TROUT: The urban trout season is wide open, and all the lakes are cranking out nice stringers of fish. Top bets continue to be Corona Lake, Hesperia Lakes, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel Park Lake. All of the San Bernardino County Park Lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, Yucaipa, and Mojave Narrows -- were planted this week, and most also received DFG fish. The big news for these lakes is that all of them will get loads of trophy rainbows next week for New Year’s weekend. Big fish of the week came from Corona Lake at 19-4. In San Diego County, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, and Dixon all remain top picks with regular plants, but Cuyamaca is perhaps the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers.
     LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth bass bites are just spotty right now, with really just one big exception -- Diamond Valley Lake is continues very good. There are a few quality fish showing at lakes where trout are being planted, with Casitas the best of those in a distant second place behind DVL. Smallmouth bass remain fair with flurries of good action in the lower Colorado River from Parker to Palo Verde. And there’s almost no fishing pressure.
     STRIPED BASS: The bites are pretty good at all the usual haunts. Skinner, Diamond Valley, and Pyramid all are pretty good bets, with Castaic a notch behind, and Silverwood behind Castaic. Skinner had the top fish of the week at 27-8, but Diamond Valley has been producing more big fish than any of the other waters in the region. Lots of two to five pounders showing at Pyramid and Skinner. On the Colorado River, there has been very little fishing pressure and most bites are off. Only Havasu has a pretty fair dawn, dusk, night bite.
     PANFISH: The bluegill have all but died everywhere, but one decent redear bite is lingering for diligent panfish anglers. That bite is Lake Perris with the action in deep water on nightcrawler pieces or jigs tipped with bait in the marina area. Keep an eye on Puddingstone. Crappie bites have stayed slow most places, but a few quality fish are showing at Isabella, Casitas, and the Buena Vista Lakes (near Taft). The Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River is also one to keep an eye on, but not place is sizzling. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is very slow.
     CATFISH: Slow most places. Hesperia Lake is still the best bet of the urban lakes, but it is slowing down with the cold. A few cats are still showing at Corona and Santa Ana River Lakes, too. For wild fish, the action is slow most places with only a few fish showing at Skinner, Diamond Valley, and most of the San Diego area lakes. Overall, every place is tough.

     SILVERWOOD: Good trout action. DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. The beach store area has been the top spot with Power Bait working best. Angelia Kalaboke, Hesperia, caught five trout to four pounds on rainbow Power Bait. Greg Robles, Santa Ana, landed five trout to three pounds on green Power Bait. Fair striper bite on anything shad-like or cut baits and trolling trout-like lures has also worked well. Top spot for stripers has been Miller's Cove. John Ruben, Chino, hooked into six stripers to 8-8 on a Rapala jointed trout lure at Cleghorn. Catfish bite has been slow to fair with a few fish showing on anchovies in deep water. The largemouth bass bite is slow to fair with the best action off rocky points on lizards and other plastics. The bluegill bite is very slow. The park is closed every Wednesday and Thursday now through March to save State Parks money. The lake remains open to walk-in fishing on these days, but there is no access to the campground, day-use parking areas, or marina. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
     BIG BEAR LAKE: Very little fishing pressure. No DFG plants in over a month. Everything else very slow. Fishing information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or www.bigbearmarina.com.
     GREGORY LAKE: No reports. Last DFG plant over a month ago. Information: 909-338-2233.
     GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Lake facilities all closed. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
     ARROWBEAR LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.
     JENKS LAKE: Closed. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

