Lake Hemet

[Steve Crowder]

Has anybody fished Lake Hemet lately? I will be back home in November. Would like to take my 88 year old father fishing where it would be quiet and close to his home (Rancho Mirage). He always seemed to like fish Lake Hemet, or would Lake Perris be better. Thanks.

[JBplusThuy]

Have never been to Hemet, and Perris only once years ago. Got skunked that time, lol. But I'll be in San Diego for Christmas, so might try one of those. If you have time, do please post a fishing report.

For anyone right in the city of San Diego. Lake Murray can be a good bluegill lake, but it takes some effort and a boat or tube is very helpful, since much of the shoreline is surrounded by reeds and the shoreline road (about 3 miles from the parking lot to the dam) is closed to motor vehicle traffic. However, there are a lot of places with deep water fairly close to shore, good cover, and long coves that harbor a lot of gills. I also caught a 15" largemouth while 'gill fishing the last time I was there. Later that day, a 3-4 pound size bass swam right up to my fish basket and took a look at the other fish inside. Must have come within three feet of the shore and no more than six feet from where I was standing.

I mostly used my spinning rod that day, since most areas of the shoreline have trees or brush and little or no room for a back cast. From a tube, it would be a great place to fly fish.

Jonathan

[Jeff Soto]

Back 10-15 years ago, Lake Hemet had some huge Bluegill to be caught. You had to be out in 20-25 ft. of water. We caught the first one by accident while bait fishing from a boat for Rainbow Trout. I would think, with a little exploring and a depth/fish finder, you might still be able to catch some nice fish. We used the standard bait of waxworms or mealworms on a size 8-10 baitholder hook, 2 or 4 lb line and a small split shot and fished a foot or so off the bottom. You should call the marina or boat rental shop and ask about the BG fishing. Also right now with the weather doing it's crazy fall changes, the Bluegill fishing can be hit or miss. Lake Perris can be good as can that newest CA lake, Diamond Valley.

[Steve Crowder]

Thanks guys. If the weather stays fair by the week of Nov. 9, going to take my father over to Lake Perris while on vacation. He's 88 years old now, so it will be a very relaxed fishing trip for us. But it will be good for us to get out.

[LedHed]

SC
What day do you plan to fish Perris? Can probably hook you and your pops up with a day of fishing. Bluegill should still be biting. Jim was out yesterday and caught a bunch of nice REs.

[Steve Crowder]

Thanks LedHed. I'm not sure exactly what day yet. Will be arriving in California Saturday Nov. 7. Probablly middle of the week. Will have to check with the folks to see what the plans will be. I'll get back to you as soon as I know. Thanks.