Lake Perris Float tubing

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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Puddingstone Reservoir (San Dimes CA. Frank G. Bonelli Park)

So there is this lake that I like to tube when I have the chance, and the reasons I like are numerous. The lake is Puddingstone Reservoir and the reasons that I find it a great place to Float tubes is 1. It holds large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Carp, Catfish, and stocked trout. 2. it’s not as expensive as others lake is in the area. 3. It is fairly quiet most often, other than the skiers in the summer or Memorial Day, it stays fairly quiet. 4. Fairly easy entrance for float tubing, right on the boat ramp with no boats in your way (sail boat cove is where you launch your tube.) 5. Final reason and sometime the most important reason for me being I have small kids it is with in 3om minutes of my home.

Yes sometimes it is more important to fish closer than where the fish are biting. Don’t get me wrong the fish are there and if you are good you will find them. I have seen some great bass fishing done there and I myself have done great with the Bluegill in that lake. When Float tubing the lake you are confined to Sail Boat Cove, but that is nit a bad thing as far as I can see, to me I feel it is one of the better spot to fish do to all the structure available to fish, i.e. sunken trees and rock piles in and around the cove.

A few years back I hooked in to something that took me for a ride out there in that cove, I never got a good look at it. It made its way to the shore and hung me up in a sunken tree, I normally enjoy fishing near structure like this but, at this point I was cursing it. From what I could see there was know why I would have been able to land this fish on my tube I am think it was maybe (don’t forget a fisherman and the one that got away story) about 15 lbs. or more. So I keep going back to see if to day is the day I hook into that fish again.

But all and all this is one of my favorite lakes to float tube and I feel one of the most float tube friendly lakes near me. So if you have any information to share about Puddingstone or would like to share a store please do so as always stay floating my friends.

Lacation: 120 Via Verde Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773 (909) 599-8411. Boat Rentals (909) 599-2667. Camping and RV Reservations (800) 809-3778

Float tubing is a chance to bond

I will be heading out to Perris Lake this next Sunday for a small Tournament (listed below in the tournament section). This is going to be my first tournament I have fished since I was a teenager. And even better than that is this it is going to be with my oldest son. I am so looking forward to this for us, I think this is a great opportunity for the two of us to bond and grow. See my son is now hitting his teen years, and in full swing I might add, most of you know what I mean, for me this is not easy as it is new for me. The only other teen I have ever dealt with was myself so how does one prepare for these years with there kids.
If you are a new parent let me say congratulations, and enjoy your life it will change, challenges are ahead. For those of you that have been through this before, help me please. OK it is not that bad all the time, but when there are moments like this (he wanted to go) I know I need to grab it and take it for what it is worth. We will set out on Sunday morning to try and hook up with as many bluegill and crappie as we can find, and to try and win this tournament for the 1st place pay-out.
But I will also be using this time to teach my son how to tube and why I find fishing and float tubing to be one of my favorite activities. Again, it's a great time to bond with my son while floating on the water catching fish. If he learns something that is a plus, and if he catch’s something, even a bigger plus. But just being there with him is the biggest plus of all. Perhaps one day when he starts his family he will understand why this tournament, if his son wants to fish with him might be one of the best tournaments of his life also. As always stay floating my friends and I will be posting pictures of our big day.