America’s West Coast offers opportunities for game fishermen with varieties of fish in the Pacific Ocean from San Diego, California, up to Seattle, Washington.

Fishing in San Diego

Field and Stream rank San Diego second in the best American fishing cities. With more than 20 lakes and reservoirs that hold trout, bluegill (also called bream), catfish, sturgeon, crappie, and largemouth bass, those fishing in this region can experience exciting freshwater fishing. Interestingly, 11 of the top 25 largemouth bass in the United States have been hooked in San Diego. “Dottie,” the world’s most prominent bass (22 pounds, four ounces), was caught on Dixon Lake of San Diego, a lake famous for its largemouth bass with 11 of the top 25 biggest largemouths seen there.

Fishing Opportunities in Los Angeles

In the Los Angeles area, people can easily fish from seven ocean piers or hire guides to take them out to sea where they can catch any number of species. Los Angeles also has shoreline areas where those fishing can catch various fish, including tuna and albacore.

Fishing in San Francisco

Near the Golden Gate Bridge, chinook, rockfish, albacore, and other varieties of fish abound. There are sturgeon, halibut, several types of striped bass, and smaller fish in the Bay area.

Fishing Opportunities in Sacramento

Sacramento is also a favorite for anglers. Striped bass is in large numbers in the Feather River. In the colder months, the American river has steelhead weighing more than 15 pounds, while the Sacramento River has giant sturgeon. Folsom Lake, located in the southwestern part of the city, has trout, salmon, and bass. Also, there are nearby locations such as Lake Amador, Lake Berryessa, and Union Valley Reservoir.

Fishing in Portland

Although Portland is an hour and a half from the coast, it does have great river fishing. On the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, salmon and sturgeon abound. Tributaries of these rivers also have good fishing.

Seattle’s Fishing Opportunities

With an ocean and lakes, Washington state has much to offer for anglers. Puget Sound and Elliot Bay have halibut, rockfish, king salmon, pink, chum, and more. Adjacent to Seattle, Lake Washington has cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.

Enjoy!