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San Bernardino Mountains Big Bear Lake Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Green Ear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Carp, Channel Catfish, Bullhead Catfish Links: www.bigbearmarina.com
Jenks Lake Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Green Ear Sunfish
Lake Gregory Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill
Lake Arrowhead
Arrowbear Lake Species: Rainbow Trout, Bullhead Catfish, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass This very small lake is more like a large pond. It is mainly fed by run off and springs. It dries up rather quickly during the hot summer months when rainfall is scarce. The DFG will stock from mid April to mid June with Rainbow Trout from 8” to 12” in size. Stocks range from 200 pounds of fish to over 400 pounds every other week. The locales know this and this little fishing whole can get fished out pretty quick. Always check the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov for stocking information. That way you will know when to bring the kids to fish. Contact the Running Springs Chamber for more information. There is also a small county park next to the lake with picnic tables and restrooms. Since this little lake is run off fed, the deepest part is only around 10 feet deep.
Green Valley Lake Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Catfish, Carp, Rainbow Trout. Set at an elevation of nearly 7’000 feet, this tiny shallow lake gets real cold in the winter and will freeze over. At a depth not over 50 feet, this lake offers a lot of activities besides fishing. You have cabin rentals, picnic sites, boat rentals and bait and tackle shop. Much like Lake Gregory only smaller and a lot cozier environment. The lake receives Trout plants from the DFG with most of the fish just about ten inches or so. Since the lake is owned and operated by the residents of Green Valley, they are able to supplement the DFG stocks with some larger ones. A very nice, quite fun lake for the family to fish. The lake closes in October and reopens in May; this gives the fish some time off to grow. When spring time comes, so do the fish stocks. The Catfish and other fish are merely a standby for the Trout, but don’t let that fool you. There are some hungry LMB in this lake that chases the Trout, and the Catfish get really hungry in the summer time. There are no boat launches, however you can launch a float tube or rent a boat. To find the best spots to fish, just look for all the boats in one area, that is where you will find the Trout. There is no real “honey holes” to fish, most of the lake is wide open and offers good fishing. There is a fee charged for fishing, but since the lake is owned and operated by the locales. The price can change every once in awhile. So call ahead to find out how much and when the stocking takes place. Bring the kids, dogs, and family and have fun. Oh yeah, don’t forget the grill because you will catch some fish.
Deep Creek Species: Rainbow and Brown Trout There are numerous ways to get to Deep Creek. In fact, since it course is long and goes through so much area, it is hard to mention just one. So pick the best rout for you and enjoy some good fishing. The Pacific Crest Trial follows most of the creek, at least 11 miles or so. You will have to make your own way to the creek from most of the farthest parts. However for the most part you will have access to the creek from the trail. “Fly Fishing Southern California’s Lakes, Rivers and Streams”
Bear Creek Species: Rainbow and Brown Trout. Receives no stocks from the DFG. Some stocks swim upstream from the Santa Ana River. There are multiple access points for this stream. You can enter all the upper areas or where the stream meets the Santa Ana River near Slide Lake. That is an area that awhile ago was formed when there was a land slide. The area is back to normal stream flow conditions, but the name still sticks as a landmark. Most of the fish in this stream are Rainbow Trout, some from Big Bear Lake or from the stocker put into the Santa Ana River; however they are all Wild Trout. If you take Highway 38 to Barton Flats you can access service road #1N54. Take this road to gain access to Clark Ranch Campground, a campground for backpackers. This will put you somewhat in the middle part of the stream. Special regulations apply the entire length of the stream, designated as a Wild Trout Stream. That means only artificial lures and single barb less hooks, with a two fish limit of at least 8 inches. The lower and middle sections you will find Brown trout along with the Rainbows. The Browns gain some size because of the special regulations that are set in place, that along with the butt kicking rugged terrain that keeps a lot of anglers away. Look in the back of this site for other publications listing this stream. In the summer months this place grows big rattle snakes as well as big Trout, so be careful if you go in the summer time. Always let the rangers know where you will be and display your adventure pass for parking. Even though the area is rugged and hard to get to, the rangers are all there to help out as much as possible. For more detailed information, try contacting the Deep Creek Fly Fishers. Even though the name says Deep Creek, a lot of the anglers know this area very well. Another source of good information and maybe even a guided tour of this area is to contact a guide that works Big Bear Lake. His name is Keith Kern and if anybody knows this area it is this well spoken fly fisherman.