     HESPERIA LAKE: Overall the trout action is very good with a lot of limits reported. Plants of 2,500 pounds of trout are going in each week through December. Power Bait and Lip Ripperz have been working best. Johnny Thompson, Fontana, caught a 12-pound trout on Power Bait. Frank Gonzales, Riverside, hooked into a 9-8 trout while fishing with a nightcrawler. The catfish bite remains fair with the last plant going in three weeks ago. Irvin Garcia, Upland, landed a 17-8 blue catfish on an anchovy. The last sturgeon and wiper plants were in November but a few of each show each week. Mike Brimly, Bartstow, got a 25-pound sturgeon on an anchovy. Lake hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
     JESS RANCH: Continued very good trout action with Power Bait, nightcawlers, jigs, and small trout lures all working well. The best action is before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and the best areas have been the east and west shore of lake three and north and east shore of lake two. Scott Coley, El Monte, landed a 4-8 rainbow on a chocolate Trout Teaser near the inlet of lake two, while Mark Carlson, Rancho Cucamonga, caught a 4-3 rainbow on a garlic-doused nightcrawler. Jerry Barnes, Redlands, had a 4-2 rainbow on orange Power Bait. Eugene Todd, Victorville, had a limit of rainbows with his top fish at 4-1, all caught on smoke crappie jigs. The lake is closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. The lake is normally open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is stocked with trout each week on Friday from its own hatchery. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
     MOJAVE NARROWS: Trout action has been very good, and both county and DFG plants went in last week. Best bite has been on floating baits in a variety of colors and light leaders and small trout jigs. John Williams, Apple Valley, caught a three-pound trout on nightcrawlers fishing the north side of the lake. County plants are weekly now through the rest of the season except for the last week of February. Other species mostly slow now with the cold weather. For lake information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

     CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Good action on floating baits, small lures and jigs, and trout plastics. County plants are every week now through the rest of the season except for the last week of February, and there was a DFG plant this week. Information: 909-481-4205.
     PRADO: Fair to good trout action with jigs or white, orange, chartreuse, purple, garlic, and rainbow Power Bait working best. Ray Melenderez, Baldwin Park, landed a four-pound trout on garlic Power Bait in basin two. County fish are going in this week and every week the rest of the season except for the last week in February. DFG plant last week. The catfish bite was fair this past week with anglers targeting them having some success. Raul Reyes, Corona, caught an 11-pound catfish on shrimp fishing near Lot 1. Slow other species. Information: 909-597-4260.
     YUCAIPA: Good trout action. County plants are every week now through the rest of the trout season, except the last week of February. There was also a DFG plant this week. Slow other species. The second of San Bernardino County Regional Parks five trout season derbies will be held here Saturday, Jan. 9 with the largest trout eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. The lake will receive a bonus plant of trophy trout for this event. Big trout in the first derby held this year was an 11-11 rainbow, and the biggest fish landed during the derby series last year was a 19 1/2 pounder. Other parks hosting derbies are as follows: Prado, February 6; Mojave Narrows, March 20; and Glen Helen, April 10. All derbies are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler (in addition to a $10 vehicle entry fee). Lake information: 909-790-3127.
     GLEN HELEN: Good trout action. County plants are going in weekly now through the rest of the trout season, except for the last week in February. DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. John Del La Hoya, Grand Terrace, caught a 6.1-pound rainbow on Power Bait from the small lake. Slow catfish action, and the bluegill bite is slow on small worms, mealworms, and crickets fished on the bottom. Carp are fair on dough baits. Bass action slow. 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: Slow trout action with the last DFG plant a month ago. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

