If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and fishing enthusiast, California is the perfect destination for you. With its diverse landscapes and abundant waterways, it offers a paradise for paddle board fishing. Combining the tranquility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with the excitement of fishing, SUP fishing provides a unique and thrilling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to try something new, California offers a wealth of locations throughout the state for paddle board fishing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to SUP fish in northern, western, eastern, and southern California. We will also highlight the best lures to use at each location and the types of fish you can expect to catch. So grab your paddle board and fishing gear, and let’s dive into the world of paddle board fishing in California.
Northern California
Clear Lake
Located in Lake County, Clear Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. This expansive lake offers a wide range of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. When SUP fishing at Clear Lake, consider using lures such as plastic worms, jigs, or topwater baits for bass. For catfish, try using cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. Crappie can be targeted with small jigs or live minnows.
Lake Almanor
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Almanor is a scenic destination for SUP fishing. This picturesque lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout (rainbow, brown, and brook), smallmouth bass, and catfish. To target trout, consider using lures such as spoons, spinners, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait. Smallmouth bass can be enticed with plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Catfish are often caught using cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits.
Shasta Lake
Situated in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Shasta Lake is a popular SUP fishing destination in northern California. This massive reservoir offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), trout (rainbow and brown), and catfish. When SUP fishing at Shasta Lake, consider using lures such as plastic worms, jigs, or topwater baits for bass. Trout can be targeted with spoons, spinners, or natural baits. Catfish are often caught using cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits.
Lake Berryessa
Located in Napa County, Lake Berryessa is a picturesque destination for SUP fishing. This lake is known for its population of bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), trout (rainbow and brown), and catfish. When targeting bass at Lake Berryessa, try using lures such as plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Trout can be enticed with spoons, spinners, or natural baits like worms or PowerBait. Catfish are often caught using cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits.
Trinity Lake
Situated in the Trinity National Forest, Trinity Lake offers a peaceful SUP fishing experience in northern California. This reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), trout (rainbow and brown), and catfish.
