February 4, 2009

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. With a winter storm bearing down on Southern California, the trick this week is picking spots for our top three that will dodge the brunt of the weather’s impacts will taking full advantage of the full moon. So our top pick is the rapidly warming Colorado River region, specifically, Lake Havasu’s striped bass bite which has been breaking wide open over the last week. The fish aren’t huge, but Rat-L-Traps and Sassy Shads fish at night or slow-trolling anchovies fished during the day have been the hot tickets. The fish have been concentrated in Thompson Bay and Havasu Springs under big balls of shad. For an update, check with John Galbraith, Anglers Pro Shop, in Lake Havasu City at 928-854-2277 or Black Meadow Landing at 760-663-3811.
2. If the Colorado River is too far for you this weekend, Skinner seems to warm up earlier than a lot of other Southern California waters, and it will take a heck of a storm to put off the striper action that is really starting to ramp up here. While most of the fish are under three pounds, like at the river, the bite has been good on anchovies or small swimbaits. For an update here, check with the marina staff at 951-926-8515.
3. Rain can really hammer the planted trout action at most of the waters in the region, but Hesperia Lake in the high desert is in the rain shadow of the San Bernardino Mountains and usually doesn’t get the rain that falls in the coastal valley. The lake is also getting planted with rainbows twice a week and the bite on fish to 13 pounds has been very good. It may be your best trout pick this weekend. For an update, call the lake’s tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
 

