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SOCAL FISH REPORT
February 23, 2010
February 23, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews - Outdoor News Service
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. Diamond Valley Lake wasn’t in our top three picks last week. That was more because there’s a guilt-thing for putting it in every week than it didn’t deserve to be here. Well, after the awesome largemouth bass action reported this past week, it’s shooting right back to the top of the list. There are already bass on beds here and more each day. With the largemouths averaging an honest 3 1/2 to four pounds and catches of 25 or more fish per day common, how can it not be here? A prediction: The lake record is going to fall here this year. Someone’s going to land an 18-pounder in the next month or so. For updates on this incredible early-season bass bite, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410.
2. Hesperia Lake’s trout and catfish bite has been off the hook this past week. It was planted with 2,500 pounds of those crimson and gold Lightning Trout last Thursday and another 1,500 pounds of rainbows went in on Tuesday this week. Rainbows to 15 pounds and Lightning Trout to 10 pounds were recorded, and limits were reported all around the lake. Add in a 2,000-pound plant of catfish, and you have the makings of excellent fishing. For an update on the bite, call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. The big Humboldt squid bite fizzled this past week except for the San Diego boats, especially those out of Seaforth Landing, but the lull has dropped this pick to the No. 3 spot. Still the fishing is still one of the best in the region and worth a mention. Scores aren’t 10 squid per angler, but four or five per evening trip is still pretty common, and these things are up to 50 pounds. Contact Seaforth Landing at 619-224-3383, or give one of the other landings a ring. Most are running trips at dusk.
2. Hesperia Lake’s trout and catfish bite has been off the hook this past week. It was planted with 2,500 pounds of those crimson and gold Lightning Trout last Thursday and another 1,500 pounds of rainbows went in on Tuesday this week. Rainbows to 15 pounds and Lightning Trout to 10 pounds were recorded, and limits were reported all around the lake. Add in a 2,000-pound plant of catfish, and you have the makings of excellent fishing. For an update on the bite, call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. The big Humboldt squid bite fizzled this past week except for the San Diego boats, especially those out of Seaforth Landing, but the lull has dropped this pick to the No. 3 spot. Still the fishing is still one of the best in the region and worth a mention. Scores aren’t 10 squid per angler, but four or five per evening trip is still pretty common, and these things are up to 50 pounds. Contact Seaforth Landing at 619-224-3383, or give one of the other landings a ring. Most are running trips at dusk.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: With the exception of Los Angeles County waters, the trout bite is still generally good throughout Southern California at all of the urban waters. Los Angeles County waters are slowly being added back to the DFG plant list, but everyplace else has been good with the best bite at those waters planted each week. Those include Hesperia Lake, Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and all of the San Bernardino County Park lakes (which will be getting trophy trout next week). Hesperia Lake and Corona Lake have been particularly good, and Hesperia, Corona and SARL were all stocked with Lightning Trout last week. Neither of the 30-pound rainbows in Corona and SARL has been caught yet. 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 are breaking wide open across the region and the poorer weather has not seemed to slow down this romp to the spawn. The movement of fish up into shallower water is surging, and there have been some very good catches this past week at Diamond Valley Lake, Casitas, Castaic (a 14-pounder from the lagoon) El Capitan, Lower Otay, Perris, Skinner, Cachuma, and even Isabella and Puddingstone. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River looks like it might be poised to take off again, too, with very good reports at Havasu and the lower river again this week. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Castaic cranked out a number of stripers over 10 pounds, while the few reports from DVL also had at least a couple of stripers over 10 pounds. Silverwood, 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 in spite of the weather. On the Colorado River, the big news is the action at Havasu looked like it might be opening up a little at mid-lake of Windsor Beach on shad-like baits at night.
PANFISH: Still little to report on this front. Bluegill are quiet just about everywhere, and Lake Perris is only producing a few deep-water redear under a pound. While most crappie bites are still off, the action in the Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River seemed to come to life this past week and there were some real quality fish starting to show at Casitas. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to lull with poorer weather this week. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea also saw its bite nipped in the bud with cooler conditions.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been pretty good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. Hesperia had a 2,000-pound plant this week to keep it perking. A few cats are showing at Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes, and a few fish are also showing in Casitas’ Santa Ana Arm. The channel catfish action was also picking up along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the warmer backwaters and irrigation ditches, and there were a handful of flatheads reported, too.
BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites are breaking wide open across the region and the poorer weather has not seemed to slow down this romp to the spawn. The movement of fish up into shallower water is surging, and there have been some very good catches this past week at Diamond Valley Lake, Casitas, Castaic (a 14-pounder from the lagoon) El Capitan, Lower Otay, Perris, Skinner, Cachuma, and even Isabella and Puddingstone. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River looks like it might be poised to take off again, too, with very good reports at Havasu and the lower river again this week. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Castaic cranked out a number of stripers over 10 pounds, while the few reports from DVL also had at least a couple of stripers over 10 pounds. Silverwood, 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 in spite of the weather. On the Colorado River, the big news is the action at Havasu looked like it might be opening up a little at mid-lake of Windsor Beach on shad-like baits at night.
PANFISH: Still little to report on this front. Bluegill are quiet just about everywhere, and Lake Perris is only producing a few deep-water redear under a pound. While most crappie bites are still off, the action in the Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River seemed to come to life this past week and there were some real quality fish starting to show at Casitas. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to lull with poorer weather this week. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea also saw its bite nipped in the bud with cooler conditions.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been pretty good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. Hesperia had a 2,000-pound plant this week to keep it perking. A few cats are showing at Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes, and a few fish are also showing in Casitas’ Santa Ana Arm. The channel catfish action was also picking up along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the warmer backwaters and irrigation ditches, and there were a handful of flatheads reported, too.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
BIG BEAR LAKE: Very little fishing pressure. No DFG plants in over a month. Fishing information: Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. No recent DFG plants. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Lake facilities all closed. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No report.
JENKS LAKE: Closed. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Excellent trout action after a plant of 2,500 pounds of Lightning Trout last Thursday and another 1,500 pounds of rainbows on Tuesday this week. There were also 2,000 pounds of catfish planted Monday. The trout have been best on Inflated nightcrawlers, PowerBait, and Lip RipperZ plastics and jigs. Top rainbow catch was posted by Joel Bambila, Rancho Cucamonga, with trout at 15 and 14 pounds. Alex Carson, La Mirada, had a 13-8, while Rich Stanley, Fontana, caught 12-12 and 11-8 trout. Top Lightning Trout was in the 10-pound class. The week’s overall big fish was a 39-pound sturgeon by Tommy Clark, Covina, but John Tzavelakos, Hesperia, caught a 25-pound blue cat. Ernie Herrera, Los Angeles, caught a 17-pound flathead, while Sid Johnson, Brea, landed a 14-pound blue. 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: Fishing has been good to excellent for trout with Power Bait working best in colors garlic, rainbow, and salmon peach. Nightcawlers, jigs, and small trout lures are also working well. Top spots have been the eastern logged shore and the western shore from the pump house to the bridge of lake 3 and the northern and eastern shores 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 has been excellent. Best bite has been on Power Worms, Power Bait, and nightcrawlers. County plants are weekly now through the rest of the season except for this week, and DFG plants went in last week and three weeks ago. The lake will be receiving a special plant of trophy trout on March 4 from Mt. Lassen. Wayne Phillips, Victorville, caught four trout to 3.5 pounds. Other species mostly slow with the cold weather. 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. The fourth of San Bernardino County Regional Parks five trout season derbies will be held here Saturday, March 20, with the largest trout eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. The last derby in the series will be at Glen Helen, April 10. All derbies are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler (in addition to a $10 vehicle entry fee). For lake information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair trout action with fish averaging about one pound. Best bite has been on floating baits, small lures and jigs, and trout plastics. County plants are every week now through the rest of the season except for this week, but DFG plants went in this week and two weeks ago. The lake will also be receiving a special plant of trophy trout on March 4 from Mt. Lassen. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Excellent trout action with many limits reported. County trout are planted every week the rest of the season except for the this week, but DFG plants went in this week and two weeks ago. There was also a bonus plant of 2,000 pounds of trophy trout that went in two weeks ago and the lake will be receiving another special plant of trophy trout on March 4 from Mt. Lassen. All other species very slow. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action with the best bite in the lower lake. County plants are every week now through the rest of the trout season except this week, but DFG plants went in this week and two weeks ago. The lake will be receiving a special plant of trophy trout on March 4 from Mt. Lassen. There has also been a fair carp bite for those targeting them. Slow other species. The lake is hosting a junior fishing workshop on March 6 for kids ages 5-11. The workshop is set to run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the restistration fee is $5 per child with a $10 vehicle entry fee. To register call 909-387-2461. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Excellent trout action. County plants are going in weekly now through the rest of the trout season except this week, but DFG trout plants went in this week and two weeks ago. The lake will be receiving a special plant of trophy trout on March 4 from Mt. Lassen. Miguel Cadena, Apple Valley, caught four trout to 3.1 pounds on Power Bait. Catfish and carp action has been good recently as well. Slow other species. The final derby of San Bernardino County Regional Park’s five events will be held here Saturday, April 10, 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). 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 and three weeks ago. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: The largemouth bass bite has broken wide open with a lot of two to six-pound fish showing all around the lake in relatively shallow water with a lot of fish already fanning out beds -- and more showing up every warm day. Pete Marino’s Guide Service (Pete Marino Guide Service - Home) reported excellent action this week, with two five-fish catches at 18 and 19 pounds total for nearly a four-pound average. Lots of fish on a wide-variety of plastics with some bigger fish on the big trout-like swim baits. Last week’s trout plant perked the rainbow action, but there were few striper reports. Best rainbow action on the new garlic PowerBaits or small lures. There have been a few reports of good crappie action in 20 to 30 feet of water off the dams on small jigs. 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: Fair to good trout action and the largemouth bass bite is starting to pick up with quite a few fish showing. The trout have been showing from Sail Cove to the east end, with the marina and launch ramps areas good bets. Garlic PowerBait and garlic nightcrawlers have been the best baits. DFG trout plant this week. The largemouth are starting to move up a little with the warmer weather, and they are showing on plastics, jigs, inflated nightcrawlers, and swimbaits. Todd Pietsch, Grants Pass, OR, caught a 6.3-pound largemouth on a swimbait at Bernasconi Beach. Redear and bluegill are starting to show in better numbers on red worms, garlic nightcrawlers, and small jigs at the marina. Carp are mostly slow, but a few are being caught in Sail Cove and off Lots 11 and 12. Other species very slow. The park is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday through March to save State Parks money. The lake remains open to walk-in fishing on these days, but there is no access to the campground, day-use area, or marina. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: The trout action remains the best bet, but the bite has slowed from recent weeks and no more DFG plants are slated in the near term. Best bite for shore anglers at Ramp No. 2, with boat anglers seeing a decent bite in the east end with a few holdover fish. Top baits have been PowerBait dough, nightcrawlers, or small lures. The largemouth action cooled off with the weather this past week, but some anglers reported success fishing 20 to 25 feet of water with dark-colored plastics. Stripers remain mostly slow. Chicken liver fished near the dam has been the best bet to land a striper. Rob Fernandez, Riverside, caught two stripers to four pounds on chicken liver at ramp No. 2. The catfish, carp, bluegill, and crappie all are slow with only an occasional incidental catch. Troy Rojas, Oceanside, landed a seven-pound catfish on Power Bait at the east end. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Very light fishing pressure and few reports. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308, Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
CORONA LAKE: There were over 65 limits of trout reported this past weekend, including a lot of Lightning Trout, with the best a nine-pounder landed by Matt Thomas, Riverside. He and Shon Roberts, also Riverside, caught a total of nine Lightning Trout fishing from a boat with Lip RipperZ baits on Friday, and the total stringer weighed in at 30 pounds. The week’s best stringer was landed the day before by Roberts, Lucy Ortega, Riverside, and Jim Gregory, Beaumont, and it included 15 trout at 43 pounds with a six pounder top fish. Ronnie Travis and Jerry Wilson, both Riverside, caught 11 rainbows for 26 1/2 pounds with a seven pounder the top fish. Erik Eyserbeck, Temecula, had eight trout for 21 pounds, including a 5 1/2–pound rainbow. Trout plastics, jigs, and floating baits have best the best baits and adding a garlic scent has helped. Ongoing big trout derby runs through Feb. 28 has a $6,000 Alaskan fishing trip as the top prize. Information: 951-277-4489 or default b.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago. Other species slow.
