January 2, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The largest rainbow trout ever to swim in Southern California waters are currently swimming around in the Santa Ana River Lakes -- probably in Chris’ Pond. There are two rainbows estimated to weigh more than the 28.1-pound state record. One is just a tick under 30 pounds, the other over that weight. As of Wednesday evening no one had landed either of these monsters, but the trout bite has been very good, with at least two dozen rainbows over 10 pounds (including two 18 pounders) caught in the past week. For more information, call the recording at 714-632-7830 or the tackle shop at 714-632-7851. You can also visit the web site at www.fishinglakes.com.
2. Rivaling SARL in number of big fish has been Irvine Lake. Besides a lot of rainbows from six to 12 pounds, you also have a shot at a few nice browns and brookies here. Heavy holiday plants have kept the volume of fish in the lake high. The best action has been for boat anglers fishing near Trout Island, but the west shore and the Santiago Flats are also good bets for both bait anglers and trollers. For an update on the action, call the tackle shop at 714-649-9111 or visit the lake’s web site at www.irvinelake.net.
3. It’s hard to leave Diamond Valley Lake out of the top three picks on any week. It’s earned the listing this week for the largemouth bass action on swimbaits, plastics, and ice jigs. Fish to nearly eight pounds reported in a good bite. DVL probably always deserves to be here for its largemouth action, which is probably the best bass bite in the region right now, and its trout bite -- especially after this week’s plant. For an update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The urban trout bites have been good to excellent this past week. Irvine Lake, Corona Lake, and Santa Ana River Lakes each have had a number of trout over 10 pounds, in addition to good action on smaller fish. SARL also still has two 30-pound class rainbows. Hesperia Lake has produced brown and rainbow trout to 12-plus over the past few days. Diamond Valley Lake is a good bet with fresh-planted rainbow to nearly eight pounds going in this week for shore anglers and holdover trout for trollers and bait anglers. All of the San Bernardino County Park lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, Yucaipa, and Mojave Narrows -- are getting weekly plants, including a fair number of quality fish each month. All of these county lakes continue to be sleeper picks with very good fishing, especially right after the weekly 1,000-pound county plants. In San Diego County, Wohlford, Dixon, Poway, Jennings, and Cuyamaca continue to have a consistently good to excellent bites after weekly plants. In the southern Sierra, Lake Isabella is also good, and Buena Vista Lakes received a bonus plant of trophy rainbows, all over 10 pounds, last week and has been very good.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Diamond Valley gets top honors, but Casitas, and Castaic are close second place pick with fair to good bites, especially Casitas which has had shad shallow enough for dipping again this past week. Piru, Pyramid, Cachuma, Skinner, Perris, and Silverwood are all pretty fair for largemouth bass, too. In San Diego County, San Vicente and El Capitan have pretty fair bass bites for the season. On the Central Coast, Nacimiento has a good spotted bass bite, and Lopez has been pretty decent for largemouths. Even when good, the bite can be highly variable with the fish up on top one morning and in 40 feet or deeper later the same day. More and more fish being taken deep on ice jigs and spoons.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid, Castaic, Skinner, and Silverwood are continuing to have pretty good bites on one to four pound fish, but all four are producing a few fish to nine to 12 pounds each week. The surface bites are waning, but still some flurries of the topwater when the shad are up. On the Colorado River, bites have lulled again during the half-moon phase, but should bounce back this week as we go into the new moon next Tuesday. No whoppers reported anywhere this week.
PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites have pretty much shut down for the season. Crappie have also lulled almost everywhere, too, but there’s still fair crappie action at Piru and Lopez (on the Central Coast).
