January 30, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. A good novel by the fireplace? After a nasty week of weather, the crystal ball is pretty murky -- like a lot of local waters’ water clarity -- and pulling a few top bets out of the hat is tough. But with the new moon next Wednesday and better weather ahead, I think if you really wanted to head out Diamond Valley Lake’s largemouth bass bite could break wide open this week. Anglers tossing big swimbaits or fishing plastics and jigs off the points could turn up some quality fish. (Boy, is this a safe pick or what? DVL has been hot for months.) To see if my crystal ball is working, check with the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410 for an up-to-the-minute update.
2. The giant squid are lurking just off the coast in good numbers again, and while no one was out targeting them this past week thanks to the weather, this bite should break open again with some better conditions. Check with the landings in San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport to see if they are running trips for the giant squid this week, and keep an eye on the 976-TUNA web site (www.976-tuna.com) for daily updates on this action. This may be one of the best picks of the week.
3. This pick is a little less certain with all the unsettled weather this past week, but conditions should be good for the striped bass action at Pyramid Lake to come back on in the coming days. This bite had been good before the weather slowed things, and it could – should – pop right back on for anglers fishing shad, cut baits, and even trolling. Do check with the folks at the concession at 661-257-2790 to get an update. A lot of these fish have been from two to five pounds, but some bigger stripers are always possible.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The urban trout bites have all been slowed at least a notch or two this past week by the weather. Lots of places have off-color water which makes fishing tougher, but certainly not impossible. Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Irvine Lake have all continued to fish pretty well, considering. Laguna Niguel is also a fair to good bet. The High Desert waters of Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows all have been fair to good since the storm. All of the inland San Bernardino County Park lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, and Yucaipa are also fair to good. 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 still pretty good, and Buena Vista Lakes is still cranking out the occasional big fish.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Which lakes come back on after this storm is kind of a crap shoot. Diamond Valley, Casitas, and Castaic were all pretty good before and should come back on quickly. Piru, Pyramid, Cachuma, Skinner, Perris, and Silverwood also are likely to come back on, but it might take longer at those waters a little higher in elevation or with a little muddier water. In San Diego County, rain really washed out the action, and there have been very few reports, but San Vicente, El Capitan, and Wohlford should come back on and be fair this week. On the Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good spotted bass bite, but other waters shut down.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid, Castaic, Skinner, and Silverwood all had pretty fair bites on one- to four-pound fish until this past week, but all four should come right back on this week and early next week as conditions improve. On the Colorado River, bites were improving and should continue to improve if no more storm fronts whack this fishing again. Mead had been good, Mohave was spotty and doesn’t look to get much better, and Havasu was improving by the day (thanks to shad showing in good numbers).
PANFISH: Virtually all of the bluegill, redear and crappie bites, which had been spotty at best, have pretty much shut down. The only exception seems to be a budding bite on crappie at the Buena Vista Lakes in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
CATFISH: Rains often spur the catfish bites at our bigger reservoirs, but there haven’t been any reports of this yet. Casitas, Diamond Valley, and San Vicente would be the best bets for this action to show. On the Colorado River, most of the catfish bites slowed way down, but warmer weather this coming week should improve this action. No sturgeon reports from Hesperia Lake this past 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, worms, spinners and nightcrawlers with the best bite in Cleghorn and Miller’s canyons, by the dam, and at the spillway. Bruce Campbell, Crestline, caught a three-pound trout. Art Craft, Bloomington, caught a 2-8. DFG trout plant last 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, but most are pounders. 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, of live bait 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 fair 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: Good trout action in both lakes with anglers using Power Bait (red, white and blue, spring green and rainbow), nightcrawlers, jigs (red and orange) and lures. Hot spots include the western, eastern and northern shores of lake 2 as well as the western shore from the pump house to the drain and the eastern shore of lake 3. Ron Harmon, Apple Valley, caught a 4-2 rainbow on a nightcrawler. Robert Marshall, 7, Apple Valley, caught a 3-9 trout. Steven Jackson, Alta Loma, caught a 3-4 trout. 