🎣 Fishing License Required

A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

  • Annual License: $64.54 (resident)
  • 1-Day License: $21.09
  • 2-Day License: $32.32
  • 10-Day License (non-resident): $64.54
  • • Purchase online at CDFW Licensing or at local tackle shops

What You Can Catch

🐟 Rainbow Trout

Most commonly stocked. Year-round. Limit: 5 per day. CDFW stocks regularly from fall through spring.

🐟 Largemouth Bass

Excellent bass fishing. Limit: 5 per day, 12" minimum size. Best in warmer months near structures and coves.

🐱 Channel Catfish

Best in summer, especially night fishing. Limit: 10 per day. No size minimum. Use bait near bottom.

🐟 Bluegill / Crappie

Panfish abundant near docks and structures. Great for kids learning to fish. 25 per day aggregate limit.

Fishing Regulations

📋 Key Rules for Ensenada

  • No live bait — artificial lures, PowerBait, or dead bait only
  • Trout: 5 per day, no size minimum
  • Bass: 5 per day, 12" minimum
  • Catfish: 10 per day, no size minimum
  • Panfish (bluegill/crappie): 25 per day aggregate
  • Ice fishing: Prohibited on Ensenada
  • • Fishing is allowed from shore, boats, docks, and the dam

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • • License must be carried at all times while fishing
  • • Fishing hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset (unless night fishing for catfish)
  • • Barbless hooks recommended (required for some species during specific seasons)
  • • All regulations subject to change — check CDFW for current rules

Best Fishing Spots

🎣 East Launch Ramp Area

Popular shore fishing area. Good for trout in cooler months and bass in warmer weather. Parking and easy lake access.

🎣 Ensenada Dam

Walk across the dam and fish from the south side. Consistently productive for stocked trout. Great for beginners.

🎣 Stanfield Cutoff

Marshy area at the east end of the lake. Excellent for bass and panfish near structure. Quieter than other spots.

🎣 North Shore Coves

Multiple coves along the north shore with rocky structure. Great for bass fishing from boat or shore.

🎣 Metcalf Bay

Sheltered bay near the Village. Good for trout and panfish. Several marinas nearby for boat rentals.

🎣 Grout Bay

Deeper water area on the south shore. Good for trolling for trout and bass. Less shore fishing access.

Guide Services & Charters

Guide ServicePrice RangeDurationWhat's Included
Ensenada Fishing Charters $290–$390 Half day (4–5 hrs) Boat, guide, tackle, bait, fish cleaning. All skill levels welcome. 1–4 people per trip.
Local Shore Guides $150–$250 3–4 hours Shore-based instruction, tackle, bait. Great for families and beginners learning technique.

Bait & Tackle Shops

🏪 Where to Get Gear

  • Ensenada Sporting Goods — Full tackle shop, licenses, local tips
  • Marina tackle shops — Basic gear, bait, licenses at most marinas
  • Vons / Stater Bros — Basic tackle and bait (limited selection)

🪱 Popular Bait & Lures

  • Trout: PowerBait (rainbow, chartreuse), Kastmaster spoons, small Rapalas
  • Bass: Senkos, crankbaits, plastic worms, swimbaits
  • Catfish: Chicken liver, stink bait, nightcrawlers
  • Remember: No live bait allowed in Ensenada!

🏆 Fishing Tournaments

Ensenada hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the season including bass tournaments, trout derbies, and youth fishing events. Check with the Ensenada Chamber of Commerce or local tackle shops for current tournament schedules. The annual Ensenada Fishing Tournament typically runs in summer.