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JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. The bass bite is already excellent at Diamond Valley Lake, with fish all over the shallows fanning out beds. With decent weather -- finally -- and a coming new Moon on Monday, this is easily the top pick for this week. There will be at least five bass topping 10 pounds landed, and thousands of four to six pounders from this, Southern California’s No. 1 freshwater fishery this week. For updates, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.
2. The second-best bass bite in a region of exploding bass bites is clearly going to be Casitas. Anglers here are already having 25 fish days, and this weekend could be one of those epic spring fishing events for bass anglers who like to throw baits to visible fish on beds all day. The water is crystal clear in spite of the rains. Call the marina for an update at 805-649-2043.
3. Our out-on-a-limb pick is the Salton Sea. The tilapia bite has been just so-so for weeks, but it was starting to turn around early this week and with the warm weather forecast, this is likely to be the first big weekend for anglers at the Sea. Bring a big ice chest and plan on catching lots and lot of 1/2 to 3/4-pound fish. The big boys might not be in yet, but the bet is on a wide open bite. If you want an update, call the Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station at 760-393-3052.
2. The second-best bass bite in a region of exploding bass bites is clearly going to be Casitas. Anglers here are already having 25 fish days, and this weekend could be one of those epic spring fishing events for bass anglers who like to throw baits to visible fish on beds all day. The water is crystal clear in spite of the rains. Call the marina for an update at 805-649-2043.
3. Our out-on-a-limb pick is the Salton Sea. The tilapia bite has been just so-so for weeks, but it was starting to turn around early this week and with the warm weather forecast, this is likely to be the first big weekend for anglers at the Sea. Bring a big ice chest and plan on catching lots and lot of 1/2 to 3/4-pound fish. The big boys might not be in yet, but the bet is on a wide open bite. If you want an update, call the Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station at 760-393-3052.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Finally, most of the Los Angeles County urban waters have been cleared for trout plants and received fish last week, and the rest of them this week. The bite is good everywhere again. Other top bets continues to be Hesperia Lake, Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and all of the San Bernardino County Park lakes, which received trophy trout last week and most double plants this week with county and state fish going in. 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 action. The good weather finally forecast should make all of these bites just explode this week. The movement of fish up onto beds to spawn is increasing daily, and top bets include Diamond Valley Lake, Casitas, Castaic (especially the lagoon), El Capitan, Lower Otay, Hodges, Perris, Skinner, Cachuma, 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 DVL had fish to over 18 pounds reported (and probably a lot more not reported). 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 and up at the mouth of the river, but the fish have moved off the surface. Also a budding bite at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam.
PANFISH: Some budding bites to report here, with crappie and redear starting again at Perris. Also still some crappie showing at Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River and there were some real quality fish starting to show at Casitas and the Buena Vista Lakes near Taft. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to stay in a holding pattern or slow down. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea improved this week with better conditions and this is the bite to watch with the warmer weather forecast. A bite to watch: Lake Havasu’s redear action up in the mouth of the river and Topoc Gorge backwaters.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been pretty good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. Hesperia had a 2,000-pound plant two weeks ago 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 action. The good weather finally forecast should make all of these bites just explode this week. The movement of fish up onto beds to spawn is increasing daily, and top bets include Diamond Valley Lake, Casitas, Castaic (especially the lagoon), El Capitan, Lower Otay, Hodges, Perris, Skinner, Cachuma, 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 DVL had fish to over 18 pounds reported (and probably a lot more not reported). 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 and up at the mouth of the river, but the fish have moved off the surface. Also a budding bite at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam.
PANFISH: Some budding bites to report here, with crappie and redear starting again at Perris. Also still some crappie showing at Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River and there were some real quality fish starting to show at Casitas and the Buena Vista Lakes near Taft. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to stay in a holding pattern or slow down. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea improved this week with better conditions and this is the bite to watch with the warmer weather forecast. A bite to watch: Lake Havasu’s redear action up in the mouth of the river and Topoc Gorge backwaters.
CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been pretty good, and certainly better than anyplace else for cats. Hesperia had a 2,000-pound plant two weeks ago 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: Very good catfish action this past week with many fish over 15 pounds reported. Brett Buttler, Victorville, caught an 18-pound blue catfish on the marshmallow and mealworm combo. Mark Johnson, Redlands, caught a 15-8 channel cat on shrimp and garlic. The trout action has also been good with the best bite on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait in bright colors. Jason Wink, Oro Grand, scored the top trout at 12 pounds on Power Bait. A few sturgeon continue to show each week with two big catches reported this past week. Robert Aennerud, Rialto, landed a 35-pounder, and Jeff Chavez, Phelan, got a 25-pounder. The lake will be planted with both trout and catfish again this week. Lake hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Cost will be reduced to $10 on Mondays but price remains the same the rest of the week and no other discounts apply to the Monday special. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Fishing has been good to excellent for trout with Power Bait working best in colors spring green, orange, and garlic. Inflated 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. D. Charles Jimenz, Highland, caught 5-11 and 5-10 rainbows using spring green Power Bait at the eastern logged shore of lake 3. Brian Pondo, Sierra Madre, caught a 5-8 rainbow on Pautze's Salmon Floating Bait. There were many other catches in the three to four-pound range reported. 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, and DFG plants went in last week and three weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout last week from Mt. Lassen. Rick Hicks, Adelanto, caught two trout to four pounds on nightcrawlers near the dam at Pelican Lake. 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: Excellent 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, and there were DFG plants this week and two weeks ago. There was also a plant of trophy trout last week from Mt. Lassen. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good trout action with the best bite near parking lots No. 1 and No. 7. County trout are planted every week the rest of the season and DFG plants this week and two weeks ago. There was also a bonus plant of trophy trout that went in last week. Mark Sutton, China Hills, caught a 7.7-pound trout on a pink Power Worm fishing near the dam. Fair bite for catfish and carp with the back side of the lake seeing the most action. Bass action has been slow but should pick up as the weather continues to warm up. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action. County plants are every week now through the rest of the trout season and DFG plants went in this week and two weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout last week from Mt. Lassen. Daniel Dominguez, Yucaipa, caught a six-pound trout on a jig at the lower lake. Othaniel Avery, Yucaipa, landed a 4-8 trout on a jig at the lower lake. Mostly slow other species but there was one very nice largemouth caught this past week. Robert Granado, San Bernardino, landed a 13-pound largemouth bass on Power Bait at the upper lake. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Excellent trout action with lots of quality fish reported. County plants are going in weekly now through the rest of the trout season and DFG trout plants went in this week and two weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout last week from Mt. Lassen. Mark Landero, Colton, caught an 11-pound trout on Power Bait. Ron Mulikin, Desert Hot Springs, landed a 5.8-pound trout 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 plants this week and two weeks ago. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: The largemouth action was excellent this past week with lots of big fish showing as well. Largemouth are still 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. Largemouth are being caught on a wide variety of plastics with some bigger fish on the big trout-like swim baits. Larry Rogers, Riverside, caught a 9.21-pound largemouth on a swimbait. Ronnie Marks, Riverside, caught five bass totaling 20.61 pounds fishing from shore. There was also a two-day bass tournament this past week and 20 teams reported over 630 pounds of total bass caught in the two-day period. Trout action was very good after the plant last week. The west shoreline was the top spot with Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and mini-jigs working best. The striper action picked back up after the trout plant with lots of big fish showing on swimbaits. Mark Sanchez, Hemet, landed an 18.1-pound striper fishing from shore with a BBZ. Hugh Watt, Beaumont, landed a 12.25-pound striper fishing near the inlet with a Castaic Swimbait. Few reports for catfish and panfish. For general lake, launch, and fishing information, call 800-590-LAKE, the marina at 951-926-7201 or Diamond Valley Marina, or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or Last Chance Tackle - Home.
