January 1, 2009

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Trout and sturgeon are both showing in pretty good numbers at Hesperia Lake in the High Desert, with the rainbows up into the 14-pound class -- as good as anywhere in the region -- and the sturgeon up to 60-plus pounds have been caught in the past week. Trout are planted twice a week here. For an update on the bite, check with the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
2. Trophy rainbows continue to show at Irvine Lake in good numbers after its big plant of trophy fish just before Christmas. Tops this past week was a 15 1/4-pounder, but there were at least seven trout over 10 pounds landed, and a brookie at five pounds. The bite has not been wide open, but the quality of the fish has been worth the effort. For an update on this bite call the lake’s tackle shop at 714-649-9111.
3. Are we going to have to add Lake Perris to the list of Southern California waters with good striped bass fisheries? In the past week, Perris has cranked out a half-dozen stripers from 12 to 22-plus pounds for anglers throwing big, trout-like baits after a trout plant last week. There hasn’t been a lot of fishing pressure at Perris since the water level was dropped and even few striper anglers fishing here. Call the marina for news on this bite at 951-657-2179.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Most local waters are still largely off-color from rains and runoff, but the bites are starting to improve this week at all the usual spots. In Orange County, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel are all still fair with heavily scented or flashy baits. Corona Lake and Prado Park Lake are both good with some quality fish at both. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake and Jess Ranch are both good bets. Cachuma is also worth a hard look with some decent action here. In San Diego County, Dixon, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, Miramar, Lower Otay, Murray, and Cayamaca are all pretty good bets.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is slow to fair winter bass action across the region. Casitas and Diamond Valley Lake are both fair to good with improved weather this week. Perris, 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. A decent smallmouth bass bite on the lower Colorado River from Havasu to Palo Verde.
STRIPED BASS: Top bets this week are Perris, Skinner, Pyramid, Diamond Valley and Castaic. Yes, Perris. It cranked out several fish from 12 to 22-plus pounds. Skinner remains a good bet for fish to four pounds, and Castaic is still a good bet for bigger stripers to 20 pounds. Pyramid is one to watch for a hot bite as the water clears. On the Colorado River, there is a slow to fair bite at Mead on smaller fish to three pounds. Havasu is also slow to fair on smaller fish, too.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have sputtered but that might be more to light fishing pressure than off action. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but Elsinore remains a fair bet on fish a pound and under and the Perris bite looked to be coming back on this week.
CATFISH: The late winter catfish bite has been mostly slow but a few quality fish are showing each week. Top bets included El Capitan, Diamond Valley, Casitas, Silverwood, Otay, and Hesperia Lake (where there’s also a good shot at a sturgeon). Henshaw and Isabella also remain fair to good bets for a stringer of smaller fish. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been fair for channel cats, 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 and stripers bites both are very good. The trout are best in Miller’s and Cleghorn canyons on floating baits or inflated nightcrawlers. Amy Long, Upland, had a limit of trout to two pounds fishing worms and Power Bait in Miller’s Canyon. John Baker, Fontana, had three trout to 1-12, while Bob Rodney, Apple Valley landed a pair of rainbows at about 1-8 each. DFG trout plant last week. The stripers are showing around the dock, off main lake points and at the dam with most coming in on cut baits or small swimbaits. A few catfish slowing on anchovies or mackerel from Cleghorn and in the spillway. Largemouth bite spotty, but very little fishing pressure. Other species slow. 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. 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 are the hot bites with anglers reporting good-sized fish for both species. Trout anglers are pulling out fish from the north shore and inlet on Power Bait, Lip RipperZ worms and Thomas Buoyants. Top rainbow trout bite was a 14-pounder pulled out by Jose Paloma, Victorville. Kenny Albrook, Ontario, landed a 13 3/4-pound rainbow from the drain. Greg Simmons, Hesperia, landed a nine-pound rainbow and Ralph Cervantes, Yucaipa, caught a 7-8 trout off the grassy bank. Sturgeon have been showing on the Power Bait and cut baits. Matt Ceasar, Baldwin Park, caught a 62-pound sturgeon. Bobby Kiefer, Costa Mesa, caught a 43-pound sturgeon on a jig. A 23-pound catfish was also pulled out this week by Alex Richardson, San Bernardino, on mackerel. Trout plants are twice a week. A 3,000-pound sturgeon plant 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: Not even the snow last week could stop the good trout bite. Anglers reported fair to good action from both lakes on Power Bait (spring green, salmon peach and chartreuse), jigs and lures. Most trout were near or over two pounds. Hot spots include the northern 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. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lakes will be open regular hours throughout the holidays. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout week before last. Anglers have reported fair to good trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Slow other species. 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 two weeks ago. Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good to excellent trout action in Basin 2 and there continues to be a lot of quality fish in the county and state plants. County trout plants are each week through April, and there was a DFG plant three weeks ago. Most of the fish are from two to five pounds, and the top trout this past week was a 13-pounder caught by Brian Woodruff, Chino Hills, on Christmas eve on chartreuse Power Bait from Basin 2. He came back the day after Christmas and landed rainbows at 5-8, 5-0, 4-8, 3-12, and 3-8 for a 22-pound, four-ounce limit. Brian Gutierrez, Chino Hills, landed five trout to 2-12 at Parking Lot No. 1 near the dam. Jeremy Knapp, Rosemead, have five rainbows to 4-4. Also still a few catfish showing on cut baits or nightcrawlers. Mark Capelouto, Ontario, was fishing chicken livers to land a 12-pound channel cat at Parking Lot No. 6. Bass slow. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Fair to good trout action. County plants are weekly through April, and there was also a DFG plant one month ago. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair to good trout action with some quality rainbows showing each week. County trout plants are weekly through April and there was a DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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 two weeks ago. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Bass action still on the slow side with just a fair bite on shad-type lures or swimbaits. The trout bite is good with anglers reporting decent-sized fish on a nightcrawler off the shoreline. Striper bite just as good, with some fish up to 20 pounds caught. 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: There has been a surprisingly good striped bass bite over the past week for anglers fishing big swim baits off the dam with fish over 20 pounds reported. Top stripers were a 22.7-pounder and an 18-pounder, both caught by Ryan Devlin, Ontario, on Lunker Plunkers. The 22.7 is the best ever caught from Perris. Matt Metroka, Riverside, landed a 16-pounder throwing a Huddleston swim bait. Slow to fair largemouth bass action with some fish showing on slow-fished jigs, plastics, or live baits in the marina and off main points. Also a few redear to 1 1/2 pounds showing in Sail Cove, mostly on small jigs or nightcrawlers. The crappie bite has started to come back on for anglers fishing small jigs in the marina. A DFG trout plant last week perked the bite on the rainbows for anglers fishing inflated nightcrawlers and floating baits. A DFG trout survey is ongoing. A percentage of each DFG trout plant will have non-reward and reward tags attached on some one to four-pound rainbows from the load. The tags will look like green spaghetti noodles attached right below the dorsal fin. Reward signs indicating information where to return the tags are posted around the launch ramps, marina and lake entrance. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: There continues to be good action on rainbow trout and striped bass. While no monster stripers like last week’s 27-pounder were landed, there have been a good number of quality fish to four pounds with the best bite at the inlet and near the dam for trollers, anglers drifting bait, or throwing swimbaits. Glen Simmons, Norco, landed a four-pound striper on anchovies. The trout action has been in the coves off Launch Ramp No. 2. Brian Moreno, Fallbrook, had three trout to 2-8 on the nightcrawler-marshmallow combo. Richard Brown, Rancho Cucamonga, landed two rainbows 4-8 and 2-8 on chartreuse Power Bait. Other species are spotty, with only a few largemouth bass and the odd catfish showing. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: The crappie bite remains fair to large minnows or 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. Information: Lake Marina at 951-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Good trout action on floating baits fished in the deeper water at the dam and mid-lake spots. But keep the leaders under a foot long. Most stringers have had at least one or two trout in the six to seven-pound range and others are filling stringers with trout in that range. Ray, Rob, and Ron Villanueva, all Riverside, caught six rainbows that weighed a total of 29 1/2 pounds, with the top trout a 7-4. All were fishing salmon eggs near the dam. Trout at 6 3/4 pounds were landed by Jimmy Lunes, Chino, and Patric Equipilag, Anaheim. Rafael Avalo, Chino, had a five-fish limit that weighed 11 1/2 pounds, including a 6 1/2 pounder. Ronnie Sase, Corona, landed a 5 3/4-pound rainbow to top off his five-fish, 16 3/4-pound limit. Joan Hancock, Lakeside, landed five trout that weighed 15 pounds, including a 4-4 rainbow. Trout plants are weekly. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite on worms or plastics.
RANCHO JURUPA: Good trout bite with a DFG and county plants two weeks ago, and more fish slated for this week. Lots of limits reported with trout to two pounds or better. Best action on small trout plastics and garlic, rainbow, and corn Power Bait. Jesse and Joseph Santana, Riverside, and Oscar Flores, Rubidoux, each had trout limits with rainbows to three pounds. Other species are slow with a few cats. Upcoming events: Annual trout derby scheduled for January 24. Entry fee is $10 in advance, $12 day of event. 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 (in all colors) and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Trout are planted twice a month with double loads. Plant last week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. The lake will be open New Year’s Eve and day. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Light fishing pressure with the conditions this past week, but the trout bite has been pretty good for the few anglers venturing out. Robert “Ebo” Moreno, Craig Brock, and John Grout, all San Jacinto, landed 12 trout on Power Bait and worms with four of the fish at two pounds or a little better. They were shore fishing in the marina area. Peter, Jessica, and Maia Ysiano, all Cabazon, landed three trout with the top fish a two-pounder, all on Power Bait. No DFG plants in over a month. 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: Off-color water conditions have made for just fair fair trout action, but anglers fishing scented lures and baits are still scoring some nice stringers and quality fish. The biggest rainbow landed over the past week was a 16-pound rainbow trout that topped off a three-fish catch made by Dave and Tim Beaver, Anaheim, while fishing jigs tipped with wax worms in Chris’ Pond. Strafin and Alex Ortega, Anaheim, had three trout that weighed 15 1/2 pounds, including a nine-pounder, all on chartreuse Nitro Bait, while Kurtis Sargent, Moreno Valley, had a limit of five trout that weighed 26 pounds, including his 7-8 stringer-topper. Rose and Micheal Mirtirkovich, Anaheim, landed 10 trout that weighed 21-4, and the big fish was a 4-8. The best action has been on small, bright-colored jigs doused with scent or inflated nightcrawlers, also scented heavily. But floating bait anglers are also scoring with the best bite if the leaders are kept short so the baits stays just above the bottom. Weekly trout plants. While few anglers are fishing for catfish, Doug Cherry, Placentia, landed and released a 13-pound channel cat fishing shrimp. The best catfish action has been in the afternoons on cut baits fly-lined or fished on sliding-egg sinker rigs in deeper water. 