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Best Places To Go Fishing Near Orange County

fishing 610
(credit: shutterstock)

Got the itch to cast your lines? Stop waiting and get out on the water! These five Orange County fishing locations provide the best lake and ocean fishing around. With helpful staff, boat rentals, and even fish count apps for smartphones, anglers are almost guaranteed to get a catch. The next record-breaking fish is out there, so grab your rod and start soaking bait. 

Irvine Lake
(credit: irvinelake.net)

Irvine Lake
4621 Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
(714) 649-9111
irvinelake.net

Tucked away near Silverado Canyon, Irvine Lake is a large reservoir full of trout, catfish, bass, and more. Monthly tournaments offer anglers the opportunity to test their skills against one another and against the fish themselves. The well-stocked bait and tackle shop opens early and rents out rods and boats to those in need, and helpful staff can point out the best bait for the right type of fish. For a limited time, Irvine Lake is allowing free float tube and kayak launches, so get out on the water and hook up!

santa ana river lakes FB
(credit: Santa Ana River Lakes)

Santa Ana River Lakes
3900 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 632-7830
fishinglakes.com

With lakes stocked weekly and no license required, the Santa Ana River Lakes is one of the top fishing locations for beginners, kids, and veteran anglers. At the Huckleberry Kids Pond, kids are almost guaranteed a catch, and it's the perfect place for a birthday party. Unlike other remote fishing holes, the Santa Ana River Lake's location right off the 91 Freeway makes it easy to get to no matter what time of day. Boat rentals, tournaments, and 24 hour fishing are all available, with increased daily catch limits for overnight stays. For a guaranteed great time and a chance to hook a record breaker, the Santa Ana River Lakes are a sure bet. 

Davey's Locker Sportfishing & Whale Watching
(credit: Natalie B./Yelp)

Davey's Locker Whalewatching And Sportfishing
400 Main St.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-1434
daveyslocker.com

With miles of coastline, Orange County offers a variety of deep sea fishing adventures, and Davey's Locker offers a variety of options. From half day to overnight fishing expeditions for individuals, families, and large groups, Davey's Locker has everything an angler needs to plan the perfect fishing trip. Overnight trips take visitors to Catalina and San Clemente Islands on the lookout for tuna, sea bass, and other large game fish. For large parties or special events, private boats can also be chartered for a variety of trip lengths.

Related: Best Rafting And Kayaking Near OC

newport landing sportfishing FB
(credit: Newport Landing)

Newport Landing Sport Fishing
309 Palm St.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 675-0550
newportlanding.com

For tons of action and a virtually guaranteed hook-up, a half day or twilight fishing session with Newport Landing gives visitors plenty of fish stories to tell. Focusing on bass, halibut, and barracuda, these 5-6 hour tours stick near the Orange County coastline with distant views of its sunny shores. Longer trips head out to beautiful Catalina Island for larger game and a typical haul of hundreds of fish. Newport Landing also offers overnight fishing trips, charter boats for private events, and uses the latest tools and technologies to locate the best fishing grounds for the ultimate fishing action.

Dana Wharf fishing - featured
(credit: Dana Wharf Fishing)

Dana Wharf Sportfishing And Whale Watching
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-5794
danawharf.com

Launching from one of the most beautiful harbors in Southern California, Dana Point is the perfect setting for an ocean fishing adventure. To help ensure a catch on a deep sea fishing trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing, they have their own app for iPhone or Android that provides an up-to-date fish count. Now anglers can cast with confidence! For a special deal, fishing on Tuesdays is only half price for the half and 3/4 day excursions. Guests can save $5 per child for each fishing trip when kids are signed up in the Kid's Club. For the best overall ocean fishing experience in Orange County, Dana Wharf Sportfishing is the go-to destination

Related: Extreme Sports In Orange County

David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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