Within 20 miles of Burbank, CA · Updated 2026-06-02Burbank doesn't have fishing lakes within the city limits, but you're within 20 miles of several solid options. Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows is the most consistent family fishing destination in the SGV — stocked with trout in cool months, catfish in summer, and free to fish. Peck Road is a quick free bass pond east of Pasadena. And if you're making a day of it, Puddingstone Reservoir out in San Dimas has the most variety of any lake in the region. Here's what to know.
1. Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows (South El Monte)
A committed about 27 min drive from Burbank — treat it as a half-day destination rather than a quick stop.
Location: 750 Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
Trout in winter, catfish all summer — Legg Lake keeps something biting year-round: Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows is one of the few family fishing spots in the greater LA area where there's legitimately something to catch across every season. At 18 miles from Burbank it's a committed drive, but the fishing quality and surrounding park infrastructure justify a half-day outing.
Good to know: fishing, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, paddle boats. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Parent tip: Get a shore spot along the east side of the lake early on weekends — they fill by mid-morning. Weekday visits between open (Wednesday 6 a.m.) and noon are the most relaxed experience.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows page.
2. Peck Road Water Conservation Park (Arcadia)
Not a quick stop from Burbank at 18.9 miles — best combined with other Arcadia stops to make the drive worthwhile.
Location: 5401 N Peck Rd, Arcadia, CA 91732
Five-acre bass-and-bluegill lake with no parking fee, 19 miles from Burbank: Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia is one of those places most people drive past without knowing it's there — a quiet community fishing lake between El Monte and Arcadia with no admission and no organized programs. The flat looping path around the water handles the attention-span breaks young anglers inevitably need.
Good to know: fishing, trails, picnic areas, restrooms. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Parent tip: No parking fee, no programs — just show up with a rod. The bass and bluegill population is consistent. Combine the fishing with a walk around the lake loop, which is flat enough for young kids on bikes. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Peck Road Water Conservation Park city page.
3. Puddingstone Reservoir at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park (San Dimas)
A genuine about 30 min drive each way from Burbank — worth it if the kids need serious space to roam.
Location: 120 E Via Verde Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
When Burbank families want fishing that actually feels like a fishing trip: Puddingstone gives you everything that makes fishing memorable for kids — a real lake with a dock, boat rentals, multiple species, and a high-enough catch rate that even an impatient seven-year-old lands something within an hour. Three annual derbies add structure for families who want a scheduled event.
Good to know: fishing, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, swimming beach, camping.
Parent tip: Arrive at sunrise for shore fishing before powerboats take over around 10 a.m. — the early window is when trout bite best. Vehicle admission is $10. Summer shore fishing hours run sunrise to 9 p.m.
Planning a specific day? Check the Puddingstone Reservoir at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park status page for closures first.
4. Alondra Park Lake (Lawndale)
about 31 min from Burbank each way — Lawndale rewards the drive if you plan a few hours.
Location: 3850 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260
The Burbank family's best free fishing option when Legg Lake is packed: Alondra Park Lake's largemouth bass and catfish population (300+ reported catches on FishBrain) makes it a reliable alternative when Whittier Narrows is crowded on weekends. Free entry to the lake and the surrounding park puts it in range even for spontaneous fishing afternoon decisions.
Good to know: fishing, playground, splash pad, pool, restrooms.
Parent tip: Shore fishing only — no boats. The bass population at Alondra Lake is well-documented and active year-round. Pair the fishing with the park's splash pad or skate park for non-fishing family members.
Before heading out, review the Alondra Park Lake status dashboard for seasonal maintenance updates.
5. Lower Arroyo Seco (Catch-and-Release) (Pasadena)
If you're based in Burbank, it's about 12 min without traffic — worth combining with other Pasadena stops.
Location: 1220 Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Catch-and-release stream fishing 8 miles from Burbank, in a beautiful natural canyon: The Lower Arroyo Seco has stream pools where catch-and-release fishing is permitted when seasonal water is present — usually spring into early summer after rainfall. Trout occasionally appear when the upper section is stocked. It's not a guaranteed fish-every-visit spot, but as a first fishing experience in a genuinely beautiful riparian canyon with sycamores and boulders, it's memorable for young kids.
Good to know: fishing, trails, picnic areas, restrooms.
Parent tip: Fishing the Arroyo stream pools depends on winter rainfall — the pools are best in spring after a wet year. It's more of a 'first fishing experience in nature' spot than a reliable fish-every-trip destination.
Save yourself a wasted trip — the Lower Arroyo Seco (Catch-and-Release) page lists current hours and closures.
How we picked these
We focused on shore-fishing access (no boat required), kid-friendly species, reasonable entry fees, and restroom/picnic amenities nearby. Distance from Burbank and fishing consistency drove the ranking. California fishing license required for anglers 16+; kids under 16 fish free. No paid placements.Planning your visit
Legg Lake and Peck Road close Mondays and Tuesdays. Puddingstone is open daily (sunrise to 9 p.m. in summer). Trout are stocked November through March at Legg and Puddingstone. Get a California fishing license online at wildlife.ca.gov or at local sporting goods stores. For more Burbank family activities, see the Burbank events page.For more kids' events near Burbank this week, see the Burbank events page.
Burbank Fishing Spots — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing spots for kids near Burbank, CA?
Our 2026 guide picks 5 standout fishing spots within about 20 miles of Burbank. The top picks include Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows, Peck Road Water Conservation Park and Puddingstone Reservoir at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park — each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Which fishing spots near Burbank are free?
4 of the 5 fishing spots in this guide are free to visit, including Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows, Peck Road Water Conservation Park and Alondra Park Lake. The rest charge admission — check the individual cards above for prices.
What is the closest fishing spot to Burbank?
Lower Arroyo Seco (Catch-and-Release) in Pasadena is the closest pick at about 8.2 miles from Burbank. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon — short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.