Want to catch a trout near L.A. this weekend? We have you covered.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife was scheduled to stock 13 local fishing lakes with hatchery rainbow trout this week.
If you haven’t had a chance to get out during the week, this weekend is your best shot at landing some of these favorite wintertime gamefish close to home. The schedule said the trout would be stocked between Feb. 2 and 8.
The lakes on the following list are among those most commonly stocked during the coldest months, the only time of year these aggressive fish can survive in these lowland waters long enough to strike your bait, lure, or fly.
The majority of the spots on the week’s stocking plan are ponds and small lakes in city and suburban parks. Puddingstone Lake is also one of the most popular fishing lakes in Los Angeles County.
Stocked trout will bite your bait and chase down lures and flies with wild abandon.
However, given their aggressive nature, don’t expect the cool-weather action to stay hot for long. I would anticipate many of the rainbows to get fished out within a week or two. Now’s the time to get after them.
Overall, trout fishing in local waters is a fairly simple affair. However, while you’re checking out the list below, you’ll see that a few waters are linked. Those links go to more detailed articles on the Best Fishing in America website that should help you put trout on your stringer in each spot.
The waters listed below are organized by location, starting with Los Angeles itself and then moving to other communities within the larger county.
Los Angeles
- Belvedere Lake
- Echo Park Lake
- Hansen Dam Lake
- Hollenbeck Park Lake
- Kenneth Hahn Lake
- Lincoln Park Lake
More LA County Trout Lakes
Cerritos
- Cerritos Park Lake
Downey
- Downey Wilderness Park Lake
Irwindale
- Santa Fe Reservoir
La Mirada
- La Mirada Lake
In the week coming up, also look for Apollo Community Regional Park Lake and Elizabeth Lake, both in the Lancaster area, to be stocked with fresh trout.
Catch More Fish
Our popular easy guide to trout fishing will give you a quick read on the best baits, lures, tackle, and other tips to catch trout.
We also have a longer rundown of the many great fishing opportunities in Los Angeles County.