SOCAL FISH REPORT January 28, 2009

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SOCAL FISH REPORT
​

January 28, 2009​

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service​

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK​

1. Diverse picks this week. Top choice is an Eastern Sierra break to Pleasant Valley Reservoir. Anglers hitting this small reservoir on the Owens River are seeing excellent fishing for both broodstock rainbows to eight pounds, brown trout to 18 inches, and limits of pan-sized trout. For an update on fishing information, check with Culver's at 760-872- 8361 or fly anglers should call Brock's at 760-872-3581.
2. Lake Morena is San Diego County has had hefty trout plants each of the past two weeks and lighter fishing pressure than most of the other waters in the region. Limits should be the rule this weekend for anglers heading to this water with the usual trout baits and lures. The 24-hour fishing update line is 619-478-5473 or you can call the ranger station at 619-694-3049.
3. Big catfish in winter? The Buena Vista Lakes in the southern San Joaquin Valley near Taft cranked out a number of quality catfish to 30 pounds this past week, mostly on frozen shad. There is also pretty good trout and crappie action here. For an update, call Bob’s Bait in Bakersfield at 661-833-8657.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Excellent planted trout action at most of the major players. Top bets include the usual, heavily planted waters, including Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel. All of the San Bernardino County park lakes, but especially Prado Park Lake and Yucaipa Park Lake, are good bets thanks to weekly plants. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows are all good bets. In San Diego County, Dixon, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, Miramar, Lower Otay, Murray, and Cayamaca are all pretty good bets.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Casitas is a top bet, especially if you can net some shad for bait, with fish to nine pounds this week. Diamond Valley Lake is fair with most of the fish suspended on points. Perris, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway can always produce a decent fish this time of year. Very light bass pressure everywhere. There’s also a decent smallmouth bass bite on the lower Colorado River from Havasu to Palo Verde.
STRIPED BASS: Castaic is a fair to good bet on fish to six pounds this week. Silverwood and Skinner are also fair to good, and two more decent stripers came from Lake Perris this past week. We’re getting crummy reports from Pyramid right now, but this bite just has to be perking, too. On the Colorado River, there is a slow to fair bite at Mead on smaller fish to three pounds. Havasu is also fair on smaller fish, too.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have sputtered but that might be more to light fishing pressure and weather. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but the Perris bite is trying to improve with some decent action reported in recent days.
CATFISH: Buena Vista Lake (near Taft) really cranked out some big cats this week (to 30 pounds) in a pretty fair bite, and Hesperia Lake was planted this week. Overall, the late winter catfish bite has been mostly slow but a few quality fish are showing each week. Other top bets included Diamond Valley, El Capitan, Casitas, Otay, Henshaw and Isabella, but fishing pressure is very light for cats everywhere. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been fair for channel cats, but also very light fishing pressure.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS​

SILVERWOOD: Trout bite good to excellent for anglers fishing worms, spinners, Power Bait or nightcrawlers in Cleghorn and near the boat launch. The lake had a 1,500-pound DFG plant week before last and some holdovers are still showing. Amy Nelson, Upland, pulled out 1-8 and 3/4-pound trout on nightcrawlers. The striper bite is fair to good on anchovies or worms, but most of the fish are under two pounds. Bass and catfish bites fair with some bass caught on worms and cats pulled out on cut mackerel or nightcrawlers. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure. All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed for the season and will reopen in early this spring. Trout fishing has been fair for shore anglers fishing the Stanfield Cutoff region and at the dam with floating baits and inflated nightcrawlers. Other species slow. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish but little action now. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Very good trout action with some fish over five-pounds, as well as some Jess Ranch trout over seven. Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers with garlic or shrimp scents are the best baits. The inlet, drain, North Shore, east bank and grassy bank are the top spots. Todd Wright, Rancho Cucamonga, pulled out a 10-8 trout off the north shore. Tony Caldwell, Rialto, landed a 10-pounder. Nich Chang, Hesperia, caught a 9-8 trout, while Donald Green, Riverside, caught a 7-8. Catfish planted this week and the bite is good with fish over 15 pounds on mackerel or shrimp. Joe Vicarrio, Hesperia, caught a 39-pound flathead on a Thomas Buoyant. Anthony Thomas, Ontario, landed a 21-pound channel catfish on mackerel off the grassy bank. James Burbank, Victorville, pulled out a 14-pound blue catfish on shrimp near the drain. The sturgeon have been fair with some fish to 20 pounds reported on nightcrawlers or Power Bait off the north shore and in the inlet. Tim Conrad, Llano, caught a 20-pound sturgeon, while David Hike, Redlands, pulled out a 13-8. Trout plants are twice a week. Day session 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: The change in weather improved the trout action on both lakes this week. Anglers reported good to excellent action on Power Bait (salmon peach, rainbow or chartreuse), jigs and lures. Most trout were near or over two pounds. Hot spots include the eastern logged shore to the pump house and the western shore near the bridge of lake 3 as well as the eastern, northern and southern shores of lake 2. Johnny Perez, Yucaipa, caught a 7-3 trout on an orange Power Worm. Roy Favela, Fontana, pulled out 5-7 and 3-9 trout. Leon Simkiss, Bloomington, landed 5-5 and 4-13 rainbows. John Osika, Ontario, caught a 5-3 rainbow. Ken Shaw, Pasadena, pulled out 4-12 and 3-8 rainbows. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lakes will be open regular hours throughout the holidays. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout this week. Very good trout bite for anglers fishing Power worms or Power Bait. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, March 14. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout action. County trout plants are weekly through April, and there was also another DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 4. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good trout action off the points of park lots one, six and eight. Lots of limits and a few quality fish continue to show. Top rainbow was a 10-pounder landed by Ken Ngow, Hacienda Heights, while fishing white Power Bait of the point at Lot No. 6. Phi Dang, Ontario, caught a 9-9 rainbow at Lot No. 1 on a Lip RipperZ. County trout plants are each week through April, and a DFG plant was slated for this week. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, February 21. The derby fee is $15 and $7 for daily parking. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action over the past week and some nice fish continue to be landed. Best this week was a six-pounder caught by Matt Halloway, Yucaipa, on an orange Roostertail from the middle lake. Andy and Mason Hutton, Corona, had a stringer of trout topped off with a four-pound rainbow caught on a SuperDuper. County plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in last week. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Very good to excellent trout bite for those using Power Bait or mackerel. Frank DeAnda, Pomona, caught a 6.2-pound rainbow, and Chris Ray, Corona, caught a six-pound trout on garlic Power Bait. Catfish bite is fair with some cats showing for trout anglers. Chundry Path, San Bernardino, caught two trout and one catfish, including a 5.1-pound catfish on meal worms. County trout plants with 1,000 pounds of fish are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG trout plant last week. 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 and last. Information: 909-384-5233

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Bass bite still best for those fishing deep in 50 to 60 feet of water, but they will come up to feed once or twice a day. Best action on jigs, ice jigs, or swimbaits. Fair trout bite for shore anglers and boaters fishing the east dam and in the third cove to the right of the marina. The striper bite has slowed tremendously. Swimbaits and topwater lures are still best bets. Some big cats have been pulled out this past week in a fair bite. The launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: DFG trout plant week before last, and the bite for the trout has remained fair in Sail Cove on rainbow Power Bait. A couple more stripers were reported this past week at the dam on anchovies. Jacob Abel, San Bernardino, landed six and eight-pounders. The largemouth bass bite fair to good with action reported off shore on plastic worms and nightcrawlers.. Crappie bite fair on jigs for those fishing off the points and in the marina. DFG trout survey is ongoing. A percentage of each DFG trout plant will have non-reward and reward tags attached on some one to four-pound rainbows from the load. The tags will look like green spaghetti noodles attached right below the dorsal fin. Reward signs indicating information where to return the tags are posted around the launch ramps, marina and lake entrance. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Last week’s trout plant by the DFG helped keep the trout bite going strong. The action is good to excellent on meal worms, nightcrawlers or Power Bait with Launch Ramp 2 the hot area. The striper bite trails the trout action, but there is still good action on chicken liver or anchovies at the dam and in the inlet. All other species are slow to fair. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Mostly slow fishing. Anglers are catching the small wipers planted three weeks ago, but these fish must be released. The 18,000 fish were all under eight inches and anglers cannot keep wipers until they reach the 18-inch minimum size. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308.
