Weekly Fishing Report

December 17, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Cold weather, muddy water. If there was ever a weekend to do honey-dos and Christmas shopping, this is it. It’s also the worst moon phase weekend of the month to fish. Score some points at home for a change.
1a. So mamma likes it better when you are gone? You like to fish when crowds are light? OK, then, the best advice with the weather we’ve had this week is to pick one of the urban trout lakes that receives weekly plants and call to find out how muddy the water is after the rain? They’re all going to be off color, so try to find one that isn’t mud. Then fish scented floating baits or bright spinners or jigs and hope you can scratch out a limit of trout.
2. Second best bet? Catfish. While this is even more of a crapshoot than the urban trout lakes, most of the region’s better catfish reservoirs usually have a little shot of good action after the first big rains that pour lots of runoff and food into these lakes. Stick with the bigger, water supply reservoirs and soak stinky gobs of cut bait. Use Sonny’s Catfish Bait as a dip (if you can find it) or some other scent enhancer. This is mostly skunk-fishing: you probably won’t catch anything. But you could also land a whopper cat. Otay or El Capitan, Diamond Valley, and Casitas are probably your best bets.
3. There have been a number of real quality stripers taken at Castaic Lake this past week, including fish to 30 pounds on big, trout-like swim baits. If the DFG stocking truck can make it to the lake, as scheduled this week, this bite could really turn on this week. Check with the marina at 805-649-2043 for access, plant, and striper fishing status.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Most local waters really muddied up this week, but in Orange County Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel are all still decent bets with heavily scented or flashy baits. Corona Lake, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and all of the San Bernardino County regional park lakes are also fair bets. Most waters in SoCal are getting trout plants now and just about everyplace is an option. Morena and Wohlford both kicked off their trout seasons last week with bonus plants.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is still generally fair late fall bass action across the region. Casitas and Diamond Valley Lake are both fair but slowed this week thanks to the weather. Perris slowed, but still worth watching after trout plants. Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway can always produce a decent fish this time of year. Very light bass pressure everywhere.
STRIPED BASS: Lake Mohave hasn’t had a repeat performance after the big fish flurry three weeks ago, but with trout stocking ongoing between Cottonwood Cove and Willow Beach, this is certainly worth watching. Top bets this week are Diamond Valley and Castaic. Diamond Valley cranked fish to nearly 16 pounds, while Castaic had several big fish to 30 pounds this past week. Silverwood, Pyramid, and Skinner have been fair on smaller fish. Back on the Colorado River, there is still a fair bite at Mead on smaller fish to three pounds. Havasu is also slow to fair on smaller fish.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have slowed down this week. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but Henshaw and Elsinore are fair to bets on fish a pound and under, but the Perris bite slowed this past week. San Antonio is a fair to good bet if you are heading to the Central Coast.
