February 6, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. With the better weather, 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 up into the eight pound class with better fish always possible. Tops this past week was a near 10-pounder. 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 lurking just off the San Diego coast is still a good bet. Weather has been a hindrance much of the past week, but the squid are there in good numbers and 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.
3. The striped bass action at Pyramid Lake is starting to come back on. 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. A lot of these fish have been from two to five pounds, but some bigger stripers are always possible. Do check with the folks at the concession at 661-257-2790 to get an update before you go.


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 latest 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: Diamond Valley, Casitas, and Castaic were all pretty good before the latest storms 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 but two weeks of weather have lulled those bites. There were signs they were all coming back on at mid-week. 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, with Diamond Valley leading the way with a decent bite. Casitas and San Vicente are also places to watch. Little Corona Lake cranked out a 31-plus this week. On the Colorado River, most of the catfish bites were improving with warmer weather this week. 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. Tommy Salley, Hesperia, caught a two-pound trout. Jim Logan, Redlands, caught a 1-8 trout. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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. Daniel Padilla, Upland, caught a five-pound striper. Catfish action slow to fair on mackerel and chicken liver. The fish are deep by the dam and in Quarry Cove. Largemouth bite fair on worms, plastics, 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 the sandy point. Still the occasional sturgeon showing. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Anglers had to use a little of everything to catch their limits this week with power bait ( especially rainbow and red, white and blue), inflated night crawlers seasoned with garlic, and small lures all bringing in trout to two pounds with some over three. Hot spots included the western shore (from the pump house to the drain) and eastern logged shore (including the grassy point) of lake 3, and the northern, eastern and western shores of lake 2. Bite remained pretty good throughout the day. Catches of the week: Richard Redmond, Ontario, had a 4-11, and Mike Frame, Rancho Cucamonga, caught a 4-2 rainbow. Kevin Strauss, Barstow, had a 3-14, while Steve Crest, Alta Loma landed a 3-4. 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. Very slow other species. 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 this week. County plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Trout action fair on Power Bait (rainbow, yellow and chartreuse), nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range, but there are some out there four pounds, plus. John Angeski, El Monte, caught a 7.2-pound trout. Jacob Ruiz, Ontario, caught a 3.2-pound trout. Roland Andrade, Chino, caught the first ever brown trout out of Prado, a 2.6-pounder, and stands as the lake record. DFG trout plant this week. The occasional whiskerfish has been brought in on mackerel or on any trout bait. County trout plants of 1,000 pounds will be made each Thursday through April 17, and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. No fishing on stocking days. Upcoming events: Annual fishing derby set for Saturday. $10 entry fee per person. $7 parking fee. Lake will be closed Thursday and Friday in preparation for the event. 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. DFG trout plant this 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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 last week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Bass action picked up to a fair bite. Carolina-rigged plastics and worms have been the top choice for bass anglers. Anglers are also using swimbaits near the dams and off the marina in 15 feet, in the mornings. The recent bass tournament had some anglers pull out some nice fish. David Valdivia and Cory Schleiden won top prize with the winning stringer weight of 26.25 pounds. A number of decent fish were landed outside of the tournament. Will Decker, San Marcos, caught a 9.82-pound trout. The recent weather has made the trout bite tough. Shore anglers are having to put in some extra work for their stringers, but are still pulling the trout out. Best action has been on green or rainbow Power Bait, Inflated nightcrawlers, Power eggs, Kastmasters and mini jigs. Daniel Gonzales, Murrieta, caught a 7.25-pound trout. Adam Cavazos, Menifee, landed a 5.15-pound trout on a Roostertail. 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. Melvin Hyde, Hemet, caught 8.89 and 7.10-pound cats on shrimp along the wave attenuator. Fair panfish action near the stairways on live worms in 20 to 30 feet. Frankie Romeo, Temecula, landed a 2.84-pound crappie at the east dam with a cool spin lure. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Fair bass action this week, although the fish are in deep water, 20 to 30 feet or more. They have primarily been in Sail Cove on nightcrawlers and swimbaits. Joe Taylor, San Diego, landed a seven-pound bass. Jeff Burky, Riverside, landed a two-pound bass. Fair to good trout bite. Anglers are using green, white, pink or rainbow Power Bait, worms, or Kastmasters at lots 5, 11 and 12. Most of the fish are averaging about a pound. Jimmy Smith, Temecula, caught a three trout in the one-pound range. DFG trout plant this week. 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. This week’s DFG plant should feed the bite more. Joe Marquez, Menifee, caught a 2-7 rainbow on nightcrawlers off the launch ramp. Bud Mitchell, Romoland, landed a 2-5 on Power Bait off the west end. Fair to good striper action on chicken liver and anchovies in the inlet. Steve Bruno, Running Springs, landed a three-pound striper on anchovies. 