Fishing at Lake Perris

Lake Perris is stocked with Alabama spotted bass, along with rainbow trout, channel catfish, and Florida bluegill. The lake also has a healthy population of largemouth bass, which have taken over the spotted bass. There are also black crappie, carp, and crayfish. If you use crayfish as bait, they must be purchased at the bait shop. There is currently a 12" minimum length on bass.

Bow Fishing is now allowed at Lake Perris. Read details: Lake Perris SRA

Where to Fish on Lake Perris

If you are after catfish, among the best spots on Lake Perris are at the southwest corner of the dam and the shallower east end of the lake. Bass anglers report that the area around Alessandro Island are among the best in the lake. Bass fishing is also good at the east end of the lake and near the dam.

Trout fishermen do well in the deep water along the dam. Bluegill are often caught in the marshy areas of the lake and around the marina.

Trophy Fish from Lake Perris

Largemouth Bass: 17 pounds, 6 ounces.
Alabama Spotted Bass: 9 pounds, 4.5 ounces, caught in 1987.
Catfish: 30 pounds
Rainbow Trout: 7 pounds
Bluegill: 3 pounds 15 ounces

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at
Lake Perris?

Bass

Dark Plastics, Storm WildEye Swim Shad, Roboworms, Crawdads, Rapala, AC Plug, Castaic Trout

Trout

Threadfin Shad (from Lake Perris), Nightcrawlers, Rapalas, Spoons, PowerBait

Catfish

Mackerel, Nightcrawlers

Bluegill

Crickets, Meal Worms

Fly Fishing at Lake Perris

The April 2012 issue of California Fly Fisher magazine had a great article about fly fishing at Lake Perris. Author Richard Alden Bean discussed the history of Lake Perris and how it has affected today's fishery.

If you can locate a copy of this issue, the article is well worth reading. Bean will give you a host of ideas about where to fish on the lake, what equipment to use, and the best flies to land Lake Perris bass.