PERRIS: The panfish bite has continued pretty good with both crappie and redear showing around the marina, including some quality crappie to two pounds or better and some redear over a pound. The largemouth bass bite is also improving by the day with quite a few fish to four pounds showing, including quite a few fish up in the shallows fanning out beds. The trout bite is good at Launch Cove and Sail Cove on nightcrawlers, trout worms, and Kastmasters. Other species 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 fair with the best bite for shore anglers at Ramp No. 2 and boat anglers are getting their fish from the marina up into the east end. Top baits have been Power Bait, Power Worms, Kastmasters, and spinnerbaits. The largemouth action is good on nightcrawlers and dark-colored plastics top bets. Top spots for the largemouth are the east end, south shore, and near Marina Point, and a lot of the fish are in the shallows. The warm weather should break this bite wide open. The striper bite has been improving a little each week, but the best bite is still in the deep water near the dam or the inlet. Some fish at ramp No. 2 and Marina Point. Most stripers still showing on cut baits. The catfish, carp, bluegill, and crappie are all mostly slow with only an occasional incidental catch. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Still very light fishing pressure and few reports. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308, Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
CORONA LAKE: The rainbow trout action has continued good in spite of unsettled weather over the past week with at least 28 limits of rainbow trout and fish to seven pounds reported, and the catfish bite is also starting to kick into gear. The big rainbow of the week was a 7 1/2-pound rainbow landed by Ken Zapazant, Foothill Ranch, fishing chartreuse floating bait from shore. Ken Mikkelsen and Larry Swelgert, Rancho Cucamonga, had four trout topped topped by a six-pounder. While only a handful of anglers are targeting catfish, there was a 26 1/2-pound catfish caught by Frank Lemon, Pomona, using mackerel from a boat. Jim and Susan Davis, Lake Elsinore, were fishing both mackerel and chicken liver and landed 10 cats for a total of 26 3/4 pounds with a five-pounder the top fish. Boat and float-tube anglers are having the best overall success at Corona, but shore anglers are also getting their share of trout. Bright-colored trout plastics, Lip RipperZ or similar trout jigs, and floating baits have all been getting trout. Adding a scent like Eagle Claw Gravy in garlic helps the action. Weekly rainbow trout plants. Brown trout and sturgeon will be planted March 18. Information: 951-277-4489 or default b.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and three weeks ago. Some bass are starting to be caught by anglers tossing plastics and small jerk baits near shoreline structure.
RANCHO JURUPA: Very good trout action with both a county trout plant of 1,500 pounds scheduled for this week along with DFG fish. County trout are going in alternating weeks this year. Steve Becerra, Riverside, had a limit of rainbows on garlic Power Bait with fish to 2-8. Gilbert Ramirez, Mira Loma, landed a two—pound trout, and Michael Gomez, Moreno Valley, caught a 2-10 catfish. A few carp are showing, and some bluegill, too. There is a new bait and tackle shop at the lake. 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: Overall still tough trout action, but the first DFG plant iof the season should perk the bite. Before the stock, a few die-hards were getting a few rainbows. Dave Cunningham, Hemet, managed to get a 1 1/2-pound rainbow from shore near the spillway on Power Bait, while David Priest, Yucca Valley, was trolling Rapalas at the dam and managed three trout from one to two pounds. 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 trout plant this past week has kept the trout bite very good in spite or rains and slightly off-color water. The twice-weekly plants will continue through the rest of trout season. The big fish of the week was a 150-pound sturgeon caught and released by Anthony Kennard, Los Angeles, fishing a nightcrawler off La Palma Point. The best trout landed were a quartette of six-pound rainbows. Bruce Omiya, Villa Park, landed five and a six-pounders fishing chartreuse dough bait in Chris’ Pond, while Kevin Smith, Carson, landed his six-pounder from the same place and on the same bait. Tyler Hafkenscheid, Cerritos, was fishing an orange trout worm at the Pumphouse for his six-pounder, and Matt King, Aliso Viejo, was also fishing an orange work at Three Pipes for his fish. The week’s top stringer was a 15-fish catch made by the Ortega family, Anthony Sr., Anthony Jr., and Jacob, all of Anaheim. They were all fishing rainbow Nitro Bait in Chris’ Pond, and the total weight was 21 1/2 pounds. With the off-color water, the key to landing a limit of trout has been to fish a short leader, no more than eight inches long, with floating bait on a small No. 16 or 18 hook to keep it near the bottom. Also fish close to the bank. The fish are staying in shallow water and most of the trout are being caught within 20 feet of shore. A handful of anglers are targeting the carp in SARL and having very good success on quality fish. Kory Allen, Garden Grove, was fishing corn in the Catfish Lake and landed three carp for a total weight of 17 1/4 pounds, including a nine-pounder. Ricky Romero, Santa Ana, landed an 8 1/2-pound carp on a nightcrawler in Chris’ Pond. Brown trout and sturgeon plant slated for March 18. 