Fishing Charters in California
Browse fishing charters in California that can help you catch channel catfish.
Corsario Ocean Adventures
Avalon, California
Book a charter for fishing trips or leisure cruises with Corsario Charters located in Avalon, California on Catalina Island. Join the top sports fishing boat on Catalina Island as you enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the California coast.
Ranch Hunt Club Company : Hunting Clubs And Ranches With Fishing
Geyserville, California
We list over 200 Oregon and California Hunting Ranches, Hunting Clubs, Public Lands for Boar, Deer, Ducks, Turkey, pheasant, dove, quail and pigs. Hunting land property for elk, deer, pigs, upland birds and waterfowl. Private access to free hunting and fishing maps to the best Oregon an California hunting places.
Likemind Fishing Charters
San Diego, California
Self-guided boat rentals and custom inshore & offshore private bareboat charters
Mustang Sportfishing
San Diego, California
Limitless Sportfishing
San Diego, California
Seasons Sportfishing
San Diego, California
Home to some of the best salt water fishing in the world.
Fish Withthe Finest
Oxnard, California
Experience the best team building activities in Ventura County with our deep sea fishing charters. Book now!
Sea Shift Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center - Sea Shift , Fort Bragg and SF. Specializing in Salmon, Halibut, Crab, Tuna Rockfish and Lingcod. Fishing Reports Available
Pole Dancin Sportfishing
Bodega Bay, California
Book your next fishing charter aboard a 27’ North River with high quality fishing gear, specializing in salmon, rock fish, lingcod and crab off the Bodega Bay coast
Reel Time Charters
Sausalito, California
Memorial At Sea | United States | Sanfranciscoashscattering.com
Pacific Fresh
Santa Cruz, California
PacificFresh specializes in wild troll-caught pacific fresh seafood including King Salmon, California Halibut, Lingcod and Pacific Snapper.
Tanker City Sportfishing
Half Moon Bay, California
Experience a unique and thrilling day on the water when take a trip with all-in-one private fishing charter.
Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in San Mateo. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
Targeting channel catfish in San Mateo offers a unique freshwater experience close to the Bay. While not as renowned as some other California catfishing hotspots, local lagoons and reservoirs connected to the Crystal Springs Reservoir system can hold surprising numbers of these whiskered predators. Spring and early summer, after the spawn, are prime times. Look for them around submerged structure, creek inlets, and deeper holes. Night fishing can be particularly effective during the warmer months. A practical tip: access to some of these areas can be limited and require permits, so check with the San Mateo County Parks Department for regulations. Also, be aware that water levels can fluctuate depending on rainfall and reservoir management, impacting catfish behavior and location. The channel catfish here tend to be smaller than those found in larger river systems, but they're still a rewarding catch for anglers of all skill levels.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in San Mateo.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in California
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Sport Fishing License
Check specific regulations for the water body you intend to fish, as some locations may have specific limits.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the California state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait for channel catfish in the San Mateo region?
Popular bait choices include stinkbaits, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers. Catfish are known for their strong sense of smell, so use that to your advantage.
Are there any limits on the size or number of channel catfish I can keep in California?
No, there are currently no size or bag limits for channel catfish in California.
Can I fish for channel catfish year-round in the San Mateo area?
Yes, the season for channel catfish is open year-round.
Do I need a license to fish for channel catfish in San Mateo?
Yes, you'll need a valid California sport fishing license.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in California
Other Species to Fish in San Mateo
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in San Mateo?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.