Crafton Hills Reservoir Fishing near Yucaipa, California

• Overview

  Crafton Hills Reservoir is one of the San Bernardino County waters in California. It sits in warm bottomland country. The water measures roughly 12 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Yucaipa at 2.2 miles is the nearest place to stop. Beyond it, Calimesa at 4.3 miles and Mentone at 4.9 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Crafton Hills Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Nearby survey and observation records mention rainbow trout, channel catfish, black bullhead and mozambique tilapia. Check the state or provincial list before planning around one species. Crafton Hills Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 77°F and January near 49°F on the long-run figures. There is no cold season worth the name. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. On Crafton Hills Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. You will be walking about 0.9 miles from the nearest car park. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Crafton Reservoir, 3.4 miles away. Confirm access to Crafton Hills Reservoir locally before you travel.