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May 7, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. The
crappie bite at Lake Isabella has been building for the last two weeks
and it broke wide open this week with a lot of quality slabs from 1 1/4
to 2 1/2 pounds and some even bigger. The best action has been on small
minnows in the north and south fork arms of the lake in less than 12
feet of water. Check with Bob’s Bait in Bakersfield for an update by
callings 661-833-8657.
2. Hesperia Lake was to be planted with 2,000 pounds of five to 10-pound
sturgeon this week -- the first of monthly plants of sturgeon going into
this High Desert water this summer. Sturgeon this size are known for
their wild, leaping antics when hooked. The lake also has a very good
bite on catfish with fish to 31 pounds caught this past week. For an
update, call the lake stores at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. Casitas Lake has a wide open largemouth bass and crappie bite thanks
to the availability of live shad for bait this past week. Top bass this
past week was a 14-pounder, and crappie to three pounds were also
landed. The bass are definitely out of the post-spawn blues here.
Remember the quagga mussel quarantine on private boats here (which is
changing soon). For an update, call the marina at 805-649-2043.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT:
Generally good fishing throughout the Eastern Sierra Nevada with
Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley and its major tributaries (especially the
Owens River and McGee Creek), and Mammoth Twin Lakes the top spots to
fish. The East Walker River is also an excellent bet for experience fly
anglers. In Southern California, most trout seasons are winding down,
but the Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine Lake, Corona Lake are still good
for planted trout. Big Bear Lake is very good on holdover fish, and
Diamond Valley Lake is also very good. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake
and Jess Ranch have been good this week, too.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Casitas, Diamond Valley, Perris, Skinner, Castaic,
Cachuma, Isabella, Piru, Sutherland, San Vicente, and Lower Otay all
have been good this past week. Silverwood and Pyramid just fair. Poway,
El Capitan, Hodges, and Wohlford all have fair to good bites. On the
Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good spotted bass bite, and Lopez
is worth fishing for largemouths.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid was good to excellent last 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, 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. No monster
fish at Willow or in Mohave reported this week, though. Also some decent
wiper action at Lake Elsinore this past week.
PANFISH: The panfish bites are exploding just about everywhere. There
are excellent crappie bites at Isabella, the Buena Vista Lakes (near
Taft), Casitas, San Antonio, Lopez, and Santa Margarita. Henshaw,
Hodges, and Elsinore all have pretty decent crappie bites, too. Bluegill
bites are very good to excellent at Perris, Lower Otay, and Murray, and
just about every other water that has bluegill is pretty good.
CATFISH: One of the top bets has to be Hesperia Lake thanks to weekly
plants of pan-sized and trophy cats, but a lot of waters are kicking
into gear for the cats. Diamond Valley still has a pretty good bite, and
Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and the Colorado River has been
consistently good in the past week. Most urban lakes will start catfish
stocking programs later this month and the DFG plants are in full swing.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Good to excellent striper action on anchovies and sardines.
The recent trout plant, 2,900 pounds, improved the striper bite. The
action is exceptional in deep water at the spillway. Eddie Ayala, San
Bernardino, caught a 12-pound limit of stripers. Top fish was a 3-8.
Trout bite fair to good off the marina rocks and in Cleghorn and
Miller’s canyons. Jackie Mata-Osborne, San Bernardino, caught a 2-8
trout on spinners. Jeremy Bennett, Hesperia, landed a two-pound trout on
worms and Power Bait. Emily Kropko, San Bernardino, caught a pair of
rainbows at 1-6 and 1-4, one on a lure and one on Power Bait. Fair bass
bite on plastics and crankbaits. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state
park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Very good trout bite all over the lake on Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. Trollers are using Needlefish in the red dot frog pattern
or Thomas Buoyants. The hottest fishing areas are in the Trout Triangle
(Eagle Point, Observatory, to Lagonita Point), Windy Point, and near the
dam. Cody Hipwell, 5, LaVerne, caught a 6.46-pound trout. Josie Hipwell,
7, La Verne, caught a two-pound rainbow. 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 close to the bottom. DFG trout plant this week. Information:
909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Green Valley Lake officially opens for the season on
Thursday, May 15, after a plant of Alpers' trout, and it is scheduled to
receive two plants per month. The lake is currently at full pool and
overflowing thanks to the heavy snowpack in the San Bernardino
Mountains. DFG trout plant this week. The 2008 fishing fees are $15 per
day for adults, $10 for children. Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
and parking is free. No float tubes or private boats are allowed, but
there are row boats available for rent. The recorded information line is
909-867-20090. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: The lake has opened for the season. DFG trout plant this
week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers and Power Bait.
