Silverwood Lake
San Bernardino County Bass, Trout, Crappie
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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 4 months 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
Catfish
Sunny with Light Breeze
Slightly Stained

Blue stoned a couple of weeks ago but still not approved to swim or fish due to lack of California inspectors checking the water. Only catch and release for now. Bass fisherman like it now for catch and release with no skiers or swimmers in the water. California must have no budget left to check the waters. Why is that?

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Good Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Striped Bass
69°F Slightly Stained

The last trout stock was in late March, but they are still biting, and the pattern remains similar to our last report. Bright-colored jigs or microgrubs bounced along any rock or hard bottom are still getting their share of fish. Otherwise, it's all about soaking bait... Powerbait and floating nightcrawlers. Water temps are still in the high 60s...

The last trout stock was in late March, but they are still biting, and the pattern remains similar to our last report. Bright-colored jigs or microgrubs bounced along any rock or hard bottom are still getting their share of fish. Otherwise, it's all about soaking bait... Powerbait and floating nightcrawlers. Water temps are still in the high 60s low 70s... but once they hit mid 70s, look for trout bite to turn off completely.

The bass action has been good, but mostly for fish in the 1–2 pound range. The spawn is mostly over, although there are a few fish still in the shallows protecting their fry. These fish will crush a weightless Senko. Otherwise, dropshotting has been the best... just make sure your soft plastic is riding high enough to stay above the grass line.

The striper action has been quite good as well. A giant 14-pounder was reportedly caught in Cleghorn Canyon last week. Guys are landing fish either soaking sardines or trolling big jerkbaits.

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5000 lbs (CDWR)
TroutLocal
California Department of Water Resources
TroutLocal
TroutCA Dept of Water Resources

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Silverwood Lake Weather

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