a popular fishing destination for both states’ residents.
The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for both smallmouth and largemouth bass, with prime fishing spots accessible from both the California and Arizona sides. The best time to fish for bass at Lake Havasu is early morning and evening.
Top Fishing Spots
- The north end of the lake: This area is known for its rocky structures, submerged brush, and drop-offs, which provide excellent habitat for bass.
- The south end of the lake: This area has more vegetation than the north end, which can be a great place to find bass during the summer months.
- The coves and inlets: These areas can be productive for bass fishing, especially during the spring when bass are spawning.
- The London Bridge area is known for its deep water and rocky structures, which can be great for catching larger bass.
- The Bill Williams River arm: This area is known for its clear water and rocky structures, which can be great for sight fishing for bass.
Lake Casitas
Ventura County’s Lake Casitas is another favorite among California bass anglers. Known for its clear water and big bass, Casitas Lake offers a diverse range of structures and cover that provides the perfect bass habitat.
During the summer, deeper water areas of the lake tend to produce the best bass fishing results.
Top Fishing Spots
- Wadleigh Arm: This is a popular spot for bass fishing, especially during the spring and early summer. The area is known for its rocky points, submerged trees, and drop-offs, which provide good cover for bass.
- Santa Ana Arm: This arm of the lake is also a great spot for bass fishing, particularly during the fall and winter months. The area has a lot of submerged vegetation and rocky outcroppings, which provide good cover for bass.
- Coyote Creek: This is another popular spot for bass fishing, particularly during the spring and summer. The area has a lot of submerged trees and brush, which provide good cover for bass.
- Johnson Bay: This shallow bay is known for its largemouth bass fishing. The area has a lot of submerged vegetation, providing good bass cover.
- Main Lake Points: The main lake points are good for bass fishing, especially during the fall and winter. The area has a lot of rocky outcroppings and drop-offs, which provide good cover for bass.
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is located in Los Angeles County, Pyramid Lake is an excellent spot for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area, anglers can find productive areas to fish for bass near the shoreline and deeper water areas.
With its diverse structure and easy access, Pyramid Lake is great for beginners and experienced anglers.
Top Fishing Spots
- The Pyramid Rock area: This area is located on the eastern side of the lake, and it is known for its large bass population. The water is deep, and the rocks provide excellent cover for the fish.
- The North Nets: This area is located on the northern side of the lake, and it is a popular spot for bass fishing. The water is shallow, and there are plenty of weeds and rocks for the fish to hide in.
- The Blockhouse: This area is located on the western side of the lake, and it is a great spot for bass fishing in the spring and fall.
- The South Tufa: This area is located on the southern side of the lake, and it is a popular spot for bass fishing in the summer. The water is shallow, and there are plenty of weeds and rocks for the fish to hide in.
- The Pelican Point: This area is located on the eastern side of the lake, and it is a great spot for bass fishing in the fall.
Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake, located in Sacramento County, offers excellent bass fishing opportunities.
With its large surface area and varying depths, Folsom Lake is well-suited for those seeking smallmouth and largemouth bass. Anglers can find prime fishing spots near the North and South Forks of the American River.
Top Fishing Spots
- Granite Bay: This is a popular spot for bass fishing on Folsom Lake. It is located on the lake’s western side and is known for its rocky shoreline and deep water.
- Browns Ravine: This is another popular spot for bass fishing on Folsom Lake. It is located on the southern side of the lake and is known for its rocky shoreline and deep water.
- Rattlesnake Bar: This is a great spot for bass fishing on Folsom Lake. It is located on the northern side of the lake and is known for its rocky shoreline and deep water.
- Peninsula Campground: This is a popular spot for bass fishing on Folsom Lake. It is located on the eastern side of the lake.
- Mormon Island: This is an excellent spot for bass fishing on Folsom Lake. It is located on the southern side of the lake.
Lake Berryessa
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa is another top bass fishing location in California.
Known for its healthy smallmouth and largemouth bass population, Lake Berryessa provides various fishing opportunities from shore and boat. Early summer and early morning hours are the most productive times for bass fishing at this lake.
Top Fishing Spots
- Putah Creek Arm: This arm of the lake is known for its clear water and rocky structure, which makes it a great spot for both smallmouth and largemouth bass.
- Markley Cove: This cove is located on the lake’s eastern shore and is known for its deep water and rocky structure, making it a great spot for largemouth bass.
- Big Island: This island is located near the middle of the lake and is known for its rocky structure and deep water, making it an excellent spot for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
- Pope Creek Arm: This arm of the lake is known for its shallow water and weed beds, which makes it an excellent spot for largemouth bass.