CATFISH: No more big blue cats reported from San Vicente and Lower Otay, and most catfish bites have lulled. Even the surprisingly good catfish action at Diamond Valley is finally slowing. Some catfish are still being caught at the Colorado River, but the fishing pressure has dropped to almost nothing. Sturgeon continue to show at Hesperia Lake, but nothing to match the 202-pound lake record caught two weeks ago.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Fair to good trout action on Power Bait and worms with the best bite in Cleghorn. Justin Brein, Crestline, caught a four-pound trout on worms soaked in Trout Dip. Fair to good striper bite on swimbaits, minnows, mackerel and anchovies off the docks and in Miller’s Canyon. The better stripers are from six to nine pounds, with the occasional fish over 10. Charlene Gonzalez, Huntington Beach, caught a 12.8-pound striper on anchovies off the docks. Catfish action slow to fair on mackerel and chicken liver. The fish are deep by the dam and in Quarry Cove. Largemouth bite fair on worms, plastics or Panther Martins in Miller’s Canyon. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The trout action has slowed with light fishing pressure. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the top choices for bait anglers fishing near the dam and off the north shore. The private marinas and public launch ramps are now all closed for the season and will reopen in spring. Information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Few reports this time of year. Still a slow to fair trout bite. Try Power Bait (rainbow) and nightcrawlers. Crappie are spotty and the fish are very small. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake is closed for the season. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No report.
JENKS LAKE: Closed for the season. Only walk-in access. Information: 909-794-1123, ext. 4.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: The sturgeon bite is decent on nightcrawlers off the north shore. Very good German brown and rainbow trout action, especially in the afternoons. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the hot ticket. Catfish bite picked up with fair to good action on cut mackerel and nightcrawlers. Catfish plant went in this week. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Good trout action. Fish are biting from both lakes with anglers using Power Bait (spring green, lemon twist and sherbet), inflated nightcrawlers, jigs (red and orange) and lures. Lots of limits were taken this week with many trout over three pounds. Hot spots include the grassy point and western shore of lake 3, as well as the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Trout from the lakes’ hatchery are planted every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Excellent trout action with fish up into the six-pound range and some bigger. Top baits are Power Bait, nightcrawlers and plastic trout worms. Action is best in the morning. Fish off shore from Pelican and Horseshoe Lake. Jason Adams, San Bernardino, caught a 10-8 trout. County trout plants will be weekly through April 17. DFG trout plant last week. The catfish action is fair with fish to three pounds on mackerel and shrimp. Fair bluegill action on meal or wax worms. Most fish are in the 1/4-pound range. Fair bass action on plastic worms. Fish to two pounds. Upcoming events: Annual fishing derby set for Saturday, March 15. $10 entry fee per person. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Good trout action with a lot of limits reported on Power Bait, jigs, and nightcrawlers. Plenty of holdovers. County plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Trout action fair with lots of limits on Power Bait (rainbow, chartreuse and lime twist). Most fish are in the one-pound range, but a six-pounder was brought in this week. Catfish action is slowing down, but the occasional whisker has been brought in on mackerel or on any trout bait. All other species are very slow. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. County trout plants of 1,000 pounds will be made each Thursday through April 17, and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. No fishing on stocking days. Upcoming events: Annual fishing derby set for Saturday, Feb. 9. $10 entry fee per person. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action this week with the best bite on Power Bait, mini-jigs, and small trout plastics. County plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. Upcoming events: Annual fishing derby set for Saturday, April 12. $10 entry fee per person. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Good to excellent trout action with lots of limits reported on fish averaging from 1 1/2 to two pounds. Top trout baits have been Power Bait (yellow or green) and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair catfish action. Most of the cats are running two to four pounds and are showing on mackerel, shrimp and Hog Wild. County trout plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this season. Upcoming events: fishing derby set for Saturday, Jan. 12. $10 entry fee per person. 