Tri‑City Park Lake in California is a calm urban spot for catfish, bluegill, bass, and trout. Discover top fishing techniques, lake details, park amenities, and nearby options for your next family-friendly day out!

Tri-City Park Lake Fishing Tips: Best Bait & Tackle Guide 🎣

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On The Fishing Grind At Tri-City Lake!

Fishing License: Required for persons 16 years and older.

Tri‑City Park Lake in California is an 8-acre scenic lake nestled within Tri‑City Regional Park, straddling Placentia, Fullerton, and Brea in Orange County. Surrounded by grassy paths, shaded benches, and picnic spots, the lake offers a peaceful urban retreat. It’s stocked with catfish and bluegill and holds bass and trout, making it a fun pick for both beginners and experienced anglers. With two fishing piers and model sailboat use allowed, this park blends easy access and serene setting—perfect for family trips, quiet casting sessions, or watching migratory waterfowl while fishing.

Tri-City Park Lake Fishing Tips: Best Bait & Tackle Guide 🎣 Highlights 🎣 🐟 :

  • Fish Types: Anglers can expect to catch species such as rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and common carp.
  • Stocked Fish: The park features an 8-acre lake that is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter months and channel catfish in the summer, enhancing the fishing experience.
  • Boating Info: No, boating or watercraft/floats are not allowed at the lake.
  • Misc: The park has an ADA-accessible fishing platform, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.

Lake Details

Tri-City Park Lake Fishing Tips: Best Bait & Tackle Guide 🎣 Highlights 🎣 🐟 :

  • Tri‑City Park Lake is a reliable, family-friendly spot. It offers a variety of fish—stocked catfish and bluegill, plus resident bass and trout. The park’s urban setting, with piers, trails, and shaded benches, makes it easy for anglers to enjoy catching fish and watching wildlife.
  • Fish Species Types:
    Channel Catfish: Best caught with stink baits or chicken liver on bottom rigs.
    Bluegill: Use worms or crickets under a bobber near shore.
    Largemouth Bass: Cast plastic worms or crankbaits near pier edges.
    Rainbow Trout: Sometimes present – try PowerBait or small spinners.
  • Fishing Techniques, Methods & Tips:
    Pier & Shore Fishing: Great for kids and first-timers—use light tackle.
    Bait Tips: Use season-appropriate bait—catfish in warmer weather, trout in cooler months.
    Target Structure: Focus cast along pier edges and shaded banks for bass and sunfish.
    Tackle Setup: Bring a mix—bobbers for bluegills, bottom rigs for catfish, soft plastics or spinners for bass.
    Best Times: Mornings and evenings are most productive for all species.
  • Fishing Conditions:
    The lake is stocked annually with catfish and bluegill as part of OC Parks’ schedule.
    Calm water makes bobber setups effective, and shaded areas help fish stay active on sunny days.
    Wind is minimal, making for predictable casting and float fishing.
  • Boating Regulations:
    Model (radio-controlled) sailboats are permitted—no full-size boats.
    Anglers aged 16+ need a California fishing license.
    Practice catch-and-release for bass and follow all OC Parks guidelines.
Tri City Regional Park Lake Fishing Guide
  • For the most current information on fishing conditions, regulations, and amenities, it’s advisable to consult the California Department of Fish & Wildlife‘s official resources or contact local authorities directly.

Lake Information

  • Name
  • Tri‑City Park Lake
  • Location:
    Tri‑City Regional Park, 2301 N Kraemer Blvd, Placentia, CA
  • Elevation: 400 ft
  • Shoreline: 1 mile around the lake edge
  • Lake Size: 8 acres
  • Avg Depth: 8 ft
  • Max Depth: 12 ft
  • Avg Water Temp:
    55°F–85°F
  • GPS Coordinates:
    33.882° N, –117.867° W
  • Marinas:
    None—model boats only
  • Boat Ramp Locations:
    None—model boats only
  • Fishing Hours:
    Open during park hours: 7 AM–6 PM (Fall/Winter), 7 AM–9 PM (Spring/Summer)
  • Open Season:
    Year-round—stocked annually for catfish and bluegill, plus opportunistic fishing for bass and trout
  • Websites:
  • Ocparks.com
  • Alltrails.com
  • Yelp.com
  • Wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing

Lake Amenities

  • 🎣 Fishing Piers – Two sturdy piers for easy casting.
  • 🐟 Designated Fishing Areas – Shoreline access spots.
  • 🚤 Model Sailboat Use – RC sailboats allowed on lake.
  • 🧺 Picnic Tables – Scattered near the water.
  • 🏕️ Shelter Rentals – Three reservable picnic shelters.
  • 🚻 Restrooms – Located throughout park.
  • 🅿️ Ample Parking – Multiple lots around the lake.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walking Trails – 1-mile loop around lake accessible for walkers.
  • 🚴 Bike Paths – On-site paved pathways.
  • 🏀 Sports Courts – Play areas near the lake.
  • 👶 Playgrounds – Kid-friendly spaces nearby.
  • 🐾 Dog-Friendly – Leashed pets welcome.
  • 🐦 Birdwatching – Waterfowl and birds visit often.
  • 💪 Outdoor Fitness – Par course equipment around lake.
  • 🍔 BBQ Grills – Public-use charcoal grills along picnic zones.

Best Fishing Bait & Lures

California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Directions

Getting to Tri‑City Park Lake is part of the fun!

Driving to Tri‑City Park Lake is smooth and easy! From LA, take I-5 South to the Imperial Highway exit. Head east and then turn north onto Kraemer Boulevard, entering Placentia from Fullerton. The park entrance is on your left at 2301 N Kraemer Blvd. Once inside, park near the picnic shelters and follow the trail to the lake—just a short walk. The trip takes about 30 minutes from Anaheim, with tree-lined roads and urban park scenery easing you into a pleasant fishing day. Don’t forget your rod, license, and a good attitude—your fishing adventure awaits right around the corner!

FAQs

Yes—a California fishing license is required for anglers 16+.

No—only model sailboats (RC) are allowed on the lake.

Catfish and bluegill are stocked annually; bass and trout are also present.

Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for all species.

One fishing pole per person follows park rules.