Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. It’s also a great way to fish, as it gets you closer to the water and the fish. If you’re looking for some great kayak fishing lakes in California.
If you have a passion for nature, adventure sports, or fishing, then California may just be your hidden paradise. California is home to numerous lovely beaches, rivers, and lakes, making it one of the most popular kayaking areas in the United States. Whether you plan on visiting the destination during the summer, in the spring or fall, and yes – even during the winter season.
Our Picks for Best Lakes in California for Kayaking in 2023
- Clear Lake California
- San Diego Bay
- La Jolla Shores
- Cabrillo Beach
- Lewiston Lake
- Stockton Delta
- Newport Beach
- Monterey Bay California
- Lake Gregory
- Dana Point
Important: There is always something new to learn about California. Here are some great places to kayak fish: Remember that a valid fishing license is required to fish in California by anyone over 16 years old.

1) Clear Lake California – Best Kayak Fishing Spot
If you’re looking for a great place to kayak fish in California, look no further than Clear Lake. This lake is one of the best in the state for kayak fishing, and there are plenty of reasons why.
For starters, the scenery is simply beautiful. Clear Lake sits in the heart of wine country, and its shores are lined with vineyards and rolling hills. The lake itself is quite large, so you’ll have plenty of room to explore. And because it’s so big, there’s always something new to see – whether it’s a hidden cove or a secluded beach.
But the real reason that Clear Lake is such a great place for kayak fishing is because of the fish. The lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, trout, and crappie – just to name a few.

2) San Diego Bay – The best Kayak Fishing place in California
San Diego Bay is one of the best places to go kayaking in California. The bay is huge and there are plenty of places to explore. Kayaking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.
There are a few things to keep in mind when kayaking in San Diego Bay. The first is that the water can be very cold, even in the summer. Be sure to dress appropriately. The second is that there are a lot of boats in the bay, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Lastly, there is plenty of fish in the bay, so bring your fishing gear!
Kayaking in San Diego Bay is a great experience that everyone should try at least once. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best kayak fishing lakes in California.

3) La Jolla Shores – Southern California
La Jolla Shores is also one of the best kayak places in southern California. This beautiful lake is perfect for a day of fishing, with plenty of space to paddle around and plenty of fish to catch. The water is calm and clear, making it easy to spot fish, and there are plenty of places to launch your kayak. You can also find a variety of kayaks for rent at the lake, so you can try out different types before you buy one. The best times to fish at La Jolla Shores are early in the morning or later in the evening. The best months are late winter and early spring when the sun is at a lower angle and provides more light.

4) Cabrillo Beach – Kayak Fishing Lake
Cabrillo Beach is a beautiful fishing spot to go kayaking because of the scenery and the wildlife. The water is clean and clear, and the beach is well-maintained. There are also several kayak rental companies that offer reasonable rates.
When you go kayaking at Cabrillo Beach, you’ll be able to see dolphins, seals, and even whales. The best time to go kayaking is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as strong. You should also bring plenty of sunscreens, water, and snacks.

5) Lewiston Lake – Northern California
Lewiston Lake is also one of the best fishing lakes in northern California and is also known as a kayak angler Paradise, This lake offers beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, and plenty of space to explore. Here are some things to know about kayaking at Lewiston Lake.
The first thing to consider when kayaking at Lewiston Lake is the weather. The lake can be quite windy, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out. If the wind is blowing, it’s best to stay close to shore. There are also a few areas of the lake where the water can be choppy, so it’s important to exercise caution.
Another thing to kayakers keep in mind when kayaking at Lewiston Lake is that there are a lot of submerged logs and branches. It’s important to paddle carefully and avoid these obstacles.

6) Stockton Delta
The Stockton Delta is one of the best kayak fishing lakes in California. It is located in San Joaquin County and is a great place to fish for bass, catfish, and trout. The lake is also a great place to paddle around and enjoy the scenery. Many rental companies offer kayaks and canoe rentals. It is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy some time in nature.
The Skate Park at the Stockton Sports Complex has a wave pool, which is one of the best recreational facilities in Stockton. The pool is 22 feet deep and 50 feet long, which makes it fun for the whole family. It creates waves that are gentle enough for children. The park also has a swimming area with a zero-depth entry, three lap lanes, and a warm water area.

7) Newport Beach
Newport Beach With its rocky shores and calm waters, Newport Beach is a great place to go kayaking. There are many different kayak fishing lakes in California, but Newport Beach is one of the best. Here are some of the reasons why:
The water is clean and clear, making it ideal for kayaking. The rocks and cliffs provide a beautiful backdrop for your kayaking adventure. The lake is large enough to explore, but not so large that you’ll get lost.
There is plenty of fish in the lake, so you’re sure to catch something good. The peaceful environment is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. Newport Beach is one of the best places to go kayaking in California. Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is a beautiful lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It’s one of the best places to go kayaking in California. The water is usually crystal clear, making it an ideal place for kayaking.

8) Monterey Bay California
Monterey Bay California is one of the best kayaking spots in the state. The bay offers calm waters and beautiful scenery. There are many kayak rental companies in the area, so it is easy to get started.
There are a few things to keep in mind when kayaking in Monterey Bay. The water can be cold, so dress appropriately. Also, be aware of the tides and currents. They can change quickly and create dangerous conditions.
Kayaking is a great way to explore Monterey Bay. You can see wildlife up close, paddle through kelp forests, and get a different perspective on the coastline. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience kayaking in this beautiful bay.

9) Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is one of the best kayak fishing lakes in California. It is located in the San Bernardino National Forest and has a surface area of 7.5 square miles. The lake is fed by mountain runoff and has a maximum depth of 150 feet. There are two public boat ramps on the lake and a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. Lake Perris is one of the best kayak fishing lakes in California. It is located in the San Jacinto Mountains and has a surface area of 10 square miles. The lake was constructed between 1947 and 1954 for flood control and irrigation water for local farmers. It also serves as a backup for the Colorado River Aqueduct.
There is a day-use area with picnic tables, barbecues, and restrooms that are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

10) Dana Point
Dana Point is one of the best kayaking lakes in California. The lake is located in Orange County and is a great place to kayak all year round. Dana Point has beautiful views of the coastline and is a great place to go fishing. The lake is also home to many different species of fish, making it a great place to catch your dinner. This is a great place to go for a family outing. There are many things to do and see at Dana Point. The temperature of the water is comfortable, making it a great place to kayak during any season. The lake is also home to a few lighthouses that are great photo opportunities. Dana Point has many different types of kayaking tours and rentals. There are tours that go out in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy California’s many lakes. It is a challenging and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. With the right equipment and preparation, it is safe and easy to get started. There are many great kayak fishing lakes in California, so get out there well Clear Lake is the best kayak fishing best place in California. The lake is teeming with fish and the scenery is beautiful. There are also many campsites and launch sites located around the lake, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend fishing.