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: Swimbaits (California Swimbabes, Huddlestons and LA Sliders), drop-shot plastics, Carolina-rigged plastics, and ice jigs are all options for the bass, which are in a fair to good bite. Most action in 25 to 50 feet. Tyrone Harris, Moreno Valley, caught a 7.75-pound bass. Trout are best on Kastmasters, mini jigs, Thomas Buoyants, Power Bait (green or rainbow) and nightcrawlers, but the shoreline anglers haven’t been having the success as boat anglers. Jesse Dinkins, Hemet, caught a 3.70-pound holdover drifting worms. Paul Chebat, Menifee, caught a 13.5-pound limit of trout. Jesus Lopez and Mike Gutierrez, both Hemet, landed 10 trout for 12.5 pounds. Alex and Garrett Adair, Sun City, caught six trout for 7.94 pounds. A 2,500-pound plant of Mt. Lassen trout will go in this week. Striper action slowish. Swimbaits, plugs, or large topwater baits are still the most commonly used. Galen Tsabetsaye, Santa Clarita, caught 13.47 and 12.96-pound stripers. The catfish won’t give up, even with cooling water temps. They are everywhere, but the action is still fair to good in the third cove, near the east dam, or the wave attenuator on anchovies, mackerel, and shrimp. Most catfish have been landed off the bottom in 20 to 30 feet. The panfish bite is fair near the dams and stairways. Anglers are fishing in 20 to 30 feet with worms. Stephen Heathcoat and Jacob Jorgensen, both Hemet, landed 13 bluegill totaling 12-13 on meal worms. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The trout action is fair on green, white, pink or rainbow Power Bait, worms, or Kastmasters at lots 5, 11 and 12 and off the docks. Mike Winnson, Los Angeles, caught three trout. Each fish was just under a pound. Bass action slow to fair on swimbaits in the mornings and evenings. The fish are deep, down 20-plus feet. The big fish are coming up into the shallows in the afternoons and biting the swimbaits. Paul Richardson, Norco, caught a 9-8 bass off the marina. A few cats have been going after the trout baits. Panfish bites finally slowed to nothing. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: A double trout plant went in last week and set the trout action off. The better fish are in the five- to seven-pound range and are biting nightcrawlers, Power Bait and worms. Dennis Myberger, Wildomar, caught a 7-9 rainbow trout from the east end on nightcrawlers. Good to excellent striper action on chicken liver and anchovies. Tommy Striewig, Long Beach, landed a 4-12 striper at the inlet. Fair largemouth bass action on nightcrawlers or plastic worms off Launch Ramp 2. George Szako, Whittier, landed a three-pound largemouth on plastic worms. Slow to fair bluegill bite with fish to one pound biting meal worms. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Bite still on the slow side. Fishing from a boat at mid-lake will help the bite. The carp and the catfish are the only species showing at all with the best bite in the afternoon. Use dough balls for the carp and anchovies, nightcrawlers or shrimp for the cats. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: There were 23 rainbow trout over 10 pounds reported by anglers the past week, including three fish at or just over 13 pounds. There have also been a lot of limits of fish averaging from 1 1/2 to two pounds. The top three fish included a 13 3/4-pound trout caught by Chris Gadbeth, Chino Hills, fishing green floating boat at the dam, while Jae Giennaro, Upland, landed a 13.2-pounder near the boat dock on rainbow Nitro Bait. Penny Lee, Bloomington, caught a 13-even on rainbow Nitro Bait with corn Gravy on the back side of the lake. Top baits have been chartreuse Nitro Bait with Nitro Grease or inflated nightcrawlers with garlic-flavored Nitro Gravy. The best stringers are still coming for boat anglers fishing the deeper mid-lake spots or near the dam. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. The action should spark with some warmer weather this week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the season. Fair catfish bite from all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Fair trout action with some trophy rainbows still in the mix, including several fish over nine pounds. The lake is closed Mondays. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake will be planted with 500 pounds of rainbow trout each week through spring. The bite has been very good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The catfish have gone to bed for the winter, but the rainbow trout are keeping everyone busy. The action is excellent on rainbow Power Bait and nightcrawlers. A load of rainbows went in last week. Rainbow trout plants go in twice a month through spring. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 951-679-6562.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Fair trout action on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers. No recent DFG plants. Also a decent carp and bluegill bite on dough and wax worms, respectively. 