Been fishing here for 50yrs. Plus.lost lifetime membership caused by previous owner of resort.I see when I visit and observe new owners and employees improving this place.I am sure they will succeed in making Fishermans Retreat a great place to visit,camping,fishing etc...If you really I Mean REALLY LIKE CATCHING A TROPHY LARGEMOUTH BASS.ITS HERE.Personally this past year and a half,I have caught 3 Bass 15lbs.+ and 20 bass 5 to 15 lbs.Not exagerating.A couple that got away close to 20 lbs.Big bluegill carp,crappie and some real big cats.My big cat approx.13 lbs.I am going in the morning actually. Bass is catch and release so I don't mind giving this info. on the bass.Its a thrill of a lifetime landing a 15 lb. Largemouth,I want to to experience this too.Its not easy but your skill knowledge and luck I know you can DO IT.I WILL POST SOME PICTURES OF SOME OF MY GIANTS.(CPR)_ Catch Photogragh and Release" have fun. read more

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Today is Sept 22, 2026. I drive by fisherman's retreat everyday because my aunt has one of the major ranches of n the canyon. But I've never been in there recently. About 10 years ago I went in there to see if I could get some ice from they have a little store. The girl was so unfriendly and rude to us and others in that store to peopleat that time I was shocked. I never went back until today when me and my worker I've been noticing that there is a cafe there now. Apparently the pastramis there are really good, as we heard they were the same people who ran the similar restaurant in Moreno valley which we used to go to regularly. We are two over-60 clean cut guys. We're not a couple of bums. Although no one should ever judge a book by its cover. We decided to pull in and give it a shot. We had no idea where the restaurant was located. We got you the front gate and out comes this old heavy guy with a pigtail and immediately showed a bad attitude. We asked him where the restaurant was because we wanted to go there. He CLEARLY and rudely said, "Straight ahead!" (There were no signs anywhere showing where the restaurant is...). He said "Straight ahead" in a very nasty way (like he really wanted to say, "Straight ahead, you morons). I am an engineer/business owner and my friend is an electrician---we're not dummies. Straight ahead means drive straight ahead. So we did about 200 ft. So he comes running out of the guard gate yelling at us to "Get the f*** out of there", waving his hands aggressively, like we did something illegal or wrong. We turned the van around around and told him calmly, "We can't hear you clearly with our windows up and you did tell us to 'go straight up')", and that's when we heared him swearing at us. Rather than say nicely, "I apologize, Sits, I should have been clear that the restaurant is to the left, not straight ahead". Instead, he went on some kind of psychopathic (?) rampage, telling us to "Get the f*** off his property". I wish I would have videotaped this---it would be all over YouTube! Next time I will have my car video recorder on. We never swore and we were polite. Next time we will tape it to show you the owners and the restaurant. And we will be back! He refused to tell us where The Cafe restaurant was, so we left for fear of our lives (literally). We pulled over on Oak Valley/ San Timoteo and called the restaurant owner and also the onsite temporary manager girl who answered the phone. She said to call the general manager tomorrow and said she was very disappointed in that type of behavior on the part of the front greeter, our first and only impression. The restaurant owner was very sympathetic, upset, and shocked that he is turning away customers. She said that this fellow was possibly substituting the front gate for today. She expressed the same shock because her and her husband are trying to run a restaurant that is independent of, but located in fisherman's retreat. She's put signs on Oak Valley Road telling people to come on into the cafe. I would hate to be in their shoes and have this kind of a threatening monster turning people away from their business. No matter what happens, this has put a very negative dent on this entire facility and I hope this Yelp review (and the Google review) help change this place. I think the restaurant Cafe at this point can demand that that person not be employed at that facility. What kind of facility puts that kind of a monster as the point first person that people meet. What happens behind the scenes that nobody hears about or sees? Unbelievable. Again, let me describe the guy: he was portly, about 5 ft 9, late 50's (?), he had a braided hair pigtail hanging out of his hat (not professional). No greeting was done initially, such as "Welcome. How can I help you." Just a curt "straight ahead" sarcastic attitude followed by a bunch of obscenities, and throwing us out because HE directed us in the wrong direction. Unbelievable!!! I feel so sorry for that restaurant having to have a monster like this in the front entry. Being local nearby residents, we may try to go back to the cafe and we WILL videotape everything from our car camera this time for the sake of showing the management and the restaurant, if it turns out badly again. I can't imagine how this guy treats Black people, disabled, elderly, or Hispanic people. By the way, the girl that answered the phone told me that she thinks he is the guy that goes around checking people's entry tickets and stuff. It would scare me to think this guy is running around that place at night. I mean this is not normal behavior by any stretch of the imagination. If it were my business, he would be terminated the next hour. This is a business, not his personal domain. read more

Horrible i went 8/17/2026 and the lake was completely drained and they were still charging 25 dollars for that!? horrible don't come here