CATFISH: The late fall-winter catfish bite has been mostly slow but a few quality fish are showing each week, and the rains could spur this action even more. Top bets included Diamond Valley, Casitas, Silverwood, Otay, El Capitan, and Hesperia Lake (where there’s also a good shot at a sturgeon). Henshaw also remains a fair to good bet for a stringers of smaller fish, and Lake Isabella is also having a pretty good winter bite. 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 very good for bait anglers using Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Top trout of the week was a 2-8 pulled out by James White, Hesperia. He also caught a two-pouner. Catfish bite fair but slowing with fish to 10 pounds on anchovies or mackerel from Cleghorn and in the spillway. Eddie Ayala, Fontana, landed a nine-pound catfish, and Steven Valenti, San Bernardino, caught a 6-8 channel catfish. Striper and largemouth bites fair to good, but mostly on small fish for both. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed for the season and will reopen in early next spring. Trout fishing has been fair for shore anglers fishing the Stanfield Cutoff region and at the dam with floating baits and inflated nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Other species slow. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. 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. Sturgeon best off the north shore on nightcrawlers. Trout plants are twice a week. A 3,000-pound sturgeon plant also went in mid-November. 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: Anglers reported good to excellent action from both lakes on Power Bait spring green, lemon twist and chartruese), nightcrawlers, jigs and lures. Hot spots include the grassy point, the eastern shore and the western shore from the bridge to the pump house of lake 3 as well as the western and northern shores of lake 2. Lloyd Miyashiro, San Dimas, caught a 6-1 rainbow on garlic Power Bait. Robert Burson, Cerritos, landed a 5-7 rainbow on a Trout Teaser. Tyler Lehto, Huntington Beach, caught a 4-10 trout. George Frazier, Apple Valley, pulled out a 12-8 limit including a 4-8. Danny Williams Jr., Rialto, pulled out a 4-3 rainbow on. Armando Acevedo, Chino, landed a 4-2 rainbow on a Trout Teaser. Phil Hilldebrandt, Anaheim, pulled out a 3-15 rainbow on Lip RipperZ Z-Spoons. Richard Davidovich, Pinion Hills, caught a 3-9 rainbow on a crappie jig with a Power Worm. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout this week. 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 in Basin 2 and Lot No. 8 with a lot of fish to three pounds. Top fish reported was a 6.2-pound rainbow that was part of a four-fish stringer caught by Edward Olagues, Ontario, on white and chartreuse Power Bait. The stringer had three trout from 3.1 to 6.2 pounds and a 3.4-pound channel catfish. Tom Saavedra, La Puente, caught a limit of rainbows that weighed 13 1/2 pounds, including two fish at 3 1/2 pounds each. Kyle Harrison, La Puente, also had a limit of five fish that weight 13 pounds and his best fish was also a 3 1/2-pounder. Juan Raygoza, Ontario, have five trout that weighed eight pounds, including a 2 1/2-pounder. County trout plants are each week through April, and there was a DFG plant this week. Also still a few catfish and bass showing. Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp. Dean Ferrigino, Corona, had a 3 1/2-pound catfish and a three-pound steelhead, while Isaac Arseneault, Ontario, landed two three-pound cats and one three-pound rainbow. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: The good trout bite continues this week and more quality rainbows have been reported this week. County plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG plant two weeks ago. A bonus 2,000-pound plant went in last week for Saturday’s derby. 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: Good trout action with some quality rainbows showing each week. 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: The bass bite plummeted, with only a few decent ones caught. Jennifer Bigney, San Jacinto, pulled out a 4 1/2-pound largemouth and a three-pound smallmouth bass on shad flukes and shaker heads. The trout bite is exceptional with an 11.80-pounder pulled out by Louie Vega, Hemet on a nightcrawler off the shoreline. Striper bite just as good, with some fish up to 20 pounds caught. Lake manager Dave Neitzke, Hemet, caught 15.22, 14.74, 9.69 and 9.45-pound stripers on a Z-plugs. John Michael Gzerwiec, Carlsbad, landed a 15.11-pound striper on a swimbait near the east 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: The bite is still on the slow side. Recent changes in the weather have the bite very inconsistent. The bass bite is the most talked about with slow to fair action on jigs, crickets or nightcrawlers near the dam. Chris, Yorba Linda, caught a five-pound bass. A few carp have been caught here recently, too. The bite is best for the carp at lots 11 and 12 on garlic nightcrawlers. Brandon Scott, Las Vegas, caught a four-pounder for the second week in a row. The crappie, bluegill and redear bites have all slowed way down over the past two weeks. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Trout action remains good to excellent for anglers fishing from boats and off shore. Launch Ramp 2 is the hot spot. Top baits for the trout are nightcrawlers and Kastmasters. Willie Pickins, Bloomington, caught a 2.8-pound rainbow. Rick Langley, Fallbrook, pulled out a 2.4-pound trout. A 500-pound trout plant went in last week. Striper bite just as good on topwater lures at the inlet, but this weather could change all that. Top striper was a 4.5-pounder caught by Clint Barnes, Cherry Valley. Bass bite fair with some fish to three pounds reported. 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. Carp fair off the east end on dough balls. Catfish slow. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action slow, even slower than usual lately. The lake will get a bonus plant of 18,000 seven-inch wipers within the next 30 to 40 days. They should reach the 18-inch minimum size for anglers to keep by spring, 2010, and help knock down threadfin shad numbers in the process. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Rains left the lake like chocolate milk, and the lake level had jumped over five feet. Over the past week, limits of rainbow trout average 2 1/2 pounds or better had been common for anglers fishing small trout jigs, nightcrawlers doused with scent, and rainbow, chartreuse, or white floating baits. Top trout were a pair of nine-pound rainbows. Mike Avila, Ontario, topped off his four-fish, 20 1/2-pound catch with one of the nine-pounders fishing jigs from a float tube. David and Sac St. Germain, both Garden Grove, had eight rainbows that weighed 35 pounds, including the other nine-pounder. Joe, T.J., and Ted Rodriguez, Ontario, landed four trout that weighed 16 1/2 pounds, and their big fish was an 8 1/2-pound trout. Chris Oliver, Corona, also had an 8 1/2-pound rainbow, topping off a six-fish, 23-pound catch. Corona is planted with trout every Wednesday, and this week’s plant includes Nebraska Tailwalkers to 10 pounds and more planted. There will be a special $20 buy-in trout derby on Sunday with all entries paid out in cash. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow 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: Very good action and both DFG and county trout slated to go in this week. Lots of rainbows to two pounds reported with some bigger. Best action on small spinners and garlic, rainbow, and corn Power Bait. Not a lot of limits, but most anglers had from one to three trout. Michael Singer, Chino, landed four rainbows on Power Bait with his best fish a two-pounder. 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. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Trout are 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 fair to good in spite of wintery weather. Tim and Christopher Mora, Hemet, landed seven trout from shore this past week at Camp 5C with the best a 2 ½-pounder. Most were from one to 1 ½ pounds and all were landed on Power Bait. Christopher More, 15, currently holds the lake record for trout at Hemet with a 9-6 rainbow caught last winter. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. 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: Rainbow trout action was excellent this past week with five-fish limits running from 12 to 15 pounds, and even the rain didn’t slow the bite down even through the water lost much of its clarity. While fish bigger than five pounds were few and far between, there were stringer’s-full of fish from 2 1/2 to four pounds. Mark Howard, Victorville, had a five-fish limit that weighed in at 17 pounds and his big fish was a four-pounder. Justin Haney, La Mirada, landed five rainbows that weighed 13 1/2 pounds, while Vince Gonzales, West Covina, caught five that weighed in at 12 3/4 pounds. Both anglers’ big fish was a 3 1/2-pounder. Tim Meyer of Huntington Beach had a limit that was 12 1/2 pounds, topped off by a four-pounder. Jeremy and Elena Gravett, Corona, had seven trout that weighed in at 20 pounds total, and their big fish was a 5 1/2-pounder. The best action has been on the floating baits and nightcrawlers fished at the Bubble Hole, off the sandy beach, and Levitz’ Corner. Small jigs and plastics have also been good bets, with Lip RipperZ the hot lures. Trollers working mid-lake have also been scoring. With the water more off-color this week, adding scent to any bait used is a good idea, and brighter-colored or flashy lures will garner more strikes. This week’s plant includes the biggest Nebraska Tailwalkers, fish to 10 pounds and better, planted this season. There is also a special $20 buy-in trout derby on Saturday with all entry fees paid out in cash prizes for the biggest fish. 