Eight lakes in and around the Los Angeles area are being stocked with fresh hatchery rainbow trout this week as many local students celebrate Spring Break.
The following locations, mostly urban and suburban park lakes, were just added to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Planting Schedule for Los Angeles County. The stocking period includes March 24-30.
- Cerritos Lake (Cerritos)
- Echo Park Lake (Echo Park Neighborhood, Los Angeles)
- El Dorado Park Lakes (Long Beach)
- Elizabeth Lake (west of Lancaster)
- Kenneth Hahn Lake (LA/Ladera Heights)
- La Mirada Lake (La Mirada)
- Legg Lakes (South El Monte)
- MacArthur Park Lake (west of downtown LA)
Freshly stocked trout are easy to catch with bait, including a half or third of a nightcrawler or a ball of PowerBait just big enough to cover your hook.
Casting and retrieving lures such as spinners and spoons also can entice these aggressive fish. And if there’s casting room, trout are a good mark for fly fishing.
We have a Simple Guide to Trout Fishing with just enough details to put trout on your stringer.
A few weeks ago, the Legg Lakes in Whittier Narrows Recreation Area just east of Los Angeles were also scheduled to be stocked with hatchery channel catfish, so fish with whiskers might also show up in your catch. Catfish are also easy to catch, especially with the right tackle and bait.
We have more detailed information about these locations (and many more) in our guide to the best fishing spots in Los Angeles County.