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SOCAL FISH REPORT April 7, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews Outdoor News Service
Compiled by Jim Matthews Outdoor News Service
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. For a generation of young saltwater anglers, the yellowtail bite out of San Diego is a “new” thing, but this is how it used to be each spring: wide open fishing on yellows from 15 to 25 pounds for the San Diego fleet fishing the Coronado Islands, off Ensenada, and Colonet. The bite in Mexican waters exploded at mid-week in Mexican waters with limits (five yellows per angler) or near-limits the rule on Wednesday. The Grande, Legend, Sea Adventure II, and other boats are making these trips daily, and no one would be surprised if the ¾-day boats also got back into this action this weekend. Weather and water conditions are perfect through the weekend. Go! This is a “good old days” redo.
2. The Lake Perris crappie bite has taken off with some excellent catches reported around the marina and off the marina docks in the past week. Anglers are getting fish to three pounds fishing small jigs tipped with a small bait or Crappie Nibble. While there haven’t been any limit-stringers (25 fish) this past week, the bite is good. This bite is likely to just get better over the coming days as the weather and moon phase improve. The best news? The park is back open seven days a week and has gone to summer hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For an update on this bite, call the marina at 951-657-2179.
3. Every spring there is a little-heralded but hot trout bite at Big Bear Lake’s dam. The fish stack up along the dam just like they stack up in the little stream mouths looking for a place to spawn. Perhaps the fish can hear the water going through the spillway, perhaps the water is moving more at the dam than other places in the lake. Whatever, this bite is on, and a lot of holdover rainbows to three pounds are being caught on spinners, spoons, and floating baits. Keep this one your secret. For an update on the bite, call Big Bear Marina at 909-866-3218 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at 909-866-3222.
2. The Lake Perris crappie bite has taken off with some excellent catches reported around the marina and off the marina docks in the past week. Anglers are getting fish to three pounds fishing small jigs tipped with a small bait or Crappie Nibble. While there haven’t been any limit-stringers (25 fish) this past week, the bite is good. This bite is likely to just get better over the coming days as the weather and moon phase improve. The best news? The park is back open seven days a week and has gone to summer hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For an update on this bite, call the marina at 951-657-2179.
3. Every spring there is a little-heralded but hot trout bite at Big Bear Lake’s dam. The fish stack up along the dam just like they stack up in the little stream mouths looking for a place to spawn. Perhaps the fish can hear the water going through the spillway, perhaps the water is moving more at the dam than other places in the lake. Whatever, this bite is on, and a lot of holdover rainbows to three pounds are being caught on spinners, spoons, and floating baits. Keep this one your secret. For an update on the bite, call Big Bear Marina at 909-866-3218 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at 909-866-3222.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: There continues to be good action at all of the planted trout lakes in Southern California, but this season is winding down. All of the San Bernardino County park lakes are getting their last county fish this week (and trophy fish went into Glen Helen for the derby this Saturday), and all were stocked with DFG fish, too. This should make Glen Helen, Yucaipa, Prado, Cucamonga-Guasti, and Mojave Narrows all good this weekend. The private lakes, including Hesperia, Corona, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Irvine Lake, are all still getting weekly fish and have been very good. In San Diego County, Lake Cuyamaca remains the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers.
BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites have been hampered by weather and a poor moon phase this past week, but by mid-week the action had been turning on again most places with a lot of fish still shallow on beds. The bulk of the spawn is pretty much over at many of the lower elevation lakes, but just starting at higher elevation waters. Top prospects continue to be Diamond Valley Lake, Sutherland, Lower Otay, Perris, and El Capitan. Casitas, Castaic, Piru, Pyramid, Hodges, Skinner, Cachuma, and Puddingstone are all nearly as good and all should get better as the week progresses. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River has been very good from Havasu south, and the largemouths are now as good. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up. Further up on the Central Coast, Nacimientio, Lopez, and Santa Margarita are all recovering from two weeks of unstable weather. Still, the spotted bass are particularly good at Naci.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Pyramid, Silverwood, Skinner, the aqueduct near Taft, and Pyramid have all been producing a fair number of fish, and all three bites have shown improvements again this week. On the Colorado River, things are finally turning around in Mead, Mohave, and Havasu, but it’s still just the beginning and winds this week hampered the fishing.
PANFISH: Crappie bites seem to be turning on all over the region as the weather turns back better late in the week. Perris’ crappie action really took off with fish to three pounds reported, and the fish are stacked up at Elsinore waiting for a little warmer water to break wide open. Fish to three pounds have been showing here, too. Other bites of note, include the good action at Piru and Nacimiento, but both had been hampered by winds and rain this past week. The crappie bite to watch is the budding action at Cachuma. The redear bite is worth fishing at Perris, and bluegill bites are starting to take off at all of the waters in the southern San Joaquin Valley, especially Buena Vista Lakes. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea broke has been good, even with winds that made conditions tough.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been very good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. A few cats are showing at Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes, and catfish plants were beginning at Buena Vista Lakes in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Isabella was also improving again for the cats. The channel and flathead action was also starting to surge along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the warmer backwaters and irrigation ditches.
BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites have been hampered by weather and a poor moon phase this past week, but by mid-week the action had been turning on again most places with a lot of fish still shallow on beds. The bulk of the spawn is pretty much over at many of the lower elevation lakes, but just starting at higher elevation waters. Top prospects continue to be Diamond Valley Lake, Sutherland, Lower Otay, Perris, and El Capitan. Casitas, Castaic, Piru, Pyramid, Hodges, Skinner, Cachuma, and Puddingstone are all nearly as good and all should get better as the week progresses. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River has been very good from Havasu south, and the largemouths are now as good. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up. Further up on the Central Coast, Nacimientio, Lopez, and Santa Margarita are all recovering from two weeks of unstable weather. Still, the spotted bass are particularly good at Naci.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Pyramid, Silverwood, Skinner, the aqueduct near Taft, and Pyramid have all been producing a fair number of fish, and all three bites have shown improvements again this week. On the Colorado River, things are finally turning around in Mead, Mohave, and Havasu, but it’s still just the beginning and winds this week hampered the fishing.
PANFISH: Crappie bites seem to be turning on all over the region as the weather turns back better late in the week. Perris’ crappie action really took off with fish to three pounds reported, and the fish are stacked up at Elsinore waiting for a little warmer water to break wide open. Fish to three pounds have been showing here, too. Other bites of note, include the good action at Piru and Nacimiento, but both had been hampered by winds and rain this past week. The crappie bite to watch is the budding action at Cachuma. The redear bite is worth fishing at Perris, and bluegill bites are starting to take off at all of the waters in the southern San Joaquin Valley, especially Buena Vista Lakes. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea broke has been good, even with winds that made conditions tough.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been very good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. A few cats are showing at Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes, and catfish plants were beginning at Buena Vista Lakes in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Isabella was also improving again for the cats. The channel and flathead action was also starting to surge along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the warmer backwaters and irrigation ditches.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
BIG BEAR LAKE: There is fair to good trout action with quite a few limits of holdover fish to three pounds reported over the past week, and the DFG also planted again this week. Top spots have been the sun-warmed shallows along the north shore and at the dam, with the floating dough baits the best bait. Surface temp is still a cool 40 degrees, but the trout are moving up all of the little streams flowing into the lake to spawn. Anglers are reminded all of these streams are closed to fishing to protect the spawners. The lake’s marina and launch ramps all opened on April 1. Two big events coming up: The May Trout Classic is May 15-16, and the Fishing for 50K event is June 5-6. Fishing information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.
GREGORY LAKE: DFG trout plant last week, and anglers are reporting fair to good action on trout to three pounds. The boat house will open Saturday, April 24, and there will be a county plant of rainbows just before the “opener.” There will also be a trout derby on April 24 run by the Chamber of Commerce. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Lake facilities are still closed and trout plants have not begun yet. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
JENKS LAKE REGION: DFG trout plant in Jenks Lake this week -- the first of the season. The Santa Ana River in the Seven Oaks area and the South Fork were both planted with rainbows by the DFG last week. Snow in shady areas, but access to both Jenks and the Santa Ana is generally good. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Excellent fishing again this past week with Lightning Trout making their appearance after the plant last week. The rainbow trout action has also remained good with a few quality fish reported. Lots of catfish from three to five pounds this past week and many big sturgeon were caught once again. Inflated nightcrawlers, shrimp, and Power Bait have been the top baits. David Henderson, Temecula, landed a 47-pound sturgeon using shrimp. Jose Valdez, Los Angeles, caught a 38-8 sturgeon on Power Bait. Ottis Johnson, Carson, scored a 21-pound catfish using shrimp. Rick Nelson, Fontana, got a 19-pound catfish with mackerel. Randy Clark, Claremont, reeled-in a 14-8 rainbow using nightcrawlers as bait. The lake will be planted with both trout and catfish this week. Lake hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Cost will be reduced to $10 on Mondays but price remains the same the rest of the week and no other discounts apply to the Monday special. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Trout action was fair to very good this week. Power Bait or inflated night crawlers doused with attractant or jigs have been working best. Most trout are in the two pound range with some bigger. The bite did a switch this past week, and was better in the morning before 10 a.m. or late afternoon hours. Hot spots were the eastern shores of lake 3, and the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Chuck Moree, San Bernardino, caught a 5-13 rainbow on salmon peach Power Bait from the eastern shore of lake 2. The lake is open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is stocked with trout each week on Friday from its own hatchery. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or Jess Ranch Lakes-The Official Site.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Trout action was excellent this past week. Best bite has been on Power Worms, Power Bait, and nightcrawlers. This is the last week of county trout plants for the season, and there is also a DFG trout plant going in. Other species mostly slow with a few bass and catfish showing. Due to the recent flooding in the park, Horseshoe Lake has been temporarily closed due to some damage it received, however, Pelican Lake is remains open and will continue to be planted. For lake information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Excellent trout action with the best bite has been on floating baits, small lures and jigs, and trout plastics. This is the last week of county trout plants for the season, and there is also a DFG trout plant going in this week. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Trout is fair to good. Top baits have been chartreuse and orange Power Bait with basin No. 2 and lots 5, 7, and 8 the top spots. This is the last week of county trout plants for the season, and there is also a DFG trout plant going in this week. Catfish action has picked up a bit with some fish showing on mackerel and Power Bait. Bass action has been mostly slow but should pick up as the weather continues to warm up and the bass move in to spawn. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Excellent trout action. This is the last week of county trout plants for the season, and there is also a DFG trout plant going in this week. Mostly slow other species. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: The final derby of San Bernardino County Regional Park’s five events will be held here this Saturday, with the largest trout eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. The derby is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler (in addition to a $10 vehicle entry fee). Trout action has been excellent. This is the last week of county trout plants for the season (including trophy fish for this event), and there is also a DFG trout plant going in this week. Brian Oku, Alta Loma, caught a 5.14-pound rainbow on a gold Phoebe while fishing the small lake. The occasional bass is showing, and there is a very good carp bite for those targeting them. Roy Yacko, Colton, caught an 8.2-pound bass with Power Bait while fishing for trout. Roy also scored two trout in addition to the big largemouth. Ramon Gollaz, Fontana, caught five carp totaling 48 pounds with an 18-pounder topping the catch. Slow other species. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: Largemouth action is very good with many fish in the shallows for the spawn. Drop shot plastics has been the best bet with Senkos, Ikas, and Brush Hogs also producing fish. The trout bite has been fair to good nightcrawlers, Power Bait, and mini-jigs all working well. The east dam has been the top spot for trout. Sheyenne Adams, Murrieta, caught the top trout at 5.7 pounds on a spinner fishing from shore. Striper reports slowed down this past week but the best bet has still been swimbaits. Marshall Neal, Hemet, caught a 23.6-pound striper on a Castaic Swimbait. Few panfish reports but the action should improve as the weather continues to warm up. Catfish slow. Anglers are reminded of the new 25-fish combined limit on crappie and all sunfish (redear and bluegill). The limit is 25 for any combination of the species. For general lake, launch, and fishing information, call 800-590-LAKE, the marina at 951-926-7201 or Diamond Valley Marina, or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or Last Chance Tackle - Home.
PERRIS: The crappie bite has taken off here with a very good bite on fish to 1 1/2 pounds and some bigger. Best action has been around the marina docks on small jigs, and tipping them with a live bait or Crappie Nibble seems to improve the action. Bruce Thomas, Riverside, landed eight crappie and his stringer weighed 14.7 pounds. His big fish was a three-pounder, and all were caught on Crappie Stinger jigs. Ross May, Moreno Valley, had five crappie to 2-10, also on jigs. Both anglers fish fishing the marina docks. Just fair largemouth bass action over the past week, but a lot of fish are still up on beds and showing on reaction baits and plastics. Best action off lots 11 and 12, Benasconi Beach, and the whole east end. The redear and bluegill bites are both fair to good on redworms or nightcrawlers in the marina or north side of the island. Elliott Robinson, Beaumont, caught a 2.3-pound redear on a nightcrawler at the island. Carp are still being seen in very good numbers spawning all along the shallows at the east end of the lake. Trout action remains fair and a DFG plant this week should help this action. The park is back open seven days a week, and hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: The largemouth bite turned back on over the past week with only a little lull as the storm front moved through. The best action is along the south shore and throughout the east end with fish still up on spawning beds. Dark plastics, nightcrawlers, and jigs have been the top baits. Kevin Legg, Winchester, caught and released bass at nine and five pounds fishing a tube bait along the south shore. Frank Russell, Orange, landed and released a 7.2-punder on a plastic, also along the south shore. Striper action is also very good again with a lot of fish to four pounds, and they are showing in the main lake channel and up into the east end. Chicken liver and anchovies are the best baits. Victor Ruiz, Moreno Valley, had 10 stripers to four pounds on chicken liver in the east end. Some bluegill have started to show near the south shore and ramp No. 2 on nightcrawlers as they move shallow to spawn. Shore anglers doing pretty fair. Catfish and trout action is mostly slow. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: The cold front this past week has kept the bite very spotty here for crappie and wipers. The crappie are stacked up in about eight to 10 feet of water, but the bite has been tough. William “Crappie King” Johnson, Elsinore, caught and released five crappie on Tuesday from one to 2 1/2 pounds, but the bite was tough. A few wipers tricked in this past weekend, and most of these fish are running from 17 to 19 inches, right around the 18-inch minimum keeper size. There is a fair bite on largemouth bass with the fish mostly on beds in the shallows. Plastics and Roadrunner-type lures are best. Carp slow, too. Starting the middle of this month, boat rentals will be available for the first time through the new William’s Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental out of Elsinore West Marina. Elsinore boat day passes, normally $10, are free this Saturday (April 10), and they are available at all launch facilities. For more information, contact William’s Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental at 951-642-0640 or Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
CORONA LAKE: Excellent trout action after another pair of rainbow trout plants, and decent numbers of brown trout and sturgeon continue to be caught from plants three weeks ago. Tom Pearcy, La Verne, caught a 6 1/2-pound rainbow to top off his 9 1/2-pound, four-fish stringer fishing rainbow floating bait near the dam. Richard Ahumeda, Corona, landed five trout for 13 pounds and his best fish was a six-pounder, all on rainbow floating bait. Jimmy Shelton, Orange, also had a six-pound rainbow throwing a Thomas Buoyant. Shon Roberts and Daniel Fernandez, both of Riverside, had a mixed stringer of three browns and four rainbows, topped by a 5 3/4-pound brown trout. All were taken on Lip RipperZ. Blake, Brandon, and Larry Woodward along with John Moreno, all from Chino, caught nine trout to 5 1/2 pounds and one 1 1/2-pound crappie fishing jigs along the east shoreline. Big sturgeon of the week was a 19-pounder landed by Ernie and Tante Santos, Fontana while fishing chartreuse floating boat for trout at the dam. Paul Soliz, Riverside, caught a 14-pound sturgeon on garlic Nitro Bait at the dam, while Leon Shah, El Cajon, landed an eight-pounder on a nightcrawler, also at the dam. Information: 951-277-4489 or Indy Lakes Fishing Lakes and Campground.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Some bass are being caught by anglers tossing plastics and small jerk baits near shoreline structure.
