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April 16, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1.
Diamond Valley stays our top pick this week because of the general
quality of the largemouth bass showing in this bite. Many anglers are
catching and releasing 20 to 40 bass per day or more with a lot of
six-pound class fish. While DVL is not producing that many fish over 10
pounds, it’s still the best bass fishing in Southern California. While
we seem to be on the back side of the spawn, this weekend’s full moon
should bring up the last of the stragglers onto the beds and make for
excellent fishing. For updates, check with the marina staff at
951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410.
 2.
Casitas Lake cranked out two more bass over 10 pounds this past week.
While this lake might not have the same, across-the-board quality as
Diamond Valley, it still may still be the best bet for a real quality
fish over 10 pounds. The private boat ban also means the fishing
pressure is way off from normal this time of year. For an update and to
check on the availability of rental boats, call the marina at
805-649-2043.
3. The striped bass bite has really broken open at Pyramid Lake in
recent days this week. Winds hampered fishing Tuesday and Wednesday, but
the action has been very good on fish to six pounds. The best bite has
been on shad-like swimbaits, cranks, and spoons, but some fish are also
showing on anchovies. A trout plant here this week could bring up some
bigger fish, too, so a rod with a big trout-like swimbait wouldn’t be a
bad idea either. For an update on this bite, call the concession at
661-257-2790.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT:
Good trout action throughout the region. Top bets this week have been
Santa Ana River Lakes, Laguna Niguel, Irvine Lake, and Corona Lake. In
the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows all have
been good this week, too. All of the inland San Bernardino County Park
lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, and Yucaipa are also fair
after the last county trout plants of the season last week. In San Diego
County, Wohlford, Dixon, Poway, Jennings, Morena, and Cuyamaca have
consistently fair to good bites after weekly plants. In the southern
Sierra, Lake Isabella and the Kern River are both very good. The Eastern
Sierra’ early trout season continues good at Diaz Lake and the small
streams and Owens River from Bishop south and all were planted again
this week.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Spawn time. Casitas, Diamond Valley, Perris, Skinner,
Castaic, Sutherland, San Vicente, and Lower Otay all have been good this
past week. Add in Piru, Cachuma, Skinner, and Silverwood among the list
of waters getting better fast. Poway, El Capitan, Hodges, and Wohlford
all have fair bites. On the Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good
spotted bass bite, and Lopez is worth fishing for largemouths. Keep in
mind all of the local lakes with bass have fish on beds. While the spawn
is winding down at low-elevation waters, lots of fish will be up on this
full moon phase, and the higher elevation waters will see a flood of
fish this weekend.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid was closed for over a month for dock repair and
lake drawdown, but it opened back a couple of weeks ago and the bite has
been good to excellent this week. Skinner has fair to good action, too,
and the reports coming in from Castaic and Silverwood show these bites
are also breaking open. On the Colorado River, bites were improving,
with Willow Beach cranking out another 32 pounder this week. Still the
best action has been at Havasu and Mead where a lot of smaller fish to
six pounds showing. Even the lower river below Havasu has areas of fair
to good action all the way to Palo Verde.
PANFISH: The panfish bites are just starting to really turn on. There
are very good crappie bites at Buena Vista Lake (near Taft) in the
southern San Joaquin Valley and at Lake Hodges. Other budding crappie
bites to note are at Henshaw, Elsinore, Perris, Isabella, Lopez, and
Piru. Bluegill and redear are also starting to improve across the board.
A few big bluegill are showing at Diamond Valley and there are budding
redear bites at Perris and Casitas.
CATFISH: More fish are showing at Hesperia Lake thanks to more spurts of
warm, sunny weather, and perhaps the best bite in the region with cats
to 25 pounds this past week and another plant of quality fish this week.
Diamond Valley still has a decent bite, but overall the catfish action
is still mostly slow at other waters. There are more cats showing thanks
to the warm weather this past couple of weeks, and the bite should just
be days from breaking wide open most places. Cats are starting to show
in much better numbers in the lower Colorado River with some very good
catches reported in recent days on both channels and flatheads.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Striper bite still going strong, especially in Cleghorn.
Anglers are using swimbaits and anchovies, and are also finding luck by
the dam and off the docks. Harry Wonton, Huntington Beach, caught a
six-pound striper. The recent trout plant near Cleghorn has made the
bite very good, especially on chunky Power Bait and worms. James Hale,
Hesperia, caught a four-pound trout in Miller’s. Hank Trowel, Apple
Valley, caught a three-pound fish on Power Bait. The largemouth bass
bite is improving with fair action for anglers tossing plastics, jigs,
or nightcrawlers. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park
760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The trout bite continues to be wide open. Trollers and
bait anglers are pulling out easy limits of holdovers to two pounds.
Trollers are having the best luck with Needlefish in the red dot frog
pattern or Thomas Buoyants. Bait anglers are using dough baits and
inflated nightcrawlers. The hottest fishing is in the Trout Triangle and
Eagle Point. DFG trout plant last week. Upcoming events: May Trout
Classic set for May 17 and 18. Call (909) 585-4007 to enter, or for
information. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear
Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Mostly slow action with a few trout on floating baits
fished closed to the bottom. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information:
909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake will be stocked twice a month beginning in
May. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: The lake has opened for the season. DFG trout plant
three weeks ago. Bite slow to fair.
JENKS LAKE: Closed until later this spring. Only walk-in access.
Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881 (currently closed
Tuesday and Wednesdays).
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: The trout and catfish bites have remained very good with
plants of both on Monday. There were 600 pounds of cats 20 pounds and
bigger. Top fish this past week included a 25-pound catfish caught by
Jorge Rivera, Victorville, on mackerel, and a 23-pounder landed by Perry
Davis, San Bernardino, on shrimp. Jimmy Esponoza, Hesperia, caught an
18-pound cat on the M&M combo (marshmallow-meal worm), and a 12-pounder
was landed by Richard Gibson, San Bernardino, on mackerel dipped in
Sonny’s Catfish Bait. Top trout was a 10-8 rainbow caught by Douglas
Valdez, Riverside, on an inflated nightcrawler. Israel Gonzales, Hemet,
was fishing a Lip RipperZ jig at the drain to land his 8 3/4-pound
rainbow. Simon Fuller, Phelan, had a 7-pounder, also on a jig. The
sturgeon bite also continues pretty fair with the top fish this week a
75-pounder caught by Stephen Jurgens, Adelanto, on an inflated crawler.
