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SOCAL FISH REPORT
January 6, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
January 6, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. While the number one pick last week (the San Bernardino County Parks) was right on thanks to trophy fish plants, Corona Lake is back in the top spot this week for trout anglers thanks to continued excellent fishing. And the bite should stay that way thanks to another double plant of rainbows this week. While Corona Lake can look a lot like Lake Crowley on opening weekend some days, the crowds don’t seem to be slowing the bite and there have been a lot of limits of rainbows to six pounds and one or two trout over 20 pounds keep showing each week. For an update on the bite, call the tackle shop at 951-277-3321 or check the lakes’ web site at fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake for the latest fish photos or video of the plants.
2. Diamond Valley Lake kicks Lake Skinner out of the No. 2 spot this week with its good striped bass and largemouth action. When you add in a DFG trout plant this week, the striper action is likely to just get better here. The big trout-like swimbaits have been the best bet for the stripers, and the inlet and east dam are the top spots. For an update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.
3. The bite on big Humboldt squid out of San Diego is staying in the top picks because the action remains good. These cephelaphods are running up to 30 pounds, and catches up to nearly 10 per rod have been common this past week. Both Seaforth and H&M Landing are now running night trips. Call Seaforth Sportfishing at 619-224-3383 or H&M Landing at 619-222-1144. If you go, don’t forget to bring a rain coat (or at least old clothes) to fend off the squiring ink.
REMINDER: Don’t forget to get that 2010 fishing license.
2. Diamond Valley Lake kicks Lake Skinner out of the No. 2 spot this week with its good striped bass and largemouth action. When you add in a DFG trout plant this week, the striper action is likely to just get better here. The big trout-like swimbaits have been the best bet for the stripers, and the inlet and east dam are the top spots. For an update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.
3. The bite on big Humboldt squid out of San Diego is staying in the top picks because the action remains good. These cephelaphods are running up to 30 pounds, and catches up to nearly 10 per rod have been common this past week. Both Seaforth and H&M Landing are now running night trips. Call Seaforth Sportfishing at 619-224-3383 or H&M Landing at 619-222-1144. If you go, don’t forget to bring a rain coat (or at least old clothes) to fend off the squiring ink.
REMINDER: Don’t forget to get that 2010 fishing license.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: The urban trout season is wide open, and all the lakes are cranking out nice stringers of fish. Top bets continue to be Corona Lake (with another double plant), Hesperia Lakes, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel Park Lake. All of the San Bernardino County Park Lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, Yucaipa, and Mojave Narrows -- were planted with trophy trout last week, and Yucaipa is getting trophy fish again this week for its Saturday trout derby (with up to $500 in prizes for the biggest fish). Big fish of the week again came from Corona Lake with two fish over 21 pounds. In San Diego County, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, and Dixon all remain top picks with regular plants, but Cuyamaca is perhaps the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth bass bites are just spotty right now, with really just one big exception -- Diamond Valley Lake is continues good. There are a few quality fish showing at lakes where trout are being planted, with Casitas the best of those in a distant second place behind DVL. Smallmouth bass remain fair with flurries of good action in the lower Colorado River from Parker to Palo Verde. And there’s almost no fishing pressure.
STRIPED BASS: The bites are pretty fair at all the usual haunts. Skinner, Diamond Valley, and Pyramid all are pretty good bets, but Castaic slowed way down this past week. Silverwood might even be better than Castaic this week. No whoppers anywhere this week, but Diamond Valley has been producing more big fish than any of the other waters in the region and it gets DFG trout this week. Lots of two to five pounders showing at Pyramid and Skinner. On the Colorado River, there has been very little fishing pressure and most bites are off.
PANFISH: The bluegill have all but died everywhere, but one decent redear bite is lingering for diligent panfish anglers. That bite is Lake Perris with the action in deep water on nightcrawler pieces or jigs tipped with bait in the marina area. Keep an eye on Puddingstone. Crappie bites are surging a couple of places with others keying up to take off. Top bets are the bites on bigger fish at Buena Vista Lakes (west of Bakersfield) and Isabella. The Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River is also one to keep an eye on, but no place is sizzling. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is very slow.