     DIAMOND VALLEY: The striper action slowed considerably this past week but there are still some nice fish showing, and this week’s DFG plant could break the bite wide open again. Trout-like swimbaits fished at the inlet or east dam has been the ticket for big stripers. Bryan Borde, Winchester, caught an 18.22-pound striper fishing near the east dam with a Lunker Punker. Paul Padilla, San Jacinto, landed a 15.01-pound striper fishing near the east dam with a Lunker Punker. Jesse Mena, Hemet, got a 13.54-pound striper fishing from shore with a Lunker Punker. Rainbow trout action has been just fair but this week’s plant should help the bite. Floating dough baits, trout jigs, and small trout plastics have been working best. Best action in the marina cove and off the east dam with two-pound test. The largemouth bass bite has picked up and is very good with a 10.4-pounder reported. Eloise Hoshide, Gardena, caught a 6.1-pound largemouth near restroom No. 1 on a swimbait. Some catfish are showing near the attenuator in 20 feet of water on mackerel, shrimp, and anchovies. Bluegill and crappie have slowed with only a few showing on jigs and nightcrawlers fished at the dam. The launch ramp reopened for boat launching last Sunday, two months ahead of schedule, with the completion of the ramp extension. For general lake and fishing information, call 800-590-LAKE, the marina at 951-926-7201 or www.dvmarina.com, or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com.
     PERRIS: Very good trout action after the plant last week. Nightcrawlers and dark-colored Power Worms have been working best for trout, and anglers have reported success near the marina and Lots 5 and 6. Don Williams, Moreno Valley, caught three trout totaling 11.1 pounds with a 4.6-pounder topping the catch. Bass action fair with the early morning bite best. The bluegill and crappie action has slowed and it's almost entirely redear being caught now as far as panfish go. The best redear bite is on small nightcrawlers or small jigs tipped with a bait around the marina, and it has been hit and miss. Richard Wo, Rosemead, caught seven redear to 2.5 pounds on jigs at the dam. The catfish bite is slow with the marina the top spot and mackerel the top bait. Slow carp bite at Lots 5 and 6, the east end, and Rock Climber's Cove area. The park is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday now through March to save State Parks money. The lake remains open to walk-in fishing on these days, but there is no access to the campground, day-use area, or marina. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
     SKINNER: The striper bite was excellent again this past week. The inlet and ramp No. 2 were the hot spots. If you want to land a big striper the big artificial lures fished in the early morning are still your best bet. Todd Williams, Murrieta, caught a 27.5-pound striper on a swimbait at the east end. Jason Hasting, Riverside, caught six stripers to eight pounds while trolling the main lake. The trout action is very good. Ramp No. 2 has been the top spot with Power Bait, spoons, spinnerbaits, nightcrawlers, and Troutmallows all producing fish. DFG trout plant last week. Some largemouth showing at the east end and south shore. The occasional big catfish is showing near the south shore in the deeper water. Gary Smith, Compton, caught 10 catfish to 15 pounds on chicken liver at the south shore. Some bluegill and carp are showing but not many anglers are targeting them. Parking has been restricted for ramp No. 2, but the shoreline remains open for fishing. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
     ELSINORE: Very light fishing pressure and few reports. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308, Elsinore West Marina at 951-678-1300.
     CORONA LAKE: The rainbow trout bite remains wide open, and there were 65 trout limits posted at the tackle shop. The week’s big fish was a 19 1/4-pound rainbow landed by Jaime Vasquez, Yucaipa, on a Thomas Buoyant lure. The average trout has been in the one to two-pound range, but most anglers who have posted limits have at least one fish in the 3 1/2 to five-pound class on their stringer. Some of the better stringers this last week included a 22-pound, 15-fish catch posted by John Waldheim, Irvine, Charles Wilde, Diamond Bar, and Brian Robertson, Irvine. John, John Jr., and Tyler Hancock, Anaheim, had a 15-fish catch that weighed 21 pounds. Chad Fowler and Al Espenoza, Rancho Cucamonga, landed 10 trout that weighed 17 1/2 pounds. Another trout plant this week. A few carp and tilapia also continue to show. Oliver Valdez, Corona, landed a 28-pound carp on a nightcrawler fishing from shore.
The lake is closed from 2 p.m. Thursday through Christmas, but it will reopen to fishing and resume its usual hours on Saturday. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglake.com.
     EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Other species slow.
     RANCHO JURUPA: County plant last week and DFG fish go in this week. The action has been very good. Jesse Ramos, Moreno Valley, caught five rainbows to 1-15 on Kastmasters. Other species are slow, but Tu Trari, Riverside, caught a 15-10 carp on yellow Power Bait. Next county plant will be Dec. 30. Trout Derby set for January 23. Information: 951-684-7032.
     FISHERMAN’S RETREAT: No report. Information: 909-795-2411.
     ANGLER’S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
     REFLECTION LAKE: No report. 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: Very good trout action, mostly on one to two-pound fish. Best bite on most trout dough baits and nightcrawlers. Plants twice a month through April. Still a few catfish showing on chicken liver with mackerel. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

     LAKE HEMET: Still very little fishing pressure. Last DFG trout plants two and four weeks ago. Other species slow. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
     FULMOR LAKE: No recent DFG trout plants. Information: 951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

     SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Good trout action with another plant this week before the Christmas weekend. The lakes’ complex is closed from 2 p.m. Thursday through Christmas Day, it reopens for regular hours Saturday morning. The hot baits has been Eagle Claw Nitro Bait in chartreuse or an inflated nightcrawler dipped in Eagle Claw Gravy. Both baits should be fished on short leaders, under 12-inches, to keep the bait close to the bottom where the rainbows are cruising. The average trout has been around a pound, but most stringers have had at least one rainbow in the 3 1/2 to five-pound class. Top stringer this past week was a five-fish catch by Chico Cisneros, Torrance, that went 21 pounds, and his big fish was a 6 1/2-pounder. All were caught on nightcrawlers at Three Pipes. David and Francisco Garcia, Santa Ana, teamed up to land 10 rainbows and a catfish totaling 27 1/2 pounds fishing nightcrawlers and orange Nitro Bait at the Bubble Hole and Three Pipes. Chris Gauthier, Whittier, landed a 6 1/2–pound rainbow on jig tipped with a meal worm at the Bubble Hole, while Alex Ranjbari, Chino Hills, also had a 6-8 rainbow on a nightcrawler. Private boats are no longer being allowed at Santa Ana River Lakes do to fears of invasive quagga mussels being introduced into the water system. Information: 714-632-7830.
     ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
     IRVINE LAKE: Very good trout action this past week. Nightcrawlers have been the top bait with Power Bait and Rapalas also producing fish. Trout Island, the west shore, and Santiago Flats were the top spots. A bonus plant of trophy trout went in last week in addition to the normal plant. Ryan Murrietta, Orange, caught an 11-4 rainbow trout on a Rapala at the East Shore. Toni Aquino, Tustin, landed a 10-14 rainbow trout on a Rapala at Woody’s Cove. Luis Chavarria, Santa Ana, hooked into a 10-8 rainbow trout on a Power Worm at Trout Island. Andrew Manne, San Dimas, got a 10-pound rainbow trout on an SC Shiner at the west shore. Richard Linastruth, Orange, reeled in an 8-10 rainbow trout on a Rapala at mid-lake. Enzia Goldshmied, 8, Orange, scored an 8-8 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the Kids Lagoon. Bass action is good in 15 to 20 feet of water near Red Clay Cliffs and Rocky Point. Some catfish are still showing. Slowish bluegill bite with meal worms or wax worms in the shallows near the docks. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been excellent after a plant of brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout two weeks ago. Kids who catch one of each species of trout will be entered into a prize raffle. The lake will be closed Christmas Day, but open on New Year's Day. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
     LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Good to excellent trout action. The point, the launch, and the creek inlet have been the most productive spots for shore fishing. From boat it's been three pipes, the bubble hole, and the flats by the dam. Power Bait and Power Worms have been best. Kayla Wicksin, Dana Point, landed a four trout with fish to 7 1/2 pounds on chartreuse Power Bait at the point.  Brad Davis, Long Beach, caught 7 1/2 and four-pound trout. Trophy trout were planted two weeks ago and another plant is slated to go in next week. Slow bass and bluegill action. 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: A DFG trout plant went in plast week and the action has been pretty good, even with the light fishing pressure. Best action in Cachuma Bay for trollers and bait anglers. The dam area also pretty good. Top baits have been Power Baits and nightcrawlers for still fishermen, while trollers are using Needlefish and bright-colored Rapalas near the surface. There is still a pretty fair bite on smallmouth bass on the rocky points, mostly on plastics and jigs in deeper water. Slow other species. For quagga mussel and the boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. The marina is closed and boat rentals have ceased, effective in mid-October. The marina isn’t expected to be reopening in the near future, but the boat launch is still open. For fishing information updates, anglers should now call the general store at 805-688-5246.
     CASITAS: Tough overall fishing, but quite a few quality bass are showing on big, trout-like swimbaits and cranks. Top fish this week were a pair of 10-pounders. One was caught by John Leary, Culver City, on a swimbait, and the other was landed by Gary Williams, Malibu, on a plastic worm. Tim Hold, Oakview, had a 7-12 on a crank. A small local bass tournament on Saturday, took 16 1/2 pounds for five-fish to win, but that also included a seven-pound big fish kicker. Outside of swim baits, the action has been in 30 to 40 feet of water on live bait, plastics, and jigs. Also some suspended fish on spoons and ice jigs. While the crappie bite is slow, Shaun Flaherty, Ventura, landed a 2-12 on a mini jig. Trout were planted last week at the Coyote Launch ramp but that bite has slowed for the Power Bait and spinner tossers. Redear and catfish are both very slow. Private boats are allowed at Casitas, but boats will be inspected and face a 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
     CASTAIC: Striper action was good this past week. Swimbaits have been working best after the trout plants. Sardines fished at the forebay buoy line has also been working well. Kong Island has also been a good bet for smaller stripers. Nicholas Santino, Sylmar, caught a 14.5-pound striper at the forebay buoy line on sardines. There is a good trout bite in the lower lake on salmon eggs, Power Bait, and small grubs. DFG trout were planted last week and three weeks ago. The largemouth bite is fair on shad-like cranks and swimbaits, with plastic worms also a good bet. All of the coves in the Fish Arm are producing fish with the best action early and late in the day. Catfish action has slowed and very few bluegill and crappie action have been reported. Information: 661-775-6232 or www.CastaicLake.com.
     PIRU: DFG trout plant last week perked the bite through the weekend on floating baits and small lures and jigs. The largemouth bass action is still fair on deep-running cranks, jigging spoons, and ice jigs in 30 to 50 feet of water. A few crappie continue to show on small jigs, and bluegill and redear are spotty on nightcrawlers and red worms. Catfish very slow. Information: front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or www.camplakepiru.com.
     PYRAMID: DFG trout planted last week and the bite was good much of last week, but became just fair through the weekend. Best action on Power Bait on small trout jigs or plastics. Striper good in channel, and in the marina after the plant. Also some fish at the dam. The stripers are two to five pounds and they are showing on swim baits and cut baits. The bigger fish are best in the marina with the smaller fish in the main channel. Still light fishing pressure. The largemouth and smallmouth bass, redear, and catfish are all slow. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth, 661-295-7155, concession 661-257-2790, or Forest Service 661-296-9710.
     QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
     PUDDINGSTONE: Fair trout action after DFG plants last week and three weeks ago, mostly on floating baits. Slow to fair action on largemouth bass on plastics in deeper water. Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.
     SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago with fair action on floating baits, trout plastics, and trout jigs. The catfish and bluegill bites slowed, but the odd largemouth is still being caught. Information: 626-334-1065.
     ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
     BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago.
     HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
     HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
     JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
     KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     LEGG LAKES: DFG catfish plant three weeks ago, and trout were planted a month ago.
     LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.
     MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
     PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