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 plants. Information: 951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Neither of the state-record toppling rainbows (over 28.1 pounds) have been landed since being planted Dec. 23, but there were at least 28 other rainbow trout topping 10 pounds caught in the past week, including two trout that weigh in at 18 pounds each. Ernie Molina, Pico Rivera, landed his 18-pounder on red Nitro Bait fishing at Levitz’ Corner, while Arturo Velasquez, West Covina, caught a near-twin while rainbow Nitro Bait in Chris’ Pond. Other big fish included a 14 1/2-pounder caught by Shane Rodriguez, La Habra, and Vince and Varian Virgen, both Buena Park, each caught 14-pound rainbows. Rainbows at 13 1/2 pounds were caught by Frank Patella, Alta Loma, and Bernard Lopez, Paramount, and 13-pounders were landed by Jose Madrano, Cerritos, Andrew Navarro, Orange, and Francisco Niera, Orange. Information: 714-632-7830 or www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: A 14.2-pound trout landed by San Chow, Westminster topped the charts this week. The rainbow trout action is excellent with six more fish landed this week over the 10-pound mark. Anglers are using Power Bait, Power mice or salmon eggs with a half nightcrawler. Best action has been around Trout Island, off the west shore, and the Santiago Flats. Trollers have also been successful with Thomas Buoyants. Gary Goemer, Irvine, caught a 14-pounder. James Freeman, Hesperia, landed a 12.3-pound trout. Cory Schmidtz, Rancho Santa Margarita, caught an 11.1-pound trout. Josh Uyeda, Torrance, also caught an 11.1-pounder. Dan Harris, Bellflower; and Ceasar Hernandez, Santa Ana, each caught 11-pound trout. Jane Reilly, Huntington Beach, landed a 9.1-pound trout. Rod Casas, Tustin, caught a nine-pounder. Bass action slow to fair on jigs in the rockpiles or in the freshly flooded brushlines. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout action good off the launch ramp and points, and in the flats on inflated nightcrawlers (doused in garlic or corn dip), Power Bait (rainbow, white, chartreuse or orange) or garlic gravy. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Z-spoons are top lures for the big trout. The fish are in the two to three-pound range, and there will be another plant next week. Plenty of bass action on fish in the one- to two-pound range. The best action has been on drop-shotted or Texas-rigged plastic worms in deeper water by the dam. Crappie still showing in good numbers on crappie jigs and Lip RipperZ lures. The occasional catfish on mackerel or nightcrawlers in the flats and by the launch ramp. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Fair to good trout bite in the open water for trollers using Needlefish and nightcrawlers. The trout are from 1 1/2 to two pounds, with some in the five to six-pound range. Travis Mayer, Chase Rowley and John David, all Cachuma, and Josh Gordano, La Palma, caught limits of trout with fish from two to six pounds on their stringers. Bass bite slowing down. Fish in the mornings with spoons and Senkos in Cachuma Bay and behind the island. Also try cranks and jerk baits off the points. Fish primarily in 20 to 50 feet. Catfish slow. Another DFG trout plant will go in this week. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Live shad continue to be the hot ticket for the bass and trout. The shad are at the surface, allowing for anglers to dip net shad for bait. Some bass anglers are also having luck with Huddleston swimbaits or plastic worms. Plenty of bass in the four to five-pound range, with some over the eight-pound mark. Mark Torrez, Camarillo, caught 10- and nine-pound bass on swimbaits. Kelly Rippa, Ojai, caught a nine-pound bass on a swimbait. Jack Perrish, Buelton, landed an eight-pound bass on live shad. Kurt Ebken, Ojai, also caught an eight-pounder. Trout action fair on spinners and Power Bait with fish to three pounds. Lots of limits. DFG trout plant last week with another one slated for next week. The odd catfish biting on nightcrawlers or shad. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair action on stripers on frozen shad, swimbaits, and top water plastics. The dam and the west ramp are the areas with the most action. Lots of fish in the six to 14-pound range. Good largemouth bass bite, despite the cooler water temps. Bass have been landed on plastics, worms and minnows, but the fish have followed the shad into deeper water. Danny Gutierrez, Oxnard, caught a five-pound largemouth on swimbaits in Fish Arm. Steven Hage, Valencia, and Robert Oso, San Fernardo, each landed a four-pound largemouth on flukes and plastic worms. Trout action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Decent trout action, especially for trollers using Kastmasters, Rapalas or Needlefish in 65 to 85 feet. Also good action on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Fair crappie action in 10 to 20 feet on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound, with a few over. Bass action fair on nightcrawlers, Power Bait and plastic worms in 10 to 15 feet. DFG trout plant last week, 2,500 pounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500, marina 805-521-1231.
