Lake Mathews Fishing near El Cerrito Corona, California

• Overview

  Set in Riverside County, Lake Mathews is a California water. It stands 1,368 feet above sea level. About 3.4 sq miles, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. There is roughly 11 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. On our Riverside County list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is El Cerrito Corona, 5 miles out. Woodcrest lies 5.3 miles off, Home Gardens another 5.6 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lake Mathews

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. On Lake Mathews the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort. Two hours in the right place beats a day walking.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 77°F and January reads 53°F. The calendar barely matters here; the time of day does. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Lake Mathews fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Lee Lake, 6.4 miles away. The position on Lake Mathews is worth confirming on the day.