RANCHO JURUPA: Continue fair trout action after the last county trout plant of the season on March 26. Few limits reported, but some anglers still getting two or three fishing fishing floating baits, inflated nightcrawlers, or small trout plastics and jigs. Bryant Grant, Riverside, had three rainbows to 1.8 pounds on nightcrawlers. Other species are slow. There is a new bait and tackle shop at the lake. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN’S RETREAT: No report. Information: 909-795-0171.
ANGLER’S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Good trout bite with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. Catfish action has picked up and is now good. A few bass are showing. Bluegill fair. Information: 951-654-7906 or Reflection Lake RV Park, a Hemet California RV Park and Family Campground.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good trout action, mostly on one to two-pound fish. Best bite on most trout dough baits and nightcrawlers. Plants twice a month through April. Still a few catfish showing on chicken liver with mackerel. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Still fair trout action and a DFG plant this week should improve that bite. The fish are showing for trollers and shore anglers using Power Bait or similar baits along the south shoreline. Craig Berg, Cypress, slow-trolled Roostertails to land four rainbows to two pounds each, while Jim and Dave Jemison, Lake Elsinore, had three trout to 1-8 trolling Rapalas near the dam. David Schaffer, Murietta, used orange-sparkle Power Bait to land rainbows at 1-8 and two pounds off the south shore. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent DFG trout plants. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Plants on Wednesday and Friday before Easter weekend led to continued excellent rainbow trout action. The week’s best trout was a 10-pound rainbow which topped off a five-fish limit caught by Larry Vselton, Garden Grove, fishing rainbow floating bait near the pumphouse. He also had a six-pounder as part of the catch. Eladio Rodriguez, Alhambra, have five rainbows for a total of 17 1/2 pounds, and his top fish was a 6 1/4-pounder. All were landed on chartreuse dough bait at La Palma Point. George Tebelekian, Los Angeles, landed seven rainbows for 14 pounds, and his top fish was a six pounder. Brown trout were planted three weeks ago, and anglers are still getting these trout fishing small lures or jigs. Robert Puga, East Los Angeles, landed a 4 1/2-pound brown on floating bait, while a four-pounder was caught by Jack Kbdzhyan, Glendale, on a Roostertail. There has continued to be a pretty fair bite on sturgeon, with the most recent plant of these fish also three weeks ago. Scott Chance, Placentia, landed an 11-pounder from Chris’ Pond on a nightcrawlers, and Joyce Woodall, Norwalk, caught a three-pounder on the same bait and place. Nightcrawlers and shrimp have been the best baits for these fish. Carp are also showing in pretty fair numbers. Jose Quintero, Riverside, caught an eight-pound carp to top off his 15 1/2-pound stringer that also included three trout. Jesse Gutierrez, Riverside, landed a seven-pound carp. Both anglers were using on chartreuse floating baits and fishing for trout. Private boats are no longer allowed at Santa Ana River Lakes due to fears of invasive quagga mussels being introduced into the water system. Information: 714-632-7830.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake.
IRVINE LAKE: Excellent all-around action this past week. The largemouth bite is wide-open with a new lake record for a five fish stringer of largemouth. Dave Pierson, Garden Grove, caught five bass totaling 39-10 fishing with plastics at Rocky Point. The bass have been hitting on just about any presentation and are primarily being caught in one to 15 feet of water. John Melin, Costa Mesa, and Robert Simons, Orange, also reported scoring bass over seven pounds this past week. The trout bite is very good. Power Bait and Rapalas have been working best, with Trout Island, Boat Dock Cove, and the west shore the top spots. Dino Martorano, Pasadena, caught a 15-10 rainbow on a Kastmaster at Trout Island. Mark Weiss, Los Angeles, got a 12-2 trout on a Power Bait and salmon egg combo fishing the south shore. The crappie bite is also excellent with many fish up to two pounds reported in five to 15 feet of water. A few carp and catfish are being caught incidentally by anglers fishing for other species, but not many anglers are targeting these fish. James Getty, Silverado, scored a 21-1 carp on a crankbait near the creek. Rafael Salgado, 12, Anaheim, landed a 20-8 carp while fishing the in the Kids Lagoon. Aaron Garcia, Orange, reeled-in a 12-10 channel catfish on a Lip RipperZ at Woody's Cove. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been very good. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or Irvine Lake - Fishing and Camping in Orange County, Southern California.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No report. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or Laguna Niguel Lake.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Trout action has been good. There was a 4,000-pound plant three weeks ago. Trout have been hitting a variety of baits and lures but nightcrawlers seem to be the best bet. Mario D'Amico, Norwalk, caught 10 trout and 18 crappie fishing with nightcrawlers all over the lake in around 15 feet of water. Bass action is good for largemouth and smallmouth with quite a few fish moving into the shallows to fan out beds. Plastics and jigs have been working well for the bass. Jake Evans, Lompoc, landed bass fishing in five feet of water using Rapalas. A few crappie continue to show in the Narrows, and this bite seems to be improving. Catfish and redear slow. For quagga mussel and the boat launching information, log on at Santa Barbara County Parks Department Home. The marina is closed and boat rentals have ceased. The marina isn’t expected to be reopening in the near future, but the boat launch is still open. For fishing information updates, anglers should now call the general store at 805-688-5246.