Santa Ana River Species: Rainbow and Brown Trout, stocked in parts by the DFG with 8” to 10” Rainbows The Santa Ana River is a small stream that runs out of the San Bernardino and San Gorgonio Wilderness Areas. It continues to flow westward and forms Santa Ana River Lakes, Prado Recreation Area and offers a lot of fishing near Norco. The South Fork flows out of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area and meets up with the main branch of the river just below highway 38. This area is where the DFG stocks a lot of Trout. South of highway 38 is really upstream or uphill and offers the best of the fishing for this area. If you park at the parking lot off of highway 38 at the South Fork parking lot and walk a few miles upstream you will start to run into a lot of wild Brown Trout, some of these Brownies get around 14 inches or so. The terrain gets rougher as you go further upstream, but that relates to the better fishing areas. If you want to fish the lower sections of the river, try parking off of highway 38 before you get to Barton Flats Visitor Center. Also try going all the way to the parking lot for the foot trail and driving on forest service road #1N09 sometimes called Santa Ana River Road. This road travels along the river for a few good miles and might be worth exploring a little bit.
Lake Silver wood Species: Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Carp, Channel Catfish, Bullhead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish, Thread Fin Shad, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout Silver wood has almost everything a fisherman wants. A clear, deep, cold lake full of fish of all types. Open year round, separate areas for fishing boats, bait, tackle, camping, R.V. hookups, and law enforcement on site. Only one thing missing, the 100% guarantee to catch fish. Besides that, there is nothing but wind and opportunity and there are plenty of both. The DFG stocks thousands of pounds of Trout into this lake every year, creating a large holdover population of rainbow Trout. That and all the reconstruction of the dam and new fishing habitats back in 1998 have really made for one heck of a fishing lake. There has been some legal problems in the past, but I won’t go into that legal maze, just ask around. The lake has plenty of fish and with the constant changing of the water plenty of baitfish to go around.
Fish Creek Due to the fire that swept through here in September 2006, the area is closed. Please check with the Forest Service for up to date information.
Crystal Lake Species: Rainbow Trout, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish At an elevation of some 5500 feet, this tiny sized lake can get really cold and freeze over from time to time. The DFG stocks a lot of Trout from 8” to 12” and also puts in a lot of sub catch able Trout as well. Now with all that Trout, don’t you think the Bass would be pretty good size? Well there isn’t a big population of Bass here, but some big ones have been caught. Big for this tiny lake is over 6 pounds. The catfish stay small and so do the Bluegill and the Sunfish. No boats allowed, float tubes welcome. Call ahead to find out what is going on; you may want to know the road conditions as well. For that Fly Fisherman, a small size 12 or 16 Midge works real well. Fished at a depth of about six feet on slow retrieves using a strike indicator. This lake can get crowed in the warmer months and there are some people who just don’t care about their actions. This has resulted in a lot of trash throughout the lake all along the shore. If you see people abusing our wilderness areas, feel free to call 1-800-cal-tips. A license plate number is also handy to write down and turn in.
Guasti Lake Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Sunfish This is a large 150 acre park with two lakes. One lake is 3 acres and the other is 10 acres. No water contact, no boats, no wading, no float tubes. Both lakes are only around 15 to 20 feet deep and have gradual shallow shorelines in a lot of areas. The larger lake is stocked with Trout from the DFG with most fish in the 8” to 12” range. The County Parks Dept. puts in a lot as well, mostly the larger size Trout. The county will purchase from private hatcheries so the fish are on the larger size. During the winter the Trout stocks are every other Friday from the county, the DFG is every two weeks as well. During the summer months it gets hot, not only with the weather but also with the Catfish bite. The Catfish go in starting at the end of April and go all the way until September. Most of the Catfish are around 1.5 pounds with around 20% of the others around 4 to 6 pounds. So that just goes to tell you that there are some good sized Catfish being planted. Not too much news on the Largemouth Bass. There are some in these two lakes. However not too many people target them. This park has just about everything for the family. Call ahead to find out about any special events that might be going on. Even though this park is big, it can get crowded fast during the summer time.
