Lake Perris for some Panfish

[Jeff Bernier]

Hay everyone, I am in Southern California, and will be fishing a Panfish tournment with my son from a float tube. I am looking forward to it as so is my son. I was wondering is there anyone in the area tht maybe able to help me get ready for this tournament.
The Last time I fished Perris lake I was 10 now my son is 13 so that was a long time ago. I am looking for some basic information on the lake, would love to locate a map, and know where are the best places to launch a tube. Any information would be helpful. The tourny is on the 3rd of May and I hope that we have a good time it is my first tourny as well as my son.
I will be sure to share my pictures and reports with all when we are done.

thanks in advance
Jeff

[robsabloke]

Hi Jeff... I fish Perris a lot with my son Jon Jon and my best friend Jim.

OK let's get you up to date....

They took the water level down a couple of years ago from maximum because of suspected defects in the dam, (It's still safe to fish). They add water from time to time and then draw it down again... this can affect the fishing especially around the first spawn... (fluctuation in water temp).

Stay in the east end of the lake, water temps will be warmer there... (left of the island if you come out of the Marina)... On your right if you launch from Bernasconi... The water at Bernasconi beach is good fishing too... so spend a little time there before trying the island...

Trying to get to the island from Bernasconi can be a hard task in a float tube... for that matter it can be tough getting there from the Marina too... but there are lots of beach areas accessible by tube that provide good fishing opportunities. Be careful... some of the Bass boats tend to go fast and are not always looking for tubers... Wear something bright orange. The tournament organizers may have a set place for you guys to fish.

Launching float tubes... My choice would be Bernasconi Beach... you will have to go around the lake and get in via the back entrance... (Bernasconi Road) but it's worth the hassle. Easy launching from the beach, especially for your boy. Having said that you can launch from any of the boat ramps on the Marina side of the lake... but be careful... I have had personal experience with some of the Ranger Bass boat owners and they don't care who is in the way when it comes to launching their boat. If you launch there use extra... extra care.

Fish... You will find fish anywhere around the island. It's called Allesandro Island but you can't miss it, it's right in front of you on the left as you come out of the Marina.

Best place for bait... licenses etc is:

Lakeside Market 4164 N. Perris Blvd. Perris Ca. 92571. Phone number is: 951 943 4364 or 951 943 3624. The place is owned by an Indian gentleman name A.J. He has any bait you will require. This place is really close to the lake itself.

Bait: 1st choice Crickets. 2nd choice small or medium nightcrawlers (for the Redear). 3rd choice meal worms and/or wax worms.

Fishing method... use tiny jigs 1/100th ounce to 1/64th ounce. If you can't get hold of any of them, use a small hook size 8 and a couple of BB's 12" above the hook. Cast out and count it down, (be prepared for hits on the drop) once it hits bottom, reel it back to you as slowly as you can. The gills here can get very big... you will need a landing net.

Use light line 2lb test if possible... 4lb maximum.

Good Luck to you and your boy

Tight Lines

Rob & Jon Jon

[Jeff Bernier]

Rob I would like to thank you for all the help, this will be useful, and I will hed out to Bernasconi Beach to launch our tubes. Did you know about the tournament going on there, maybe you and your son would be interested in joining.
So heard about it from member on the HUSF network. If you would like to know more let me know and I will let you know how to sign up. But thanks for this info. this isgoing to help us out.

[Bruce Condello]

How exciting.

Good luck, Jeff. Bring a good camera!

[robsabloke]

I hadn't heard of the tourny Jeff... but I probably won't be able to make it.... it's my season here and I have to make hay while the sun shines.

Glad I could help... have fun with your boy... before you know it he'll be taking his 13 year old fishing.

Tight Lines
Rob & Jon Jon