- Spanish Flat: This area is located on the lake’s northern shore and is known for its rocky structure and deep water, making it a great spot for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Eastman Lake
Eastman Lake is a beautiful body of water located in Madera County, California. It is part of the San Joaquin River system and is known for being an excellent spot for bass fishing.
Anglers who visit Eastman Lake can expect to find a variety of fish species, but the lake is particularly renowned for its big bass.
Knowing where to focus your efforts is important for planning a fishing trip to Eastman Lake. The western shore is a great place to start, as it tends to have more structure and cover that the bass like to hang out in.
Deeper water areas are prime spots for catching big fish, as the bass congregate there for cooler water and prey.
While bass fishing is the main draw at Eastman Lake, there are plenty of other fish species to target. Crappie, bluegill, and catfish can all be found in the lake, and there are plenty of shore and boat fishing opportunities.
New Melones Lake
New Melones Lake is a reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County and Tuolumne County, California. The New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River creates the lake. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking.
Bass fishing on New Melones Lake is a popular activity among anglers. The lake is home to a variety of bass species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass.
The best time to fish for bass on New Melones Lake is during the spring and fall months, when the water temperature is cooler and the bass are more active.
Top Fishing Spots
- Glory Hole Point: is located at the lake’s northern end and is known for its rocky points and underwater structures, providing excellent habitat for bass.
- Tuttletown Recreation Area: located on the western shore of the lake and offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including rocky points, coves, and drop-offs.
- Angels Cove: on the eastern shore of the lake and is known for its shallow water and weed beds, which provide great habitat for largemouth bass.
- Carson Creek: is at the southern end of the lake and is known for its submerged trees and brush, which provide excellent cover for bass.
- South Shore Marina: located on the southern shore of the lake and offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including rocky points, submerged islands, and drop-offs.
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Bullards Bar
Bullards Bar is a large reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Yuba County, California. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
As for bass fishing, Bullards Bar has a variety of bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Anglers can expect to find good fishing throughout the year, with some of the best in spring and fall.
One of the most popular techniques for catching bass in Bullards Bar is using a drop shot rig, which involves suspending a soft plastic bait above the bottom of the lake. Other effective techniques include using jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures.
While Bullards Bar is primarily known for its bass fishing, the lake houses other fish species, including trout, catfish, and kokanee salmon.
Top Fishing Spots
- The Narrows: This area is a narrow channel that connects the north and south arms of the lake. It is a popular spot for bass fishing, as the water is deep and there is plenty of structure for fish to hide in.
- Dark Day Cove: This cove is located on the south side of the lake and is known for its clear water and abundant bass. It is a popular spot for both shore fishing and boat fishing.
- Peninsula Cove: This cove is located on the north side of the lake and is another popular spot for bass fishing. It has plenty of structure, including submerged trees and rocks, that provide cover for fish.
- Willow Creek: This creek is located on the lake’s northeast side and is a popular spot for anglers targeting largemouth bass. It is a shallow, weedy area that is ideal for fishing with topwater lures and other surface baits.
- Main Body: The main body of the lake is also a good area to target bass, especially in the early morning and late evening when the fish are most active. Look for areas with submerged structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds.
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Casitas Lake
Bass fishing on Casitas Lake can be a thrilling experience for anglers of all levels. Located in Ventura County, California, Casitas Lake is known for its healthy largemouth bass population, which can grow up to 20 inches or more in length.
Choosing the right equipment and techniques is essential for a successful bass fishing trip on Casitas Lake.
You’ll want a medium-heavy rod with fast action, a baitcasting reel, and a braided line. Some popular lures for bass fishing on Casitas Lake include plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
Top Fishing Spots
- The Dam: The dam is a popular spot for bass fishing on Casitas Lake. It is known for its deep water and rocky structure, which provides a perfect habitat for largemouth bass.
- Coyote Cove: Coyote Cove is another great spot for bass fishing on Casitas Lake. It is located on the north shore of the lake and is known for its shallow water and rocky structure.
- Santa Ana Cove: Santa Ana Cove is a great spot for bass fishing on Casitas Lake. It is located on the east side of the lake and is known for its deep water and rocky structure.
- Wadleigh Arm: Wadleigh Arm is another great spot for bass fishing on Casitas Lake. It is located on the west side of the lake and is known for its shallow water and weed beds, which provide a perfect habitat for bass.
- Johnson Bay: Johnson Bay is a popular spot for bass fishing on Casitas Lake. It is located on the lake’s south shore and is known for its deep water and rocky structure.
Lake Isabella
Lake Isabella is located in Kern County, California, United States. It is in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and part of the Kern River watershed. The lake is approximately 40 miles northeast of Bakersfield and can be accessed via Highway 178.
Bass fishing on Lake Isabella is a popular activity among anglers. Lake Isabella is known for its abundant population of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass.