Lake Prado Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bullhead Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp This rather large lake is fed mainly by the Santa Ana River. It is one mile long and ¾ mile wide with the deepest part being a whopping 40 feet. The rules on the boat launches change all the time, but for now you can only have boats less than 16 feet in length with electric trolling motors only. The water is held back by two earthen dams and for being a good size lake it is very shallow. During the winter months the Trout stocks go in, summer is Catfish season. There is a good population of Black Crappie and Bluegills, that and the huge Carp always offer something different. The lake and surrounding park area had to undergo a huge makeover after the record rainfall of 2005. Since then the water has cleared up and the fishing has improved. Because of the close proximity of a large populace, this lake has suffered. With trash and debris becoming more prevalent. The county has taken a positive role and started to change that reputation, so far so good. I see a bright future for this lake and the surrounding park areas. Full of small Bass around 2 lbs or so and the ever growing number of Crappie, you should have no problem finding a good spot from a boat to cast to submerged trees and weed beds. Not too sure of how big the Catfish and Carp get, however I have seen some real monsters come out of here. In the shallows during the spring is the best time for those monster carp, and they are here. So have some fun and go for some those big bruisers.
Glen Helen Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, Bullhead Catfish, Carp, Sunfish This Regional Park contains two small lakes, one is 7 acres and the other is 3 acres. Both lakes are only about 30 feet deep, with 20 feet most likely on the smaller one. There is no water body contact so no float tubes, kayaks, canoes allowed. During the winter months Trout stocks go in and don’t stop till the end of April. Open all year round so in the summer months the Catfish are planted. The surrounding park offers a lot of family activities with picnic tables, grills, restrooms and play ground areas. State limits are enforced and a state fishing license is needed. The park offers fishing derbies for the kids throughout the year. A lot of trout are stocked here with most going over 1.5 pounds. Also there are quite a few big brutes are put in for the derbies and for the weekends. The Catfish plants are not small by any means; some of these kitties will give you a run for your money. The best spots to fish the larger lake are pretty obvious to see with well used paths and cleared areas. Going for the Catfish use cut baits as far out as you can cast. For Trout it is just the opposite with a lot of stocker Trout hanging out in just 10 to 15 feet of water. You will see a lot of Trout running along the shoreline and sandy shallow areas. So throwing some power bait in the face will bring in some results.
Mojave Narrows Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Carp Located just a few miles from the city of Victorville and just a few more miles from the DFG Hatchery at Mojave, these two lakes offer a nice and quick getaway for all the locales. Stocked with a lot of Trout during the winter months and Catfish during the summer, there is always some fishing going on. The Trout plants are made by the DFG and supplemented by the county. No water contact is allowed, no personal boat launch, no motor boat rentals only rowboats and paddle boats. Both of those rentals are available on the weekends only. During the colder months the catch rates are high for the Trout. The likely hood of any holdover Trout to survive is next to nothing because these shallow lakes are only around 12 to 15 feet deep. The Largemouth Bass are scattered throughout both lakes. They are not the huge bucket mouths found else where, however they do get up to around 9 pounds or so. At an elevation of 2000 feet, it can get very cold half of the year and blazing hot with gusty winds the other half. Be prepared when you visit, the weather can change quickly in this high desert area. Horse Shoe Lake is the larger of the two with a small island. Pelican Lake is smaller with very good shore access most of the shoreline.
Yucaipa Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Carp, Bluegill This regional park has it all including including three small lakes for fishing. Part of the San Bernardino County Parks, there is a lot to offer here. Playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking, biking and jogging trails. The three small lakes are shallow and don’t cover a lot of area. Since it is a county park they receive stocks of Trout and Catfish. Paddle boats are available for rent. No private boat launch, no float tubes, canoes ect. All fishing is from the shore only. You can not fish from the paddle boats. There is a lot to do at this family orientated park besides fishing. However since this information is about fishing I will only include a few other items about the park. Swimming and paddle boats are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the colder months, floating Power Bait and inflated night crawlers work real well. A lot of the stocks are supplied by the DFG and the county puts in a few larger ones. For Catfish cut Mackerel works real well or any type of scented bait. Since both the Trout and the Catfish are penned raised, their sense of smell really opens up once they are put into such a larger environment. Most of the Catfish are around 1.5 pounds. The Trout are larger and the DFG stocks up to 14” fish. This place can get busy on the weekends, so you might want to call ahead to see if anything has changed.