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Excellent planted trout action at most of the major players over the past week. If rain doesn’t turn waters muddy, the top bets are the usual, heavily planted waters, including Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Laguna Niguel -- although Laguna Niguel got its last trout plant of the season last week. All of the San Bernardino County park lakes, but especially Prado Park Lake and Yucaipa Park Lake, are good bets thanks to weekly plants. And Yucaipa and Glen Helen don’t seem to get washed out too badly in moderate rains. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows are all good bets. In San Diego County, Dixon, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, Miramar, Lower Otay, Murray, and Cayamaca are all pretty good bets.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Casitas is still a top bet, and a trout plant this week might just bring up some of the huge, pre-spawn bass to a big swimbait – especially if you’re willing to fish in the rain. This same story is probably true at Diamond Valley Lake, where the fish are already moving shallow, Perris, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway. Still relatively light bass pressure everywhere. There’s also a decent smallmouth bass bite on the lower Colorado River from Havasu to Palo Verde that is pretty much untapped except by a few locals and “shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone” SoCal anglers.
STRIPED BASS: The warm weather is really starting to turn on stripers bite throughout the region. Skinner is starting to crank on with fish to 3-8. Castaic is a fair to good bet on fish to six pounds or bigger. Silverwood is also fair to good. And anglers should still keep an eye on Lake Perris, especially after trout plants. We’re getting crummy reports from Pyramid right now, but this bite just has to be perking, too. On the Colorado River, the warm weather is really starting to turn on bites from Mohave to the lower river, with Havaus a particularly good bet on fish to three pounds.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have sputtered and didn’t come back on much after the last storm. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but the Henshaw bite is really starting to perk and the Perris bite is trying to improve. Corona Lake cranked out a 3 1/4-pound crappie.
CATFISH: Surprisingly, not a lot of catfish action reported. Mostly incidental catches for trout fishermen. The exceptions are decent bites at Buena Vista Lake near Taft, Hesperia Lake, which was planted this week, Prado Park Lake, and the whole lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals which are all starting to produce more and more channels and the odd big flathead.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Trout were slated to be planted this week and the last plant was two weeks ago. The bite had been dwindling with only fair action reported in Miller’s and Cleghorn on Power worms or nightcrawlers. Amy Lucas, Hesperia, pulled out a 1 1/4-pound trout on a Kastmaster. Fair to good striper bite on anchovies or topwater lures in Outhouse Cove. Boobby McKnight, Fontana, caught a 2 1/2-pounder as his top fish on a stringer of six stripers. Bass and bluegill bites fair. Bass biting plastic worms or nightcrawlers and the bluegill are going after wax or meal worms. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure. All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed for the season and will reopen in early this spring. Trout fishing has been fair for shore anglers fishing the Stanfield Cutoff region and at the dam with floating baits and inflated nightcrawlers. Other species slow. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish but little action now. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: Currently closed. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Good bite for trout, catfish and sturgeon this week. Trout action best on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait off the north shore and grassy bank. Brian George, Anaheim, caught a 13 1/4-pound trout on Power Bait. Dell Stevens, Paris, pulled out a 12-pounder, and Kathy Moore, Ventura, caught a 10 3/4-pound rainbow. Terry Salazar, Los Angeles, caught a 10 3/4-pound trout, while Mike Larson, Rancho Cucamonga, caught 7-8 and 9-8 rainbows. Catfish bite best with nightcrawlers or shrimp off the north shore and by the island. Jeff Dixon, Covina, caught a 24-pound flathead. Robert Daniels, Brea, pulled out an 18-8 blue catfish, while Mark Colburn, Fontana, caught a 13-8 channel cat. Joe Ortega, Temecula, pulled out nine and 13-pound catfish, and Ramon Rivera, Los Angles, caught a 10 3/4-pounder. Sturgeon bite fair on Power Bait or mackerel off the grassy bank. Tim Rowland, Ontario, caught a 32-8 sturgeon. Sid Sanders, Sun City, landed a 24-pounder, and Walter Segar, Rancho Cucamonga, caught an 11-8. Catfish will be planted this week fish over five pounds going in. Trout plants are twice a week. Day session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Good trout action on Power Bait (salmon peach, rainbow or chartreuse), jigs and lures. Most trout were near or over two pounds. Hot spots include the eastern logged shore to the pump house and the western shore near the bridge of lake 3 as well as the eastern, northern and southern shores of lake 2. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lakes will be open regular hours throughout the holidays. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout last week. Very good trout bite for anglers fishing Power worms or Power Bait. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, March 14. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout action. County trout plants are weekly through April, and there was also another DFG trout plant last week. Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 4. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Trophy fish were part of this past week’s trout plant. Good trout action off the points of park lots one, six, seven, and eight and off the point. Lots of limits of fish to three pounds and more quality fish are again showing in the catch. Top trout was a 7 1/2-pounder landed by Shane White of Chino Hills fishing a Power Worm. Nate Torin, Chino, caught a four pounder on red, white, and blue Power Bait, while Aaron Munoz, Fullerton, landed a 2 1/2-pound rainbow on rainbow Power Bait. County trout plants are each week through April, and a DFG plant went in last week. Catfish action has been fair, but a few quality fish are showing. Paul Gonzales, Covina, caught cats at 14 and 4 1/2 pounds fishing the nightcrawler-marshmallow combo, while Ed King, Ontario, had a 9 3/4-pounder on chicken liver. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, February 21. The derby fee is $15 and $7 for daily parking. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action over the past week and some nice fish continue to be landed. The best rainbow reported was an eight-pounder caught by Bill Dugger, Yucaipa, on Power Bait from the top lake. Mike Hughes, Moreno Valley, landed a 7 1/2-pound rainbow on orange Power Bait, also from the top lake, and Bryan Preston, Yucaipa, caught a 5-5 trout on a lure. County plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in this week. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Very good to excellent trout bite for those using Power Bait or mackerel. Steve Weir, Riverside, caught a 12-pound rainbow on Power Bait, while Chris Ray, Corona, caught a six-pounder on green Power Bait dipped in his home-made garlic sauce. County trout plants with 1,000 pounds of fish are weekly through April, and there was also a 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: Some of the largemouth bass have moved into the shallows with the warm weather, with fish showing from one or two feet of water down to 40 feet in the past week. Some anglers have had 40-fish days with fish to 11 pounds reported. The dams and the inlet tower are the hot spots for anglers fishing drop-shot rigged plastics, Senkos, and small swimbaits. Eddy Gonzalez, Los Angeles, caught a seven-pound bass. Lots of good-sized trout on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, mini jigs, and trout worms. Craig Adkinson, Phoenix, caught five, 7.85, 8.97, and 10.40 pounders fishing orange Power worms near the east dam, while Matthew Johnson, Hemet, caught a 7.90-pound trout. Chris Hugunin Jr., San Bernardino, landed a 4.9-pounder. Only one striper report came in this week. Eddie “Fish Taco” Martinez, Fontana, caught a 15-pound striper. No catfish reported this week, but there has been fair to good action in the third cove to the right of the marina, near the rock quarry, and in the inlet for the few cat anglers fishing the lake. Mackerel and shrimp are the best baits. The launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The trout bite dominates with the best action in Sail Cove and at lots 11 and 12 on rainbow Power Bait. Top trout of the week was a 2.5-pounder pulled out by Alan Stewart, Moreno Valley, on Power Bait. DFG trout plant went in this week. Bass action fair to good with some fish to four pounds caught around the marina on plastic worms, nightcrawlers or topwater lures. Gerard Smith, Oakland Hills, pulled out a 5.14-pound bass on an ox blood plastic. No striper reported this week. DFG trout survey is ongoing. A percentage of each DFG trout plant will have non-reward and reward tags attached on some one to four-pound rainbows from the load. The tags will look like green spaghetti noodles attached right below the dorsal fin. Reward signs indicating information where to return the tags are posted around the launch ramps, marina and lake entrance. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: A 500-pound plant by the DFG went in this week and the bite is good on spoons and small spinners, especially in the mornings. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are also good for the bait anglers. Best bite off Ramp No. 2 and off the east end. A nice 6.2-pound trout was pulled out this week by Richard Russell, Temecula, on a Kastmaster. Striper bite fair to good with fish reported on anchovies off Ramp No. 2. Sam Larson, Corona, caught a 3-8 striper. Bass action slightly better over last week with a fair bite for those fishing deep with worms. Brian Velte, Escondido, caught a five-pound bass. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Anglers are catching the small wipers planted in early January, but these fish must be released. The 18,000 fish were all under eight inches when planted and anglers cannot keep wipers until they reach the 18-inch minimum size. Few reports on other species. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308.
CORONA LAKE: The trout bite has been excellent over the past week with a lot of anglers getting limits of rainbows to three or four pounds and a few bigger trout. In addition, the popular Lightning Trout will be planted this week. The top rainbow reported this past week was a 5-12 that was part of a 10-fish catch that weighed a total of 20 pounds posted by Alex Soto and Anthony Espinoza, both of Murietta, while fishing with Nitro Sizzle from a boat. But the top stringer of the week was a 10-fish catch that weighed 37 1/2 pounds landed by Josh and George Schaeffer, both Murietta, and the big fish was a five-pounder. Art Gutierrez, Alta Loma, landed five trout that totaled 16 1/2-pounds with a 4 1/2-pounder his top fish. Joe Mainwaring, Riverside, also had a five-fish limit that weighed in at 15 1/2 pounds, including a four-pounder. Russ Reynolds and his daughter Katie, both Diamond Bar, landed a stringer of trout and one 3 1/4-pound crappie. Russ landed the crappie and Katie had the top trout at four pounds. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite on worms or plastics.
RANCHO JURUPA: County trout plant this week. DFG trout plant went in last week. Lots of limits reported with trout to two pounds or better. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair trout bite. Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Trout plants are every other week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good to excellent trout bite. Power Bait (in all colors) and nightcrawlers are the most successful baits. Trout are planted twice a month with double loads. Plant last week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. The lake will be open New Year’s Eve and day. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Light fishing pressure with rain and wind this past week, but a few shore anglers reported fair action, mostly on pan-sized trout. Best action on Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers. Chris Pollow, Hemet, landed a five-pound rainbow off the far end of the south side on a popper. Tom Wilkens, and daught Kaitlyn, both Moorpark, were using Power Bait from a boat to land six pan-sided torut. Last DFG plant was Jan. 9. 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: Lightning trout will be planted this week and in two weeks and the stock will include broodstock fish. There has been good trout action, and the top rainbow reported this past week was a 19 1/2-pounder caught by Armando Marquez, Whittier, while fishing with a nightcrawler off La Palma Point. Rick Hansen, Garden Grove, was using the same bait and fishing the same spot to land a 9-8 rainbow. Six-pound rainbows were caught by Gillian McFarland, Pinedale, Wyo., and Nolan Marshall, Yorba Linda, both on chartreuse Nitro Bait. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: Improved weather brought about a better bite, and a 16-6 monster rainbow. Andre Pettwar, Lynwood, pulled out the big beast on Power Bait off the flats. Power mice and Trout Dough are good baits for the rainbows and steelhead. Trollers also did good fishing along the west shore, off the Rocky Point, and near the dam on firetiger-color Rapalas. Steelhead in the three to five-pound range will be stocked just prior to President's Day. Stephen Burridge, Alta Loma, caught a 10-8 rainbow trout on a Needlefish near the dam, and Alex Pastor, Orange, landed an 8-10 rainbow at Trout Island. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout action good with many limits reported, but Jan. 26 was the last trout plant of the season. Hot spots for the trout are at the entrance of the inlet and near launch ramp and to the right of the concession. Top baits are chartreuse or orange Power Bait, red, sherbert Gulp, inflated nightcrawlers dipped in garlic, or fighting frog LipRipperZ lures. Slow bass bite. Crappie and bluegill in the 1/2-pound range have been reported on nightcrawlers or crappie jigs but the bite is tough. Catfish are still showing up. 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: Slow to fair trout action, but the DFG planted trout this week. Trollers are still reporting the best action on Rapalas with a 1-8 to two-pound holdover fish average. Catfish action fair in the narrows on mackerel or nightcrawlers with most fish from three to 10 pounds. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers or small jigs. Bass bite slow to fair, some fish reported from deep water by trout anglers. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: An 1,800-pound trout plant went in this week with fish to a pound. Trout bite fair to good with most caught on Kastmasters, Panther Martins or spinners. Bass action good on plastic worms, nightcrawlers or shad. John Jenson, Camarillo, landed a nine-pound bass on live shad. Chris Makulec, Semi Valley, landed an 8-8 bass on a swimbait. Malcolm McSween, Oak View, pulled out an eight-pounder, while Rick Cloyd, Santa Paula, caught seven and eight-pound bass. Not too much from the cats, although Kathy Naylor, Oxnard, caught a nine-pound catfish on nightcrawlers. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Trout plant from the DFG scheduled for this week. The bite had been slow for the trout. Bass bite good with fish from two to four pounds caught mainly on plastic worms or spinnerbaits. Scott Lizakowski, Canyon Country, caught a 3.5-pound largemouth off shore. Rick Howe, Ventura, pulled out a three-pound largemouth at the dam. Brett Packard, Castiac, caught seven largemouths to a pounds. The striper bite hasn’t been as good as the bass bite. Only a few fish have been caught off the west ramp on cut baits or swimbaits, but some of those fish are rumored to be in double digits. A few catfish have been reported from the upper and lower lake. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant this week with the bite still fairish. Top baits include Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to two pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: No recent trout plants and the bite has slowed down. Action fair for stripers to five pounds on anchovies or nightcrawler. Shad-like swimbaits and cranks are also good producers. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites fair on plastic worms, lures or swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant this week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant 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: DFG trout plant this week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish action on Power Bait and mackerel dipped in attractant. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen this spring. Fees to fish here have gone up, making it $20 per angler and $46 for motor rentals. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The lake reopened Wednesday this week to very light fishing pressure and generally slow action. There were just 34 anglers who reported catching six bass, five channel catfish, and one crappie. The lake will be open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule with boat rentals on the weekends only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Fair bass bite. Crappie action perked. This week 113 anglers checked reported 132 bass and 48 crappie. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: There is surprisingly good bass, bluegill and crappie action here with some nice quality fish of all three species showing in the catch. There were 76 anglers who fished the lake Wednesday this week and they reported catching 99 bass to 4.65 pounds, 59 bluegill to 1.45 pounds, 32 crappie to 2.05 pounds, and one 8.95-pound channel catfish. 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: Two anglers walked in on Wednesday this week and caught seven bass to 3.95 pounds in what appears to be a very good pre-spawn bass bite with the fish already moving shallow thanks to the warm weather. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: No report. DFG trout plant last week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR:. This week the 124 anglers checked reported 59 rainbows and two bass. The water level will drop this week. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing, but will reopen for fishing and boating on Saturday, March 7. The lake will then be open on weekends only, but will not have rental boats available. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: A 1,500-pound plant of trout went in this week. The current trout bite is good, especially in Willow and Boat Dock Cove on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Alex Castro, Oceanside, caught a 5-1 trout. Tom Ritter, San Marcos, pulled out a 4-4 trout. Enrico Punzalan, San Marcos, also caught a 4-4 trout, but off the Senior Shoreline. Bass bite fair with some fish caught on crankbaits near Crappie Rock. Scott Osborne, Valley Center, pulled out a 5-5 bass. Clement Miner, Escondido, landed a 5-2 bass. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: No recent plants.
DIXON LAKE: A 1,500-pound trout plant of Nebraskas will go in this week. Trout from two to four pounds have been biting on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Richard Henderson, Encinitas, caught five trout totaling 8-4, including a 4-8, in Whisker Bay. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Big trout continue to show, although trout fishing was much tougher than the last week. Not too many limits, but beautiful Nebraska rainbows in the five to eight-pound range are still being weighed in. The best bet is slow trolling along the back shore of the lake with nightcrawlers. Best lures this week were silver Kastmasters and fire tiger Rapalas. The bass bite is improving with some bigger ones getting active. The catfish bite has slowed down with the Log Boom being the best area to catch one. The bluegill bite is decent in Hidden Bay. Upcoming events: Youth fishing derby set for Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon. Youth 15 and under are welcome. The lake will close at noon on Thursday and will be closed all day Friday in preparation for the derby. During the month of February the gates to Lake Poway will open at 6 a.m. Derby information: www.poway.org. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234
JENNINGS: Trout have a fair bite in Shadow Cove and off Sentry Point on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. A plant of 1,000 pounds of trout went in last week. Bass bite slow but some fish have moved up on the bank in shallow water. Catfish should become more productive, too, and there has been a pretty fair bite in the afternoons. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Lake information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Mark Shandley, San Diego, caught an 11-11 trout, for the new lake record. The overall trout bite is good on Kastmasters. A DFG trout plant of 2,600 pounds of rainbows went in last week. Limits and good-sized trout from two to three pounds have been caught on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Kastmasters or spinners. Bass bite still slow, but a few have been reported on crawdad-colored jigs or shiners. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Trout plant by the DFG last week, and the trout action is very good on nightcrawlers and Power Bait with the best bite at the Lone Pine. Upcoming events: Supervising ranger Willard Lepley offers a free fishing class every Saturday at 10 a.m. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Crappie bite good on live minnows for shore anglers. Al Serrano, Fountain Valley, caught a 1.5 pound crappie and five channel catfish, including a three-pounder. Linda and Carl Harrison, Anaheim, pulled out eight crappie with most fish in the 3/4-pound range. Lee Doss, San Diego, caught six crappie with a 3/4-pounder his best fish. Lyle Daniels, Santa Ysabel, caught 11 crappie. Open daily 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motor boats are available for rent daily depending on the weather. Large amount of shoreline access and a 150-foot Fishing Float puts anglers in some good areas holding fish. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Trout anglers have been catching fish from Hemmingway to Boulder Bay. Trout have been planted recently and the bite is best just following these plants before the fish scatter. A few stripers were caught near Boulder Bay up to 15 pounds. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash. Some catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. No largemouth reports.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout plants resumed with stockings every Friday. The bite is fair to good on nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. Stripers slow. