Species / Largemouth Bass / California
Bass
Largemouth Bass Fishing in California
America's most popular game fish, living in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow rivers nationwide. Largemouth relate to cover like grass, wood, and docks.
Best Months: Mar to Jun, Sep to Oct
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Largemouth Bass
9 picks for October.
Woolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlySoft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Low light.
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait
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Rod & Reel
Largemouth Bass Setup
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
California
Where to Catch Largemouth Bass
Lakes & Reservoirs · California
Clear Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake fully in California and one of the best trophy largemouth lakes in the West.
Largemouth Bass · Crappie · Channel Catfish
Lakes & Reservoirs · California
Lake Casitas
Southern California reservoir with a strong catfish and largemouth population.
Largemouth bass · Channel catfish · Bluegill
California
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Largemouth Bass
Fly Lines
RIO Bass Fly Line
A short, aggressive head that turns over wind-resistant poppers and bass bugs.
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Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod
An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Lew's Mach Baitcasting Combo
A matched casting combo for bass fishing around cover.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
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Yamamoto Senko 5 in
The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.
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Zoom Trick Worm
A floating finesse worm for Texas rigs, shaky heads, and Carolina rigs.
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