- Joined
- Mar 11, 2001
- Messages
- 70,011
- Reaction score
- 1,005
SOCAL FISH REPORT
March 17, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service
March 17, 2010
Compiled by Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. While the extravagant predictions for Diamond Valley Lake didn’t necessarily come true, it remains the No. 1 pick again this week for both the excellent largemouth bass bite and the potential for some huge striped bass (after the trout plant slated for this week). The largemouths are stacked all over the shallows and 20-fish days have been common this week and enough of the fish are over five pounds to make this the easy top pick. For updates, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.
2. El Capitan in San Diego County broke wide open this week with an excellent largemouth bass bite. Lots of smaller male fish on beds, but there were fish to nearly 6 1/2-pounds reported. For more information on the lake, call 619-465-3474 or go to City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water.
3. There could be another 20 largemouth bass spots in this No. 3 spot because bites are opening up all over the region, but Hesperia Lake’s trout and catfish bites warrant recognition. The lake is heavily planted with both and it has produced cats to nearly 22 pounds and trout to almost 15 pounds in the past week. Trout, catfish and sturgeon are being planted this week. It’s worth the drive. For an update, call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
2. El Capitan in San Diego County broke wide open this week with an excellent largemouth bass bite. Lots of smaller male fish on beds, but there were fish to nearly 6 1/2-pounds reported. For more information on the lake, call 619-465-3474 or go to City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water.
3. There could be another 20 largemouth bass spots in this No. 3 spot because bites are opening up all over the region, but Hesperia Lake’s trout and catfish bites warrant recognition. The lake is heavily planted with both and it has produced cats to nearly 22 pounds and trout to almost 15 pounds in the past week. Trout, catfish and sturgeon are being planted this week. It’s worth the drive. For an update, call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Good action at all of the planted trout lakes in Southern California, with Los Angeles County urban waters getting DFG fish at least every two weeks and San Bernardino County lake stocked at least once a week (and sometimes twice). The private lakes, Hesperia, Corona, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Irvine Lake, are all getting weekly fish and have been very good. In San Diego County, Lake Cuyamaca remains the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers.
BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites have pretty much broken wide open across the region with perfect weather this past 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 has been very good from Havasu south, and the largemouths are on their smallies’ heels. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up. Further up on the Central Coast, Lopez and Santa Margarita are both very good, too.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Best was a 26-pounder out of DVL, and it gets rainbow trout this week. 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, things are mostly slow with the exception of a few small fish in Havasu in the main lake channel and at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam near Blythe where some fish pushing 20 pounds have been caught.
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 are some real quality fish showing at Casitas and the Buena Vista Lakes near Taft. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to stay in a holding pattern, but pretty fair. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea improved again this week with better conditions. Again the 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 three weeks ago and another plant this week again make it a top pick. 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 have pretty much broken wide open across the region with perfect weather this past 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 has been very good from Havasu south, and the largemouths are on their smallies’ heels. Cachuma’s smallmouths are also picking up. Further up on the Central Coast, Lopez and Santa Margarita are both very good, too.
STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets, with some very good catches out of both this past week. Best was a 26-pounder out of DVL, and it gets rainbow trout this week. 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, things are mostly slow with the exception of a few small fish in Havasu in the main lake channel and at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam near Blythe where some fish pushing 20 pounds have been caught.