CATFISH: Slow most places. Hesperia Lake is still the best bet of the urban lakes, but it is spotty. For wild fish, the action is slow most places with only a few fish showing at Skinner, Diamond Valley, Casitas, and most of the San Diego area lakes. Overall, every place is tough.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth bass bites are just spotty right now, with really just one big exception -- Diamond Valley Lake is continues good. There are a few quality fish showing at lakes where trout are being planted, with Casitas the best of those in a distant second place behind DVL. Smallmouth bass remain fair with flurries of good action in the lower Colorado River from Parker to Palo Verde. And there’s almost no fishing pressure.
STRIPED BASS: The bites are pretty fair at all the usual haunts. Skinner, Diamond Valley, and Pyramid all are pretty good bets, but Castaic slowed way down this past week. Silverwood might even be better than Castaic this week. No whoppers anywhere this week, but Diamond Valley has been producing more big fish than any of the other waters in the region and it gets DFG trout this week. Lots of two to five pounders showing at Pyramid and Skinner. On the Colorado River, there has been very little fishing pressure and most bites are off.
PANFISH: The bluegill have all but died everywhere, but one decent redear bite is lingering for diligent panfish anglers. That bite is Lake Perris with the action in deep water on nightcrawler pieces or jigs tipped with bait in the marina area. Keep an eye on Puddingstone. Crappie bites are surging a couple of places with others keying up to take off. Top bets are the bites on bigger fish at Buena Vista Lakes (west of Bakersfield) and Isabella. The Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River is also one to keep an eye on, but no place is sizzling. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is very slow.
CATFISH: Slow most places. Hesperia Lake is still the best bet of the urban lakes, but it is spotty. For wild fish, the action is slow most places with only a few fish showing at Skinner, Diamond Valley, Casitas, and most of the San Diego area lakes. Overall, every place is tough.
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. Last DFG plant over a month ago. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Lake facilities all closed. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.
JENKS LAKE: Closed. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Overall the trout action is very good with a lot of limits reported. Plants of 2,500 pounds of trout are going in each week this month. Power Bait and Lip Ripperz have been working best. The catfish bite is slow to fair but a few fish continue to show. The last sturgeon and wiper plants were in November but a few of each show each 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. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Good trout action with Power Bait, nightcawlers, jigs, and small trout lures all working well. The best action is before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and the best areas have been the east and west shore of lake three and north and east shore of lake two. Aaron Jones, Apple Valley, caught a 4-9 rainbow on orange Power Bait from the eastern shore of lake 2. The lake is normally 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 very good with the weekly county plants. A DFG plant also went in last week along with a county plant of trophy-class rainbows from Mt. Lassen. Ralph White, Victorville, caught a 5.5-pound trout on a nightcrawler at the north end of the lake. Best bite has been on floating baits in a variety of colors and light leaders and small trout jigs. County plants are weekly now through the rest of the season except for the last week of February, and another DFG plant is scheduled for this week. Other species mostly slow now with the cold weather. For lake information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: The plant of trophy-class rainbow trout from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms from last week resulted in a few nice catches. Overall good action on floating baits, small lures and jigs, and trout plastics. Nick Escabodo, Covina, caught three trout to 7.6 pounds. David Regan, Fontana, landed four trout to 5.6 pounds. County plants are every week now through the rest of the season except for the last week of February, and there was a DFG plant last week. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Several nice fish reported after the bonus plant of trophy-class rainbow trout from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms last week. The trout action has been just fair with the best bite on jigs or chartreuse and rainbow Power Bait. Aboytes, Colton, caught a six-pound trout on garlic Power Bait in basin No. 2. Isaiah Marquez, Chino, landed a 5.6-pound trout at Lot No. 8 on orange Power Bait. County are planted every week the rest of the season except for the last week in February. DFG plant last week, too. The catfish bite was fair this past week with anglers targeting them having some success. Slow other species. