Damn Good Perris Reservoir Fishing Guides

Perris Reservoir, nestled at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a tranquil fishing experience just outside the hustle of Southern California. With its glassy surface and sprawling shoreline, it’s a place that feels worlds away from the usual crowds. The reservoir is known for its clear, cool waters that draw bass—largemouth and smallmouth alike—along with crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Whether you’re casting from the shore or gliding across the water in a boat, there’s a sense of peaceful solitude here that’s hard to find anywhere else in the region. It’s not just about fishing; it’s about reconnecting with nature in a way that feels authentic and timeless.

When it comes to bass fishing, Perris Reservoir stands out. The bass here are known for being aggressive and willing to take a variety of baits. Early spring and late fall are prime times to cast for largemouths, as they move closer to the shoreline to feed or spawn. The lake’s clear waters make it easier to spot the fish, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for submerged structures, rocky points, and shallow flats—these are the places where the fish tend to gather. The deeper areas of the lake also hold big bass during the summer heat, and fishing with jigs or soft plastics can yield some serious rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting into the sport, Perris offers the kind of fishing that feels both challenging and rewarding, with every cast bringing the possibility of a new adventure.

As the seasons change, so does the fishing at Perris Reservoir. During the summer, the bass retreat to deeper, cooler waters, and anglers need to be prepared to fish in the depths using finesse techniques like drop-shot rigs or Carolina rigs. The action might slow down a little, but when you land a fish in the middle of the heat, it feels all the more rewarding. Fall, on the other hand, brings a resurgence in bass activity as the fish start moving toward the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The air is crisp, and the water is calm, making it one of the best times to fish the reservoir. Whether you’re pulling a topwater bait across the surface or working a deeper zone with a jig, fishing at Perris always feels like an adventure—one that’s constantly changing, and always worth the wait.

Fishing at Perris Reservoir is an experience that transforms with each season, offering new opportunities, challenges, and rewards. Spring is arguably the most exciting time of year, as the water warms and bass move into the shallows to spawn. It’s a time when the fish are feeding aggressively, and anglers can target them in the areas around submerged structures, flats, and coves. The action is fast and furious, with largemouth and smallmouth bass taking a variety of baits—whether you’re throwing a spinnerbait or working a soft plastic, it’s hard not to find success. Spring fishing at Perris is about more than just catching fish; it’s about the thrill of watching the water come to life as the days grow longer and the fish become more active.

When summer rolls around, the fishing at Perris shifts gears. The heat sends bass into deeper, cooler waters, making it a little harder to land a big one. But this is also when fishing becomes about precision. Anglers who know how to fish the depths—using jigs, drop shots, and Carolina rigs—can still reel in some impressive catches. The longer days mean you’ll want to fish early in the morning or late in the evening, when the fish are most active. While summer fishing can test your patience, it’s also when some of the lake’s biggest bass make themselves known. If you’re willing to put in the time, summer at Perris is where the rewards can be big and well-earned.

Fall is the perfect time to be at Perris Reservoir. The bass start to move back toward the shallows as the water cools, and the fishing picks up in a big way. The crisp air and calm waters make for an ideal fishing environment, and there’s something about the fall light—golden and soft—that adds to the serenity of the experience. Fish are feeding heavily in preparation for winter, making them easier to catch as they chase baitfish and other prey in the shallows. Whether you’re working a topwater or throwing a crankbait, fall offers the kind of fishing that feels both relaxed and rewarding. It’s the season to enjoy the lake at its most peaceful, knowing that the bite is on and the fish are ready to cooperate.

Perris Reservoir, nestled in the hills of Southern California, is a fishing paradise that caters to anglers looking for a mix of calm relaxation and heart-pounding action. If you're aiming to hook into a trophy, you’ll want to target the largemouth bass that patrol these waters. The best technique here is to cast soft plastics or crankbaits around the submerged structures and rocky points where the bass like to hang out. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime times to fish, as the cooler water temperatures keep the bass active and hungry. If you’re after a real fight, working a frog over the weed beds during the warmer months can get those aggressive strikes, making bass fishing here a thrilling experience every time you cast.