Jerry Creek, Alta Loma, had a 26 pounder and a 25-pound sturgeon was
caught by Mike Lee, Big Bear Lake. Information: 800-521-6332 or
760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: The only complaint here is about limits being caught too
quickly. Trout bite excellent on Power Bait (orange, rainbow, spring
green and chartreuse), inflated nightcrawlers dipped in garlic or anise,
lures, jigs and Senkos. Hot spots include the western, eastern and
northern shores of lake 2, especially the inlet, as well as the eastern
shore and western shore from the pump house to the bridge. Brett Orr,
Hesperia, caught 6-14 and 5-13 rainbows on a chrome Kastmaster. Jason
Ocull, Apple Valley, landed a 6-3 rainbow. Matt Pulver, Apple Valley,
landed a 5-14 rainbow. Jack Clark, Phelan, caught a five-pound trout.
Mark Kaihara, Fullerton, caught a 3-3 rainbow on an orange Power Worm.
Recent warm weather has brought out the bass that are in pre-spawn mode
with a fair to good bite on spinnerbait, Senkos or nightcrawlers. Hot
spots for the bass include the southeastern shore of lake 2 near the
wall and the north shore of lake 3 near the pump house. Trout from the
lakes’ hatchery are planted every Friday. The lake is open Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information:
760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Fair trout action with fish up into the seven-pound
range and some bigger. Top baits are Power Bait (rainbow, red, white and
orange), nightcrawlers and plastic trout worms. Action is best in the
morning from both Pelican and Horseshoe Lake. County trout plants are
weekly through April 17. DFG trout plant this week. Information:
760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Good trout action with a lot of limits reported on
Power Bait, jigs, and nightcrawlers. Most of the fish are from one to
two pounds. DFG trout plant last week, with the last county plant of the
season last week. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: The trout bite improved with lots of limits reported near the
dam, snack bar and basin 2. Trout anglers have been successful with
chartreuse Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Catfish, bass, and carp remain
fair. DFG trout plant last week. The last county trout plant of the
season also went in last Thursday. No fishing on stocking days.
Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Still fair trout action this week with the best bite on Power
Bait, mini-jigs, and small trout plastics. Also a fair bite on bluegill
and carp, with the catfish still mostly slow. DFG trout plant and the
final county plant of the season last week. Lake information:
909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair to good trout action this past week with lots of limits
reported on fish averaging from 1 1/2 to two pounds. Top trout baits
have been Power Bait (yellow or green) and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair
catfish action. Most of the cats are running two to four pounds and are
showing on mackerel, shrimp and Hog Wild. DFG trout plant last week
along with the last county plant of the season. 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: No recent plants. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: Top bass this week was a 9.02-pound largemouth bass
caught by Rich Garcia, Beaumont, off the south shoreline in 15 to 20
feet of water on a jig. More spawning bass continue to bite on the beds
with the hottest fishing areas near the east dam, in Rawson cove, off
the southwest corner and in the shallows. Most reports have fish holding
between five and 20 feet, with bigger fish in deeper water. Drop-shotting
purple or green worms, Carolina rigged Brush Hogs, watermelon or green
pumpkin Senkos, and tube jigs have all been effective for bass. Jim
Goseco, Romoland, landed a 7.46-pound largemouth on rainbow Power Bait
while fishing for trout. Daniel Hurlburt, 13, Lake Elsinore landed a
5.73-pound bass. Shore fisherman and boaters have been catching trout in
good numbers. The beset bite is off the marina, near the east and west
dam, and restroom one and two. Anglers are having luck on Power Bait,
trout worms, mini-jigs, and Kastmasters. Lily Selig, Fountain Valley,
caught a 6.35-pound trout trolling with a fire tiger Rapala. There was a
good catfish bite this week. Hot spots include the third cove, and near
the east dam or wave attenuator. Top baits are anchovies, mackerel, and
raw shrimp. Most catfish have been found on the bottom in 10-20 feet.
Some panfish reports this week with a fair bite along the dams,
specifically near the stairways. Anglers are fishing in 20 to 30 feet on
live worms. Todd Johnson, Long Beach, caught a 2.33-pound crappie on
jigs. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait &
Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The bass bite is fair and steady off the marina and at lots 5,
11 and 12. Top baits are plastics and worms. Alex Richey, Lakewood,
caught a 4-7 bass on a Robo worm. Angel Mendoza, Moreno Valley, caught a
2.50-pound bass. Trout fair on worms, Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
Trout hot spots also at lots 5, 11 and 12. DFG trout plant last week.
Fair bluegill and crappie action in the marina and launch areas around
structure. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only.
Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: The largemouth bass action stole the show this past week with a
very good bite on jigs and nightcrawlers in the east end and off Launch
Ramp 2. Johnny Ybanez, Hemet, caught a 4-10 largemouth, while Mark
Johnson, Murrieta, landed a 3-8. Juan Torres, Hemet, caught a 2-5
largemouth. The striper bite remains good on chicken liver and
anchovies, especially in the inlet. The holdover trout bite is good on
Power Bait, nightcrawlers or dough near Launch Ramp 2. Some early season
catfish biting on chicken liver and crankbaits. The bluegill are
starting to bite, especially for boat anglers on meal worms.
Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Crappie bite fair to good on nightcrawlers off the west
side marina. The carp have a fair to good bite off the east end on dough
balls. The cats are showing at the state park, on mackerel, shrimp and
nightcrawlers. Some bass action at the southeast end on plastics.
Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Very good fishing trout action with a lot of limits and
some quality fish showing. Nestor Valladares, Fontana, caught a 17-8
rainbow, which was the top catch at the lake this past week. Carlos
Garcia, Murrieta, caught an 11-8 trout on a Roostertail while fishing at
the dam. Daniel Waters, Perris, caught a 10-pound trout on a
nightcrawler. Macho Keoiuphan, Long Beach, landed a 9-pound trout on
orange and green Nitro Bait at the dock. Ryan Bath, Yucaipa, caught an
8-pound trout on orange Nitro Bait. Tagged trout event ends Saturday.
More and more catfish are being reported each week with the majority
being caught on mackerel and shrimp, and there will be night fishing
this Friday and Saturday night. Information: 951-277-4489 or
www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Very slow. The odd trout is still showing from winter plants
and a few bass and panfish are showing for anglers fishing the
shorelines. The lake is still muddy from dredging with low visibility.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action slow to fair on Power Bait and worms. Most
fish are in the one to two-pound range. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the
season. Fair bite on small spinners and floating baits. Fair catfish
bite from all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait,
mackerel or anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday
from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Fair trout action with some trophy rainbows still in the
mix, including several fish over nine pounds at space 54, by the dam.
Anglers have landed up to 20 fish per day. The lake is closed Mondays.
The lake will be closing April 30, perhaps permanently. Information:
951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake will be planted with 500 pounds of rainbow
trout each week through April. The bite has been very good on chartreuse
or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good rainbow trout bite on Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. Some channel cats showing. The best time to fish is
mid-day, when the sun’s out, on shrimp, mackerel or stink bait. Rainbow
trout plants go in twice a month through spring. The lake is open
Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 951-679-6562
or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: The trout and bass bites have been good to excellent. The
best bass bite has been on plastics and crawdads. Fair to good trout
action on Power Bait, trout plastics and nightcrawlers. Trollers also
scoring with Rapalas or Kastmasters. Average fish size was 10 inches,
and the fish are showing all over the lake. Mike Carter, Montclair, and
Steve Carter, Idyllwild, teamed up to catch 10 trout that averaged 1 1/2
pounds each. DFG trout plant last week. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to
10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground
951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The trout bite remains very good and there will
be a plant of both Lightning Trout and trophy Mt. Lassen Trout Farms
rainbows this week. The best action has been from boats in deep water as
the trout move deep. Shore anglers are seeing the best action off the
sandy beach with floating boats and inflated nightcrawlers. Mark
Coffman, La Habra, caught the top trout this week at 18.6 pounds.
Coffman was fishing with green Nitro Bait at the pump house. Ricky
Esparza, La Verne, caught a 14-0 trout on pink Nitro Bait at Bubble
Hole. Tommy Sullivan, Hemet, caught a 10-8 rainbow on corn yellow Nitro
Bait fishing Rainbow Basin. Arturo Velazquez, West Covina, brought in
another nice stringer of fish for the third straight week. Velazquez
caught three trout totaling 19-0 with a 10-0 topping the catch, and he
was fishing with Lip Ripperz at the spillway. Tagged trout event ends
Saturday and there is a Lip RipperZ big fish derby Saturday, too.
Information: 714-632-7830 or www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes
is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or
www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: Last week’s trout plant improved the bite with a number of
fish over seven pounds landed on a variety of baits, including Power
Bait, mini-jigs and trout dough. Top fish was a 10-8 caught by Gary
Woods, Anaheim, on a Roostertail at Rocky Point. Josh Griffin, San
Pedro, caught an 8-12 trout at the flats. Kelly Tom, West Covina, landed
a 7-10 trout in Boat Dock Cove. John Chapman, Yorba Linda, caught a 7-6
trout. Lauren Corona, Fullerton, caught a 7-2 trout near Trout Island.
James Anna, Trabuco Canyon, landed a seven-pound trout. Tom Collins,
Santa Ana, caught 5-8, 5-4 and 4-8 trout. Tony Diaz, Los Angeles, caught
five trout totaling 20-2. The Master’s Tournament this past weekend was
won by Robert Avemaria of Placentia, who garnered top honors with a 5-14
trout for the $1,000 prize and one-year VIP pass to the lake. Good bass
bite, with a lot of fish up on beds. Most legitimate sight-fishing
techniques are working well, with dropshot-rigged lizards and tubes
being used. Crappie anglers are finding good numbers of fish to two
pounds on Atomic Teasers at the flats and in Sierra Cove. Elaine
Dickerhoof, Artesia, landed five crappie totaling 10-12 on mini-jigs.
Catfish to five pounds are becoming active on all trout dough baits. The
lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming events: The first Night-Time
Bass Tournament in several years will be held May 10, with signups only
available at the lake or Angler’s Marine. The lake’s summer catfish
opener is scheduled for June 6. Information: 714-649-9111 or
www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No more trout plants will go in this season, but the
catfish plants are just around the corner, with the first one slated for
the week prior to Memorial Day Weekend. The trout bite remains good on
inflated nightcrawlers doused in garlic or corn Trout Dip or Power Bait
(red, white and blue or chartreuse) dipped in garlic Nitro Gravy in the
flats and off the launch ramp. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Trout
SpoonZ are top lures for the big trout. The fish are in the two to
three-pound range, with some over. Plenty of bass action on fish in the
one- to three-pound range. Although one angler brought in a 10-8 bass on
a Robo worm. The best action has been on dark-colored plastic worms in
deeper water by the dam. Some crappie showing on small crappie jigs
(chartreuse or white). The occasional catfish on mackerel or
nightcrawlers in the flats and by the launch ramp on nightcrawlers
dipped in garlic. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information:
949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Fair trout bite in the open water for trollers using Needlefish
and nightcrawlers. The trout are from 1 1/2 to two pounds, with some in
the five to six-pound range. The trout bite is best in Cachuma Bay and
Santa Cruz. Bass bite fair in the mornings with spoons and Senkos in the
Jackrabbit Flats on jerk bait and purple and brown plastic worms. DFG
trout plant this week. The 13th annual Cachuma Lake Trout Derby,
sponsored by the non-profit Cachuma Lake Nature Center, will be held
Saturday and Sunday. Registration is $35 for adults, $10 for children 10
and younger. There will be $5,000 in cash prizes for a variety of
winning categories for both adults and children, including longest trout
caught, trout caught with the highest numbered tag, and shortest trout
caught. Call the Trout Derby Hotline at 805-693-8381 for more
information. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information,
log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information:
805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The live shad are back, and the bass are all over them. The
fish are also taking swimbaits and plastic worms. Gary Plant, Long
Beach, caught an 11-pound bass on nightcrawlers. Todd Thigpin, Santa
Paula, caught a 10.4-pound bass. Steve Defuri, Northridge, caught a
10-pound bass on a plastic worm. Eric Diehl, Camarillo, caught an 8-8
bass. Keith Rhone, Oak View, landed 12 bass, top fish was an 8-8 on live
shad. The trout has been slow, but picked up with this week’s plant at
the Coyote Launch Ramp. Fair to good bluegill and redear on live worms.