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: The second of San Bernardino County Regional Parks five trout season derbies will be held here this Saturday with the largest trout eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. The lake will receive a bonus plant of trophy trout for this event. Big trout in the first derby held this year was an 11-11 rainbow, and the biggest fish landed during the derby series last year was a 19 1/2 pounder. Other parks hosting derbies are as follows: Prado, February 6; Mojave Narrows, March 20; and 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). Good trout action. County plants are every week now through the rest of the trout season, except the last week of February. There was also a DFG plant two weeks ago and a plant of trophy-class rainbows from Mt. Lassen last week. Slow other species. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Several nice fish reported after the bonus plant of trophy-class rainbow trout from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms last week. Excellent trout action. County plants are going in weekly now through the rest of the trout season, except for the last week in February. DFG trout plants two and four weeks ago. Dawn Saunders, Redlands, caught a 7.1-pound trout on Power Bait from the large lake. Larry Dodson, Devore, landed a 6.1-pound rainbow on Power Bait from the large lake. Charles Barryhill, San Bernardino, caught a five-pound ranbow on green Power Bat, also from the big lake. Slow catfish action, and the bluegill bite is slow on small worms, mealworms, and crickets fished on the bottom. Carp are fair on dough baits. Bass action slow. 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 this week. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: The striper action was good with the best action on trout-like swimbaits fished at the inlet or east dam. Yvonne Sutherland, Fontana, caught a 13-pound striper on a Z-Plug. Rainbow trout action has been good and a DFG plant is slated for this week. Floating dough baits, trout jigs, and small trout plastics have been working best. Best action in the marina cove and off the east dam with two-pound test. The largemouth bass bite is very good. Many anglers are reporting 15 to 20 fish catches on plastics. Rene Chavez, Hemet, caught a 6.6-pound largemouth. Some catfish are showing near the attenuator in 20 feet of water on mackerel, shrimp, and anchovies. Bluegill and crappie have slowed with only a few showing on jigs and nightcrawlers fished at the dam. The launch ramp reopened for boat launching last Sunday, two months ahead of schedule, with the completion of the ramp extension. For general lake 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: DFG trout were planted last week and the trout bite has been very good. Nightcrawlers and dark-colored Power Worms have been working best for trout, and anglers have reported success at Launch Ramp Cove and Lots 11 and 12. Paul Keenan, Perris, caught a 5.6-pound rainbow on a green Power Worm fishing near the launch ramp. Bass action just fair with the early morning bite best. Shane Rott, Riverside, caught a 7.5-pound largemouth on a swimbait at the dam. The bluegill and crappie action is slow, but a fair number of redear continue to show on small nightcrawlers or small jigs tipped with a bait around the marina. The catfish bite is slow with the marina the top spot and mackerel the top bait. Slow carp bite at Lots 5 and 6, the east end, and Rock Climber's Cove area. The park is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday now 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 striper bite has continued very good with the inlet and ramp No. 2 still the top spots. The fish are mostly keyed on the shad, but the bigger fish are going for the stocked rainbows. Alex Summers, Los Angeles, caught six stripers to eight pounds on a swimbait at Ramp No. 2. Most of the stripers are in the two to three-pound range and showing on live shad (if you can dip some) or frozen anchovies. The trout also have been very good after the plant last week. County plants are alternating weeks. Ramp No. 2 has been the top spot with Power Bait, spoons, spinnerbaits, nightcrawlers, and Troutmallows all producing fish. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. The catfish remain fair along the south shoreline on cut baits. Kevin Jones, Moreno Valley, caught a seven-pound catfish on chicken liver at the dam. Largemouth spotty in the east end and south shore. Parking has been restricted for ramp No. 2, but the shoreline remains open for fishing. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Very light fishing pressure and few reports. Rumors of a budding crappie bite can’t be confirmed. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308, Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
CORONA LAKE: There were at least 60 limits were reported at the tackle shop over the past week, and the biggest trout was a 21.9-pound rainbow landed by Chris Axline, Middletown, Md., while Anthony Ulrich, Murrieta, landed 21 1/2-pounder to top of a 15-fish stringer that weighed in at 44 1/2 pounds. Matt Thomas, Riverside, caught 10 rainbows that weighed 22 pounds with a 6 1/2 pounder his best fish. All were taken on Lip RipperZ baits. Celest Garcia, Pomona, had a 21 1/2-pound, 10-fish stringer and her best fish was a 4 1/2 pounder. All hers were landed on nightcrawlers. Most of the rainbows are from one to three pounds and five-fish stringers are averaging about 10 pounds or better, but a lot of stringers have kicker rainbows from four to seven pounds. The rainbows have been showing on a wide variety of floating baits in bright colors, inflated nightcrawlers, trout jigs, and plastics, but one factor that seems to add to all the baits’ effectiveness is garlic scent. Information: 951-277-4489 or default b.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago. Other species slow.