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 bass action this past week with several heavy stringers reported. Panos Malkian, Anaheim, hooked into a 9.38-pound largemouth bass on plastics at Rocky Point. Trout action was good again this past week. Woody's Cove, Boat Dock Cove, Trout Island, and Santiago Flats were the top spots. Philip Albano, San Pedro, landed a 9-6 rainbow trout on a Kastmaster at the south shore. Al Tagami, Corona, caught an 8-13 rainbow trout on a mini jig at Woody’s Cove. Crappie numbers are starting to increase in the shallows with many smaller males already showing in Santiago Flats on white Atomic Tubes. 4,000 pounds of hybrid stripers were planted just over a month ago but the bite never really kicked in on these fish. The occasional catfish is still being landed, with the best bite at the creek mouths during the rains. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been very good. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or Irvine Lake - Fishing and Camping in Orange County, Southern California.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Fair to good trout action after a plant two weeks ago. 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. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or Laguna Niguel Lake.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Trout action has been good and with a plant of 4,000 pounds slated to go in this week from the water district. Bass action is fair for both largemouth and smallmouth, but quite a few fish have been seen moving shallow in a pre-spawn bite. 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. 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 very good with males in the shallows on beds and 15 to 25 fish days are pretty easy for anglers tossing nightcrawlers or plastics. Most of the bass are two to three pounds, but not many big fish have moved up yet. Top bass this past week was a six-pounder caught by Richard Jost, Ojai, on a nightcrawler. The better weather going into the new moon should break this bite wide open this week. A few quality catfish continue to show in the Santa Ana Arm, with some smaller fish in Coyote Creek. Bud Rowe, Ojai, landed a 25 1/2-pounbd cat on a nightcrawler. Also a few real slab crappie are being caught. Shaun Flaherty, Oakview, landed a 3-4 crappie on a small jig, one of a string of nice fish he’s landed over the past couple of weeks. Trout slow, but the water district will plant nearly 10,000 pounds of rainbows this month. The first half of those fish will go in March 16 and the second March 24 right before the March 27 Kid’s Fishing Derby (which annually draws over 1,100 kids and 3,000 adults). Half of the fish planted are over three pounds, and the plants will be split between the two launch ramps. No DFG plants will likely be made in the immediate 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: The striper action picked up this past week with the best action in the afternoons. Sardines fished from shore, Kong Island, or the fore bay buoy line has been best. The largemouth bass bite has been improving with some fish starting to show up in shallower water for the spawn, but most of the action is still 10 to 25 feet of water on plastics and jigs. The lagoon has seen excellent largemouth action on small swimbaits or shad-like baits. Jake Reiley, Castaic, caught an 8.8-pound largemouth bass on a Sebile Magic Swimmer at the lagoon. Also still a few cats showing on cut baits. Trout are slow with the last plant Jan. 12. Information: 661-775-6232 or Castaic Lake | Home.
PIRU: Best action has been on largemouth bass in 15 to 40 feet showing on plastics and jigs, but more and more fish are starting to move up for at least some of the day. The crappie bite is also starting to turn on with the fish schooling up in 15 to 30 feet of water and whacking small jigs. 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: A fair bite on smaller stripers on anchovies and sardines in deeper water in the main body of the lake. Also an occasional bigger fish on a swimbait. The last DFG trout plant was Jan. 25, and only a few fish are still showing on Power Bait or small lures. 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: DFG trout plants this week and last week. Good action on largemouth bass on plastics with more and more fish showing in shallower water. A few redear are also showing again. Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants this week and last week. The catfish, bluegill, and largemouth action all slow. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plants last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week.
LEGG LAKES: DFG trout plants this week and last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and 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. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
HODGES: Improving bass action. There were 106 anglers who landed 110 bass. Bud Brand, El Cajon, caught an 8.85-pounder at the dam on a plastic worm. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. 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 remain subdued. This past week, 114 anglers landed 231 bass and 22 crappie. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available Saturday and Sunday only. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
LOWER OTAY: The bass bite is breaking open with many fish tight on beds. There were 129 anglers this past week who reported catching 310 bass, seven crappie to 2.3 pounds, and one carp at 19.8 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. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
UPPER OTAY: There were 10 anglers who landed 22 bass to 3.1 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. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
MURRAY: The bite here is turning around for the bass. This past week, there were 78 anglers who landed 104 bass to ten pounds and seven rainbows. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout plant this week. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. The lake is no longer renting boats of any kind.
MIRAMAR: No report. 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.
