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about our lake
Lake Elsinore is Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake, with over 14 miles of shoreline and 3,000 surface acres. It’s a popular destination for fishing, hiking, bird watching, running and walking.
For current conditions check out these links below
Facts about the lake
frequently aSKED QUESTIONS
Are there any Public Fishing Beaches?
Yes, there are several fishing areas in Lake Elsinore.
Elm Grove Beach, Whisker’s Fishing Beach, Davis Street Fishing Beach & Lowell Street Fishing Beach. The Levee also has designated areas.
Is there a fee for fishing?
Fishing is FREE at the public beaches listed above.
Anyone 16 years of age or older who is fishing is required to have a
valid California State Fishing License.
What are fishing hours?
On Lake: Sunrise to Sunset
On Shore: 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Public Beaches)
Is float tubing fishing permitted on the Lake?
Yes, provided you use floating tube in accordance with the commercial manufacture’s intended use and lake rules.
Are dogs allowed in the lake?
Yes, but not recommended. Dogs should not ingest the water due to water quality. We suggest first reviewing the Lake Watch page for current algae levels.
Is Alcohol Consumption allowed on Beaches?
Alcohol is not permitted at any City public beach
with the exception of Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park.
licensing Fees
Price
$61.82
$20.26
$31.06
$19.44
AVAILABLE ONLINE
Fishing in Lake Elsinore does fall under California Department of Fish and Wildlife's requirements for a fishing license for anglers 16 years of age or older!
fishing regulations
The City of Lake Elsinore recommends CATCH & RELEASE of small to moderately-sized sport fish (except Carp) to facilitate the restructuring of Lake Elsinore’s fishery
HYBRID WIPER*
Bag Limit: 10
Size Limit: 18"
LARGE MOUTH BASS
Bag Limit: 5
Size Limit: 12" Length
CHANNEL CATFISH
Bag Limit: 10
Size Limit: No Limit
White & Black Crappie**
Bag Limit: 25
Size Limit: No Limit
Bag Limit: 10
Size Limit: No Limit
BLUE CHANNEL CATFISH
WILD CARP***
Bag Limit: No Limit
Size Limit: No Limit
REDEAR
SUNFISH**
Bag Limit: 25
Size Limit: No Limit
Maintaining a high sport fish population can improve water quality and reproductive success of sport fish.
By releasing a small to moderately-sized
sport fish today!
You will increase the chance of catching more & larger fish tomorrow!
BLUEGILL**
Bag Limit: 25
Size Limit: No Limit
* A HYBRID WIPER IS ALSO KNOW AS A HYBRID STRIPED BASS
** Limits for bluegill, redear, and crappie are in aggregate
*** carp are No Catch and Release
Anyone 16 years and older must possess a
valid CA State Fishing License visible in their outer clothing at ALL TIMES
Cleaning fish on the water or shoreline is
STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Fishing is allowed from shore
from Sunrise until 10:00 p.m.
Poachers can be reported to the
California Department of Fish & Game
(Hotline: 1-888-DFG-CalTIP)
fishing beach locations
ls2
ls1
ls2
ls3
Seaport Boat Launch
500 W. Lakeshore Drive
Elm Grove Beach
Lindsay Street & Lakeshore Drive
Lowell Street Fishing Beach
Lakeshore Drive
LS4
LS5
LS5
Davis Street Fishing Beach
Lakeshore Drive
Whiskers Fishing Beach
Townsend Street at Lakeshore Drive
LS1
ls3
LS4
Fish
Stocking
Fish Stocking is performed throughout the year with Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, and Hybrid Wiper.
Fish Stockings will be posted on this page!
Fish Stocking Dates:
January 19, 2024-Catfish & Bluegill
February 9, 2024 -Catfish
March 8, 2024-Catfish & Bass
April 26, 2024-Catfish
May 15, 2024-Catfish & Bass
May 31, 2024-Catfish
July 16, 2024-Hybrid Wiper
September 27, 2024-Bluegill & Bass
LAKE ELSINORE LEVEE
Entrance is at Pete Lehr & Diamond Drive. Located behind Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium.
ss2
ss1
SS3
SS4
Additional open fishing areas on the Levee include SS1 - SS4
Vessel Launching Fees
$10 per motorized Vessel
$10 Parking
*parking price may differ per season
Fishing is included with day use or annual passes.
Public Beach Information:
Currently the use of the Public Beach is not accessible
due to excess levels of water
until further notice
Day parking prices for recreational use may vary depending on season.
Fishing is available on designated dock platforms.
Purchase your Annual Pass Today!
