Lake Perris Fishing Report

Water temps are now in the high 70s at Perris, and summer mode is starting to settle in. Bass are still biting, but not in the numbers we saw a month ago. Overall, it's either mornings, evenings, or finesse. The morning bite has been good shallow on reaction stuff... topwater walking baits, Rapalas, and crankbaits. But after 10am, Senkos (watermelon), dropshots, and T-rigged straight-tail worms (green pumpkin) have been best in 10–20 feet of water. It's been mostly smaller fish, but reports of an 8 and 6 pounder came in last week.

The most impressive action at Perris lately, though, has been huge bluegill. Giant, beautifully dark-colored, hand-sized bluegill are being caught on Kastmasters, grubs, and even small crankbaits. Red worms are always a go-to for panfish here as well.

If you're into carp, folks are getting into an excellent bite launching corn or cornmeal dough as far as they can off beach areas around the lake.

Perris had an awesome early spawn season for both size and numbers. Most fish are now off beds and easing into a more lethargic post-spawn period... but that doesn't mean the fishing has fallen off, it's just transitioned. There's still good action shallow on finesse worms (drop shots, t-rigged) around weeds and tree lines. Many boat guys have also been targeting big fish deeper, in 15–20 feet of water on jigs and heavier weight soft plastics. Sonar is absolutely helpful for spotting deep structure and rock. Reports of a 9+ pounder came out of Perris fishing this way.

Water temps are hoving in the mid 60s after the recent cold spell, but should jump over the next week. Algae is still an issue, although improving. Some spots are seeing really clear water.