What you'll find here
Willowbrook park lakes. Five-catfish bag under §5.15.
Stocking
CDFW's Fish Planting Schedule for Los Angeles County, October 2025 through September 2026, did not list plants at Magic Johnson.
Lake-specific rules
This lake is one of seven LA County park lakes where CDFW sets a 5-catfish daily limit instead of the 10-fish Southern District limit (T14 CCR §5.15). Sunfish 25. License 16+.
Why the advisory matters here
OEHHA's Magic Johnson Lakes advisory is one of the strictest in LA County: no carp for anyone, no black bass for women 18–49 and children (1 serving a week for others), and only 1 serving a week of sunfish for women 18–49 and children (3 for others). Trout, if present, are rated 5 servings a week, and catfish 2 and 7.
Catfish limit
Earvin Magic Johnson County Park Lake is on the 5-catfish list.
Park access
The park is operated by LA County Parks. Check the park page for hours and any areas closed during maintenance.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Common Carp: Year-round. Limits: No statewide minimum; No statewide bag limit. Tip: Lightly chum, then wait on a simple bottom rig.
Limits summarize CDFW rules as of October 2026; each species page links the official source.
Eating your catch
For fish caught here, OEHHA's Magic Johnson Lakes advisory lists servings per week (women 18–49 and children 1–17, then women 50+ and men) as: rainbow trout 5 and 5; catfish 2 and 7; sunfish (bluegill) 1 and 3. OEHHA advises everyone not to eat carp from this area. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat carp from Magic Johnson Lakes?
OEHHA advises no one eat carp from these lakes.
Is Magic Johnson Park stocked?
Not in the 2025–26 schedule.
What is the catfish limit?
5 per day.
Fish species at Earvin Magic Johnson 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
- John Anson Ford Park Lake — about 5 mi away (straight line)
- Alondra Park Lake — about 7 mi away (straight line)
- Belvedere Park Lake — about 7 mi away (straight line)
- Hollenbeck Park Lake — about 8 mi away (straight line)
- MacArthur Park Lake — about 9 mi away (straight line)
- Lincoln Park Lake — about 10 mi away (straight line)
- Hermosa Beach Pier (saltwater) — about 11 mi away
- Manhattan Beach Pier (saltwater) — about 11 mi away
Sources & official links
- LA County Parks — Earvin "Magic" Johnson Recreation Area
- OEHHA — Fish advisory: Magic Johnson Lakes
- CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule (search Los Angeles County)
- 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.