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 are some real quality fish showing at Casitas and the Buena Vista Lakes near Taft. The fledgling bites at El Capitan and Otay seemed to stay in a holding pattern, but pretty fair. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea improved again this week with better conditions. Again the 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 three weeks ago and another plant this week again make it a top pick. 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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 action for both trout and catfish this past week with many quality fish reported once again. Inflated nightcrawlers, shrimp, Power Bait, and Lip RipperZ have been working best. Allen Nelson, Anaheim, landed a 21-12 blue catfish on shrimp. Dave Blanchard, Riverside, hooked into a 16-8 channel cat on a nightcrawler. Gary Larson, Brea, got a 14-12 rainbow trout on a nightcrawler. Russ Johnson, Victorville, caught a 12-pound trout on a Power Worm. A few sturgeon continue to show each week with two big catches reported this past week. The lake will be planted with trout, catfish, and sturgeon this week, with many 12 to 15-pound catfish a sturgeon over 50 pounds. Lake hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Cost will be reduced to $10 on Mondays but price remains the same the rest of the week and no other discounts apply to the Monday special. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Trout action was fair to good this week on Power Bait or inflated night crawlers doused with attractant or jigs. Most trout in the two pound range with some to three. Best action after 10 a.m. Hot spots included the pump house, the northern and eastern shores of lake 3, and the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Robert Gorman, 14, Upland, landed a six-pound rainbows, while Alfredo Zometa, Los Angeles, landed a 6-11 rainbow. Mike Morris, Pinion Hills, landed a 4-8. 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: The fourth of San Bernardino County Regional Parks five trout season derbies will be held here this 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). 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 two and four weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout two weeks ago from Mt. Lassen. Richard Martinez, Ontario, caught four trout to 3-8 on salmon Power Bait at the north west corner of Pelican Lake. Other species mostly slow with a few bass and catfish showing. Due to the recent flooding in the park, Horseshoe Lake has been temporarily closed due to some damage it received, however, Pelican Lake is remains open and will continue to be planted. For lake information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Excellent trout action with 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. County trout are planted every week the rest of the season and DFG plants last week and three weeks ago. There was also a bonus plant of trophy trout that went in two weeks ago. Green and rainbow Power Bait has been the best bet with nightcrawlers also working well. A few catfish are showing each week but the action is mostly slow. Bass action has been mostly slow but should pick up as the weather continues to warm up and the bass move in to spawn. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action. County plants are every week now through the rest of the trout season and DFG plants went in last week and three weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout two weeks ago from Mt. Lassen. Daniel Dominguez, Yucaipa, caught a six-pound trout on a jig at the lower lake. Van Ratsamy, Redlands, caught a 6-4 rainbow on a crappie jig at the lower lake. Mostly slow other species. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Excellent trout action. County plants are going in weekly now through the rest of the trout season and DFG trout plants went in last week and three weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy trout two weeks ago from Mt. Lassen. David Martin, Fontana, caught four trout to 2.7 pounds on green Power Bait. Some catfish and carp action have been showing 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: Striper fanatics stocking alert. A plant of 2,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen rainbows was slated to go in Thursday this week. While the striper bite slowed a little this past week, this should bring the fish back up. Top spots have bee the inlet tower and east dam, and big, trout-like swimbaits have been the best lures. John Ross, Mission Viejo, landed a 26-pound striper this past week on a Rago swimbait. The trout action has continued pretty good for anglers in the marina area and for trollers working schools of trout along the dam. The largemouth bass action remains excellent, but the shallow-water fish have been spooky. Light line and smaller baits are the ticket to get the bigger scores when sight-fishing. Most of the better fish are still coming from eight to 15 feet of water. Bill Williams, Vista, caught and released a six-pounder, but most anglers are simply not reporting their catches. Several 25-plus fish days were posted this past week. Catfish are slow, but a few crappie are showing off the dam on small jigs. Also some redear showing up on nightcrawler pieces. Anglers are reminded of the new 25-fish combined limit on crappie and all sunfish (redear and bluegill). The limit is 25 for any combination of the species. For general lake, launch, and fishing information, call 800-590-LAKE, the marina at 951-926-7201 or Diamond Valley Marina, or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or Last Chance Tackle - Home.
