Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
9 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service
This 367-acre coastal National Wildlife Refuge is located where the Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay.
Outdoors
Fishing near Salinas
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Salinas where fishing is allowed, closest first.
18places to fish
9 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. California license information ↗
Closest picks
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
14 mi west · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.
San Justo Reservoir
16 mi northeast · Bureau of Reclamation
San Justo Dam and Reservoir are features of the San Felipe Project. The reservoir is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hollister, California . Facilities open for use Wednesday through Sunday. Operation hours: sunrise to sunset.
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Within 30 miles (3)
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
This 367-acre coastal National Wildlife Refuge is located where the Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay.
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Paddling
San Justo Reservoir
San Justo Dam and Reservoir are features of the San Felipe Project. The reservoir is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hollister, California . Facilities open for use Wednesday through Sunday. Operation hours: sunrise to sunset.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
30 to 75 miles (11)
Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco Campground is a semi-rustic, but developed facility in California's westernmost national forest.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
San Luis Lake and State Wildlife Area
Recreation facilities at San Luis Lake were constructed under a cost-share agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Colorado during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Water sports
San Luis Reservoir
Recreation area lakes include O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Reservoir, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
- Winter sports
O'Neill Forebay
O'Neill Dam and Forebay are joint Federal-State facilities located on San Luis Creek 2.5 miles downstream from San Luis Dam. O'Neill Forebay Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Joaquin Division - San Luis Unit .
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
Los Banos Reservoir
The Los Banos Dam and Reservoir are on Los Banos Creek above the San Luis Canal, near Los Banos, California. The dam and reservoir are features on the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit .
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is an oceanside paradise, with each site overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It offers a variety of opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Little Panoche Dam
Little Panoche Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit . The area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access by foot only. Parking lot provided. Nearest main highway, I-5.
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature. It runs along the Nacimiento River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground offers a beautiful location just minutes from Sand Dollar Beach, one of the largest and most popular beaches in central California.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian woodlands, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of endemic tule elk is showcased on one of three auto tour routes.
- Birding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in a vast cultural and natural landscape.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Photography
- Ranger programs
75 miles and farther (4)
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
Kirby Cove Campground
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
- Water Access
Cerro Alto Campground
Cerro Alto Campground is a well-known hiking and mountain biking paradise. It is located a short distance from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay, where visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Water sports
Codorniz Campground
This recreation area is part of Eastman Lake
- Camping
- Fishing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Salinas. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Salinas
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More outdoors near Salinas
Questions
Where is the closest place for fishing near Salinas?
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 9 miles northwest of Salinas as the crow flies. Next are Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (14 mi) and San Justo Reservoir (16 mi).
Do I need a fishing license near Salinas?
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Bureau of Reclamation, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.