December 3, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The largemouth and striper action at Diamond Valley Lake is still probably one of the best bets for the whole region, even on this in-between moon phase. The fish have shifted to keying on shad (instead of the freshly-planted brown trout), and the bite is best on shad-like swim baits and jerk baits, but the brown trout patterns are also still working. Largemouth to nearly seven pounds and stripers to 25 pounds were reported by anglers this past week. For updates, check with the marina staff at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410.
2. Up for a road trip? The trout plants in Lake Mead seem to have stirred up the big stripers. Lake Mohave-Willow Beach regulars Allan Cole and Ryan Webb, both of Henderson, Nev., caught 27 stripers last Tuesday and Wednesday during stormy weather. They were fishing from Aztec and Placer coves and all the way up to Willow Beach -- all trout plant locations. Cole said the bite was wide open with the best action on stripers in several years. They had four fish from 28 to 20 pounds and the whole stringer weighed a combined 270 pounds. The fish were caught casting and trolling A.C. Plugs and A.C. Hatchery Trout. This bite should be excellent again coming into the full moon next Friday. For an update check with the Willow Beach marina at 928-767-4747 or at Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464.
3. Hesperia Lake remains one of the most consistent spots to catch a quality rainbow trout. Top fish this past week was just over 12 pounds, and most anglers are getting nice stringers of fish from 1 1/2 to three pounds with a shot at one of those bigger fish. There’s also a chance to land a sturgeon from 20 to 45 pounds. For an update on the bite, call the lake store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
 

