California Fishing Reports

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 is rolling at Los Vaqueros, with largemouth pushing shallow in the backs of coves. Jerkbaits have reportedly been catching fish — nothing huge though, with the biggest up to 3.5 lbs. Expect the bite to only improve as water temps increase.

Stripers are starting to show more consistently now. Anchovies are pulling a few from shore, but most of the action is coming on shad-patterned plugs out in open water.

Trout fishing is good for both boaters and shore casters. Mice Tails and PowerBait are working well, although trolling deeper with spoons is producing bigger fish. The bite should hold with more plants expected this month.

Water’s clear, temps are rising, and the fishing’s picking up across the board.

The trout action continues to be very good, with a fresh 1,000-pound plant of Lassen rainbows and lightning trout dropped in last week, and more plants are expected throughout May. Shore anglers are casting spinners, nightcrawlers, and PowerBait with moderate power. The trick is casting a few feet past the thickening weed line, which is creeping out fast as the lake warms. Some trout anglers are getting hit by big catfish as well.

Bass are still active, holding closely to cover, especially along the tules near the tube. It goes without saying, weedless baits are a must if you’re working this type of snaggy cover. Overall, the lake’s changing fast—thick weeds, warmer temps, and fish pushing tighter to structure.

A few big c

Trout fishing is wide open at Hemet. Shore anglers are scoring consistently with PowerBait and nightcrawlers, while those working spoons, minijigs, or pink trout worms on a dropshot offshore are seeing just as much action. The lake got a major boost from a double plant at the end of April, and the bite has been very good since.

Bass are also active, with most fish cruising the shallows. Senkos and dropshot rigs with Roboworms are producing, especially around shoreline structure. Both bites should stay strong while water temps hold and the weather stays mild.

Lake Chabot’s trout bite is picking up steam after a recent plant of Lassen and lightning trout. It’s still not on fire, but patient anglers tossing Mice Tails or soaking PowerBait are getting fish. Trolling might be the best bet, though, for covering ground faster and finding active fish.

For bass, the spawn bite is kicking in, and some chunky largemouth females are pushing into the shallows. Senkos are getting bit, and so are swimbaits and small spinners. The finesse, soft-plastic bite is definitely where it's at right now.

Water’s still high, and shoreline access is tight in spots. Algae is showing near the marina, but the rest of the lake isn't bad. A few catfish are starting to stir too, but it’s early.

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.