Fishing Diamond Valley Lake California

Diamond Valley Lake is located in the city of Hemet, just an hour ride south of Riverside. Built between two mountains, DVL is southern Californias Largest reservoir. Surrounded by protected reserves and multiple hiking trails gives the lake a peacfull setting. DVL covers ruffly 4,500 acres and mesures two miles wide by 4.5 miles long. It has a depth of 260 feet and holds approximatly 800,000acre/feet of water. By the way, did you know that an acre/foot of water is equivalent to the use of water by two southern california families?

Diamond Valley Lake was constructed by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The project started in September of 1995 and was completed in December 1999. MWDSC started filling the reservoir in November 1999 and was completly filled by 2002. Thanks to CDFG(California Department of Fish and Game) Biologist Mike Giusti, we now have one of the best multi~tier fisheries. Early reports suggest that the quantity and size of catches will be staggering.

The reservoir has been stocked with a plethera of fish. Starting with Black Bass and broodstock in a rearing pond was introduced to the lake in the begining and is now the bottom of the lake. In 1998 two species were added to DVL, Northern and Southern Blugill along with Redear Sunfish. The favorite Florida~strain Largemouth Bass was stocked in 1999 and a year later, Smallmouth Bass followed with its own introduction. In the same year CDFG opted to add Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish, which are known to grow as large as 100 lbs. Forage fish are also present. Stocked with Tule Perch, Inland Silverside, Prickly Sculpin, Green Sunfish, and Threadfin Shad makes a delicious meal for the other bigger fish.