Catfish bite very slow. Crappie bite very slow to fair, but will pick up
with the live shad. Nightfishing scheduled for Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. Private boats are not being allowed on the lake because of
fears of quagga mussel infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair to good largemouth bass bite, with some fish nearing four
pounds. The fish arm and the lagoon are the hot spots for the bass on
plastics. Mike Thompson, Oxnard, landed a three-pound largemouth. Ken
Hemer, Castaic, landed 2.1 and two-pound largemouth. The striper bite is
fair to good, with a few fish in the double-digits on anchovies or
frozen shad. More carp landed this week on frozen shad or dough. Danny
Gutierrez, Oxnard, caught an 8.6-pounder near the west ramp. Trout were
planted two weeks ago, 1,800 pounds at the lagoon, and aside from a few
holdovers the action is slow. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Fair trout bite on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers for
bait anglers. Trollers have been using Kastmasters, Rapalas or
Needlefish in 65 to 85 feet. Most fish are in the one to two-pound
range, with an occasional four-pounder or better. DFG trout plant two
weeks ago. Slow to fair crappie action in 10 to 20 feet on white
mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound, with a few over. Bass action
fair on nightcrawlers and plastic worms in 10 to 15 feet. Hours are 7
a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500, marina 805-521-1231.
PYRAMID: A trout plant, 3,000 pounds, went in earlier this week and
should help the trout bite improve. Trout action has been fair to good
on anchovies and nightcrawlers, but inconsistent with storms of heavy
winds since the lake re-opened two weeks ago. The bigger stripers should
come out and go after the trout from the plant, but the striper bite has
been very good on fish to six pounds this with fish showing on cut baits
or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Many anglers have caught easy limits
this week. Catfish are still slow, but a 15-pound catfish was caught
last week. No bluegill or crappie reports, yet. Largemouth and
smallmouth have been landed on plastics in a fair to good bite.
Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Decent trout action on Power Bait or Lip RipperZ plastics
and worms. DFG trout plant last week. Slow to fair bass bite off the
east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits and live worms. Fair
bluegill action on meal and wax worms. Crappie bite fair on small jigs.
The action is best in or around Sailboat Cove. Information:
909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers. DFG trout
plant last week. Fair bluegill action on worms and nightcrawlers in the
afternoon. Most fish are under a pound. Fair catfish action on mackerel,
shrimp or chicken liver. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this 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 plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite at the drop offs on Power Bait or
nightcrawlers. Some fair carp action with fish in the 1-8 to two-pound
range on dough balls. DFG trout plant last week. Information:
818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake is closed for fishing, but will reopen on May 7.
Reservations available through Tickemaster. Call (619) 220-8497. Lake
information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The crappie bite slowed from last week, but is still fair to
good. The bluegill bite perked. This week 191 anglers checked reported
130 crappie, 80 bass and 73 bluegill. Corey Stenovec caught a 7.40-pound
largemouth on jigs. The lake is open for fishing and boating Wednesday,
Saturday and Sunday. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: The bass bite is hot. This week 233 anglers checked reported
439 bass, 46 crappie, 12 bluegill, six blue catfish and four channel
catfish. The lake will be open Thursday through Monday for fishing.
Permits on Thursday, Friday and Monday will only be available through
the Iron Ranger/Pay Station by the concession building (exact change
only). Boat rentals on Saturday and Sunday only. Information:
619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations:
619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: Bass bite slowed, however the bluegill bite improved. This
week 112 anglers checked reported 122 bluegill, 35 bass, nine crappie,
11 channel catfish, five rainbow trout, five channel catfish and two
carp. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule.
Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: Fair bass bite. This week 37 anglers reported catching 30
bass. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing,
sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but
anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474
or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: Good bass action. This week 173 anglers reported 287 bass,
54 bluegill, 21 channel catfish, 16 redear, and two crappie. The lake is
open Saturday and Sunday for fishing from sunrise to sunset. Rentals are
available both days. The shoreline from the launch ramp to the buoy line
is closed to all activities. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: Very good bluegill bite. This week 88 anglers checked reported
214 bluegill, 20 rainbow trout and one bass. DFG trout plant this week.
The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Information:
619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations:
619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Fair rainbow trout bite. This week 87 anglers checked reported
49 rainbow trout, 16 bass and two channel catfish. The lake is open for
fishing seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: No report this week. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: The water is clear, and the trout action is good with plenty
of rainbow trout taken on nightcrawlers, Power Bait (green and yellow)
and Power worms. A 1,200-pound plant of rainbow trout will go in
Tuesday. Best trout areas have been in Boat Dock Cove, off the Senior
Shoreline, and in Willow Cove. Rual Prieto, Escondido, caught five
trout, and top fish was five pounds on salmon eggs. The bass are in
spawn mode with a lot of fish in shallower water. Senkos, swimbaits,
crawdads, live golden shiners, and plastic worms are working best for
the bass. Crappie have started to bite with the water warming and
rising. The catfish bite is picking up with some decent channel catfish
being landed on shrimp or anchovies. Jeff Hunter, Menifee, caught an
8-3. There is a temporary ban on private boat launches, canoes, kayaks,
float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to quagga
mussels. Rental boats available. Information: 760-839-4346 or
www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant last week.
