Lake Elsinore Fishing Report

Water temps are hovering in the low 70s at Elsinore, and shad are the main forage focus for bass and wipers right now. The wiper bite has been extremely hot and cold, literally depending on the week. When it's hot, expect some of the best fishing in the region, but the bite can disappear in an instant. Most folks troll shad-colored crankbaits... often lipless or thin profiles... hooking both bass and wipers when they're in. Currently, the wiper bite is cold, but largemouth bite is very good. The crappie bite has picked up over the last week as well, with many boats targeting the aerators.

Warm rain has pushed Elsinore surface temps into the high 50s, tightening bait schools and improving action for both wipers and bass. Wipers are tracking suspended bait mid-lake, with anglers trolling small jerkbaits and crankbaits around 1.5 mph and connecting with thick fish pushing 8 pounds. Largemouth are edging toward prespawn, sliding shallower into protected water and setting up around developing cover. Blade baits and shad-profile soft plastics are getting bit most consistently, with reports of a 6 pounder pulled out this week.

Elsinore has a lot going for it right now. Wipers and bass are swarming on shad in the mornings and evenings. Shad-colored swimbaits, jerkbaits, and even live shad are getting a lot of action. Once the sun hits, soft plastics have been best for bass. Wipers will still be schooling around, but become more finicky and tougher to find.

Catfish and carp are both extremely active at night. Big cats are taking chicken liver, prawns, and anchovies close to shore. Carp are eating the usual corn setups, and there are some giants being caught. Water quality is good... not much algae. The bite should keep up or even improve as we ease into late September.