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By Elisa Parhad on February 17, 2025
For those in the know, Ventura County offers anglers the ability to skip the crowds and fish one of the West Coast’s premier sportfishing destinations. From the fertile waters of the Channel Islands to peaceful inland lakes, Ventura County is known for its diversity of species, laid-back atmosphere, year-round fishing and easy access to a wide range of opportunities to hook a big one. Whether you are a big game enthusiast looking to whittle down your bucket list or a first-time anger hoping to learn the ropes, Ventura County has a little something for everyone
Plan your trip with our fishing destination planning guide. For current fishing regulations, visit California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Easy Access to the Abundance of the Channel Islands
One of Ventura County’s biggest draws for anglers is its proximity to the Channel Islands National Park, a protected marine area home to some of the most fertile waters on the West Coast.
“Ventura and the Channel Island have some really unique underwater topography,” says Michael Fowlkes, creator of the documentary series, The History of Sportfishing, “and it’s far enough north of Los Angeles that it doesn’t get the kind of pressure that some of the more southern landings and areas that get fished over.”
📷 A school of California barracuda
Just off the Ventura coastline, the Channel Islands are a hotspot for a variety of fish species, thanks to its rocky reefs, kelp forests and deep underwater canyons. These nutrient-rich environments provide perfect conditions for both bottom-dwelling species and prized pelagic fish.
📷 A large California Yellowtail hunting baitfish
The islands are well known for their abundance of yellowtail, white seabass, halibut, and rockfish. Lingcod and snapper also populate the waters. Offshore, anglers targeting larger species can find themselves battling for bluefin tuna, swordfish and marlin, which all make for an exciting day on the water.
Shawn Steward, captain of two local charter boats, the Aloha Spirit and Graylight, loves this wide berth of opportunity.
“The beautiful thing about Ventura,” he says, “we always have a fallback option when it comes to those prized fish, like white sea bass. Sometimes, if they’re not biting, we have rockfish and white fish year round that will help supplement the bags. Some areas just don’t have that.”
Charter boats from Ventura Harbor provide easy access to these abundant waters, and many local captains specialize in trips to the islands, offering half-day, full-day and even overnight excursions to explore the area’s best fishing grounds.
Year Round Fishing
Fishing opportunities abound all year long in Ventura County. While spring and summer are prime for saltwater species like yellowtail and white seabass, fall brings productive rockfish and lingcod runs while winter produces a bounty of ocean whitefish and sanddabs. Additionally, the region’s mild weather ensures that anglers can enjoy comfortable conditions no matter the season.
📷 large California sheephead Channel Islands Sportfishing
Many Options for Fishing Closer to Shore
For those looking to fish closer to shore, Ventura County offers pier and surf fishing opportunities that don’t require a boat. Locations like Ventura Pier and Port Hueneme Pier are popular with both locals and tourists, allowing anglers to cast lines for mackerel, corbina, perch, and spotted bass. Some shore anglers specifically fish for rays, skates and sharks as well.
📸 Surf fishing at Emma Wood State Beach
Peaceful Inland Lakes
In addition to its coastal offerings, Ventura County is home to several inland lakes providing excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. Lake Casitas and Lake Piru are prime spots for catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout. This is especially true after two wet winters, which filled the lakes to capacity.
“Just a few years ago Lake Casitas was at 24% capacity, but now its full,” says Eric Huff of Eric’s Tackle Shop in Ventura. “So there’s a big revival in bass fishing there.”
Lake Casitas is known for trophy-sized largemouth bass, where it’s not uncommon for anglers to catch bass in the 3- to 8-pound range, and on rare occasions, 10-pounds!
📸 Largemouth bass caught at Lake Casitas
Tips and Tricks for a Fishing Trip to Remember
One of the best ways to ensure a memorable fishing trip is to choose a reputable fishing charter, through landings such as Channel Islands Sportfishing and Ventura Sportfishing. Both options offer multiple boats and trip lengths, from half-day to multi-day trips. Beginners should start on a half-day charter to see how they do. As best as possible, picking a day with good weather will make for the best experience. For freshwater fishing, most of the larger lakes have pontoon and boat rentals, such as Casitas Boat Rental and Marina, on Lake Casitas.
Above all, enjoy your time on the water in one of the most scenic, accessible, productive and diverse sportfishing destinations on the West Coast. May the fish be hungry!
Get Inspired and Plan Your Trip
Get inspiration and travel tips for your stay with our guide to fun things to do in Ventura County.
Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!