PERRIS: The largemouth bite was good this past week. Nightcrawlers and plastics were the top baits with lots 5, 6, 11, and 12 all doing well. The Bernasconi shoreline also produced quite a few fish. Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley, got a 7.3-pound largemouth on a nightcrawler. Wayne Carlton, Corona, landed a 6.5-pound largemouth on a Huddleston near lot 11. There was also one big striper reported this past week. Daniel Vue, Anaheim, caught a 21.7-pound striper on a purple Roboworm at Sail Cove. The panfish bite is good with the best action on redworms or nightcrawlers in the marina. Carp have been seen in very good numbers spawning all along the shallows at the east end of the lake. Some trout continue to show but the bite is just fair. 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: Fishing slowed a bit from last week for all species. Striper action has been best on chicken liver and anchovies at the dam or the inlet. Mark Regan, San Diego, caught an 8.2-pound striper on chicken liver at the dam. Largemouth action slowed as well this past week. Odd. Anglers reported seeing quite a few fish, but the largemouth weren't interested in biting. The south shore and east end with dark plastics was the best bet. Denis Fischer, Winchester, landed two bass to 6.4 pounds on a plastic crawdad at the south shore. Trout action was just good this past week, despite the plant. Nightcrawlers remain the top bait with the east end the top spot. Some bluegill have started to show near the south shore and ramp No. 2 on nightcrawlers. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: The nice weather has cranked up the fishing pressure, but the overall action is still pretty spotty. There is a slow to fair bite on crappie averaging from one to 1 1/2 pounds, with more fish moving into shoreline structure every day. Also a few wipers (most undersize) and a few largemouth bass are showing, but those bites continue to be mostly slow but improving quickly with each warm day. Starting in early April, boat rentals will be available for the first time through the new William’s Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental out of Elsinore West Marina. For more information, contact William’s Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental at 951-642-0640 or Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
CORONA LAKE: There were at least 40 limits of rainbow trout reported over the past week, and many of those stringers included fish from five to seven pounds. Shon Roberts, Riverside, landed the week’s top trout at 7 1/2 pounds fishing a Lip RipperZ jig from a boat. Trout at seven pounds even were landed by J.J. Sierra, Fontana, and Scott Black, Murrieta, both on floating baits. Jonathan Wiseman, Murrieta, had a 6 1/2-pound rainbow. Bright-colored trout plastics, Lip RipperZ or similar trout jigs, and floating baits have been best, especially when enchaced by scents. The season’s first plant of sturgeon and a bonus plant German brown trout go in this week, in addition to the weekly rainbow trout plants. 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: Excellent trout action after both a county trout plant of 1,500 pounds and a DFG plant last week. County trout are going in alternating weeks this year. Mostly smaller fish reported this past week with the majority of fish in the 1/2-pound to one-pound range. Albert Curiel, Riverside, caught three trout to 1-8 on nightcrawlers. 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. Catfish action has picked up and is now good. A few bass are showing with Clifford Maddock, Hemet, landing a nine-pound largemouth on a nightcrawler in the big lake. Bluegill fair. Information: 951-654-7906 or Reflection Lake RV Park, a Hemet California RV Park and Family Campground.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good trout action, mostly on one to two-pound fish. Best bite on most trout dough baits and nightcrawlers. Plants twice a month through April. Still a few catfish showing on chicken liver with mackerel. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: The trout action immediately picked up after the DFG plant last week with many anglers scoring limits. Another DFG plant slated for this week. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. Power Bait, spinnerbaits, and salmon eggs have all been producing fish. 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: While not a lot of limits were reported this past week, there were a lot of three to six-pound rainbows landed. The big fish were a pair of 6 1/2-pounders, one caught by Paul Louis, Anaheim Hills, as part of the three-fish 11 1/2-pound stringer, and the other by David Lamas, Whittier, to top off his four-fish, 19-pound stringer. Robert James, Corona, caught four trout to 6-4 with his total stringer at 17-8. Six-pound rainbows were posted by Daniel Molina, San Diego, and Arliss Jones, Corona. The best trout bite continues to be on a scent-enhanced floating bait fishing on a short leader, no more than eight inches, to keep it close to the bottom. Because of the steep sides, most anglers are fishing only 15 to 25 feet from shore. Sturgeon and brown trout will be planted this week in addition to the regular twice-weekly plants of rainbow trout. Private boats are no longer allowed at Santa Ana River Lakes due to fears of invasive quagga mussels being introduced into the water system. Information: 714-632-7830.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake.
