Fishing at Crafton Reservoir, San Bernardino County, California

• Overview

  In California, Crafton Reservoir falls inside San Bernardino County. This is open low country country. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our San Bernardino County list holds plenty of bigger water. Mentone sits 1.7 miles from here and is the nearest stop. It is 11 miles to San Bernardino, the nearest city. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Crafton Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include rainbow trout, bluegill and koi. Records show what people reported, not what is stocked. Work Crafton Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 51°F in January up to 77°F in August. Heat, not cold, decides when to be on the water. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. At Crafton Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Crafton Hills Reservoir at 3.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Crafton Reservoir.