CORONA LAKE: A 20 1/2-pound rainbow trout landed by Riverside’s Brent Monteleone was the top trout here this week, but the action has been good for rainbows up to three pounds with a nice sprinkling of bigger fish. The best bite has been a mid-lake or off the east shoreline for boat anglers, and the top baits have been nightcrawlers soaked in garlic Nitro Gravy or chartreuse and orange Nitro Bait. Other quality trout this past week included a 9.8-pound rainbow caught by Glen Morris, Riverside fishing a wooly bugger fly, while Mike Stewart, Crestline, landed a 7.52-pounder on corn-flavored Nitro Bait. Lightning Trout to be planted next week. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite on worms or plastics.
RANCHO JURUPA: Good trout bite with another DFG plant this week, and a county plant last week. Lots of limits reported with trout to two pounds or better. Top fish this week was a seven-pound rainbow landed by Trevor Williams, Moreno Valley, on chartreuse Power Bait. Best action on small trout plastics and garlic, rainbow, and corn Power Bait. Other species are slow with a few cats and bass showing. Carl Johnson, Rubidoux, landed a 3-9 bass on a jig from the front lake. Upcoming events: Annual trout derby scheduled for this Saturday, January 24. Entry fee is $10 in advance, $12 day of event. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair trout bite. Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Trout plants are every other week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. 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 www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good to excellent trout bite. Power Bait (in all colors) and nightcrawlers are the most successful baits. Trout are planted twice a month with double loads. Plant last week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. The lake will be open New Year’s Eve and day. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Light fishing pressure with rain and wind this past week, but a few shore anglers reported fair action on small trout. Frank Briones, Chino, landed a 2-8 rainbow. Best action on Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers. Last DFG plant was Jan. 9. 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 plants. Information: 951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Limit-style trout fishing is on tap for anglers here with alternating weekly plants of Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows and the Chalk Mound Trout Ranch Nebraska Tailwalkers. Five-fish stringers typically weigh from 10 to 16 pounds, with most stringers having at least one or two fish in the three to six-pound range. The top rainbow landed this past week was an 8 1/2-pound rainbow as part of a stringer caught by Georgina and George Perez of Paramount. The pair also had a 4 1/2-pounder. Tim Morlan and Ron Graeff, both of Anaheim, had 10 trout that weighed 38 pounds and included a 6-12 rainbow. Rick Pointer, Garden Grove, landed five trout that weighed 14 3/4-pounds and included a five pounder. Pete Hansen, San Diego, also had a five-pounder topping his 14 1/2-pound limit. The action has been best on floating dough baits in chartreuse, rainbow, lime twist, and corn yellow, with both Nitro Bait and Power Bait catching lots of fish. Nightcrawlers and small trout jigs have also been very good this week. While the rainbows have been showing all around the big lake and from Chris’ Pond, the hot spots have been La Palma Point, Levitz’ Corner, and the pump house. Lightning Trout will be planted twice in February, with the first plant set for next week. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: Another big trout was landed here, although the overall number of fish pulled out was fewer. Bud May, Huntington Beach, pulled out the big fish of the week, a 16-8 rainbow off the west shore. Both bait and lure anglers had success with fish from five to eight pounds. Rapalas were top for the trollers and Power Bait or nightcrawlers best for bait anglers. The west shore, Woody’s Coves and the flats are the most reported areas for trout. Steve Burridge, Alta Loma, caught a 9-14 rainbow. Greg Lyznicki, Laguna Niguel, landed an 8-10 rainbow. Dick Ableser, Garden Grove, pulled out an 8-10 rainbow. A few bass have still made the reports, and some bass anglers reported up to 20 largemouth per day with most fish in the two-pound class on dropshot or Carolina-rigged plastics. Trout anglers have reported bluegill action with fish to 1 1/2-pounds on some stringers. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout action good with many limits reported. A plant went in last week. Hot spots for the trout are at the entrance of the inlet and near launch ramp and near the concession. Top baits are chartreuse or orange Power Bait, red, sherbert Gulp, inflated nightcrawlers or fighting frog LipRipperZ lures. Slow bass bite. Crappie and bluegill in the 1/2-pound range have been reported on nightcrawlers or crappie jigs but the bite is tough. Catfish are still showing up. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Slow to fair trout action. DFG planted trout last week. Trollers are still reporting the best action on Rapalas with a 1-8 to two-pound average. Catfish action fair in the narrows on mackerel or nightcrawlers with most fish from three to 10 pounds. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers or small jigs. Bass bite slow to fair, some fish reported from deep water by trout anglers. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: DFG trout plant last week at the Coyote Launch Ramp. Trout bite fair with anglers reporting fish on nightcrawlers immediately following plants. Good bass bite continues with fish reported on swimbaits or plastic worms. Terry Taylor, Camarillo, pulled out a nine-pound bass for the best of the week. Robert Gainer, Ventura, caught an 8 1/2-pounder. The weekend’s bass anglers had good numbers with the top fish of the tourney a seven-pound bass by Eric Elshire, Ojai. Fair to good crappie bite, but only on the live shad. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 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: Fair to good striper bite with fish from two to five pounds pulled out by the dam and off the shoreline to the right of the main ramp on nightcrawlers or anchovies. Another 12-pound striper was pulled out by David Wallace, Moreno Valley, on anchovies. It was the big fish on his 22-pound four-fish stringer. The largemouth bass bite is fair to good with fish caught on cranks and plastics, especially in the lagoon. DFG plant last week. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant last week with the bite still slow to fair. Top baits include Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to two pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: DFG trout plant one month ago. Trout bite slow. Action fair for stripers to five pounds on anchovies or nightcrawler. Shad-like swimbaits and cranks are also good producers. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites fair on plastic worms or swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair catfish action on Power Bait and mackerel dipped in attractant. 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 plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen this spring. Fees to fish here have gone up, making it $20 per angler and $46 for motor rentals. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed, but will reopen for fishing and boating on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The lake will then be open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule with boat rentals on the weekends only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Fair to good bass bite. Crappie action slowed down. This week 126 anglers checked reported 213 bass, 11 crappie, four blue catfish and one channel catfish. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: DFG trout plant last week. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No report. DFG trout plant week before last. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: DFG trout plant this week and last. This week the 67 anglers checked reported 35 bass and 11 rainbow trout. Scott Ashley and Jim Putney, San Diego Bassmasters Tournament Team, five largemouth totaling 13.61 pounds. Their top fish was 7.18 pounds. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: DFG trout plant three weeks ago and the rainbow bite is fair. This week the 124 anglers checked reported 83 rainbows and six bass. Mia Stewart, 3, San Diego, caught a 2.65-pound rainbow trout. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing, but will reopen for fishing and boating on Saturday, March 7. The lake will then be open on weekends only, but will not have rental boats available. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Trout fishing has improved with more and more fish reported in
Willow Cove and Boat Dock Cove. Michael Carson, Santee, caught a four-pound trout on nightcrawlers near Twin Peaks. Channel Catfish fair to good on cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver or nightcrawlers near the South Shore Rock Pile and in Oakvale Cove. Bob Steilen, Carlsbad, caught an 8-1 channel catfish on an inflated nightcrawler off Senior Shoreline. Some bass from two to five pounds have been caught in the usual rocky outcroppings. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: No recent plants.