IRVINE LAKE: A new lake record steelhead at 17 pounds was caught this past weekend by Daniel Morelos, 8, Yorba Linda, breaking the previous record of 10-6. The young angler caught the fish on a Gulp! Salmon egg and nightcrawler combination. The trout have been fair to good with the top spots boat dock cove, the west shore, Woody’s Cove, and the flats. Rainbow garlic Gulp! Trout Dough was the number one producer, with red salmon egg-colored Power Bait also a top bait choice. James Smelt, Murrieta, landed a six-pound rainbow to win the Berkley Cup fishing nightcrawlers in boat dock cove. The largemouth bass bite remains very good with scores of over 20 bass caught and released common as the shallows flood with spawners. Richard Skilliter, Orange, landed over 20 bass to five pounds on plastics fishing Santiago Flats along with a 19-pound catfish. Top bass was a 7-1 landed by James Getty, Silverado. Catfish are still fair in the creek mouths, while the crappie are slow. Carp are starting to turn on with fish to 20 pounds showing. Adelso Estrada, Wilmington, landed a 20-8 carp on Power Bait off the west shore. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been very good. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or Irvine Lake - Fishing and Camping in Orange County, Southern California.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No report. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or Laguna Niguel Lake.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Trout action has been good since the 4,000-pound plant on Tuesday this week provided by the water district. Fish showing on floating dough baits for still-fishermen, but trolling with Needlefish is a better option for a quick limit. Most of the fish are one to two pounds, but 500 pounds of the fish in the most recent plant were bigger, up to six or eight pounds. Bob Johnson, Solvang, had a limit of rainbows in Cachuma Bay trolling. Larry Humphrey, Goleta, had a limit of trout caught on worms. Bass action is fair to good for both largemouth and smallmouth with quite a few fish moving into the shallows to fan out beds. Plastic worms have been the best bet. Most fish one to three pounds. Scott Lamberton, Solvang, and Brian Lunetta, Ventura, each had five-fish limits on plastics in about 20 feet. Also a few crappie showing at the island. Catfish and redear slow. For quagga mussel and the boat launching information, log on at Santa Barbara County Parks Department Home. The marina is closed and boat rentals have ceased. The marina isn’t expected to be reopening in the near future, but the boat launch is still open. For fishing information updates, anglers should now call the general store at 805-688-5246.
CASITAS: The largemouth bass bite is good to excellent with the fish stacking up in the shallows and catches of 10 to 40 fish per day common for the catch-and-release bass anglers. Top fish this past week were a pair of fish at nine pounds. Ann Hernandez, Torrance, landed her big fish on a swimbait, while Jess Settum, Simi, landed 12 fish on drop-shot plastics with the nine the biggest. Rick Cloyd, Santa Paula, landed an eight pounder on a nightcrawler, and
Tom Bonar, Van Nuys, had a seven-pounder on a Robo worm. Most of the fish are from 1 1/2 to three pounds. The trout bite was good Tuesday after a 5,000-pound plant of Oregon fish by the water district. Most of the trout are in the two to three-pound range and limits were common Tuesday, but the bite got a little tougher Wednesday as the fish scattered. Oliver McLeod, Ojai, had a 3-8 rainbow to top off his limit caught on Power Bait. This plant was the first half of 10,000 pounds of rainbows to be planted this month by the water district. The second half will be planted 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. A few redear are showing on nightcrawlers, usually incident catches by bass anglers. Also a few crappie being caught, and those coming in are quality fish. Shaun Flaherty, Oakview, again has a couple of days this past week with crappie from 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 pounds. 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: Fair to good trout action after a DFG plant (the first since Jan. 12) at the west ramp last Wednesday. The trout have dispersed since the plant and the action has slowed for shore anglers in the marina. Best bite on salmon peach Power Bait and small spinners. Striper bite fair with a few quality stripers caught since the trout plant, most on Huddleston’s or similar trout-like plugs or swimbaits. Top fish was a 22-8, part of a two-fish catch by Dave Williams, Canoga Park, that also included a 14-pounder. Both on Huddlestons. Brian Nabe, Valencia, landed an 18.2-pounder on a Huddleston, while Jon Salkeld, Castaic, landed an 8.2-pounder on a six-inch Spro BBZ. For smaller stripers, the best bet has been Kong Island and Sharron’s rest with cut baits. Largemouth are fair to good with the best bite in the late afternoon. Lots of fish in shallows and drop-shot plastics and light line has been the best bet. The lagoon has been even better than the upper lake for largemouths, especially on the bigger swim baits. Information: 661-775-6232 or Castaic Lake | Home.
PIRU: Fair to good largemouth bass and crappie action. Most of the bass are staging just out of the shallows with males up tight on warm mornings. Best action still in 12 to 20 feet of water on plastics and jigs with some anglers culling through 10 to 15 fish to get limits. Most fish from one to two pounds with some to 3-8 reported in the past week. Crappie are showing on small jigs tipped with bait or Crappie Nibbles in 15 to 30 feet. Also improved redear action on nightcrawler pieces in the same depths. Bluegill and catfish still slow but a few reported this past week. Trout are very slow with no plants since Jan. 18, and none likely anytime soon. There will be a public bass tournament March 21. Information: front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or Lake Piru Recreation Area.
