Diamond Valley Lake is famous for its bass fishing. The lake is home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass, stripers, rainbow trout, bluegill, sunfish, catfish, and carp. All anglers must purchase a $3 Fishing Access Permit. Smallmouth bass are catch and release.

For shore fishing, the area is limited to a 1.5-mile section west of the marina. It is marked by signs. A special parking area is set aside for those fishing from the shore. It is recommended that you make a reservation.

Summer temperatures drive fish deep except in the morning and evening. Bass are often 20 to 30 feet below the surface while trout may be as deep as 80 feet. Fish the coves and near the east dam. For trout, fishing the deep water by the west dam is usually the best bet.

Catfish are known to hang out near floating restroom Number 2. Also try your luck near the dams, the wave attenuator, and in Rawson Cove. The dams are also a good place to fish for bluegills.

Diamond Valley Lake Record Fish

• Largemouth Bass - 16.43 pounds, caught by Mike Long of Poway, March 16, 2007
• Striped Bass - 33.27 pounds, caught by Jesse Mena of Hemet, April 17, 2010
• Rainbow Trout 15.45 pounds, caught by Andrew Aralos of Hemet, March 14, 2009
• Catfish - 52.81 pounds, caught by Bob Baker of La Mesa, October 29, 2008
• Crappie - 3.47 pounds, caught by Jesse Mena of Hemet, March 14, 2010

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at Diamond Valley Lake?

Bass: Straight Tail, Brush Hog, Big Worm, 5" - 7" Senkos, Mackerel, Anchovies, Watermelon Lizard, Shad Spoons, Spinnerbaits, Swimbaits, Plastic Worms

Trout: Nightcrawlers, PowerBait, Mini Jigs, Spoons, Kastmasters, Rapalas, Needlefish

Catfish: Cut Bait such as Anchovies, Shrimp, or Mackerel

Bluegill: Worms, Crickets, Lip Ripperz