FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Reservations
I lost / can’t find / didn’t get my Reservation Confirmation. What do I do?
If you have your reservation confirmation number, as long as you have a photo ID and this number you will be allowed in.
Can I come to Diamond Valley Lake and fish without a boat rental reservation?
Yes, reservations are not required but recommended at Diamond Valley Lake. Reservations for boat rentals can be made online or on a same day, walk-up basis. A person must be at least 21 yrs of age to rent a boat. Parking, launch and fishing access fees can be paid for at the gate (or marina) on arrival to Diamond Valley Lake. In the event that you do not want to rent or launch a boat, we also offer shoreline fishing.
What do I need to fish from the shore?
You need a $11 parking/vehicle entry fee. You will also need a $9 Fishing Access Pass and $4 shoreline fee. No reservation is required; you can pay for all of those items at the gate when you arrive. If the gate is closed, you will be directed to check in and pay at the marina store.
If I make a reservation for a 1/2 Day Rental, can I extend it to a Full Day Rental when I arrive?
Yes, subject to availability. You can extend your reservation to a full day by paying the difference when you arrive. Please inform the Marina staff when you are filling out your boat rental form.
Can I give my boat rental reservation to someone else?
No, reservations are non-transferable.
Can I use my credit card to make a boat rental reservation for someone else?
Yes.
Boating
Where can I get my boat inspected?
Go to the Policies: Quagga Inspections page for more information or call 951-926-7201.
What are the sailboat and kayak requirements?
Go to the Policies: Boating Guidelines page for more information or call 951-926-7201.
I’ve had my boat inspected; how long is the inspection sticker good for?
The sticker is good as long as the boat or motor does not change.
Will I be charged to have my boat inspected?
No, there is no charge for boat inspections.
What type of gas do I need?
Gas needs to be MTBE-free. As of 3/31/04, all gas stations in California sell MTBE-free gas.
Do the rental boats come with a life jacket?
All rental boats are supplied with life jackets for every person on the boat.
Do I need a red or orange flag to Pass MWD inspection?
Yes
What are the launch facilities like?
We have 3 courtesy docks with 3 launchable lanes due to current water level. At higher water levels 11 launchable lanes are available.
What kind of bass boats do you have?
You can find all boat rental information on the “Boat Rental” tab located on the top right hand side of the home page.
Can I reserve a marina slip?
No, we do not have marina slips available to the public.
Fishing
What are the limits on catches?
Largemouth Bass: 5 fish, must be over 12 inches
Smallmouth Bass: 5 fish, must be over 12 inches
Trout: 5 fish
Catfish: 10 fish
Striped Bass: 10 fish
Panfish: 25 fish(bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish)
What kinds of fish are in the lake?
Largemouth, smallmouth and black bass, channel and blue catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, tule perch, inland silverside, prickly sculpin, green sunfish and threadfin shad.
Catch and keep or catch and release?
As long as the fish meet the size and limit requirements you can keep them. We do urge people to catch and release the warm water species.
How long have they been stocking the lake?
Florida Largemouth – stocked 1999
Smallmouth Bass – stocked 2000
Rainbow Trout – stocked 2000
Northern Bluegill – stocked 1998
Southern Bluegill – stocked 1998
Redear Sunfish – stocked 1998
Channel catfish – stocked 2001
Blue catfish – stocked 2001
Tule perch – stocked 2000
Inland silverside – introduced with water
Prickly sculpin – introduced with water
Green sunfish – introduced with water
Threadfin Shad – introduced with water
Do I need a fishing license?
All anglers age 16 and over need to have and display a valid California Department of Fish and Game license.
Do my kids need a fishing license?
Children under the age of 16 can fish under their parent’s or guardian’s license. Limits apply to a single license. All anglers over the age of 3 also need to purchase fishing access permits.
What is the Fishing Access Fee? Who needs it?
The $9 Fishing Access Pass is required for everyone fishing, both adults and children. Fees collected are used to stock trout and maintain the fisheries.
Can I fish from the shore?
Shore fishing is allowed in designated areas only. There are approximately 2 ½ miles of shoreline accessible. The area is ¼ mile from the parking lot and is a moderate to difficult hike on an unpaved fire road.
What kind of bait is allowed at Diamond Valley Lake?
Lures, dough baits, cut bait and nightcrawlers/red worms and crickets are all allowed. No live bait is allowed, i.e. fish, frogs, etc.
Are there fish cleaning stations?
No. Currently we do not have running water at the marina area, preventing fish cleaning stations from being installed.
General Recreation
Can you please clarify the parking fee vs. the entrance fee?
The parking fee is the vehicle entry fee. If you are bringing a vehicle into Diamond Valley Lake and need to park, you only need to pay $11.
Can I walk or ride my bike into Diamond Valley Lake?
Yes, you can walk or ride your mountain/gravel bikes at Diamond Valley Lake. (weather permitting)
How far is the shore fishing area from the parking lot?
The shore fishing area is 1/4 mile from the parking lot, and is a moderate to difficult hike on an unpaved fire road.
Can I come in and take a look at the lake?
A 20-minute visitor’s pass can be issued between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Can I camp at Diamond Valley Lake?
No, we currently do not have camping facilities.
Are float tubes allowed?
No, float tubes are not allowed.
How many boats can be on the lake at one time?
Approximately 300 boats total can be allowed on the lake. This will also vary on parking, lake conditions, water level and weather conditions.
Is there anything to eat?
The Marina store is stocked with prepackaged snack foods, i.e. chips, candy, beef jerky, bottled and canned beverages.
Are there discounts for senior citizens?
Yes, the Senior discount is 25% off boat rentals Thursdays and Fridays (non-holidays) and $5 parking per vehicle.
How do I get to Diamond Valley Lake?
For directions, visit the Location page or call 951-926-7201.
Can I bring my dog? Is my pet allowed?
No pets are allowed at Diamond Valley Lake.
Are BBQ’s allowed?
No BBQ’s, campstoves or any open flames are permitted.
Are RV’s allowed?
RV’s are allowed, however, they must leave the parking area at sunset.
Which entrance to the lake do I use?
Currently the only entrance to the Marina is the east entrance on Searl Parkway off Domenigoni Parkway.
How big is the lake?
Diamond Valley Lake covers 4,500 acres.