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: The rainbow trout action is very good with a lot of quality seven to nine-pound rainbows. A load of the famous ‘Silver Bullet’ inland steelhead will be planted in January. A good number of fish have been caught since Christmas day with some fish over 12 reported. Best bait for the double-digit rainbows has been inflated nightcrawlers in garlic. Limits of smaller-size fish were pulled out primarily on Power Bait fished on 12 to 14-inch leaders. Trollers were few, and they reported less action than bait anglers. The largest fish were active around boat dock cove, but good catches were also made at Trout Island, along the west shore, and Santiago Flats. Some trophy-class brook trout were also seen. Slow to fair catfish bite with only a few caught on shrimp or mackerel. Jen Nguyen, Yorba Linda, pulled out a 15-4 rainbow trout on an SC Shiner. Glen Casale, Trabuco Canyon, landed a 14-2 rainbow trout. Omar Banks, Moreno Valley, caught a pair of trout both weighing in over 12 pounds. Lisa Gray, Corona, landed a 10-14 rainbow trout on a Kastmaster. Jake Robinson, Trabuco Canyon, caught a 10-10 rainbow on a Rapala. Bob Barr, Tustin, caught 10-2 and 8-4 rainbows on nightcrawlers. Adrian Pintor, North Hollywood, landed a five-pound brook trout on a Power Worm. The lake level is holding steady. All roads around the lake are now open, except the west shore road which is open only as far as Woody’s Cove. The west shoreline can be accessed on foot via a 10-minute hike. Upcoming events: free trout fishing seminar from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10. Instruction will be given by Marlon Meade and the lake Pro-Staff, with topics to include trolling, bait fishing and jig fishing techniques. The seminar is free with paid admission; reservations at 714-649-9111. The lake will be open New Year’s Day. 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. Another trout plant went in last week including 1,000 pounds of steelhead. Hot spots for the trout are off the point and launch ramp and near the concession. Top baits are chartreuse or orange Power Bait, orange Gulp, inflated nightcrawlers or LipRipperZ lures. Slow to fair bass bite on drop-shotted plastic worms in dark colors in the inlet. Crappie and bluegill in the 1/2-pound range have been reported on nightcrawlers or crappie jigs. Catfish are still showing up. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The lake will be open regular hours New Year’s Day. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Fair to good trout bite in 25 to 35 feet just outside the marina and in Cachuma Bay. DFG trout plant last week. Trollers have reported action with a flasher and a nightcrawler or red Needlefish, while still fishermen are successful with nightcrawlers or bright-colored Power Bait. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers or small jigs. 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: DFG trout plants each of the past three weeks with pretty decent action at the launch ramp. Fair action in the mornings. Bass bite is fair to good with a few fish on swimbaits, but most on live bait or slow-fished, drop-shot plastics. Tyce Carpinter, Ventura, pulled out the biggest fish of the week, a 10-pound bass on a nightcrawler. Kurt Edken, Ojai, pulled out five fish drop-shooting plastic worms. His biggest fish was a 4-8. No catfish reported. Perch and crappie slow. 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 from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Light fishing pressure and off-color water made for tough conditions, but the striper and largemouth bites continue fair, with some flurries of good action in the mornings. Top striper was an 18-8 landed by Ken Hemer, Castaic. Jon Salkeld, Castaic, caught five largemouths to six pounds on SPRO Shad, while Brett Packard, Castaic, caught and released six bass to eight pounds on the same bait. The best largemouth bite has been on small plastics and small swim baits. Trout plant two weeks ago, but the muddy water has moved the trout out. Other species are very slow. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago, but still just fair action on both the holdover and fresh plants. Top baits include Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. 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 two pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: DFG trout plant this week. Action still slow to fair. Striper bite fair to good on anchovies with most fish under four pounds, with a few better. Anna Renteria, Pasadena, caught a two-pound striper. 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 three weeks ago. Fair 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 three weeks ago. 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 two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: No recent trout plants.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Wilton “Big Willie” Mays, Pacoima, caught seven, 10, 11 and 20-pound catfish on Power Bait and mackerel dipped in attractant. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant one month 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: This week 59 anglers reported 39 bass, 18 crappie, three blue catfish and two channel catfish. 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 last 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/.
MURRAY: Great improvement for both bluegill and rainbow trout, but still a tough bite. This week 33 anglers reported 35 bluegill, 21 rainbow trout and 10 bass. Philip Diotte and Tim Jones, San Diego, caught a 6.55-pound stringer of rainbow trout on nightcrawlers. Their top fish was a 1.10-pounder. 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: Trout plant went in last week with fair action. This week 179 anglers reported 59 rainbow trout, five channel catfish, four bluegill and one carp. 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: Trout fishing has been good with some limits of rainbows. Top fish were over six pounds. Top baits are Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Chuy Terango, Vista, caught a 6-10 rainbow from Willow Cove. Channel catfish have been bitting cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers. The best action has come off the South Shore Rock pile and in Oakvale Cove. E. Zwettler, Temecula, caught a 3-9 channel cat off the Senior Shoreline. Bass bite remains slow. 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 three weeks ago.