JENKS LAKE: The trout bite has been slow to fair, but some float tube
anglers have managed to get limits of holdover trout. First DFG trout
plant of the season this week. The bass action has been fair with some
quality fish showing. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at
909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: While the trout plants are now over, there were 2,200
pounds of Alpers’ trout planted last week, and the bite has been good,
especially for the brown trout in the last load. There is also a good
catfish bite, with 2,000 pounds planted Monday and another 2,000 pounds
on Thursday. Lastly, another plant of sturgeon also was going in this
week, with 2,000 pounds of five to 10-pounders. Top rainbow this past
week was a 12-pounder caught by Olly Pack, Los Angeles, on a Lip RipperZ
jig. Chris Searls, Las Vegas, caught a 10-8 rainbow, Power Bait, while
Ernie Hernandez, Orange County, landed 9-8, 7-pounds rainbows. Brian
Franks, Temecula, had an 8-8 trout. Top brown was an 8-8 caught by Frank
Nelson, Irvine, on an inflated nightcrawler. Gail Lacey, Corona, landed
a 6-12 brown trout on a meal worm. The best catfish was a 31-pound blue
caught by Mike Michaels, Pasadena, on shrimp, while Guy Rogers, Los
Angeles, caught and released a 23 1/2 flathead. Catchy Theo, Perris,
caught a 19-pound blue, and Leo Ken, Alhambra, had 15-9 and 12-pound
channels on shrimp and Sonny’s Catfish Bait. Don Clarence, Hesperia,
caught a 14-0 channel on the marshmallow-meal worm combo. STORY of the
WEEK: Mark Barlow, Phelan, was fishing with his wife Michele Saturday in
howling winds. After six hours they hadn't had a bite, but decided to
give it another 15 minutes. Then Mark had a bite and the line peeled
out. When the fish surfaced, there were gasps all around, and a crowd of
20 anglers gathered to watch the fight. Eventually, the huge sturgeon
was next to the bank and with small nets on the head and tail of the
fish, five anglers tried to lift the fish in. After five minutes of
trying, the line broke and
the 200-pound class sturgeon swam free (see photos). Day session
hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10
p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Good trout action with lots of limits, with fish over two
pounds. Best bite on Power bait (rainbow, garlic, orange, nymph, and
bubblegum), nightcrawlers (inflated and doused with attractant), jigs,
and Senkos. Hot spots include the grassy point, the eastern logged shore
and the western shore of lake 3 as well as the northern, eastern and
western shores of lake 2. Fred Wintersywk, Rancho Cucamonga, caught a
7-10 rainbow on a gold Jakes. Jason Shoff, Rialto, caught a 4-11 trout
on pink bubblegum Power Bait. Paul Terrell, Fontana, caught a 4-6
rainbow. Juan Montano, Colton, landed a 4-3 rainbow. Bass anglers have
reported catching up to four-pound fish on spinnerbait and Senkos. Hot
spots for bass include the northern shore of lake 3 and the western,
southern and northern shores of lake 2. Bluegill action improving. The
Lakes' Hatchery stocks trout every Friday year round. 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: Slow to fair trout bite. Top baits are Power Bait
(rainbow, red, white and blue, and orange), nightcrawlers and plastic
trout worms. Action is best in the morning from both Pelican and
Horseshoe Lake. DFG trout plant last week. No more county trout plants
will go in this season. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair 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 two weeks ago. No more county trout plants
will go in this season. Catfish season will kick off May 22.
Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Slow to fair trout action with fish to two pounds on Power Bait
(chartreuse or rainbow) and nightcrawlers. No more trout plants will go
in this season. Catfish, bass, and carp remain slow. Catfish season will
kick off May 22. 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 last week.
No more county trout plants will go in this season. Catfish season will
kick off May 22. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Slow to fair trout action. 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 two weeks ago. No more
county trout plants will go in this season. Catfish season will kick off
May 22. 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: Bass bite still excellent. Anglers are catching an
abundance of fish in the two to four-pound range at the east dam, off
the southwest corner, and in Rawson Cove. Most fish have been reported
in five to 20 feet with the bigger fish in deeper water. Drop-shotting
purple or green worms, Carolina rigged brush hogs, watermelon or green
pumpkin Senkos, flukes, and tube jigs were all reported as effective for
bass. Marvin Freeman, Detroit, caught a 4.5-pound bass. Victor Henandez,
Moreno Valley, landed a 4.06-pound bass. Shore fisherman and boaters
have still been catching loads of trout. Hot spots include the marina,
the east dam, restroom 1 and 2, and the west dam. Shore anglers have
been relying on Power Bait, trout worms, mini-jigs, and Kastmasters.
