Fishing

Rules & Regulations

Lake Elsinore is subject to the same “Sport Fishing Regulation” contained in the California Fish & Game Code. Therefore...

• Anyone 16 years and older must have a valid California State Fishing License to fish in this Lake.
• Every person, while engaged in taking any fish shall display their valid sport fishing license by attaching it to their outer clothing at or above the waistline so that it is plainly visible.
• Fishing is allowed from shore in designated areas only.
• No Fishing is allowed in the Inlet Channel.
• No Fishing is allowed within 25 feet of “Fish Breeding Habitat” buoys.
• No cleaning of fish on beaches.
• Riverside county Sheriffs Department strictly enforces all Fish & Game Regulations on the Lake.
• Bag & Size Limits

Bait, Tackle & Boat Rentals:

William's Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental
Located at Elsinore West Marina
32700 Riverside Drive
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Weblink to Willaim's

Bait, Tackle & Fishing License Retailers:

Big 5 Sporting Goods
18298 Collier Avenue
Lake Elsinore, CA (951) 471-1362

Lakeshore Liquor & Market
32235 Mission Trail #B11
Lake Elsinore, CA (951) 674-1994

J & J Liquor
31087 Riverside Drive
Lake Elsinore, CA (951) 674-6742

Wal-Mart
31700 Grape Street
Lake Elsinore, CA (951) 245-5990

The Fishery

Lake Elsinore is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California. Eutrophic lakes, like Lake Elsinore, are typically shallow and nutrient enriched. Add sunshine, and these types of lakes produce more pounds of fish per acre than any other type of lake on earth.

Lake Elsinore is classified as a Warmwater Fishery, which includes the black basses and various panfish. Representative members found in this Lake are Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie and Bluegill.

Channel Catfish are quickly becoming a staple dinner menu for many Americans. The waters of Lake Elsinore are highly suitable for Catfish. Over the last few years Lake Elsinore has seen improvements in the Channel-Cat catch and excellent fishing is anticipated in the future.

Funding has been received from State and Local agencies to restructure the fisheries of Lake Elsinore to improve water quality and sport fishing. A long term Carp control program is underway, concurrent with fishery enhancement measures and intermittent stocking of game fish. 


Watershed Protection

All natural lakes are a product of their watershed. A watershed is all the land that drains into the nearest stream, river or lake when it rains. Rainwater is relatively pure before it falls on the ground. Stormwater runoff collects impurities as it travels over the surface of the land, therefore land use drives water quality. Eventually, we drink, swim and fish from these waters.

There are 760 square miles of land that drains into Lake Elsinore. Every person who lives, works or plays in this watershed has a part in protecting this valuable water resource. So, help keep the watershed clean for the Lakes’ sake!