Hemet Lake Fishing Report Guide

Hemet Lake Fishing Guide

Hey there, fishing enthusiasts! Welcome to our ultimate fishing guide for Hemet Lake in sunny California. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide has everything you need to know for a fantastic fishing trip. Let’s dive right in!

About Hemet Lake

Hemet Lake, also known as Lake Hemet, is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in the San Jacinto Mountains near Hemet, California. Surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain views, Hemet Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and various outdoor activities. Created in 1895 by the construction of Hemet Dam, the lake serves as a vital water source for the region and a recreational haven for visitors.

Managed by the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, the lake provides a peaceful and scenic environment perfect for a day of fishing or a relaxing getaway. With well-stocked fish populations and numerous amenities, Hemet Lake offers a great experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Lake Details

Here are some key details about Hemet Lake:

• Surface Area: 470 acres
• Shoreline Length: 12 miles
• Average Depth: 35 feet
• Max Depth: 90 feet
• Surface Elevation: 4,340 feet
• Location: Riverside County, California
• Coordinates: 33.6584° N, 116.7360° W
• Accessibility: Accessible via Highway 74
• Type of Lake: Reservoir
• Lake Amenities:
  • Public boat ramps
  • Fishing piers
  • Picnic areas
  • Hiking trails
  • Campgrounds
  • Restrooms
  • Boat rentals
  • Bait and tackle shop

Types of Fish in Hemet Lake

Hemet Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a fantastic spot for anglers. Here are some of the most common fish you can catch:

• Rainbow Trout: These are the most popular fish in the lake, often found in deeper, cooler waters, especially during the spring and fall. Look for them near the dam and along the western shore.
• Largemouth Bass: Commonly found in shallow areas with plenty of vegetation and cover. Look for them near docks, fallen trees, and submerged structures.
• Bluegill: Found in shallower waters, especially around weed beds and docks. They are abundant and easy to catch, making them great for beginners.
• Catfish: Usually found in deeper, murkier waters. They prefer areas with a soft, muddy bottom and are often caught at night.
• Carp: Often seen in shallow, weedy areas of the lake. They are strong fighters and fun to catch.

Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle

Choosing the right bait and tackle can make all the difference in your fishing success. Here are some recommendations for each type of fish in Hemet Lake:

• Rainbow Trout:
  • Baits: PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small crankbaits
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning rods with 4-6 lb test line
• Largemouth Bass:
  • Baits: Plastic worms, live minnows, and crayfish
  • Lures: Jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy casting rods with 10-20 lb test line
• Bluegill:
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs, spinners, and fly fishing flies
  • Tackle: Ultralight spinning rods with 2-4 lb test line
• Catfish:
  • Baits: Chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used for catfish
  • Tackle: Heavy rods with 15-30 lb test line
• Carp:
  • Baits: Corn, dough balls, and bread
  • Lures: Not commonly used for carp
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning rods with 10-20 lb test line

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Best Fishing Spot Locations

Finding the best fishing spots can make a big difference in your catch. Here are some top locations around Hemet Lake:

1. The Dam Area: Known for its deep waters, this spot is great for catching rainbow trout and catfish. The rocky structure also attracts largemouth bass.
2. Western Shore: The shallower waters here are great for largemouth bass and bluegill. Look for areas with plenty of vegetation and cover.
3. North Cove: This area offers a mix of deep and shallow waters, making it a good spot for various species. Try fishing near the boat docks and submerged structures.
4. Picnic Area: Popular for its easy access and known to have good bluegill and bass fishing. The shallow waters near the shore are ideal for these species.
5. Boat Dock: A quieter spot with less boat traffic, perfect for anglers looking for a peaceful fishing experience. You can find bass and bluegill here, especially near the docks and underwater structures.

Fishing Tips and Recommendations

Here are some tips to help you have the best fishing experience at Hemet Lake:

• Early Morning and Late Evening: These are the best times to fish, as many species are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
• Use Local Baits: Local bait shops often have the best recommendations for what the fish are biting on at the moment.
• Check the Weather: Fishing can be affected by weather conditions. Overcast days can be great for fishing, while bright, sunny days might make fish less active.
• Fish with Friends: Not only is fishing more fun with friends, but it also increases your chances of finding the best spots and sharing tips.
• Be Patient: Fishing requires patience. If one spot isn’t working, don’t be afraid to move to another location or try different baits and lures.

Positive Fishing Reviews

Here are some positive reviews from anglers who have visited Hemet Lake:

1. “Hemet Lake is my favorite fishing spot in California. The scenery is breathtaking, and I’ve always had great luck catching rainbow trout here.” – John D.
2. “I love fishing at Hemet Lake with my family. The kids enjoy catching bluegill near the shore, and I always manage to hook a big bass.” – Sarah M.
3. “The fishing at Hemet Lake is top-notch. The variety of fish species keeps things interesting, and the peaceful environment is a bonus.” – Mike T.
4. “I’ve been fishing at Hemet Lake for years, and it never disappoints. The trout fishing is excellent, especially near the dam.” – Lisa H.
5. “Hemet Lake is a hidden gem for anglers. The lake is well-maintained, and the fish are plentiful. Highly recommend!” – Dave R.

Stocking Schedule for Hemet Lake

Lake Hemet is stocked with trout 4-5 times per year, typically from November through May. Each stocking averages around 4,000 lbs of trout from Mount Lassen.

Hemet Lake offer great fishing from the shorelines, launch your own boat or rent a boat from the marina. Boat and kayaks rentals range from two hours, half day and full day and the price can range from $28 – $340. Please see more details at Lake Helmet Boat Rentals. 

Hemet Lake allows night fishing along the shoreline until 10:00pm that is only for overnight camping guests. Please note that all boats must be off the water by the time the marina closes each day.

Fishing Regulations for Lake Hemet

• A valid California state fishing license is required for anglers 16 years and older, except on designated free fishing days.
• Trout limit: 5 per person
• Bass limit: 2 per person, minimum 15 inches
• Bluegill limit: 25 per person
• Catfish limit: 5 per person

Fishing Areas for Hemet Lake

Fishing is not allowed near or by the dam. Boats must stay a minimum of 100 feet from the dam area.With its beautiful mountain setting and variety of fish, Lake Hemet offers an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Food Services for Hemet Lake

If you get hungry at Hemet Lake and would like to take a break, Lake Hemet offers a  Soaring Pines Cafe serving delicious food.