Anglers can fish for bass year-round, but the best time to catch them is spring and fall. During these seasons, the water temperature is ideal for bass to feed and spawn.
Top Fishing Spots
- The South Fork Arm: This area is known for its clear water and rocky shoreline, providing excellent bass habitat.
- The Main Lake: This area is popular for its deep water and structure, which attracts large bass.
- The Dam: The area around the dam is known for its deep water and fast current, which can be challenging but rewarding for experienced anglers.
- The North Fork Arm: This area is known for its shallow water and weed beds, which provide excellent habitat for bass.
Lake Camanche
Lake Camanche is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern California, USA. It is situated in Amador and Calaveras counties and is approximately 45 miles southeast of Sacramento.
Lake Camanche is known for its abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass and other species such as catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Top Fishing Spots
- North Shore: The North Shore is fabulous for starting your bass fishing adventure on Lake Camanche. Plenty of rocky points and coves make ideal habitats for bass.
- South Shore: The South Shore is another good option for bass fishing on Lake Camanche. Look for areas with submerged trees and brush piles.
- The Narrows: The Narrows is a narrow channel that connects the North and South Shore. It can be a productive spot for bass fishing, especially during the spring and fall.
- Hat Island: Hat Island is a small island near the North Shore. It can be a great spot for bass fishing, especially during summer.
- Little Hat Island: Little Hat Island is located just south of Hat Island. It can be a productive spot for bass fishing, especially during the spring and fall.
Lake Perris
Lake Perris is a reservoir located in Riverside County, California. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including bass fishing. The lake has many fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Alabama bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Bass fishing on Lake Perris can be a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is known for producing some large bass, with some weighing over 10 pounds.
Anglers can use various techniques to catch bass on Lake Perris, including plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits.
Top Fishing Spots
- The east end of the lake, near the dam and the marina.
- The north end of the lake, near the Bernasconi Beach area.
- The west end of the lake, near the Alessandro Island area.
Don Pedro Reservoir
The reservoir is home to several species of bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Anglers can use various techniques to catch bass at Don Pedro, including topwater lures, jigs, and soft plastic baits.
During the spring and early summer, bass can often be found in shallow water near the shoreline, feeding on baitfish and other prey.
As the water temperature warms in the summer, bass tends to move to deeper water, where they can be caught using techniques such as drop shotting and Carolina rigging.
Don Pedro Reservoir is also known for its trophy-sized bass, with fish weighing over 10 pounds caught regularly.
Top Fishing Spots
- Fleming Meadows: This is a popular spot for bass fishing, especially during the spring and summer months. The area around the marina and the coves near the shore are known to produce good catches.
- Moccasin Point: This is another popular spot for bass fishing, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The rocky areas around the point and the submerged islands are known to hold good numbers of bass.
- Jenkins Hill: This deep-water area is known to hold some of the biggest bass in the reservoir. Anglers often use drop-shot or Carolina rigs to target the bass in this area.
- Middle Bay: This is a shallow, weedy area that is known to hold good numbers of largemouth bass. Topwater lures and weedless plastics are often used to target the bass in this area.
Diamond Valley Lake
Diamond Valley Lake is a large reservoir in Hemet, California, United States. It is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts due to its abundance of largemouth bass.
The lake is stocked annually with thousands of bass, making it one of Southern California’s best bass fishing spots. Diamond Valley Lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including boat fishing, shore fishing, and kayak fishing.
Top Fishing Spots
- East Dam: This is a popular spot for bass fishing. The area is easily accessible and provides ample opportunities for shore fishing.
- The Saddle Dam: This area is known for its deep waters, making it an ideal spot for catching larger bass. The Saddle Dam is also a popular spot for boat fishing.
- The Marina: The marina area is another great spot for bass fishing. The area is known for its abundance of largemouth bass.
- The West Dam: The West Dam is another popular spot for bass fishing. The area provides ample opportunities for shore fishing and is known for its large bass.
Lake Sonoma
Lake Sonoma is a beautiful reservoir located in Sonoma County, California. The lake is situated in the heart of wine country and is surrounded by rolling hills, oak trees, and vineyards.
It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
Top Fishing Spots
- Cherry Creek Cove: This cove is located on the west side of the lake and is known for producing some of the biggest bass on the lake. Anglers can fish the weed beds and submerged structures for bass.
- Yorty Creek: This creek is located on the north side of the lake and is a popular spot for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The creek has numerous drop-offs, points, and submerged structures that provide ideal habitat for bass.
- Warm Springs Arm: This arm of the lake is located on the east side and is known for its shallow water and weed beds. Anglers can fish the weed beds for largemouth bass using topwater lures and soft plastics.