RANCHO JURUPA: DFG trout plant this week and there was a county plant last week. The action has been very good. Other species are slow. Trout Derby set for January 23. Matt Evans, Riverside, had a 7-6 rainbow recently, while Molly and Alex Bernal, Riverside, had four rainbows to two pounds this past week -- all on green Power Bait. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN’S RETREAT: No report. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER’S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: No report. The lake's hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or Reflection Lake RV Park, a Hemet California RV Park and Family Campground.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Very 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: Trout action is mostly slow with only few reports of one or two fish. Other species slow. 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: A double plant of trout has kept the rainbow trout action excellent, and another plant is going in this week. The average rainbows are running from one to three pounds, but many stringers have trout from four to seven pounds on them. The biggest rainbows reported were a pair of 7 1/2 pounders. One topped off a four-fish stringer that weighed 14 3/4 pounds landed by Mo Watanabe, Fountain Valley, fishing nightcrawlers at the pumphouse. The second 7-4 was part of a two fish stringer that also included a six-pound rainbow caught by Daniel Cortez, Anaehim, and Brittni Prado, Corona, on nightcrawlers and dough bait at Levitz’ Corner. Varian Virgen, Fulleton, caught a seven-pound rainbow on chartreuse Eagle Claw Nitro dough at Levitz, while Mike Shim, Fullerton, also caught a seven pounder on the same bait in Chris’ Pond. Mike Lucuano, South Gate, had a seven-fish stringer topped off with a seven-pounder, and all of them weighed 14 1/2 pounds. Kathy and Tabetha Server, Bellflower, had 15 fish at 21 1/2 pounds. The hot baits have floating dough baits in bright colors, either the Eagle Claw Nitro Bait or Berkley Power Bait. The other hot bait has been an inflated nightcrawler dipped in Eagle Claw Gravy. Both baits should be fished on short leaders, under 12-inches, to keep the bait close to the bottom where the rainbows are cruising. Anglers fishing a “Trout Mouse” have also been scoring limits. This is a small trout worm trailed behind a ball of floating dough fished drop-shot style. The tip of the plastic worm is put on one of the points of the treble hook, and then the hook is covered with dough bait. 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: Very good trout action again this past week. Nightcrawlers have been the top bait with Power Bait and Rapalas also producing fish. Trout Island, Boat Dock Cove, and Santiago Flats were the top spots. A bonus plant of trophy trout went in three weeks ago and they continue to show. Eric Taylor, San Ramon, caught a 15-8 rainbow trout on a Rapala at the flats. Paul Horvat, LaVerne, caught an 11-6 rainbow trout on a Rapala at the buoy line. Omar Banks, Moreno Valley, hooked into a 10-6 rainbow trout on a Power Mouse from Boat Dock Cove. Mark Christopher, Palm Springs, got a 9-8 trout on Power Bait at Trout Island. Jason Jones, Fullerton, reeled in a 9-6 rainbow trout on a Rapala. Fishing pressure has been very light for largemouth but anglers fishing in 15 to 20 feet of water near Red Clay Cliffs and Rocky Point have had success in recent weeks. Some bluegill and catfish are showing but the action is mostly slow. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been excellent after a plant of brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout three weeks ago. Kids who catch one of each species of trout will be entered into a prize raffle. The lake will be open on New Year's Day. 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: Trout plant last week, but 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: A DFG trout plant went in last week and the action has been good. Nightcrawlers have been the top bait with Cachuma Bay and the dam top spots. Jim Stornetta, Santa Maria, caught 10 trout on nightcrawlers in Cachuma Bay. There is still a pretty fair bite on smallmouth bass on the rocky points, mostly on plastics and jigs in deeper water. Dave Poolman, Ventura, landed seven bass on spoons fishing all over the lake in 40 to 50 feet of water. Slow other species. 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, effective in mid-October. 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: Continued slow to fair bass action, but diligent anglers are still getting a few fish in 15 to 30 feet of water on drop-shot plastics, jigs, or Kastmasters. Juan Perez, Oakview, had a nine-pound bass on a plastic, while Shaun Flaherty, Oakview, landed a 7-8 on a jig. Matt Wheatley, Oakveiw, landed a half-dozen bass to 5-12 over three days, all on plastics. Trout spotty, DFG plants a pittance of normal. Crappie, redear, and catfish all slow. 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: Fishing really slowed down this past week for both stripers and largemouth, but the largemouth been particularly slow with only some smaller stripers still showing, but not in the numbers of recent weeks. Cut baits and nightcrawlers have been working best for the stripers with the buoy line the top spot. Crappie, catfish, and redeaer all very slow, too. The lagoon has remained the best bet with largemouth, trout, and panfish all showing in fair numbers on a variety of baits. Information: 661-775-6232 or Castaic Lake | Home.