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake are all excellent with their trout seasons now in full swing. SARL and Corona received 20-pound-plus trout last week for the holiday weekend, and all three are also getting Nebraska Tailwalkers this season. Irvine Lake is also very good after another plant of trophy fish last week for the holiday. Also still some browns, and brookies showing. Diamond Valley has a good bite for shore anglers and trollers working out of rental boats, but there is light fishing pressure now that the lake is closed to private launching. Most waters in SoCal are getting trout plants now or will get them soon. All the San Bernardino County Park lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, and Yucaipa -- are good this week and sleepers. Fly anglers should note that the upper Owens, which is open year around to catch-and-release fishing, is wide open, but the foul weather has made fishing and access tough over the past week.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is generally fair late fall bass action across the region. Casitas, and Diamond Valley Lake are both fair to good in about that order of preference, with big fish starting to show after DFG trout plants at all most lakes. Perris slowed, but still worth watching after trout plants. Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, and Wohlford all have slow to fair bites. Poway and El Capitan are a little slower.
STRIPED BASS: Lake Mohave broke open this past week with some big fish to 28 pounds showing at the trout stocking spots between Cottonwood Cove and Willow Beach. Diamond Valley is a good bet with fish to 25 pounds this past week. Castaic cranked out a few more big fish over the past week (on the new moon) with fish to 22 pounds reported. Silverwood and Skinner have been good on smaller fish, while Pyramid is just fair. Back on the Colorado River, there is still a fair bite at Mead on smaller fish to three pounds. Havasu is also fair on smaller fish, and Mojave has small fish showing at the opposite end of the lake (near the dam) where the big fish are showing.
PANFISH: Top bets for bluegill and redear include Perris, Lopez, and Diamond Valley, but all three slowed way down this week. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but there is surging action at Perris and Elsinore this week. The Central Coast lakes of Lopez and San Antonio both have been pretty fair for the crappie, too, with Lopez producing some bigger fish.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted-catfish lakes is slowing way down, but the fall bite on bigger, hold-over or wild fish is worth watching.
The best fish was a 34 1/2-pounder at Poway, while Perris cranked out a 29-pounder and Diamond Valley had a 19-pound striper. Other places to watch include Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Skinner, Henshaw, Casitas, El Capitan, Otay, and Silverwood. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been fair with both flatheads and channels showing in the catch, but very light fishing pressure.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Trout bite fair to good with really exceptional action immediately following each plant. Last week another 1,500-pound DFG plant went in. Power Bait and Kastmasters are top producers for the trout. Striper bite good on anchovies, minnows, and worms in Miller’s and Cleghorn. Fair bass bite on worms or plastics. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Trout bite fairish on Power Bait or nightcrawlers fished off the south shore near the dam. Other species slow. The west ramp is closed for the season. The east ramp remains open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Slowish trout bite with a few fish reported on floating baits fished close to the bottom. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish but little action now. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Trout and sturgeon dominate here with good bites for both species. Trout bite best on Power Bait, jigs and nightcrawlers. Top trout landed was a 12-8 by Freddy Thomas, Apple Valley. Michael Frezam, Rialto, pulled out a 10-8 trout. Kenneth Bittman, Riverside, caught an 8 1/4-pound trout from the finger. Richard BeCaro, Adelanto, pulled out a 6 3/4-pound trout. Andrew Mendoza, La Puente, caught a 6-8. Top surgeon for the week was a 47-pounder caught by Brian Kushman, Victorville, on jigs. Eric Gonzalez, Hacienda Heights, landed a 45-pound sturgeon, while Lawrence Carroll, Alta Loma, pulled out a 39-pounder. Sammy Torrez, Corona, caught a 28-pound sturgeon on nightcrawlers. Trout plants are twice a week. A 3,000-pound sturgeon plant also went in earlier this month. 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: Recent cool and clear weather has made for fair to good trout fishing conditions. Last week the lake’s hatchery stocked trout on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Anglers have reported action on lures, plastics, Power Bait (spring green, salmon peach and white lightning), and inflated nightcrawlers. Trout over three pounds were caught and most trout were near or over two pounds. Hot spots include the northern and eastern shores of lake 3 from the log to the pump house as well as the eastern and northern shores from the inlet to the wall of lake 2. Ruben Mena, Ontario, caught the top fish of the week, a 6-5 rainbow. Dave Ochoa, Hesperia, pulled out a five-pound rainbow, while Art Perez, Los Angeles, caught a 4-9. Evan Kaihara, Fullerton, pulled out 4-8 and 3-11 rainbows, and Jim Gray, Covina, also caught a 4-8. Tim Wolfinbarger, Fontana, pulled out 4-7 and 3-13 trout. Arvel Castleberry, Palmdale, caught 4-6 and 3-15 rainbows. Mike Rodriguez, Highland, caught a 4-3 rainbow. Armando Acevedo, Chino, landed a 3-11 rainbow on a Trout Teaser. Joseph Jaramillo, West Covina, caught a 3-7 trout on spring green Power Bait. John Bretz, Lancaster, landed 3-5 and 3-14 rainbows on a plastic cricket. Jason Ocull Jr., Phelan, caught a 3-2 rainbow. 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: DFG trout plant this week. County trout plants are weekly through April. Anglers have reported fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Fair catfish on various stink baits and blood baits, as well as nightcrawlers or meal worms. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout action. County trout plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good trout action, mostly in Basin 2. County plants are each week through April, and there was a DFG plant this week. Best action on floating baits. Margarito Martinz, Riverside, landed five trout that weighed 8.1 pounds, including a 3 1/2-pound rainbow, while fishing chartreuse Power Bait at Lot No. 1. Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout bite and some trophy rainbows were part of the plant last week, with the big fish put in the top lake. Steve Christiansen, Yucaipa, landed a 7 1/2-pound rainbow on a mini-jig from the bottom lake. Frank Moreno, Colton, had a limit of rainbows that weighed 11 pounds total, allow on Power Bait and meal worms. County plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG plant this week. Fishing derby set for Dec. 13. Slow catfish action with the best bite in the afternoons. Last catfish plant was in September. Lake and derby information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair to good trout action with some quality rainbows to four pounds reported. County trout plants are weekly through April and there was a DFG trout plant this week. Slow catfish bite. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Bass have been just fair this past week with the fish keying on shad. Most anglers are using flukes on Scrounger heads or underspins. Other anglers had luck with shad crankbaits or swimbaits. Elliott Lewis, Beaumont, caught a 6.71-pound bass fishing in the marina cove with a live crawdad. Ryan Roth, Lakewood, pulled out a 5.9-pound bass trolling a brown trout Rapala. Shane Hansen, Rancho Cucamonga, landed a five-pound bass fishing with a Kastmaster in the marina cove. Some nice-sized trout reported this week. Power Worms or mini-jigs fished under a water bobber is the trick to pulling out plenty of trout over two pounds. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are also producing for trout. Dave “Tiny” Pierson, Garden Grove, landed a 9.96-pound trout, which was the top fish of the week. Mark Dominguez, Buena Park, pulled out a 9.82-pound trout. Steven Smith, Hemet, caught an 8.05-pound trout on a fluke. Jacob Casarez, Hemet, caught a 4.38-pound trout in the marina cove on a nightcrawler. Patrick Gillen, Yucaipa, landed a 2.54-pound trout fishing off shore with a mini jig. Last week’s trout plant brought the stripers out. The overcast conditions early in the week were perfect for striper fishing. Topwater lures and swimbaits are the top baits. David Nieman, Temple City, had the biggest striper of the week, a 25-pounder on a “Doc Holiday” custom trout plug. Chris Nickerson, Hemet, caught a 15.31-pound striper fishing with a BBZ-1 in the east dam. Tristan Hicks, 12, Hemet landed a 13.50-pound striper on a swimbait from marina cove. The catfish bite still continues with a fair to good bite. Terry “Pontoon” Larson, Huntington Beach, caught a 19.5–pound catfish fishing near the quarry with mackerel. Johnny Moore, Rancho Cucamonga, landed 6.5 and 8.34-pound cats. Panfish action was very slow this week, but there was one crappie caught by Caade Egri, 13, La Quinta, that weighed in at 2.14 pounds. He was fishing a nightcrawler at the Saddle Dam. The launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Trout bite slow with only a few fish reported immediately following last week’s 1,800-pound DFG plant. The fish have since scattered. Catfish bite fair with a 28-pound whopper reported off Pier 3. Crappie bite fair to good with a number of fish reported off the marina docks on crappie jigs. Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley, landed 13 crappie totaling 18 pounds. The bluegill bite slowed down with only a few reports at lots 11 and 12. Crickets are the top bait. No bass reports. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Good bite for stripers with a fair to good bite for the trout. Striper action best near the dam on Rapalas. David Childers, Tucson, pulled out a 4 1/2-pound striper. Rainbow trout action best on nightcrawlers or mackerel off Launch Ramp 2. Bruce Jones, Hemet, pulled out a 2.7-pound rainbow. Catfish fair for anglers fishing with Power Bait in the inlet. Brian Everest, Ontario, caught a six-pound catfish. Good striper bite in the early mornings on swibaits or anchovies. An 800-pound DFG trout plant went in last week. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Fair crappie action on minnows and crappie jigs. Bluegill action fair on crickets and meal worms, and a few largemouth are showing on plastics and shad-like swim baits. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action slow, even slower than usual lately. Carp fair off the east end on dough balls. Catfish slow. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Good to excellent rainbow trout action with at least 20 rainbows at or better than five pounds reported this past week. The big fish was a 19 1/2-pound rainbow landed by Brian Goodman, Riverside. Trout at 10 1/2 pounds were landed by Danny Wilson, Covina, and by Angel Aguayo, Baldwin Park, to top of his 35-pound limit. Justin Stone, Corona, had five trout that weighed in at 19 1/4 pounds, including an 8 1/4-pounder. Denise Adams and Willy Williams, Hemet, caught 10 rainbows that weighed 26 pounds total, including a 5 1/2-pounder. Hot baits have been inflated nightcrawlers, chartreuse floating baits, and small trout jig or plastics. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Slow to fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action remains fair with the most action reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Fair bass bite, also on worms or plastics. Josh Barranco, Riverside, had bass at four and two pounds this past week.
RANCHO JURUPA: DFG trout plant this week. Lots of rainbows to two pounds reported. Best action on small spinners and Power Bait (garlic). David Goraleski, Riverside, had a limit of rainbows to four pounds fishing silver Panther Martins. Other species are slow with a few cats. Upcoming events: Trout tournament scheduled for January 24. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair trout bite. Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Trout plants are every other week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Trout season is in full swing, with a good to excellent bite. Plant went in last week. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Trout will be planted twice a month with double loads. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Trout action has improved with the cooler weather and shore anglers catching as many fish as boat anglers. Best action on inflated nightcrawlers or trolling. DFG trout plant last week. Most trout are 10 to 16 inches long. Tom Bethle, Hemet, landed four rainbows to two pounds on Power Bait fishing from shore. Laura Jones, 13, and Kaitlyn Wilkins, also 13, both from Hemet, each had limits of rainbows on Power Bait fishing from a boat off the north shore. 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: Good to excellent trout action with a lot of limits and some real bruisers posted over the past week. There were at least 18 trout at or better than five pounds weighed in at the tackle shop, including three real mammoths. The best was a 21 1/2-pound rainbow caught by Brenden Gates, Fullerton, fishing strawberry Nitro Bait at the boat dock. Ayaz Udden, Anaheim, landed a 19-8 rainbow on a meal worm at Levitz’ Corner, while Rudy Godoy, Rialto, was fishing a nightcrawler to entice his 18-8 rainbow at the pumphouse. Lots of five-fish limits posted that weighed in the 14- to 20-pound range, with most having at least one rainbow from four to five pounds. Nitro Baits in chartreuse, orange, and rainbow or nightcrawlers fished under a bobber have been the hot baits. Top areas are around the boat dock, Levitz’ Corner, and along the sandy beach. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: A 15-12 whopper rainbow was caught this week, the biggest rainbow in several years. Panos Nikolau, 16, Anaheim, caught the beast dropshotting a Robo worm in Sierra Cove. The overall trout bite has been very good. Sierra Cove had the most fish, but good catches were also seen at Trout Island and off the west shore. Most trout on the stringers were in the one to five-pound range. Excellent numbers of trout were also caught in the Kid’s Lagoon. A number of other good catches were made in addition to Nikolau’s whopper. Adam Taylor, Anaheim Hills, caught a 12-4 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers off the docks. Joseph Lopez, Santa Ana, landed a 10-14 rainbow trout on a mini jig. Braunz Burr, 7, Encino, caught a 2-8 rainbow and 1-8 brook trout from the Lagoon. Brandon Duran, 12, Anaheim, pulled out a 1-8 brown trout from the Lagoon on Trout Dough. A few catfish still showing up on nightcrawlers or shrimp off the docks. Jose Luis, Santa Ana, caught an 8-8 catfish. The water level continues to rise by several inches a day. The lake is expected to reach nearly full pool capacity by January 1. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout bite fair to good with many limits reported and average fish size from two to 2 1/2 pounds. Another plant went in early this week. An 11-pound whopper trout was pulled out this week. Hot spots for the trout are off the point and launch ramp and near the concession. Top baits are chartreuse Power Bait, orange Gulp or inflated nightcrawlers. Fair bass bite on dropshotted plastic worms and various crankbaits. Crappie and bluegill in the 1/2-pound range have been reported on nightcrawlers or jigs. 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: Trout bite fair to good for those fishing salmon eggs, Power Bait and nightcrawlers in the coves. Not too many names recorded, but anglers have pulled out fish to two pounds. DFG trout plant last week, which brought on improved action for the two days following. Bass bite fair with fish to three pounds pulled out on plastic worms. Only a few cats producing action, the fish are deep. 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: A 1,500-pound DFG trout plant went in at the Santa Ana Launch Ramp last week and there was a flurry of action before the fish spread out and the action slowed. The bass bite is very good. Shad have surfaced and anglers are using that to catch a number of fish in two to three hours. Brandon LeMay, Ojai, and Robbi Martinez, Ventura, fished for two hours with shad and pulled out 100 fish in the three- to four-pound range. Steven Snowbarger, Ojai, caught 15 fish including a pair of five-pounders and several from three to four pounds. Some small catfish have been reported by bass anglers. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open everyday, including all holidays. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Trout bite very slow, almost nonexistent. The last trout plant was 900 pounds on Nov. 14. Improved striper bite. Striper bite reported to be best on overcast days on topwater lures and worms. Scott Kenzel, Saugus, pulled out a 22-pound striper. Not too many reports for bass. Panfish and catfish slow, often reported as nonexistent. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant this week. Anglers are pulling out limits with fish to two pounds on Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. Most trout are from two to three pounds. Olga Padilla, San Bernardino, caught a 2-5 trout. The trout bite is hot just off shore immediately following the plants. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to three pounds on plastic worms. Jesse Hernandez, San Dimas, landed a two-pound bass. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: DFG trout plant last week and there are plenty of rainbows. Not too many individual catches reported, but slow to fair action on nightcrawlers. Striper bite fair to good on anchovies with most fish under four pounds, with a few better. Some action also reported on shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed until February. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Bass slowed. Bluegill nonexistent. No individual catch reports. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No report. 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: The lake is closed and is expected to remain closed for six to nine years for dam reconstruction. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Planted with 4,500 pounds of Chalk Mound Trout Ranch rainbows. Plants are weekly. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing until spring. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Channel catfish bite slow to fair bite off the Senior Shoreline and near the West Buoy Line. Crappie bite fair to good on jigs or live golden shiners. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. Trout opener set for Saturday, December 13, 4,500 pounds of trout will go in. The lake is open Saturdays and Sundays through the trout opener. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant one month ago.
DIXON LAKE: Last week a 1,500-pound load of trout went in to keep the bite fair to good, especially in the coves and in Whisker Bay. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the best producing ones. Marshal Thrasher, San Diego, had the top fish of the week with his eight-pound trout from Jack Creek Cove. Floyd Sparks, Encinitas, caught a 7-9 trout. Jack Jones, Vista, caught a 7-12 trout on nightcrawlers. Vicente Wilkison, Vista, caught a 6-4 trout on a small green crappie jig. Ben Maple, Camp Pendleton, landed a five-pound trout on a Thomas Buoyant. Another 1,500-pound plant will go in on Wednesday, December 10. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The best fish ever recorded at this lake was pulled out last Friday. Scott Marchese, Poway, caught a 34.5-pound blue catfish. The catfish bite is good in Boulder Bay and off Jump Off Point. Not too much trout action has been reported. The bite is on the slow side with only a few fish in the one to two-pound range landed in the Log Boom and off shore on Kastmasters, jigs and spoons. Another 1,500-pound load of trout will go in next week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to sunset. Float tubes, private motors and anchors, and live bait are banned at the lake due to potential quagga mussel contamination. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: The big trout are showing on the deep–diving crankbaits in Shadow Cove. A 1,000-pound Mt. Lassen load went in last week and the bite has slowed this week. The catfish bite is expected to surface with the upcoming rains, so anglers should come ready with their stink bait. The lake is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday fro 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The trout season will kick off in December, but in the meantime anglers are seeing fair bluegill, bass and catfish bites. Catfish action fair to good on mackerel or shrimp with fish to eight pounds reported. The area below the cabins is best. 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 Jess Ranch trout went in last week. The recent trout planted have been active and anglers are reporting fair to good action on rainbows five pounds. Chambers Park is the hot area for the trout. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Winter hours will start Dec. 1 with tackle shop hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Fair to good crappie bite in the Fish-n-Float area on crappie jigs and minnows. Catfish bite also fair to good. Marie Estrada, San Diego, caught an 8-8 catfish. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Nightfishing is over. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Water levels have stabilized, but the overall bite remains slow to fair. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish have slow to fair bites in the Vegas Wash area. Sparks of better action for both species occur in the afternoons. The best stripers have come from 40 feet deep to those fishing with anchovies. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some better action reported in these areas. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies. No largemouth or trout reports.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout action remains good to excellent, with an excellent bite reported in the early morning. The fishing pier area remains the hot spot for the trout. Anglers are using salmon eggs, green Power worms or floating baits just off shore. Trollers are also catching trout on Jakes, Panther Martins and spoons. Trout plants go in every Friday. For stripers, see the Lake Mohave report below. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Trout plants have really kicked off the striper bite. Allan Cole and Ryan Webb, both Henderson, Nev., caught 27 stripers last Tuesday and Wednesday during stormy weather at Aztec and Placer coves and all the way up to Willow Beach (where trout are planted). The fish weighed a combined 270 pounds and ranged from four to 28 pounds. Webb had three three biggest fish at 28, 26, and 20 pounds, while Cole’s best was 20 pounds. The fish were caught casting and trolling A.C. Plugs and A.C. Hatchery Trout. Lots of bluegill and largemouth bass have been caught in 10 to 15 feet in the coves, and the action for both species is fair. The fish are in the submerged trees and brush. The largemouths are biting plastics and the bluegill are taking crickets and worms. Lake levels are steady. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are bi-weekly through the winter. The action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair striper bite.
NEEDLES: Striper bite fair with only small fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are lowering. Take caution when launching. Good catfish bite. Fair largemouth bass action on Senkos or swimbaits. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper bite fair with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds or greater. Anchovies and jigs have been the top producers. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair or better catfish action with some flatheads 12 pounds or better on shrimp, nightcrawlers in stink and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: The bass bite is fair in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Flathead bite fair to good with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite fair to good in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fair to good bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Good flathead action but very light fishing pressure. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair catfish bite on mackerel. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers. 
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fiar on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too, but the action is spotty. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: No report. Check on the action with the state park staff before you go. Information: 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. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: No more fishing in this region, except on the year-around and special regulation waters. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: East Walker River is very low but the fly-fishing bite fair. Nevada portion of the river is better. Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. The upper Owens has been excellent for fly anglers fishing dries for smaller fish and streamers for some hog fall spawners out of Crowley. Fish to four pounds and better have been landed. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the Owens River gorge, and lower Owens River remain open to anglers. The Wild Trout stretch of the Owens has been excellent with low flows and a very good morning dry fly bite. DFG plant in the lower Owens. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the lower Owens and Diaz Lake remain open and fishing has been slow at both. No more plants until next season. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Crappie bite fair to good on small minnows. Bass bite good on crawdads. Also pretty decent action on catfish for anglers fishing near the dam. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: No reports. Trout plants may be a thing of the past for the Kern. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Very good striper bite on blood worms, lug worms or pumpkin seed Gitzits. Most fish are in the three to eight-pound range, but a few big ones have been pulled out. The catfish bite is very good on mackerel, shrimp or Sonny’s.
HART PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite. Trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Trout planted here. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
MING LAKE: Fair bluegill bite on wax worms and meal worms. Planted with trout last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. Trout plant last week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Still some good-sized trout here. Buddy Baker, Bakersfield, caught a nine-pound trout. The catfish action still good. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Good bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets. Trout plant last week.
SUCCESS LAKE: Trout plant last week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Also, a trout plant here. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite still fair to good on crappie jigs or worms. The bite improves in the afternoons, however. Anglers have reported crappie stringers with 10 to 20 fish caught in a few hours. Striper action is fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Little to no smallmouth action, however, the largemouth action is fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good, and improving catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Trout bite slow with only a few holdovers reported on salmon eggs or nightcrawlers. Last plant was a month ago. Good largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth to five pounds or better on some. Some smallmouth also starting to show. The early morning bite from sunrise to 9 a.m. is the best time. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair to good action for spotties on plastics (worms and jigs) and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Anglers are reporting an abundance of fish caught in the mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are still very good to excellent, and have some competition from the trout recently. Anglers have reported several limits and a fair to good trout bite near the dam on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers have reported good trout action with Needlefish or Kastmasters. A few trout in the two to three-pound range were reported recently. Bluegill and redear action continues best on red worms, wax worms and crickets by the Ranger’s Boat House. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Downey Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake, Peck Road Park Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-City Lake, Yorba Linda Regional Park Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Cuyamaca Lake, Lindo Lake, Lower Otay Lake, Morena Lake, Murray Lake.
IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
INYO: Owens River Section 2.
VENTURA: Piru Lake.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com