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: Trout action was slow until Sunday and then began improving with better weather. A few limits posted with most of the fish up to three pounds showing on floating baits or inflated nightcrawlers doused with scent and fishing on a short leader. The fish are cruising near the bottom. Wes Wright, Fullerton, caught a 10 1/2-pound rainbow. There were also a few cats reported in the murky water, including a 31 3/4-pounder. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits right after plants. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the season. Fair bite on small spinners and floating baits. Fair catfish bite from all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Fair trout action with some trophy rainbows still in the mix, including several fish over nine pounds. The lake is closed Mondays. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake will be planted with 500 pounds of rainbow trout each week through spring. The bite has been very good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The 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. The lake will be open on President’s Day. 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. 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: Rain made the fishing spotty all week here and the water is off-color. Still, there have been some quality trout landed with seven trout over 10 pounds reported. Top fish was a 12 1/2-pounder landed by Adam Kelleher, El Monte, on a nightcrawlers at the Bubble Hole. Chris Rhodes, Santa Ana, landed a 12-even, while an 11 3/4-pounder was caught by Nick Nunez, Buena Park. There were a pair of 11 1/4-pound rainbows, one landed by Wayne McDonough, Placentia, and the other by Dan Speece, Cerritos. Nitro Bait, Power Bait, or inflated nightcrawlers doused with Nitro Gravy are the best baits. 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: The trout action is fair to good with a number of stringers with quality fish in the two to five-pound range on each. Rainbow, brown, brook and steelhead trout are all biting 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 and off the Santiago Flats. Craig Atkinson, Orange, landed a 12.1-pound trout, while Joe Sacco, Alhambra, landed an 11.4-pounder. John Hudspith, Torrance, caught an 11-pound trout. Bass action slowed to a halt this week. Fish off the rockpikes on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits with anglers to try and land a few bass. 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: President’s Day Derby set for Feb. 16-18. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: 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 went in last. 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 this week. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Wind and bad weather kept the bass and trout action slow, but Saturday's bass tournament still had 49 boats entered. Todd Holder, Ojai; and Louis Merietta, Ventura, took the $4,080 grand prize home with the best limit, 24.46 pounds, on jigs and swimbaits. Their top fish was a 7.99-pounder. The large fish prize, nearly $1,000, went to Jerry J. Ballesteros, Los Angeles, who landed an 8.23-pound bass. Not too much bass action outside of the tournament. The fish are in 30 feet and anglers are using lead head jigs, and worms. Trout action is minimal, but this week's DFG plant at the Santa Ana Launch Ram should get things going. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair bass action on plastics, cranks and spinnerbaits in 10 to 35 feet. John Murphy, Hemet, landed a four-pound largemouth in the Fish Arm. Tom Stout, Granada Hills, caught a three-pound largemouth. The striper bite is fair on big plugs and cut baits at first light through 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to dusk in 20 to 80 feet. Also an occasional striper landed on swimbaits and topwater baits. DFG trout plant this week. 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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: Slowish 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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: No 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 two weeks ago. 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 two weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Some decent trout action at the drop offs. Some fair carp action with fish in the 1-8 to two-pound range on dough balls. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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: Good bass bite. This week 159 anglers reported catching 198 bass, 43 crappie, two channel cats and two blue cats. 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. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: 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: Decent bass bite. This week 60 anglers reported 35 bass and one crappie. The lake is open Saturday and Sunday for fishing from sunrise to sunset. Rentals are available both days. The shoreline from the launch ramp to the buoy line is closed to all activities. Lake information: 619-465- 3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: This week’s 64 anglers checked reported 25 rainbow trout and 15 bass. DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Fair rainbow trout action. This week 91 anglers checked reported 74 rainbow trout and four bass. 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: Plenty of trout are biting, and the wealth should continue with another 1,200-pound load of rainbows going in. Best fish was taken by Gary Gregson of Escondido, who landed a 6-8 rainbow trout on a white Power worm off the Senior Shoreline. 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. The lake is open seven days a week. There is a temporary ban on private boat launches, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to quagga mussels. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: The pond is temporarily closed. The Poomacha Fire left damages to Palomar Mountain and surrounding areas, which need cleaning. No damage was done to the actual pond.