DIXON: The trout action is excellent, and plenty of limits have been
landed. The best baits have been yellow Power Bait, nightcrawlers and
Thomas Buoyant. Hot spots have been in Trout Cove and near pier No. 3.
Average trout is between one and two pounds. A plant went in last week,
with 2,400 pounds of rainbow scheduled for next week. A few catfish were
reported on cut mackerel or nightcrawlers in the deeper parts of the
lake or near the buoy line. Upcoming events: The Hidden Valley Kiwanis
is holding their 11th Annual Charity Trout Derby at Dixon Lake on April
26-27. There will be a $5,000 tagged fish, and a Kid’s pond for children
8 and under. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Last weekend’s trout derby had 600 participating anglers. Mike
Rosell, Encinitas, was the grand prize winner with a 9.75-pound trout on
a Krocodile off Pine Point. In the men’s division Jason Gilliland, El
Cajon, caught a 9.41-pound trout, for first place. Charles Dibble,
Poway, caught an 8.74-pound trout on Power Bait for second. In the
women’s division Linda Firme, San Diego, took first with a 4.96-pound
trout on the Power Bait/nightcrawler combo for the top prize. Imelda
Robinson, National City, landed a 4.88-pound trout on a Rapala for
second. In the youth division Taylor Oshinski, Escondido, took first
with a 4.64-pound trout on Power Bait; and Justin Lee, Poway, earned
second with a 4.28-pound trout. Bass and trout anglers outside the
tournament have had luck on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and worms. Aaron
Gendelman's, El Cajon, caught a 6.1-pound bass on a nightcrawler in Half
Moon Bay. The bluegill bite is still slow. The shoreline is now open for
fishing in the curtain area. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday
through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. Lake information: snack bar
858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions
858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Good trout action off the boat dock and buoy line triangle on
Needlefish and Rapalas. Fair catfish bite near the floating boathouse
and bird trees on mackerel. The bass are just off the shoreline and in
Shadow Cove in 15 to 20 feet on crawdads, Ikas or Gitzits. Upcoming
events: free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Nightfishing starts May 16.
The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15
p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or
www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Fair to good trout bite with the best bite in the late morning,
and early afternoons on Power Bait, rainbow Rapalas or Kastmasters. Most
fish have been landed near the launch ramp or off the shoreline. Boaters
are also catching limits by the dam in Paradise Cove and working the
northern shoreline toward the dam. Fly fishermen have found good fishing
at the Cottonwood Creek area. Bass fishing is improving on plastics as
the water warms. The boat launch is open. Rowboats and motorboats are
available to rent Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 24-hour fishing
update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: A 1,200-pound load of Mt. Lassens will go in this week and
should spark the trout already-good bite even more. The nice spring
weather has brought the fish out, and both bait anglers and trollers are
getting their share of action. Chambers Park, Fox Hole and the West
Finger Jetty are the hot spots. Bait anglers are using nightcrawlers and
Power Bait. Upcoming events: free fishing class Saturday at 10 a.m.
Private boats are not allowed on the lake in order to prevent a quagga
mussel outbreak. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: The crappie bite continues, although the catfish bite brought
on some competition. Anglers are pulling out 10 to 12 crappie per day on
crappie jigs. The catfish bite is fair to good around the dock. A
five-pound catfish was reported this week. Bass starting to spawn, with
fish showing in the shallows. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: The striper bite is off and on, due to high winds. Some trout
action now on small spinners and floating baits in the evenings. No more
trout plants will in until fall. The shad have moved in, and the
stripers are all over these baitfish with fish to 4-8 being landed on a
variety of artificial lures. The largemouth and smallmouth action is
fair to good with fish to eight pounds reported in the past week.
Channel catfish bite is good in the Vegas Wash on anchovies and squid.
WILLOW BEACH: Striper bite is fair to good, but the number of reports
has been small. A 34-pound striper was reported on a swimbaits this past
week. Rainbow trout bite fair on Power Bait, spinners, Panther Martins,
Roostertails, floating baits, and salmon eggs. Trout are stocked every
Friday, and the bite is best for the first day or two after the plant.
Also a few crappie showing. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Fishing in Cottonwood Cove is fair to good for catfish and
small stripers. Power Bait, worms and Woolly Buggers have all been
working for rainbow trout. Trout from two to three pounds have been
landed. Crappie bite fair near El Dorado Canyon, Money Hole, and up near
Willow Beach on crankbaits or anchovies. Largemouth bass and the
occasional smallmouth are also being caught on plastics. Information:
702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: The trout bite is slowing, but the bite is still fair.
The last plant of the spring went in three weeks ago. Also spotty
striper and catfish action near Harrah’s Casino on anchovies. Some good
stripers have been landed in the Big Bend area. Decent smallmouth action
at Davis Camp.
NEEDLES: Fair striper action on small fish downriver in the Topoc area.
A few catfish are starting to show and some crappie are also biting in
the gorge. Largemouth action still spotty. Information: Premier Sports
760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Slow to fair striper action, but a few crappie and bass
are starting to show, especially the bass. Catfish slow to fair on
mackerel, anchovies, worms, or shrimp. The marsh can be accessed by boat
at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information:
928-768-2350.
HAVASU: The striper bite is fair to good all over the lake with a lot of
fish to four pounds. The stripers are keying on shad, so swimbaits and
small cranks are a good bet. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bites
are fair to good, especially the smallmouth. Some bass in the three to
four-pound range have been landed off the point at Six Site and this
action has been improving daily. Also a good redear bite with fish on
beds in the Sandpoint area. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads to 12 pounds
reported in an improving bite. The smallmouth bass action has improved,
and there are more and more largemouth showing each day, with both
earning at least fair ratings this week. Information: June’s Unique
928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Bass bite has been good in the main river for smallmouths and in
the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds
reported this week. The catfish action is also improving with the warmer
weather with flatheads to 15 pounds and above reported this week.
