What you'll find here
Historic Eastside park lake. CDFW trout plants in cool months.
Access
The City of LA lists Lincoln Park Lake (3501 Valley Boulevard) as a seasonal fishing-permitted location.
Stocking
CDFW's Fish Planting Schedule for Los Angeles County, October 2025 through September 2026, listed trout plants at Lincoln Park.
Rules
Trout 5/10; catfish 10; sunfish 25. License 16+.
Trout season at Lincoln Park
CDFW listed Lincoln Park Lake on the same schedule as Hollenbeck and Belvedere: trout plants in the weeks of November 9 and November 30, 2025, and January 4, February 8, March 1 and March 22, 2026. The city lists it as a seasonal fishing location, so fishing outside the trout season may be restricted; confirm with Recreation and Parks.
Tips for first-timers
Bring a fishing license if you are 16 or older, a light spinning rod, small hooks, split shot, a float and a jar of dough bait. Fish early or late in the day, when the park is quieter and trout are more active. A small net and a stringer or cooler with ice keep fish fresh if you are keeping your limit of 5.
Eating your catch
Lincoln Park Lake has no site-specific OEHHA advisory; the statewide lake advisory applies, with rainbow trout at 2 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 4 for others.
CDFW plant log, October 2025–September 2026
CDFW lists this water as “Lincoln Park Lake” on its Fish Planting Schedule. The schedule gives only the week of each plant, on purpose, to avoid crowding right after a stocking, and every plant is subject to change.
- 2026–27 season, listed so far: trout, week starting Nov 1, 2026. Check the live schedule, since plants can change.
- Trout (6 plant weeks): weeks starting Nov 9, 2025; Nov 30, 2025; Jan 4, 2026; Feb 8, 2026; Mar 1, 2026; Mar 22, 2026.
Seasons and limits for the fish here
- Rainbow Trout (stocked): Fall–spring plants. Limits: No statewide minimum on stocked lake rainbows; 5 trout daily, 10 in possession on lakes. Tip: Fish the day after a published plant week.
- 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.
- Channel Catfish: Summer nights. Limits: No statewide minimum; 10 catfish in the Southern District, except 5 at the listed LA County park lakes in §5.15; bullheads no limit. Tip: Sliding sinker on the bottom after dark.
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: rainbow trout 2 and 4; carp 0 and 1; sunfish (bluegill) 1 and 2; catfish 0 and 1. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fish at Lincoln Park Lake?
Yes, seasonally, per the City of LA.
Is Lincoln Park Lake stocked?
Yes, with trout.
What is the trout limit?
5 per day, 10 in possession.
Fish species at Lincoln Park Lake
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
- Hollenbeck Park Lake — about 2 mi away (straight line)
- Echo Park Lake — about 4 mi away (straight line)
- Belvedere Park Lake — about 4 mi away (straight line)
- MacArthur Park Lake — about 4 mi away (straight line)
- John Anson Ford Park Lake — about 7 mi away (straight line)
- Legg Lake, Whittier Narrows — about 8 mi away (straight line)
- Marina del Rey Harbor (saltwater) — about 16 mi away
- Marina del Rey Jetties (saltwater) — about 16 mi away
Sources & official links
- City of LA Recreation & Parks — Lakes, fishing and beaches
- CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule (search Los Angeles County)
- CDFW — 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (PDF)
- 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.