Location
and Overview First
opened in 1969 by the Orange County Water District, Anaheim Lake is
an angler's oasis tucked away in the very heart of urban Anaheim,
California (check out the map).
The lake is located mere minutes from the 91 freeway on Miraloma Avenue,
and features an on-site tackle shop, restrooms, picnic areas, and
boat and tackle rentals. Anaheim Lake is open from mid-June to late
October.
Fishin'
Anaheim Lake
The primary attraction
at Anaheim Lake is its population of big catfish, which are stocked
all summer long. Bass, crappie, and bluegill can be caught here as
well. Anglers may fish from the shore, or from boats or float tubes.
Boats, rods and reels are available to rent; there is an $8 fee to
launch your own boat, and a $5 fee to launch a float tube. Check with
the staff in the on-site tackle shop for the most up-to-date information
on effective baits and techniques.
Anaheim
Lake is managed by the same folks who run the Santa
Ana River Lakes, and the same basic rules apply. Anglers must
purchase a fishing pass on site in order to use the lake. A day pass
is good from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., while a night fishing pass is valid
from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays you can get a 24-hour
pass which allows you to fish from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. No fishing license
is required.
Weather
Weather in Orange County is usually temperate, with high temperatures
ranging from the
50’s during the winter months into the 90’s in summer.
Extremes of weather are unusual, although you should check the local
forecast for rain or wind before planning a trip here.
Click
here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the city
of Anaheim.
Lodging
and Camping
Since the Santa Ana River Lakes are located right in the middle of
Orange County, out-of-town anglers would do best to stay at any of
the numerous hotels in the area. Several hotels are located in the
vicinity of nearby John Wayne Airport, as well as in the area of the
lakes themselves. Room prices and availability may vary throughout
the year, so make sure you check prior to taking a trip here.
There
is no camping permitted at the lakes, although there are campgrounds
within easy driving distance for those so inclined. Click
here for more information on area campgrounds and RV parks.
Licensing
and Regulations
Since Anaheim Lake is privately owned, no fishing license is required
other than a day or night use pass as noted above.
Anglers may fish with up to two poles, and may possess a total of
five catfish and bass in combination. Ten crappie may be kept, with
no limit on bluegill or carp.
For
more information on rules and fees, you can contact the Anaheim Lake
management at (714) 996-3508, or check
out their website.
