Green Valley Lake: Navigating the Tranquil Waters of San Bernardino Mountains

Nestled amid the San Bernardino Mountains, Green Valley Lake beckons to anglers seeking a quiet retreat and the thrill of a substantial catch. Uncover the diverse fish species inhabiting its waters, local insights to enhance your angling experience, and the unique charm that sets Green Valley Lake apart.

Latest Fish Plants

Fish here often?

  • Bookmark this page to check recent fish plant data before you head out on your trip.
  • Subscribe and get weekly California Fish Plant Data right in your inbox for the week ahead. We send out fish plant data for ALL fishing locations in California every Saturday at 7am PT๐ŸŽฃ
  • Get additional subscriber-only data including ๐Ÿ“ˆ historical fish plant data and ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ interactive maps with ๐Ÿ“ pins on our best spots at that location:

How To Read Fish Plant Graphs

To interpret fish plant graphs effectively, consider the following key elements:

  1. Blue Vertical Bars and Numbers:
    • Representation: The blue vertical bars on the graph represent individual fish plants.
    • Weight Measurement: The associated numbers indicate the total weight of the plants in pounds (lbs.) that occurred during a specific week.
    • Significance: Monitoring these bars helps identify weeks with higher planting activity, aiding anglers in selecting optimal times for fishing near recent plantings.
  2. Orange Trend Line:
    • Purpose: The orange trend line represents the moving average of all fish plant activities at the specified location.
    • Indicator of Activity: A rising trend line suggests a consistent increase in planting activity over the designated period. This indicates the potential for more catch opportunities and signifies a growing fish population over the weeks.
  3. Interpreting the Moving Average:
    • Upward Trend: A rising moving average implies an upward trajectory in planting activity, indicating an increasing number of fish being introduced into the area. This suggests a positive outlook for anglers, as it implies a larger and potentially more accessible fish population.
    • Downward Trend (Not Specified): The description does not provide information on the interpretation of a decreasing trend in the moving average. It might be beneficial to include information on what a decreasing trend could signify in terms of fishing prospects.
  4. No Data Present:
    • Possible Explanations: If no data is visible on the graph, it may indicate that the location had no fish plants in the last three months. Alternatively, the absence of data could be due to non-disclosure of fish plants for that location.
    • Natural Population: Some fishing areas in California rely on the natural growth of fish populations, and graphs may not show plants if this is the case.
  5. Graph Disclaimer:
    • Data Source: The graphs reflect a combination of publicly disclosed data and estimates. Some locations may disclose fish plants without specifying exact amounts.
    • Not Universal: Not all fishing areas have fish plants, and the natural growth of fish populations plays a significant role in many California fishing locations.

Understanding these elements will empower anglers to make informed decisions about when and where to fish based on historical fish plant data.

Note: If no data is present in the graph above, this location may not have had any plants the last 3 months, or may not have publicly disclosed plants. Graphs reflect both publicly disclosed data and estimates, as some locations disclose plants, but not exact amount.

Map & Fishing Location

Get the full fishing map & guide to the best spots.

Store it on your phone or print it out. (Locations sometimes have weak or no reception.)

And if you got value out of that, consider subscribing to our newsletter to get a new California Fish Plant reports with maps & guides, every week.

(click to zoom in)

Types of Fish You Can Expect to Catch Here

  1. Trout Paradise:
    • Renowned for rainbow trout, Green Valley Lake boasts sizes ranging from 10-20 inches. Regular stockings from March to November ensure a steady supply of these fighters.
  2. Bass Bonus:
    • Largemouth bass lurk near weed beds and rocky structures. Optimal fishing times are during early mornings and evenings, with jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics as effective lures.
  3. Kokanee Surprise:
    • During the summer months (June to August), keep an eye out for the occasional kokanee salmonโ€”a challenging yet rewarding catch for the ambitious angler.

