Saturday July 22, 2017 Lake Skinner. Nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester, CA, beautiful Lake Skinner Recreational Area offers visitors expansive natural vistas and invigorating recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing. This popular regional park is located just a few short miles east of the Temecula Wineries, close to the bustling communities of Murrieta and Menifee, and within easy access of Interstates 15 and 215. Created in 1973, Lake Skinner has 1400 surface acres of water and is operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Supplied by the Colorado River through the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project, the lake feeds the Robert A. Skinner filtration plant and, in turn, supplies water to many residents of Southern California. While the park is popular for all its recreational activities, fishing is undoubtedly one of its biggest attractions. Lake Skinner is home to Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Carp, and Bluegill year round. The District also stocks Catfish in the summer and Trout in the winter, keeping the fishing active all year long.