Lake Elsinore
Riverside County Bass, Catfish, Crappie
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Lake Elsinore Bite Meter

1 week ago
Wiper Bass
Excellent
Bass
Good
Carp
Hot
Catfish
Fair

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
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Latest Fishing Reports

Excellent Wiper Bass bite
Bass, Wiper Bass, Catfish, Carp
66°F Slightly Stained

Wiper action has been good at Elsinore, although it can be a streaky bite. One week they’re fired up, the next they vanish… so if you’re hearing they’re biting, don’t wait to get your line in the water. Shore anglers are scoring best early in the day with spoons and shad imitations, while making long casts and covering water. These fish school...

Wiper action has been good at Elsinore, although it can be a streaky bite. One week they’re fired up, the next they vanish… so if you’re hearing they’re biting, don’t wait to get your line in the water. Shore anglers are scoring best early in the day with spoons and shad imitations, while making long casts and covering water. These fish school tight, so if you’re parked in a dead zone, move quickly.

Largemouth are still feeding well along the edges, mostly smaller fish. Finesse stuff and smaller reaction baits are doing the job, especially when worked along shallow structure.

If you’re just looking to bend the rod, there’s no shortage of big carp willing to eat corn all day long. Catfish are picking at cut bait too, though most of the ones being caught aren’t anything to brag about… more appetizers than entrees.

7 anglers found this report useful
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Excellent Bass bite
Bass, Wiper Bass, Crappie
59°F

The spring bass bite is on at Elsinore, with water temps in the high 50s to low 60s and fish fully locked into spawn mode. Jigs and T-rigged craw plastics are working very well all around the lake (Lakepoint Park has been especially good). Small crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also picking up fish shallow. Winds have made things tough in the...

The spring bass bite is on at Elsinore, with water temps in the high 50s to low 60s and fish fully locked into spawn mode. Jigs and T-rigged craw plastics are working very well all around the lake (Lakepoint Park has been especially good). Small crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also picking up fish shallow. Winds have made things tough in the afternoon, but if you’re out late morning before it kicks up, conditions and fishing are near ideal.

WON reports the wiper bite is exploding right now. Constantly casting spoons along the shoreline and covering water fast is the way to tap into the schools.

Crappie and bluegill action has been very good also on live worms and small jigs.

7 anglers found this report useful
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Other Nearby Reports

Bass are in late spawn to early post-spawn, with surface temps now around 68°. Most fish have left their beds and are holding in cover… brush, submerged trees, and rock edges...

Did very well today caught our limits now it's time for the holiday and smoking some fish. Big Bear lake is awesome

Lake Elsinore Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Elsinore Map

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