DIXON: Fair trout action on green Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or small gold Kastmasters. The best spots have been in the Trout Cove area and at the buoy line. Most trout are about one to two pounds. A 1,200-pound plant of Mt. Lassens will go in this week. Some bass in the three to five-pound range have been hitting black and purple or brown and purple plastic worms. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Saturday’s kid’s fishing derby topped 600 kids. Julie Ann Mackey, 6, San Diego, was the grand prize winner and landed the top fish of the competition, a 4.55-pound trout. Brad Pifer, 14, La Mesa, took the first place prize for the 12-15 age group with a 4.48-pound trout on Power Bait off the east shoreline. Josh Lemmon, 14, Lakeside, took second with a 4.3-pound trout. Third went to David Evans, 14, El Cajon, who landed a 4.24-pound trout on nightcrawlers in Half Moon Bay. Kaylee Betscher, 8, Poway, took first for the 8-11 group with a 4.35-pound trout on nightcrawlers off the dock. Russell May, 11, Rancho Bernardo, achieved second with a 3.89-pound trout on Power Bait off the north shoreline. Thomas Mackey, 9, Poway, grasped third and landed a 3.8-pound trout. Simon Bodjanact, 5, Fallbrook, was the first place winner for the 7 and under competition with a 4.46-pound trout. Gillian Brown, 5, Clairemont, had second with a 4.43-pound trout. Third place went to Trevor Burnett, 7, Chula Vista, who landed a 4.3-pound trout. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. The lake will be open on President’s Day. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: A few sparks of trout and bass action, but the bites for both species is still rough. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the top baits for the trout off Eagle Point and near Cactus Patch. Crawdads, Ikas or Gitzits are the top baits for the bass in Shadow Cove in 25 feet of water off the points. A 1,200-pound plant of Mt. Lassens will go in this week. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The lake will be open on President’s Day. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The lake has loads of trout in it, but the fish are being stubborn and have gone deep. Try Power Bait and Kastmasters near the launch ramp. Bass bite fair for smaller fish on crawdad imitations. Other species are slow. The boat launch is open. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: A 1,200-pound Mt. Lassen plant will go in this week with some trophy trout in the mix. Look for the trout off the shoreline and use scented baits. Five tagged trout still remain in the lake. Laura Manzini, San Diego, caught a 2-4 rainbow trout on dough bait. Bill Guffy, Santee, landed a two-pound trout on nightcrawlers from Chambers Park. Mike Anderson, San Diego, caught a 1-12 trout on Power Bait off the North Finger Jetty. 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: Slow to fair crappie bite on crappie jigs, mini jigs and meal worms near the dam and off the docks. 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: Fishing has been slow along the beaches and at Hemenway Point for much of the past week. Recent trout plants generated some striper action, but nothing fast and furious. One angler caught nine stripers at B-4 and B-5 roads during a five-day stretch last week. Trout have been hitting baits following the plants by Nevada Division of Wildlife. Cut bait is still taking small stripers in the Vegas Bay area. A few largemouth and smallmouth bass have been taken near structure in water to 60 feet deep.
