Riverside County

Another late-season trout stock the week of June 9th has reinvigorated the trout bite. However, due to warming water and significant algae growth, these fish are seeking the deepest water possible. Bass action has reportedly been decent, with most bites coming on small soft-plastics and swimbaits.

For both trout and bass, the key has been locating areas with minimal algae. While algae levels are improving, a warning remains in effect. Folks are advised to avoid all water contact.

The bass bite at Lake Elsinore has slowed down slightly, but anglers are still catching fish. Preferred lure choices vary among anglers. Some report success only with drop-shots and ned rigs, while others claim reaction baits such as chatterbaits and swimbaits have been more effective. Regardless of the method, most fish caught have been small.

Catfish activity is increasing as the weather warms. Anglers are catching fish using cut mackerel and chicken livers, especially during late afternoons and evenings.

A significant algae bloom was treated in the second week of June. Despite concerns about the treatment affecting fishing, it has had minimal impact. Bass anglers continue to find success around the lake, particularly using finesse presentations in rocky areas from 5-15 feet. Notably, drop-shotting, ned rigs, and Neko rigs have been most effective. However, the reaction bite (topwater, crankbaits) has been far less consistent.

The striper bite got hot for a couple of weeks in late May/early June, highlighted by an 18+ pounder. But recently, stripers have been much harder to come by. Keep an eye out for bait boils... throw A-rigs, jerkbaits, or any shad imitation lures.

Largemouth action is still good, although once again, nothing sizable. A lot of smaller fish are being caught on soft plastics and finesse techniques around the shoreline weeds. Big bluegill are showing up... try small worms or crappie jigs.

Algae is becoming much less of an issue as most areas are clearing around the lake. A few coves still have quite a bit of green, not a bad spot to target with reaction baits if you're a bass angler. Otherwise, bass action has been solid on drop-shots and t-rigged soft plastic worms, although less so for size. A lot of fish are in the 1-2 pound range. A few giant bluegill have taken bass anglers by surprise as well.

Better late than never! The spring bass bite at Perris has been slow so far, but it's all changing now. The consistent warming weather has fired up these fish, and they are now very active. Topwater, swimbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are all catching fish. If those aren't working, finessing a drop-shot is guaranteed to get bites. A local angler caught a 9+ pounder a few weeks ago, so bigger bass are available. However, most fish are weighing in between 1-3 pounds.

The crappie bite is improving as well. Look for submerged brush in 15-20 feet of water.