Fishing Forecast for Silverwood Lake

Silverwood Lake sits in the San Bernardino Mountains near Hesperia, off Highway 138. There’s a good mix of fishing here, with striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie, plus seasonal rainbow trout stocking. You can keep the trip simple with a spot near a day-use area or bring a lighter bag and spend some time exploring the shoreline.

Cleghorn is a useful starting point if you don’t want a long hike before fishing. Head for the Cleghorn day-use area and follow signs for parking lots 4 and 5. Both serve a short paved trail beside the lake, with restrooms nearby. There’s a swimming beach here too, so keep your fishing outside the designated swim area. The paved path doesn’t mean every fishing spot has an easy, level approach—lower water can leave more exposed bank between you and the lake. See the park’s trail and access details if walking conditions are important for your trip.

If you’d enjoy a hike along with the fishing, Chamise Cove is another option from the same Cleghorn day-use area. The route follows the Pacific Crest Trail above the lake before descending to the water, so it’s a longer outing with a climb on the way back. Pack light and leave yourself time to explore.

Those are a couple of places to get started, not the only places to fish Silverwood. Explore other stretches where fishing and public access are allowed, and look for a bank position that suits the water level and the kind of fishing you want to do. Launch ramps, courtesy docks and marked swimming areas are off limits for fishing.

For driving directions, use Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, 13990 Sawpit Canyon Road, Hesperia, then follow the signs inside the park for your chosen area. Plan on paying for day-use parking, and get there early on busy summer weekends when lots can fill. Check park hours and current access notices before leaving.