RANCHO JURUPA: County trout plants of 1,500 pounds are going in alternating weeks this year. The next plant is slated for this week, and a DFG plant went in last week. No reports. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN’S RETREAT: No report. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER’S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Good trout bite with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. Slow catfish and bluegill action. 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 just fair trout action with no recent DFG plants. 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: For the second week in a row, a 19-pound rainbow top fish here. Vince Virgen, Buena Park, caught the 19-pounder fishing near the docks with chartreuse Eagle Claw Nitro dough last Thursday. Vince and Varian Virgen, also Buena Park, ended the day with nine trout for a total of 53 pounds. Kory Allen, Garden Grove, had five trout for 18 1/2 pounds, including a 5 1/2 pounder. Edgar Sanchez, Corona, topped off his five-fish 13-pound stringer with a 6 1/2 pounder, while Hieu and Matthew Hoang, Garden Grove, landed five rainbows to 6 1/2 pounds for a total of 19 1/2 pounds. Bob Barr, Tustin, caught five rainbows topped by a 6 3/4-pounder for 14 3/4 pounds total. The best trout action is still in shallow water along the lake’s shoreline with the best bite in only four to six feet of water and rarely more than 25 feet off the shoreline because of the steep sides of the lakes. Floating baits and the Trout Mouse combo doused with scent have been the top baits. An ongoing big trout derby runs through Feb. 28 and has a $6,000 Alaskan fishing trip as the top prize. 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: Trout action was good this past week. Woody's Cove, Boat Dock Cove, Trout Island, and Santiago Flats were the top spots. Adam Berry, Lomita, caught a 9-12 rainbow trout on a Rapala fishing mid-lake. Harry Fonseca, Pico Rivera, hooked into a 9-8 rainbow trout on a Mira Shad at Sierra Cove. Guillermo Soto, Tustin, got an 8-6 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at Woody’s Cove. Shawn Briszuela, Canyon Country, landed a 9-6 steelhead on Power Bait at Boat Dock Cove.A plant of 2,000 pounds of hybrid stripers went in three and four weeks but the action has not kicked in on these fish just yet. Largemouth action has started to pick up with fish to 6-1 reported this past week. The occasional catfish is still being landed. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been very good. Kids who catch one of each species of trout will be entered into a prize raffle. 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: Very good trout fishing and another plant is slated to go in this week. The top spots have been Bubble Hole and in front of the dock, Three Pipes, and the small island. The backside of the island and near Three Pipes were the best spots for fly anglers once again. Quite a few bass are starting to move shallow in a pre-spawn mode. Top fish reported this past week were a 7-12 trout and a 9-8 largemouth. 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: Bass action is good for largemouth and fair for smallmouth, with a lot of fish moving shallow in a pre-spawn bite. Trout action slowed with no DFG plants for at least three weeks. 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: The largemouth bass bite is starting to break open with more and more bass moving into the shallows and already on beds. While the weather has hampered the fishing, there have been some good scores in the past week. Top fish reported was an 8.3-pounder caught by Travis Walters, Oakview, on a plastics. Mark Torrez, Camarillo, landed a 6-8 bass on spear worm, while Kevin McClure, Ventura, landed a six-pounder, also on a plastic. Colt Pulley, Ojai, had a pair of bass that weighed nine pounds total, both on jigs. There was a bass tournament on Saturday, and it was won by Brian Evans, Ojai, and Matt McKenzie, Ventura, with a five-fish, 20-4 total. They also won the big fish prize with a six-pounder. The crappie bite is also starting to turn on with the fish staging in 15 to 20 feet of water. Shaun Flaherty, Oakview, landed crappie at 2-4 and 2-8 last Thursday and then a three-pounder on Saturday. He was fishing mini jigs both times. There are also still a few catfish showing for anglers fishing in the Santa Ana River Arm where the water comes in during rains. Trout slow and no plants are likely in the near future. Private boats are allowed at Casitas, but boats will be inspected and face a 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Good striper action in spite of the weather with some quality fish over 10 pounds starting to show. Most of the fish are one to three pounds, and the action has been best on anchovies or sardines, with squid or nightcrawlers are decent back-up baits. Sharron’s Rest, Elizabeth Canyon, Kong Island, and the fore bay buoy line are the top spot. Best bite in the afternoons. The largemouth bass bite has been improving with some fish starting to nose up into shallower water for the spawn. Most of the action has been in 10 to 25 feet of water on plastics and jigs. The lagoon seems to be ahead of the main lake with some fish already in shallow kicking out beds. A 14-pound largemouth was caught this past week by a float tuber in the lagoon (photo on FishingNetwork.net forum). Also still a few cats showing on cut baits. Trout are slow with the last plants Jan. 12. Information: 661-775-6232 or Castaic Lake | Home.