LONG-RANGE ACTION: Most of the San Diego fleet is focused on long range fishing right now with the 10-day and longer trips the main fare -- and the action is excellent with the boats focusing on two main areas. This week the Shogun and Royal Polaris are both somewhere around the Hurricane Bank off Cabo San Lucas fishing for hog yellowfin tuna in the 120 to 250-pound range with some bigger fish. The bite hasn’t been wide open, but when the conditions are right, the fish being hooked and landed are the trucks. Other boats are focusing on the Alijos Rocks region of Baja where the yellowfin are averaging 25 to 45 pounds with some to 100-plus in a very good and consistent bite. There are also some good scores of wahoo and yellowtail coming from this region.
LOCAL BOTTOM FISH ACTION: While the ling cod season closed Dec. 1, there is still good bottom fish action from San Diego up into the Channel Islands. And that is about all the local boats are chasing right now. No surface bites, no exotics at the islands, zippo. The best rockfish scores are coming from the Channel Island landings with limits pretty common this past week. From Long Beach to San Diego, most skippers are focusing on the sculpin, whitefish, along with the odd sand bass or calico thrown in. There have even been a few barracuda on some days, but that can’t be expected as winter moves closer.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting instructional charters throughout the year, offering advice to beginning or veteran anglers 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 or go to the website at www.976-TUNA.com.