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: Plenty of trout have been caught, including a few five and six-pounders, and a few brooks and browns in the bunch. The Power Mouse combo or Power Bait (chartreuse, white or rainbow) have been best. Trolling was less productive than bait fishing this week. Sierra Cove is the hottest trout spot with catches also made at Trout Island, Santiago Flats, the west shore, and near the docks. Cole Hiramatsu, Orange, pulled out a six-pound rainbow on a jighead-rigged Power Worm. Tony Muniz, Tustin, landed a 5-14 rainbow. Pat Yoshida, Moreno Valley, pulled out a 4-12 brook trout on a Kastmaster, and Lauren Chavez, Anaheim, landed a 4-2 brookie on Trout Dough. The first 25 anglers who score all three species of trout (rainbow, brook, and brown) during December will qualify for a Fish-Off and receive a special commendation from the DFG’s “Fishing Passport” program. Another stocking of mixed species will go into the Lagoon this week. No bass reports this week. 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 was fair to good this past week with many limits reported and average fish size from two to 2 1/2 pounds. A trout plant went in 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 continues to perk with a very good bite in 25 feet just outside the marina and in Cachuma Bay. DFG trout plant this week. Trollers are doing best with a flasher and a ‘crawler or red Needlefish, while still fishermen are successful with nightcrawlers or bright-colored Power Bait. DFG trout plant this week and last. Catfish bite good in the back of the narrows in 20 feet on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Average fish is from five to eight pounds, with some reported from 17 to 20 pounds. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers. 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: Another 2,400-pound load of DFG trout went in earlier this week at the Santa Ana Launch Ramp and the bite is still fair to good. The fish are in the one-pound range. Trollers using Needlefish and bait anglers are throwing Power Bait. Bass bite remains exceptional on plastic worms or swimbaits. The shad bite died when the rain sent the candy bait into deep water. Andre Fredrickson, Ojai, caught an eight-pound bass, while Amy Wilson, Ojai, pulled out a seven pounder. Some catfish reported this week, too. Mike Kane, Ventura, landed an 18-pounder on shad. 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: Last trout plant was 2,700 pounds two weeks ago, but another was slated for this week. The striper bite perked with these trout plants. Swimbaits were the top producing bait for the stripers. Top catch was a 30-pound striper pulled out by Scott Kenzel, Saugus, from the Fish Arm. Kenzel also caught a 22-pound striper. Ken Hemer, Castaic, landed a 12.6-pound striper and Aaron Jeffrey, Westminster, pulled out an 11.2-pound striper from the Ski Arm. The largemouth bite toughened up with fewer fish reported. Average bass has been one to two pounds. Flukes and worms are the top producers. Catfish bite still hanging on with slow to fair action for those fishing off the bottom. Some 20-pound cats and bullheads to four pounds have been reported. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant last week. Anglers are pulling out limits with fish to two pounds on Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm, with the best bite right after the plants. Amanda Lee, Diamond Bar, caught a 1-8 trout. 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. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: DFG trout plant last week. The bite improved slightly with a slow to fair action. 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 this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
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 two weeks ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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 bite perked. This week 78 anglers checked reported 123 bass and 40 crappie. 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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: This week 22 anglers checked reported 15 rainbow trout, seven channel catfish and six bass. DFG trout plant this week. 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 week before last. This week the 166 anglers checked reported 109 rainbow trout, eight channel catfish, one bass and one bluegill. Bill Smitko and Pete Maybrey, Chula Vista, caught nine rainbow trout for 25 pounds on worms and Kastmasters. Their top fish was a 4.75-pounder. 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: The trout bite kicked off last week with 4,500 pounds of Nebraska trout planted for the season opener. The bite is good on live or moving bait. Gill Perez, El Centro, landed the top fish of the week, a 4-14 rainbow on Power Bait from Boat Dock Cove. Richard Studinka, Lake Ranger, caught a 4-7 rainbow. A number of other anglers pulled out rainbows in the 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-pound range. Another 1,500-pound trout plant will go in Dec. 23. Channel catfish have a fair bite on cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, or nightcrawlers off the South Shore Rock pile and in Oakvale Cove. Bass action has slowed a bit lately, but Clement Miner, Escondido, caught a 3-4 bass on crank bait off the South Shore rock pile. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. 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 last week.
