January 23, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Corona Lake constantly gets overshadowed by the heavily-stocked waters in Orange County. And Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel are all good for trout right now, including some quality fish. But Corona Lake may be the best place to catch a stringer of nice trout this week. And there’s always a chance for a huge rainbows. This past week, six trout over 10 pounds were landed, including a 14 1/2-pounder. Two weeks ago Corona had a 19-8 -- the biggest trout caught in Southern California that week. This is a sleeper spot that doesn’t quite get the crowds. For the recorded update, call 951-277-4489. For the tackle shop, call 951-277-3321. You can also visit www.fishinglakes.com.
2. This isn’t going out on a limb, but it’s a bit esoteric. The Kern River above (and below) Lake Isabella has been very good for fly anglers tossing two-fly rigs through the riffles and pools. The Kern has a wild trout population that just keeps getting better and better and a late winter run of Isabella rainbows up out of the lake to spawn. There’s a real opportunity for wild or holdover fish in the three-pound range, depending on the stretch. For an update on the fishing, call the Kern River Fly Shop at 866-347-4876 or visit their excellent web site at www.kernrivertroutfitters.com.
3. Hesperia Lake continues to make the top three picks this week. While another 170-pound sturgeon was landed two weeks ago, it’s the good trout action that earns it one of our picks. There are both browns and rainbows over eight pounds caught nearly every week. 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.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The urban trout bites have been fair to good this past week, many still recovering from the storm a couple of weeks ago just as another one descends. 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. Laguna Niguel is also a very good bet. 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 lighter crowds. Diamond Valley Lake is a good bet with fresh-planted rainbow to nearly eight pounds going in this week for shore 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 bites after weekly plants. In the southern Sierra, Lake Isabella and the Kern River are both good, and Buena Vista Lakes received a bonus plant of trophy rainbows, all over 10 pounds, three weeks ago and has been cranking out big fish ever since.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Diamond Valley gets top honors, but Casitas, and Castaic are close second place pick with fair to good bites. Casitas had shad shallow enough for dipping until early this week. Piru, Pyramid, Cachuma, Skinner, Perris, and Silverwood are all pretty fair for largemouth bass, too. Pyramid cranked out an 11-plus this week, one of it’s best ever. 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. Many fish are still showing 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. Diamond Valley has had a snap on the bluegill this past week in the warmer weather. Crappie have also lulled almost everywhere, too, but there’s still fair crappie action at Piru and Lopez (on the Central Coast) and a few are showing at Henshaw.
CATFISH: Another big blue cat reported from San Vicente last week, but overall the catfish bites are slow in San Diego County. There is still a surprisingly good catfish action at Diamond Valley, and 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 170 pounds last week.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

 SILVERWOOD: Good trout action on Power Bait and worms with the best bite in Cleghorn and Miller’s canyons, by the dam, and at the spillway. Maggie Pearson, Fontana, caught a three-pound trout on Power Bait and worms. Mark and Jason Steiger, San Bernardino, landed a 2-8 trout in Miller’s. 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. Anglers are using anchovies off the dock. 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 cold conditions. 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: The browns and rainbows are keeping the trout anglers busy with a good bite off the east bank, north shore, and in the inlet on meal worms, Power Bait, jigs and nightcrawlers. Alpers’ trout will be planted over the next few weeks. Catfish bite fair on mackerel and shrimp (dipped in garlic) off the north shore and sandy point. Still the occasional sturgeon showing. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Excellent trout action in both lakes with anglers using Power Bait (rainbow, orange and lime twist), nightcrawlers, jigs (red and orange) and lures. Hot spots include the grassy point, the eastern logged shore and western shore from the pump house to the bridge in lake 3, as well as the western, eastern and northern 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: Good to 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. Angela Naranjo, Victorville, caught an 11-pound trout. County trout plants are weekly through April 17. DFG trout plant last week. A few cats biting 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. DFG trout plant last week. 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 on Power Bait (rainbow, yellow and chartreuse), nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range, but there are some out there four pounds, plus. Top trout was a 6.7-pounder landed by Mike Ybarra, Ontario. Pedro Munoz, Pomona, caught a 4.2-pound trout in basin 2. 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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. David Sarmiento, Yucaipa, caught a 6-4 rainbow on a trout jig. 