The Best Places to Fish in San Bernardino County, CA

Southern California is known for a lot of things, but did you know the fishing here is top notch? Yep, that’s right; you can catch tons of fish in the area’s lakes, streams and reservoirs. Here are a few of the best spots to check out.

With all the streams and reservoirs at the San Bernardino National Forest, there’s plenty of spots to go fishing. Visit the trout streams for a challenge or spend the day with your family at the pier. Barton Flats, Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Lytle Creek are a few of the best spots to cast a line.

During the fishing season, most of the streams and lakes at San Bernardino provide a rich variety of fish from trout to catfish. You can also catch some bluegills and bass while you’re at it. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does the fish stocking, and their stocking schedules are posted online at this website. All fish are 100% catch and release in the park. With the amazing scenery and beautiful fish at the San Bernardino National Forest, expect to make great memories here!

The Regional Parks Department at San Bernardino has a range of options for fishing throughout the lakes and streams in the county. They host an array of activities from trout derbies to workshops for junior fishing. So whether you are an advanced angler or a beginner, the regional park has exactly what you need and is a great spot for family fun.

Here are a few of the best regional parks to visit.

Lake Gregory is a serene mountain lake just west of Lake Arrowhead. It’s one of the best fishing spots in the mountains of San Bernardino, containing plenty of rainbow and brown trout. The lake also has largemouth bass, channel catfish, brown bullhead catfish, bluegill and black crappie ready to give you a bite!

Fishing on Lake Gregory only costs $8 per day and is free for kids who are 4 years or younger. There are several Pay Stations around the lake where anglers can pay for the day. You can also get a discount of $70 for a pack of 10 fishing tickets at the Boathouse and Beach Office located on the North Shore. The fishing fee is meant for stocking trophy fish and all the funds collected are used for that program. The catch limit of fish at Lake Gregory is 5 fish per person each day.

Yucaipa Park is an 885-acre park situated in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s a popular spot for trout, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, striped bass, and carp. The average size of the trout is 7.3 pounds! Enjoy panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains and Mt. San Gorgonio while fishing from the area’s three lakes. Entrance fee to the park is $7 per car weekdays, $10 on weekends, and $2 for pedestrians. Leashed dogs are also welcome in the park at a cost of $1 per dog. This is truly a park the whole family can enjoy!

Glen Helen Regional Park is a 1,340-acre area located at the base of the chaparral-covered hills of the Cajon Pass with scenic views of both the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. Glen Helen offers two lakes for year round fishing. Trout, catfish and bass are among the most commonly caught fish here. Entrance fee to the park is $8 per car weekdays, $10 weekends, and $2 for pedestrians. Camping is also available, so make it a full weekend destination!

To fish at the regional parks in San Bernardino, you’ll need a state fishing license. The California State Department of Fish and Wildlife provides licenses on their website. You can also purchase one at the Big 5, Bass Pro Shops, and other sporting goods stores.

Come to Southern California and enjoy all that San Bernardino County has to offer. Don’t forget to plan some time on the water!