Bluegill are still spotty. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: The fishing is picking up across the board. Water
temperatures and levels are up, and the bass are improving in the
backwaters and smallies on the river rip-rap. Also improving action on
schoolie-sized stripers in the river with fish to four pounds reported.
Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Some catfish and bass action reported. Both bites fair to
good.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Fair to good largemouth bite on cranks, spinnerbaits
and plastics. Channel catfish bite decent, and the crappie bite is also
fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main
river, too. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The bite at the Gila Main Canal in East Yuma is improving
with a fair to good for channel catfish, large redear, and bluegill. All
biting on worms. In the main Colorado River, the channel catfish bite
has been fair on chicken liver or worms dipped in stink bait. The
flatheads are also starting to get active. Largemouth bass in the main
river and backwaters started to really turn on this weekend.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: No reports. Information: Red Hill Marina 760-348-2310,
Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052. Weather
information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water District's weather
forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB)
radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the
odd bass has been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: No recent DFG plants. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Fair trout action on Power Bait (rainbow) or
nightcrawlers. Last DFG plant a month ago. Crappie action good around
the docks, but most are small. Also a good bullhead bite. Information:
760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: Trout season is closed throughout most of this region. General
trout season opener will be Saturday, April 26. For updated road and
camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop
Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Only the East Walker River remains open to
catch-and-release fishing in this region. The bite at the East Walker is
fair with some decent-sized rainbows in the pools with the best action
on midges larva patterns or streams. Flows have been bouncing around
both sides of 100 cfs for the past week, down from 200 cfs flows of a
month ago. For East Walker River flows, you can check this website for
real time data: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000.
Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.
MAMMOTH AREA: Only Hot Creek and the upper Owens River remain open to
fishing, and both of these waters are catch-and-release only. Take
caution at Hot Creek with the slippery mud surfacing with recent
temperature changes. Overall, the fishing is very good for angler
fishing mayfly nymph patterns under an indicator. Upper Owens seeing a
good mid-day bite with some dry fly, although nymph fishing is a better
choice. Try a PT or a midge emerger imitation. During the hatches there
are plenty of trout working. Fishing information: The Troutfitter
760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance
Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River
(in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir) are open to fishing in this region. On the lower Owens,
nymphing with Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tails is best. Hatch in the
mid-afternoon, early evening. Good bite below the wild trout stretch
thanks to plants this week by the DFG in the Steward Lane to Laws
stretch. Fair bite at Pleasant Valley. The levels are very low, and some
report the lake was pretty much fished out during last week’s derby.
Others have reported fair to good action near the dam on Power Bait. DFG
plant here this week should improve things. Fly fishing good in the
Owens River gorge above Pleasant Valley. Top action on dry/dropper rigs.
For flow information on the whole Owens River system, you can get
information here: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAqueductMap.ladwp?contentId=LADWP_AQUERTD_SCID.
For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581,
or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 (web site fish report at http://www.performanceanglers.com/fish_report.php).
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Plants throughout the region improved the
trout action on the early season streams. Pretty decent bite in both the
lower Owens River and Diaz Lake, and all of the small streams were
planted again this week and there was good action in Cottonwood Creek,
Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Lower
Owens River below Tinemaha Reservoir, Shepherd Creek, Symms Creek and
Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Winds have made fishing tough at this lake, but with some
persistence the bite will pay off. Fair to good trout action on Power
Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs in Paradise Cove and by the dam.
Fair to good crappie bite on minnows. Bass bite improved this week, with
a good bite on plastics. Also a fair catfish bite at the dam on shad,
clams and minnows. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon
eggs and silver spinners. The flows are rising in the upper river, but
it’s still fishable. Fair trout bite in the lower river. Bass bite very
slow. DFG trout plant at Kern River from Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside
Park. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or
www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
RIVER WALK PARK: The action from the last trout plant is dying. No more
trout plants will go until next season.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The striper action is very good on shad, Gitzits,
lug worms and blood worms. Blood worms and lug worms are the hot
tickets. Most fish are from three to seven pounds. Juan Morales,
Bakersfield, caught a 3-8 striper on lug worms. Decent catfish action on
shad and nightcrawlers.
HART PARK LAKE: Good bass action on brush hogs, and Senkos. Fair to good
carp bite on dough balls. Trout action fair, but winding down, on Power
Bait and nightcrawlers.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Good bass bite on nightcrawlers, live minnows and brush
hogs. Good carp bite on dough. Catfish bite picking up. Bluegill action
fair on wax worms and crickets.
MING LAKE: Very good carp action on dough. Fair to good bass bite on
Senkos, plastic worms, nightcrawlers, Brush Hogs and minnows. Slow to
fair trout action on Power Bait.
BRITE LAKE: Trout bite is fair on Power Bait and spinners, with boat
anglers having the best success in deeper water. Shore anglers having a
tougher time as the trout head deep with warming temperatures. Water
level still coming up. DFG trout plant this week.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good crappie bite on minnows and jigs with some
two-pound plus fish. Fair bluegill bite on wax worms. Good trout action
on mini-jigs, Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Fair to good striper bite on
blood worms and lug worms. Good bass action on Senkos, brush hogs,
crawdads and large minnows. The catfish bite is fair on shad or minnows.
Some bluegill starting to show with warming weather on wax and meal
worms.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bluegill action on wax worms. Bass bite good on
minnows and plastics.
SUCCESS LAKE: The levels are up, and anglers are able to launch boats.
Action slow. Bass bite fair, at times, on plastic worms and Senkos. DFG
trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair crappie bite on small minnows. Fair bass action on
Senkos. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Fair to good striper action in Bee Rock Cove and Harris
Creek on anchovies and swimbaits. The smallmouth are scarce, however the
largemouth bite is fair to good around the rocky points on swimbaits,
spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair catfish action on anchovies.
Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Largemouth bass action fair to good on Brush Hogs,
plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have landed their limit with largemouth
to five pounds on some stringers. The early morning bite, from sunrise
to 8 a.m. is best. Fair trout action on Power Bait or worms. Decent
crappie action on jigs near the river. DFG trout plant this week. The
marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information:
805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Good spotted bass action on plastics and spoons. The spotted
bass are in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Anglers reported
catching 12 to 15 fish by putting in two to three hours. Fair white bass
bite. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bass action fair on jigs, nightcrawlers or plastic worms,
especially in Wittenberg Canyon. Fair crappie action in 25 to 30 feet
across from the marina and near the boat house on jigs. Slow to fair
bluegill and redear action on meal and wax worms. Catfish bite spotty.
Try anchovies or shrimp. Fair trout action on nightcrawlers and rainbow
Power Bait in Cottonwood Cove, off the Cottonwood shoreline, off the
points, and across from the marina. Trollers are also having luck just
outside Cottonwood Cove on Needlefish. Most fish are under the two-pound
mark. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of
trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county,
will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the
Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Cuddy Creek Pond, Elizabeth
Lake, Hansen Lake, Little Rock Reservoir, Piru Creek (Frenchmans Flat),
Pyramid Lake.
ORANGE: Trabuco Creek.
RIVERSIDE: Strawberry Creek.
SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Santa Ana River,
Santa Ana River South Fork.
SAN DIEGO: Murray Lake.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake, Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake, Lion Canyon Creek, Santa Ynez River.
INYO: Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Independence Creek,
Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (Below Tinnemaha), Sheperds Creek, Symmes
Creek, Tuttle Creek.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake, Reyes Creek,
Rose Valley Lakes.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San
Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Tenmile Creek, Wishon Reservoir.
KERN: Brite Valley Reservoir, Kern River from Powerhouse No. 3 to
Riverside Park, Kernville.
MONTEREY: El Estero Park Lake.
TULARE: Big Meadows Creek, Kern River from Bush Creek to Fairview Dam,
Kern River from Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge, Middle Fork of
Tule River, North Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Wishon Campground,
Peppermint Creek, South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Camp Nelson,
South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Ceder Slopes.
CATFISH PLANTS
No Plants.
OCEAN FISHING REPORT
By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com
CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: Good rockfishing with lots of reds and limits of
salmon grouper. In addition, there has been some very good ling cod
fishing. We are still hoping for white seabass and halibut as well as
more calico bass. The water needs to warm a bit more and then it should
be game on.
LOS ANGELES AREA LANDINGS: Anglers on the Big Game 90, on a 976-TUNA
charter at San Clemente Island this past week, saw lots of yellowtail
and caught a few. Skipper Mikle Jewitt thinks this bite could break open
any day now, especially with the improving tide and weather conditions.
Wind has been a problem this week. There is still a hit and miss bite on
the white seabass at Catalina Island, but we are looking at slightly
warmer water and a full moon, so look out. The Phantom had limits of
white seabass last week, and there has been a decent pick here and
there. The 3/4-day boats at Catalina have been picking at the barracuda
and calico bass, but there is a good bite on the bonito on these trips.
Local rockfishing remains good. Boats in the Santa Monica Bay have been
catching limits of salmon grouper and a few lings. The water remains
cold along this part of the coast so no sign of the barracuda, yet.
ORANGE COUNTY LANDINGS UPDATE: Good sculpin and rockfish along the coast
with a few halibut, too, for the half- and 3/4-day boats fishing
nearshore waters. There have been a few sand bass, with the spring bite
trying to get going. There has also been a few barracuda showing up
mixed with bonito. Once again, warmer water will really accelerate this
action. Many boats are headed to the islands (both Catalina and Clemente)
this week to tap the good bonito action and a shot at the possibility of
yellowtail and white seabass.
SAN DIEGO ARE NEWS: The Coronado Islands are more and more like spring
with good catches of bonito along with a few barracuda and yellowtail.
The Mission Belle skipper Ryan Bostian says that spring is here and that
he sees more life every single day. Some boat skippers are even talking
about albacore exploratory trips, so we'll see what comes of that. Good
bottom fishing for the boats headed down the Baja coast for 1 1/2-day
trips. San Diego;s local bite is ready to explode. On the long range
scene, there was tremendous fishing for giant yellowfin tuna this past
week. Anglers on the Royal Polaris this week reported in lots of 170- to
190-pound yellowfin tuna. The biggest yellowfin of the trip is a monster
314-pounder. Great wahoo fishing on this trip, too.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA and Shimano host
instructional charters throughout the year, offering beginning anglers
or veterans advice and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different
saltwater species. The next trip is an overnight trip aboard the
Westerly out of Long Beach Sportfishing Thursday, April 24, targeting
white seabass and/or yellowtail. Cost is $99. This one is followed by a
two-day trip aboard the New Lo An leaving May 2. This one costs $275.
There is also special Cino de Mayo trip May 4-9 to teach anglers the
basics of fishing Baja. This trip will be held out of Palmas de Cortez.
For more information on upcoming Shimano/976-TUNA instructional
charters, call 310-328-8426.
LANDING CONTACTS
Southern California: Virg's Sportfishing, Morro Bay, 805-772-1222;
Patriot Sportfishing, Avila Beach, 805-595-7200; Sea Landing, Santa
Barbara, 805-963-3564; Harbor Village Sportfishing, Ventura,
805-658-1060; Channel Islands Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-985-8511;
Captain Hook's Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-382-6233; Port Hueneme
Sportfishing, Hueneme, 805-488-2212; Malibu Pier Sportfishing,
310-328-8426; Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina del Rey, 310-822-3625;
Redondo Sportfishing, Redondo Beach, 310-372-2111; Rocky Point Fuel Dock
(skiff rentals for King Harbor), Redondo Beach, 310-374-9858; 22nd
Street Landing, San Pedro, 310-832-8304; L.A. Harbor Sportfishing, San
Pedro, 310-547-9916; Long Beach Sportfishing, Long Beach, 562-432-8993;
Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach, 562-983-9300; Marina Sportfishing, Long
Beach, 562-598-6649; Newport Landing, Newport Beach, 949-675-0550;
Davey's Locker, Newport Beach, 949-673-1434; Dana Wharf Sportfishing,
Dana Point, 949-496-5794; Helgren's Sportfishing, Oceanside,
760-722-2133; Fisherman's Landing, San Diego, 619-221-8500; H&M Landing,
San Diego, 619-222-1144; Seaforth Landing, San Diego, 619-224-3383;
Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego, 619-223-1627; Islandia Sportfishing,
San Diego, 619-222-1164.
