Fishing by RV: The Ultimate Guide to Trout Season

It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out on a day trip or an overnight RV adventure. This guide is for you.

Find everything you need to know about navigating trout season and fishing by RV below, including the best places to visit in SoCal.

Top Trout Season Locations in SoCal

Let’s start with the top trout fishing locations in Southern California, especially when you’re RV camping. Here are some of the best places to check out during your next fishing trip:

Santa Ana River Lakes

Santa Ana River Lakes is a private lake and a great place for overnight fishing and camping.

Details

Reservations: No reservation required
License Required? No fishing license required (private lake)
Price: Check website for latest https://www.fishinglakes.com
○ Day and night session pricing $36 ($34 for seniors)
○ Mid-day session pricing $43 ($41 for seniors)
○ Overnight pricing $70 ($68 for seniors)
Hours: Day Fishing: 6 am to 4 pm
○ Mid-day Fishing: 12:30 pm to 11 pm (not available on Fridays and Saturdays)
○ Night fishing: 5 pm to 11 pm
RVs Allowed? RVs are allowed, and you can park right next to the water
Overnight Fishing? Overnight fishing is permitted on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 4 pm
Stock Day: Stocks trout every Thursday (the lake is closed on these days). Check their website for special stocking videos.
Campfires Allowed? Campfires are allowed
Bait Store? There is an on-site bait store that sells nightcrawlers as well as firewood.
Location: 4060 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA, 92807
Phone: (714) 694-7210

Convict Lake

Convict Lake offers some of the best fishing in the West, especially for those interested in catching Rainbow and German Brown trout. They do have an RV campground with hookups. Call them for reservations. Both cabins and RV campground are withing walking distance to Lake. Lake side parking is limited. They also have a boat ramp.

Details

Reservations: Reservations are required for cabins and RV hookups.
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: Marina prices vary based on the number of people fishing
Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour before sunset
RVs Allowed? There is an RV park within walking distance of the lake
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: The lake is stocked weekly by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. See state schedule.
Campfires Allowed? Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings
Bait Store? There is an on-site bait store that sells bait and tackle, as well as snacks, drinks, and beer.
Location: 2000 Convict Lake Road. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: 760-934-3800

Lake Wohlford

Lake Wohlford is located in San Diego County and is open seven days per week, making it an excellent spot for travelers who want to stop and fish on their way to their destination.

Details

Reservations: No
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: $9 for adults 16 or older ($6 for seniors)
Hours: 6 am to 5 pm
RVs Allowed? There are several RV parks within walking distance of the lake; RVs must stay in approved zones.
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: Check latest fish stocking/planting: https://www.escondido.org/fish-report
Campfires Allowed? Fires are not allowed.
Bait Store? There are several bait stores nearby that sell bait and tackle. Many also sell snacks, drinks, and beer.
Location: 25453 Lake Wohlford Road. Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 760-839-4346

Mammoth Lakes Basin

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to several lakes, all of which are great for fishing, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, and Lake Mamie.

Details

Reservations: You can reserve sites online at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: One-day pass costs $13.40
RVs Allowed? RVs are allowed year-round, but water is typically shut off at individual campsites from October to May.
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: No designated stock day, but all lakes are stocked consistently throughout the season.
Campfires Allowed? Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings
Bait Store? There are several bait stores nearby that sell bait and tackle. Many also sell snacks, drinks, and beer
Location: 2520 Main Street. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: 760-934-2712

Glen Helen Regional Park

Glen Helen Regional Park offers two lakes for fishing, as well as a swim complex and large group shelter picnic areas that can accommodate up to 300 people.

Details

Reservations: Reservations are required for camping and RV hookups
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: Fishing fees start at $10
Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm
RVs Allowed? RVs can reserve spots at the Glen Helen Regional Park Campground, which is across the street from the park. Day use parking is allowed by RVs in the park parking lots. Check at the gate for confirmation.
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: Thursday; the lakes are closed on stocking days. See stock schedule.
Campfires Allowed? Campfires are allowed only in stoves, barbecues, and campfire rings.
Bait Store? There is a bait store on-site that sells bait and tackle.
Location: 2555 Glen Helen Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Phone: 909-887-7540

Yucaipa Regional Park

Yucaipa Regional Park is located near Oak Glen, Redlands, and other mountain communities. Anglers can choose from three lakes and enjoy a robust swim complex complete with water slides.

Details

Reservations: Reservations are required for camping and RV hookups
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: Fishing fees start at $10
Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm
RVs Allowed? RVs are allowed at the Yucaipa Regional Park RV Campground, which is across the street from the park.
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: Thursday; the lake is closed on stocking days.
Campfires Allowed? Campfires are allowed only in stoves, barbecues, and campfire rings.
Bait Store? There are several bait stores nearby that sell bait and tackle.
Location: 33900 Oak Glen Road. Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: 909-790-3127

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park offers 150 acres of outdoor recreation activities, including two lakes for fishing.

