Lake Perris Fishing Report

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 are the key zones. Sight fishing is mostly done. You’ll find occasional males still guarding, but the primary bite is now on ambush-oriented fish tucked tight to structure.

Soft plastics are doing most of the work. Texas-rigged worms, Senkos, or drop-shots pitched tight to cover are getting the most consistent bites. Bites have been subtle at times, and some folks are missing fish by setting the hook too early. Let ’em take it. Green pumpkin and muted natural colors have been working, though some brighter colors are triggering strikes, especially in more pressured areas.

Shad are starting to group up in open water, pulling some bass out from the bank. The topwater bite is just starting to turn on, and near-surface swimbaits or underspins are producing around active bait. It seems the bigger fish are really focusing on the shad.

Bluegill are beginning their spawn period.

Bass are still active at Lake Perris, and after hanging offshore during the slight cold spell, they’ve now pushed up shallow into full-blown spawn mode with water temps holding in the mid-60s. The bite is tight to shoreline cover... bushes, trees, and submerged structure right off the bank. Moving baits are drawing the most attention, especially natural-colored Keitech swimbaits fished with a slow, steady retrieve. Slow finesse tactics have taken a back seat to baits with more movement, although lighter line is ideal with the water being so clear.

Bluegill are also starting to spawn, with some big ones being pulled on jigs and redworms.

The bass bite at Perris is still hot, although fish have moved off the shallow brush after water levels dropped more than a foot in just a few days. Most of the action’s happening a bit deeper, just off structure, in 5–15 feet of water. It’s that weird spring phase where some are locked on beds, others are still window shopping, and a few rogue males are running in packs, smashing almost anything that moves.

Finesse tactics are killing it right now. A slow drag with a drop shot or Neko rig has been the go-to just outside of rocks or brush piles—especially with an SMH or Roboworm. Plenty of quality fish out there, too. Three- to four-pounders have been common, and five- to seven-pounders are being caught daily. Focus less on the obvious shoreline targets and more on that transition zone. Keep casting and moving until you find them.