Whitewater River Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout You can also gain access by foot and hike the numerous trails around the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is around 13 miles one way to the headwaters of the North Fork of the Whitewater River. There was access to the South Fork Trail but that has been placed off limits by the Morongo Indians. Taking the Pacific Crest Trail from I-10 will get you there as well, a lot longer route but you will cross the river .The Whitewater River has three branches, The North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork. The South Fork has a few main tributaries that are also named South Fork. There is a large and steep canyon where all these smaller streams meet and form the South Fork. The South Fork Trail coming up from Millard Canyon would place you almost in the center of this branch, but as stated before this area is closed.
Fisherman’s Retreat
Reflection Lake
Cleghorn Creek
Miller Canyon Creek I have never been out to this area until I fished Silver Wood and like most places to fish was told of this creek. I just had to check it out. It seems that you are driving on two-lane roads for hours on end that is because you are in some remote wilderness areas. One of the easiest to find areas is near a prison work camp. There are signs throughout the entire area warning you of this. However I have not had it confirmed yet, but I was told by the Forest Staff that the camp is now closed. Even it is still open, there should be no worries. Even if it was still there it doesn’t stop the DFG from stocking Trout in this steam when the water flows are good. Further downstream towards the lake the fishing is sometimes better. However during the spring flows any portion of this stream can be fished with good results. This area is rugged with little or no trails. Just call ahead to find out if this area has been stocked. If you park on the left side of the road at the now closed state park campground, you can hike down to the stream. If you park on the right it is National Forest and you will need an Adventure Pass to park there. This section is the closet to the lake and like stated before it offers some of the better fishing from time to time.
Holcomb Creek Holcomb Creek is named after William Holcomb who while bear hunting discovered gold. That was in 1860 and the gold rush that followed formed what is now Big Bear City and Fawnskin. This creek is a feeder creek to Deep Creek and is sometimes stocked during years with good water flow, mainly in the spring. Not a very popular place to fish because it is quite remote and water flows are not good. However with the stocks in the past, the remoteness of the area and some good water flows this all adds up to good fishing. There are some pools left over that have survived the drought of the past couple of years and offer a chance to find some wild fish. A small stream with lots of brush, some boulder filled areas and some larger pools will challenge any angler. No room for casting a fly so drifting a dry fly down stream is an effective method. Power Bait and Power Worms in the natural color work well too. As do 1/8th once Kastmasters, super dupers and very small Rooster Tails. For my fly rod a small 6 foot three weight is my personal favorite to use in areas like this. A Stimulator in size 14 or 16 works well in most cases. However I have been known to throw in a great big Rubber legged Wooly Bugger. There is always a small trickle where this creek meets up with Deep Creek, a hike for the not faint of heart but well worth it.
Alpine Lakes Located next to Big Bear Lake this is one of the few lakes that is spring fed. Privately owned and operated and open from April to October. Open from 7:30 am till 5:00pm seven days a week. The summer hours may differ so call ahead to find out more info. Stocked with Trout from private vendors, this well stocked lake or pond will offer you the chance at catching a fish. There wasn’t an entrance fee at the time we went there, however things are subject to change. There is no state fishing license needed and no limit on the fish you want to keep. When we were there the guy running the place didn’t like us to C&R any fish. After all they are running a business. The cost gets you because you pay by the pound, an it varies depending on the size. However there have been some big fish planted here and with the water being so clear, you will get excited when that 4, 5 or 6 pound Trout comes swimming by. The stocks in the past have been some real fighters and really like small spinner like lures. They furnish all tackle except fly rods. No water contact allowed, no boats, no float tubes. There are picnic tables and other areas for the kids to run around. Over all a fun day for all, just try not to catch the fish you can’t afford to pay for.
Mills Creek/Forest Falls Driving this road puts you into the small community of Forest Falls. A very nice looking area with all different types of house and buildings that remind you of old European style homes. Follow this road all the way to the parking are near the falls. Falls, yes there are water falls in this area that is how it got its name, Forest Falls. At times a lot of water flows through here that is why the DFG stocks 8” to 10” Rainbow Trout at various locations. This is a little known secret and the locales like it that way. Just after the stocks go in, the fish are fished out within the week. I am sure you can find some stragglers here and there. This area gets busy on the weekends, and there are a lot of turn outs and parking lots to prove it. People park here and play around in the vast creek bed making rock dams for swimming and wading. I was just wondering how far down stream the stockers make it? I haven’t seen any fish in the lower areas, only the upper places that hold water most of the year. A great picture taken place here and up along Highway 38. Nearby on Highway 38 you have Jenks Lake, Big Bear Lake, Santa Ana River, Seven Oaks Camping Area, and Bear Creek.