PYRAMID: The stripers are still holding strong on topwater lures, sardines, and anchovies. They also love the trout. Recent plants have made them more aggressive. Not too many big stripers, but quite a few in the three to four-pound range have been landed, along with the odd bigger fish. The dam, the channel, and Yellow Bar are the hot areas. The bass action is decent on plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Not too much bluegill or crappie action again this week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and small jerk baits. Another DFG trout plant this week -- 1,100 pounds. Water levels are up and boats are able to launch. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No launching after 2 p.m. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: Few reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Fair trout action on Power Bait or Lip RipperZ plastics and worms. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits and live worms. Most fish are eight to 12 inches. Bluegill and redear fair on meal and wax worms. Crappie bite fair on small jigs. The action is best in or around Sailboat Cove. Catfish bite fair. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers. Fair bluegill action on worms and nightcrawlers in the afternoon. Most fish are under a pound. Fair catfish action on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. DFG catfish plant one month ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Some decent trout action at the drop offs. Some fair carp action with fish in the 1-8 to two-pound range on dough balls. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. No recent DFG catfish plants. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: The lake is closed until May 2008. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The lake is closed for the season. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: No reports. The lake will be open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Permits on Thursday, Friday and Monday will only be available through the Iron Ranger/Pay Station by the concession building (exact change only). Boat rentals on Saturday and Sunday only. On Thursday, Friday and Monday permits must be purchased from the Iron Ranger pay station. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No reports. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: Fair to good bass bite, and some huge blue catfish are showing in the cool weather. The lake is open Saturday and Sunday for fishing from sunrise to sunset. Rentals are available both days. The shoreline from the launch ramp to the buoy line is closed to all activities. Lake information: 619-465- 3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Good rainbow trout action. Best action is in Mole’s Hole on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: The lake is now closed to fishing until March, 2008. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: The lake’s water levels are down, and the action slowed from last week. Use Power Bait and nightcrawlers for the trout. The catfish bite is hanging in there with some decent action on cut mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp. The lake is open seven days a week. There is a temporary ban on private boat launches, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to quagga mussels. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: The pond is temporarily closed. The Poomacha Fire left damages to Palomar Mountain and surrounding areas, which need cleaning. No damage was done to the actual pond.