Boaters found it is best to drift with nightcrawlers or to troll Rapalas.
Chris Kelly, Cherry Valley, caught a 5.76-pound trout. Mike Southerland,
Fontana, landed a 5.4-pound trout. Very good catfish bite on raw shrimp,
anchovies and mackerel in 10 to 20 feet in the third cove, off the
shoreline and near the east dam or wave attenuator. Jesse Dinkins,
Hemet, caught 9.31 and 6.75-pound channel catfish. Chris Hagopun,
Redondo Beach, caught a 7.8-pound catfish. Vernon Smith Jr., Moreno
Valley, landed a 6.71-pound catfish. Gilbert Villasenor, Homeland,
caught 5.74 and 4.26-pound catfish. Not too many panfish reports this
week, but anglers are fishing along the dam and near the stairways on
live worms for bluegill. Some crappie to two-pounds have been reported.
Upcoming events: “Spring Smackdown” trout derby set for Saturday, May
17. Cash and prizes will be awarded in three categories: adult boaters,
adult shoreline and kids. Entry tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for
children. Lake and derby information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201,
Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The bluegill action is excellent. Anglers are catching over 50
per day. Top baits are crickets, meal worms and wax worms. Joseph King,
San Bernardino, landed 60 bluegill. Johnathon Munoz, 8, Moreno Valley,
caught seven bluegill. All fish were under a pound. Bass action fair on
plastic worms. Top fish was a 10-6 caught by Zane Greg, Lake Matthews.
Redear bite fair at lots 5, 6, 11 and 12. DFG trout plant this week.
Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only.
Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Very good largemouth bass bite off shore on nightcrawlers,
plastics and Kastmasters. Jim Cristler, Corona, landed an eight-pound
largemouth on nightcrawlers. Claude Remington, Fontana, caught a 4-8
largemouth in the east end. Stripers fair to good at the inlet with some
fish topping four pounds. Good bluegill bite on meal or wax worms. Gary
Smith, Compton, caught a stringer of bluegill totaling 24.75 pounds. Top
fish was a 1-8. Fair catfish action on mackerel or shrimp with fish to
three pounds. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Crappie bite fair to good on nightcrawlers off the west
side marina. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair with a few fish in the
four-pound range landed off shore. Robert Morales, Riverside, caught an
11-pounder. 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. Ray Sanchez, Riverside, caught a 5-9 catfish on shrimp.
Good bluegill bite on wax worms. Ben Molina, Riverside, caught six
bluegill off the marina. Some bass action at the southeast end on
plastics. Robert Glass, Riverside, caught a grand slam, two-pound bass,
11-pound wiper, 8-10 catfish, and a 1-5 bullhead catfish. Information:
Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: The overall bite on trout is still very good, with the best
action for boat anglers. Due to warmer water temperatures the trout are
staying in the deep water. Dough baits and nightcrawlers have both been
working well. Top fish included a 13-pound and 10-8 rainbow caught by
Eric Carrillo, Rancho Cucamonga, on orange Power Bait at the dam. Bobby
Bennett, Compton, caught a 12-8 rainbow on a meal worm at the dam. Frank
Patella, Alta Loma, landed an 11-8 trout on chartreuse at the dam. Gary
Williams, Beaumont, and Juan Salazar, Whittier, each also caught 10-8
rainbows. More and more catfish are being reported each week with the
majority being caught on mackerel and shrimp. There also continue to be
some panfish -- bluegill and crappie -- and bass caught each week.
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 go in every other week and there is a
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: The lake is closed this week, perhaps permanently.
REFLECTION LAKE: No more trout plants this month. The trout bite fair to
good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The catfish bite very good on nightcrawlers,
chicken liver, dough bait and mackerel. Catfish are planted when the
current stock goes below 2,000 pounds. A plant went in last week. The
trout are scarce, and have been reduced to $3 per pound to make room for
the catfish. 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 bass bite has been good with the best action on plastics
and crawdads. Good trout action with the best bite on nightcrawlers,
Power Bait and Power worms. Trollers have also been having some success
on Kastmasters and Needlefish. Layne Fleming, Anza, landed a limit of
rainbows off the point on nightcrawlers that average about a pound each.