PIRU: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago, and the bite has been pretty good on floating baits and small lures and jigs. The largemouth bass action is slow on jigging spoons and ice jigs in 30 to 50 feet of water. A few crappie continue to show on small jigs, and bluegill and redear are spotty on nightcrawlers and red worms. Catfish very slow. Information: front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or Lake Piru Recreation Area.
PYRAMID: Stripers remain pretty fair in the channel with a few still showing in the marina. Also some fish at the dam. The stripers are two to five pounds and they are showing on swim baits and cut baits. The bigger fish are best in the marina with the smaller fish in the main channel. With no DFG trout plant for three weeks, the trout action is slow with only a few rainbows showing on Power Bait on small trout jigs or plastics. The largemouth and smallmouth bass, redear, and catfish are all slow. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth, 661-295-7155, concession 661-257-2790, or Forest Service 661-296-9710.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Fair to good trout action after DFG plants last week and three weeks ago. Best action on floating baits. Slow to fair action on largemouth bass on plastics in deeper water. Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago. Fair action on floating baits, trout plastics, and trout jigs. The catfish and bluegill bites slowed, but the odd largemouth is still being caught. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout this last.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plants last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plants last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKES: DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. 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: The lake is closed for the season. 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 72 anglers checked reported catching 67 bass, 31 bluegill, 31 crappie, and 15 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: There were 66 anglers checked and they reported catching 71 bass, 14 bluegill, and six catfish. Matt Lowery, El Cajon, caught a 9.2-pound largemouth bass on a jig fishing Harvey Arm. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake will not be renting boats November, December, or January. 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: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for 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: No report, but there was a DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
MIRAMAR: No report. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are not available during October and November. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water Department. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
SUTHERLAND: Closed. It will reopen March, 2010. 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 is excellent. Quite a few trout in the four to six-pound-range were reported again this week. Trout were planted two weeks ago. Khammone Sophabmixay, Escondido, landed the top trout at 7-4 on green Power Bait fishing west of Senior Shoreline. Some catfish are still showing west of Senior Shoreline. The bass fishing was fair this past week with the best action on live bait or dark colored plastics near structure. Bluegill and crappie are fair. The lake is open 7 days a week. There are four new 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: Trout action is very good. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, and small jigs have been working best. Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Thomas Buoyants have also been working well. Trout were planted last week. Mike "Budda" Win, Carlsbad, caught 7-7 and 5-12 rainbows on pink Power Worms near the buoy line. There is a fair bass bite with some topwater activity in the early morning. Slow to fair bluegill action with mealworms or redworms fished at any of the fishing piers working well. Some catfish are also showing. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: A couple bigger fish were reported once again including the biggest catfish caught at the lake in over a year. Fair to good trout action with Hidden Bay was the top spot. Trout were planted three weeks ago. Bill McFadden, San Diego, caught a seven-pound trout on a Needlefish. Alex Anderson, Temecula, and Nick Kayser, Poway, each caught trout at 6-8 and Matthew Poustchi, San Diego, got one at six pounds. Bass action is fair. The catfish action was fair with anglers fishing the log boom having the most success. Hecter Baca, Vista, caught a 24-pound catfish on mackerel at the Log Boom. Some bluegill are still showing in Hidden Bay but the bite is mostly slow. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: The trout bite good. The lake will receive trout plants each week for the duration of trout season. Cactus Patch, the fishing float, and Shadow Cove have been the top spots for trout, with salmon peach Power Bait the top choice for bait. Some catfish are still showing on chicken livers, mackerel, and nightcrawlers at the dam buoy line and Hermit Cove buoy line in very deep water. The bass bite is fair with the fish in about 15 to 25 feet of water and hitting on Senkos in natural colors. Dawn and Dusk have seen the best action for bass. Twilight boat rentals are returning -- $20 for the last three hours the lake is open. The lake will be open daily Christmas Day through January 3, 2010 5:45 a.m. through 5:15 p.m. Information: 619-390-1300 or Lake Jennings - Helix Water District Drinking Water Reservoir.
