Top 8 Fishing Lodges In California, USA

Priyanjali
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

California is known for its abundant natural beauty, bustling cities, and mountains towns. It also boasts a vast stretch of coastline, swathes of lush greenery, myriad natural wonders, and hidden within them a ton of outdoorsy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, etc. All this and more make this Golden State a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The state also has plenty of museums, art galleries, historic sites, and cathedrals. For picture-perfect scenery, San Francisco Bay Area is a must-visit place. For Spanish architecture and sandy beaches, visit San Diego. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, check out this list of the top fishing lodges in California, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location with easy access to fishing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 22, 2025.

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1. Quaint log cabin for six, Idyllwild (from USD 251)

Located in Idyllwild’s Fern Valley, this six-person log cabin is a charming vacation rental worth considering. It is equipped with all amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen. Active guests can indulge in hiking nearby or fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at Lake Hemet and Lake Fulmor, which is less than a 20-minute drive away.

An Adventure Pass is available at the rental for guests’ use. Boat and bicycle rentals and essential fishing gear are available in local stores nearby.

Stayed at this property?
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California, United States

480.94 km (298.9 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner was very helpful
owners have a done a great job with the rental
larry is an amazing host he promptly replied to our questions about the house and hikes
larry is very quick and responsive to questions and issues
owners have taken so much pride and joy to set up this home for a relaxing getaway
Location:
very peaceful location surrended by squirrels out from traffic areas
this cabin is a great place to get away from the city and just enjoy nature
if i ever come back to idyllwild i'll definitely look up larry's place
Cleanliness:
the squirrels enjoyed cleaning up after them
it was very clean and had everything we needed and more
the cabin was cozy and clean and we wanted for nothing in the kitchen
the property in good shape clean equipped all that is needed
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was fast and worked great and there were plenty of books and games available for entertainment
we had a wonderful vacation the cottage was super clean well organized full kitchen bbq hardwood floors downstairs
overall it’s a comfortable place to stay stocked with everything you may need
the beds were fantastic
Read more reviews

2. Riverfront house with a private hot, Truckee (from USD 500)

This fully furnished house comes with 4 bedrooms and can fit up to 12 guests. It enjoys direct access to the Truckee River, which is famous for blue ribbon fishery. Additionally, there are several other rivers and lakes, including Donner and Tahoe lakes, nearby for more fishing opportunities. The house has a full kitchen, private hot tub, and internet access. Location-wise, downtown Truckee is about 8 km (5 mi) away from this property.

Stayed at this property?

212.86 km (132.3 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
161 reviews   Wifi Available
House 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
owner is easy to message and quick to respond
this property and host were fantastic already planning a return trip
communication with owner was terrific
the truckee river house is a perfect place for a getaway and very accommodating to all ages
Location:
great location and great house
house is located in a quiet neighbor with easy access to the river
great location appreciated being away from the usual truckee neighborhoods
access to the river is super easy -- just a short walk out the back door
the location was perfect for all going on walks together along the road that parallels the river
Cleanliness:
the house was very clean and has a cozy charm to it
wished we could have stayed longer the house is very clean spacious and comfortable
it was very clean and wonderful view out most of the windows
it was clean upon arrival and the kitchen was well stocked with condiments and seasonings
Amenities & Room:
also a pool table tv nice sofa and a bedroom and little couches that kids could sleep on
Read more reviews

3. Victory Lodge, June Lake (from USD 2700)

This 8-bedroom lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people and is amply furnished. It has spacious common areas, a gourmet kitchen, a game room, a covered patio with a barbecue area, multiple decks, and additional car parking that double up as storage space for skiing and fishing gear.

The lodge overlooks Gull Lake, which is popular among anglers and campers. Gull Lake is rife with large rainbows, brown trout, cutthroat, and brook trout. Do remember to bring your own gear. Gull Lake Marina is a short distance from this place, where you’ll find boat rentals, fishing gear, etc.

Stayed at this property?

16.42 km (10.2 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
52 reviews   Wifi Available
lodge 20 Guests 8 Bedrooms 10 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 20
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner was both kind and accommodating
the owner thomas and manager art both were very professional and helpful
evan (the care taker) was so helpful and kind
thank you evan(caretaker) for all your help
art thank you for arranging all our in home messages and helpful guidance
Location:
our family enjoyed a delightful time at victory lodge - we hands down recommend this place
it is an amazing place for our large group to all be together for our annual fishing trip
Cleanliness:
it was clean spacious with plenty of supplies and equipment for a large family like ours
Read more reviews

4. Waterfront house with a deck, Discovery Bay (from USD 825)

If you’re travelling as a group of up to 16 people, this 4-bedroom waterfront house is a great bet. The house is amply provisioned with facilities, including an on-site hot tub, pool table, and baby-friendly amenities such as a portable crib, high chair, and kids’ dishes.

Plus, 5 kayaks, 4 paddleboards, 17 life jackets, 4 mini-spin ultra light fishing poles, and 3 regular fishing poles have been made available for guests’ use. Nearby Mount Diablo is the perfect place for hiking, or else guests can stay in and enjoy fishing from the comfort of the rental’s deck itself.

Stayed at this property?

