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California · Fishing
Running Springs sits at the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, and the fishing options within reach of town cover more ground than most visitors expect.
5 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Running Springs sits at the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, and the fishing options within reach of town cover more ground than most visitors expect. The spots listed here range from river fishing at Crab Flats and the Fishermans Group area to lake fishing at Shady Cove Group Campground, with Arrowbear Lake rounding out the freshwater options nearby. Tent Peg Group adds a surf fishing angle that surprises people who think of this as purely a mountain destination. Most of the water here is accessible without a long hike, which makes it a reasonable choice for families or anyone who wants to fish without committing to a backcountry trip. That said, the San Bernardino Mountains are not a secret, and summer weekends at the more accessible spots fill up fast. If you are planning around a group campground like Fishermans Group or Shady Cove, booking your site well ahead of time is not optional — it is just how it works here. A California freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and the specific regulations for waters inside the national forest are worth checking before you go, since rules can vary by water body and season.
The listings here cover river fishing at Crab Flats, Fishermans Group, and Arrowbear Lake, lake fishing at Shady Cove Group Campground, and surf fishing at Tent Peg Group. River and lake fishing are the most common setups in the immediate area, with the river spots generally offering moving water and the lake spots calmer conditions suited to bait fishing or light spinning gear.
Yes. A valid California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip, which is easier than trying to find a vendor on the mountain. Check the current regulations for any specific closures or gear restrictions that apply to the water body you plan to fish, since rules inside the national forest can differ from general statewide rules.
Green Valley
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Tent Peg Group
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Shady Cove Group Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Lobo Group
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Fishermans Group
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Ironwood Group Camp
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Grays Peak Group Camp
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Council
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Crab Flats
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Bluff Mesa Group Camp
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Dogwood
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Oso Group
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window at mountain lakes and rivers in this region, before air temperatures climb and fishing pressure picks up. Late afternoon into evening can also be worth the effort, particularly on weekdays when crowds thin out. Midday fishing in summer is generally slow and hot.
Arrowbear Lake and the Shady Cove Group Campground lake fishing setup are the most beginner-friendly options on this list, since still water is easier to manage for newer anglers. The river spots at Crab Flats and Fishermans Group involve moving water and require a bit more technique, but they are not technical fisheries that demand advanced skills. Bring simple gear — a basic spinning rod, hooks, and bait — and you will be fine at any of these locations.
Fishermans Group, Tent Peg Group, and Shady Cove Group Campground are all reservable sites in or near the San Bernardino National Forest, and summer weekends book out quickly — sometimes months in advance. If you are targeting a specific holiday weekend, start looking at reservations as soon as the booking window opens. Weekday trips in shoulder season are much easier to secure on shorter notice.