MORENA: Fair to good trout action after a DFG plants last week and three weeks ago. Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Power Bait have been working best for trout. Catfish action is slow with some hitting mackerel and chicken liver. Bass action has been mostly slow but with the trout plants the big bass should be out feeding. Slow other species. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-579-4101.
CUYAMACA: Excellent trout action due to the weekly plants. Many anglers have been reporting getting limits in under an hour of fishing. Other species are mostly slow. The lake is now closed on Wednesdays and does not open until 10 a.m. on Sundays for fishing, this schedule will continue through January until waterfowl season closes. 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. Fair catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. The largemouth bass action is fair off the points in deeper water.
WILLOW BEACH: Very good trout action with light fishing pressure. The fish are stacking up making the action good throughout the week. Best action on salmon eggs, Power Bait, worms and Super Dupers. Still weekly trout plants. Slow striper action on big, trout-like lures. Information: Willow Beach Resort at 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Fishing for stripers slow, with cool, windy weather much of the past couple of weeks. The best bite has still been in the southern portion of the lake, especially in 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. Bass and bluegill very spotty. Catfish are slow on cut baits. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, Katherine’s Landing at 928-754-3245.
LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: Overall things are slow, but a fair number of trout continue to show from the casino all the way down to Rotary Park. The last plant was on Dec. 16 and the next plant is tentatively Jan. 19, when 4,000 fish averaging 12 inches will be split between Davis Camp and the Sportsman’s Access. Top fish reported was a 6.38-pound rainbow landed by Greg Ballon, Bullhead, in the Big Bend area on a spinner. Josh Island, Bullhead, caught a 3.38-pounder. Slow fishing with very few stripers and catfish showing on drifted anchovies. Information: Riveria Marina at 928-763-8550.
NEEDLES AREA: There is a pretty 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: The crappie action has continued to be just spotty but a lot of anglers are staying after them and posting an occasional good stringer. The best action is still at north dike and Five Mile Landing on minnows and Roadrunner jigs. A few catfish are showing from the marsh but that is slow. Smallmouth bass are slow to fair in the main river on small cranks and drop-shotted plastics with a lot of one-pound fish. There’s a very spotty bite on stripers and catfish in river. Topoc Marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: Park Moabi at 760-326-3831 or Phil’s Western Trader at 928-768-4954.
HAVASU: Overall slow fishing. The striper bite is still fair with the fish on live shad or shad-like baits early in the morning or after dark, and the action is mostly around the island. Lures that have glow-in-the-dark luminescence are a good idea. The largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing slowed way down. Only a few fish are showing on slow-fall plastics, vertical jigging, or live shad. Channel catfish and flatheads very slow. Redear have also slowed way down. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler’s Pro Shop) at 928-854-2277.
PARKER STRIP: Mostly very slow action with low water levels. 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: Few reports with very low water. Slowish overall action all along the lower river. A few catfish continue to show from the canals and main river, but the bite is tough. The highlight is that the smallmouth bite in the main river along the rip-rap is still fair with some flurries of good action on small cranks and jigs. Largemouth and bluegill are mostly slow, and no striper reports this week. A few bluegill can be caught on warm afternoon from backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Very light fishing pressure. The catfish action has been slow to fair with very few anglers fishing and even fewer reports. Bluegill are also tough, but still some a few showing from deeper holes in the main backwater. The largemouth are slow, but the smallmouth action is still fair, but there’s no pressure right now. Information: Walter’s Camp 760-854-3322 Thursday through Monday.