PYRAMID: Still just spotty action 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 with the warm weather, especially the smallmouth bass. Best action for both in 15 to 30 feet on plastics and jigs. The redear, bluegill, 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: DFG trout plants last week and two weeks ago. Good action on largemouth bass on plastics with more and more fish showing in shallower water. A few redear are also showing again. Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants last week and two weeks ago. The catfish, bluegill, and largemouth action all slow. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and two weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
LEGG LAKES: DFG trout plants last week and two weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and two weeks ago. 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 147 anglers who landed 134 bass, one bluegill, eight crappie, and eight catfish. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
EL CAPITAN: The largemouth bass bite has exploded here, but the crappie action remain subdued. This past week, 207 anglers landed 514 bass to 6.31 pounds, one bluegill, 72 crappie, and 11 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. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
LOWER OTAY: The bass bite slowed some this past week but is still fair to good. There were 174 anglers this past week who reported catching 169 bass, two crappie to 1.9 pounds, and one catfish at 9.1 pounds. Billy Smith, San Diego, caught four largemouth totaling 14.4 pounds with a seven pounder topping the catch. Billy was fishing with a crank bait in Harvey Arm. Stuart Lee, Spring Valley, caught a 5.8-pound largemouth on a jerk bait in Otay Arm. 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 seven anglers who landed 13 bass to 4.1 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 103 anglers who landed 104 bass to 6.4 pounds, two rainbow trout, and six catfish. 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: Slow to fair trout action. The 67 anglers checked reported catching 43 rainbow trout. 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 110 anglers checked reported 181 bass to 4.05 pounds and two crappie to 1.15 pounds. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or City Lakes and Recreation Program | Water. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
WOHLFORD: No report. 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: No report. 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. Pat McHugh, La Mesa, caught a 7-4 rainbow on a nightcrawler in the middle of the lake. 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. Richard Peterson, San Diego, landed a 7-8 catfish on mackerel at the Log Boom. Bluegill slow. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: The trout fishing slowed dramatically this past week. Action was very slow. Eagle Point was the top spot with a nightcrawler and marshmallow combo the top bait. Largemouth action was spotty with lots of cruisers but not many fish on beds. Lauren Harris, 8, Rancho Penasquitos, landed a five-pound largemouth on a nightcrawler at Sentry Point. Not many anglers are targeting catfish but nightcrawlers or chicken liver with scent fished at the dam buoyline and the brush has been working well. Information: 619-390-1300 or Lake Jennings - Helix Water District Drinking Water Reservoir.
MORENA: No report. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-579-4101.
CUYAMACA: Good trout action with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. Bobby Kay, San Diego, caught a four-pound trout on Orange Power Bait. DFG plant three weeks ago. Other species are still 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. 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 very good since Tuesday’s plant this week. This is the last of the monthly plants made at Davis Camp and the Sportsman’s Access between October and March. Each plant consisted of 4,000 fish averaging 12 inches. The trout bite has been best from the casinos all the way down to Rotary Park. Jesse Valdez, 6, Bullhead City, had a limit of five rainbows averaging about a pound each on Power Bait. Rex Sandoval, Bullhead City, had a 2.16-pound rainbow on a Roostertail on Wednesday this week. Other species are slow, but a few stripers are starting to show. Chris Cale, Bullhead City, landed a 3.05-pounder on an anchovy south of town. Other species still slow, although bass are starting to move in the backwaters and river edges preparing to spawn. 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, and very few of those. Catfish slow, too. 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. Quite a few fish to three pounds with even buzz baits getting whacked. North Dike area best spot. Also still a decent crappie bite in the marsh at Catfish Paradise and South Dike, but most of the fish are around a pound or less and showing on live minnows or Roadrunner jigs. 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. Still slow striper action with very few fish reported with only a few fish to three pounds showing from the I-40 bridge to the elbow in the gorge. Bob Oechsner, Ft. Mohave, landed four of the smaller stripers on X-Raps. 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.
There’s been a relatively hot largemouth bass bite at North Dyke in the Topock Marsh. The bucket-mouths are running between 1- and 5-pounds and are hitting green crawdad colored crankbait.
