Lake Hemet Fish Stocking
Riverside County, California · 2024–2026 on record
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Lake Hemet was last stocked Week of June 21, 2026 with Trout (unspecified). Lake Hemet has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 2024–2026.
When Lake Hemet is stocked
Lake Hemet is typically stocked in spring, most often in October — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Hemet
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Riverside County, California.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Lake Hemet, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Lake Hemet was last stocked Week of June 21, 2026, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid California freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase California license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by California fish & wildlife agency.Official California regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Lake Hemet:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Recommended Tackle for Lake Hemet
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Lake Hemet, freshest activity first.
Green Valley Lake
45 miSan Bernardino County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2026
Lake Fulmor
11 miRiverside County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2026
Santa Ana River South Fork
36 miSan Bernardino County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2026
Jenks Lake
36 miSan Bernardino County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked July 2026
Santa Ana River
38 miSan Bernardino County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2026
Big Bear Lake
43 miSan Bernardino County · 1 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of June 21, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 7, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 24, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 10, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 19, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 5, 2026 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of November 2, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of October 19, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Week of October 5, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of June 8, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 25, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of May 11, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of April 20, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of March 23, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of March 9, 2025 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of October 27, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of October 13, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
| Week of October 6, 2024 | Trout (unspecified) | California CDFW |
The reporting agency did not include fish counts or sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Hemet last stocked?
According to California CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule, Lake Hemet was last stocked Week of June 21, 2026 with Trout (unspecified).
What fish species are stocked in Lake Hemet?
Lake Hemet is stocked with Trout (unspecified).
What time of year is Lake Hemet stocked?
Lake Hemet is typically stocked in spring, most often in October.
How often is Lake Hemet stocked?
Lake Hemet has been stocked about 6 times a year — 18 recorded stockings between 2024 and 2026.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Hemet?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid California freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from California fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Lake Hemet?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Hemet typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.