Get hooked.

The Reserve is one of Orange County’s most serene and scenic spots to cast a line.

There’s one NROC spot where visitors are welcome to fish—the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.

This coastal estuary, framed by tidal marshes and towering bluffs, offers a unique setting for local anglers looking for a good catch. Just remember, this land and its inhabitants are protected, so it’s extra important to follow the rules and regulations and to disturb the surrounding areas as little as possible.

Hook-and-line fishing is permitted at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve from designated access points—the shore at North Star Beach, the rocky outcrop between San Joaquin Hills Road and Big Canyon, and at the Jamboree Road bridge—with a valid fishing license* from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Commercial fishing is not allowed, and you cannot fish from a boat or kayak. For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, OC Parks, or Newport Bay Conservancy.

*Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license.

Set your out-of-office message to "Gone Fishin'" and head to this park here.

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

Got questions? We have answers.

: Fishing is prohibited in most of the Reserve, but there is one spot in the NROC that allows for it: the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Fishing must be done from the Ecological Reserve’s designated points, and visitors 16 and over must have a fishing permit. Commercial fishing is never allowed. Learn more here.
: There is only one spot in the NROC that allows for fishing, and yes, visitors 16 years and older need a permit to do so. For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, OC Parks, or Newport Bay Conservancy.

Be Prepared

Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Learn More

Know Before You Go

Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises. Learn More

Leave It as You Find It

Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind. Learn More

Keep Wildlife Wild

You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs. Learn More

Stay Safe

Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. Learn More

Irvine Ranch Open Space Black Star Canyon

Get wild. But do it respectfully.

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