Main Beach and the Laguna Beach coast

Outdoors

Fishing near Laguna Beach

Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Laguna Beach where fishing is allowed, closest first.

9places to fish
27 mito the closest
1within 30 miles

Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. California license information ↗

Closest picks

1

Carbon Canyon Dam

27 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

2

Santa Fe Dam

42 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

Map of all 9 places

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Within 30 miles (1)

27 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Carbon Canyon Dam

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (8)

42 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Santa Fe Dam

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

48 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

San Bernardino National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

55 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

56 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Deer Group Camp

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports

57 mi east · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Oak Grove Campground

Located on the Cleveland National Forest, Oak Grove Campground is nestled in a valley of large oak groves and manzanita. Recreation Oak Grove Trail is a short walk of 1.5 miles and is located across Rt. 79, behind the Ranger Station.

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History

58 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Dogwood

Dogwood Campground is a family-friendly facility located in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. All sites must be reserved to enjoy the area's scenic surroundings and plentiful recreational opportunities.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing

72 mi southeast · Fish and Wildlife Service

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment.

  • Birding
  • Fishing
  • Motor Boat
  • Wildlife viewing

75 mi northeast · Bureau of Land Management

Sand to Snow National Monument

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

  • Accessible Swimming
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Winter sports

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Laguna Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Laguna Beach

Around Laguna Beach

Overlooking steps to Woods Cove, Laguna Beach
Overlooking steps to Woods CoveZacharyCrespin · CC BY 4.0
Treasure Island Park, Goff Cove, Laguna Beach
Treasure Island ParkZacharyCrespin · CC BY 4.0
La Casa del Camino, 1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
La Casa del Camino, 1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna BeachBeyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Laguna Beach

Questions

Where is the closest place for fishing near Laguna Beach?

Carbon Canyon Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 27 miles north of Laguna Beach as the crow flies. Next are Santa Fe Dam (42 mi) and San Bernardino National Forest (48 mi).

Do I need a fishing license near Laguna Beach?

Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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