What you'll find here
City of LA: fishing allowed with a license, catch-and-release only. Not a CDFW harvest lake.
City rules
The City of LA lists Ken Malloy Harbor Park / Machado Lake (25820 Vermont Avenue, Harbor City) as open sunrise to sunset, with a valid license and catch-and-release only. Boating and swimming are prohibited for habitat restoration.
Species
Carp, bluegill, largemouth and tilapia.
Why catch-and-release
The City of LA lists Machado Lake as catch-and-release only and prohibits boating and swimming for habitat restoration. That means no fish may be kept, regardless of state bag limits.
Tips
Use barbless or circle hooks to make releases easier, keep fish in the water when unhooking, and release quickly.
Access
Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park is at 25820 Vermont Avenue in Harbor City; fishing hours are sunrise to sunset.
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.
- Largemouth Bass: Year-round, best spring/fall. Limits: 12 inches total length on lakes, including Castaic Lake (2026 booklet, §5.00(b)(7)); 5 black bass. Tip: Shade and cover early and late.
- 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; black bass 0 and 1. Tilapia is not named in this advisory. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep fish at Machado Lake?
No. Fishing is catch-and-release only.
Do you need a license at Machado Lake?
Yes.
Can you boat on Machado Lake?
No. Boating and swimming are prohibited.
Fish species at Machado Lake (Ken Malloy Harbor Park)
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
- Alondra Park Lake — about 8 mi away (straight line)
- Earvin Magic Johnson Park Lake — about 10 mi away (straight line)
- El Dorado Park Lakes, Long Beach — about 12 mi away (straight line)
- Cerritos / Don Knabe Park Lake — about 14 mi away (straight line)
- John Anson Ford Park Lake — about 14 mi away (straight line)
- Kenneth Hahn Regional Park Lake — about 16 mi away (straight line)
- 22nd St. Landing, San Pedro (saltwater) — about 4 mi away
- Cabrillo Beach Fishing Pier (saltwater) — about 5 mi away
Sources & official links
- City of LA Recreation & Parks — Lakes, fishing and beaches
- CDFW — 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (PDF)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.