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.
 

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.

For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and information visit our companion site: www.976-tuna.com

RECENT BIG CATCHES

Photos are listed by date of catch, not when they are received. If you've recently submitted a photo or heard of a big catch, you might have to scroll down to find the image.

November 28, 2008 - Brenden Gates of Fullerton shows off his 21 1/2-pound rainbow caught at Santa Ana River Lakes while fishing strawberry Nitro Bait at the boat dock.

November 26, 2008 - Ryan Webb (left) and Allan Cole, the designer of the A.C. Plug, where fishing Lake Mojave the day before Thanksgiving to land 27 striped bass totalling 270 pounds. They are holding up the four biggest fish 28, 26, 20 and 20 pounds. All caught on A.C. Plugs. The pair are from Henderson, Nev.

November 9, 2008 - Stefan Guintoli of San Diego caught this 8-4 trout on spoons in Half Moon Bay of Lake Poway.

October 30, 2008 - Glenn Harwood, Long Beach, caught this nice three-pound rainbow while trolling in Bridgeport Reservoir.

October 30, 2008 - Frank Duarte, Huntington Beach, with his 12.2-pound rainbow trout taken from Irvine Lake's Sierra Cove while fishing a yellow and white mini jig.

October 30, 2008 - Michael Ross, Garden Grove, llimited on rainbows to three pounds and browns to four pounds at Bridgeport Reservoir by slow, slow, slow trolling Rapalas and broken back Rebela (No. 7s in brown and rainbow trout or bright orange).

October 19, 2008 - This almost lake record, 93.40-pound blue catfish, was caught by Michael Williams, National City, on mackerel from Harvey Arm of Lower Otay.

October 11, 2008 - Pam Kalina, Big Bear City, with new Big Bear Lake record bass. The fish weighed 5.9-pounds and Kalina caught the fish on a firetiger Rapala off Juniper Point last week.

October 9, 2008 - Randy Muirhead, Glen Ivy, broke his own lake record for largemouth bass at Corona Lake by catching an 18 1/4-pounder  while fishing a crawdad-colored crankbait from his pontoon float tube.

October 4, 2008 -  Brian Cummings, Inglewood, caught this 23-pound albino catfish at Lower Otay on mackerel from the bouy line.

October 2, 2008 - Don Roberts of Valley Center nailed this 4-pound rainbow on a jig at Lake Sabrina.

September 20, 2008 - Mits Onizuka of Irvine with a 17-pound channel catfish caught on mackerel in the flats at Irvine Lake.

September 8, 2008 - Terrence Berg holds up Patrick Raahauge’s 27-pound yellowfin tuna caught 20 miles off Mission Bay.

September 2, 2008 - This 17-10 largemouth bass was landed at Corona Lake by Randy Muirhead of Glen Ivy setting a new lake record. It is also one of the best bass landed in Southern California this year.

August 22, 2008 - Donavan Swan, Fontana, caught a stringer of catfish totaling 24-8 on mackerel fishing near the boat dock at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 18, 2008 - Eddie Rodriguez and Freedie Lopez, both of Wilmington, caught this nice bunch of catfish totaling over 27 pounds while fishing with mackerel at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 9, 2008 - Jeremy Smith of Twentynine Palms caught this 4-pound class bass out of Evans Lake.

July 25, 2008 - Derek "Kid Wiper" Snyder with a seven-pound, six-ounce wiper taken in Lake Elsinore, off Rocky Point. Notice the much larger girth compared to a striped bass.

July 23, 2008 - Adam Cavazos, Menifee, caught this 4-9 largemouth bass near the west dam of Diamond Valley Lake on a crank bait.

June 26, 2008 - Jose Garlejo of Escondido caught this 18-6 blue catfish at Lake Wohlford.

June 26, 2008 - Doug Bader, Orange, with an 11 1/2-pound catfish he caught on mackerel with Nitro Gravy at Santa Ana River Lake while fishing from a boat near Levitz' Corner.
 

June 24, 2008 - Lake Perris gave up these four limits of rainbow trout to trollers, left to right, Bob Camp, Tom Roberts, Paul Ringdahl, and Bob Ghossain, all of Riverside. They were fishing in 30 feet of water at the dam with Needlefish, and the fish went up to 3 1/2 pounds.