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Excellent trout bite with limits reported by anglers in only an hour. The bite is best for those fishing Power Bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers, especially in the mornings. A few large stripers have also been caught from Willow Beach to Placer Cove. One angler weighed in a 23-pounder. Shore anglers have been catching fish off the south point on cut baits, anchovies or squid. No reports of largemouth bass. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are once a month at Davis Camp and Riverside. Fair to good action Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Fair striper action for fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. Most stripers are under two pounds. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are still low. Take caution when boat launching. Slow bite for most species with only waves of fair action for the catfish or largemouth. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: John Galbraith, Anglers Pro Shop, Lake Havasu City, reported a good striper bite before dawn on white Rat-L-Traps and Sassy Shads. The daytime bite is slower with limits produced for those slow-trolling anchovies. Shad continue to school up near Thompson Bay and Havasu Springs, so those are the top areas for the stripers. Smallmouth bass hitting soft plastics, Rat-L-Traps and eight to 12-foot diving crankbaits. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Channel catfish and flatheads have both been fair with some to 10 pounds or better reported on shrimp, nightcrawlers dipped in stink and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Fair bass action in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Flathead bite fair with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite slow to fair in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fairish bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Fair flathead action but very light fishing pressure. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fairish catfish bite on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Fish from one to three pounds, with only a few better ones. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits, and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too, but the action is spotty. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot with fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear and bluegill bite. Channel catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite remains good to excellent at the state park headquarter’s jetty. Most of the fish are from six ounces to a pound and hitting nightcrawler pieces fished on the bottom. But there are still very few reports from other areas of the sea with most anglers concentrating on this one spot. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass has been reported. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: Trout plant by the DFG last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG planted trout two weeks ago.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: General trout season reopens April 25th, but year-around and special regulation waters are open now. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: East Walker River remains tough with low flows, about 20 cfs, and freezing nighttime temperatures, but the few locals fishing are finding decent action with one or two grabs from bigger fish over 18 inches in a day of fishing. Mayflies and emergers are what they’re using. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. Improved action in the upper Owens with some of the bigger rainbows stacked up in the bigge pools. When temps rise, above 45, the midges emerge, and there have been good mayfly hatches this past week. The section below the hatchery at Hot Creek is excellent. Start with small midges early. Anglers reporting blue wing olive action during the warmest part of the day. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the Owens River gorge, and lower Owens River remain open to anglers. Flows on the lower Owens are about 200 cfs with good action on some quality fish showing. DFG plant at Pleasant Valley three weeks ago, including some broodstock fish. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the lower Owens and Diaz Lake remain open and fishing has been slow at both. No recent plants. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Crappie bite fair on small minnows. Good trout bite by the auxiliary dam on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week. Jim Vietti, Bakersfield, caught a nine-pound trout on Power Bait. The occasional bass on jigs and spoons. Also pretty decent action on catfish for anglers fishing near the dam with minnows. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for April 4-6. A number of tagged trout worth big cash will be planted for the event. Applications are available at http://derby.kernrivervalley.com. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Slow action in the lower river with only a few trout reported. The upper river is fair on wild fish and a few holdover planters. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good striper bite on blood worms, sand worms, Rat-L-Traps or pumpkin seed Gitzits. The catfish bite is fair on shad.
HART PARK LAKE: Good trout bite on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. DFG trout plant this week. Jackie Lynch, Bakersfield, caught an oddball four-pound spotted bass.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. DFG trout plant this week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant this week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite remains very good with fish caught in the 10-pound range or better. Mike Stiles and Talo Quienroga, both of Bakersfield, each pulled out 15-pound trout this week. Daniel Webb, Bakersfield, caught a 12-8 on a Kastmaster. Javier Barrientos, Bakersfield, landed a six-pound trout. The crappie action is fair to good on small minnows. Fair catfish bite with some big fish pulled out this week, too. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite fair action with fish from 1/2 to 3/4-pounds and better. Crappie jigs and nightcrawlers are best. Striper action also fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Largemouth bass bite fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Trout bite slow, although sporadic reports of fair or better action have come in. Most trout biting the afternoons on Power Bait. Fair largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics, or crankbaits with most fish from two to three pounds and some smallmouth also showing. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: The bite for spotties remains fair to good on plastics, jigs, and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines with the best bite mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite, but more have been showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are slow to fair on crickets or wax and meal worms. Trout bite fair trollers using Needlefish or Kastmasters in 30 to 40 feet. Most fish are from one to two pounds and bait anglers have pulled some out on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Cuddy Creek Pond, El Dorado Park Lakes, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Legg Lakes, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Santa Fe Reservoir.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-City Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Perris Lake, Skinner Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake, Reyes Creek.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Woodward Park Lake.
KERN: Hart Park Lake, Isabella Lake, Lake Truxton, Lake Woollomes, Ming Lake, The Park at River Walk Lake.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

