Silverwood Lake
San Bernardino County Bass, Trout, Crappie
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Silverwood Lake Bite Meter

1 week ago
Catfish
Excellent
Striped Bass
Good
Bass
Good
Trout
Fair

Silverwood Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

Silverwood Lake is situated at an elevation of 3,350 feet, covering 1,000 acres with 13 miles of shoreline when full. The lake is set between the San Bernardino National Forest and the high desert. It boasts a diverse population of fish, including a healthy population of trout, largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks the lake with trout. These trout thrive in the lake's cool water, which is sourced from the California Aqueduct and provides an array of food. Anglers can...

Silverwood Lake is situated at an elevation of 3,350 feet, covering 1,000 acres with 13 miles of shoreline when full. The lake is set between the San Bernardino National Forest and the high desert. It boasts a diverse population of fish, including a healthy population of trout, largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks the lake with trout. These trout thrive in the lake's cool water, which is sourced from the California Aqueduct and provides an array of food. Anglers can expect quality fishing from late winter through early summer, although the season can delay a month or so with years of heavy snowfall.

Largemouth bass fishing at Silverwood Lake requires a bit of insight into their diet. Predominantly feeding on shad minnows, astute anglers often look for signs of diving birds, signaling potential bass feeding activity below. Additionally, changes in water temperature play a crucial role in determining bass behavior. For instance, as water temperatures climb to the range of 56°F to 63°F around late March, bass tend to venture into shallow zones, particularly the back ends of coves.

When it comes to striped bass and crappie, Silverwood Lake does not disappoint. Anglers have caught stripers in the 30 lb range, and occasionally even larger. Crappie fishing can be so good that sometimes the main dock closes due to crowds trying to catch their limit.

Silverwood Lake has implemented well-designed boating regulations to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Key coves enforce a 5 mph speed limit, which helps keep water-skiers and anglers apart. Given the lake's popularity, there's a daily cap on the number of boats allowed, making boat launch reservations highly advised, especially during warmer weekends and holidays.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 1 month ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 17 lb
  • Striped Bass: 55 lb 8 oz - 1996
  • Rainbow Trout: 12 lb 4 oz
  • Channel Catfish: 15 lb
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating - though daily limits are enforced to prevent over-crowding
Geography:
Max Depth: 166 ft
Surface Area: 976 acres
Surface Elevation: 3,355 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Excellent Catfish bite
Trout, Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish
68°F Clear

Multiple species are in motion at Silverwood as water temps climb and spring patterns settle in. Catfish are the steadiest bet right now, especially on nightcrawlers worked near the bottom around 20 feet. Big nightcrawlers are outproducing cut baits, and most fish are falling in the 3- to 4-pound class. Striped bass are into their warm-season...

Multiple species are in motion at Silverwood as water temps climb and spring patterns settle in. Catfish are the steadiest bet right now, especially on nightcrawlers worked near the bottom around 20 feet. Big nightcrawlers are outproducing cut baits, and most fish are falling in the 3- to 4-pound class.

Striped bass are into their warm-season behavior. After sundown, reaction baits like jerkbaits and walking lures are starting to connect, and daytime surface activity near the dam hints that the boil bite is gearing up. Shore and boat anglers tossing worms are picking off the occasional striper as well.

Largemouth are spread out but feeding. Cranks and finesse plastics are getting fish around brush and rocky edges, with hookups more common where there’s wind pushing bait.

A few trout are still hanging in the mix, mainly near Cleghorn. Those soaking Powerbait are getting the occasional fish.

6 anglers found this report useful
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Hot Striped Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie
67°F Clear

Silverwood’s striper bite is rolling, especially for night owls working the shore. Jerkbaits and swimbaits, and even cut bait are putting a serious dent in the lineside population, with most fish in the 3–4 pound range. Topwater’s also drawing some violent hits after dark. Boaters are finding similar action during the day, though the fish seem a...

Silverwood’s striper bite is rolling, especially for night owls working the shore. Jerkbaits and swimbaits, and even cut bait are putting a serious dent in the lineside population, with most fish in the 3–4 pound range. Topwater’s also drawing some violent hits after dark. Boaters are finding similar action during the day, though the fish seem a bit smaller on average. Best surface boils are happening near the dam.

Largemouth bass aren’t far behind. Dropshots and Senkos are getting bit, but if you’re hunting for size, stick with jerkbaits... they’re pulling in the better-quality fish. On top of that, the crappie bite is showing some life with solid numbers reported for some.

If you’re after trout, a few stocked rainbows are still showing around Cleghorn on Micetails and PowerBait, but it’s definitely a striper-dominated scene right now.

12 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

5,000 pounds - CDWR
Trout Local
5,000 pounds
Trout CA Dept of Water Resources
Trout Local

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

Silverwood Lake Weather

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Silverwood Lake Map

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