January 9, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. While there are still a few sturgeon being caught each week (thanks to anglers releasing most of the big, prehistoric fish they land), there is pretty good trout bite that includes a nice mix of rainbows and browns at Hesperia Lake. The ‘bows have been to 9 1/2 pounds and browns to six pounds this past week. (Top sturgeon was a 120-pounder.) The trout have been showing on floating baits or the small jigs trout jigs, and spicing up either with some scent seems to help the action. And you just might hook a big sturgeon. For and update, call the lake store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
2. Irvine Lake has been a consistent hot spot. 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. If rains hadn’t muddied up Santa Ana River Lakes and slowed fishing some, this would still be our top pick. The two huge rainbows in the 30-pound class have not been caught yet. One is just a tick under 30 pounds, the other over that weight. Both are bigger than the 28.1-pound state record. As of late Wednesday this week no one had landed either of these monsters, but the trout bite has been fair to good, with at least 34 rainbows over 10 pounds (including a 19 pounder) 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.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The urban trout bites have been fair to good this past week, but a lot of waters slowed a notch or two because of off-color water conditions. Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Irvine Lake 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 nine-plus over the past few days. Of the four, Corona Lake is the sleeper of the group with the biggest rainbow of the week at 19 1/2 pounds. 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 fair 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 perked in both Mead and Havasu, but the big-fish action at Mohave and Willow Beach is still off.
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. The surprisingly good catfish action at Diamond Valley is slowing, but it’s still pretty fair. 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, with fish to 120 pounds this week.

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. DFG trout plant this week. Fair 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. Robert Metzger, Hesperia, caught a 12.7-pound striper. 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, and the lake has sheet ice in most bays. 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. Mostly slow action with a few trout on floating baits fished closed to the bottom. Other species very slow. 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: Still a few sturgeon showing on nightcrawlers and Power Bait off the north shore and in the inlet. Top sturgeon was a 120-pounder caught by Jim Mayord, Rialto. Miles Johnson, Victorville, landed an 82-pound sturgeon. Thomas Fisher, San Bernardino, landed a 35-pound sturgeon. The browns and rainbows are keeping the trout anglers busy with a good bite. Michael Phillips, Chino, landed a 9-8 rainbow on Lip RipperZ plastics. Jacob Flores, San Bernardino, landed an 8-4 rainbow on a jig and meal worm. Richard Manning, Fontanta, caught a 7-8 rainbow. Marko Anaya, Victorville, landed a 6-12 rainbow. Sam Black, Victorville, caught a six-pound brown and Jeremy Smith, Hesperia, landed a 5-12 brown on meal worms. Catfish bite fair on mackerel and shrimp (dipped in garlic) off the north shore and sandy point. Top cat was a 26-pound channel landed by Kenny Gibson, Apple Valley, on mackerel off Catfish Point. Jesse Osborne, Adelanto, landed a 12-8 blue. Anthony Valdez, Norco, caught a 9-8 blue. Catfish plant went in last 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. County trout plants are weekly through April 17. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. The catfish action is fair with fish to three pounds on mackerel and shrimp. Slow 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. Most of the fish are from one to two pounds, Chris Broellos, Rancho Cucamonga, caught a 6-2 rainbow to top off his four-fish stringer. 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 slow to fair with only a few limits on Power Bait (rainbow and chartreuse). Most fish are in the one to two-pound range, with a rare one in the 6-0 range. Catfish action is slowing down, but the occasional whiskerfish has been brought in on mackerel or on any trout bait. 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: Fair 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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. David Rodriguez, San Bernardino, landed a five-pound catfish, his best fish in a three-cat stringer. All were caught on nightcrawlers. County trout plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this season. DFG trout plant this week. Upcoming events: fishing derby set for Saturday. $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 three weeks ago. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Fair to good largemouth bass action with drop-shot or Carolina-rigged plastics the top bets. Swimbaits have continued to bring in some nice ones, too. Most action is in 15 to 20 feet. Very good trout bite off shore and from boats on Power Bait (green or rainbow), inflated nightcrawlers fished off the bottom, Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyants, and mini jigs. Chad Hoffman, Whittier, landed the big fish of New Year’s Day First to Fish Contest, a 6.29-pounder and took home an annual parking and launching pass. Travis Risco, 7, Sun City, won a rod and reel combo for the children’s biggest fish contest with a 4.89-pound trout landed near the east dam. David Casarez, Hemet, caught a 4.74-pound holdover. Pedro Silva, Winchester, landed a 4.67-pound holdover trout fishing in the marina. Sue Anderson, Bloomington, landed a 3.85-pound trout. Alexis Scott, 12, Sun City, caught a 3.19-pound trout. Timothy Koerner, Winchester, caught a 2.94-pound trout. Gabriel Silva, Winchester, landed a 2.81-pound holdover. A 2,500-pound plant of Mt. Lassen trout went in last week. Striper action slow to fair on swimbaits, plugs, or large topwater baits in the inlet. Steve Burns, Fullerton, caught a 14.70-pound striper on a Spro BBZ-1 swimbait. The catfish won’t give up, even with cooling water temps. They are everywhere, but the action is best 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. 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. A number of anglers reported catching stringers with trout to one pound. DFG trout plant this week. 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. A few cats have been going after the trout baits. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: The trout are still active from the double plant two weeks ago. This week’s DFG trout plant should keep it going. The better fish are in the five- to seven-pound range and are biting nightcrawlers, Power Bait and worms. Brandon Gonzalez, Covina, caught a 6-8 rainbow. Fair to good striper action on chicken liver and anchovies. Fair largemouth bass action on nightcrawlers or plastic worms off Launch Ramp 2. 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: The trout bite has remained very good here, in spite of the rain, with another 13 rainbows over the 10-pound mark landed this past week. Top fish was a 19-8 landed by Brian Carlstrom, Mira Loma. Vu Nguyen, Corona, landed a 14-8 to top off his 20-pound, five-fish stringer. Kamron Jamneshan, Corona, landed a 13-8 rainbow fishing from a float tube, while Art Gutierrez, Alta Loma, and Luys Urquizo, Chino, each caught 11-8 rainbows. Top action has been on inflated nightcrawlers or Nitro Bait doused with 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 three weeks ago. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. 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. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range with the occasional three-pounder in the mix. A load of rainbows will go in this 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 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Fair trout action on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers. No recent DFG plants. Also a fair 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: There were a whopping 34 rainbows over the 10-pound mark caught over the past week, but no one has landed either of the new state record (30-pound class) rainbows in the lake. Top fish was a 19-pounder caught by Zack Corona, Temecula, on a nightcrawler. Kun Kim, Fullerton, caught a 16-pounder, while Randy Hook, Sun City, landed a 14-8. Jose Munoz, Santa Ana, had a 14-pounder, while Lee Reese, Lawndale, and Matt Keller, Upland, each had 13-pounders. Jay Torres, Carson, caught a 12.2-pounder, and Bernard Lopez, Paramount, landed a 12-pound rainbow. Rains make the water murky, but the bite is still pretty good for anglers fishing deeper water at mid-lake from boats. The shore action slowed, however. 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 good number of rainbow, brown and brook trout have been landed this week. Anglers are using Power Bait, Power mice or salmon eggs with a half nightcrawler. Trollers are using small Rapalas. Best action has been around Trout Island, off the west shore, and the Santiago Flats. Shawn Fedorow, Anaheim Hills, caught a 10-12 rainbow. Alex Brunton, Huntington Beach, landed a 10-2 rainbow on a mini jig. Varian Virgen, Buena Park, caught a 7-13 rainbow and a 5-2 brook trout. Ricardo Zepeda, Santa Ana, landed a 7-1 rainbow on a Roostertail. Miguel Salinas, Santa Ana, caught a 4-2 brook trout. Chelsea Thornton, Anaheim Hills, caught a 3-1 brook trout. Bass action fair on jigs in the rockpiles or in the freshly flooded brushlines on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits with anglers catching up to 25 fish in the two to three-pound range per day. A few trout anglers have found catfish on their stringers with fish in the three to five-pound range. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: The lake is cloudy due to the rain, but the action is still decent on inflated nightcrawlers (doused in garlic or corn dip), Power Bait (rainbow, white, chartreuse or orange) or garlic gravy at the Santiago Flats. 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 a plant of trout this 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. 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 and swimbaits are driving the bass wild. The shad are at the surface, allowing for anglers to dip net shad for bait. Fish the east shore for some bass over the eight-pound mark. John Omartian, Saugus, caught a 12-pound bass. Logan Hall, Ojai, landed a 10-8 bass. Travis Walters, Oak View, landed a 9-8 bass. Trout action slow to fair on spinners and Power Bait with fish to three pounds. DFG trout plant will go in next week. Decent catfish action on mackerel, nightcrawlers or shad, especially in Coyote Creek and Santa Ana Arm. Eric Georgopolus, Oak View, landed a 19-8 catfish. Juan Perez, Oak View, caught a 14-8 catfish. 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. The better fish are 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. James Ruby, Valencia, landed a two-pound largemouth. 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 two weeks ago, 2,500 pounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500, marina 805-521-1231.
