Skinner Reservoir Fishing near Murrieta Hot Springs, California

• Overview

  In California, Skinner Reservoir belongs to Riverside County. It sits 31 miles in from the sea. Surface area runs to roughly 1,038 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The shoreline runs about 8.3 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Across our California listings, few waters are bigger. For supplies, Murrieta Hot Springs is 6.2 miles out. Winchester is 8.3 miles away, with Temecula at 8.4 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Skinner Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records collected within a few miles name green sunfish, black bullhead, bluegill and channel catfish. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish on the day. At Skinner Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 79°F, with January the cold end at about 51°F. Winter is simply the pleasant end of an unbroken season. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan any trip to Skinner Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Boat access is recorded roughly half a mile away. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. There are picnic tables half a mile away. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Diamond Valley Lake, 6.6 miles out. The position on Skinner Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.