The Ventura River is a coastal stream located in Ventura County, California, flowing from its headwaters in the Los Padres National Forest through the western edge of the city of Ventura before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Once home to one of the largest southern steelhead runs on the south coast, the Ventura River is considered one of the four major steelhead-bearing watersheds in Southern California. The river experiences dramatic seasonal variations, with periods of drought causing sections to become intermittent, while winter brings episodic high precipitation and flow events. This dynamic system creates diverse fishing opportunities throughout its course, from mountain streams and reservoirs in the upper watershed to the productive estuary where freshwater meets the Pacific.