LONG RANGE EPIC: The Excel reported in on Monday with a 290-pound yellowfin caught by long-time long-range angler Robert Buckland on a fly-lined sardine. His personal best. Total of fish for the day was 22 from 140 to 290 pounds, including a 248, 237, 217, and 208. The Shogun reported in on the same day and Bruce Smith said “there were 200 pounders doing back flips on the stern” with eight anglers hooked up with big fish at the same tme. Top fish for the day was a 220-pounder. This bite for the long-range fleet south of Cabo San Lucas has been spectacular again this season, but these trips will be winding down soon.
MEXICAN ROCKFISH, YELLOWTAIL: The one and two-day boats out of San Diego continue to find awesome fishing for rockfish and more and more yellowtail are showing up in these catches. In the past week the Apollo out of Fisherman’s Landing was on a 1 1/2-trip with 21 anglers who caught four yellowtail, 173 rockfish, and 33 lingcod. The Black Pearl out of Point Loma Sportfishing was on a two-day ay trip with 12 anglers who caught 35 whitefish, 109 rockfish, six lingcod, and 90 red snapper. The Holiday, also out of Point Loma Sportfishing, was on a 1 1/2-trip with 23 anglers who landed two yellowtail, eight sheephead, 80 rockfish, 25 lingcod, and 115 red snapper, while the Constitution out of H&M Landing, also on a 1 1/2-day, was out with 22 anglers who caught 110 rockfish and 44 lingcod.
ISLAND UPDATE: Catalina Island is starting to show some signs of white seabass action. A couple diehard anglers have reported back that a few fish were starting to show this past week on live squid, but this bite has been up and down, and with a winter storm rolling in, things will likely slow again. There have been awesome conditions with summer-like weather over at Catalina for the past week.
HALIBUT DERBY: Long Beach Sportfishing’s annual Halibut derby “The Pot-of-Gold” is under way, and will continue until Sunday March 15th. The anglers catching the top 25 fish of the tournament will be entered into the March 21st fish off. Entry fee is $50, with $6 put into the Pots-of-Gold jackpots ($3 to the final prize pot, $2 to the weekly prize, and $1 to the weekly runner up). The Largest fish of the tournament wins an annual free pass at Long Beach Sportfishing. The largest fish everyday wins a free pass. Fred Ichikawa of Torrance currently leads the tournament with a 28.55 halibut.
WINTER BASS ACTION: The rockfish closure has made local sportboat skippers creative and they’ve found a pretty good winter time bass bite along much of the coast. The New Del Mar had two 1/2 day trips on Monday where 30 anglers caught two calico bass, 65 sand bass, two sculpin, and a trigger fish. The Spitfire our of Redondo Sportfishing on a two 1/2 day trips with 17 anglers who landed three calico bass, 70 sand bass, 20 perch, and 12 sculpin. The Southern Cal out of Pierpoint Sporfishing on Sunday’s 1/2 day trip had 29 anglers who caught 61 sand bass, 12 sculpin, and 93 perch. The Patriot out of Newport Sportfishing had 23 anglers on its half-day trip on Sunday catch 11 sand bass, 67 sculpin, and 20 perch. This isn’t half-bad fishing for the dead of winter.
SPORTFISHING SATURDAYS RADIO: “Sportfishing Saturdays,” a new fishing-only radio program on KLAC 570, is anchored by Philip Friedman, the founder and "voice" of 976-Tuna, is in a new show that is already move up to a new, more heavily heard time lot starting this week. The new show will air from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with live on-the-spot updates from across Southern California, listener call-ins, and giveaways. Friedman’s show joins at least four other fishing radio shows airing in Southern California.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting instructional charters throughout the year, offering advice to beginning or veteran anglers and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. Some of the first trips of the year are two-day island freelance trips aboard the Big Game 90 for white seabass, yellowtail, calico bass and rockfish. The first of these trips leaves April 1, followed by trips on April 26 and May 10. Cost for these trips is $200 per person and they fill up quickly. For more information on upcoming 976-TUNA instructional charters, call 310-328-8426 or go to the website at www.976-TUNA.com.

