Lake Elsinore
Riverside County Bass, Catfish, Crappie
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What's Biting - 1 month ago
Wiper Bass
Excellent
Bass
Good
Catfish
Good
Carp
Excellent

Lake Elsinore Fishing Overview

Water Description

In the depths of Lake Elsinore, a monster awaits. The elusive Whiskers, a hybrid of blue and channel catfish, is believed have grown to monstrous proportions, some estimating over 100 pounds. A creature of legend, Whiskers was first placed in the lake in 2000 and is rumored to still roam the depths of Elsinore today. However, Whiskers isn't the sole attraction of this lake. Lake Elsinore offers very good fishing for hybrid striped bass (wipers), a distinctive catch for the region. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill comprise the remainder of...

In the depths of Lake Elsinore, a monster awaits. The elusive Whiskers, a hybrid of blue and channel catfish, is believed have grown to monstrous proportions, some estimating over 100 pounds. A creature of legend, Whiskers was first placed in the lake in 2000 and is rumored to still roam the depths of Elsinore today.

However, Whiskers isn't the sole attraction of this lake. Lake Elsinore offers very good fishing for hybrid striped bass (wipers), a distinctive catch for the region. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill comprise the remainder of the fish population.

Situated over 1,200 feet above sea level, Lake Elsinore is a is a true oasis in a region of dry land. As the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California, it covers 3,300 acres and features 15 miles of shoreline.

Crowds can be an issue at Elsinore for fishermen seeking peace and quiet. So aim for early morning or weekdays to avoid the water-sport enthusiasts.

Species:
Wiper Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Avg Depth: 27 ft
Max Depth: 42 ft
Surface Area: 2,993 acres
Excellent Wiper Bass bite
Bass, Wiper Bass, Catfish, Carp
80°F Slightly Stained

Water temps have jumped into the 80s at Elsinore, but the bite is still very good for a variety of fish. A solid largemouth bite (1-2 pounders) has been firing on small swimbaits, and topwater walking baits in the morning. Yes, shad is still the focus across the lake, so any shad imitation bait is working for bass, wipers, and even catfish. Some...

Water temps have jumped into the 80s at Elsinore, but the bite is still very good for a variety of fish. A solid largemouth bite (1-2 pounders) has been firing on small swimbaits, and topwater walking baits in the morning. Yes, shad is still the focus across the lake, so any shad imitation bait is working for bass, wipers, and even catfish. Some smaller glide baits are hooking some nice bass in the 4 pound range as well.

The wiper bite is always hit or miss at Elsinore depending on the day, but when it's been on... anglers are landing big wipers in the 18-20 inch range. Reports mention trollers are having the most success trolling Berkley Flicker Shad, but I'm sure casters are getting them also. The trick is always making huge long casts while slowly walking down the shoreline until you tap into a school.

Shore anglers are also landing big carp throughout the day on corn. Catfish are hitting everything from cut bait to bass lures.

4 anglers found this report useful
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Excellent Crappie bite
Bass, Wiper Bass, Crappie
73°F Slightly Stained

Water temps are hovering in the low 70s at Elsinore, and shad are the main forage focus for bass and wipers right now. The wiper bite has been extremely hot and cold, literally depending on the week. When it's hot, expect some of the best fishing in the region, but the bite can disappear in an instant. Most folks troll shad-colored crankbaits...

Water temps are hovering in the low 70s at Elsinore, and shad are the main forage focus for bass and wipers right now. The wiper bite has been extremely hot and cold, literally depending on the week. When it's hot, expect some of the best fishing in the region, but the bite can disappear in an instant. Most folks troll shad-colored crankbaits... often lipless or thin profiles... hooking both bass and wipers when they're in. Currently, the wiper bite is cold, but largemouth bite is very good. The crappie bite has picked up over the last week as well, with many boats targeting the aerators.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

The algae is way down with water temps dipping to around 79 degrees... and the bass have taken notice. Fish are slowly getting more aggressive as they look to fatten up before...

San Bernardino Parks wrapped up catfish stocking at Yucaipa in late August, closing out a run of weekly plants that started in May. A few cats are still coming in on prawns...

Lake Elsinore Weather

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