DIXON LAKE: Good trout bite reported from Whisker Bay and Trout Cove on rainbow colored Power Bait, small green mini-jigs, Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyants. Plant went in three weeks ago. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Trout fishing remains very good, although not as many limits have been reported. Some Nebraska rainbows in the five to eight-pound range have been reported. The best bet is slow trolling along the back shore of the lake with nightcrawlers. Best lures this week were silver Kastmasters and Rapalas. A 1,500-pound plant went in last week, with a larger load of 2,500 pounds going in the first week of February. The catfish bite has slowed down with the Log Boom being the area where the action remains fair to good. The bluegill bite is decent, notably in Hidden Bay. Upcoming events: Youth fishing derby set for Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 a.m. to noon. Youth 15 and under are welcome. Derby information: www.poway.org. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234
JENNINGS: Tough bite, although some expect better action as the weather warms. Trout have a fair bite in Shadow Cove and off Sentry Point on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Another plant of 1,000 pounds of trout went in this week and should spark the bite. Bass bite slow but some fish have moved up the bank. Catfish should become more productive, too. The Lake Jennings Free Fishing University with supervising ranger Hugh Marx offers a class on bait fishing for trout at 1 p.m. Sunday. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Lake information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Trout bite good on Kastmasters. A DFG trout plant of 2,600 pounds of rainbows went in this week and last. Limits and good-sized trout from two to three pounds have been caught on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Kastmasters or spinners. Bass bite still slow, but a few have been reported on crawdad-colored jigs or shiners. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Trout plant by the DFG this week and last. The lake is fully stocked and the trout action very good on nightcrawlers and Power Bait in the Lone Pine. John Arena, Ramona, pulled out a four-trout on rainbow Power Bait on nightcrawlers. Denny Shadnoan, San Diego, caught 3-12 trout on nightcrawlers off the pier near the dike. Upcoming events: The lake will host a Junior Waterfowl Hunt on Saturday and will open for fishing at 10 a.m. Supervising ranger Willard Lepley offers a free fishing class every Saturday at 10 a.m. 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. Winter tackle shop hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Cold weather has resulted in less pressure on the fish, however persistent anglers have reported a good crappie bite. Lee Doss, San Diego, caught 15 crappie, on minnows off the dock. Most fish were about a 3/4-pound average. Gary Smith, Lancaster, and Roger Todd, Compton, pulled out 11 crappie off the shoreline, Their best fish was also a 3/4-pounder. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: The bite for small stripers is good with fish to 1 1/2 pounds reported in the Vegas Wash area, with any even better bite in the afternoons. Some of the best stripers have come from 40 feet deep on anchovies or shad imitation lures. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some action reported in these areas. Some catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. No largemouth or trout reports.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout action has slowed with a few fish still showing, but there is very light fishing pressure. Stripers slow. No recent plants. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The stripers are not showing too much, although some anglers have reported fair or better for small fish, about one to two pounds on anchovies or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair action on bluegill and largemouth bass in 10 to 15 feet in submerged trees and brush. The largemouth bite is best on plastics, and the bluegill are taking crickets and worms. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are alternating weeks through the winter. Fair to good action Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Fair striper action for fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. Most stripers are under two pounds. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are still low. Take caution when baot launching. Fair catfish bite. Fair to good largemouth bass action on Senkos or swimbaits. Slow crappie bite, but that should change soon. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper bite fair with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds. Anchovies and jigs have been the top producers. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Channel catfish and flatheads have both been fair with some to 10 pounds or better reported on shrimp, nightcrawlers dipped in stink and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Fair bass action in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Flathead bite fair with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite slow to fair in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fairish bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Fair flathead action but very light fishing pressure. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair to good catfish bite on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too, but the action is spotty. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: A lull in the tilapia bite at the state park headquarter’s jetty this past week with the cooler weather, but still fair action. Most of the fish are from six ounces to a pound and hitting nightcrawler pieces fished on the bottom. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass has been reported. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: Trout plant by the DFG this week and last. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG planted trout last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: General trout season is closed, but year-around and special regulation waters remain open. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: East Walker River remains tough with low flows and freezing temperatures, but the few locals fishing are finding decent action with one or two grabs from bigger fish over 18 inches in a day of fishing. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. Improved action in the upper Owens along the bank. When temps rise, above 45, the midges emerge, and there have been good mayfly hatches this past week. The section below the hatchery at Hot Creek is excellent with the flows up making drifts easier. Start with small midges early. Anglers reporting BWO action midday. Fish when the sun comes out and shines on the water around 10 a.m. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the Owens River gorge, and lower Owens River remain open to anglers. Flows on the lower Owens are at 201 cfs. Fish are deep and the best time to catch them is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DFG plant at Pleasant Valley two weeks ago, including some broodstock fish. Bob Caffey, Palmdale, had four of the brooders to eight pounds. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the lower Owens and Diaz Lake remain open and fishing has been slow at both. No recent plants. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Crappie bite fair on small minnows. Good trout bite by the auxiliary dam on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week. The occasional bass on jigs and spoons. Also pretty decent action on catfish for anglers fishing near the dam with minnows. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for April 4-6. A number of tagged trout worth big cash will be planted for the event. Applications are available at http://derby.kernrivervalley.com. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Slow action in the lower river with only a few trout reported. The upper river is fair on wild fish and a few holdover planters. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good striper bite on blood worms, sand worms, Rat-L-Traps or pumpkin seed Gitzits. Five, six and seven-pound fish have been pulled out. Also a good and very odd topwater bite for the stripers. The catfish bite is very fair on shad.
HART PARK LAKE: Good trout bite. Kristina Medlock, Bakersfield, caught a one-pount trout on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. DFG trout plant last week. JR Barron, Bakersfield, caught a limit of trout including a one-pounder.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant last week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite remains very good with fish caught in the 10-pound range. Robert Louis, Bakersfield, pulled out an 11-pound trout. Dave Merritt, Bakersfield, caught a 10-pound trout on a Panther Martin. The crappie action is fair to good on small minnows. Chloe Ann Cantu, Bakersfield, caught a two-pound crappie. Good catfish bite with some big fish pulled out this week, too. Mark Williams, Bakersfield, pulled out 20 and 30-pound fish. David Harron, Bakersfield, pulled out a 22-pound catfish on shad. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite consistent with fair to good action reported for the fourth week with fish from 1/2 to 3/4-pounds and better. Crappie jigs and nightcrawlers are best. Jose Hernandez, Atascadero, caught a stringer of crappie including a 1.2-pounder. Striper action also fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Largemouth bass bite fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Trout bite slow, although sporadic reports of fair or better action have come in. Most trout biting the afternoons on Power Bait. Fair largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics, or crankbaits with most fish from two to three pounds and some smallmouth also showing. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: The bite for spotties remains fair to good on plastics, jigs, and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines with the best bite mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite, but more have been showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are slow to fair on crickets or wax and meal worms. Lisa Dominguez, Torrance, caught a few stringers of both bluegill and redear with fish to two pounds. Trout bite fair trollers using Needlefish or Kastmasters in 30 to 40 feet. Most fish are from one to two pounds and bait anglers have pulled some out on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. 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:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake.
ORANGE : Carr Park Lake, Centennial Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake, Yorba Linda Regional Park Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Cuyamaca Lake, Morena Lake, Murray Lake.
IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H. V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.