229.05 km (142.4 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
68 reviews   Wifi Available
House 16 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 16
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners were responsive to my texts
owner was helpful and easy to communicate with
lucia was very responsive and helpful
although i tried not to bug too much the owners replied quickly thank you
i would make a couple of helpful suggestions as i would consider renting again
Location:
great location and very good property
the property’s location is excellent and very comfortable
the house was in a great location close to several restaurants gas station and grocery store
close to grocery and nice waterway
overall good location and we all enjoyed ourselves
Cleanliness:
although perfect for a large group and very clean
Amenities & Room:
great dock deck large family room and kitchen
deck was huge with plenty of seating everything you could need in the kitchen and everywhere else
good for family gatherings nice big deck for dinner outside boat dock refreshing swim from dock
Read more reviews

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

5. Light and airy townhouse for six, Mammoth Lakes (from USD 318)

Right in the heart of Mammoth Lakes is this well-appointed, two-bedroom townhouse for six. While you can stay in and admire gorgeous views, stepping out for some outdoor activities is easy too. Hiking, swimming, fishing, skiing, paddle boarding, and mountain biking spots are all an easy distance away. This property falls along a shuttle route, so getting to the ski area, around the town, or anywhere else is very convenient.

Stayed at this property?
Mammoth Lakes, California, United States

4.76 km (3.0 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
our host margy was incredibly accommodating responsive and generous
the property owners were very helpful and always responded in a timely manner
the owners supplied awesome information on things to do and check in/out was painless
owner was very responsive and laid out an excellent itinerary for our stay
easy to check in and check out with awesome communication from the hosts
Location:
convenient location and nice open common area
great place to stay for a ski trip
close to downtown and we loved the small walkable meadowland nearby
we loved playing games around the table and the location to everything is perfect
range and of mammoth mountain itself offered easy outings within walking distance
Cleanliness:
the condo was very clean
it was very clean when we arrived
nice condo that was clean with all basic amenities
the property was super clean and we were not worried about previous occupancy in these covid times
Amenities & Room:
the views and the lovely small deck with chairs and table (and grill
Read more reviews

6. Compact yet comfortable cabin for three, Brockway (from USD 386)

Located near Brockway & Kings Beach, this one-bedroom cabin can host up to three people. This restored 20th-century cabin boasts a charming vibe and is amply furnished with modern conveniences too. Kings Beach State Beach is merely 1 km (0.7 mi) away, which is a great spot for some outdoor fun such as kayaking, beach-combing, fishing, and hiking. After a long day out, you can relax in the vintage claw-foot tub in the bathroom.

Stayed at this property?
Kings Beach, California, United States

196.71 km (122.3 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
cabin 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Host:
Also Stella was very easy to communicate with and welcoming and friendly
Beautiful views great hospitality nice and warm
Stella was there to greet us when we arrived
she was quick to respond
She checked in with us to make sure we had everything we needed
Location:
Great property in a great location
The cabin was built in 1947 as a summer retreat
The north end is very quiet if ur looking to relax
It was close enough to walk into Kings Beach which we also really loved
but hey maybe it's good to switch that up sometimes Thanks again Stella - beautiful property and energy
Cleanliness:
Cabin well stocked and very clean
The place is clean spacious and has almost everything you need for the stay
Amenities & Room:
The cabin itself was funky and cool
Great views of lake and snow
The cabin had lovely lake views
altho the kitchen was small
It has very beautiful view of the lake and trees
Read more reviews

7. Camellia House, Sonoma County (from USD 484)

Perched along the Russian River is this charming house for 12. You can enjoy lake and mountain views from every corner of this house. Note that quiet hours are to be observed at this rental from 10pm to 8am. The large backyard here leads to the river, where you can indulge in fishing and kayaking.

Two double kayaks and canoes are available at the rental for guests’ use, along with life vests. Fishing enthusiasts may need to bring their own equipment or rent from nearby stores. Some of the fish species found in the Russian River are steelhead trout, large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, shad, catfish, etc. Remember that no bait is allowed at the Russian River, and chinook and coho salmon are no-catch species; if caught, must be thrown back into the river.

Stayed at this property?

361.47 km (224.7 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
143 reviews   Wifi Available
House 12 Guests 5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Location:
the location on the river was lovely
the location on the river is excellent for swimming and kayaking
really great location and perfect size for a group
we loved the location and the dock on the river
river access was excellent and very close to additional river beaches
Cleanliness:
beds were all very comfortable and clean
Amenities & Room:
the wifi is a little spotty- but it was nice to disconnect so it didn’t really matter
Read more reviews

8. Cosy cabin with a rear deck, Kyburz (from USD 248)

This two-bedroom cabin is perfect for adventure-seekers. Here, you can enjoy skiing in the winters and hiking, fishing, and boating in summers. The cabin is within walking distance of Sugarloaf Mountain. Plus, the nearby Pony Express Trail is an excellent place for fishing, hiking and tubing. Guests can head to the American River to enjoy some rainbow trout and brown trout fishing. The cabin also has a rear deck, boasting brilliant river views.

Stayed at this property?

168.62 km (104.8 mi) from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
42 reviews  
cabin 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner is gracious and attentive
Location:
we are all about location and where impressed by the amount of privacy this property has
it's a wonderful cabin placed in the most premium spot right on the river
reasonably close to tahoe and generally clean place
Cleanliness:
clean cozy and beautiful cabin nestled by a creek and river well equipped we will be coming back
the cabin is lovely and always spotlessly clean
property is clean as a whistle and booking process was seamless
Amenities & Room:
also good to get fresh linen for bedding as it seemed a bit old
Read more reviews

Experience the great outdoors in California

The Golden State is brimming with urban cities, coastal and mountain towns, historical landmarks, and gorgeous landscapes. If you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation, book one of the above listed fishing lodges in California.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Priyanjali, a writer and traveler, identifies as a self-proclaimed aesthete dedicated to achieving fulfillment in her personal and professional life. Her skill lies in transforming intangible...Read more

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