Local Insights:

  • Golden Hours Magic:
    • Early mornings and evenings provide a magical atmosphere for trout and bass fishing. The mist rises, birdsong fills the air, and the first fish start their feeding frenzy.
  • Match the Hatch:
    • Observe insects on the water and tailor your fly selection accordingly. Local recommendations include Adams, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Buggers, and nymphs like Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs.
  • Power of Bait:
    • Nightcrawlers, minnows, and PowerBait prove irresistible to both trout and bass, particularly in deeper waters or low-light conditions.
  • Respect the Serenity:
    • Green Valley Lake is a small, fragile ecosystem. Practice catch-and-release for most fish, use barbless hooks, and leave no trace behind.

Green Valley Lake: A Historical Overview

Green Valley Lake, perched at 6,854 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest, offers a serene escape for those in search of a family-oriented fishing haven. Its proximity to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake makes it a hidden gem cherished by the regulars who frequent its intimate waters.

Top 5 Tips for Anglers Fishing Here the First Time

  • Elevate Your Mornings and Evenings:
    • Early mornings and evenings are prime for both trout and bass. Plan your fishing outings during these golden hours for the best chance of success.
  • Flies for Every Occasion:
    • Match the hatch by observing insects on the water. Flies like Adams, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Buggers, and nymphs such as Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs can be highly effective.
  • Bait Magic:
    • Experiment with nightcrawlers, minnows, and PowerBait. Understand the preferences of trout and bass, especially in varying depths or low-light conditions.
  • Serenity Above All:
    • Respect the fragility of the ecosystem. Practice catch-and-release for most fish, utilize barbless hooks, and leave no trace to preserve the serene environment.
  • Explore Our Gearlist:
    • Dive into our Gearlist account for precise recommendations on fishing gear specifically tailored to Green Valley Lake. Maximize your angling experience with tools used by seasoned experts.

Top 5 Strategies and Tactics for Maximum Fishing Success

  • Seasonal Awareness:
    • Align your fishing strategy with the season. Understanding the variations in fish behavior during different months enhances your chances of a successful catch.
  • Dam Area Exploration:
    • Cast near the dam for potential trophy trout, especially during the mornings and evenings. Experiment with different depths and lures to find the most effective combination.
  • North Shore Secrets:
    • Explore coves and points for bass hiding in the weeds. Jigs and spinnerbaits can be your allies in this area.
  • East Shore Adventure:
    • Rocky areas and submerged trees attract both trout and bass. Try nymphing or using live bait near the bottom for optimal results.
  • West Shore Solitude:
    • Enjoy the solitude and cast towards the deeper center for potential monster catches, especially during hatches or low-light conditions.

Top 5 Recommendations on Fishing Gear

  • Trout Enthusiast’s Kit:
    • Equip yourself with a reliable trout rod and reel. Explore a variety of lures, including spinners, spoons, and PowerBait, to optimize your chances.
  • Bass Specialist Setup:
    • Secure versatile bass rods, reels, and an assortment of lures. Jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics offer flexibility for adapting to bass behavior.
  • Kokanee Salmon Gear:
    • During the summer months, be prepared for kokanee salmon with specialized gear. Lighter tackle and lures suitable for salmon can enhance your chances of success.
  • Explore Our Gearlist for Precision:
    • Uncover specific recommendations for fishing gear tailored to Green Valley Lake on our Gearlist account. Elevate your angling experience with tools proven effective in these waters.

Check out our Gearlist for the gear we for trips like this

Our Gearlist account lists all of the gear we use. Discover our top picks, where to snag them, and stay informed with our regular updates.

Green Valley Lake: A Tranquil Portal to Serenity and Family Fun

Green Valley Lake transcends its status as a fishing spot; it’s a gateway to serenity, family fun, and a profound connection with the beauty of nature. So, grab your rod, inhale the fresh mountain air, and cast your line into an adventure as unique as the fish you might reel in.