Albie Poston, Anza, caught five rainbow trout totaling 4-6. DFG trout
plant this 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: Fair to good trout action continues. The bite has
been best for boat anglers with warming water temperatures driving the
fish into deep water. The bubble hole, La Palma Point, and Levitz’
Corner have been the hot spots, and many anglers fishing the deep water
are getting limits -- or even double limits after buying a second permit
-- but most fish are from 1-8 to four pounds. The only fish over five
pounds was an 8-8 rainbow caught by Ron Mueller, Ventura, on a jig in
Levitz’ Corner. Santiago Luis, La Puente, caught a nice stringer of 10
trout totaling 20-8 with a 4-0 topping his catch. Luis was fishing with
chartreuse Power Bait at La Palma Point. The catfish bite is starting to
pick up with the warm weather with most anglers using shrimp, mackerel,
or the M&M combo (marshmallow and mealworm. Some bass are showing as
well for anglers targeting them. The best spots for bass have been
Catfish Lake and the bubble hole. Trout plants again this week and
catfish season kicks off May 22. 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: The brown trout action is excellent, perhaps the best in
lake history. Anglers are catching brown trout on Thomas Buoyants,
Kastmasters and crankbait, primarily in Woody’s Cove. Top brown was a
7-8 caught by Shawn Onch, Trabuco Canyon. Brian Pichon, Corona, landed a
7-6 brown. Duane Painter, Oceanside, caught a 6-8 brown. Steve England,
Anaheim, caught 5-12 and 2-16 brown trout. Doug Conrad, Mission Viejo,
landed a 5-6 and 4-12 brown on the flats. Jay Bolton, Corona, caught a
3-2 brown. A number of rainbow and brook trout have also been landed
with a very good bite for both. Woody’s Cove is the hot spot as well.
Top rainbow was a 10-8 caught by Michael Joey, Anaheim, on a Power
mouse. Chris Edwards, Tustin, landed an 8-6 rainbow. Wally Corbler,
Newport Beach, landed a 3-2 brook on an SC Shiner. Fair largemouth bass
action with a good outlook for Saturday’s tournament. The crappie bite
slowed. Fair catfish bite with fish from one to five pounds on shrimp
and nightcrawlers in Boat Dock Cove. 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 Saturday, with signups only available at the lake or
Angler’s Marine (714-666-2628). The lake’s summer catfish opener is
scheduled for June 6. Information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: The trout bite is fair 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 on the launch
ramp. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Trout SpoonZ are top lures for the
big trout. Top fish this week was a 5-8. Plenty of bass action on fish
in the one- to three-pound range. The best action has been on
dark-colored plastic worms in deeper water by the dam. Anglers are using
spinnerbaits and topwater baits in the early mornings and afternoons. A
seven-pound bass was landed this week. Crappie showing in good numbers
on small crappie jigs (chartreuse or white). Good bluegill bite on wax
worms. Fair to good catfish on mackerel or nightcrawlers in the flats
and by the launch ramp on nightcrawlers dipped in garlic. A four-pounder
was caught this week. 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 five to 20 feet for trollers using red
Needlefish and nightcrawlers. The trout are from 1 1/2 to two pounds,
with some over six pounds. Bait anglers are using rainbow Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. The trout bite is best in Cachuma Bay, just outside the
marina and on the flats. Bass bite fair in the mornings on crankbait and
plastics in the Jackrabbit Flats. Crappie bite fair on jigs and
nightcrawlers in Bobcat Canyon. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. 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 the name of the game. The bass bite is very
good with anglers catching large numbers of fish on live shad, swimbaits
and plastic worms. Maria Fyffe, Philadelphia, caught a 14-pound bass on
live shad. Seth Casey, Oak View, caught an 11-pound bass. Joe Messinio,
Ventura, landed a 10-pound bass. Brandon LeMay, Ojai, caught a 9-8 bass.
Eric Bernaldo, Las Vegas, also caught a 9-8 bass on a topwater lure.
