What should I be fishing for right now in so cal

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Spring bite in SoCal is waking up, and there are a few solid targets right now depending on where you’re fishing. Here’s the plan for early spring around Southern California’s wild mix of elevations.** 🌞🐟

**Weather snapshot (Trojan Peak area):** Clear skies, around 11.5 C air temp with light wind (~9 mph). Water in the shallower lakes will still be cool, pushing many fish to move shallower as days warm. Use the sun to your advantage and hit the water in the early mornings or late afternoons when it’s a bit warmer.

- **High-country & alpine lakes (trout hot zone)**
  - Target: *Rainbow/Brook trout* and occasionally brookies in the alpine pockets.
  - Best tactics: slow presentations with small spoons, inline spinners, and soft plastics on light gear. PowerBait or small worms under a light bobber can pay off near drop-offs and weed edges. Polling around shallow bays as ice-off happens can spark the bite.
  - Colors/gear: subtle natural tones, small spoons (1/8–1/4 oz), 4–6 lb test line, 6–7 ft finesse rods.
  - Quick tips: fish with a short line to feel nibbles, then set soft but deliberate hooks.

- **Mid- to low-elevation lakes (bass priority)**
  - Target: *Largemouth bass* starting their pre-spawn/post-spawn shuffle as water climbs into the 50s F. You’ll find better action near weedlines, docks, and sunlit banks.
  - Best tactics: mix topwater in the dawn/ dusk window (walk-the-dog or popper-style baits), then switch to moving baits like lipless crankbaits or a shallow squarebill. Ned rigs and small jigs with craw trailers are deadly when fish hug the cover. 
  - Colors/gear: chartreuse/white for clear water, dark greens for stained water; 10–20 lb braid-to-fluoro leader setups for cover.
  - Quick tips: cover water early with a topwater approach, then slow down as the sun climbs.

- **Shorelines & bluegill/panfish pockets**
  - Target: *Bluegill, crappie*, and other panfish across ponds and lake coves.
  - Tactics: small jigs, beard-like soft plastics, or worms under a lightly weighted jig.

- **Coastal & nearshore options (seasonal wind windows)**
  - If you’re near the coast, early spring can still offer solid surf/perch days and even some striped bass action as schools push in with warming temps. Use light tackle and slow retrieves in typical surf zones, or switch to live bait where legal.

Practical tips you can use now:
- Go early to catch the first light bite; keep your line tight and be ready to switch baits as water temps rise.
- A simple, versatile rig: a small jighead with a craw or grub for bass and a light spoons/soft baits combo for trout.
- Keep a handful of bright lures handy for those clearer mornings when fish are chasing bait against the edges.

Recommended gear and quick links (fishing-focused):
- YouTube for real bites and on-water tips:
  - [Catching GIANT Trout From Shore at Big Bear Lake | INSANE Fishing Day!!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD3jwwwmkiM) 🐟
  - [BEST SoCal BASS Lakes to Fish NOW!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gteCds5kAWU) 🎣
  - [Southern California Bight Fishing Report](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee1ybAzDoEw)
- Tackle and gear for spring exploration:
  - [PLUSINNO Fishing Lures 137Pcs Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT25MCP5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [CASTSTRIKE Topwater Frog Lures for Bass Fishing, 5 Pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPK24R6X?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [TRUSCEND Swimmax Jointed Swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Tackle.net gear you might actually use:
  - Cal Coast Fishing Clip-N-Cull 2.0 Culling System: https://tackle.net/item/cal-coast-fishing-clip-n-cull-20-culling-system
  - Cal Coast Fishing Money Beam Culling Beam: https://tackle.net/item/cal-coast-fishing-money-beam-culling-beam

Bottom line: in early spring, you’ll likely find solid action chasing *trout* in the high country and *bass* in the warmer lakes. Keep your options open, fish the edges as the day warms, and be ready to switch tactics as water temps climb. You’ve got this—get out there and chase those bites! 🎣💪

What should I be fishing for right now in so cal

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

If It were a Good Morning I'd Be Fishing! Funny Fishing Adjustable Printed Baseball Hat, Black

PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Crankbaits, Spoon, Hooks, Weights & Other Accessories, Fishing Bait Lure Gear Kit Gift for Men Bass Freshwater

GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit for Freshwater Bait Tackle Kit for Bass Trout Salmon Fishing Accessories Tackle Box Including Spoon Lures Soft Plastic Worms Fishing Gifts

TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Fishing Lures with Flash Copper Body and Blade, Two-Way Spinning Spoons System Fishing Spinners for Jigging, Freshwater Crappie Jigs, Blade Bait for Bass Trout Walleye

TRUSCEND Swimmax Fishing Lure with BKK Hook – Easy Catch: Wiggling, Vibrating, Rattling with Noise, Heavy-Duty Dyneema Fiber Joint, Jointed Swimbait for Bass, Trout, Crappie – Ideal for Family Fishing

TRUSCEND Shadtale Soft Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks – Easy Catch: Trembly Sinking and Vibrating Swim for More Bites, Paddle Tail Swimbait for Bass, Trout, Crappie, Walleye - Ideal for Family Fishing

FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures - 2025 New Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Fishing Kit with VIBs, Frogs, Minnows, Soft Baits, Hooks & Weights Accessories, Freshwater Lure Kit for Bass Walleye Trout

CASTSTRIKE Topwater Frog Lures for Bass Fishing, 5 Pack Soft Hollow Body Weedless Frog Bait, Realistic Swimming Action, High Hookup, Crankbait for Freshwater Fishing, Includes Tackle Box(2.1in)

Tackle.net

Cal Coast Fishing Clip-N-Cull 2.0 Culling System

Cal Coast Fishing Clip N Cull Retro/Replacement Clips

Cal Coast Fishing Big Sack Weigh Bag

Cal Coast Fishing Donkey Leash Fish Lanyard

Cal Coast Fishing "Money Beam" Culling Beam

Okuma Cal's Universal Reel Grease 30 grams

Cal Coast Fishing Cali Clip Hook Keeper Multi-Pack

Cal Coast Fishing Cali Clip Hook Keeper 3pk

Community

🎣 Trojan Peak, California, United States

Trout Questions

Do you think this bait is suitable for fishing trouts?

Best lake trout baits in fall?

I have a 5'6 rod I use for trout fast action. What size Shimano reel would work with this type of rod

what do you think about this trout lure?

More Questions

what type of lures should i use at tom bennet park

Is there a glidebait less than 4 grams?

Where are the best places to fishing in surrounding islands of Hong Kong?

What's a good beginner, lightweight spinning rod and reel under $100?

What is the best lure for fishing in mossy waters?

What can I catch in Kasshabog Lake right now?

Megabass jerk bait 110series

What is the best yellowfin tuna fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas?

what type of lures should i use at tom bennet park

Is there a glidebait less than 4 grams?

Where are the best places to fishing in surrounding islands of Hong Kong?

What's a good beginner, lightweight spinning rod and reel under $100?

What is the best lure for fishing in mossy waters?

What can I catch in Kasshabog Lake right now?

Megabass jerk bait 110series

What is the best yellowfin tuna fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas?

Do you think this bait is suitable for fishing trouts?

Best lake trout baits in fall?

I have a 5'6 rod I use for trout fast action. What size Shimano reel would work with this type of rod

what do you think about this trout lure?