DIXON LAKE: Another 3,000 pound plant went in last week. Good to excellent action reported from Whisker Bay and Trout Cove on rainbow colored Power Bait, small green mini-jigs, Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyants. 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: A 1,500-pound plant of rainbows went in last week, followed by another one early this week. Trout bite fair. Anglers reported limits with fish from two to three pounds on their stringers, including some Nebraska rainbows. Slow trolling along the back shore of the lake with nightcrawlers and Power Bait is a good way to pull out some trout. The bass bite is slow over most of the lake. With the inflow of runoff from recent rain storms, the catfish bite is very good with the Log Boom being the best area to fish. Catfish are also biting in Boulder Bay and off Jump Off Point. The bluegill bite is OK, with better 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 the fish in deeper water off the points. Trout bite fair in Sentry or Shadow Cove on inflated nightcrawlers dipped in scent and fished on a four-foot leader. Catfish bite fair in the backs of the coves, especially in muddy water by the dam and buoy line. Shrimp and crawlers are top choices for the cats, especially when dipped in scent. A Mt. Lassen plant of 1,000 pounds went last week. The lake will be open daily through Jan. 4 from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. After that the lake will be 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 two weeks ago. Good catfish bite, too, with the area below the cabins still producing the best. 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 two weeks ago by the DFG. Recent bad weather has slowed the bite but some anglers have reported action 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. Fair crappie bite on minnows. Plenty of crappie to one pound 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. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Bite still on the slowish side. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish are the most active in the Vegas Wash area. The better action has been reported 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 has slowed with the suspension of trout plants here. A few fish are still showing, but there is very light fishing pressure. Stripers slow. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Striper bite slow to fair with the best action on nightcrawlers or anchovies. Anglers haven’t been able to catch the shad, which had been the bait for the best action in the past. Most fish are small and under three pounds. 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. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are bi-weekly through the winter. Fair to good action Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Striper action slow to fair with only small fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are lowering. Take caution when launching. 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 catfish and flathead action with some to 10 pounds or better on shrimp, nightcrawlers dipped in stink and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Fair bass action 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 one month ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: General trout season is closed, but year-around and special regulation waters remain open. 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 with unstable flows and freezing areas. Recent reports of a few active fish. Small nymphs off the bottom have done the trick producing fish in the 12 to 15-inch range with some bigger fish on slow-fished streamers. 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 week, the upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. No reports in the past week, but the upper Owens had been fair for fly anglers fishing dries (mostly midges) for smaller fish and streamers for bigger rainbows and browns. Fish to four pounds and better had been landed. Hot Creek is at 104 cfs, and the bite is very good if you can get in. Midge hatches in the afternoon. 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 at Pleasant Valley this week. Lower Owens also planted. 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. Lower Owens planted with trout this week. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Crappie bite fair to good on small minnows. Fair trout bite on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Also pretty decent action on catfish for anglers fishing near the dam.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. 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, large minnows or pumpkin seed Gitzits. Most fish are in the three to eight-pound range, but a few big ones have been pulled out. The catfish bite is very good on mackerel, shrimp or Sonny’s.
HART PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant week before last. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic. Chloeann Cantu, Bakersfield, caught a 1-8 trout on Power Bait.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. Josh Lester, Bakersfield, pulled out a one-pound rainbow this past week.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. Some bluegill action also reported.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant this week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite is best with some big-sized fish reported on Power Bait and or nightcrawlers. Top fish was a 17-pounder caught by Randy Hudnall, Bakersfield. Dan Peart, Bakersfield, pulled out a 7-8 trout. Steve Shields, Bakersfield, landed 2-8 and 7-8 trout on Power Bait. Ted Mainiates, Bakersfield, caught a 6.2-pound rainbow on Power Bait. The catfish action remains good. Ricky Franklin, Bakersfield, pulled out 22 and 30-pound catfish on shad. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Good bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite slow to fair on crappie jigs or minnows. The midday bite is best. Alex Turner, San Francisco, pulled out a stringer of crappie with fish to a pound. 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 catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Trout bite slow to fair action for holdovers on salmon eggs or nightcrawlers. Only a few fish from a half to a pound have been caught recently. Sean Marcus, San Luis Obispo, caught a limit of trout with a 3/4-pound fish as the top. Fair largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth from two to three pounds and some smallmouth also starting to show. 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 bites are both still good on crickets or wax and meal worms. Trout bite fair trollers using Needlefish or Kastmasters in 30 to 40 feet. Most fish are from one to two pounds and bait anglers have pulled some out on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Kat Bedford, Monterey, landed a 1-8 trout. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake Lagoon, Elizabeth Lake, Pyramid Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Diamond Valley Lake.
INYO: Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Owens River (Stewart Lane to Laws Bridge).
VENTURA: Lake Piru.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Brite Valley Reservoir.
MADERA: Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