Yeah it's too bad they let the big lake dry out because they don't care about fishing or fishermen or families coming to fish and have a good time, instead they don't care about anybody or any or person at all, now the place has gone to hell, without any care for residents needs or anybody else's needs, just a paycheck for them while everyone else's life has shifted because of their arrogance in trying to run Facility, I know, I've been here over 13 years! No longer a fishing getawa! Only a good cafe by a resident! read more

I have fished here mNy times over the past two years. They have not stocked the lakes since 2023 at least. There is nothing to be caught. If by the luck of god you hook a bass, park law says you have to send it back. There are no fish to be caught. This place is a scam. STAY AWAY!!!!!! read more

I think everyone should read this article. I called the retreat and they told me no stocking in 2025 and it was $50! Unfortunately, I can't do it! That's almost year long fishing license prices! If it was heavily stocked and taken care of really well and updated I may actually drop the money here and there but not for the low water levels and that they are doing to the property is exactly what they did to El Casco Lakes Resort right down the street! Crazy because I use to fish all the lakes they mentioned growing up and what happened to one I do believe is happening to this one. Enjoy the article as it was very informative! read more

Fisherman's Retreat - El Casco Lakes Resort and Fisherman's Retreat! - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

If they stock with fish now it would help a lot. No stock since Dec,2024. I believe they're still charging the same price as if the lake was recently stocked. This new management is just going to drive this place out of business. Go figure!! read more

Great place to take the kid on a Sunday afternoon! Not too many people but beautiful spring day. He didn't catch anything but oh well next time! read more

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They want others to bail the mess they got into. Too expensive, go to a county park where they stick fish and keep things clean.

This place has gone through contant issues over the years. Frequently having problems with the well water and as a result the ponds are shut down, cannot fish, the Cafe onsite is forced to shut down. The food at the Cafe isn't even fresh instead, it's frozen, dry and unflavorful aside from maybe the pastrami meat but who really knows. Overall, the grounds need improvement, it does not look attractive nor does it offer much for the visitors/residents. read more

They changed the pricing drastically and theres no stock for anything definitely wont be returning

A good way to relax and refresh your mind. It's a good way to spend time with family and friends.

Whoever took over the place when they were about to shut down has completely ruined it. Nothing but greedy, money hungry people. They don't even stock the lakes anymore, the water level is decreasing to nothing, and now they want to charge an insane $50 dollars just to fish in these sad little ponds that no longer get stocked?? Not to mention nothing around the park has been updated at all it's getting run down to trash. DO NOT waste any more money here, whoever's running it is just putting the money straight into their pockets and not investing into the community. read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Entry fees - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

When we (my cousin and I) arrived we din't even realized we had to pay so we went out to the lake and before we even set up the rudest man with ED came up to us and started mocking us asking " I want to fish for free", "where's that at? I want to go" we respectfully said we'll go pay and just left because his attitude was unbearable. read more

I dealt with a rude girl today while attempting to make a reservation at the campground store. I was given a hard time bcs I showed without calling ( in the past the phone system was down and I was told to just show up). The place had many vacant sites as usual and yet she did not allow me to select one of my choice and was only given 2 sites that she chose for me. She became upset when I questioned it and asked if she was the manager. As I was leaving the campground she must have contacted her partner bcs I had guy with a tied up beard pull up on me and yell from his golf cart " if I had a problem with his girl". Apparently her and her partner work here as a team and feel they are right regardless if they are in the wrong (per the tough boyfriend that gave his best to intimidate me this afternoon). I have stayed here in the past and although the place is in need of renovations the staff showed professionalism & friendliness that helped me see beyond the many areas that are in need of improvement. read more

12/7/2024 - I called Fisherman's Retreat to ask if it was possible to still catch Catfish during Trout Season. Ranger Ben let me know it's absolutely possible! He recommended a bait and set up for me and said to come on down and where to find him. Once I arrived he was extra welcome and even helped me set up my equipment the proper way. After all my years no one has really took their time to truly show me the right way and why we do it a certain way. I had my 2yr old daughter with me and he was extremely patient with both of us ! He even helped me out with a couple pieces of equipment that helped my set-up... Sure enough we caught a CATFISH ! read more

Fisherman's Retreat - 12/7/2024 - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

My grandson caught 2 mid size fish here. He was grateful but we have had better luck at other fishing spots.

