Lake Perris Southern California quality fishing waters:
I wanted to share some information about a lake near me that I have found to have some good float tubing qualities. The lake I am writing about is Lake Perris, and I am sure most everyone has heard of this place if not fished it already.
Lake Perris was built in the early 1970's as the last reservoir in the California Water Project to provide drinking water to Southern California residents. Nestled between Moreno Valley and Perris you will find many recreational activities to enjoy at Lake Perris SRA such as: Hiking, biking, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, horse back riding, camping and picnicking. But what are you hear for fishing right Float tube fishing so here we go.
Lake Perris was the first lake in Southern California to be stocked with Alabama spotted bass. The DFG also plants rainbow trout, channel catfish, and Florida bluegill. Green sunfish were not planted but arrived with the water from the California Aqueduct, along with tiny shrimp from San Francisco Bay that is a great food source in these waters. The lake also has a large population of crayfish or "crawdads" another great source for bass fisherman.
So my experience here at Perris while not productive was enjoyable. I ended up with one small Bluegill, not one of my more produce moments but I am writing about Perris lake because of its true potential as must truly know. My son and I hit up the dam area, as we were told this would be our best bet. The water at the time (summer of 2009) was warm stained and covered in weeds. As for Float Tube fishing this lake has some good locations for launch you tube from and some not so great places as well.
The dam area was our first choice as we could drive the truck right down to the dam and launch right on the water. Be careful as I am sure people have gotten there vehicles stuck in this area before. We had no problems other than once you drop off your gear you need to head back to park and then have to walk back which is a bit of a trek, make sure you go in pairs so that your tackle dose not go unattended. Other locations to launch the marina which is right next to the bait shop. You cannot use the launch ramp to drop off your gear so you need to carry all you gear down to the water. You must be aware that it is a long way down to the water and it is all down hill so you should take everything in one trip. Finally the other spot I was told of was in the other side of the lake, in the group camp site area. If you have paid to get in to the main part of the lake them you do not need to pay to get in on the other side you can park in the camp ground and again it is a small hick to get to the waters edge. This spot puts you close to the island which I have heard is another good spot to fish. I think this puts you on deeper water, which in the hot summer sun could be good for fishing.
Finally you should know like most lakes now there is a inspection for Quagga and Zebra Mussels which is handled at the main gate on the way in. There is also camping in the park this could be a great opportunity to turn a one day trip into a weekend fishing venture. So maybe you could make it a weekend of float tube fishing at lake Perris, let me know if you are going, I would like another crack at this Bluegill here, I have seen some monster pulled out of the lake and I want a piece of the action.
Other important information:
17801 Lake Perris Drive
Perris, California 92571
Latitude/Longitude: 33.8375 /-117.1400
Elevation: 1560 feet
Bass: 5 of legal size limit
Trout: 5
Catfish: 10
Bluegill, Red Ear Sunfish and Green Sunfish: No limit
Bull Head: No limit
Carp: No limit.
The Marina: Rentals, pontoon boats and small fishing boats. More information about the Marina is available in the Boating and Watercraft link and at 951-657-2179
CAMPING:
The family campground has 167 sites for tent camping (non-hookup sites) and 264 paved sites for recreational vehicles up to 31 feet long (hookups sites). Each site has a table, fire ring with a grill and water access. A maximum of 8 people per site only!
A minimum of 50 people constitutes as a group. For family or group reservations please call (800) 444-7275. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and can be made up to 7 months in advance.
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