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 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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 last week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Slow to fair bass action this week. Carolina-rigged plastics and worms have been the top choice for bass anglers with some better fish showing on swimbaits. Most action is in 15 to 20 feet near the dam and marina. Belen Ladd, Temecula, caught an 8.91-pound largemouth on an LA Slider. Charlee Dick, Moreno Valley, landed an eight-pound bass off shore. Very good trout action with lots of fish being landed off shore, along the marina on Power Bait (green or rainbow), inflated nightcrawlers, Kastmasters and mini jigs. Thomas Mendez, Azusa, landed a 7.9-pound trout near the west dam. Adam Pereida, Beaumont, landed a 7.74-pound trout. Matt Thompson, Hemet, landed a 7.67-pounder. Matthew Bolton, 12, San Jacinto, caught a 7.6-pound trout. Danielle Cunningham, Hemet, caught a 7.6-pounder. Frank Solorio, Lake Elsinore, caught a 6.3-pound trout. Jason Thompson, Upland, landed a 6.02-pound from the rock quarry. Terry Conklin, San Dimas, landed a 5.57-pound trout. Kristen Dunkin, Hemet, caught a 5.4-pound trout. Armond Arealaus, Temecula, caught a four-pound trout. John Dike and Sheryl Thornton, both Hemet, caught a stringer of two-pound trout. Striper action slow to fair on swimbaits, plugs, or large topwater baits in the inlet and near the marina. The catfish are still perking along with a fair to good bite. The action is best in the third cove, near the east dam, or the wave attenuator on anchovies, mackerel, and raw shrimp. Most catfish have been landed in 20 to 30 feet. Melvin Hyde, Hemet, landed 8.89 and 7.10-pound cats. The panfish action fair to good near the stairways on live worms. Frankie Romeo, Temecula, caught a 2.84-pound crappie fishing the east dam with a Cool Spin lure. A three-pound plus crappie was brought in, too. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The trout action fair this past week. Anglers are using green, white, pink or rainbow Power Bait, worms, or Kastmasters at lots 5, off shore. Most of the fish are averaging about a pound. DFG trout plant last week. Bass action slow 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: Last week’s DFG trout plant kept the good bite going. The better fish are in the five- to seven-pound range and are biting nightcrawlers, Power Bait and worms off Launch Ramp 2 and in the coves. James Wright, Corona, caught a 4-2 trout. Fair to good striper action on chicken liver and anchovies in the inlet. 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: Slowish bite. 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: Very good trout action, with the bite especially good in the south end of the lake on trout worms and floating baits. There were at least six trout over 10 pounds reported, including a 14-8 landed by Bill Michaels, Duarte. Manual Munoz, Orange, had a 13-8, while Jim Carey, Riverside, landed a 12-12. Jerry Rolling, Perris, had a 12-8, and Dean Ferrigno, Corona, caught an 11 1/2 pounder. Art Gutierrez, Alta Loma, landed an 11 1/4-pound rainbows. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits right after plants. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the season. Fair bite on small spinners and floating baits. 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 action is trout 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 went in last week. Rainbow trout plants go in twice a month through spring. Catfish slow. 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: Off-color water this past week hasn’t seemed to slow the good trout action here with a lot of anglers getting limits of trout up to two pounds with an occasional bigger fish. The top rainbow this past week was a huge 23-pound, eight-ounce rainbow landed by Hugo Sanchez, Wilmington, fishing chartreuse Power Bait. It was his first trip to the lake. A lake regular reported hooking and battling one of the 30-pound class trout in the lake for a half and hour before the hook came free. Tom Wyatt, Azusa, caught a 12 1/2-pound rainbow, while Sean Hart, San Dimas, landed a 12 pounder. Clarence Frye, Los Angeles, landed a 10-pounder. Chris’ Pond will be closed Sunday, Jan. 27, for a private event. 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: Good rainbow trout action on Power Bait, mini jigs, Power mice or salmon eggs with a half nightcrawler. Trollers have had luck with Rapalas. Best action has been around Trout Island, off the west shore, and the Santiago Flats. Adrian Pintor, Hollywood, caught a 13-14 trout on nightcrawlers, while Ken Lewis, Orange, landed a 12-14 trout on a TD Minnow. Don Demarse, Lomita, landed an11-6 trout on Power Bait, and Scott Noesworthy, Orange, caught a 10-1 trout on a Power mouse. Ron Morlan, Anaheim, landed a 10-pound trout on nightcrawlers. Jamie Migaoka, Irvine, caught an 8-8 trout on Power Bait. Tammy Cairns, Santa Ana, landed an 8-12 trout on Power Bait. Bass action is fair off the rockpikes 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. Upcoming events: trout seminar Saturday at 8 a.m. The seminar will cover jigs, trolling and bait fishing. Seminar is free with paid lake admission. President’s Day Derby set for Feb. 16-18. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Fair to good trout action on inflated nightcrawlers doused in garlic or corn Trout Dip or Power Bait in rainbow, white, or orange dipped in garlic Nitro Gravy on the Santiago Flats, off the point, and the shoreline near the concession stand. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Z-spoons are top lures for the big trout. The fish are in the two to three-pound range. Trout plant went in last 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. Alpers’ trout will go in this week. 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. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Fair to good bass action on crank baits, plastic worms and jigs in 20 to 30 feet near the dam and off the north shoreline. Brian Evans, Ojai, and Robert Gainer, Ventura, each landed an eight-pound trout this week for the top fish. Kipp Ots, Oxnard, landed a seven-pound bass. Pifas Victoria, Oxnard, caught a 6-8 on a Robo worm. Trout action fair on spinners and Power Bait with fish to three pounds. Lots of trout under the two-pound mark were brought in from last week’s plant. Fair catfish action on mackerel, nightcrawlers or shad, especially in Coyote Creek and Santa Ana Arm. The rain will bring the flows in from the creek, and will help the bite. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair action on stripers on frozen shad and swimbaits down 20 feet or more. The dam and the west ramp are the areas with the most action. The better fish are in the six to 14-pound range. Jonas Jones, Los Angles, caught a 4-8 striper. Fair 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. Mike Espinoza, Ventura, caught a two-pound bass. Trout action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week and last. 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. 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 fair, with some flurries of very good action, on plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Guide Bob Caffey, Acton, caught an 11-pound largemouth, one of the best ever taken at the lake, last Friday. On Wednesday last week, he and a client caught and released 50 bass. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and small jerk baits in the aqueduct. DFG trout plant two weeks ago -- 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. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week. 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 this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No plants.
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 plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
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: Fair bass action. 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: 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 bass bite. 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 last 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: Fair rainbow trout action. A 2,000-pound plant of Nebraska rainbows will go in this week. 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: Very good trout action on green Power Bait and nightcrawlers in Willow and Boat Dock Cove. Ron Bloom, Escondido, landed a 7-6 trout. Gary Marsaal, Vista, caught a 6-14 trout. Edward Heinrichson, Oceanside, caught a 6-7 trout. The catfish bite is hanging in there with some decent action on cut mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp. Mike MacLeod, Escondido, landed a 2-13 channel catfish night off the South Shore Rock Pile. Fair bass bite on nightcrawlers. Brett Seiler, San Diego, caught a 3-2 bass. 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: Fair 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 last week. The catfish action slowed, with only a few being landed on trout bait. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The big rainbows continue to lead the show. The action is best on Power Bait, mini jigs, Kastmasters or nightcrawlers at mid-lake, in the Log Boom and Hidden Bay. Matt Melton, Hayden, Idaho, caught an 11.7-pound trout. Jessica Noe, Temecula, caught a 10.5-pound trout. Shaun Casison, Poway, landed a 9.2-pound trout. Jim Polanski, Lemon Grove, caught an 8.5-pound trout. Dylan Ewing, 4, caught a 5.5-pounder. The lake will receive another 1,500-pound load of rainbows, so the action will continue. Fair crappie action. The lake is open for fishing Tuesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset during January. Upcoming events: Annual Free Kids Derby set for Feb. 2. The lake will be closed Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in preparation. The lake will also be off limits to adults on the day of the derby from 6 a.m. to noon. Lake and derby information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Slow fishing with only a spark of trout and bass action occasionally. Trout anglers are fishing 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 as well. Bass anglers are fishing in 30 feet of water, off the points on crawdads. A 1,200-pound plant of Mt. Lassen trout went in two weeks ago. Another load is set to go in this week. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The lake will be open Monday for Martin Luther Kind Day fishing. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Fair trout action when the winds aren’t blowing and the rains not pouring. Anglers are using Power Bait, Kastmasters, Rapalas and Panther Martins along the shorelines. Bass bite fair on topwater baits in the mornings, but crayfish imitations are best the rest of the day. DFG trout plant last week. Slow crappie and bluegill action. The catfish action is still hanging on. Anglers are using mackerel or chicken livers in the afternoons for the oddball channel or blue. 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 water clarity, so use scented baits for the trout. Ohann Cruz, El Cajon, caught a 1-8 trout on Power Bait in Chambers Park. Meyer and Tru Love, Santee, landed a double-limit of trout on Power Bait. Fly fishermen have had success with matukas and wooly buggers. 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 plastics and live bait. 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. The bite is best first thing in the morning on swimbaits in Government Wash. Fish from two 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. Fair to 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 has been good on the warm, sunny days, especially in the afternoons.