Lytle Creek Stocks take place at Apple white Campground and one mile from where the pavements end on Middle Fork Turn off. The stocks are divided between the North and Middle Forks of Lytle Creek.
Mt. Baldy Trout Pools Although not well known, this pay to fish area is still busy. Mainly for the tourist shopping. There are three Trout pools located here. One is for keeping the fish the other two are for larger and smaller fish. You pay by the inch with no C&R allowed, they are running a business. You can use your own pole for a one dollar fee or rent theirs for two dollars. Not to hard to figure out what type of bait or lure to use, these hungry Trout will hit anything. Open April through September and only on weekends from 9:00am till 4:00, these small ponds are surrounded by other activities. There is plenty of hiking and bike riding nearby and you can also go to San Antonio Falls which has a good flow of water in the spring. You also have Mount Baldy and the attractions in that area as well. A nice, clean, friendly, place for that one special kid who wants to catch a Trout. The fish are cleaned and packed in ice, so you don’t even have to mess with that either. No state fishing license required.
Cucamonga Creek This small, brush filled stream can dry up during the drier years but for the most part flows year round. Located near the town of Pomona, this little stream has seen a lot. The DFG has stocked here off and on for a long time. There was talk of halting those stocks, but that has not happened yet. Almost everything works here; the problem is finding some of the larger open pools. Your best bet is to locate the stream and go upstream along its banks as far as you can. The fish in these parts are mostly wild Trout, all from the stockers that have been planted in the years past. Filled with brushy banks and tress covering the entire waters edge, this stream can get difficult to fish. During the spring runoff you will see a lot more water. During the summer you will see a lot more Rattlesnakes. The fly fisher is in for a challenge here. A short light weight rod is your best bet. My favorite is a nice 6 foot Cortland 3 weight that seems to fling long leaders through all those tree branches and land where I want it. This little stream requires more than just a once over approach. It took me over 4 hours to go only a mile, casting to every little piece of water I came across. You have to stalk these Rainbows, they are there and they are very spooky. You are lucky if you pull in anything over 8”, with 6” being more like it in most pools. Hard to come by and even harder to fish, this stream is a butt kicker.
Jess Ranch Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish It seems to me that this place is in somewhat of competing with the lakes in Orange County, boasting big fish and easy limits. There are three small lakes to fish from including a “no skunk” policy that will guarantee that you catch a fish. Open only Friday through Sunday and some holidays from 7:00am until 4:00pm. No state fishing license is required, limits enforced, fish cleaning available for one dollar per fish. Equipment is also available for rent if needed that and a fully stocked angler’s store will keep you supplied. There is a separate Bass lake that is C&R only, this is the only lake where you can use a float tube, and however you must call in advance to register. Other wise there is no boat launch, no water body contact at the other two lakes. At one time they offered a “no limit one rod” type of ticket, call ahead to see if this is still going on. The operators of this business purchased a lot of hatchery equipment from the Whitewater Hatchery once they closed down. So they have been able to do a lot more with what they have, and it works! They offer a creative limits style of fishing, you can have five fish of any combination and only 15 Bluegill. A lot of very nice quality fish are available, so don’t be surprised to find a six pound Rainbow Trout on your line. For the fly angler you are forced to work very hard because you are shore bound. However with hatchery Trout, they like to swim in the shallows, this gives you an edge somewhat.
Lake Hesperia Species: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sturgeon, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish This 7 acre plus lake offers a lot of fishing. Surrounded by a large park that offers picnic tables, grills, play ground and horse shoe pits. Entrance into the park is free; however you need to pay to fish. Some say the price is steep, but you should see the fish! No state fishing license is required, however state limits are enforced. No boats or float tubes allowed any water contact at all. Bring I what ever you want, I have seen folding tables, chairs, coolers, the works. Saw one guy that had a big red wagon loaded with stuff; he made sure he was going to be comfortable. The lake managers basically allow anything that isn’t way out of line, just are respectful of others and have a good time. The lake management stocks this lake very heavily during both Trout and Catfish seasons. A new twist is Sturgeon, that’s right Sturgeon! The lake management put in over 1200 pounds of these fighting prehistoric monsters. Most average around 50 to 80 pounds each, with the largest at over 150 pounds! This is a trail run for them and will determine if this stocking practice continues. Fishing derbies are held throughout both Trout and Catfish seasons and are a blast for the kids. There are also tagged fish worth cash and prizes. They do a lot of advertising and put in some real monster fish. The biggest Trout was over 18 pounds and the biggest Catfish was close to 80 pounds. I just don’t see how they can do it. And the catch rates are very high with almost everyone getting limits. Complete with a tackle shop, fish cleaning area and a very friendly staff, this lake offers some fantastic fishing for everyone. So pack up the kids, bring the picnic baskets and have a good time.
