What to bring fishing at a California trout water

A short packing list for a day at a California lake, pond or stream that is on the planting schedule. It is general fishing know-how, not a product review. Bring what the day and the water call for, and leave the rest.

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License and rules

Anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explains the types and how to get one on its fishing license page. Check there, because rules and fees change.
Rules differ by water. Some waters limit the bait, the hooks or the number of fish you may keep, and parks and reservoirs may charge a day-use fee or post rules of their own. Read the signs at the water.
A water’s page here shows what CDFW has scheduled, by week, never by day. Plants are subject to change, so a scheduled week is not a promise that fish are in the water on the day you arrive.

This is a reminder, not legal advice. CDFW’s own pages are the authority on licenses and regulations.

Trout and catfish: what differs

Trout prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water. They are often more active in the cool hours near sunrise and sunset. Fish at a planting water are commonly rainbow trout, and many anglers fish for them with light line, small hooks, dough baits, worms or small spinners and spoons.
Catfish favor warmer water and often feed near the bottom, with evening and night often the more productive hours in summer. They run bigger and pull harder, so many anglers step up to a stouter rod and heavier line than they would for trout, and use cut bait, chicken liver, worms or prepared catfish baits. Some waters on the schedule list catfish; check the water’s page for the species CDFW shows.

Rod, reel, line and small tackle

A light spinning rod around six to seven feet, with a matching reel, is a common choice for trout at a lake or pond.
Line in the four to six pound range is common for trout. Clear monofilament or fluorocarbon is less visible in the water.
Small hooks, split shot, a few bobbers and a swivel or two cover most bait setups. Pinching a barb flat is required at some waters and kinder to the fish everywhere.
Needle-nose pliers and a line cutter make removing a hook much easier.

Bait and lures for trout

Dough baits, worms and salmon eggs are common bait choices where bait is allowed. Some waters allow artificial lures, not bait, so check the rules before you buy bait.
Small spinners and spoons are common lures for casting from shore, and they are easy to carry in a pocket.

If you are after catfish

A medium-power rod with ten to twenty pound line is a common starting point, with a sliding sinker rig that keeps the bait on the bottom.
Circle hooks usually hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which makes release easier.
A headlamp or lantern helps if you stay after dark, and a folding chair helps while you wait.

Cold, wet and shoulder-season days

Mornings at a mountain lake or a foothill stream can be cold even when the afternoon warms up. The weather in late fall, winter and spring can change within hours.

Dress in layers you can remove: a base layer, an insulating layer and a shell that blocks wind and rain.
A warm hat and gloves matter more than they seem. Gloves with free fingertips, or ones you can slip off, help with knots.
Waterproof boots keep feet dry on a muddy bank. Waders are for wading; stay out of fast or deep water, and wear a life jacket on a boat.
A thermos of something hot is welcome after an hour of standing still.

Sun and summer days

Shade can be scarce on a lake shore, and the sun reflects off the water. Summer days can be hot, and fish are often more active early in the morning or in the evening, so many people arrive early and leave before midday.

A wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses protect you for hours outside. Polarized lenses also cut glare, which makes it easier to see into the water.
Bring more drinking water than you expect to need, and snacks.
Insect repellent is useful near still water at dusk.

Cooler and cleaning

Know the daily limit and any size rule for the water before you keep a fish. If you plan to release fish, wet your hands before you touch the fish and handle it as little as you can.
Fish keep better cold. A cooler with ice, brought from home, lets you chill a catch right away; a stringer or a bucket works for a short wait.
A sharp fillet knife, a small cutting board, zip bags and wet wipes make cleaning simpler. Follow any posted rules about cleaning fish at the water.
A landing net helps bring a fish in without losing it.
Pack out your trash, including loose line and hooks.

Before you go

See what is scheduled this week, or find a water by county. Each water’s page shows its scheduled weeks, and CDFW’s own Fish Planting Schedule is the source.