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. County trout plants are weekly through April 17. DFG trout plant this week. A few cats biting mackerel and shrimp, but that bite is very slow. 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 two weeks ago. 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. 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 last 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. Jim Chudzik, Yucaipa, landed a limit of rainbows topped by a three pounder last Friday. County plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. Also a DFG trout plant last week. 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. Brian Oku, Alta Loma, caught a 10-pound rainbows on a jig from the big lake, while James Bon, Green Valley Lake, landed a 9-1 rainbow, also on a jig. David Rodriguez, San Bernardino, caught a 5-2 rainbow on a nightcrawler. 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 last 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 this week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Slow bass bite. Carolina-rigged plastics and worms have been the top choice for bass anglers. The swimbait bite has died down, but an occasional big fish is still being landed. Most action is in 15 to 20 feet near the dam and marina. Fair trout action with some fish being landed off shore, along the marina on Power Bait (green or rainbow), inflated nightcrawlers, Kastmasters and mini jigs. A 2,500-pound plant of Mt. Lassen rainbows went in last week. 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 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. Fair panfish action near the stairways on live worms. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Ted Francis, Riverside, caught a six-pound bass on nightcrawlers in Sail Cove. Bass action fair in 20 to 30 feet of water. Fair to good trout bite. Anglers are using green, white, pink or rainbow Power Bait, worms, or Kastmasters at lots 11 and 12. Most of the fish are averaging about a pound. Bob Walker, and Ed Townsend, both Moreno Valley, each landed a 2-8 trout. 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: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers, spinners, and Power eggs off the east end and Launch Ramp 2. David Stewart, Vista, caught a 2-8 rainbow. Don Lewis, Hemet, landed a 2-2 rainbow. Fair striper action on chicken liver and anchovies in the inlet. Scott Freeman, Norco, caught a 3-5 striper on anchovies in Toilet Cove. Slow to fair largemouth bass action on nightcrawlers or plastic worms off Launch Ramp 2. Slow bluegill bite with fish to one pound biting meal worms. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Slow 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 lake is completely full and water is spilling over the dam, and the rainbow trout action has been good this past week. While the water is off-color, many anglers are still getting some nice stringers of fish, and the quality trout are still being landed. There were nine rainbows over the 10-pound mark reported, and the biggest was a 15 1/2-pounder caught by Akaera Cornwell, San Jacinto, on a Nitro Worm at the dam. Ruben Mena, Ontario, landed a 14 1/2-pound rainbow on chartreuse Nitro Bait. Don Klessig, Harbor City, landed a 12 3/4-pounder, while Daniel Redinger, San Bernardino, caught a 12 1/4-pound rainbow. Many anglers went home with limits of 1 to 2 pound rainbows, and many stringers had at least one bigger fish. Mike Sheldon, Riverside, landed five trout that weighed 17 1/2 pounds, and his big fish was an 11 3/4-pounder. Vick Sweem, Ontario, caught his limit and the five fish weighed in at 12 1/2 pounds, including an eight pounder. The best action has been on floating baits or inflated nightcrawlers doused with scent and fishing on a short leader. The fish are cruising near the bottom. 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 this 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 rain turned the rainbow trout bite on. The fish are biting rainbow Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The pond is fully stocked with one to two-pounders. The best time to fish is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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: Slow to fair trout action on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Alex Lail and Damon Dinnes, both Hemet, landed four one-pound trout on silver and black Rapalas. No recent DFG plants. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: In spite of pouring rains much of this past week, the trout action has been pretty good for anglers willing to brave the elements. The water is still off-color, and the best action has been in deeper water for boat anglers. Limits of rainbows to two pounds, with an occasional bigger fish, have been common for patient anglers fishing floating baits -- Nitro Bait or Power Bait -- or inflated nightcrawlers doused with Nitro Gravy. Bright colors have been the best with white lightning, chartreuse, lemon lime, and rainbow all good bets. Most anglers have also been using shorter leaders to keep the bait closer to the bottom where the trout are cruising. Lure anglers are using baits with lots of flash and sparkle because they are more visible in the off-color water. There were nine rainbows over the 10-pound mark caught. The best was a 15 1/2-pounder caught by Ronnie Nadeau, Wildomar, while fishing chartreuse Nitro Bait with Nitro Gravy at Levitz’ Corner. Joe Sanchez, La Puente, caught a 15-pounder, while Ray Sell, Cerritos, had rainbows at 13 1/2 and 8 1/2 pounds. Bob Antilla, Loma Linda, caught a 12-pounder, and 11 1/2-pound trout were landed by Alisa Smith, Hemet, and Bryan Larson, Rialto. 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, brown, brook and steelhead 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, in Boat Dock Cove and off the Santiago Flats. Top trout was a 12-8 landed by Marty Saucedo, Costa Mesa, on Trout Dough. Chris “Trollmeister” Hagopian, Redondo Beach, caught a 7-8 steelhead. Carlos Ortiz, Anaheim, caught a 7-6 rainbow. Pablo Gomez, Veracruz, Mexico, landed 7-4 and 3-14 rainbows. Ricardo Zapata, Santa Ana, landed a 7-4 rainbow. Chris Rodarte, Norwalk, caught a 6-6 brook trout. Rob Forest, Huntington Beach, landed a 5-8 brook trout. Dennis Motschenbacher, Costa Mesa, caught a 4-1 brook trout. Adam Malicki, Portola Hills, caught a 3-12 brook trout. 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 (rainbow, white, chartreuse or orange) dipped in garlic Nitro Gravy. Best action has been off the Santiago Flats and the shoreline near the concession stand. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Trout Spoon Z are top lures for the big trout. The fish are in the two to three-pound range. The next trout plant will go in Tuesday night. 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 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 slow. 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: Weather has made the action tough. But there’s still a slow to fair bass on crankbaits, plastic worms and jigs in 20 to 30 feet near the dam and off the north shoreline. During Friday’s Heavyweight Bass Classic all 50 anglers stuck out the hail, rain, and howling winds, but it was Don Osborne, Castro Valley, who won the $10,000, winner-take-all grand prize with a 10.52-pound bass caught on his first cast of the morning with a Castaic Trout. Steve Davies, California City, was second with a 7.99-pounder, and third went to Mike Lander, Castaic, with a 7.36-pound bass. Thirty of these top, big fish anglers didn’t land a fish, and the top three fish were the only bass over seven pounds.
Brian Evans, Ojai, landed an eight-pound bass on a crankbait outside the event. Trout action slow. A few catfish action on mackerel, nightcrawlers or shad, especially in Deep Cat and Santa Ana Arms. No fish over eight pounds. Jim Mason, Oak view, landed an eight-pounder. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Light pressure due to the winds and rain, however the bass and striper action still made some noise. Largemouth bass anglers found decent-sized fish in Fish Arm and Ski Arm on shad imitation lures. Bob Caffey, Quartz Hill, caught 11-3, 5-6, and 4-8 largemouth bass. David Deyell, Van Nuys, caught a seven-pound largemouth. Arres Kirkpatrick, Castaic, landed a 3-7 largemouth. The striper bite is fair on big plugs at first light through 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to dusk. Caffey, Quartz Hill, also landed an eight-pound striper. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Slowish trout action with the recent rain and debris brought in with it. Trollers have been using Kastmasters, Rapalas or Needlefish in 65 to 85 feet and bait anglers have used Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers for some sparks of action. No recent big fish reports. The last trout plant was Jan. 15, 900 pounds. Slow to fair crappie action in 10 to 20 feet on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound, with a few over. Bass action slowish on nightcrawlers 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: Weather slowed the pretty fair striper bite on sardines, and anchovies. 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. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and small cranks in the aqueduct. 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. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last 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 last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last 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 last 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 two weeks ago. 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 two weeks ago. 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 went in last 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 closed to fishing until March, 2008. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Light pressure due to the rains, but the trout are plentiful. Fair action on green Power Bait and nightcrawlers in Willow and Boat Dock Cove and off the Senior Shoreline. The catfish bite is hanging in there with some decent action on cut mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp. Fair bass bite on nightcrawlers and Roostertails off the west end of the Senior Shoreline. Jovan Kirovski, Escondido, caught a 6-9 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: Slow 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 Mt. Lassens will go in next 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 keep on leading the action. The bite is best on Power Bait, mini jigs, Kastmasters, or nightcrawlers at mid-lake, at the Log Boom, and Boulder Bay. Dan Aleman, Solana Beach, caught a 9.8-pound trout. Ron Janke, Clairemont, caught 7.8 and 6.1-pound trout. The lake received another 1,500-pound load of rainbows last week, with another 4,000-pound load will go in this week for the Kids Derby. Slow 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 Saturday. The lake will be closed Thursday and Friday in preparation. The lake will also be off limits to adults on Saturday 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: The rain brought out the catfish. The muddy water in Hermit Cove attracted them, and the bite is fair on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow trout and bass fishing with only a spark of 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 20 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. 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. Anglers are using Power Bait, Kastmasters, Rapalas and Panther Martins along the shorelines. DFG trout plant last week as well as a Mt. Lassen load. Chuck Tate, San Diego, landed an 8-14 trout. Bass bite fair on swimbaits in the mornings, but crayfish imitations are best the rest of the day. Dave Patterson, Campo, caught a 9-13 bass. 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: Wind and rain kept the action to a minimum. Fly fishermen should try Azalea Creek. 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 will open at 10 a.m. on Feb. 2. The lake now has a temporary ban on private boats due to quagga mussels. 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: A few quality stripers showing. A 28-pound striper was caught last week in Saddle Cove on River-to-Sea Kong trout bait. Alex Riebe, Las Vegas, caught a 20-3 striper on an A.C. Plug. Some large stripers are being landed when the trout are planted in Hatchery Cove, Saddle Cove, and Hemenway area. At least four fish from 17 to 20 pounds have been caught at B-5 Road. Big numbers of striper from under a pound to five have been landed in the Vegas and Government washes on anchovies or other cut baits, but weather has kept most anglers away. Some hardy fishermen have landed close to 100 fish in one day. Fish from 7 to 11 a.m. for the best action. Trout are planted every other Tuesday through March. Small spinners and Power Bait are attracting the trout. The ramp is open at South Cove, but it is a gravel ramp.
WILLOW BEACH: Still very spotty striper action, but the odd big fish continues to be caught along with a few smaller fish on cut baits. Philip Wright, Las Vegas, caught a 25.38-pound striper on a homemade swimbait at mile marker 52. Some anglers are catching limits on trout on Panther Martins, Roostertails, floating baits, and salmon eggs. Trout are stocked every Friday, and the bite is best for the first day or two after the plant. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The striper bite is rough. Fish near and in the coves, especially Cottonwood and to the north, with swimbaits or shad-like lures. Trolling lures in 15 to 60 with Kastmasters or spoons is also an option for both stripers and trout. A few rainbows in the one to two-pound range have been reported. Some catfish reports at night on shrimp or mackerel. 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. Slow striper bite. Nothing exceptional in size, but some fish to three pounds. Bite best on anchovies and sardines. Catfish action slow to fair 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: High winds have played havoc on this lake. The shad, however, are still very active in the Site Six Marina and in the north end of the lake keeping the striper action fair. The shad can also be found just off shore feeding on the plankton. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bites are slow. Some bass in the three to four-pound range have been landed off the point at Six Site on shad, crankbaits or crawdads. 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.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Fair 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 two weeks ago. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Decent trout bite on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG plant last 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 between storm fronts. 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. Weather killed the very good dry fly action, but nymphing is getting some fish. 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: Fair 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. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair trout bite on salmon eggs. The action in the lower river around the Rich Bar area is fair. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
RIVER WALK PARK: Good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Home to the best fishing in the Western Sierra. The big stripers are out and biting anchovies, minnows and lug worms.
