California Fishing Reports (May 2026)

California Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in California

Carl Keller
Hidden Valley Lake, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Carl Keller Hidden Valley Lake, California Reported: 1 year ago

The fishing is slow, but we are catching huge bass and crappie this year. Last week my buddy caught a 15.92-pound bass on a glide bait. We were catching a lot of fish using the hover stroll method, but now the bass are eating swim bait and A-rigs. Water temperature has dropped about 6 degrees, and that is why the bite has slowed. As soon as we get a little consistent weather, the lake will bust wide open. Most of the tournaments are taking 35+ pounds to win.

Fishing in Hidden Valley Lake, California

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Scott Macdonald
Hume, California
Reported: 1 year ago

The Kings river is fishing great right now. March Browns should be popping up anytime. And Tight Line nymphing is very good.

Scott Macdonald Hume, California Reported: 1 year ago

The Kings river is fishing great right now. March Browns should be popping up anytime. And Tight Line nymphing is very good.

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Harry Markarian
Los Angeles, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Harry Markarian Los Angeles, California Reported: 1 year ago

Tuna trips are usually a bang or a bust ... The plan was to fish the island for a couple hours then go offshore in time for the "bite time" during the tuna season . We hit the island for amazing bass and barracuda fishing loading up the sacks and the headed offshore. This was our biggest fish this year! I will say that this day was looking like a bust . After leaving the grounds I got word that the fish were right off the beach in Palos Verdes . I changed course and headed straight there , within 20 minutes of being in the zone our rod went off taking line like it wasn't stopping . After 30 minutes we hauled over a 200+ bluefin tuna . Now it might look smaller .. that's because I'm 6'5 haha. It was almost my height ! What a day , everyone was stoked and got to take home so much meat . Beautiful fish and thankful for what we got! We had a Great group with us that comes out a few times a season. He said they want something big ! We were scanning a zone that I saw good meter marks of yellowtail on the fish finder . Weith non stop chumming and bass boiling around the boat the yellowtail became interested . My client just started yelling as his deaf just went bonkers . After a solid 20 minute fight one of the biggest yellowtail I've ever seen at Catalina island hit the deck . For sure the largest we've caught on the boat . This Yellowtail weighed in at 38lbs bled ! We call these Mossbacks and Homegaurd yellowtail. What an amazing season it's been for big fish !

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Nathan Beall
San Diego, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Nathan Beall San Diego, California Reported: 1 year ago

The Dodo was my second that day out of Buena Vista on the East Cape. The other was 26 kilos this guy was 32 kilos. Big day small boat. The Bluefin I caught, handlined and gaffed solo. It was in November off San Clemente on the kite Flyer rig. 5th blowup finally stuck. It was hot but the owner was happy and called it a day to celebrate Lee side of Catalina. I wanted to get a few more but the bite was off the next morning. Gotta hit while the iron is hot

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Harry Markarian
Los Angeles, California
Reported: 1 year ago

We're getting a halibut or good halibut bites every trip we fish for them ! Good white fishing to add on to the count

Harry Markarian Los Angeles, California Reported: 1 year ago

We're getting a halibut or good halibut bites every trip we fish for them ! Good white fishing to add on to the count

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Harry Markarian
Los Angeles, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Wide open rockfishing locally ! As good as it gets. Get on board before the season closes for these tasty fish .

Harry Markarian Los Angeles, California Reported: 1 year ago

Wide open rockfishing locally ! As good as it gets. Get on board before the season closes for these tasty fish .

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Harry Markarian
Los Angeles, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Excellent Fishing on our half day. Limits of whitefish for four anglers and six sheephead to add. get out here guys Fishing's been really good.

Harry Markarian Los Angeles, California Reported: 1 year ago

Excellent Fishing on our half day. Limits of whitefish for four anglers and six sheephead to add. get out here guys Fishing's been really good.

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Harry Markarian
Los Angeles, California
Reported: 1 year ago

Fantastic lobster and rockfish combo trip at Catalina this Sunday . Limits of lobster and 18 giant rockfish to add on top. Local 4 hour on Saturday . 32 whitefish 2 sculpin and 2 Sheephead on a local 4 hour ! It's biting !

Harry Markarian Los Angeles, California Reported: 1 year ago

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★★★★★
Great experience ! We took my son and his friend on a bday fishing trip . The crew was great with the kids ! Thank you 😊
Hodaya D. | May 9, 2026

Trip: Marina Del Rey Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Had such an amazing time! Kevin knows his fishing holes and how to hook em. Had a great time on the water laughing and reeling them in! Can't wait to go again.
David A. | May 1, 2026

Trip: Long Beach Nearshore Adventure
★★★★★
We had a great time. Parker was very knowledgeable and clearly experienced with the local fishery. He gave me a crash course on forward facing sonar and we used it to catch a bunch of fish!
Michael W. | April 30, 2026

Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Awesome experience!! Beautiful boat. Parker was so nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. We learned so much and can’t wait to book again!
Alicia R. | April 29, 2026

Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We absolutely loved our fishing charter with JT. Had 2 of my grandsons age 4 & 11 with as well as my son. It was their first time and they are already asking to do it again. We got several different types of fish and they tasted amazing. If you are looking for a great charter with a fantastic guide, book with JT!
Lynn G. | April 20, 2026

Trip: Island Adventure
★★★★★
Parker was great. Helpful and super knowledgable. He kept us on fish all day. Very pleasant guy.
Joseph A. | April 10, 2026

Trip: Socal Bass Fishing Trip
★★★★★
My 15 yo son and I had a successful day with Capt TJ. Caught a lot of fish and learned alot on his boat. We are beginning ocean fisherman and he let us get into a groove where it more than met our expectations. Much fun and good memories.
Edward S. | April 6, 2026

Trip: Santa Cruz Island Run
★★★★★
My son and I booked a trip with Kevin's team through Captain Experiences. Our captain out of Long Beach was Jeremy. He was fun, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to be on the water. We did a half day trip which was more than great. My 14 year old son had a blast. I would do it all over again without a doubt.
George M. | April 6, 2026

Trip: Long Beach Nearshore Adventure
★★★★★
Craig was excellent. He was very thorough in his communications with well timed phone calls to prepare in advance and out on the water he worked super hard to make sure each member of our party got on a fish. His deck hand Jake did a great job as well. Thank you Craig and Jake
Cameron G. | April 3, 2026

Trip: San Francisco Bay Premier Trip
★★★★★
Best way to spend my 40th birthday! We had a blast on the "Toda a Nada". The name says it all, "All or Nothing". Our Captain, Bruce was awesome and really put in the work to make sure we came home with fish in hand. When asked, "about what time does the charter end" his response was, "when we have fish in the boat". That's my kind of Captain! We did just that, pulled in 4 beautiful, hard-fighting, yellowtail. A total of 75 pounds. There was a processor there dock-side who took it straight from the boat to their shop. The next day our fish was cleaned and ready for pick-up. Great experience all around! Highly recommend!
Mary E. | April 2, 2026

Trip: 3/4 Day 8 Hr Trip