LANDING CONTACTS

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

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

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

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

RECENT BIG CATCHES

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

January 31, 2009 - Katie Reynolds, Diamond Bar, holds a stringer of trout and crappie she and her dad, Russ, caught at Corona Lake. Katie landed the four-pound rainbow on the stringer and Russ caught the 3 1/4 pound crappie.

January 22, 2009 - Bob Caffey, Palmdale, with an eight-pound broodstock rainbow caught from Pleasant Valley Reservoir in the Eastern Sierra.

January 19, 2009 - James Patterson, Palmdale, holds up a pan-sized tilapia he caught while fishing the Salton Sea. Patterson had never fished the Sea before, but came with friends from church who are regulars. They were all filling their ice chests with the tasty fish.

January 15, 2009 - Jay Preston of La Puente with 23-inch and 19-inch trout caught in the Lower Owens.

January 10, 2009 - Here are the top three fish from the Glen Helen derby this past week. Listed from top to bottom: Alex Valenzuela, Los Angeles, with his 12-8 trout, Gary Rodriguez, San Bernardino, with a 10-11, and Richard Rivas, Fontana, with a 10-9.
 

January 4, 2009 - Matt Herrera, Vista, with a 4-12 rainbow trout he landed at Wohlford Lake fishing a yellow trout plastic.

December 26, 2008 - Glen Casale, Trabuco Canyon, landed this 14-2 rainbow trout at Irvine Lake the day after Christmas.

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

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

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

December 7, 2008 - Cobra Rondeau, Yucaipa, age 12, with a three-pound rainbow trout caught from Yucaipa Regional Park lake.

December 6, 2008 - Aaron Karbowski of Azusa with a three-pound Nebraska Tailwalker caught at Santa Ana River Lakes.

November 29, 2008 - Peter Steinwald, 12, of Upland caught and released this two-pound smallmouth bass -- his first -- while fishing the Coachella Canal south of Indio. He was throwing a spinnerbait.

November 28, 2008 - Brenden Gates of Fullerton shows off his 21 1/2-pound rainbow caught at Santa Ana River Lakes while fishing strawberry Nitro Bait at the boat dock.

November 26, 2008 - Ryan Webb (left) and Allan Cole, the designer of the A.C. Plug, where fishing Lake Mojave the day before Thanksgiving to land 27 striped bass totalling 270 pounds. They are holding up the four biggest fish 28, 26, 20 and 20 pounds. All caught on A.C. Plugs. The pair are from Henderson, Nev.

November 9, 2008 - Stefan Guintoli of San Diego caught this 8-4 trout on spoons in Half Moon Bay of Lake Poway.

October 30, 2008 - Glenn Harwood, Long Beach, caught this nice three-pound rainbow while trolling in Bridgeport Reservoir.

October 30, 2008 - Frank Duarte, Huntington Beach, with his 12.2-pound rainbow trout taken from Irvine Lake's Sierra Cove while fishing a yellow and white mini jig.