DIXON LAKE: On Tuesday a double of 3,000 rainbows will go in. Trout season is in full swing with a fair to good bite for fish in the three to four-pound range. Best trout action is in Whisker Bay and Trout Cove on rainbow colored Power Bait, small green mini-jigs, Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyants. J.P. Torres, Escondido, pulled out the top fish of the week, a nine-pound trout from Catfish Cove. 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: Lots of small bass were pulled out at the fishing derby last week. Luke Lima, 6, Scripps Ranch, won the 10th Annual Scripps mesa District Scout Fishing Derby with a 1.1-pound bass. The trout action is improving with a fair to good bite. Anglers have been catching some Nebraska rainbows when slow-trolling across the center of the lake with nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Trout are deep, down 30 to 40 feet. Best action on lures, Kastmasters and Fire Tiger Rapalas. The bluegill bite is slow to fair, with the best action in Hidden Bay. 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: Bass fishing fair, with plenty at the points. Best action is on Ikas (drop-shotted) in 30 feet. Shadow Cove remains the hot spot. For the rainbow trout, trolling is producing a few limits, with No. 5 Shad Raps or Bomber Fat A’s working best. The Quarry is the best spot for the channel cats. Another 1,000-pound trout plant will go in this week. The lake is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 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: Good trout action with some limits reported for bait anglers on Power Bait or trollers using Kastmasters or spinners. DFG trout plant this week. Good catfish bite, too, with the area below the cabins still producing the best. DFG trout plant will go in this week. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Trout plant week this week from the DFG to add to the Jess Ranch trout already in the lake. Bite slow to fair. Snow is in the forecast. Bob Hatcher, San Diego, caught a limit of trout including a three-pounder on Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers. 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: Catfish bite fair to good on nightcrawlers or shrimp. Not as many individual catch reports as last week, but anglers did report fish in the five to six-pound range. Fair crappie bite on minnow. Plenty of crappie to one pounds have been caught off the docks recently. The lake is open from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. the other five days of the week. The lake will close at noon on Christmas Eve and will be closed Christmas Day. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Water levels have stabilized, but still a slowish bite with inconsistent flurries of a fair action. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish are both fair 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. Stripers slow. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The striper action slowed way down, but there has been little fishing pressure looking for the bigger fish that make a big splash a couple of weeks ago in the upper end of the lake chasing freshly-stocked trout. Smaller fish are showing near the dam on anchovies and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair action on bluegill and largemouth bass in 10 to 15 feet in submerged trees and brush. The largemouth are best on 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. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Striper bite slow 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. Fair catfish bite. Fair largemouth bass action on Senkos or swimbaits. Slow crappie bite, but that should change soon. 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. 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 with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite slow to fair 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. Fair 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 two weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
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 is still hanging on. Nevada portion of the river is better. Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
MAMMOTH AREA: While access has been all bite wiped out the last couple of days, the upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. The upper Owens had been good 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. Big fish have been pulled out from Hot Creek. The fish are in the weeds. The canyon is also producing some nice fish from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 week before last. 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. 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. DFG plant for Isabella this week and last. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Last trout plant was in late November on both the upper and lower. There are not likely to be more plants in the near term. Brett Sheppard, Bakersfield, caught a 4.6-pound rainbow. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: 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. Clay Tillman, Bakersfield, pulled out a 12-pound carp on anchovies.
HART PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite. DFG trout plant this week and last.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and last. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
MING LAKE: Fair bluegill bite on wax worms and meal worms. DFG trout plant last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. Trout plant three weeks ago. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Still some good-sized trout here. Jonathan and Steven Prado, Bakersfield, caught two and three-pounders on Power Eggs. Some fish over eight pounds reported on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. 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 three weeks ago.