PIRU: Best action has been on very good largemouth bass which are acting like it’s spring and starting to move up into shallower water. The bass are still mostly in 15 to 40 feet showing on plastics and jigs. Steve Rauch, Kagel Canyon, 9.8-pound largemouth on Tuesday this week. The crappie are also starting to improve on small jigs in 20 to 25 feet. Trout are very slow with no plants since Jan. 18, and none likely anytime soon. Bluegill, redear, and catfish are mostly slow, too. There will be a public bass tournament March 21. Information: front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or Lake Piru Recreation Area.
PYRAMID: Weather has made for rough fishing conditions over the past week, but there is still a fair bite on smaller stripers on anchovies and sardines (if you can get them) in deeper water in the main body of the lake. Also an occasional fish on a swimbait. The last DFG trout plant was Jan. 25, and only a few fish are still showing on PowerBait or small lures. Bob Caffey, Acton, caught a limit of holdover rainbows to five pounds fishing anchovies slathered up with orange-colored sardine scent. The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are improving, but they are still mostly in deeper water and showing on plastics and jigs. The redear, bluegill, and catfish are all very slow. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth, 661-295-7155, concession 661-257-2790, or Forest Service 661-296-9710.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Slow trout bite with last DFG plant over a month ago. Fair 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: Last DFG trout plant over a month ago. Slow action. The catfish, bluegill, and largemouth action all very slow. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant four weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant four weeks ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week and four weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG DFG trout plant four weeks ago.
ELIZABETH LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: No recent DFG plants. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant four weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant four weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and four weeks ago.
LEGG LAKES: DFG trout plant four weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake is closed for the season and will reopen in May, 2010. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
HODGES: Tough bite. There were 103 anglers checked and they reported catching 36 bass and one crappie. Martin Arenas, Escondido, caught a 10.25 pound largemouth on a crankbait at the dam. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
EL CAPITAN: The largemouth bass bite is really starting to take off here, but the crappie bite fizzled from the previous week. This past week, 212 anglers landed 367 bass, 20 crappie, four catfish. 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 Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
LOWER OTAY: The bass bite was slowed a little by the weather change but many fish are still moving tight. There were 154 anglers this past week who reported catching 242 bass to 5.2 pounds, 19 crappie to 3.89 pounds, three channel catfish to 12.3 pounds, and 2 carp to 15 pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake will not be renting boats November, December, or January. Rentals resume Feb. 6 on a Saturday-Sunday schedule. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
UPPER OTAY: There were nine anglers who landed 15 bass to 4.68 pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for catch-and-release fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is open. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
MURRAY: The bite here is still tough. There were 60 anglers checked and they reported catching just 12 bass and 10 trout. The last plant was Jan. 21 and none are scheduled soon. 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 Department. The lake is no longer renting boats of any kind.
MIRAMAR: There were 53 anglers who caught 18 bass and 11 trout. The next trout plant is set for March 1. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. The lake is no longer renting boats of any kind.
Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department.
SUTHERLAND: Closed. It will reopen in March. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
WOHLFORD: Trout action was good this past week despite the rains. Inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait have been working best. Top spots for trout are Willow Cove, Boat Dock Cove, and Senior Shoreline. Javier Zepeda, San Marcos, caught the top trout at 6.15 pounds on a nightcrawler in Boat Dock Cove. Some catfish are still showing on cut baits at the buoy lines. Trout were planted two weeks ago. The bass fishing was slow to fair this past week. The first crappie of the year was landed this past week. The crappie weighed-in at 2.05 pounds and was landed near the south shore rock pile. The lake is open 7 days a week. There are four bass boat-type rentals available. Quagga mussel fears still have a private boating ban. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: No recent DFG plants.
DIXON LAKE: Fair trout action. Nightcrawlers, rainbow Power Bait, small crappie jigs, Power Worms, Rooster Tails, Kastmasters, and Thomas Buoyants have all been producing for trout. Bass action is mostly slow with a few fish showing in Trout Cove. Some catfish are also showing on chicken liver, mackerel, and shrimp. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Fishing was slow for all species this past week. Trout anglers had some success fishing the back side of the lake and near Jump Off Point. Some small bass are showing and the bite should improve as the weather warms up. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: No report. 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: Good to excellent trout action with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. DFG plants this week and two weeks ago. Other species are mostly slow. 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 available. 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: Mostly slow action with a spotty striped bass action with fish in deeper water at the dam. Still some decent action in Hemenway, Boulder Bay, Gypsum Wash, the 33 Hole, and dam on cut anchovies, sardines, shad-like lures. Most fish under four pounds. But a few bigger fish are showing after trout plants. Slow catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. The largemouth bass action is slow to fair off the points in deeper water.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite is fair to good with weekly plants. Best action on salmon eggs, Power Bait, worms and Super Dupers. Slow to fair 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: Continued very slow striper action in the southern portion of the lake. Only a few fish reported from the coves around the power lines and at the dam with most of the fish under three pounds. Anchovies and sardines in 15 to 45 feet of water. The Cottonwood area seems to be starting to turn around a little for the stripers, but still very tough. Bass and bluegill also very slow throughout the lake. Catfish are slow on cut baits, but a few were reported this past weekend during the full moon. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, Katherine’s Landing at 928-754-3245.
LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: The trout bite has been slow but a plant this week should perk that bite. There are monthly plants at Davis Camp and the Sportsman’s Access, and 4,000 fish averaging 12 inches were planted this Wednesday. The bite has been best from the casinos all the way down to Rotary Park. Other species are very slow. An April 50-50 Derby has been set up to benefit Special Olympics. Entry is $12 per category (stripers, catfish, and trout). Information: Riviera Marina at 928-763-8550.
NEEDLES AREA: Very light fishing pressure. There is a slow to fair smallmouth bass bite in the main river from Needles south to I-40, mostly on small cranks. Slow striper action, with the best bite early in the morning on fish under two pounds. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bass action. Information: Needles Marina at 760-326-2197.
TOPOCK AREA: There have been a few catches of crappie at Catfish Paradise and South Dike, with the best bite on live minnows and Roadrunner jigs. There is also a fair bass bite on plastics, jigs, and live minnows in the marsh. The main river has been slow for stripers, but there continues to be a decent pick on smallmouth bass from Needles all the way to Lake Havasu. Best action on small cranks and drop-shotted plastics. 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 striped bass are showing in the main lake off Windsor Beach, following the shad. The best action is still at night on cut baits and shad-like cranks and swimbaits. The smallmouth bass have started to move up shallow and are already looking for spots to spawn, and the bite has been pretty fair. Largemouth, channel catfish, flatheads, and redear are still mostly slow with light fishing pressure. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler’s Pro Shop) at 928-854-2277.
PARKER STRIP: Mostly very slow action. Channel catfish have been slow this past week, but the smallmouth bass in the main river along the rip rap are fair at best. Bluegill and redear are slow in backwaters and quiet water in the main river. Few flathead reports.
BLYTHE: Most bites have perked in this region with better catfish and bass action in the area backwaters. The smallmouth bite in the main river is also fair with quite a few fish reported along the rip-rap. The catfish are best on cut baits and nightcrawlers. Still very few flatheads, and the bluegill and crappie are still mostly slow. No striper reports either. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: The catfish bite in the backwaters and main river has been fair on cut baits. A few more largemouth bass and bluegill are starting to show from the area backwaters, and the smallmouth bite has been pretty decent in the main river. Information: Walter’s Camp 760-854-3322 Thursday through Monday.
PICACHO AREA: A few cats and largemouth are showing, but still very light fishing pressure.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Improving bass and catfish action. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and live bait. Channel catfish and flatheads are both improving but the bite is still spotty with the channels better than the flatheads. Few crappie and bluegill yet. Information: 928-783-9589 Thursday through Monday or Martinez Lake Resort.
