Lake Perris Fishing Report

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.

The spring bite is on at Lake Perris. With water temps and beautiful weather lining up just right, bass are moving up shallow and feeding hard. Anglers are reporting outings of 10–20 fish, averaging 2–3 pounds, with bigger fish pushing 8 pounds. Texas rigs and shaky heads are doing work around staging areas near structure, especially on the east and south ends. Green pumpkin is the color of choice right now. The bite should stay hot as long as the weather continues to cooperate.