As offshore conditions slow and winter weather reshapes fishing plans along the Southern California coast, freshwater trout season has once again given anglers a reliable and accessible way to stay on the water. Each year, Orange County’s regional lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, turning neighborhood parks and reservoirs into productive winter fisheries that appeal to beginners, families, and seasoned anglers alike.
The 2025/26 trout stocking season got underway in late November and will continue through February. Several early stockings have already taken place, and as a result, fish numbers are beginning to build across many Orange County lakes. These staggered plants create predictable fishing opportunities and make trout fishing one of the most approachable cold-weather options in the region.
Among the most popular destinations is Laguna Niguel Regional Park, located in South Orange County near the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and La Paz Road. The lake is well known for its consistent trout plants, easy shoreline access, and wide open banks that allow anglers to spread out. With multiple stockings scheduled throughout the season, Laguna Niguel continues to be a dependable winter option, particularly as fish from early plants settle in and disperse around the lake.
Irvine Lake, tucked into the foothills of Silverado Canyon, remains a staple for Orange County anglers. Known for producing larger trout and offering a more scenic, reservoir-style experience, the lake received early-season plants and is slated for additional stockings as winter progresses. Its deeper water and structure often reward anglers who take time to adjust depth and presentation as fish acclimate.
In North Orange County, Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea offers a smaller, intimate lake that typically fishes well following early stockings. The park’s easy access and compact layout make it popular with shoreline anglers. Nearby, Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim features a long chain of lakes connected by walking paths, making it an ideal spot for anglers who prefer to stay mobile and cover water as trout spread out after stocking.
Central Orange County anglers often turn to Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, where trout have already been planted and additional stockings are scheduled through the winter months. Its open shoreline and urban location make it one of the most accessible trout fisheries in the county. Tri-City Regional Park, located near Placentia and Yorba Linda, is another consistent performer, offering a relaxed setting and reliable winter trout opportunities.
Additional stockings are planned for Clark Regional Park in Buena Park and Irvine Regional Park near Orange, both of which provide family-friendly environments with ample shoreline access and amenities. As the season progresses, these lakes benefit from cumulative plants that steadily increase catch potential.
While stocked trout create opportunity, success still depends on understanding trout behavior. Trout are both visual feeders and scent-oriented, and their feeding patterns shift with water temperature and fishing pressure. In lakes, trout often cruise just off the bottom or suspend at mid-depths, particularly during colder months and after initial stocking activity tapers off.
Light to ultralight spinning gear remains ideal for Southern California trout fishing. A six- to seven-foot rod with a fast or moderate-fast action provides the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while still offering enough backbone to land fish. Pairing the rod with a 1000- to 2500-size spinning reel equipped with a smooth drag helps manage light line and sudden runs.
Most anglers rely on four- to six-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Lighter line tends to draw more strikes in clear winter water, which is common at many Orange County lakes.
When trout are active, artificial lures such as spinners and spoons can be effective. Spinners like Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, and Mepps produce flash and vibration that trigger reaction strikes, especially soon after fresh plants. Spoons such as Kastmasters and Little Cleos excel when trout hold deeper, allowing anglers to control depth and cover water efficiently.
As fishing pressure increases and trout become more cautious, scent-based baits such as PowerBait often become the preferred option. Fished on a sliding sinker rig, PowerBait floats just off the bottom, keeping it in the strike zone longer and making it especially effective at heavily stocked lakes.
Simple gear additions can also improve the experience. A rubber or soft-mesh landing net helps land fish cleanly and reduces stress on the trout. Polarized sunglasses cut surface glare and make it easier to spot fish movement. Pliers or forceps assist with safe hook removal, particularly when treble hooks are used.
For anglers accustomed to offshore trips and saltwater seasons, winter trout fishing offers a slower pace and steady action close to home. With early stockings already boosting fish counts and additional plants scheduled through February, Orange County’s lakes provide a practical and rewarding way to stay connected to fishing throughout the cooler months.
Side Box:
Future Stocking Dates:
Week of Jan. 5 through 9, 2026
Clark Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Week of Jan. 12 through 16, 2026
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park
Week of Jan. 19 through 23, 2026
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Tri-City Regional Park
Week of Jan. 26 through 30, 2026
Clark Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Week of Feb. 2 through 6, 2026
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park
Week of Feb. 9 through 13, 2026
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Clark Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Week of Feb. 16 through 20, 2026
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park
Week of Feb. 23 through 27, 2026
Clark Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Tri-City Regional Park
