Lake Murray Fishing Overview

Lake Murray may be modest in size compared to other Southern California lakes, but it's a heavyweight when it comes to its fish. Murray is renowned for its massive largemouth bass, but it doesn't end there. Giant crappie, catfish, striper, and rainbow trout are frequently reported by anglers (refer to trophy fish details). In the winter season, the CDFW stocks the lake with rainbow trout, making it an excellent spot for trout fishing right from the shoreline. Moreover, these trout become a prime food source for the rapidly growing population of...

In the winter season, the CDFW stocks the lake with rainbow trout, making it an excellent spot for trout fishing right from the shoreline. Moreover, these trout become a prime food source for the rapidly growing population of largemouth. As spring approaches, these behemoth bass become especially active. Given Lake Murray's gradually narrowing shoreline and its pebbly base, the fish have limited hiding spots. That's when a fish-finder becomes an indispensable tool for those boat fishing.

Remember to adhere to the 5mph speed limit and direct water contact is not permitted. Also, while you need your California fishing license, a daily fishing permit is mandatory too. Familiarizing yourself with the lake's guidelines is a smart move before setting out.

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Species:

Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Redear sunfish

Stocked Date:

Trout stocked 5 months ago - View Schedule

Trophy Fish:

Largemouth Bass: 18.55 lb
Rainbow Trout: 12 lb
Striped Bass: 15.9 lb
Catfish: 33.9 lb
Crappie: 3 lb

Boating / Access:

Personal Boats, Kayaks, Canoes, Float tubes. No water contact allowed. 5mph no wake.

Regulations:

Daily fishing permits required

Geography:

Max Depth: 95 ft

Surface Area: 171 acres

Surface Elevation: 633 ft

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Lake Murray

3 days ago

San Diego County

Public

Excellent Largemouth Bass bite

Bass

81°F Clear

The bass bite has been quite good at Murray throughout July, even as water temps push into the 80s. At dawn, a topwater/walking bait or a small swimbait matching 2–3" shad is working extremely well for fish busting the surface. Once the sun hits, folks are transitioning to underspins or deep cranks on rockpiles and hard structure. If the reaction bite quiets, there's still plenty of action on finesse stuff... slow-dragging small jigs or drop-shotting around those same areas. Mostly smaller fish around a pound, but 3–5 pounders have been reported as well.

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1 angler found this report useful

Lake Murray

Mar 26

San Diego County

Public

Good Bass bite

Trout, Bass

67°F Slightly Stained

Water temps are holding in the mid-high 60s and the bass bite is improving day by day. Mostly smaller fish in the 1-2 pound range, but a couple of 5+ pounders were reported last week. Small jerkbaits and crankbaits have been getting fish for the reaction-bait guys... with that smaller lure size being key. Finesse soft plastics, drop shots and smaller swimbaits, are getting the best numbers right now though. As water temps push toward the 70s, look for an uptick in fish quality. The last trout stock was earlier this month, but catch reports remain minimal.

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5 anglers found this report useful