- Rockpile: This submerged rockpile is located near the dam and is a great spot for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Anglers can fish the drop-offs and ledges around the rockpile using jigs and soft plastics.
- Skaggs Springs Arm: This arm of the lake is located on the west side and is known for its clear water and rocky shoreline. Anglers can fish the rocky shoreline for smallmouth bass using crankbaits and jerk baits.
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Top Bass Fishing Rivers in California
Sacramento River
Running through Northern California, the Sacramento River offers anglers a vast water system perfect for bass fishing. The best time to fish for bass in this river is during the early spring to summer months when water temperatures provide the ideal habitat for smallmouth bass.
A great place to start fishing is near Shasta Lake, known for its high bass population and easy access. As the water levels rise throughout the spring, anglers should focus on shallow water areas and target active bass in these conditions.
San Joaquin River
The San Joaquin River, stretching through the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, is another prime fishing spot. Known for its excellent bass population, this river system is perfect for targeting big fish.
The best time to fish here is during the early morning hours or during the summer months when the water levels are optimal for bass.
Colorado River
The Colorado River is a major river in the western United States that runs for approximately 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Gulf of California in Mexico.
The river forms the border between the states of California and Arizona, and it is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts in California.
The river is home to a variety of bass species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass, which attract anglers from all over the country.
The river’s clear water and diverse habitat make it an ideal location for bass fishing, with many popular fishing spots along its banks.
In addition to bass, the Colorado River is also home to other fish species, such as catfish, trout, and carp, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities.
Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, the Colorado River offers a unique and exciting fishing experience in the Golden State.
Bass Species in California
California offers a diverse range of bass species for anglers to target. Across the state, you will find Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Striped Bass inhabiting the waters of various rivers and lakes.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass are abundant in many lakes and reservoirs in the Golden State, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Clear Lake in Lake County, Castaic Lake in Ventura County, and the California Delta in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties are all known for their excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities.
Lake Berryessa in Napa County and New Melones Lake in Calaveras County also hold populations of these big fish. The best time to target Largemouth Bass is during the early morning or late afternoon when water temperatures are cooler.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass, on the other hand, favor cooler waters and are more prevalent in the northern part of California.
Shasta Lake and Trinity Lake, located in Shasta County, are among the best places for Smallmouth Bass fishing. Folsom Lake in Sacramento County, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Oroville in Butte County also offer productive Smallmouth Bass fishing during the summer months.
Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass can be found in several reservoirs throughout the state. Lake Berryessa, Shasta Lake, and Lake Oroville all contain healthy populations of this species.
Anglers looking for Spotted Bass should target rocky structures and deeper water, as these fish often hold near-submerged cover.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, a popular game fish, make their homes in rivers and lakes across California. Notable hotspots include the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County.
The colder waters of Lake Casitas in Ventura County and Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles County also host Striped Bass populations.
Fishing Seasons and Conditions
In California, fishing seasons and conditions vary depending on the location and weather. Generally, the best time for bass fishing is during spring and summer, when water temperatures are optimal for bass activity.
Spring
Spring is an excellent time for bass fishing in Northern California, especially in clear lakes such as Lake Berryessa and Lake Oroville.
During this period, the bass frequent shallow waters, making it an excellent opportunity for anglers to use soft plastics and drop-shot rigs. In Southern California, Lake Havasu, Castaic Lake, and Lake Casitas also offer prime fishing spots for bass during the spring.
Summer
Summer brings warmer water temperatures, and bass anglers can succeed in deeper lakes like New Melones Lake, Shasta Lake, and Pyramid Lake in Northern California.
In Southern California, Ventura County’s Casitas Lake and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta offer excellent fishing opportunities for big bass in deeper water. Summer trout fishing is also popular in Lake Isabella and Tahoe’s natural lakes.
The California Delta, located near the San Francisco Bay Area, is the largest lake in the state, spanning over 1,000 square miles of water, and offers plenty of shorelines for bass anglers to explore.
This area is mainly known for its large bass population and is often called the “Bass Capital of the West.” The delta’s water levels and conditions can be significantly impacted by drought, affecting the bass population and fishing success.
Weather
Weather is critical in determining the best places and conditions for bass fishing. During periods of drought in the golden state, smaller lakes, such as Lake Camanche and Folsom Lake, may experience reduced water levels, making it challenging to find the best fishing spots.
Conclusion – Best Bass Fishing Rivers & Lakes in California
Well, there you have the best bass fishing rivers and lakes in California. Now you have a choice to make. Which one of these lakes and or rivers am I going to fish at on my next fishing trip to California?
I hope you enjoyed the article, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear about your bass fishing adventures in California!
Until next time Happy Bass Fishing!
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."