HART PARK LAKE: Trout action very good on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Still some fair carp action on dough bait or corn meal. Slow bluegill action on wax worms and crickets. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTON LAKE: Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Carp action fair on dough bait. Bluegill action slow on wax worms and crickets. Only the odd catfish showing. DFG trout plant last week.
MING LAKE: The lake is open for fishing. Trout bite very good. DFG trout plant last week. Some bass action has been reported on plastic worms and minnows, but this action is tough.
BRITE LAKE: Trout bite slow on Power Bait. No other species of fish are biting. High winds and snow have kept fishing down significantly. Lake level is low due to work on the lake’s bank. DFG has no trout plantings scheduled in February. Thanks to Charles Walters for this report.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good trout action with some bigger fish showing each week. Best bite on Power Bait. Frank Kurz, Bakersfield, landed a 10-pound trout. It’s crappie time. Decent bite on small minnows with plenty of limits. Still a decent striper bite on blood worms and lug worms. The catfish bite is fair on shad or minnows.
WOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant last week with a pretty good bite in spite of the weather. Also a fair catfish bite on mackerel. Slow bluegill bite on wax and meal worms.
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. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair crappie bite on small minnows. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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: Fair trout action on 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 last 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 live shad, which are concentrated around the marina. Nightcrawlers have also been effective. Fair to good catfish action on mackerel and shrimp. Slow bluegill action and only a few crappie showing. 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. Slow to fair bluegill and redear action on meal and wax worms. 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:
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Lion Canyon Creek.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below 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

LONG RANGE: San Diego-based boats on 10- to 28-day trips are still seeing a very good pick on yellowfin tuna, along with a smattering of other species. The Royal Polaris reported in 3 p.m. Wednesday in the middle of a 17-day trip. There was a consistent pick on the 25 to 40 pound yellowfin, but several schools of bigger fish had come up, and the big fish for the day was a 230-pound cow yellowfin. The anglers on this trip had also boated 18 wahoo Wednesday. On Tuesday, they had 32 wahoo in a late afternoon bite. So far, there are several 100 to 190-pound yellowfin on board and a few more over the 200-pound mark. This action has been pretty typical on these trips.
SAN DIEGO LOCAL: All along the local coast, the fishing has been pretty much washed out this past week, and there is an immense amount of debris in the water. Very few San Diego-based boats have been out, and those have been focusing on the sculpin, bass, and a few boats were targeting the giant squid before this latest batch of storms rolled in. With better weather over the next few days, that giant squid action will probably be the best bet.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: The weather has been a huge factor this past week, but skippers are looking forward to getting back out on the water to target the giant squid and local bass, both of which had been pretty decent before the storms.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY UPDATE: Ditto the Orange County and San Diego reports. Little fishing pressure this past week. A few boats that have run out to Catalina Island have found plenty of bonito on the front side of the island, there’s a good volume of bait-sized squid which has brought up some short white seabass and a few home guard yellowtail. There’s also been a pick on the sculpin, both at the island and in nearshore waters.
CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: With the rockfish closure and the rain, things are just dead in the Channel Islands region this week. There is a good volume of squid at the islands, but it has simply not translated into any fishing action yet.
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. The next trip is a 1 1/2-day rockfish and spring yellowtail trip to Colonet aboard the Legend. The trip leaves March 7 and is limited to 28 anglers. Cost is $199.
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.