Lake Perris is an artificial reservoir that is located in a mountain-rimmed valley between Moreno Valley, CA and Perris, CA that consists of 2,250 surface acres and 10 miles of shoreline at capacity and it is 1,560 feet above sea level. Lake Perris contains around 131,400 acre feet of water that is held with a 2 mile long, 128 foot tall earthfill dam.
The Lake Perris is 3 miles long and 2 miles across with about 10 miles of accessible shoreline and the average water temperature is about 70° degrees. The floor of Lake Perris is made up of old tires to create an artificial reef to provide a habitat for fish. Lake Perris also has 2 paved boat launch ramps which have 4 lanes for your use.
There is a marina at Lake Perris where you will find live bait, fishing tackle, 35 overnight slip rentals, fishing boats, pontoon boats as well as deluxe pontoon boat rentals and of course fishing licenses. Anyone fishing in Lake Perris who's 16 years of age and older must purchase a California Department of Fish and Game fishing license.
You have a variety of options on how to fish at Lake Perris whether it's on a fishing boat, kayak or utilize the shoreline to fish, which has easy access.
Visit the Perris Lake Website for fees, fishing and camping information and reservations. Beware that in the summer months the Lake Perris gets really crowded.
Perris Lake Amenities
- Marina: YES
- Boat Rental: YES
- Boat Launch Ramp: YES
- Campgrounds: YES
- RV Hookups: YES
- Lodging: NEARBY
- Convenience Store: NEARBY
- Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
- Restaurant: NEARBY
Perris Lake Hours & Fees
Lake Perris Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle & $10 per vessel
Lake Perris is open 7 days a week
- Perris and Moreno Day Use: 6 AM - 10 PM
- Bernasconi Beach Day Use: 7 AM - 7 PM
- Boating: 6 AM - 8:30 PM (Boat running lights are required after sunset)
Nearby Fishing Lake
NEARBY LAKES
Popular Types of Fish at Perris Lake
There's a wide variety of fish that is offered at Lake Perris. Some of the most popular fish types includes: Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Spotted Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie and Redear Sunfish.
Whether you're trolling, spinning, jigging or fly fishing at Perris Lake, you can possibly catch a prize sized fish.
The fishing is amazing for Largemouth Bass at Lake Perris, which it's know for over the past few years.
Rainbow trout are stocked from Fall through Spring by the DFW.
The best seasonal time to go fishing at Perris Lake starts in February and ends in June where the fish are very active during this fishing time period
Highly Recommended Bait, Tackle & Gear
Where are the best fishing baits and lures to catch fish at Lake Perris, CA?
Bass Fish Love:
- Best Fishing Locations: Sail Cove, Along the rock structure that makes up the dam, water inlet/outlet structure located on the south/west side of the dam Near Bernasconi Beach
- Best Baits: Plastics or Nightcrawlers Worms, Rapalas, Larger Trout Swimbaits to target the larger Bass such as Castaic Trout, Storm WildEye Swim Shad, Roboworms, Creature Baits, Crank baits, Crawdads and AC Plug Swimbait
Bluegill & Red Ear Sunfish Fish Love:
- Best Fishing Locations: Sail Cove, southern shore near the dam, the marina and the marshy areas of the lake.
- Best Baits: Crickets, red worms, wax worms, meal worms, small in-line spinners, plastic worms and tiny jigs.
Carp Fish Love:
- Best Fishing Locations: Sail Cove and Parking Lot# 11 & 12
- Best Baits: Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Worms, Mollusks, Artificial Corn, Boilies, Pastes, Peanut Butter Doughballs.
Catfish Fish Love:
- Best Fishing Locations: Sail Cove and Parking Lot# 11 & 12
- Best Baits: Nightcrawler Worms, Cut baits & Live Baits
Rainbow Trout Fish Love:
- Best Fishing Locations: Sail Cove and Parking Lot# 11 & 12
- Best Baits: Worms/Nightcrawlers, Rapalas, Spoons, PowerBait
Crayfish is another popular bait to use at Lake Perris. Please note, if choose to use crayfish bait it must be purchased at the bait shop.
Best Places to Fish at Perris Lake, CA
- One of the top fishing spots that can be vary rewarding along the dam
- East end of Paris Lake offers a few different places to fish
- Alessandro Island
- Any of the marshy areas can also delivers great results
- The Cove
- Bernasconi Beach
- Sail Cove and Parking Lot# 11,12
Directions to Lake Perris
Lake Perris Address: 17801 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA 92571
Lake Perris is located 11 miles south of Riverside, CA via Highway 60 or I-215.
Lake Perris is is about 65 miles south of Los Angeles From the Los Angeles take 91 East to the 60 east to the 215 South to Ramona Expressway. Turn leftand follow the signs.
To access Bernasconi Beach it's located off of the Ramona Expressway about 8 miles from the main entrance and fairgrounds.