     BARRETT: The lake is closed for the season and will reopen in May, 2010. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     HODGES: The lake is closed for the season. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     EL CAPITAN: The 69 anglers checked reported catching 62 bass, 17 bluegill, 14 crappie, and 17 catfish. Brandon Hall, Fontana, caught a 16.35-pound blue catfish on chicken liver at the north arm. Armond Washington, Long Beach, landed a 15.05-pound blue catfish on mackerel at the north arm. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available Saturday and Sunday only. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     LOWER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake will not be renting boats November, December, or January. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     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 open. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     MURRAY: No report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     MIRAMAR: The 104 anglers checked reported catching 51 rainbow trout, four catfish, and two bluegill. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are not available during October and November. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     SUTHERLAND: Closed. It will reopen March, 2010. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     WOHLFORD: Trout action is excellent. Quite a few trout in the four to six-pound-range were reported again this week. Jesus Pena, Escondido, caught a 6-2 trout on a nightcrawler in Willow Cove. Ed Heinrichson, Oceanside, landed a limit of trout totaling 16-10 with a 5-5 and a 4-10 topping the catch. Trout plant slated for this week. Some catfish are still showing west of Senior Shoreline. The bass fishing was fair this past week with the best action on live bait or dark colored plastics near structure. There was a 6-13 bass caught by Mitchell White, Fallbrook, on a nightcrawler off Bass Point. Bluegill and crappie are fair. The lake is now closed weekdays and will only be open Saturday and Sunday each week. There are four new bass boat-type rentals available. Quagga mussel fears still have a private boating ban. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
     DOANE POND: No recent DFG plants.
     DIXON LAKE: Trout action is very good. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, and small jigs have been working best. Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Thomas Buoyants have also been working well. Trout were planted two and four weeks ago. There is a fair bass bite with some topwater activity in the early morning. Slow to fair bluegill action with mealworms or redworms fished at any of the fishing piers working well. Some catfish are also showing. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
     POWAY: Just fair trout action this past week with only a few limits reported. Hidden Bay was the top spot. Trout were planed last week. Bass action is fair. The catfish action was fair with anglers fishing the log boom having the most success. Some bluegill are still showing in Hidden Bay but the bite is mostly slow. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
     JENNINGS: The trout bite good. The lake will receive trout plants each week for the duration of trout season. Cactus Patch, the fishing float, and Shadow Cove have been the top spots for trout, with salmon peach Power Bait the top choice for bait. Some catfish are still showing on chicken livers, mackerel, and nightcrawlers at the dam buoy line and Hermit Cove buoy line in very deep water. The bass bite is fair with the fish in about 15 to 25 feet of water and hitting on Senkos in natural colors. Dawn and Dusk have seen the best action for bass. Twilight boat rentals are returning -- $20 for the last three hours the lake is open. The lake will be open daily Christmas Day through January 3, 2010 5:45 a.m. through 5:15 p.m. Information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
     MORENA: Fair trout action after a DFG plant last week. Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Power Bait have been working best for trout. Catfish action is slow with some hitting mackerel and chicken liver. Bass action has been mostly slow but with the trout plants the big bass should be out feeding. Slow other species. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-579-4101.
     CUYAMACA: Excellent trout action due to the weekly plants. Many anglers have been reporting getting limits in under an hour of fishing. Other species are mostly slow. The lake is now closed on Wednesdays and does not open until 10 a.m. on Sundays for fishing, this schedule will continue through January until waterfowl season closes. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
     HENSHAW: Mostly light fishing pressure but there has been a slow to fair crappie bite on live minnows and nightcrawlers. Boat rentals cost $35 for a full day and $30 after 1 p.m. The lake is open daily from 6 a.m. until sunset but on Wednesdays and Saturdays the lake is open at 5 a.m. for waterfowl hunting. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