Carl Ashley, Ventura, landed 8-8 and 6-8 bass on live shad. Hank
Gonzales, Santa Paula, caught a seven-pound bass on live shad. Very slow
trout bite. Fair to good bluegill and redear bite on live worms and
pieces of nightcrawlers in the shallows. Crappie bite fair to good on
jigs and live shad. Roger Snowbarger, Ojai, landed 12 crappie. Top fish
was three pounds. Catfish bite very slow. Nightfishing scheduled for
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Private boats will again be allowed at
Casitas in the near future, but boaters will face an inspection and
10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel
infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair to good largemouth bass bite, with mostly small fish
reported in the shallows. The coves and off the points are the hot
spots. Jimmy Yu, Valencia, caught a two-pound largemouth on plastics in
Fish Arm. Drew Baumgardner, Thousand Oaks, landed a 1.7-pound
largemouth. The striper bite is very good, with a few fish in the
double-digits on anchovies or frozen shad. Mike Thompson, Oxnard, caught
a nine-pound striper. Joey Horvath, Thousand Oaks, landed a four-pound
striper on a swimbait. Some carp still lurking near the west ramp and
showing on frozen shad pieces. Trout were planted two weeks ago, 1,500
pounds at the lagoon, and aside from a few holdovers the action is just
fair. The Ski Cove is closed for the remainder of the spawning period
this season.. 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. 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: Good bass bite for anglers throwing jigs and plastics up
shallow. Some still on beds but most are moving out. Fair trout action
on Power Bait, anchovies and nightcrawlers. Lots of holdovers from last
week’s DFG plant. Fair striper bite. The bigger stripers should come out
and go after the trout from the plant. Best action reported on cut baits
or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best
area for trout and stripers. Many anglers have caught easy limits this
week. Catfish slow to fair. No bluegill or crappie reports, yet.
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 this 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 this 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 and catfish plants this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two weeks
ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago. DFG catfish plant two
weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two weeks ago.
Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two
weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two weeks
ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Catfish plant two weeks
ago.
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 this week. Information:
818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake reopened Wednesday. Reservations for June available
through Tickemaster. Call (619) 220-8497. Lake information: 619-465-3474
or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Improved crappie bite. This week 138 anglers checked reported 96
crappie, 59 bass and 35 bluegill. Will Rosevelt, Escondido, landed a
5.45-pound largemouth on crankbait. 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 just fair to good. The crappie action
increased over last week with a fair bite. This week 181 anglers checked
reported 147 bass, 88 crappie, 14 blue catfish, 13 channel catfish, six
bluegill and one redear. 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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: The bluegill bite is hot, hot, hot. This week 126 anglers
reported 402 bluegill, 50 bass, 13 channel catfish, three redear and two
crappie. Rob Shannon, El Cajon, caught a 2.45-pound bluegill on a
mini-jig in Harvey Arm. 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 to good bass bite. This week 20 anglers reported
catching 19 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 bluegill and bass action. This week 99 anglers
reported 167 bass, 121 bluegill, 21 redear, eight channel catfish, one
crappie and one blue catfish. Gary Bareis, Lakeside, caught a
58.25-pound blue catfish on mackerel in Hopkins Cove. The lake is open
Thursday through Sunday for fishing and boating. Rentals are available
Thursdays and Fridays only. 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 and rainbow trout bite. This week 150 anglers
checked reported 305 bluegill, 146 rainbow trout, 10 bass, one crappie
and one channel catfish. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven
days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday.
Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Fair rainbow trout action. This week 69 anglers checked
reported 28 rainbow trout, 20 bass, eight channel catfish and three
bluegill. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals
available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: No report this week. The lake is open for fishing and
boating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boar rentals available on
Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Fair to good rainbow trout bite with anglers landing some nice
rainbows on nightcrawlers, Power Bait (green and yellow), and white
Power worms. The good bite should continue with a 1,200-pound plant
going in later this week. Best trout areas have been in Boat Dock Cove,
off the Senior Shoreline, and in Willow Cove. The bass are mainly in the
shallows biting Senkos, swimbaits, crawdads, live golden shiners, and
plastic worms. Daniel Jancola, San Diego, landed a 6-4 bass in Oakdale
Cove. Crappie have moved up in the bank. The catfish bite is picking up
with some decent channel cats landed on shrimp or anchovies. Carp
fishing also on the upswing. 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 this week.
DIXON: The trout action is very good with good numbers of limits. Plenty
of fish are still lurking after the 2,400-pound plant two weeks ago. The
trout are in the four to six-pound range. The best baits have been
yellow or green Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Thomas Buoyants. Hot spots
have been in Trout Cove and near pier No. 3. A 1,200-pound plant will go
in next week, the last one for the season. A few catfish were reported
on cut mackerel or nightcrawlers in the deeper parts of the lake or near
the buoy. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The trout action is slow, but the few fish that are still biting
are big. Kevin and Bianca Clow, San Diego, landed an 8-7 trout on
nightcrawlers just outside Half Moon Bay. Zachary, Ava and John Heil,
San Diego, caught two trout for 7.8-pounds off the south side dock.