Cool place. Don't expect luxury here. Overall the staff have always been helpful and nice. Been coming here since I was younger and I enjoy coming here now as an adult. 24 hours fishing! Can't beat that. Fire pits are scarce on availability so best to bring your own heat source. They sell firewood and bait at the front gate. Edited my review to attach some photos I've taken here. read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

They want 50 bucks for adults and 35 for kids. No discounts. The lake is a shithole now. From now on that place could shove it up their ass for 50 bucks. read more

Campground is old and run down. Campsites are decrepit. Some of the power pedestals are barely standing and have burn marks from malfunction. Sad thing is this campground has so much potential to be great. read more

Loved the experience , caught a couple fishes and even tho I am a first time fisher woman I loved fishing read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

Really terrible place $50 to fish ducks are swimming in dirt there's no water lady didn't inform me anything never coming back

I had a wonderful time fishing at the lake. We caught about 8 catfish that night. Sat night into Sunday morning. Nice peaceful a few raccoons trying to steal our fish was the only issue. Lol . But even the raccoons were funny after awhile. People trying to shoo them away. The night patrol was really cool. Stopped to see our tickets and talk for a min then he was off to the next person. The big lake is where everyone was fishing. Not to sure if anyone was fishing in the members lake that night because the members were on our side fishing. Sitting back enjoying The Lords scenery and just relaxing my mind . read more

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Awesome place to fish great staff very friendly. Great view of the mountain scenery around you, Nice clean bathrooms they also have camping. They stock some monsters in this lake. Very easy for kids to stay safe around the lake you can see them almost all the way around the lake when they go exploring different fishing spots read more

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I come fishing all the time but today I found out the day pass has increased as if 20$ was not enough if your like me I go sometimes 2 times a week but now I don't even think it's worth it yeah the camp ground is a little rough and the place is always dirty. I'm not there for camping... but fishing is okay you can get atleast one catch a day but yeah probably not gunna be going anymore maybe if they stocked more then it would be worth it but idk what management is doing but if they maybe start cleaning up more and have better pricing for fishing I might back back but I till then read more

Nice place. Took our 13 year old grandson. He discovered he loves fishing! My husband, his grandfather loves fishing also so now they have a great activity to continue strengthening the bond. read more

Fisherman's retreat isn't bad let's say. But it's not good either. Pros you can drink and bbq while your fishing. They also restock a lot. Best part is no fishing license required. Now onto the bad. The lake(s) are very dirty, beer cans and dead fish rotting away. Also during the summer (or At least summer 2021) the lake levels have dropped and there is so much algae and other plants it makes casting and reeling in also an impossible endeavor. For 19$ per person I expect lake conditions to be much better. My suggestion is NEVER come during summer at all!!! I'm going to upload 3 photos. 2 from winter(March) and one during summer (June) You can see how different things got. read more

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Horrible where the dues going to suppose fix and Maintain the grounds pools green play ground swings broken my daughter cut herself on the broken swings bathrooms look run down not tooken care of Connie needs to step it up around here before i start a protest plus rasing the members fees bs she need pay us the money she stole from us getting. Lawyer the water was off on 7/ 29 /23 put we had get hotel to shower that's bs read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Broken swings - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

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Went there two weeks ago googled last time it was stocked it had said like a week prior but when I arrived I was told there under going new management and haven't stocked since December. Been there about 5 times and never caught anything but some small blue fills. 2thumbs down read more

Horrible. Came out to fish from Vegas. Said they ain't stocked since December. Trash I wish I can give it no stars

Expensive charging per pole- definitely NOT worth paying to fish there after calling to find out how much the price is they charge per fishing pole. That is ridiculous! Let alone the price per fishing pole is timed- I am not interested in going to this place. I would rather drive to Santa River Lakes or drive to fish the California aqueduct read more

Had a great time fishing here. Helpful ranger Ethan was super friendly & knowledgeable about park & fishing in general. Even shared his special bait with us. I will definately be coming back. Love how peaceful & quiet read more

There's different way to fish different lakes. Just have to figure it out. Was there most of day going after bass. Got a few bites but was skunked. Bass fishing isn't easy. Maybe next time read more

very nice fishing place. Great place to take the children and family. staff is helpful and fishermen are very friendly.

be ready to wait for food depending on day. came for derby and was hour wait for food. read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Cafe Menu - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

I love this place so much me and my dad go here ever Sunday. When the water is warm and we catch at least. 4 to 8 cat fish at night The fish biting is really good I can't wait until the summer comes so we can come back every weekend read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Fish that we caught - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

Decent place to fish locally. Owner needs to clean the lakes more often (lots of trash debris and weeds). Whole area needs a face lift or upgrade. Place hasn't changed in 20 years. read more

I'm not sure if you really want to go here the water is low, the fish don't bit, they say they stock it but my question is where can they? With so much mulch in the lake you pull out more salad then anything else. I've came here four times used my best presentation for catfish and not even a bite. My daughter keeps telling me that we should go elsewhere maybe I'll listen to her next time. I'm sorry this rate is a one. If you like fighting the flies have fun, I'm out.. read more

Fisherman's Retreat - Look closer more mulch than fish. - Fishing Near Me - Redlands, California

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I swear they don't stock this lake. Catch nothing but weeds every time. Also expensive for membership and the pool in greener than the lake itself. Go to mountain lakes way better and much cleaner read more

Not as nice as advertised, dirty around the ponds . Loud music being played in certain areas so be careful where they put your camper. When we were there the electric was off on part the campsite , so of the campers were sleeping in the laundry room and general store was running off a generator during business hours so you had to listen to that all day . read more