Tips before you go on the lake
Valid During Lake Hours (Sunrise to Sunset)
applies to Launch Pointe Boat Launch
Lake Use Pass NON-TRANSFERRABLE
All other Annual Passes NON-TRANSFERRABLE
CITY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN
PASSES OR STICKERS
All Annual Passes are subject to ADDITIONAL FEES depending on the location the pass is present at
Prices for Annual Passes are subject to CHANGE
AT ANY TIME AND WITHOUT NOTICE
Purchasing an Annual Pass at Launch Pointe
using a card is subject to 2.75 % convenience fee
10 % discount available for
Seniors (age 55 and older)
or Military (Active or Veteran)
ID REQUIRED to obtain physical annual pass
Bulk Purchase of
Annual Commercial Use Passes
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
If you are a frequent visitor to Lake Elsinore and want access to the largest freshwater Lake in
Southern California, year-round then an annual pass may be for you!
available passes
resident
non-resident
Annual Commercial Pass
Annual Lake Use Pass (Parking NOT INCLUDED)
Annual Resort Pass (Launch Pointe ONLY)
$350.00
$100.00
$100.00
$500.00
$150.00
$150.00
Passes are valid for a year from the date issued
Available for Purchase Online & On-Site
at Launch Pointe Check In Building
lake elsinore dream extreme fishing derby
Prizes
EVENT RECAP
SAVE THE DATE!
MAY 17TH, 2025!
$15,000 in Cash and Prizes
Side pots can be purchased online or the day of the Derby. Side pots are for each species, $10 entry per team for each species side pot, or $50 for all species. 100% of the species side pot goes to the largest fish caught in that species (by weight). If no fish is caught in that species' side pot, the money for that side pot will be rolled into the main Derby prize.
Gear up for the ultimate angling adventure at the
11th Annual Dream Extreme Fishing Derby!
Hosted at Launch Pointe Recreation Destination &
RV Resort this past May, 18th 2024.
This thrilling event welcomes teams of two for a day of intense competition and incredible prizes.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Dream Extreme Fishing Derby offers a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to align with an exciting event that celebrates community, outdoor recreation, and competitive spirit. As a sponsor, your brand will gain exposure to a diverse audience of fishing enthusiasts, creating lasting impressions and building positive associations.
Catfish challange
Council Member Bob Magee
started this challenge
as part of the Lake Elsinore
Dream Extreme Fishing Derby in 2018.
Also known as "Catfish Bob" by
local anglers pledges $100 to the
first catfish caught AND returned to the lake, during the event!
catfish challenge winners!
Click Team Name and Date to see The full derby videos!
2024 TEAM
LONERS
(Video coming soon)
For more fishing including the Dream Extreme Fishing Deby videos and other fishing videos, check out Angler Chronicles! Click the link below!
just 4 kids fishing derby
event recap
Calling all young anglers!
Get ready to cast your lines and
reel in some fun at our Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby!
Designed exclusively for children
aged 15 years and younger,
This exciting event promises a day
filled with laughter, learning,
and lots of fish tales.
Bring along your own rod, reel, and tackle as you embark on a fishing adventure like no other.
With trophies up for grabs, engaging activities to participate in, and Insightful demonstrations to learn from.
There's never a dull moment
at our Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby.
SAVE THE DATE, JUNE 7, 2025!
On the first saturday of June, The City of Lake Elsinore in Partnership with Launch Pointe
hosted this event at the Lake Elsinore Levee by the Diamond Stadium.
get a tagged fish
get a prize!
So, you’re fishing on Lake Elsinore and you get a fish with a special “Tag” on it. What do you do?
CONGRATULATIONS!
You just caught a special tagged fish from the City of Lake Elsinore and Launch Pointe! Bring it to Launch Pointe’s General Store, the staff will verify the tag and you get to choose an envelope for a Special Prize!
If the fish is alive and is able to be returned to the lake.
You will have a chance to win $100!*
Note: Tagged fish will be a Bass or Catfish
*Winner of the $100 will complete a voucher receipt for a $100 check
CATCH A FISH
CHECK FOR A TAG
BRING IT OVER TO LAUNCH POINTE AND PICK AN ENVELOPE FOR A PRIZE!
HALL OF FAME
Lake Elsinore Fish
All photos submitted with the information provided will be
added to our
“Hall of Fame” wall!
Who knows, you could be the
Catch of the Month!!!!!
DID You GET A GREAT CATCH?
Let Us Know!
fishingreport@lake-elsinore.org
thank you to the following organizations that support fishing in lake elsinore: