Riverside County Fishing Reports

Diamond Valley has been serving up a very good bite for both largies and stripers. Water temps are now hovering around 76 degrees, and algae still lines much of the shorelines... although it's improving from earlier this month. Bass guys are finding some nice quality fish in the 2-4 pound range, with the occasional giant upwards of 7+ pounds. In the morning, the reaction stuff is working well... crankbaits run along steep rocky banks, or topwater along points or in the back of coves (Chappos or Spooks). Midday is about slow-working soft plastic worms and creature baits in the same areas.

The striper bite has been solid too, mostly soaking anchovies on a Carolina rig off points. Nothing overly huge, but some nice keepers. The trick is using sonar to find the schools... then it's one bite after another.

The occasional trout is still being caught deep, but we are months from the last stock, so they are few and far between.

Perris had an awesome early spawn season for both size and numbers. Most fish are now off beds and easing into a more lethargic post-spawn period... but that doesn't mean the fishing has fallen off, it's just transitioned. There's still good action shallow on finesse worms (drop shots, t-rigged) around weeds and tree lines. Many boat guys have also been targeting big fish deeper, in 15–20 feet of water on jigs and heavier weight soft plastics. Sonar is absolutely helpful for spotting deep structure and rock. Reports of a 9+ pounder came out of Perris fishing this way.

Water temps are hoving in the mid 60s after the recent cold spell, but should jump over the next week. Algae is still an issue, although improving. Some spots are seeing really clear water.