     FLOW INFORMATION: Reservoir elevation levels and flow releases for the entire lower Colorado River are available at this web site with information updated hourly: www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/hourly/rivops.html.
     LAKE MEAD: Mostly slow action with a spotty striped bass action with fish in deeper water at the dam. Still some decent action in Hemenway, Boulder Bay, Gypsum Wash, the 33 Hole, and dam on cut anchovies, sardines, shad-like lures. Fair catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. The largemouth bass action is fair off the points in deeper water.
     WILLOW BEACH: Very good trout action with light fishing pressure. The fish are stacking up making the action good throughout the week. Best action on salmon eggs, Power Bait, worms and Super Dupers. Still weekly trout plants. Slow  striper action on big, trout-like lures. Information: Willow Beach Resort at 928-767-4747.
     LAKE MOHAVE: Fishing for stripers slow, with cold, windy weather much of the past couple of weeks. The best bite has still been in the southern portion of the lake, especially in the coves around the power lines and at the dam with most of the fish under three pounds. Anchovies and sardines in 15 to 45 feet of water. Bass and bluegill very spotty. Catfish are slow on cut baits. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, Katherine’s Landing at 928-754-3245.
     LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: Fair to good trout action in the Laughlin bridge area with fish to four pounds or better reported. Most are pan-sized. Trout were planted last week. Mark Hodgeman and Jerry Kohler, Bullhead, caught a stringer of rainbows that weighed 14.2-pounds, and the top fish was 17-inches long, and they were caught on a worm-marshmallow combo. Leroy Davis, Bullhead, caught a limit of trout on Power Bait. The hotspots have been Rotary Park and in front of the Edgewater Casino. The action on smaller smallmouth bass is still pretty fair with the fish along the river rip-rap in big numbers. Lipless cranks are the best bet for the smallies. Other than trout and smallmouth, slow fishing with very few stripers and catfish showing on drifted anchovies. Information: Riveria Marina at 928-763-8550.
     NEEDLES AREA: There is a pretty fair smallmouth bass bite in the main river from Needles south to I-40, mostly on small cranks. Slow striper action, with the best bite early in the morning on fish under three pounds. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bass action. Information: Needles Marina at 760-326-2197.
     TOPOCK AREA: The crappie action continued in a bit of a lull with the cold weather this past week, but there are still a few fish showing at north dike and Five Mile Landing on minnows and Roadrunner jigs. A few decent catfish are also showing from the marsh. Smallmouth bass are still pretty fair in the main river on small cranks and drop-shotted plastics with a lot of one-pound fish. There’s a spotty bite on stripers and catfish in river. Topoc Marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: Park Moabi at 760-326-3831 or Phil’s Western Trader at 928-768-4954.
     HAVASU: Overall slow fishing. The striper bite is still fair with the fish on live shad or shad-like baits early in the morning or after dark, and the action is mostly around the island. Lures that have glow-in-the-dark luminescence are a good idea. The largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing slowed way down. Only a few fish are showing on slow-fall plastics, vertical jigging, or live shad. Channel catfish and flatheads very slow. Redear have also slowed way down. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler’s Pro Shop) at 928-854-2277.
     PARKER STRIP: Channel catfish have been slow this past week, but the smallmouth bass in the main river along the rip rap are fair. Bluegill and redear are still fair in backwaters and quiet water in the main river. Flatheads are just fair on goldfish and shiners.
     BLYTHE: Slowish overall action all along the lower river. A few catfish continue to show from the canals and main river, but the bite is tough. The highlight is that the smallmouth bite in the main river along the rip-rap is stll fair with some flurries of good action on small cranks and jigs. Largemouth and bluegill are mostly slow, and no striper reports this week. A few bluegill can be caught on warm afternoon from backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
     PALO VERDE: The catfish action has been slow to fair with very few anglers fishing and even fewer reports. Bluegill are also tough, but still some a few showing from deeper holes in the main backwater. The largemouth are slow, but the smallmouth action is still fair, but there’s no pressure right now. Information: Walter’s Camp 760-854-3322 Thursday through Monday.
     PICACHO AREA: Slow largemouth bass action with a few fish on plastic worms or nightcrawlers. The channel catfish action is fair on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Fish from one to three pounds, with only a few better ones. The flathead action is very slow on goldfish, shiners, tilapia, and bluegill.
     MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: A few striper reports at the lake mouth to the river, but mostly slow action. Largemouth bass action slow to fair on plastics and live bait. Channel catfish and flatheads are both slow. Few crappie, but the bluegill are still fair with some flurries of good action early in the afternoons. Information: 928-783-9589 Thursday through Monday or www.martinezlake.com.
     YUMA AREA: Bass action is slow in the main river and a little better in river backwaters on minnows and plastics. Both channel catfish and flathead are slow in the main river with only the rare flathead showing on live minnows, bluegill, or big crawdads. The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to fair for channel catfish action with some bass, redear and bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

     SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite slowed along the north shore with both the state park and Yacht Club jetty producing very few fish this week. Cold weather and wind stalled this bite. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.
     ALAMO RIVER: Few reports.
     COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports.
     ALL AMERICAN CANAL: No reports.
     FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
     WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
     SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
     LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

     GENERAL: General trout season reopens in Inyo and Mono counties on Saturday, April 24. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222. Lodging and guide information: Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405 or www.bishopvisitor.com, Mono County Tourism 760-924-1743. Top Eastern Sierra fishing report web sites for the winter are: www.KensSport.com (Bridgeport region), www.TheTroutFly.com, and www.SierraDrifters.com.
     BRIDGEPORT REGION: Cold and icy conditions and flows on the East Walker remain very low and the bite is fair in the afternoons on fish stacked up in the runs and pools. Most action on midges and caddis nymph patterns. This is a catch-and-release water open year-around. Information: Ken’s Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
     MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek, both open to year-around catch-and-release fishing, but access has been very difficult. The Owens has quite a few quality rainbows and browns up from Crowley. Information: The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517 or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
     BISHOP AREA: Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the lower Owens River, and the Owens River gorge remain open to year-around fishing. The Wild Trout section of lower Owens River remains good for fly anglers. Pleasant Valley Reservoir has been fair for lure, jig, bait, and fly anglers, especially for float tubers fishing near the inlet or at the dam. DFG planted at Pleasant Valley this week and two weeks ago. Owens Gorge fair for small browns. Information: Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, Culver’s 760-872- 8361, Brock’s 760-872-3581,