CASITAS: Very good trout action for trollers working 30 feet of water at the dam and the creek channels. Needlefish are accounting for most of fish, but some trout have been taken drifting nightcrawlers, also in 30 feet. Tyson Lee, 7, Ojai, caught a 2-8 rainbow. Largemouth bass are still excellent, some fish still on beds, but a lot already off. The best action is in two to 20 feet of water on plastics and nightcrawlers. Malcolm Snyder, Louisville, Ken., landed bass at 9-7 and 9-1 fishing a Stocker Trout with guide Rod Thigpin. Kevin Nakada, San Diego, landed a 7-8 bass on swimbait. Still very spotty crappie action, and a few redear are starting to show on ‘crawlers. Catfish are also very spotty, but Travis Walters, Oakview, caught a 15-pound catfish on a nightcrawler. Private boats will be inspected for quagga mussels and face a 10-day dry dock requirement before being allowed to launch. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: The striper bite slowed from recent weeks thanks to rain and wind, but a few fish are still showing on sardines and anchovies. A trout plant this week in the upper lake could turn on the swimbait bite again for stripers. In recent days, Donald Jackson, Castaic, caught a 27.4-pound striper on a Huddleston at the main ramp. Jeson Patrons, Frazier Park, got a 17-pound striper on a Huddleston at the jet ski buoy line. It can only get better. Largemouth bass are moving shallow, and are biting on jigs, plastics, and small shad like baits in a good bite. Best action early and late in the day. The bass bite in the lagoon is fair to good. The crappie are also starting to show in very good numbers on jigs and wax worms along the shoreline near the fishing pier. Other species slowish. Information: 661-775-6232 or Castaic Lake | Home.
PIRU: The largemouth bass and crappie bites have continued pretty consistent, in spite of the poor moon phase, storm front, and winds at mid-week. Bass anglers have still be reporting five to 20 fish days, mostly on plastics with many fish moving shallow. The crappie are schooled up and there are a log of fish from 3/4-pound to two pounds showing on small jigs and grubs in 12 to 25 feet of water. Also improving redear and bluegill action on nightcrawler pieces in the same depths. Catfish still slow. Trout are very slow with no plants since Jan. 18, and none likely anytime soon. There will be a night bass tournament April 24. Information: front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or Lake Piru Recreation Area.
PYRAMID: The striper bite has slowed a little over the past week with the storm from and then wind, but it’s still pretty fair with fish to four pounds reported mostly on anchovies or sardines in the main body of the lake. A few fish on swimbaits that look like shad or rainbow trout. The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are still fair to good, in spite of bumpy weather. Some fish are up in the shallows fanning out beds, but the best action for both species is in 12 to 20 feet on plastics and jigs. There are bass tournaments nearly every weekend for the next five weeks. The redear, bluegill, and catfish are all slow. Trout have slowed way down with no plants since Jan. 25. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth, 661-295-7155, concession 661-257-2790, or Forest Service 661-296-9710.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. Good action on largemouth bass on plastics with more and more fish showing in shallower water. A few redear are also showing again. Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. The bass action has improved, but only a few bluegill and catfish reported. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
LEGG LAKES: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake will reopen May 1 and tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
HODGES: Just fair bass action with little of anything else happening. This past week, there were 221 anglers who landed 79 bass, one bluegill, one crappie, and one channel catfish. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
EL CAPITAN: Good largemouth bass bite with 47 anglers reporting 90 bass and two crappie. Stewart Reid, San Diego, landed a 9.2-pound bass on a cradad from the north end, while Fritz Cunningham, Lakeside, caught a 6.05-pound bass on a purple lizard. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available Saturday and Sunday only. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
LOWER OTAY: The bass bite slowed with the weather change this past week. There were 265 anglers who caught 134 bass to 6.7 pounds, 26 bluegill to 1.1 pounds, and four crappie to 1.3 pounds. Randy Field, Lakeside, landed a 5.7-pound largemouth from the Harvey Arm on a swinbait. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake only has boat rentals on Saturday and Sunday. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
UPPER OTAY: There were 20 anglers who caught 20 bass to 4.8 pounds and 11 bluegill to 1.3 pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for catch-and-release fishing (only artificial lures with single, barbless hooks), sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is open. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
MURRAY: Very spotty action this past week, but a few bluegill are starting to show and a trout plant was slated to go in this week. Overall, 56 anglers reported 10 bluegill and four bass. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout plant this week. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. The lake is no longer renting boats of any kind.
MIRAMAR: A few trout showing since the last plant on Marcy 17. There were 65 anglers this past week who landed 29 trout, 18 bass, and two channel cats. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. The lake is no longer renting boats of any kind, and the launch ramp is closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water.
