An overlooked pull in the middle of the city. Echo Park, Balboa, MacArthur, and Legg all hold fish that will take line.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Nearly every lake and pond in the county, including water that looks too urban to fish.
No statewide bag or size limit for common carp in inland waters. That does not mean you can ignore park rules, lead restrictions, or no-fishing signs. Dough bait, corn, and a simple bottom rig. Early morning, before the paddle-boats, is the window at the city lakes.
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are large, bronze to golden fish with big scales and two pairs of barbels at the corners of the mouth. Grass carp, which may not be taken, have no barbels and a more torpedo-shaped body.
Carp live in nearly every LA County lake and the LA River. They feed on the bottom, often in shallow, muddy water.
Open all year. Warm months often bring the most active fish.
OEHHA's carp advice for LA lakes is strict: Magic Johnson Lakes, 0 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 0 for women 50+ and men; Alondra Park Lake, 1 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 1 for women 50+ and men; Legg Lake, 1 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 1 for women 50+ and men; Puddingstone, 1 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 1 for women 50+ and men; Castaic Lake, 1 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 4 for women 50+ and men; Santa Fe Dam, 1 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 4 for women 50+ and men; Castaic Lagoon, 2 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 2 for women 50+ and men; Kenneth Hahn (Gwen Moore Lake), 2 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 4 for women 50+ and men. OEHHA's statewide lake advisory says women 18–49 and children should not eat carp and others should eat no more than 1 serving a week.
Common carp have no bag or size limit under the statewide 'other species' rule (§5.95). Grass carp may not be taken. Park rules on hours and fishing areas still apply.
Park ordinances can still restrict take, gear, or hours. Silver Lake Reservoir is not a public fishery.
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
No bag or size limit for common carp; grass carp may not be taken.
OEHHA advises no carp from Magic Johnson Lakes and little or none from many other LA lakes.
Sweet corn, dough baits and boilies on a hair rig.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
