Lake Perris
Riverside County Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie
153 Share

Lake Perris Bite Meter

2 weeks ago
Bass
Excellent
Bluegill
Excellent

Lake Perris Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lake Perris was once famed for its impressive spotted bass population, boasting several line-class world records. However, over the last decade, the number of spotted bass has dropped substantially. Today, Perris is primarily known for its elite largemouth bass and panfish fishery. The lake’s record for largemouth bass stands at an astounding 17 pounds, 6 ounces, although many neighboring SoCal lakes boast records of similar size. Spring and fall are the best times to target these giants. Perris is stocked annually with trout in the winter, and...

Lake Perris was once famed for its impressive spotted bass population, boasting several line-class world records. However, over the last decade, the number of spotted bass has dropped substantially. Today, Perris is primarily known for its elite largemouth bass and panfish fishery.

The lake’s record for largemouth bass stands at an astounding 17 pounds, 6 ounces, although many neighboring SoCal lakes boast records of similar size. Spring and fall are the best times to target these giants. Perris is stocked annually with trout in the winter, and in spring, the largest bass begin targeting these stockers. Big trout imitation swimbaits can offer the ultimate opportunity to land one of these trophies.

As mentioned, Lake Perris is also home to a healthy population of rainbow trout, regularly stocked by the CDFW. These trout provide good action for both trollers and shoreline bait dunkers during the cooler months when bass fishing slows.

Giant bluegill and coppernose sunfish are another big draw, especially in the warmer months. These fish put up a surprisingly good fight and are extremely fun to catch on light gear.

It’s worth noting that the lake becomes a hotspot for water-skiers during the summer and early fall. The combination of busy recreation and summer heat drives many anglers to fish during the early or late hours of the warmer seasons.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Channel Catfish
Stocked Species:
Trout
Forage / Baitfish:
Crawfish, Threadfin Shad
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 17 lb 6 oz
  • Spotted Bass: 9 lb 4.5 oz
  • Catfish: 30 lb
  • Rainbow Trout: 7 lb
  • Bluegill: 3 lb 15 oz
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 85 ft
Surface Area: 2,250 acres
Surface Elevation: 1,563 ft
Sign up free to get notified of new Lake Perris fishing reports.Sign Up

Latest Fishing Reports

Excellent Bass bite
Bass, Bluegill
64°F Clear

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...

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.

8 anglers found this report useful
Share
Hot Largemouth Bass bite
Bass
62°F Clear

The bass bite at Perris is still hot, although fish have moved off the shallow brush after water levels dropped more than a foot in just a few days. Most of the action’s happening a bit deeper, just off structure, in 5–15 feet of water. It’s that weird spring phase where some are locked on beds, others are still window shopping, and a few rogue...

The bass bite at Perris is still hot, although fish have moved off the shallow brush after water levels dropped more than a foot in just a few days. Most of the action’s happening a bit deeper, just off structure, in 5–15 feet of water. It’s that weird spring phase where some are locked on beds, others are still window shopping, and a few rogue males are running in packs, smashing almost anything that moves.

Finesse tactics are killing it right now. A slow drag with a drop shot or Neko rig has been the go-to just outside of rocks or brush piles—especially with an SMH or Roboworm. Plenty of quality fish out there, too. Three- to four-pounders have been common, and five- to seven-pounders are being caught daily. Focus less on the obvious shoreline targets and more on that transition zone. Keep casting and moving until you find them.

7 anglers found this report useful
Share

Other Nearby Reports

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...

Wiper action has been good at Elsinore, although it can be a streaky bite. One week they’re fired up, the next they vanish… so if you’re hearing they’re biting, don’t wait to...

Lake Perris Weather

Loading Weather...

Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Perris Map

153 Share

Nearby Lakes & Rivers

Last report: 1 month ago
38 Followers
Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish, Carp
Trout stocking: 5 months ago
79 Followers
Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Carp, Sunfish
Last report: 2 months ago
Catfish stocking: This week
170 Followers
Flyfisherman background image

Join FishCaddy Free!

Get local fishing updates & receive our weekly NorCal or SoCal digest.

Sign Up