October 30, 2008 - Michael Ross, Garden Grove, llimited on rainbows to three pounds and browns to four pounds at Bridgeport Reservoir by slow, slow, slow trolling Rapalas and broken back Rebela (No. 7s in brown and rainbow trout or bright orange).

October 19, 2008 - This almost lake record, 93.40-pound blue catfish, was caught by Michael Williams, National City, on mackerel from Harvey Arm of Lower Otay.

October 11, 2008 - Pam Kalina, Big Bear City, with new Big Bear Lake record bass. The fish weighed 5.9-pounds and Kalina caught the fish on a firetiger Rapala off Juniper Point last week.

October 9, 2008 - Randy Muirhead, Glen Ivy, broke his own lake record for largemouth bass at Corona Lake by catching an 18 1/4-pounder  while fishing a crawdad-colored crankbait from his pontoon float tube.

October 4, 2008 -  Brian Cummings, Inglewood, caught this 23-pound albino catfish at Lower Otay on mackerel from the bouy line.

October 2, 2008 - Don Roberts of Valley Center nailed this 4-pound rainbow on a jig at Lake Sabrina.

September 20, 2008 - Mits Onizuka of Irvine with a 17-pound channel catfish caught on mackerel in the flats at Irvine Lake.

September 8, 2008 - Terrence Berg holds up Patrick Raahauge’s 27-pound yellowfin tuna caught 20 miles off Mission Bay.

September 2, 2008 - This 17-10 largemouth bass was landed at Corona Lake by Randy Muirhead of Glen Ivy setting a new lake record. It is also one of the best bass landed in Southern California this year.

August 22, 2008 - Donavan Swan, Fontana, caught a stringer of catfish totaling 24-8 on mackerel fishing near the boat dock at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 18, 2008 - Eddie Rodriguez and Freedie Lopez, both of Wilmington, caught this nice bunch of catfish totaling over 27 pounds while fishing with mackerel at Santa Ana River Lakes.

August 9, 2008 - Jeremy Smith of Twentynine Palms caught this 4-pound class bass out of Evans Lake.

July 25, 2008 - Derek "Kid Wiper" Snyder with a seven-pound, six-ounce wiper taken in Lake Elsinore, off Rocky Point. Notice the much larger girth compared to a striped bass.

July 23, 2008 - Adam Cavazos, Menifee, caught this 4-9 largemouth bass near the west dam of Diamond Valley Lake on a crank bait.

June 26, 2008 - Jose Garlejo of Escondido caught this 18-6 blue catfish at Lake Wohlford.

June 26, 2008 - Doug Bader, Orange, with an 11 1/2-pound catfish he caught on mackerel with Nitro Gravy at Santa Ana River Lake while fishing from a boat near Levitz' Corner.
 

June 24, 2008 - Lake Perris gave up these four limits of rainbow trout to trollers, left to right, Bob Camp, Tom Roberts, Paul Ringdahl, and Bob Ghossain, all of Riverside. They were fishing in 30 feet of water at the dam with Needlefish, and the fish went up to 3 1/2 pounds.

June 18, 2008 - Cliff McDonald, Needles, holds a pair of stripers, both in the four-pound range, he caught at Lake Mohave.

June 15, 2008 - Scott Lopez, Indio, landed this striped bass weighing 4.8 pounds fishing a nightcrawler on four-pound test line in the Coachella Canal near Indio.

June 15, 2008 - Dan Doran, Bishop, hauled in a 5-3/4 pound rainbow from Sabrina Lake fishing a Thomas Buoyant.

June 13, 2008 - Adrian Pintor, North Hollywood, nailed this nice 15.6-pound Irvine Lake channel cat on cut mackerel fishing on Santiago Flats.

June 13, 2008 - Gavin Velasco of Poway with 3.5-pound, 3.4-pound, and 2.6-pound trout caught on nightcrawlers off the Lake Poway pier.

June 13, 2008 - Vincent Hunt of Moreno Valley with a 26-8 catfish caught on J.D.'s Catfish Bait near the trees in the south end of Corona Lake.

June 8, 2008 - Alex Benton of Long Beach nailed this 13.06 pound channel catfish on Irvine Lake's Santiago Flats while fishing mackerel.

June 7, 2008 - this 42-pound flathead was caught by Brian Cummings, Inglewood, from the Colorado River - Palo Verde area on a bluegill.

June 7, 2008 - Lee Bell of Bishop caught this 3-3/4 pound rainbow at Lake Sabrina on rainbow Gulp.

June 7, 2008 - Lori Carnahan, Sky Valley, caught this 3 1/4-pound brown trout at Lake Sabrina on a Rapala.