DIXON: Very good trout action on rainbow Power Bait, nightcrawlers, Thomas Buoyants or Kastmasters. The best spots have been off Pier No. 3 and in the Trout Cove area. Most trout are about one to two pounds. A 1,200-pound plant of rainbows went in two weeks ago. The catfish have been very active with the recent storms in the northeast corner of Whisker Bay and along the buoy line on chicken liver. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Some decent trout have been pulled out of this lake. James Santana, Poway, landed an 11-pound trout on Power Bait off the west shoreline. Andy Verne, Poway, caught a 10-8 trout on nightcrawlers off the east shore. Diana Vestal, San Diego, caught a 7.4-pounder along the Log Boom. Robin Escalona, West Covina, caught a seven-pound trout in Half Moon Cove. Eli Lechien, 5, San Diego, landed a 4-12 trout on a Power worm. An occasional bass will makes it way in the action. Brad Pifer, La Mesa, landed a 5.12-pound bass on Lip RipperZ plastics in Half Moon Bay. The lake is open for fishing Tuesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset during January. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Decent afternoon trout bite in Hermit Cove, Cactus Patch and off the east side of Eagle point on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Also try inflated crawlers on a four-inch leader. Some very good channel catfish action at the Buoy Line and off Eagle Point on shrimp or nightcrawlers. The fish are deep. The bass bite is fair in 30 feet of water, off the points on crawdads. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. A 1,200-pound went in last week. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Decent trout action when the winds aren’t blowing. Anglers are using Power Bait, Kastmasters, Rapalas and Panther Martins along the shorelines. Jim Hall, Lake Morena, caught a 7-12 trout. Donna McCall, Descanso, landed a seven-pounder. Bass bite fair on topwater baits or Power Bait (pink) in the mornings, in the shallows. Crayfish imitations are also a bait of choice. DFG trout plant this week. Slow crappie and bluegill action. The catfish action is still hanging on. Anglers are using mackerel or chicken livers in the afternoons. The channels and whites are biting at the brush line. The boat launch is open. Boat rentals are limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Freezing overnight water temps have spoiled the morning trout bite, but the action is fair mid-day on inflated nightcrawlers smeared with scent, Power Bait and Power worms. Top lures are still gold Panther Martins and Kastmasters. Despite the slower action, some anglers are still finding luck. Konner Vordealiath, 9, San Diego, landed a two-pound trout in Pumphouse Cove. Five tagged trout still remain in the lake. Catching one will land you a “Day on the Lake” gift certificate. DFG trout plant this week. During the winter the lake will be closed on Wednesdays and will open from noon to five on Sundays. Hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lake now has a temporary ban on private boats due to quagga mussels. Upcoming events: free fishing class Saturday at 10 a.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Crappie action fair on crappie jigs, mini jigs and meal worms near the dam and off the docks. Fair catfish action off the docks and near the dam on shrimp, chicken livers or nightcrawlers. Also a fair bass bite on topwater baits. Fish to four pounds reported. The water is low and launching conditions are not ideal. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: The stripers are still up chasing the shad on the surface -- especially on live shad. Some stripers are biting first thing in the morning on swimbaits in Government Wash. Fish from 2-8 to three pounds have been landed in 33 hole, and some fish are showing in the back Vegas Wash and Sand Island in 100 to 120 feet. Trout bite fair after recent plants with the best action on Power Bait. Catfish have been biting at night on anchovies and liver. The ramp is open at South Cove, but it is a gravel ramp.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout are stocked every Friday. The fishing for trout has been good from shore immediately following the stocking on Little Jakes. Anglers have also been successful on floating baits, salmon eggs, and small spinners. Stripers are slow with only the odd bigger fish showing on swimbaits and A.C. Plugs. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The striper bite slowed down. Fish near and in the coves, especially Cottonwood. That’s where the shad are. Trolling lures in 15 to 60 with Kastmasters or spoons has been the best bet for both stripers and trout. A few rainbows in the one to two-pound range have been reported. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Weekly trout plants at Davis Camp and near The Riverside Resort. The fishing is exceptional immediately following each plant. Very good striper and catfish action near Harrah’s Casino on anchovies. Some good stripers have been landed along the Big Bend area. Decent smallmouth action at Davis Camp.