SUTHERLAND: Very good bass action but most of the fish are small. There were 63 anglers who landed 239 bass to 4.15 pounds. Lake is only open Saturday and Sunday. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
WOHLFORD: Very good trout fishing with mostly smaller fish being caught. Willow Cove and Senior Shoreline continue to be the hot spots with green Power Bait and nightcrawlers the top baits. The largemouth action is starting to really pick up with the warmer weather as many males are moving into the shallows. Best bass baits have been plastics and crankbaits. The crappie bite is also picking up with good action near Bass Point. There were even a few catfish reported once again this past week. The lake is open seven days a week. There are four bass boat-type rentals available. The lake will now be offering a couple new discounts on motor boat rentals. Seniors will be able to rent motor boats for $20 every tuesday. Active military will get the same $20 motor boat rentals on the first and third Saturday of every month. Quagga mussel fears still have a private boating ban. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
DIXON LAKE: Fair to good trout action. The buoy line and Whisker Bay have been the top spots with many limits reported from those areas in the early morning. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mini jigs, pink and orange Power Worms, Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Thomas Buoyants have all been producing fish. Trout are slated to be planted this week, but then will not be planted again until April 28. Largemouth bass action was just fair. Some males are starting to move into the shallows but most of the fish are holding at around 15 feet of water. Warmer weather could trigger the bass to really take off. Slow other species. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Very good trout action with many limits reported. Top spots have been the back side of the lake and near the boat dock. More and more small bass are showing and the bite should improve as the weather continues to warm up. Louie Ianniello, Poway, caught a nine-pound bass on a plastic worm. There is still a decent catfish bite in Boulder Bay. Bluegill slow. Teng Lay, Scripps Ranch, managed to catch a two-pound redear on a nightcrawler at the Log Boom. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Very good largemouth bite this past week. The bass are in 20 feet of water and are bedding deep and sticking tight to cover so they are hard to see, but action has been good. Jackie Hale, Lakeside, caught an 11-1 largemouth on a crawdad at Eagle Cove. Trout action is good from Hermit Cove to Eagle Point. There was also a good bite for anglers fishing Shad Raps, Rapalas, and flies at the launch ramp. The last trout plant of the season goes in this week. The catfish are being caught in deep water and in the brush. Information: 619-390-1300 or Lake Jennings - Helix Water District Drinking Water Reservoir.
MORENA: No report. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-579-4101.
CUYAMACA: Very good trout action with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. There was a trophy trout plant from Mt. Lassen this past week and a DFG plant two weeks ago. James Toth, Alex Hovath Jr., Alex Hovath Sr., all of San Diego, each scored a limit of trout, with the top fish a 6.5-pounder on nightcrawlers with scent at Pumphouse Cove. Barney Mead, Santee, caught a 6.1-pound trout on a gold Kastmaster. Other species are still mostly slow but a few anglers reported catching catfish. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or Lake Cuyamaca Home Page.
HENSHAW: No report. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
FLOW INFORMATION: Reservoir elevation levels and flow releases for the entire lower Colorado River are available at this web site with information updated hourly: Bureau of Reclamation: Lower Colorado Region - Lower Colorado River Operations Schedule.
LAKE MEAD: Finally improved action this past week with stripers starting to show under schools of shad in 40 to 50 feet of water in the main channel and mouths of most of the coves on cut anchovies, sardines, shad-like lures. Most fish under four pounds. The largemouth bass are also starting to stage in the shallows for the spawn with fair action in five to 20 feet of water on plastics. Slow catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite is fair to good with weekly plants. Best action on salmon eggs, Power Bait, worms and Super Dupers. Slow striper action with a few fish showing in an evening or early morning bite on big, trout-like plugs. Information: Willow Beach Resort at 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The largemouth bass spawn is starting to kick into gear with some fish already moving shallow and fanning out nests. Also improving striper action over the past week with the fish mostly in 30 to 50 feet. Best action in the Cottonwood area and main lake upstream from the dam. Best bet is to slow-troll or drift with anchovies or sardines. Catfish are slow on cut baits. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, Katherine’s Landing at 928-754-3245.
LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: Overall tough fishing this past week with a lot of wind. More and more stripers are being seen, including some quality fish, but the fish just aren’t biting much. The trout bite is also slow to fair, but fish are still showing from the casinos down to Rotary Park and beyond. The last plant until October went in the middle of March. Jerry Smith, Bullhead City, caught a 1.1-pound rainbow and currently leads the trout portion of the April 50-50 Derby being held to benefit the Special Olympics. Entry is $12 per category (stripers, catfish, and trout). Information: Riviera Marina at 928-763-8550.
NEEDLES AREA: There is fair and improving smallmouth action in the main river from Needles south to the I-40 bridge and one into Topoc Gorge, mostly on small cranks. Improving striper action, with the best bite early in the morning on fish under two pounds on cut bait. Catfish still mostly slow. Information: Needles Marina at 760-326-2197.