HAVASU: The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are very good with a lot of fish already up on beds. A two-day bass event this past weekend took 36 pounds (10 fish) to win -- over a 3 1/2-pound average. The fish are best on plastics, swim baits, and small jigs with a lot of 1 1/2 to three pound fish. The stripers are mostly slow with most of the fish being caught showing in the main lake over the old river channel in 30 feet of water around schools of shad. Best bite on slow-trolling anchovies or bait still-fished. Redear are starting to show in decent numbers up in the river in the sun-warmed back waters. Channel catfish, flatheads still mostly slow. 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. 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 improved with some decent fish to nearly 20 pounds. 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. Bluegill, tilapia, and crappie have all been slow. 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 improved steadily with the warm weather and some very good catches are now coming from the sea, even if most of the fish are still small. 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 two weeks ago. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River has had a good mid-day BWO-emerger bite, especially closer to the dam. The lower Owens below Tinnemaha was planted two weeks ago, and the stretch from Laws to Stewart Lane received trout four weeks ago. The bite has been just fair. Owens Gorge fair for small browns. Lone Pine Creek was planted this week. Information: Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, Culver’s 760-872- 8361, Brock’s 760-872-3581.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Trout action has continued to be fair to good and even more trout (15,000 more, to be exact) are going to go in before the big 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 but it is finally starting to improve with the better weather this past week. Also some catfish showing again in the North Fork arm. A few crappie starting to show again, too, but still light fishing pressure. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Good trout action continues in the upper Kern just below Power House No. 3 and the Kernville Park with trout from the plant two weeks ago still showing in decent numbers. Jose Rivera, Bakersfield, landed a limit of rainbows to 2-8 on salmon eggs. The Hobo section on the lower Kern remains pretty good for planted trout, too, but there haven’t been plants for three weeks now. Best action on salmon eggs and crickets for the planters in both the upper and lower section. The flyfishing above Kernville remains tough, but there has been daily improvement in the bite with the better weather. Still best to fish small mayfly nymph or midge patters (size 16 to 20), or a No. 10 stonefly under an indicator. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040 (or Fly Fishing the Kern River) or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: There continues to be a pretty decent bite on stripers from three to five pounds with blood worms, sand worms, and live minnows the best bet. Lure anglers are having less success, but the bite should break wide open any day. Still relatively light fishing pressure. No catfish reported. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: Still a fair trout bite after plants last week and three weeks ago, but the bass, bluegill, and carp action are all starting to surpass the trout bite. The bass are moving shallow and showing on worms and plastics, while the carp are best on dough baits, especially Powder Bait. Some bluegill on wax worms and meal worms. Other species are very slow.
TRUXTUN LAKE: The carp bite has been good on Powder Bait, and some crappie are starting to be caught here. DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago mean this bite is still fair on garlic Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
RIVER WALK PARK: Still a fair bite on trout after DFG plants last week and three weeks ago with small flies and green pumpkin Power Bait the best bets. A few bass are starting to show on minnows and nightcralwers, and the carp action is also starting to turn on with homemade dough baits and Powder Bait the best bets. The bluegill bite is also starting again on waxworms.
MING LAKE: There is a good carp bite here on Powder Bait or other dough bait recipes, and the bass are starting to show on brush hogs. Also a fair number of bluegill on wax worms. The trout bite is fair after DFG plants last week and three weeks ago. Best bite on garlic-doused Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. No reports.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Pretty decent crappie bite at night on small minnows with some of the fish topping two pounds. The trout action has slowed, but a few are still coming in. The catfish bite is also spotty on frozen shad. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago and the bite is just fair. The bluegill bite is starting to improve on red worms or meal worms.
SUCCESS LAKE: Slow overall fishing, although the DFG planted the lake with trout this week and three weeks ago. Some bass starting to move up into the shallows showing on plastics. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and three weeks ago with a fair 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 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: Excellent bass bite with the fish all over the shallows in a full-on spawn mode. Lots of 1 1/2 to two-pound fish, but a number of quality fish also landed this past week. Best was a 9-8 landed by Henry Hang, Milwaukee, on a Senko. The crappie bite is also good with a lot of one-pound class fish showing on small jigs in Mallard Cove, the ranger’s boat house, and Strawberry Flats. 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: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Park Lake, Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Wilderness Park Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park lakes, Kenneth Hahn park lake, La Mirada Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Lincoln Park Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Central Park Lake, Laguna Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Lake Perris.
SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Santa Ana River, South Fork Santa Ana River, Silverwood Lake.
IMPERIAL: Wiest Lake.
INYO: Lone Pine Creek.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Fresno Regional Sports Complex pond, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
TULARE: Del Lago Park Lake, Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.