LONG-RANGE ACTION: The long range boats out of San Diego continue to see epic tuna fishing. Most of the fleet was in for Christmas and then headed back down to the Hurricane Bank last Friday. Reports from Tuesday this week show the bite is still as hot as it had been. The Intrepid, out of Point Loma Sportfishing on a 10-day trip, checked in with the landing and already had four fish over 300 pounds in the hold so far. On Tuesday, anglers on board added 14 fish to the hold, 11 over 200 pounds. The Excel, out of Fisherman’s Landing, also checked in Tuesday with 15 tuna from 180 to 345 pounds. Anglers on the Polaris Supreme, also out of Fisherman’s, released a pile of fish under 180, and put a handful of fish over 200 in the hold with the top fish a 236-pounder. Awesome action.
GIANT SQUID SHOWING: The giant squid have moved in to the nearshore waters from Dana Point to San Diego, with the best action this past week from Oceanside to Dana for the 12 to 35-pound squid. There is not a huge volume of these c’pods yet, but the action has been worth noting.
ROCKFISH CLOSED: The rockfish season closed all along our coast Dec. 31, and half- and three-quarter-day boats are focusing on sculpin in water 160 feet of less and seeing a pretty good bite on fish to 1 1/2 pounds (with most smaller). There is also picky action all along the coast on calico and sand bass for anglers fishing the sculpin.
ISLAND NEWS: Almost no boats have been out to the islands in the past week because of the holidays. A few private boats at Catalina have reported a very spotty bass bite, but little other action. A kayak trip aboard the Black Pearl over the weekend yielded a few calicos and halibut at Santa Rosa Island, but cooling water has really shut down all the island action.
LOBSTER NETTING: The action on lobsters improved this week after the expected crawl after the last big rain didn’t materialize. The best action has been in 40 to 60 feet of water near structure with decent scores posted from Dana Point up into the Santa Monica Bay. One or two bugs per netter has been the norm. But anglers in the right spots have posted limits.
DEATH OF GIANTS: Two giants in the Southern California saltwater fishing scene passed away in the past week. Dick Helgren, 75, died Tuesday from injuries he sustained in a vehicle accident Dec. 10. The owner of Helgren’s Sportfishing in Oceanside and long-time skipper of the Oceanside 95, Helgren was one of the pioneers in Southern California’s ocean sportfishing scene. Carl Newell, 86, also passed away this past week. He earned a reputation making replacement parts for other companies’ saltwater reels to make them perform flawlessly under difficult saltwater fishing conditions, and he later designed and manufactured his own line of reels. You would be hard-pressed to find a saltwater angler in this region who doesn’t know these two names.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting instructional charters throughout the year, offering advice to beginning or veteran anglers and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. For more information on upcoming Shimano/976-TUNA instructional charters, call 310-328-8426 or go to the website at www.976-TUNA.com.