TOPOCK AREA: Topoc Gorge below the I-40 bridge is really starting to take off for largemouth, smallmouth and redear, but winds hampered the bite this past week. The back bays are four degrees warmer than the main river and the one-pound redear continue to show on nightcrawlers and small jigs tipped with bait. The bass have been best on plastics with the fish still on beds in good numbers, but some fish already finished. Even a few rainbow trout are being caught in the gorge. Topoc Marsh has also been good for bass, with the North Dike area best spot. Also still a decent crappie bite in the marsh at Catfish Paradise and South Dike, but most of the fish are around a pound or less and showing on live minnows or Roadrunner jigs. The stripers in the main river have been tougher this week, but numbers seem to be improving daily with some fish to six pounds reported at the pipeline on anchovies. Topoc Marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: Phil’s Western Trader at 928-768-4954 or Capt. Doyle’s Fun Fishing at 928-768-2667.
HAVASU: The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are very good with the spawn in full swing. Lots of fish from one to three pounds of both species are being caught, and a few fish over five pounds reported this past week. The bite is best on plastics, swim baits, and small jigs. The stripers are improving in the main lake over the old river channel in 30 feet of water around schools of shad. There is some movement beginning upriver, too. Best bite on slow-trolling anchovies or cut bait still-fished. Redear are starting to show in decent numbers up in the river in the sun-warmed back waters. Channel catfish, flatheads still mostly slow, but a few cats are beginning to be caught. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler’s Pro Shop) at 928-854-2277.
PARKER STRIP: The action has been stalled this past week, but better catfish and smallmouth bass action since mid-week. The cats are showing in most of the pools on cut baits, while the smallmouth bass are along the rip rap and starting to whack small cranks and swim baits. Bluegill and redear are improving in backwaters and quiet water in the main river. Few flathead reports.
BLYTHE: The lower river slowed over the past week with yo-yoing water levels, but area backwaters and ditches are still pretty good for catfish, bass, and panfish. The flatheads are really cranking on, and the channel cats are showing in ditchs, canals, and the main river on cut baits. The smallmouth are in a spawn mode, and the largemouths are on beds in all of the backwaters, too. Small reaction baits and plastics are best at producing a few fish from one to three pounds. Few reports on other species. There will be a Southern California Catfish Association weekend event April 23-25. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: The water levels have been going up and down dramatically over the past week or more, and this has really impacted the fishing, making the bass and catfish action tough. Add in wind and an off moon phase and the fishing has been tough. Warmer weather and a better moon phase should improve the action for the weekend, however. The bass have been up on beds in the backwater, and the smallmouth have been fair in the main river. Also improving catfish action even with the water jumping around. Few bluegill or crappie reports. Information: Walter’s Camp 760-854-3322 Thursday through Monday.
PICACHO AREA: Fair largemouth bass action in the backwaters and river margins, and the catfish -- both flatheads and channels -- are also starting to show in much better numbers. Bluegill good, too.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action has been good with some flurries of excellent action over the past week. A few crappie reported in recent days, and the flatheads are starting to go on live bluegill and bluegill. Channel cats are good on cut baits in both the main river and backwater lakes. Bluegill also schooling up and showing in pretty decent numbers. Information: 928-783-9589 Thursday through Monday or Martinez Lake Resort.
YUMA AREA: Largemouth bass action is fair in the whole region with the fish in a full-on spawn mode. Live bait, plastics, and cranks all good bets. The catfish bite also turned on this past week, with some good catches on channels on cut baits and a flurry of quality flatheads on live goldfish and bluegill.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite is still very good when the wind isn’t whipping up. Most of the fish are from 3/4 to one-pound, with a few fish approaching two pounds. The best bite has been at the state park headquarter’s jetty, but there is very light fishing pressure other places on the sea. All of the action is still on nightcrawler pieces. Free kayak tours are being run beginning at noon on April 11 and April 25. Naturalist Fredda Stephens guides the two-hour tours, and the park has 15 kayaks for use. Call the visitor center at 760-393-3810 to reserve a kayak, or you can bring your own canoe or kayak and attend. Fishing information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.
ALAMO RIVER: Few reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: No reports.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks.