Catfish bite fair along the Log Boom. Bass bite improving with a lot of
fish along the shoreline. Slow bluegill bite. The shoreline is now open
for fishing in the curtain area. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday
through Sunday from sunrise (6 a.m.) to sunset. No outside boats are
allowed on the lake due to quagga mussel fears. Lake information: snack
bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions
858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: The recent cool weather has kept the trout bite good. Trout
trollers are still experiencing a good bite between the boat dock and
fishing float, as well as near Cactus Patch and in Sentry Cove on
firetiger Rapalas and silver Kastmasters. Anglers and boaters are using
Power Bait or Gulp. Bass bite fair on the bank, in five feet or less.
Fair catfish bite on nightcrawlers. The first catfish plant of the
season will go in the week of May 12, with plants following on May 19,
June 2, June 23, July 14, July 28 and Aug. 11. Upcoming events:
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: The trout bite is still hanging on with the best bite in the
late morning, and early afternoons on Power Bait, rainbow Rapalas or
Kastmasters. The last plant was in March, but holdovers have still been
landed near the launch ramp or off the shoreline. Bass fishing is
improving on plastics as the water warms. The big bass are starting to
bite with fish to 11 pounds in the boat launch area and in Cabin Cove.
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: Very good trout bite, especially in Pumphouse Cove, Fox Hole
and at Chambers Park. The best action has been Power Bait or
nightcrawlers. Lev Kilian, Lakeside, landed a two-pound rainbow on Power
Bait at the Lone Pine. DFG trout plant last week. A 1,200-pound plant
will go in next week. Catch of the week: Ed Dielman, Menifee, landed a
44.5-pound sturgeon on a nightcrawler and krill gel combo off Tee Dock.
Upcoming events: San Diego Fly Fishers is sponsoring Lend-A-Rod programs
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. It includes free bait and tackle and
fishing tips. 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 has slowed drastically, although the bite
sparks occasionally for anglers using crappie jigs. The catfish bite is
fair to good around the dock. Small bass have been landed in the
shallows, right off shore on plastics. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: The shad are moving closer to shore, and some anglers have
netted them in the Las Vegas wash area. The stripers are all over the
shad, and are going after the shad-imitation lures. The fish are in the
one- to three-pound range. Hot spots for the striper have been between
Gypsum and Government Wash. Some trout action now on small spinners and
floating baits in the evenings. No more trout plants will go in until
fall. The largemouth and smallmouth action is fair to good with fish to
eight pounds reported in the past week, most in the one to two-pound
range. Channel catfish bite is good in the Vegas Wash on anchovies and
squid.
WILLOW BEACH: Fair striper action, with very few reports over the few
weeks. 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. 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
to good, and there are more and more largemouth showing each day.
Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Good flathead action with fish in the 30-pound plus range and a
lot of seven to 10-pounders. 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. Bluegill are still spotty
but improving. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Good overall bite. 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. Few reports.
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: The tilapia bite slowed from last week and there's a bit of
a dieoff taking place, but some fish to a pound are still being caught. Even
some rumors of corvina, but no confirmed 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: Slow to fair trout action on Power Bait (rainbow) or
nightcrawlers. Crappie action good around the docks, but most are small.