WESTERN SIERRA

     LAKE ISABELLA: Little fishing pressure, but a few quality largemouth bass are showing on jigs fished in deep water around structure. There are also some nice crappie being caught on live minnows at French Gulch marina. Other species are slow, but some trout are showing at the main dam. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
     KERN RIVER: Flows in the upper Kern are low and the river is fishing slow in the 20-mile roadside stretch above Kernville with the best action on small nymphs in the cold water. The Wild Trout stretch is even slower with the cold water conditions. The lower river is fair for smallmouth bass in the Richbar, Hobo areas off on spinners, crawlers, and plastics, but the fish are small. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040 (or www.kernriverflyfishing.com) or James Store 760-376-2424.
     AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The striped bass bite has been good with a lot of keeper fish over the 18-inch minimum size. The best action has been on blood worms, sand worms, and shad-like crankbaits or Gitzit-sytle lures. Only a few catfish showing, but more and more anglers are reporting largemouth bass on Rat-L-Traps here. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
     HART PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Best action on Power Bait and green, garlic nightcrawlers. Other species are very slow.
     TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Spotty action. Other species very slow.
     RIVER WALK PARK: Still a fair trout bite even with no recent plants. The hot ticket has been to fish mini jigs or Trout Traps just 12-inches under a rattling bobber. Also a few holdover trout caught on garlic Power Bait, chunky cheese Gulp and green, garlic nightcrawlers. Bass and bluegill very slow.
     MING LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair action on Power Bait and garlic nightcrawlers. Other species are slow.
     BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
     BUENA VISTA LAKES: Fair trout action with the bite best on corn Power Bait fished within 15 feet of the bank. There was a 14-pound rainbow reported in the past week. The winter crappie bite is still in stall mode but should kick into gear soon. Catfish, carp and bass very slow. Information: Bob’s Bait 661-833-8657.
     WOOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Just fair action with the best bite on corn Power Bait. The bluegill bite is slow on red worms or meal worms.
     SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago, fair action. Other species mostly slow with a few bass still showing in deeper water on plastics and jigs. Information: 559-781-2078.
     KAWEAH LAKE: Trout plant two weeks ago, with fair action. Mostly slow action on other species with only a few bass and the odd redear showing. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

     SAN ANTONIO: Very few reports. Information: 805-472-2818.
     NACIMIENTO: Fair spotted bass action with jigs, plastics, and swim baits all producing fish. Other species slow. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
     SANTA MARGARITA: Bass action still slow, but a few crappie are showing on small jigs. Very light fishing pressure. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
     LOPEZ: Light fishing pressure, but a few crappie and redear are showing. Bass spotty, catfish slow. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

     Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries this week. For updates in Southern California and the Eastern Sierra Nevada, you can call the DFG recording at 562-594-7268, or for updates in the Western Sierra, you can call 559-243-4005, x183. For trout plants statewide, you can visit the DFG's web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/FishPlanting/index.asp.
     LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Lincoln Park Lake.
     ORANGE: Laguna Lake.
     RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Diamond Valley Reservoir, Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.
     SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
     SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.
     IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
     INYO: Pleasant Valley Reservoir.
     FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
     MADERA: Bass Lake, H.V. Estman Lake, Hensley Lake.

CATFISH PLANTS

     No Department of Fish and Game catfish plants this week.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

     LONG RANGE SCENE CONTINUES AWESOME: With most of the long range fleet back in port for the Christmas holiday, the spectacular fishing has been evident as boats were offloaded this week. The Royal Star came back with several yellowfin tuna over 300 pounds, including the trip’s best, a 364-pounder landed by Rob McAdam of San Francisco. The Royal Polari had nine cows with a 291-pounder tops. All of these 14 to 16-day trips will resume after Christmas, and the action is just expected to pick up where it has left off.
     HUMBOLDT SQUID IN SAN DIEGO: The big Humboldt squid have moved up off San Diego, and twilight-night trips out of Seaforth Sportfishing this past week have generally returned with from 100 to 150 of the 15 to 30-pound squid for the anglers on board.
     LOCAL NEARSHORE ACTION: The availability of market (bait-sized) squid from La Jolla, Dana Point, and even into the San Pedro region along with the offshore islands has continued to mean pretty good mixed bag local fishing for 1/2 and 3/4-day boats fishing the coast and local islands. Anglers can still catch sculpin, whitefish, sheephead, and rockfish until the first of the year, and when you mix those fish in with the decent bass action, bags have been pretty full on these trips that have almost no anglers.
     SAND DABS FOR DINNER: A couple of landings continue running one or two sand dab trips per week and the action is wide open. The Sea Angler out of 22nd Street Landing continues to post scores of more than 100 fish per angler.
     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 charter is a two-day rockfish trip aboard the Black Pearl leaving Jan. 22. Cost is $199 and limited to 22 anglers. To book a spot or find out about other upcoming 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 has merged with Channel Islands Sportfishing; 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.