But the bass aren’t the only game in Perris—if you’re after some lighter, more consistent action, you’ll want to target the bluegill and crappie that thrive in the lake’s clear waters. These panfish are especially abundant in the warmer months and are perfect for anglers looking for steady action throughout the day. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat, working a small jig or live bait near submerged trees and brush piles will give you a shot at a decent catch. Bluegill and crappie are a bit easier to hook than their bass cousins, making them perfect for families or those new to fishing who want a relaxed day on the water. The action is constant, and there's something satisfying about pulling in a stringer of these tasty fish.

For those who want to slow things down and enjoy a more patient approach, catfish fishing at Perris Reservoir offers a change of pace. Known for their tenacity, catfish are found in the lake's deeper channels, and the best time to target them is during the night when they’re out feeding in the cooler water. Stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait are the go-to methods for luring these bottom-dwelling fish to your line. The slow, steady pull of a catfish bite is a welcome contrast to the fast-paced excitement of bass fishing, and there’s a simple satisfaction in waiting for that unmistakable tug. Whether you’re casting for bass, chasing crappie, or waiting for a catfish to bite, Perris Reservoir delivers a variety of fishing experiences for every angler looking to enjoy the California outdoors.

Perris Reservoir is a hidden gem for anglers, where a variety of fish species roam the waters, offering plenty of opportunities for every type of fisherman. The most sought-after catch here is the largemouth bass, which thrives in the reservoir’s rocky points and submerged structures. These bass are notorious for their aggressive strikes, and they make for an exciting fight once hooked. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime time to target them, especially when they move into the shallows to feed. With the right tackle—whether you're working soft plastics, topwater lures, or spinnerbaits—you’ll find that Perris is a bass fisherman’s dream, and the anticipation of a big catch keeps you coming back for more.

But if you're in the mood for something a little different, Perris also has a solid population of crappie and bluegill. These panfish are perfect for a more laid-back fishing experience, offering steady action and plenty of bites throughout the day. The crappie in these waters are known to school up, especially in the spring, so once you find them, it’s game on. You can’t go wrong with a small jig or a live minnow to entice them, and whether you’re casting from the shore or fishing off a boat, the action is guaranteed. Bluegill are abundant here, too, and they’re great for a relaxing afternoon of fishing, making Perris a spot that’s just as perfect for families and beginners as it is for seasoned anglers.

For those who want a different challenge, Perris Reservoir is also home to a strong population of catfish, especially during the warmer months. The catfish here are bottom feeders, so it takes a little more patience to land them, but when you do, it’s a reward worth the wait. Catfish are most active during the night, so night fishing is often the way to go. Using chicken liver, stink bait, or cut bait is your best bet, and once you hook into a catfish, you’ll appreciate the slow, steady pull that makes these fish such a satisfying catch. Whether you’re after the excitement of bass, the steady action of panfish, or the thrill of a nighttime catfish bite, Perris Reservoir offers a variety of fishing experiences that keep anglers coming back, time and again.

Perris Reservoir, located in Riverside County, California, is one of those spots where you can truly appreciate the quiet joy of fishing, without all the distractions that come with more popular lakes. With its clear waters and easy access, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to spend a day on the water without feeling like you're in the middle of a packed fishing tournament. Nestled against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, this reservoir offers a picturesque setting that makes every cast feel like a mini escape. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, Perris Reservoir gives you that perfect mix of tranquility and solid fishing action.

When it comes to what’s biting, Perris Reservoir has a little something for every angler. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout in the colder months, giving anglers a chance to catch some of the region's freshest stockers, particularly in the winter and early spring. Largemouth bass are a year-round favorite here, and with the reservoir’s various submerged structures, coves, and points, they’re not hard to find. Drop-offs, underwater rocks, and flooded vegetation are prime spots for bass, and anglers can make use of soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits to target the big ones. During the summer months, the warmer water brings out the catfish and bluegill, providing a perfect opportunity for a more laid-back day on the water, especially if you’re out with the family or looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fish.

Perris Reservoir might not be as well-known as some of the larger lakes in the region, but that’s what makes it such a great choice for anglers who prefer a quieter, less-competitive atmosphere. The fishing here is steady, with a range of species that make for a rewarding day on the water, whether you’re chasing bass or just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. For those looking for a solid, hassle-free fishing experience, Perris Reservoir ticks all the boxes: good fishing, beautiful views, and a relaxed vibe that lets you truly unwind while you reel in your next catch.