Silverwood Lake Fishing, Size, Depth, and More

Known for its stunning beauty and recreational activities, Silverwood Lake is a place that captivates visitors and locals alike. In this blog post, we will explore the lake’s size, depth, water level, history, and the fishing opportunities it offers. We will also explore the lake’s geology, boating, and other fun activities in and around the area.

Size of Silverwood Lake

Silverwood Lake is a large reservoir in San Bernardino County, CA. The lake spans 444 miles (715 km) of the California Aqueduct. This makes it a sizable body of water for recreational and conservation activities. It boasts a capacity of 73,000 acre-feet.

Silverwood Lake has approximately 2,400 acres of recreational land surrounding it. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation in this vast space. The lake’s size provides a sense of freedom and limitless exploration, from its peaceful shore to its extensive water surface.

Depth

Despite its extensive size, Silverwood Lake is relatively shallow. It has an average depth of 60 feet, allowing sunlight to reach the bottom in many areas and supporting a diverse range of aquatic life. The lake’s maximum depth is about 166 feet when full. This provides ample space for various fish species and other aquatic organisms to thrive​.

The size of a lake plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as it influences water temperature, oxygen levels, and the types of organisms that can thrive there. Additionally, it impacts recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.

Water Level

The West Fork Mojave River, California Aqueduct, Sawpit Canyon Creek, and East Fork of West Fork Mojave River primarily maintain the water level in Silverwood Lake. These inflows, rainfall, and snowfall in the San Bernardino Mountains contribute significantly to the reservoir’s water each year. The highest reservoir in the State Water Project, Silverwood Lake’s surface elevation stands at an impressive 3,355 ft.

Fluctuations in the water level can occur because of various factors. Some of the factors are seasonal changes, water demands, and the state’s water management strategies. The lake retains a substantial volume of water. This offers a reliable source for nearby Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountain areas.

Silverwood Lake History

Silverwood Lake has a rich history. The area where the lake lies was once home to the Serrano people, a peaceful and friendly indigenous tribe known for their excellent basket and fiber work. Early homesteaders found numerous indications of Native American presence around what is now known as Miller Canyon. Cedar Springs, the town that was eventually submerged to create the lake, was the site of a health resort for tuberculosis patients in the early 20th century. In 1961, the state informed the people of Cedar Springs that a dam would be built, encompassing the valley. Construction of the Cedar Springs Dam began in 1967​.

On January 21st, 1972, the first Northern California water spilled into Silverwood Lake. The lake was named after W.E. “Ted” Silverwood, a Riverside County resident known for his persistent water and soil conservation efforts. The lake continues to serve as a testament to California’s commitment to water and wildlife conservation, offering a beautiful natural habitat for over 130 species of birds, including bald eagles, and an array of aquatic life.

Fishing in Silverwood Lake

Fishing at Silverwood Lake offers an experience like no other. The lake allows locals and visitors to test their luck in catching various game species, such as striped bass, crappie, trout, bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and more. The diverse fish species make the lake a hotspot for anglers and contributes to the lake’s rich biodiversity.

The lake’s fishing conditions are best during spring and fall when the lake and waterskiing activity are minimal. Trout fishing is particularly good between February through early June. Boat and shore fishing are also available. However, anglers should be mindful of advisories regarding the safe consumption of fish that they catch in the lake because of occasional high levels of certain toxins in some fish species.

Geology of the Lake

Silverwood Lake is in the San Bernardino Mountains, part of Southern California’s Transverse Ranges. The lake’s geography and geology are characterized by the surrounding mountainous terrain, composed of various rocks, including granite, gneiss, and schist.

The lake was created by constructing the Cedar Springs Dam on the West Fork Mojave Riverave River. The damming of the river led to the formation of the reservoir, subsequently inundating the former town of Cedar Springs. This process has shaped the geology of the lake and its surrounding area, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The lake’s geology also plays a role in its hydrology. The reservoir is slow to fill and drain because of fractured bedrock, which causes water seepage through the rock strata. This process helps to recharge underground aquifers, contributing to the lake’s water quality.

What Is Boating Like on Silverwood Lake?

Boating on Silverwood Lake is popular, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and an exciting way to explore the lake. The lake’s expansive size and depth make it ideal for various types of boating, including motor boating, sailing, and kayaking. There are designated areas for boating, ensuring safety for all visitors.

The northern part of the lake has an area for waterskiing, and a marina and launch ramps are located at the southern end. Whether you’re an experienced boater or a novice, Silverwood Lake promises an unforgettable boating experience.

Fun Activities on the Lake and Around the Area

Silverwood Lake isn’t just about boating and fishing — it offers many recreational activities to suit all interests. Several picnic areas surround the lake, some accessible only by boat. There are also designated water skiing and swimming areas, with lifeguards on duty daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Hiking and bicycling are other popular activities, with 13 miles of paved trails available for public use. The Pacific Crest Trail, a prominent long-distance hiking and equestrian trail, passes through the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, offering short or long hikes trailheads.

During winter, the lake offers barge tours to view the bald eagles that call this area home. Silverwood Lake has something for everyone, whether you’re into water sports, wildlife viewing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water.

The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The area has several campgrounds, some with full hookups and cabins, and RV parks and other lodging options. This is a great spot for families, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Nearby Lake Gregory Regional Park offers outdoor fun, including alpine slides, mini-golf, and paddle boats. The park also has an aquatic center with two pools and a water slide. To round out your visit to Silverwood Lake, the nearby town of Crestline has restaurants and shops.

Conclusion

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a beautiful and diverse location, offering something for everyone. From boating and fishing to hiking, biking, swimming, and even wildlife viewing during the winter months, it’s an ideal destination for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. Silverwood Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, thanks to its awe-inspiring panoramas of the neighboring scenery and a wide range of things to do. Whether you’re looking to relax and take in the sights or enjoy some of the various activities available, Silverwood Lake is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kit Leong/Shutterstock.com