PICACHO AREA: Slow largemouth bass action with a few fish on plastic worms or nightcrawlers. The channel catfish action is fair on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Fish from one to three pounds, with only a few better ones. The flathead action is very slow on goldfish, shiners, tilapia, and bluegill.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Overall slow fishing. Largemouth bass action slow to fair on plastics and live bait. Channel catfish and flatheads are both slow. Few crappie, but the bluegill are still fair with some flurries of good action early in the afternoons. Information: 928-783-9589 Thursday through Monday or Martinez Lake Resort.
YUMA AREA: Bass action is slow in the main river and a little better in river backwaters on minnows and plastics. Both channel catfish and flathead are slow in the main river with only the rare flathead showing on live minnows, bluegill, or big crawdads.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite is slow along the north shore areas, with both the state park and Yacht Club jetty producing very few fish this week and those that have been caught have been small. 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. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant last week. 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: Cold and icy conditions and flows on the East Walker remain very low and the bite is fair in the afternoons in the runs and pools. Most action on midges and caddis nymph patterns. 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 has been very difficult. The Owens has quite a few quality rainbows and browns up from Crowley. Information: The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517 or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the lower Owens River, and the Owens River gorge remain open to year-around fishing. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River remains good for fly anglers. Pleasant Valley Reservoir has been fair for lure, jig, bait, and fly anglers, especially for float tubers fishing near the inlet or at the dam. No plants in region this week. 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 continue to be three bites of note. First the catfish bite has really surged in the Engineer Point and French Gulch areas on frozen shad. Miles, Miles Jr., Clyde, and Steve Eddington, all Bakersfield, caught over 40 cats from one to seven pounds, all on frozen shad at Engineer Point. The second bite is for anglers fishing boat slips in the French Gulch marina for crappie up to two pounds on live minnows. A few fish are coming from the stickups in the north fork but most of the fish are in the marina. Lastly, a few quality largemouth bass continue to be caught on jigs fished in deep water around structure. Other species are slow, but some trout are showing at the main dam. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Flows in the upper Kern are low and the river is fishing slow in the 20-mile roadside stretch above Kernville with the best action on small nymphs in the cold water. The Wild Trout stretch is even slower with the cold water conditions. The lower river is fair for smallmouth bass in the Richbar, Hobo areas off on spinners, crawlers, and plastics, but the fish are small. 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 good with a lot of keeper fish over the 18-inch minimum size. The best action has been on blood worms, but more and more lure fish have been reported in the past week with shad-like crankbaits or Gitzit-sytle lures the best bets. Also still a few catfish showing. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Best action on Power Bait and green, garlic nightcrawlers. Other species are very slow.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Still spotty action. Other species very slow.
RIVER WALK PARK: DFG trout plant last week and a pretty good bite. The hot ticket has been to fish tiny mini jigs or Trout Traps just 12-inches under a rattling bobber. The rainbows are also showing garlic Power Bait, chunky cheese Gulp!, and green, garlic nightcrawlers. Fly anglers fishing midges are also having very good success. Bass and bluegill very slow.
MING LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Fair action on Power Bait and garlic nightcrawlers. Other species are slow.
BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout action has been good with a lot of quality fish showing after last week’s plant of trophy fish. Armando Gutierrez, Bakersfield, caught a 14-pounder on Power Bait, while Belinda and Dan Estrada, both Bakersfield, had rainbows at 10 and eight pounds, repectively, also on Power Bait. The winter crappie action is perking along with some quality fish showing on live minnows. Catfish are also starting to show, but nothing as big as last week’s 22-pounder. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago. Fair to good action on corn Power Bait and garlic nightcrawlers. The bluegill bite is slow on red worms or meal worms.
SUCCESS LAKE: Slow trout action with no recent plants. Other species mostly slow with a few bass still showing in deeper water on plastics and jigs. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Mostly slow action with only a few bass and the odd redear showing. No recent DFG trout plants. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Very few reports. Information: 805-472-2818.
NACIMIENTO: Fair spotted bass action with jigs, plastics, and swim baits all producing fish. Other species slow. Information: 805-238-1056 or Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina.
SANTA MARGARITA: Bass action still slow, but a few crappie are showing on small jigs. Very light fishing pressure. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
LOPEZ: Light fishing pressure, but a few crappie and redear are showing. Bass spotty, catfish slow. 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: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Diamond Valley Reservoir, Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake, Murray Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.