SUTHERLAND: The opener this past weekend was very good with 95 anglers landed 307 bass to 5.5 pounds and three crappie to 1.75 pounds. Lenard Jones, San Diego, had that 5 1/2-pound bass on a crawdad. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
WOHLFORD: Trout action was good this past week. Inflated nightcrawlers and green Power Bait have been working best. Top spots for trout are Senior Shoreline and all the western points. Some catfish are still showing on cut baits at the buoy lines. The bass fishing was slow to fair this past week but there was one notable catch. The lake is open seven 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 to good 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 but the water temperature is still too low for pre-spawn conditions. Some catfish are also showing on chicken liver, mackerel, and shrimp. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Very good trout action with anglers fishing the back side of the lake and near Jump Off Point showing the best results. Some small bass are showing and the bite should improve as the weather warms up. There is still a decent catfish bite in Boulder Bay. Bluegill slow. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Excellent trout action this past week. Salmon peach Power Bait has been the top bait with Cactus Patch, Half Moon Cove, and Sentry Points the top spots. The bass are starting to be seen moving into the shallows, but the majority of bass are still being caught in 15 to 25 feet of water. Not many anglers are targeting catfish but nightcrawlers or mackerel with scent fished at the dam buoyline has been the best bet. Information: 619-390-1300 or Lake Jennings - Helix Water District Drinking Water Reservoir.
MORENA: Trout fishing has been good this past week. Anglers using nightcrawlers have seen very good action with many limits reported in under two hours of fishing. 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 two and four 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 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: Overall slow striper action but a few more fish are starting to show in the Cottonwood area and main lake upstream from the dam. Best bet is to slow-troll or drift with anchovies or sardines. Bass and bluegill also very slow throughout the lake, but a few more largemouth are starting to show. Catfish are slow on cut baits. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, Katherine’s Landing at 928-754-3245.
LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: The trout bite has been spotty with light fishing pressure due to the weather this past week. There are monthly trout plants at Davis Camp and the Sportsman’s Access, and 4,000 fish averaging 12 inches are planted in each release. The next plant is set for March 16. The bite has been best from the casinos all the way down to Rotary Park. Other species are slow, but a few stripers are to 12 pounds are starting to follow the big plugs. 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: The bass action is pretty good in the marsh with the largemouth starting to nose around in the shallows in a little pre-spawn movement. In the main river, the smallmouth bass are getting more active by the day, and some decent catches have been posted on plastics and small cranks. Overall light fishing pressure, but there continue to be few catches of crappie at Catfish Paradise and South Dike, with the best bite on live minnows and Roadrunner jigs, with some fish to two pounds. The main river has been slow for stripers, but the bite is finally starting to improve. Topoc Marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: Phil’s Western Trader at 928-768-4954 or Capt. Doyle’s Fun Fishing at 928-768-2667.
HAVASU: The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are really starting to take off with a lot of fish already up on beds, and the action generally good. The fish are best on plastics, swim baits, and small jigs with a lot of 1 1/2 to three pound fish. The striped bass are showing in the main lake chasing shad in 20 to 30 feet of water. Best areas have been in the main lake off Windsor Beach and up in the mouth of the river. Best action cut baits and shad-like cranks and swimbaits. Redear and bluegill are starting to show in decent numbers, but most of the action is up in the river in the sun-warmed back waters. Channel catfish, flatheads still mostly slow. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler’s Pro Shop) at 928-854-2277.
PARKER STRIP: The action has been improving over the past week with better catfish and smallmouth bass action. The cats are showing in most of the pools on cut baits, while the smallmouth bass are along the rip rap and starting to whack small cranks and swim baits. Bluegill and redear are slow in backwaters and quiet water in the main river. Few flathead reports.
BLYTHE: The largemouth bass action is really starting to pick up all along the lower river, especially in the backwaters and lagoons. Phillip Cleaver, Blythe landed a 5 3/4-pound bass on a green plastic. There have been fewer smallmouth reports, but they are also improving in the main river, mostly in the river rip-rap. The striped bass bite at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam has really started to turn on this past week. Jose Vaca, Blythe, landed a 16-pounder on his home-made Vaca Jig. The catfish bite is also pretty good with a lot of channels in the area canals, ditches, and backwaters, fewer in the main river. Also some flatheads starting to show with fish to 26 pounds reported in the past week. Bluegill, tilapia, and crappie have all been stlow. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: The catfish bite in the backwaters and main river has been fair to good on cut baits, but still not a lot of flatheads showing. May be more a factor of fishing pressure than lack of action. The largemouth bass action has really improved in the past week with a number of good catches reported, especially in the backwaters. The smallmouth bite has also 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 are fair to good 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 fair 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 has steadily been improving for the past few days and the bite should break wide open if the warmer weather holds. Even this past weekend, anglers were reporting more fish than the previous few weeks and the fish are coloring up for the spawn. The best action has, as usual, been on nightcrawler pieces fished on or just off the bottom. Most fish under 3/4-pound right now. 