Puddingstone Lake

Puddingstone Lake, located in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas, is a versatile, year-round fishery just east of Los Angeles. This 250-acre reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout during the cooler months and supports resident populations of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

Trout are typically stocked from November through March and are caught using PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and small lures like Kastmasters. Productive areas include the east shore and boat launch zone, especially within days of stocking.

During warmer months, Puddingstone shifts to a productive warmwater fishery. Bass anglers have success in coves and rocky points using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits. Catfish are stocked in summer and hit well on chicken liver and cut bait, particularly in the evening. Panfish such as bluegill and crappie are readily caught near docks and shoreline structure using worms or jigs.

The lake allows boating and has excellent shoreline access, including trails, restrooms, and picnic facilities. Fishing pressure is moderate to high, especially on weekends. While summer conditions can bring algae blooms, fall through spring provide the most consistent action. Puddingstone remains a reliable and convenient option for Southern California anglers targeting multiple species.