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 has been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Decent trout bite on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG plant this week. 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. Fair to 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 and minnows. DFG trout plant last week. 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 two weeks ago. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
RIVER WALK PARK: Good trout action.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The big stripers are out there and biting anchovies. Anglers have also been using minnows and lug worms but the bite is just fair overall right now.
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 two weeks ago.
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 two weeks ago.
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 two weeks ago.
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: Good trout action with some bigger fish showing each week. Best bite on Power Bait. Darlene Johnson, Bakersfield, caught an 11-pound trout. Also a fair crappie bite on small minnows. Still a decent striper bite on blood worms and lug worms. The catfish bite is fair 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 two weeks ago.
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 this week. 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: Fair trout bite on nightcrawlers and Power Bait (chartreuse or rainbow). 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 under the two pound mark. 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, Arroyo Seco Creek, Belvedere Lake, Big Tujunga Creek (Lower and Upper), Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park 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), Santa Fe Reservoir.
ORANGE: Centennial Lake, Laguna Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park, Lindo Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
STANISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Woodward Reservoir.

CATFISH PLANTS

No Plants.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: With the rockfish closure and the rain, things have been slower in the Channel Islands region this past week. There have been a few halibut, bass, and even an occasional yellowtail, but overall the action is very slow. There are market squid at the islands, and that is just the kind of thing that can bring us predators like yellowtail and white seabass, so keep and eye on this bite.
LOS ANGELES LANDINS UPDATE: For sure, the best thing going for the Los Angeles-based sport fleet is the local bass bite in the Santa Monica Bay. Anglers aboard the 3/4-day Spitfire out of Redondo Sportfishing have had limits or near-limits of sand bass on a regular basis this past week. A leadhead jig on 25-pound test line with a fresh-dead or -- even better -- a live squid has been the key. The Betty G, also out of Redondo, has also been taking anglers to limits of sand bass, too. There is also sculpin for these local boats. The Pot Of Gold halibut derby is underway out of Long Beach Sportfishing. Halibut fishing has been slow, but it's early and things should get better. Great prizes every week out of Long Beach Sportfishing. There has been some decent bonito fishing on one- to three-pound bonito at Catalina Island for the boats making the run over to the island, but the winter time yellowtail and white seabass have been a no show so far. But the increasing availability of squid could change this any time.
ORANGE COUNTY LANDINGS UPDATE: Sculpin, along with some decent winter time bass action, and an occasional halibut have been the rule for the local fleet out of Orange County-based landings this past week. Some private boaters have even found an occasional thresher shark, too. Leadheads and squid have been the best bet for the local bass and sculpin.
SAN DIEGO LANDINGS UPDATE: Excellent fishing for the 1 1/2-day boats out of San Diego focusing on rockfish in Mexican waters, with a good early showing for yellowtail, too. Big lingcod, lots of vermillion rockfish, and some yellowtail to 45-pounds have been reported by skippers in the past week. The great thing about this action -- including the rockfish -- is that you are fishing in less than 300 feet of water so you do not need heavy-duty tackle. The best way to hook a big yellowtail is on a yo-yo iron. A Sumo Jr. in blue and white sunk down deep and retrieved fast is a great way to latch on to a big winter-time yellowtail. If you drop it too deep, you will likely still hang a bottom dweller of some kind. Outside of Mexico, the local bite has been fair with some bonito along with a few bass and sculpin. But perhaps the best news is that Point Loma Sportfishing boats have been all over the giant squid. They’re baaaaack. These squid have been as big as 40 pounds and are a ball to catch and great to eat. To book a trip, call Point Loma at 619-223-1627.
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.
976-TUNA EVENTS: There will be a comprehensive Baja fishing seminar at the 976-TUNA Rod and Reel Club meeting beginning 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7 at the National Sports Bar and Grill, 3210 West Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance 90505. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given away, including a $2,000 fishing trip package. Kids get a Free 976-TUNA Hat. Reservations are required, but the event is free. Call 310-328-8426 to reserve a spot.

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.