LAKE CAHUILLA: No recent DFG plants. Information: 760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: General trout season reopens in Inyo and Mono counties on Saturday, April 24. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222. Lodging and guide information: Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405 or Bishop, Mono County Tourism 760-924-1743. Top Eastern Sierra fishing report web sites for the winter are: Ken's Sporting Goods - Home (Bridgeport region), The Trout Fly Mammoth Lakes, California, and Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service, Mammoth Lakes. Flyfishing Guide Service for Trout. Fly Fish Owens River from guided driftboats in Bishop. Flyfish Crowley Lake and Bridgeport in guided flats boats named the Trout Magnet. Full service outfit.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: The East Walker remains very low and the bite is very tough. What little action reported is on midges and caddis nymph patterns with a few streamer fish. No big few and few anglers are fishing the Nevada stretch. This is a catch-and-release water open year-around. Information: Ken’s Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or Ken's Sporting Goods - Home.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek, both open to year-around catch-and-release fishing. Hot Creek has been pretty fair on midges and small mayflies patterns with some dry-fly action. The Upper Owens is improving as more fish move up out of Crowley. Information: The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517 or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Pleasant Valley Reservoir has been fair to good and there were DFG plants two weeks ago. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River has had a good mid-day BWO-emerger bite, especially closer to the dam, but flows have been high, making fishing tough. Below the Wild Trout stretch a few nice holdover browns and rainbows are showing for anglers fishing the banks or floating the lower river. Owens Gorge fair for small browns. All of the streams in southern Inyo County (open since the early trout opener) received DFG fish two weeks ago, including Cottonwood Independence, Shepherd, Symms, and Tuttle creeks along with Diaz Lake. Long Pine Creek got trout three weeks ago. Information: Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, Culver’s 760-872-8361, Brock’s 760-872-3581.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Anglers are still taking about the $75,000-plus payout for this year’s Isabella Lake Fishing Derby, but the trout action has been hit and miss since the event two weeks ago. Some trout are still showing from Stein Cove and at the auxiliary dam, but limits have been tough because of the weather change and wind this week. The largemouth bass action has come back on with some nice quality fish over five pounds reported on crankbaits and Senko-type lures. The fish are still mostly in less than 15 feet of water. The catfish action is also pretty decent for anglers fishing frozen shad and clams. Lots of pan-sized fish. Crappie, bluegill still mostly slow. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Action on planted trout in both the upper and lower river has been good since the DFG plants last week. Planted areas include Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park in the upper river and from Sandy Flat to Lower Richbar in the lower river. Still quite a few bigger-class rainbows showing in the upper river. Best action on nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and crickets for the planters in both the upper and lower section. The flyfishing above Kernville was pretty good this past week with the best action on No. 10 stonefly nymphs or No. 16 mayfly nymphs fishing deeply under indicators or crane fly patterns fished on the surface early and late in the day. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040 (or Fly Fishing the Kern River) or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: There striper bite looks to be taking off this week with a lot of four to six-pound, keeper-sized fish being taken on swimbaits (finally!), blood worms, and sand worms. Polo Cantu, Bakersfield, caught a five-pound striper on a swimbait. The catfish bite also is finally to take off with some nice fish reported in the past week, mostly on sardines. Jose Rivera, Bakersfield, caught an 11-pounder, while Scott Rios, Bakersfield, landed an eight-pounds. Both were on sardines. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: The bluegill bite is fair to good on wax and meal worm, and the bass action has been pretty good as the fish move shallow to spawn. The largemouth are best on plastics and nightcrawlers. Carp are starting to show in good numbers on homemade dough baits or Powder Bait.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bluegill and bass had been improving daily with the warmer weather, but they’ve lulled a little in recent days. Some crappie are also starting to be caught. The carp bite has been good on Powder Bait.
RIVER WALK PARK: The bluegill bite, which had been breaking wide open on waxworms and meal worms, was again lulled by a cold front and winds. A few bass are starting to show on minnows, nightcralwers, and plastics. The carp action is also starting to turn on with homemade dough baits and Powder Bait the best bets.
MING LAKE: There has been a pretty fair bite on bluegill, mostly on wax worms and meal worms. There is a good carp bite on Powder Bait or other dough baits, and the bass action is fair to good on brush hogs as the fish move tight into the shallows to spawn.
BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. No reports.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The bluegill action has been good over the past week on wax worms. The panfish are starting to move shallow. The crappie have been very spotty on live minnows, but the catfish bite has started to kick into gear. The spring-summer catfish stocking program begins this week. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: The bluegill bite is pretty good on red worms, meal worms, or wax worms, and more and more bass are showing on plastics in the shallows. DFG trout plant last week.
SUCCESS LAKE: Fair to good bass action, but trout are just fair after plant three weeks ago. Some bluegill and catfish also starting to show. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago. Fair to good action. The bass and redear are really starting to take off with both moving shallow, and the bass are well into the spawn. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: No report. Information: 805-472-2818.
NACIMIENTO: The crappie action was just fair much of this past week, but the bite looked to be improving again at mid-week with better weather and improving moon phase. This is a bite to watch. There continues to be a pretty good spotted bass bite with fair largemouth and smallmouth action. The white bass are in the main lake again with fewer and fewer fish up in the river mouth. A few catfish are starting to show. Information: 805-238-1056 or Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina.
SANTA MARGARITA: The bass bite lulled this week with the cooler weather and winds knocking the water temperatures back down. The fish are still moving shallow, most not deeper than 20 feet, and plastics have been the best baits, but it’s just been tough. A few nice crappie from 2-8 to 3-0 are showing, along with the beginnings of a bluegill and redear bite, but all the panfish are stll mostly spotty. Catfish have been slow. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
LOPEZ: The largemouth bass are still mostly shallow, but some fish have finished spawning and are moving back out of the shallows. Weather and wind have slowed the action this past week, but still pretty fair action on 1 1/2 to two-pound fish. The crappie bite also slowed, but a fair bite on one-pound class fish showing on small jigs in Mallard Cove, the ranger’s boat house, and Strawberry Flats. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries this week. For updates in Southern California and the Eastern Sierra Nevada, you can call the DFG recording at 562-594-7268, or for updates in the Western Sierra, you can call 559-243-4005, x183. For trout plants statewide, you can visit the DFG's web site at California Department of Fish & Game Fisheries Fish Planting Schedule by Regions.
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Dam, Jackson Lake, Legg Lakes, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Reservoir, Santa Fe Dam.
ORANGE: Mile Square Park Lake, Trabuco Creek.
SAN DIEGO: Lake Murray.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Jenks Lake, Mojave Narrows Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Park Lake.
FRESNO: King River (below Pine Flat Dam), San Joaquin River (below Friant Dam), Woodward Park Lake.
MADERA: Bass Lake, Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Del Lago Park Lake, Kaweah Lake.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.