Also a good bullhead bite. Information: 760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: 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: Bridgeport Reservoir has been good this week, but
only for boat anglers fishing nine to 12 feet of water with bait or
trolled lures. Lots of quality fish up to five pounds. Twin Lakes best
for shore anglers fishing floating baits in a fair bite. The East Walker
River remains good for good fly anglers with a lot of fish to 20 inches
and better. The West Walker remains fair with decent water clarity in
spite of the beginning of the runoff cycle and both fly and spin anglers
are scoring. Kirman remains good with most of the action on quality
cutts up to 20-inches. For the 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.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: June, Gull, Silver and Grant have been fair to good,
with waves of better action between windy spells. Silver Lake has been
fishing the best in the loop, and Grant was slowest this week with low
water levels, although some brown trout have been showing from the upper
end of the lake. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or
June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Bite fair to good on Crowley with fish spread out all
over. Beaver Cove is the hot spot with lots of small fish. For those
with patience, fish McGee Bay for the larger fish. Top fishing for
Crowley trout has been in the tribs with most of the bigger fish up the
streams spawning. The Upper Owens and Big Springs are very good, and
Convict-McGee (below their confluence) excellent. Nymphing or eggs
patterns fished below an indicator the best bet with a lot of 18-plus
inch fish. Convict Lake is good with quality fish to six pounds still
showing regularly. Top trout this week was a 6-11 rainbow caught Monday
by Ron Fenley, Sylmar. George Rodriguez, Carson, landed a 6-3 as did
Sarah Buzby-Rynders, Bakersfield. The Mammoth Lakes have all been good
with Twin Lakes ice free and still producing some quality fish. Lake
Mary has rotten ice and should be open in a matter of days. Lake George
is mostly still ice-covered and fishing is good through the ice. Mamie
also has thinning ice and fair action at the outlet. Hot Creek good for
fly anglers. Mid-day dry fly action at both on midge, mayfly and caddis
hatches. Rock Creek Lake still good for ice fishermen. Fishing
information: The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Bishop Creek is still fair to good, especially Intake II,
and Sabrina Lake. Lots of open water at the shore at Sabrina which is
opening up quickly. Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River
(in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir) are fair to good. 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. 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: Pretty decent bite in both the lower Owens
River and Diaz Lake. Plants this week at Baker, Big Pine, Cottonwood,
Georges, Goodale, Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Diaz
Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek,
Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Sheperds Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha
Creek, Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to
www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: The crappie bite is phenomenal. Lots of big fish from 1-8
to three pounds have been landed on small minnows in the north and south
forks. Keith Bonner, Bakersfield, landed a 2-8 crappie. Greg Evans,
Bakersfield, landed a two-pound crappie. Fair to good catfish bite on
shad, and decent bass fishing for anglers fishing plastics, jigs, and
nightcrawlers. Trout fair. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon
eggs and Blue Fox spinners. The flows are rising in the upper river, but
it’s still fishable. Fair trout bite in the lower river. Still too cool
for the bass, but the action should start to pick up as it warms.
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 slow to fair.
No more trout plants will go until next season.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Excellent striper bite on blood worms and lug worms
and chicken liver. Mat Soh, Bakersfield, caught a 20-pound striper on
anchovies. Ernie Sandoval, Bakersfield, landed a 12-pound striper on
chicken liver. Juan Morales, Bakersfield, caught two 20-inch stripers on
blood worms. Very good catfish action on anchovies and shad, with
improving action as the waters warm. Joe
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Good
bass action on brush hogs, and Senkos. Good carp bite on dough balls.
Trout action fair, but winding down, on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Fair bass
bite on nightcrawlers, live minnows and brush hogs. Good carp bite on
dough bait. Catfish bite picking up. Fair trout bite.
MING LAKE: Very good bluegill action on wax worms. Fair to good bass
bite on Senkos, plastic worms and minnows. Good carp bite on dough bait.
Fair trout action on Power Bait.
BRITE LAKE: Trout bite is fair to good 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.
Best shore action from the rocks on the left side of the lake. Make a
long cast to deep water. Bass spotty.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The crappie bite is very good on minnows and jigs
with fish to 1-8. Good catfish bite on shad. The bass bite has slowed
down. Bluegill bite good on wax worms.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair to good bluegill action on wax worms and crickets.
Bass bite good on minnows and plastics. Good carp bite on dough bait.
SUCCESS LAKE: Very slow. Little to no bite. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair crappie bite on small minnows. Fair bass action on
Senkos. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Very good crappie bite on jigs and minnows. 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 to good trout bite on Power Bait or worms.
Decent crappie action on jigs near the river. DFG trout plant last week.
The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information:
805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Continued 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: Very good crappie bite on jigs. Bass action very good on jigs,
nightcrawlers or plastic worms, especially in Wittenberg Canyon. Good
bluegill, perch 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 and silver Kastmasters. 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: Alondra Park Lake, Arroyo Seco Creek, Belvedere Lake, Big
Tujunga Creek (lower and upper), Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park
Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Jackson Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada
Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake, Peck Road Park
Lake, Puddingstone Lake, San Gabriel River (East and West Forks), Santa
Fe Reservoir.
ORANGE: Laguna Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Arrowbear Lake, Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake,
Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Lytle Creek (Middle Fork).
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Intake 2), Bishop Creek
Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle and South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Diaz
Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek,
Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley
Reservoir, Sheperds Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek,
Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Little Walker River,
Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and
2), Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower and Upper),
Virginia Creek, West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3).
CATFISH PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of
trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county,
will be stocked this week with one-pound channel catfish by the
Department of Fish and Game.
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake,
Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park
Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Lake, Tri-City Park Lake, Yorba Regional Park
Lake.
OCEAN FISHING REPORT
By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com
CHANNEL ISLAND UPDATE: Excellent rockfishing has continued for everyone
fishing in the Channels Islands region, but the cooler weather hasn’t
let the spring action start yet.
