Lake Arrowhead: Fishing, Size, Depth, and More

All across the United States, there are about three million different lakes that contribute to the beauty of this country. Although a large majority of these lakes are located in Alaska, there are about 125,000 lakes in the lower 48 states. One of these magnificent lakes happens to be Lake Arrowhead. This lake is a popular tourist destination as it offers tons of fun activities to take advantage of. Additionally, the area surrounding the lake is absolutely picturesque. So are you curious to learn more about this body of water? Below we’ll go into detail on the fishing that you can enjoy at Lake Arrowhead along with the history, size, depth, and more!

Lake Arrowhead Location

Southern California’s Lake Arrowhead is a reservoir that is located in the San Bernadino Mountains. This lake is a popular tourist attraction and has been widely referred to as “The Alps of Southern California”. Many people who know about the lake consider it to be one of the best-kept secrets on the West Coast.

Lake Arrowhead History

As a tucked-away haven in the mountains, Lake Arrowhead continues to be a popular travel destination for many. However, did you know that the lake’s history is quite rich? For instance, the lake is actually a man-made reservoir. It was originally constructed for the Arrowhead Reservoir and Power Company in 1904. The reservoir was built in order to supply water to the area as well as to generate hydroelectric power. In order to form the lake, a dam was built across Little Bear Creek — which happens to be a tributary of the Santa Ana River. Thanks to the construction of the dam, the canyon was able to be flooded which resulted in today’s Lake Arrowhead. 

However, it is important to note that before the lake was constructed, this land was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes. Two of the most prevalent tribes in the area include the Paiute and Serrano people. The lake and its surrounding areas were once the ancestral lands and home of these various Native American tribes long before it was ever a reservoir. This land held great cultural significance for the tribes and also served as a natural resource for their survival. European settlers greatly impacted this land and the tribes who depended on it. However, the Native American tribe’s historical significance remains important to the region. 

Native American communities have a long and rich history in this area and it is important to acknowledge and respect this. Many of the tribes continue to keep their traditions alive near their original lands.

Size, Depth, and Water Level of Lake Arrowhead 

The size of Lake Arrowhead is quite expansive. The surface area of the lake is approximately 782 acres. The maximum depth is around 185 feet at its deepest point. Additionally, the lake is able to hold around 48,000-acre-ft of water. The water levels, however, are quite dependent on external factors such as rainfall, snowfall, and water management. As Lake Arrowhead’s elevation is roughly 5,174 feet, it is considered a higher-altitude lake destination when compared to other lakes in Southern California. 

Fishing at Lake Arrowhead

One of the reasons for Lake Arrowhead’s popularity is all of the amazing fish that you can catch here! Anglers come here to catch trout, bass, and many other types of game fish. Rainbow trout are one of the most popular fish found here. They are a common sight that swims around in the water. They are known for their vibrant colors and usually put up a real fight when trying to reel them in. Another popular freshwater game fish that many anglers seek to catch is the largemouth bass. This fish is also known for putting up quite a fight! 

It is important to note that although the lake is considered private, this doesn’t mean that you can’t visit or take advantage of the fishing here. If you don’t own a private home along the lake, there are still many resorts, hotels, and inns that you can rent in order to access the lake. When it comes to the best fishing spots at the lake, be sure to respect any private signs that read “No Fishing Allowed.” There are tons of private docks that line the shoreline. So your best bet when trying to fish is to rent a boat. Renting a boat will allow you to get out on the water and take advantage of the fishing on the lake!

Boating and Other Activities

As we mentioned above, Lake Arrowhead is not open for public use. Instead, the lake is reserved for residents and visitors who stay at the hotels and inns in the surrounding area. Since the lake is only 88 miles from downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles from the San Bernardino city limits, many people come here from the city to relax. It is considered a perfect weekend trip.

Once you’re here, you can engage in a lot of fun activities. In fact, there are both outdoor and indoor pursuits to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is boating. The lake allows for many different types of boats to be used including motorized boats, sailboats, paddleboats, and kayaks. You can also jump right into the water and enjoy a refreshing dip! 

For those of you that love being out in the great outdoors, you will enjoy the many hiking trails in the surrounding area. There are also designated picnic areas where you can eat your lunch in the middle of the picturesque landscape surrounding you. Finally, if you’re looking to enjoy some indoor fun, then you’ll definitely want to head out to the Lake Arrowhead Village. Here you’ll find lots of great shops, delicious dining options, and other entertainment opportunities. Overall, there is a lot of fun to be had at this lake if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.

Geology of Lake Arrowhead

When it comes to the creation of the lake, the surrounding area and its geology play a big part. Since the lake is situated in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, it has an incredibly unique landscape that has been crafted together by many natural geological processes. These geological processes that occurred have influenced a lot of the lake and much of the aesthetic appeal behind it — such as the mountains.

Since the lake is man-made, human intervention has also impacted the landscape of the area. For example, the creation of the dam on Little Bear Creek led to the flooding of the canyon. This in turn created the lake. The surrounding area, such as the mountains and forests, are all a part of the many rock formations, tectonic forces, and erosion that naturally took place over many, many years. 

Additionally, sedimentation also impacts Lake Arrowhead. Natural sedimentary deposits that make their way over to the water from the nearby streams and rivers impact the composition of the lake bottom. Over time, this build-up determines the characteristics of the lake.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Jo_Diongzon