SUCCESS LAKE: Trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Crappie action good to very good on crappie jigs or minnows. The midday bite is best. Anglers have reported crappie stringers with 10 to 20 fish after a couple of hour’s work. Striper action is fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Largemouth bass bite 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 slightly improved with slow to fair action for holdovers on salmon eggs or nightcrawlers. Fair to 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, 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 remain good to excellent, and have some competition from the trout recently. Anglers have reported limits 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: Belvedere Park Lake, Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Downey Wilderness Park Lake, Elizabeth Lake, La Mirada Lake, Hollenbeck Park, Lincoln Park Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Regional Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Central Park lake, Mile Square Regional Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-City Park Lake, Yorba Regional Park Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park Lake, Prado Regional Park Lake, Glen Helen Regional Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake, Yucaipa Regional Park Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Lake Cahuilla, Lake Evans, Rancho Jurupa Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Reservoir, Cuyamaca Reservoir, Lindo Lake, Lower Otay Lake, Morena Reservoir, Murray Reservoir.
SANTA BARBARA: Lake Cachuma
VENTURA: Casitas Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam
KERN: Hart Park Lake, Isabella Lake, Ming Lake, The Park at River Walk Lake, Truxton Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure, McSwain Reservoir.
MERCED: Los Banos Reservoir, Merced River from McSwain Dam To Merced Falls, Yosemite Lake.
STANLISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Turlock Lake, Woodward Reservoir.
TUOLUMNE: Cherry Lake, Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake, Tulloch Reservoir.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

LONG-RANGE ACTION: The long-range fishing fleet is seeing excellent action on yellowfin tuna off Cabo San Lucas in the Hurricane Bank region. These 10 to 14-day and longer trips are scoring on fish from 20 to 380 pounds, with most in the 100 to 200 range. On Monday, the Intrepid reported in with two fish over 300 pounds. On Tuesday, the Royal Polaris has solid action on 150 to just over 200 pounders along with wide open wahoo fishing. Most of these boats have been averaging 30 to 50 bigger fish per day and they actually will run off smaller fish to find big-fish schools.
LOBSTER BRIGHT SPOT: The one bright spot locally is that the rainy, nasty weather seems to make the lobster crawl. Dave Hanson, skipper of the six-pack charter yacht Liquid Coast Highway, was out with clients Tuesday night and they returned with full limits of bugs to nine pounds.
SAN DIEGO ROCKFISH AND YELLOWTAIL: While this bite has been washed out in recent days and only a handful of boats have been making the 1 1/2-day run out of San Diego to the Mexican rockfish and yellowtail grounds off Punta Colonet, this bite had been good much of last week. The yellowtail are mostly 20 to 30 pounders and the action on rockfish is limit-style.
CATALINA AND CLEMENTE UPDATE: There has been virtually no boat coverage at San Clemente and Catalina islands this past week, and the weather this past week won’t help the seabass or yellowtail action.
LOCAL NEARSHORE NEWS: Conditions have be dismal all week all along the coast and skippers are simply avoiding going out, even for rockfish and sand dabs.
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. The next event is a special adult-child trip leaving on Dec. 30 aboard the El Dorado out of Long Beach Sportfishing. Sponsored by United Anglers of Southern California and the 976-TUNA youth fishing program, the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. trip only costs $50 per adult ticket, and each adult gets to bring to junior anglers 15-and-under free. (Additional kids are just $20 each.) The trip includes all loaner rods, tackle, bait and teaching. A perfect event for newcomers. 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.

December 7, 2008 - Cobra Rondeau, Yucaipa, age 12, with a three-pound rainbow trout caught from Yucaipa Regional Park lake.

December 6, 2008 - Aaron Karbowski of Azusa with a three-pound Nebraska Tailwalker caught at Santa Ana River Lakes.

November 29, 2008 - Peter Steinwald, 12, of Upland caught and released this two-pound smallmouth bass -- his first -- while fishing the Coachella Canal south of Indio. He was throwing a spinnerbait.

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.