PYRAMID: Fair striper bite on topwater lures, sardines, and anchovies. They also love the trout. Recent trout plants have made them more aggressive. 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. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and small jerk baits in the aqueduct. DFG trout plant went in last week -- 900 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 one month 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. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
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 this week. 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: Decent bass action. This week 44 anglers reported catching 85 bass, two channel catfish and one blue catfish. 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 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 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: This week 49 anglers reported catching 36 bass, 16 channel catfish and one blue catfish. 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: This week 20 anglers reported catching 10 bluegill and two bass. 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: Very good rainbow trout action. The 179 anglers checked reported 178 rainbow trout. 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. Try Power Bait and nightcrawlers for the trout. A 1,200-pound plant will go in this week, which should improve the bite. 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 will go in this week. The catfish action slowed, with only a few being landed on trout bait. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: More decent trout action. Timothy Lambert, University City, caught a nine-pound trout on a mini jig along the North Shoreline. Robert De Vries, Poway, landed an eight-pound trout on nightcrawlers in Half Moon Bay. Fair crappie action. Patrick Hodge, Oceanside, caught 1.3-pound crappie on nightcrawlers off Fishing Pier. 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. Anglers are slow-working Fat Ikas or inflated crawlers on a four-inch leader for some deep action. Fair 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 plant of Mt. Lassen trout will go in this week. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Fair trout action when the winds aren’t blowing. Anglers are using Power Bait, Kastmasters, Rapalas and Panther Martins along the shorelines. 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: Heavy rains resulted in rising water levels and low visibility, so use scented baits. Nightcrawlers with scent have been the top choice. Chaple King, San Diego, caught a 3-1 rainbow in the North Finger Jetty. Kaden King, San Diego, landed a 2-6 trout. Richard Espinoza, San Diego, caught a 2-4 trout off the T-Dock. DFG trout plant last 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 slow to 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. Slowish bass bite on topwater baits. 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. 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 slower, but a few are showing. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Slow to fair catfish action 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 a good 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 was good before the weekend weather system moved through.
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, 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 three weeks ago.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant hree weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: 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 to good catfish bite at the dam on shad. 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. DFG trout plant from Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach and from Democrat Beach to lower Rich Bar. 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.
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. DFG trout plant this week.
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. DFG trout plant this week.
MING LAKE: The lake is open for fishing. Some bass action has been reported on plastic worms and minnows. Trout bite very good. DFG trout plant this week.
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. Trout are planted every two weeks.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The 10-pound plus trout are out and loving Power Bait. Top fish was a 12-8 landed by Mike Nunez, Bakersfield. Junior Sanchez, Bakersfield, caught an 11-8 trout on nightcrawlers. Lidia Tapia, Bakersfield, landed a 5-12 trout. Veronica Tapia, Bakersfield, caught a 5-8 trout. 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. DFG trout plant this week.
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 last week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Decent crappie bite on small minnows. DFG trout plant last 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 three 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: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, San Gabriel River (East and West Forks).
ORANGE: Centennial Lake, Laguna Park Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Perris Lake, Skinner Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Hart Park Lake, Kern River from Democrat Beach to lower Richbar, Kern River from Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach, Lake Wollomes, Ming Lake, The Park at River Walk Lake, Truxtun Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure.
MERCED: Los Banos Reservoir, Yosemite Lake.
STANISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Turlock Lake, Woodward Reservoir.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake, Tullock Reservoir.

CATFISH PLANTS

No Plants.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

CHANNEL ISLANDS: The weather has been the major obstacle in the Channel Islands thanks to rain and wind much of the past week. Rockfish season is closed so skippers are looking halibut and surface fish. There has been some yellowtail action and a few calico bass, but overall the bite is very tough right now. With better weather and a steady supply of live squid for bait, things could get going.
LOS ANGELES UPDATE: While the recent storms have been the problem, during those periods of nicer weather there has been some good local bass fishing for the Redondo local fleet. Live squid fishing on a leadhead with 25-pound test has been the way to go for the calicos. Sculpin fishing have also provided some fish tacos, too. The ICON, out of Long Beach Sportfishing, has had halibut to 33 pounds this past week, which bodes well for the upcoming Pot O’ Gold Halibut Derby starting January 17th. Details at 562-432-8993.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: Sculpin, a few bass, and halibut -- in that order -- have been the rule when the weather has allowed boats out. Here, as with everywhere else along the coast, the wind and rain have been the main impediment to better fishing. There have been a few nice, big, private-boater halibut reported along this stretch of coast. That bite will only get better.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: Fair local fishing with a few bass, sculpin, and bonito. The 1 1/2-day boats have been running down to Punta Colonet for excellent ling cod, reds, and other rockfish. It has been fabulous fishing and with rockfish season closed in Southern California, this is a great option.
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.