NEEDLES: Fair to good striper action on small fish downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish are starting to show and some crappie are also biting in the gorge. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: The water levels are down. Take caution when launching. Fair striper bite. Nothing exceptional in size, but some fish in the three to six-pound range. Bite best on anchovies and sardines. Catfish action fair to good on mackerel, anchovies, worms or shrimp in the cattails and flooded brush. Bass bite fair in the vegetation outside the channel. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: The shad are everywhere in large quantities, but even more abundant in the Site Six Marina and in the north end of the lake. They have been easily netted and used for bait. The stripers love the shad and the shad imitations, and the bite is good. The smallmouth are taking the shad as well, especially in 12 to 15 feet near the rock points and up river. The largemouth are not as active with the cool water temps during this time of the year. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Cool temps have slowed the largemouth action. Slow to fair catfish, too, with some flatheads to 12 pounds reported. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Still some fair flathead action. The fish are in the 15 to 25-pound range. The channel catfish bite is fair, too, on mackerel and anchovies. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are also pretty decent in the afternoons on plastics. Lots of fish to three pounds reported. Bluegill are slow in the backwaters on worms. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fair flathead action all along the lower river. The river levels are up and fishing pressure is still light, but there's fair bass and bluegill action in the backwaters, and an excellent carp bite on fish to five pounds. Use plastic worms for the bass, wax worms for the bluegill, and dough for the carp. Some bass have also been landed in the main river. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair flathead, channel cat, bluegill and striper bite. The largemouth bite broke open and the action is good.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Good largemouth bite on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite decent on anything that stinks, and the crappie bite is also fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal in East Yuma is still fair for channel catfish and large redear and bluegill. All biting on worms. In the main Colorado River, the channel catfish bite has been fair on chicken liver or worms dipped in stink bait, but there is very light fishing pressure and very few flatheads have been reported.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: No reports. Information: Red Hill Marina 760-348-2310, Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052. Weather information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water District's weather forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: Slow catfish action and light fishing pressure.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass have been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant one month ago. Crappie action good around the docks, but most are small. Also a good bullhead bite. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: Trout season is now closed throughout most of this region. 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: Only the East Walker River remains open to catch-and-release fishing in this region. Flows are down are very low and the fishing is tough. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.
MAMMOTH AREA: Only Hot Creek and the upper Owens River remain open to fishing, and both of these waters are catch-and-release only. Very good action at Hot Creek. Upper Owens seeing a good mid-day bite with some dry fly action. Fishing information: The Troutfitter 760-934-2517 or Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River (in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley Reservoir) remain open to fishing in this region. Both have been very good for fly anglers with good dry fly action mid-day, but nymphing is the hot ticket. Information: Culver's 760-872- 8361 or Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the Owens River and Diaz Lake remain open to fishing in this region. Both have been slow. Information: 760-876-4444.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Very good trout action on Gulp Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs. The best action has been in Paradise Cove and by the dam. A decent number of fish have been landed in the three to four-pound range. Also a fair catfish bite at the dam on minnows and shad. The bass action is still alive with a fair bite on plastics and swimbaits. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a good trout bite on salmon eggs. The action in the lower river around the Rich Bar area is fair. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The big stripers are out there. Very good action with most fish from three to five pounds, but some of the bigger stripers have been landed on anchovies, minnows and lug worms. Martin Deleon, Bakersfield, caught two four-pound stripers on anchovies. Fair to good catfish bite. Try mackerel, shrimp, shad or liver.
HART PARK LAKE: Trout action very good on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Still some fair to good carp action on dough bait or corn meal. Fair bluegill action on wax worms and crickets.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Good trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Carp action good on dough bait. Bluegill action fair to good on wax worms and crickets. Good catfish bite.
MING LAKE: The lake is open for fishing. Some bass action has been reported on plastic worms and minnows. Trout bite very good.
BRITE LAKE: Carp bite good on dough and corn meal. Fair bluegill bite on crickets and meal worms. Very good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and garlic oil.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: A 1,700-pound trout plant went in last week. All planted fish were over 10 pounds. Best trout action is on garlic Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Humberto Barrientos, Bakersfield, landed an 11-pound trout on Power Bait. Still a decent striper bite on blood worms and lug worms. The crappie bite is also decent on small minnows. The catfish bite is good on shad or minnows.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bluegill bite on wax and meal worms. The fish are from one to a pound and a half on wax worms or crickets. Also a fair catfish bite on mackerel.