LANDING CONTACTS

Southern California: Virg's Sportfishing, Morro Bay, 805-772-1222; Patriot Sportfishing, Avila Beach, 805-595-7200; Sea Landing, Santa Barbara, 805-963-3564; Harbor Village Sportfishing, Ventura, 805-658-1060; Channel Islands Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-985-8511; Captain Hook's Sportfishing, Oxnard, 805-382-6233; Port Hueneme Sportfishing, Hueneme, 805-488-2212; Malibu Pier Sportfishing, 310-328-8426; Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina del Rey, 310-822-3625; Redondo Sportfishing, Redondo Beach, 310-372-2111; Rocky Point Fuel Dock (skiff rentals for King Harbor), Redondo Beach, 310-374-9858; 22nd Street Landing, San Pedro, 310-832-8304; L.A. Harbor Sportfishing, San Pedro, 310-547-9916; Long Beach Sportfishing, Long Beach, 562-432-8993; Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach, 562-983-9300; Marina Sportfishing, Long Beach, 562-598-6649; Newport Landing, Newport Beach, 949-675-0550; Davey's Locker, Newport Beach, 949-673-1434; Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Dana Point, 949-496-5794; Helgren's Sportfishing, Oceanside, 760-722-2133; Fisherman's Landing, San Diego, 619-221-8500; H&M Landing, San Diego, 619-222-1144; Seaforth Landing, San Diego, 619-224-3383; Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego, 619-223-1627; Islandia Sportfishing, San Diego, 619-222-1164.
Mexico Landings: Sergio's Sportfishing, Ensenada, 011-526-178-2185; San Quintin Sportfishing, San Quintin, 011-526-162-1455.
 

The fish report is copyrighted and any use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.

The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is located at the following address: www.dfg.ca.gov.

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

RECENT BIG CATCHES

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

December 26, 2008 - Wilton “Big Willie” Mays, Pacoima, caught seven, 10, 11 and 20-pound catfish at Hansen Dam lake fishing mackerel dipped in a home-made attractant.

December 21, 2008 - Stan Santos, Corona, holds up his 20 1/2-pound Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbow caught at Corona Lake on an orange Nitro Worm while fishing from a float tube.

December 16, 2008 - Rick Clark, Escondido, landed this 27-pound striper (and two other smaller stripers) while fishing at Lake Skinner with topwater plugs at the inlet.

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.