LOS ANGELES LANDINGS UPDATE: Catalina Island, while not wide open, is
producing flurries of good action on white seabass and calico bass. The
spring season has been progressing in stutter-step fashion with flurries
of action over the past week. Seabass were showing in fair numbers late
last week, and calico bass popped over the weekend. San Clemente has
been mostly deserted, but the Phantom was there Wednesday with eight
anglers who caught three white seabass, a halibut, limits of calicos,
and a good bag of rockfish. The calicos have been very consistent there.
Nearshore, the bite has still been mostly rockfish and sculpin with
improving bass action and a few halibut.
ORANGE COUNTY LANDINGS UPDATE: Bonito to 12 pounds have been the big
news along the Orange County coast this past week along with an emerging
calico bass bite. The rockfish and sculpin action has been the mainstay
in spite of the flurries of other action, and the bite has been very
good for these bottom fish.
SAN DIEGO LANDINGS UPDATE: The half and 3/4-day boats are really
starting to see a lot of bonito out of San Diego, and these are mostly
quality fish up to 12 pounds. The calico bass bite is also starting to
kick into gear, finally. There were also some flurries of yellowtail at
the Coronado Islands at mid-week. Of course, the rockfish and sculpin
action is still very good.
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. 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
Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.
The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is
1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is located at the following
address: www.dfg.ca.gov. |
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For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and
information visit our companion site:
www.976-tuna.com
RECENT BIG CATCHES
May 7, 2008 - Emily Kropko, Perris, holds
a four-pound class Diamond Valley Lake rainbow trout.
May 3, 2008 - Kevin and Bianca Clow, San
Diego, with an 8.7-pound trout on a Gotcha Plug caught outside Half Moon Bay
at Lake Poway.
May 3, 2008 - Mark Barlow, Phelan, hooked
this 200-pound class sturgeon at Hesperia Lake, but even with the
help of four other anglers and two nets, they couldn't land the fish
before the line broke and it swam off.
May 3, 2008 - Kathleen and Kaira Berry,
Wildomar, caught this nice batch of bluegill behind the Bait Shop at
Corona Lake with wax worms fished beneath a bobber.
May 1, 2008 - Devin Preston, Glendora, caught this
rainbow from Mammoth Creek. The fish was 23 inches and about 4 pounds.
April 27, 2008 - Becky Matthews, assisted
by brother Randy Fann, both San Bernardino, holds up a 20-inch, 3
1/2-pound class rainbow caught and released on Hilton Creek just
above Crowley Lake opening weekend.
April 26, 2008 - Bryan Friedman, Walnut,
with a 4 1/2-pound Alpers Trout caught opening day of trout fishing
in the Eastern Sierra at Intake II on Bishop Creek.
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April 26, 2008 - Wilton (Big Willie) Mays of Pacoima landed this
35-pound flathead catfish just before dawn while fishing in the
Colorado River using a live redear for bait.
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April 26, 2008 - Mike Martinez, Moreno
Valley, with the largest trout reported in the Eastern Sierra for
the 2008 trout opener. The 9-pound, 15-ounce rainbow trout was
caught at Convict Lake on a small jig at 5:30 a.m.
April 26, 2008 - Andy Hall, Highland, holds a 1 1/2-pound rainbow he caught and released on
Hilton Creek opening weekend in the Eastern Sierra.
April 26, 2008 - Don McLaughlin, Thousand
Oaks, with a 2 1/2-pound brown trout from Lake Sabrina, on a gold
Kastmastr through the ice.
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April 24, 2008 - Marcos Perez, Corona,
with an 18 1/4-pound rainbow trout from Corona Lake.
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April 21, 2008 - Se Ier of Long
Beach with a couple of striped bass caught from shore at Lake
Silverwood near the dam.
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April 20, 2008 - Steve England of Mission
Viejo caught this 10-0 brown trout on a Thomas Buoyant at Woody's
Cove of Irvine Lake.
April 20, 2008 - Santiago Palacios of La
Puente with an 80-pound sturgeon caught at Corona Lake.
April 20, 2008 - Emily Kropko, Perris,
caught a pair of rainbows at 1-6 and 1-4, one on a lure and one on
Power Bait at Silverwood Lake.
April 18, 2008 - MarkOehlerking of Irvine
with a 12-pound brown trout caught at Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 17, 2008 - Corona Lake produced these five Lightning
Trout for Brian Scrivens of West Covina on chartreuse Nitro Bait at
the dam.
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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