SUCCESS LAKE: The levels are up, and anglers are able to launch boats. A decent number of bass have been landed on spoons and jigs. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Decent crappie bite on small minnows. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Striper bite fair to good in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies and swimbaits. The smallmouth are scarce. Largemouth action also slow with sparks of action around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons and plastic worms. Fair catfish action on anchovies. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: The trout action is coming to life, especially with cooler temps. Try Power Bait or worms. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river. Fair largemouth bass action on drop-shot plastics or Brush Hogs. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair spotted bass action in the early mornings and in the late evenings with fish in the one to one and a half-pound range. Anglers have been using topwater baits and live shad, which are concentrated around the marina. Nightcrawlers have also been effective. Fair to good catfish action on mackerel and shrimp. Fair bluegill bite on meal worms. A few crappie biting jigs. The white bass are in Las Tables and the narrows in a fair bite. Water level stable. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Decent trout action on nightcrawlers and Power Bait (chartreuse). The action is best in Cottonwood Cove, off the Cottonwood shoreline, off the points, and across from the marina. Trollers are also having success just outside Cottonwood Cove on Needlefish. DFG trout plant last week. Most fish are from one to 1 3/4 pounds. The bass action fair on jigs, nightcrawlers or plastic worms, especially in Wittenberg. The action sparks when the sun is out. Decent crappie action in 25 to 30 feet across from the marina and near the boat house on jigs. Fair bluegill and redear action on meal and wax worms. Most bluegill are from 1/2 to one pound with a few bigger. Catfish bite spotty. Try anchovies or shrimp. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Puddingstone Reservoir, Pyramid Lake.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Central Park Lake, Yorba Regional Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake, Lower Otay Lake, Morena Lake, Lake Murray.
SANTA BARBARA: Lake Cachuma.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Rancho Simi Community Park Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
MADERA: Bass Lake, Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.

CATFISH PLANTS

No Plants.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: The rockfish closure Jan. 1 has just about shut down the action here this week. While bait boats are making squid in the Channel Islands, the white seabass and yellowtail haven’t responded and almost no one is out right now.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY UPDATE: Anglers aboard the 3/4-day Spitfire out of Redondo Sportfishing have continued to see a pick on the sand bass. Lots of squid have moved into the Santa Monica Bay, and the candy bait is enticing the bass to bite. Rockfish season closed Jan. 1, but there continues to be a good bite on the sculpin.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: Mostly slow action for the Orange County-based boats. Hopefully, this bite will improve as the supply of squid becomes more consistent. There have also been a few halibut, perch, and sculpin on the half and 3/4-day trips.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: With no rockfish closure in Mexico, the San Diego landings are gearing up for Colonet rockfish trips starting this week. These trips give anglers a shot at lings, reds, big whitefish and a few yellowtail, especially if the water temps get in to the high 50's. The local fleet has bee picking at a few bass and bonito. The long range fleet continues its long range season with most of the boats en route south right now after being in for Christmas and New Year. This bite has been exceptional with most 10- to 21-day trips returning with a hold filled with 100-plus pound tuna, and most have returned with fish in the 250 to 300-pound class or bigger.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA and SKB host instructional charters throughout the year, offering beginning anglers or veterans advice and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. There is a special Cino de Mayo trip May 4-9 to teach anglers the basics of fishing Baja. This trip will be held out of Palmas de Cortez. For more information on upcoming SKB/976-TUNA instructional charters, call 310-328-8426.

LANDING CONTACTS

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

This report is published by 11 daily newspapers in Southern California each week. Frequently it is edited for space. A complete version is posted on the Outdoor News Service web site each week (www.outdoornewsservice.com). The updated report is usually posted by Thursday morning at this site. The fish report is copyrighted and any use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.

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