Little Rock and Big Rock Creeks Little Rock Creek area is still closed due to Endangered Species Habitat. Check with the above phone number for the Forest Service to find out more info. Bid Rock Creek has been receiving the fish stocks That Little Rock Creek used to get. So more or less this area receives twice as much as before. Both Big Rock Creek and little Rock Creek are near the towns of Littlerock and Pear blossom. Big Rock is fed mainly by smaller streams and almost all of them end up in Big Rock Wash. Above Big Rock Campground are areas that are not hiked too much and offers the chance to find some wild Trout. Open year round with campgrounds close by, this has become a nice place to “get away from it all”. You can also try the South Fork of Big Rock Creek where it meets the main creek; there is a campground here as well. Nearby is Jackson Lake, Pacific Crest trail, Devil’s Punch Bowl County Park. Most of the areas have fairly easy access from Forest Service Rd. #4N11, 4N55 and Big Pines Highway. Almost all of the stocks take place near and below Big Rock campground. So there is a lot of area to fish and enjoy the surroundings. The upper reaches of Big Rock Creek hold the most water with some wide and fairly deep pools. As with most places around here there is an abundance of wildlife including Mountain Lions, Rattlesnakes and Deer. A small light weight fly rod works wonders here. The wind starts to pick up late afternoon but only ruffles things around. Top water flies and floating lines with Midges work real well on this stream. Most of the water is shallow and the stream bed is narrow, so you may have to search for that one special pocket of water that will hold some fish.
Little Rock Reservoir Located within the Angeles National Forest near the city of Palmdale, this 100 plus Acre Lake is set at an elevation of 3200 feet. Built as a flood control basin to catch water coming in from both Little Rock and Big Rock Creeks. Stocked with over 8,000 pounds of trout from the DFG per year, this reservoir can be fun to fish. The reservoir looks like a beautiful mountain lake when full. The other times, late summer through winter it is barren with little or no water remaining. That is when the off road vehicles take over, by riding in and around the lake bed when dry and or muddy. No motor boats allowed, however float tubes, kayaks, canoes, and hand carried boats are welcome. You will see small aluminum boats with electric trolling motors every now and then. A lot of boats and float tubes fish the steeper sides on the North Slope. There is no entrance fee; however a Forest Adventure Pass is needed to park in the National Forest. State fishing license is required, along with state limits.
Jackson Lake Set at an elevation of 6100 feet and located within the Angeles National Forest and managed by the Department of Forestry. At this elevation it gets cold in the winter and freezes over quite often. During the spring and summer months it still gets chilly at night and early morning. Right after most of the lakes start to warm up in the spring, just after “ice melt”, the DFG starts to stock Trout. The first stocks are around 2000 pounds and stay that way for a few months. Most stockers are 12” or bigger and grow very quickly. There are no boat launch areas, however float tubes, kayaks, canoes are all welcome. Listed as a “no contact lake”, make sure you follow the float tube regulations. There is at least 9 or 10 picnic tables with grills, restrooms are scattered all around the area. All restrooms are what are called a “vault toilet”, so read the instructions... The largemouth Bass tend to stay on the small side even though they feed on the stocker Trout. No real records have been posted about trophy size Bass, but I know they are there. There was a guy in a float tube using a jig along the reeds. It appears he was bringing in a Bass almost every cast. The Bluegill is also on the small size and provides a fun way to spend the afternoon. With all the fish in this little lake you just know there has to be some big ones in there and there are. The resident Monster Goldfish can be seen swimming around the shallows all day long. There is no entrance fee however you will need a Forest Adventure Pass to park in the forest. A nice quite lake that has no camping, the closest camping is near Wrightwood and there are quite a few “yellow post site” in the National Forest. |