WILLOW BEACH: Fishing activity continues to be slow with few anglers braving the weekend weather front to wet a line. Both trout and striper anglers have struggled to catch fish. Some anglers are catching a few 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 and trout bites are very tough. 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. Some catfish reports at night on shrimp or mackerel, and boaters have been catching a few largemouth bass between Katherine Landing and the power lines. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Weekly trout plants at Davis Camp and near The Riverside Resort, where the bite is pretty fair on Power Bait or worms. Slow other species with few reports in the past week.
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 this week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Decent trout bite on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG plant this week. Crappie action good around the docks, but most are small. Also a good bullhead bite. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: Trout season is now closed throughout most of this region. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Only the East Walker River remains open to catch-and-release fishing in this region. Flows are down are very low and the fishing is tough. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.
MAMMOTH AREA: Only Hot Creek and the upper Owens River remain open to fishing, and both of these waters are catch-and-release only. Fair to good action at Hot Creek. Upper Owens seeing a good mid-day bite with some dry fly action 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 good crappie bite around French Gulch Marina on minnows. 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 two weeks ago.
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 two weeks ago.
MING LAKE: 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: The lake is temporarily closed for work on the park’s roads. DFG has no trout plantings scheduled in February.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good trout action with some bigger fish showing each week. Best bite on Power Bait. Sam Tumey, Bakersifeld, caught a 12.5-pound trout on Power Bait. Jose Perez, Bakersfield, landed a nine-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: Decent trout bite on Power Bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. Also a fair catfish bite on mackerel.
SUCCESS LAKE: The levels are up, and anglers are able to launch boats. A decent number of bass have been landed on spoons and jigs. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: 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 this week. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair spotted bass action in the early mornings and in the late evenings with fish in the one to one and a half-pound range. Anglers have been using 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 this 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:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Little Rock Reservoir, Pyramid Lake.
ORANGE: Centennial Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake, Yorba Regional Park Pond.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Perris , Skinner Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake, Lower Otay Lake, Morena Lake, Murray Lake.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake, Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake, Lion Canyon Lake, Santa Ynez River.
IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H.V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure.
MERCED: Los Banos Reservoir, Yosemite Lake.
STANISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Woodward Reservoir, Turlock Lake.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake, Tulloch Reservoir.

CATFISH PLANTS

No Plants.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: The weather has been the story in the Channel Islands this past week. It simply has been too windy and too rough to get anything accomplished at all. On good weather days, the Channel Island fleet is picking at a few sand bass and occasional halibut. With the weather settling down, we hope to see more of that.
LOS ANGELES UPDATE: The story is much the same for the Los Angeles-based landings with weather the biggest obstacle this past week. On good weather days, the local bass bite has been quite good. In fact, in the past month, the 3/4-day Spitfire out of Redondo Sportfishing has landed over 800 sand bass. The Betty G out of Redondo has been doing great, too, with limits of sand bass common. In addition, there has been decent sculpin fishing too. There have also been some decent flurries of bonito fishing at Catalina Island when boats have been able to get across the channel, and there has been more market squid showing up, which precedes a good white seabass bite.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: For the Orange County-based fleet, that action has been limited to sculpin, a few halibut, and some decent sand bass flurries where there is decent weather. It finally looks like we might get a stretch of good weather, so pay attention to www.976-TUNA.Com as we will have the very latest for you.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: The tremendous long range fishing for the San Diego-based boats has continued this past week. Anglers aboard The Excel had wonderful fishing this past week with yellowfin tuna to 280 pounds. In a Saturday phone in to 976-TUNA, Excel skipper Justin Fleck said the anglers on board had a wide open bite on giant yellowfin tuna that lasted well after sundown on their final day of the trip. With better weather, the 1 1/2-day rockcod trips down the Baja coast have been as good as one could want, with big ling cod and reds -- and plenty of them. There has also been a flash of yellowtail from time to time. The local bite for the half- and three-quarter day boat anglers has been a mix of bass, bonito, sculpin, giant squid, and even a few yellowtail. The good weather ahead could improve things.
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.