What you'll find here
Small, calm neighborhood lake, good for beginners.
City rules
The City of LA lists Lake Balboa (6300 Balboa Boulevard) as fishing permitted year-round, sunrise to sunset, with a license for anglers 16 and older. Fishing is allowed only from designated grass areas, not from the walkway except for wheelchair users. The lake is filled with reclaimed water, and water contact is prohibited.
Species
Carp, bluegill, green sunfish and tilapia. Lake Balboa was not on CDFW's 2025–26 planting list.
Regulations
Carp: no limit. Sunfish 25 combined. Tilapia no limit.
Water and wildlife
Because Lake Balboa is filled with reclaimed water, the city prohibits water contact. Do not wade to retrieve snagged lines or lures, and keep pets out of the water.
Eating your catch
Lake Balboa has no lake-specific OEHHA advisory; under statewide advice, women 18–49 and children should not eat carp, and others should eat no more than 1 serving a week.
Seasons and limits for the fish here
- Common Carp: Year-round. Limits: No statewide minimum; No statewide bag limit. Tip: Lightly chum, then wait on a simple bottom rig.
- Bluegill: Year-round, best warm months. Limits: No size limit in LA County waters; 25 sunfish and crappie combined. Tip: Light line, small hook, a few feet under a float.
- Green Sunfish: Year-round in warm ponds. Limits: No size limit; Counts in the 25 combined sunfish and crappie. Tip: Cast tight to walls, pipes, and riprap.
- Tilapia: Warm months in urban lakes. Limits: No minimum; No limit (T14 CCR §5.83). Tip: Walk the bank and look for beds.
Limits summarize CDFW rules as of October 2026; each species page links the official source.
Eating your catch
For fish caught here, OEHHA's statewide advisory for lakes and reservoirs without site-specific advice lists servings per week (women 18–49 and children 1–17, then women 50+ and men) as: carp 0 and 1; sunfish (bluegill) 1 and 2; green sunfish 1 and 2. Tilapia is not named in this advisory. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fish at Lake Balboa?
Yes, from designated grass areas, sunrise to sunset, with a license.
Is Lake Balboa stocked?
No plants were listed in 2025–26.
Can you wade at Lake Balboa?
No. Water contact is prohibited because the lake is filled with reclaimed water.
Fish species at Lake Balboa
Map
Regulations reminder
Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and MPA rules are set by CDFW and can change in-season. Public-pier license exceptions (CCR 1.88) apply only on qualifying structures — not on the beach next to them. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with CDFW.
Nearby waters
- Hansen Dam — about 7 mi away (straight line)
- Kenneth Hahn Regional Park Lake — about 14 mi away (straight line)
- MacArthur Park Lake — about 15 mi away (straight line)
- Echo Park Lake — about 15 mi away (straight line)
- Hollenbeck Park Lake — about 18 mi away (straight line)
- Lincoln Park Lake — about 18 mi away (straight line)
- Santa Monica Pier (saltwater) — about 12 mi away
- Venice Pier (saltwater) — about 14 mi away
Sources & official links
- City of LA Recreation & Parks — Lakes, fishing and beaches
- CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule (search Los Angeles County)
- OEHHA — Statewide advisory for lakes and reservoirs without site-specific advice
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.