Mount Clef Ridge and open space in Thousand Oaks

Outdoors

Fishing near Thousand Oaks

Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Thousand Oaks where fishing is allowed, closest first.

11places to fish
31 mito the closest

Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. California license information ↗

Closest picks

1

Anacapa Island

31 mi southwest · National Park Service

Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.

2

Lake Casitas

31 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

3

Pyramid Lake - Emigrant Landing Day Use Area

32 mi north · USDA Forest Service

This facility does not accept reservations. Emigrant Landing is the largest day use recreation area on beautiful Pyramid Lake. Located just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, it is the perfect getaway without the long drive.

Map of all 11 places

Map of 11 places loads as you scroll.

30 to 75 miles (11)

31 mi southwest · National Park Service · Campground

Anacapa Island

Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking
  • History

31 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Nature education
  • Picnicking
  • Ranger programs

32 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Pyramid Lake - Emigrant Landing Day Use Area

This facility does not accept reservations. Emigrant Landing is the largest day use recreation area on beautiful Pyramid Lake. Located just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, it is the perfect getaway without the long drive.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Water sports

32 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Pyramid Lake - Los Alamos Campground

Los Alamos Campground is located 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offering a restful experience without the lengthy travel time.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

32 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Wheeler Gorge

Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center.

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

40 mi west · National Park Service · Campground

Santa Cruz Island Scorpion

Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking

52 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers

Santa Fe Dam

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

61 mi west · National Park Service

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking
  • Snorkeling

62 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers

Carbon Canyon Dam

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

65 mi west · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals.

  • Boating
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Snorkeling

68 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Cachuma Lake

Cachuma Reservoir, formed by Bradbury Dam , offers a prime recreational opportunity for the south central coast area of California.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned
  • Nature education

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Thousand Oaks. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Thousand Oaks

Around Thousand Oaks

Lancer Statue, Thousand Oaks
Lancer StatueFettlemap · CC BY-SA 3.0
Headquarters for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) in Thousand Oaks, California
Santa monica mountains national recreation areaTOLocal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Thousand Oaks CA typical street
ThousandOaksCA typical streetHolly Cheng · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Thousand Oaks

Questions

Where is the closest place for fishing near Thousand Oaks?

Anacapa Island (National Park Service), about 31 miles southwest of Thousand Oaks as the crow flies. Next are Lake Casitas (31 mi) and Pyramid Lake - Emigrant Landing Day Use Area (32 mi).

Do I need a fishing license near Thousand Oaks?

Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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