YUMA AREA: Bass action is slow in the main river and pretty fair in river backwaters on minnows and plastics. Channel catfish are fair and improving, but flatheads remain mostly slow.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite slowed again with the cooler weather this past week with very light fishing pressure and little action for those fishing. A couple of warm days in a row should kick this bite into high gear. Free kayak tours are being run beginning at noon each Sunday. 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 plants this week and two weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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. The Nevada stretch is only a little better. 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, but access is tough. Hot Creek has been pretty fair on midges and small mayflies patterns with some dry-fly action. The Upper Owens is also tough with bigger fish concentrated in a few pockets. 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 continue to be a few nice Alpers’ rainbows being caught. The DFG also added catchable last week. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River remains just fair for fly anglers with little surface activity now. The lower Owens from Laws to Stewart Lane and Pleasant Valley did get DFG trout plants last week, and the bite has been pretty good. Owens Gorge fair for small browns. Information: Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, Culver’s 760-872- 8361, Brock’s 760-872-3581,
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: There continues to be a decent catfish bite at Engineer Point on frozen shad with most fish pan-sized up to four pounds. There is a fair trout bite at the auxiliary dam on nightcrawlers and floating dough baits. A recent Alper’s trout plant went in as part of the stocking for the 21st Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby set for March 27-29 with over $200,000 in prizes this year. (For more information go to 21st Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby.) DFG trout were also slated to go in this week. The largemouth bass bite has been slowly improving, too, with more and more fish starting to move shallow and some action has been as shallow as 10 feet. Other species are slow. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Last week’s trout plant in both the upper and lower river has kept the trout action pretty fair in the Kernville area and the Richbar and Hobo locations in the lower river with the best bite on crickets and salmon eggs. The flyfishing on the upper river is still very tough with cold water conditions and only a few fish showing on midge larva or pupae patterns and small nymphs. A few bass also are showing on nightcrawlers and plastics in the lower river. Next plants in Kern will be in March. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040 (or Fly Fishing the Kern River) or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The striped bass bite has been pretty fair this past week with a lot of quality fish over the 18-inch minimum size, and most of the bite has been on small swimbaits and blood worms or sand worms. Eddie “Fish Taco” Martinez, Fontana, caught a 15-pounder this week on one of his own baits. Only a few cats showing. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago, and the bite has been pretty good on the new garlic-flavored PowerBait, the green pumpkin color, and the hatchery formula baits. Nightcrawlers doused with garlic scent are also a good bet. Other species are very slow.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. Fair to good trout action on garlic PowerBaits. Other species still slow.
RIVER WALK PARK: Very good trout action with DFG plants this week and last week, with PowerBait in garlic and garlic nightcrawlers the best baits. The carp action is also starting to turn on. Ed Villareal, Bakersfield, landed a 12-pound carp on garlic Power Bait. The bluegill bite slowed with the cooler weather this week, but they can still be caught on waxworms.
MING LAKE: Fair to good action after DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. Best bite on PowerBait and garlic nightcrawlers. Some largemouth bass are also starting to show on plastics and nightcrawlers and they start moving into the shallows for the spawn. The carp action is also improving with some fish showing on Powder Bait.
BRITE LAKE: No DFG trout plant in over a month.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout action is winding down with no plants in several weeks. The few trout still being caught are showing on garlic nightcrawlers and PowerBait. A few bass are starting to show, but the winter crappie bite seems to have fizzled. Still a few catfish showing, but light fishing pressure on the cats. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. The bite had been slow without plants for over a month. The bluegill bite is starting to improve on red worms or meal worms.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week after a month hiatus. Some improved bass action over the past week with some fish starting to move shallow. Most fish still in 15 to 30 feet on plastics and jigs. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Last plant over a month ago. Slow action on other species with only a few bass and the odd redear showing, but all the warmwater species seem to be improving. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: No report. Information: 805-472-2818.
NACIMIENTO: Very little fishing pressure with the rains, but there continues to be some decent spotted bass action with jigs, plastics, and swim baits. No reports on other species. The lake level has gone from 11 percent capacity in October to 46 percent on Wednesday this week. Information: 805-238-1056 or Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina.
SANTA MARGARITA: Rain, rain and more rain has slowed the action to a crawl. A recent bass tournament with 36 boats saw two-thirds of them skunked. There was an 11-6 caught a week ago, and the bass are starting to move up shallow. A few crappie are showing on small jigs, too, but the fishing pressure has been very light. The rain has jumped the lake level 27 feet, going from 55 percent of capacity to 94 percent this season. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
LOPEZ: The bass bite has been fair with more fish starting to move shallow with the best bite on plastics and cranks. Top spots have been Cottonwood Cove and near the launch. Crappie have been pretty good at at the ranger’s boat house and Strawberry Flats on jigs or red worms. Rains have jumped the lake from 48 percent to 56 percent of capacity. Few other reports. 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: Downey Wilderness Park Lake, La Mirada Lake.
ORANGE: Centennial Regional Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Regional Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-City Park Lake, Yorba Regional Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Reservoir, Morena Reservoir.
RIVERSIDE: Lake Cahuilla, Perris Reservoir.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park Lake, Prado Regional Park Lake, Glen Helen Regional Park Lakes, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Regional Park Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Fresno Regional Sports Complex Pond, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
KERN: Hart Park Lake, Isabella Lake, Lake Truxton, Lake Woollomes, Ming Lake, The Park at River Walk Lake.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H.V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.
