Buena Vista Lakes

Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area, located southwest of Bakersfield, consists of two manmade lakes—Lake Evans and Lake Webb—offering year-round fishing in a desert-like setting. Together, these lakes provide over 900 surface acres of accessible water for both bank and boat anglers.

Lake Evans is primarily a trout and panfish fishery. It is stocked with rainbow trout from fall through spring by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. These fish are easily caught using PowerBait, spinners, or nightcrawlers, particularly near the fishing piers and north shoreline. As water warms in late spring, bluegill and crappie become more active, especially around submerged trees and near docks.

Lake Webb is a larger, deeper lake that supports largemouth bass, catfish, and some striped bass. Webb is known for its bass fishing during the spring spawn. Anglers work drop-offs, weed beds, and rocky points using jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Channel catfish are common in summer and respond well to cut bait or chicken liver fished along the bottom in the evening.

Boating is allowed on both lakes, and there are multiple boat ramps, camping areas, and full recreational facilities. Jet skis and watercraft are restricted to specific zones, so anglers can find quieter areas in designated fishing coves.

Fishing is productive year-round, with best success from October through May for trout and spring through early summer for bass and panfish.