Mexico Landings: Sergio's Sportfishing, Ensenada, 011-526-178-2185; San
Quintin Sportfishing, San Quintin, 011-526-162-1455.
This report is published by 11 daily newspapers in Southern
California each week. Frequently it is edited for space. A complete
version is posted on the Outdoor News Service web site each week (www.outdoornewsservice.com).
The updated report is usually posted by Thursday morning at this site. The fish report is copyrighted and any
use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited
without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the
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The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is
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RECENT BIG CATCHES
April 16, 2008 - Proof that crappie bites
are kicking into gear all over Southern California, Todd Johnson of
Long Beach shows off two crappie approaching two pounds each he
caught at Diamond Valley Lake's east dam.
April 14, 2008 - Rich Garcia of Beaumont
with a 9.02-pound bass from Diamond Valley Lake's south shoreline
while fishing in 15 to 20 feet of water using a jig.
April 10, 2008 - Nestor Valladares,
Fontana, with a 17 1/2-pound rainbow caught at Corona Lake.
April 4, 2008 - Sonny Carbajal of Los
Angeles with a 10.1-pound trout caught on a chartreuse nitro worm at
Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 3, 2008 - Arturo Velazquez of West
Covina caught this 12-8 trout on chartreuse nitro with garlic gravy
at Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 1, 2008 - Nhan Doan, Moreno Valley,
Ca, with an 11.2-pound largemouth from Lake Perris caught on a
Triple Trout swimbait from shore.
March 30, 2008 - Tommy Megrditchian of
Escondido caught this 10-8 bass on anchovies at Lake Wohlford.
March 25, 2008 - Seng Ire, Long Beach, with a 12-pound bass
caught at Lake Perris on a deep-running crank while float tubing.
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March 24, 2008 - Ray Turner, Moreno
Valley, with 268-pound sturgeon caught from Hesperia Lake. The fish
was 85-inches long with a 51-inch girth.
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March 20, 2008 - Bob Caffey, Acton, caught this 28-inch brown
trout from the lower Owens River.
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March 20, 2008 - James Williams of
Los Angeles caught this 19-8 trout at Santa Ana River Lakes.
March 9, 2008 - This 7-1 largemouth was
caught at Lake Hemet by Rick Cargo of Riverside.
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March 1, 2008 - Nikki Risco, age 11, of
Sun City with 6.1-pound trout caught on a nightcrawler at
Diamond Valley
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March 1, 2008 - Mike Collins of San
Jacinto caught a 1.5-pound bluegill in the middle of the lake at 50’
using an ice jig at Diamond Valley
February 28, 2008 - Casitas Lake produced
this
13.5-pound and this 6-pound bass. Both were caught on 12-inch swim baits by Mark
"Chief" Torrez, B.A.S.S. Federation California state champion.
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February 28, 2008 - Barry Taylor of Corona
with 22 3/4-pound rainbow caught at Santa Ana River Lakes. It
took Taylor an hour to land on two-pound test and rainbow Nitro Bait
doused with Nitro Grease.
February 20, 2008 - Brandon Cotton, editor
of Fish Rap, caught this 62-pound white seabass off LaJolla.
February 16, 2008 - Scott Holley of Torrance with an 8-0 bass caught
at Diamond Valley lake.
February 14, 2008 - Steve Romero of
Temecula caught a 12-2, the biggest trout of the season, so far, at
Dixon Lake. He used a Kastmaster in Whisker Bay.
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February 8, 2008 - Allan Cole of
Henderson, Nev., caught this 50-pound, 48 1/2-inch long striped bass
while fishing at Mile Marker 40 below Willow Beach on an A.C. Plug.
February 8, 2008 - Shaw Gallegher of
Bellflower nailed this 13.16 pound trout at Irvine Lake's Trout
Island on a Power Worm.
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February 6, 2008 - Mark Ward of Blythe with
three bass caught in the Colorado River. They were 2 1/2 to 4
pounds.
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February 6, 2008 - John Hudspith of
Torrance caught this 11-pound rainbow at Irvine Lake.
January 08, 2008 - Bob Caffey of Acton caught this 11-pound
bass at Pyramid Lake, one of the best bass from this lake in years.
January 02, 2008 - Gary Goemer of Irvine
caught this 14 pound trout at Irvine Lake.
January 02, 2008 - This 14.2-pound trout
was landed by San Chow of Westminster at Irvine Lake
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December 23, 2007 - Robert Coleman of
Rancho Cucamonga caught this 202-pound sturgeon at Hesperia Lake.
This was formerly the biggest fish caught from freshwater in Southern
California.
December 22, 2007 - Robert Metzger of Hesperia with his
19-7 striper he caught on a swimbait in Miller’s Canyon of Lake
Silverwood.
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December 15, 2007 - Here is a photo of the winning fish
from the derby at Cucamonga Guasti. The fish was caught by Ray
Moreno of Ontario.
November 11, 2007 - The derby winner at Lake Dixon. This
10.22-pound trout was caught on a nightcrawler by Connor Rasmussen
of Escondido.
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November 1, 2007 - 180-pound former Hesperia Lake record sturgeon
caught by Ed Paradise of Grove City, Pennsylvania.
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October 31, 2007 - Bobby Toliver of Ontario with a
135-pound sturgeon he caught at Hesperia Lake.
October 27, 2007 - Francisco Rios caught this 20-9 catfish
at Lake Wohlford.
October 2007 - Bart Tyler of Victorville caught this lake
record 62 1/2-pound catfish at Hesperia Lake.
Have a photo of a recent big catch you have
made? Send it to
Reprimir@earthlink.net if you are interested in having it appear
on this page.
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