Details

Reservations: Reservations are required for camping and RV hookups
License Required: Licenses are required for anyone 16 or older
Price: Fishing fees start at $10
Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm
RVs Allowed? RVs are allowed (one RV or trailer per site)
Overnight Fishing? No
Stock Day: Thursday; the lake is closed on stocking days.
Campfires Allowed? Campfires are allowed only in stoves, barbecues, and campfire rings.
Bait Store? There are several bait stores nearby that sell bait and tackle.
Location: 800 N Archibald Ave. Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: 909-481-4205

Essential Trout Fishing Supplies

No matter where you choose to go for your next trout fishing trip, you need to make sure you have the right gear. Here are some essential trout fishing supplies everyone should have on hand:

Rod and Reel

Naturally, if you want to catch trout (or any other fish), you need a rod and reel. You can choose from either a spinning or fly rod. If you prefer a spin rod, stick to a short, lightweight model, and if you prefer a fly rod, pick one in the 4-6 weight range with a floating or a weight-forward line.

Bait

Trout respond well to a variety of bait options, but the following are some of the most popular ones:

Insects
Minnows
Fish eggs
Earthworms
Plastic worms
Crayfish

It helps to keep a variety of bait types on hand. That way, if you’re not having luck with one, you can easily switch to something else.

Landing Net

Trout are feisty fish that will put up a fight after they’ve been caught. Having a landing net handy will help you keep hold of your fish. It will also protect their slim coat, allowing them to swim away unharmed if you decide to release them back into the water.

Waders

The waters where trout tend to hang out are typically pretty chilly — especially during the winter months! Depending on where you choose to set up shop, a pair of hip boots or chest waders will help you stay comfortable while you fish.

Fishing Vest

When you’re wading into the water, you only have access to what you can carry. A high-quality fishing vest with lots of pockets will make it easy for you to access everything you need, including your bait and tackle.

Forceps

Unhooking trout can be tricky, especially thanks to their teeth and bony mouths. Keeping a pair of forceps on hand will help you quickly unhook the fish without causing too much damage.

Where to Shop for Fishing Supplies

Southern California has plenty of places where you can shop for trout fishing supplies. The following are some of the most popular options, ranked from least to most expensive:

Walmart (most stores have a fishing aisle)
Turner’s Outdoorsman
BassPro Shops

Bonus Tips for Successful Trout Fishing

Choosing the right location is one of the most critical steps to having a successful trout fishing trip. If you want to increase your chances of catching plenty of fish, though, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Time It Right

Choose the date and time for trout fishing carefully.

Trout are light-sensitive fish, so it’s best to time your trip in the early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t shining as strongly (when it’s out full force, they tend to rest or forage in the deep water for protection).

Be sure to pay attention to the stocking days at the specific lake where you will be fishing (as well as whether or not the lake is closed on stocking days). Keep in mind, too, that lakes tend to be particularly busy the day after stocking day, so you should plan to get there early if your fishing trip coincides with it.

Be Discrete

Trout are clever fish, so discretion is key. Do your best to keep your fishing process as low-key and quiet as possible. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to lure them in.

Use the Lightest Line

When trout fishing, use the lightest line. A two-pound monofilament Izorline is a popular choice.

Use the Smallest Hooks Possible

It’s best to use the smallest hooks possible when fishing for trout as well. If you’re using bait hooks, we recommend size ten mosquito hooks. If you’re using treble hooks, we recommend size 20 for dough bait.

Practice the Drop-Shotting Technique

Drop-shotting is an important tactic that can help you trout fish more successfully. Here are the steps involved in drop-shotting:

Tie a hook to the line
Add a weight to the bottom of the line
Add the bait to the hook using a nose-hook technique (you can also Texas rig it to the hook if you prefer)
Cast out and keep the line tight
Lift from time to time to raise the weight from the bottom and let the bait flow with the current.

Don’t forget that when hanging bite alarms (usually a bobber with an open clasp placed on the line, hanging from the rod), you should use the lightest option possible.

Practice the Open Bail Technique

The open bail technique involves the following steps:

Cast the line into the water
Place the rod into the holder horizontally
Hang a bite alarm (small bobber) on the line after the first guide
Set the reel bail to open

Keep in mind that this technique is most effective by not putting any weight or resistance on the line. When you take this approach, the trout is more likely to run because it feels little to no resistance.

Remember, too, that the angler must be on standby to set the hook.

Start Planning Your Next Trout Fishing Trip Today

Hopefully, after you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re feeling more excited about trout fishing in Southern California. Keep the tips and suggestions shared above, and you’ll have no trouble finding the best locations for catching plenty of fish!

Does your RV need a tune-up before you head out on your next fishing trip? Leisure Coachworks is located near many trout fishing hotspots, so you can relax and fish while we work on your vehicle!