June 18, 2008 - Cliff McDonald, Needles, holds a pair of stripers, both in the four-pound range, he caught at Lake Mohave.

June 15, 2008 - Scott Lopez, Indio, landed this striped bass weighing 4.8 pounds fishing a nightcrawler on four-pound test line in the Coachella Canal near Indio.

June 15, 2008 - Dan Doran, Bishop, hauled in a 5-3/4 pound rainbow from Sabrina Lake fishing a Thomas Buoyant.

June 13, 2008 - Adrian Pintor, North Hollywood, nailed this nice 15.6-pound Irvine Lake channel cat on cut mackerel fishing on Santiago Flats.

June 13, 2008 - Gavin Velasco of Poway with 3.5-pound, 3.4-pound, and 2.6-pound trout caught on nightcrawlers off the Lake Poway pier.

June 13, 2008 - Vincent Hunt of Moreno Valley with a 26-8 catfish caught on J.D.'s Catfish Bait near the trees in the south end of Corona Lake.

June 8, 2008 - Alex Benton of Long Beach nailed this 13.06 pound channel catfish on Irvine Lake's Santiago Flats while fishing mackerel.

June 7, 2008 - this 42-pound flathead was caught by Brian Cummings, Inglewood, from the Colorado River - Palo Verde area on a bluegill.

June 7, 2008 - Lee Bell of Bishop caught this 3-3/4 pound rainbow at Lake Sabrina on rainbow Gulp.

June 7, 2008 - Lori Carnahan, Sky Valley, caught this 3 1/4-pound brown trout at Lake Sabrina on a Rapala.

June 6, 2008 - Mike Mills of Poway caught this 1-0 bluegill on a Meal Worm in Hidden Bay at Lake Poway.

May 30, 2008 - Taxidermist Jeff Soto, Riverside, fished Evans Lake (Fairmount Park, Riverside) on Friday morning and caught and released five bass to six pounds in two hours of fishing.
 

May 24, 2008 - 976-TUNA.com's Philip Friedman of Torrance while at Catalina Island Caught this 50-pound class white seabass while soaking a live squid on a Seeker rods with Avet SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound Berkley fishing line.
 

May 24, 2008 - Philip Friedman, Jr. of Torrance caught this 50-pound class white seabass while at Catalina Island. He was fishing a live squid on a Seeker rod with sn Avet SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound Berkley fishing line.

May 24, 2008 - 976-TUNA.com's Terrence Berg of La Mirada was at Catalina Island when he caught this 60- pound class white seabass while soaking a live squid on a Seeker rod with an Avet SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound test Berkley fishing line.

May 23, 2008 - Pedro Villa of Anaheim caught this 10-0 rainbow on a nightcrawler with garlic gravy at the sandy beach of Santa Ana River Lakes.

May 18, 2008 - Brian Cummings, Inglewood, (top) with a 25-pound flathead catfish and Tony Ferguson, Riverside, (above) with a 30-pound flathead catfish. Both were landed on the Colorado River. They were fishing live bluegill in the Palo Verde region.

May 17, 2008 - Robert Sloan of Valley Center with a  7.62-pound bass caught on a plastic worm near restroom No. 2 at Diamond Valley Lake.

May 15, 2008 - Kevin Deemer of Hemet with 6-0 and 5-0 bass caught on jerkbaits near restroom No. 2 at Diamond Valley Lake.

May 15, 2008 - Rico Gutierrez (left) and his buddy Brett Phillips, both of San Diego, show off Gutierrez' 10 1/2-pound rainbow trout caught on Power Bait off the south shore at Lake Poway.

May 14, 2008 - Kevan Branchfield of Hemet landed this 10.3-pound rainbow on a Power Bait-nightcrawler combo fishing in Boulder Bay at Lake Poway.

May 10, 2008 - Jeff Soto of Riverside caught and released this four-pound largemouth at Evans Lake (Fairmount Park). He also landed a six-pounder earlier in the month.

May 9, 2008 - This is Dixon Lake's Dottie after she was found dead. Dottie weighed 25 pounds at the peak of her life when she was accidentally snagged, weighed, and released. That news started a frenzy to land her legally and topple the world record of 22-4.