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. No big few and few anglers are fishing the Nevada stretch. This is a catch-and-release water open year-around. Information: Ken’s Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or Ken's Sporting Goods - Home.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek, both open to year-around catch-and-release fishing, but access is tough, mostly snowmobile-only or snowshoes for those fishing the upper Owens. Road can be a sink-hole mess. 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, but some good flurries of activity. 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 was a DFG plant last week. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River has had a good mid-day BWO-emerger bite, especially closer to the dam. The lower Owens below Tinnemaha was planted last week, and the stretch from Laws to Stewart Lane received trout three weeks ago. The bite has been just fair. 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: The weather over the past week has kept most of the action slow, except for trout, which have been good thanks to a DFG plant two weeks ago and a pair of Alpers’ trout plants in preparation for the March 27-29 21st Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. (This event has over $200,000 in prizes this year. For more information go to 21st Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby.) Some surface action for fly anglers in the mornings, but most of the action is on floating baits. The largemouth bass bite has been up and down with the weather, but it has been tough this past week. Ditto for catfish and other species. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Good trout action in the upper Kern just below Power House No. 3 and the Kernville Park, both areas stocked last week. The Hobo section on the lower Kern remains pretty good for planted trout, too, but there haven’t been plants for a couple of weeks. Best action on salmon eggs and crickets. The flyfishing above Kernville remains tough, but there has been some improvement in the bite, including a little dry fly action during a mid-day baetis hatch. Most fish showing on small mayfly or midge patters (size 16 to 20) or a No. 10 stonefly pattern fished deeply under and indicator. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040 (or Fly Fishing the Kern River) or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: While the bite is far from wide open, there has been a pretty decent bite on stripers from three to five pounds with blood worms and live minnows the best bet. Some anglers also getting a few fish on cranks and swimbaits. Still relatively light pressure. No catfish reported. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago, and the bite has been very good on the spring green and hatchery formula Power Baits, with those doused in garlic oil or the new garlic formulas working the best. The bass action is slowly improving, but Jose Joseph, Bakersfield, landed a 5-8 bass on a nightcrawler. Other species are very slow.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago, and the action has been very good on garlic enhanced Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Still mostly slow for other species.
RIVER WALK PARK: Very good trout action after plants this week and two weeks ago by the DFG. Best action has been on small flies (midge patterns), green pumpkin Power Bait, or other garlic-enhanced floating baits. The carp action is also starting to turn on with homemade dough baits and Powder Bait the best bets. The bluegill bite slowed with the cooler weather this week, but they can still be caught on waxworms.
MING LAKE: The spring bite seems to be turning on here in spite of the poor weather this past week. There is a good carp bite on Powder Bait, and the largemouth bass action is pretty fair, too. The trout also continue to be good after DFG plants this week and two weeks ago. Best bite on Power Bait and garlic nightcrawlers.
BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant this week after more than a month hiatus.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: While the trout action is slowing down, a few decent rainbows continue to be caught by anglers fishing garlic-flavored or enchanced floating baits or nightcrawlers. The big news is the crappie bite has really started to take off on live minnows, and some of the fish are real slabs. Ricky Franklin, Bakersfield, had a nice batch of fish on minnows, including a 2-8 as his top crappie. A few catfish are also starting to show on frozen shad. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago and the bite has been pretty good. The bluegill bite is starting to improve on red worms or meal worms.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Just fair action. The bass action is fair to good with more fish starting to move shallow. The best action is still in 12 to 20 feet of water on plastics and jigs. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago with a spotty bite. 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 weather this past week, but there continues to be a very good spotted bass bite on jigs, plastics, and swim baits. No reports on other species. Information: 805-238-1056 or Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina.
SANTA MARGARITA: The bass bite is really starting to take off with a lot of fish flooding into the shallows. Plastics and small reaction baits are getting the most fish. A few crappie are showing on small jigs, too, but the fishing pressure has been very light. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
LOPEZ: The bass bite has been fair to good this past week 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 the ranger’s boat house and Strawberry Flats on jigs or red worms. 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: Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Dam, Legg Lakes, Little Rock Reservoir, Peck Road Park lake, Puddingstone Reservoir, Santa Fe Dam.
ORANGE: Centennial Park lake, Mile Square Park lake, Ralph Clark Park lake, Tri-City Park lake, Yorba Park lake.
SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Lake Cahuilla, Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park lake, Prado Park lake, Glen Helen Park lake, Seccombe Park lake, Yucaipa 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.
KERN: Brite Valley Lake, Hart Park Lake, Lake Truxton, Lake Woollomes, Ming Lake, The Park at River Walk Lake.
MADERA: Bass Lake, Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.
