Lake Perris is an artificial lake completed in 1973. It is the southern terminus of the California State Water Project situated in a mountain-rimmed valley between Moreno Valley, and city of Perris in what is now the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. The park offers a variety of recreational activities. Because of this and the lake's proximity to major population centers, it is very crowded during the summer months.  Lake Perris is 1,560 feet above sea level and is ringed by hills and small mountains. It impounds 131,400 acre feet of water behind a 2 mile long, 128 foot tall, chevron-shaped earthfill dam. The untended areas may seem rocky and barren at first glance, but harbor a variety of natural wonders.

The lake has become a hotspot for freshwater game fishing. Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Red ear Sunfish and Carp are all present in the lake. As the climate is a warm one, the California Department of Fish and Game make regular plants of rainbow trout throughout the winter months. The lake records for each of the species are noted here:

Lake Perris has hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Rainy weather is limited almost completely to the months between November and April. The area lies at a crossroads of weather influences. Coastal fog (and smog) comes from the west, while "Santa Anas"—strong, hot dry winds—come from the deserts to the east and northeast. The average water temperature is 70 °F; during the summer months, it is bathwater-warm and very pleasant to swim in.

Our bait recommendations

Here's the baits that our Pros love for this lake.