February 11, 2009

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The lower Colorado River will get touched less by the storm forecast to move through this weekend than waters around our local mountains, and the smallmouth bass action on the Colorado is one of the best kept secrets in the region. This bite is starting to take off in the main river below Lake Havasu, especially along rip-rap between the diversion dam above Blythe and Palo Verde. Some of this fish top four pounds and pull harder than an eight-pound largemouth. For an update on this bite, check with B&B Bait in Blythe at 760-921-2248.
2. Crappie bites are breaking wide open all over the region, especially at lower elevation waters. Perhaps the surest bet on fish to 3/4-pound is Lake Henshaw off the fish dock for anglers fishing small shiners or small jigs tipped with Berkley Niblets. Check with Lake Henshaw at 760-782-3501 for the latest on this action.
3. The largemouth bass bites are really starting to kick into gear and Casitas Lake gets the nod as perhaps the top spot to catch a big largemouth in the region this week. Best fish after the trout plant last week was a 13-12, just one of five bass over 10 pounds reported at the marina. Best action has been on big swimbaits or live shad. For an update, check with the guys at the marina by calling 805-649-2043.
 

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Excellent planted trout action at most of the major players over the past week. Rain didn’t seem to slow this bite much and some waters even improved. Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Laguna Niguel all have been pretty good with the best trout a near-20-pounder at SARL. 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 some quality fish. 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 last week’s trout plant bringing up some big fish over 10 pounds -- as predicted -- on big swimbaits and live shad. The Diamond Valley bass bite has also been pretty good this past week in spite of the weather, and Perris, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway are all worth fishing. 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.
STRIPED BASS: The storms seemed to slow the striper bites again, but Skinner, Castaic, Pyramid, and Silverwood are all fair bets, and a few more fish were reported this past week at Lake Perris. On the Colorado River, the warm weather is really starting to turn on bites from Mohave to the lower river, with Havaus having a particularly good bite 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 continued to sputter. Most Southern California crappie bites are starting to turn on. Top bets include Lake Henshaw for fish to 3/4-pound with Perris starting to turn on for bigger fish. Lower Otay is also turning on with fish to two pounds. Elsinore should also be taking off, but we’re getting few reports from here right now. Casitas cranked out crappie to 3 1/4-pounds in a decent bite. Buena Vista Lakes (near Taft) and the Central Coast lakes of San Antonio and Margarita are also pretty decent bets.
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 is planted with cats each week now, Prado Park Lake, Lake Isabella, and the whole lower Colorado River and river backwaters, ditches, and canals which are all starting to produce more and more channels (with the odd big flathead on the Colorado River).

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Improvement in the trout bite with fair to good action following last week’s 1,000-pound plant by the DFG. Power worms and Power Bait have been the name of the game with the best bite reported in Miller’s and Cleghorn. Jeff Bosewell, Apple Valley and Shirley Nuncas, San Bernardino, each caught a two-pound trout. Anthony Calda, San Bernardino, pulled out a 1-8 trout off the launch ramp. Fair to good striper bite on anchovies or topwater lures in Outhouse Cove. Bass and bluegill bites fair. Bass biting plastic worms or nightcrawlers and the bluegill are going after wax or meal worms in a slow to fair bite. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure, although some trout anglers fishing near the observatory or off the rocks have reported action on worms, nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed and will reopen April 1. 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: Lots of mixed limits of trout and catfish. Jigs, Power Bait, nightcrawlers and mackerel are attracting both species. The grassy bank, north shore and drain are the hot areas to fish. Top rainbow was an 11 3/4-pounder from George Green, Whittier. Felix Perez, Phelan, caught a nine-pounder. Robert Vargas, Hesperia, landed an 8 1/4-pound rainbow, while Ron Hart, Alta Loma, pulled out a 6-8. Big cat for the week was a 16-8 by Steve Johnson, Victorville. No reports of monster sturgeon, but some fish from 10 to 15 pounds have been caught. Reggie Smith, San Bernardino, caught a 15-8, and Shane Martin, Norco, had a 13-pounder. Catfish and trout plants are weekly. 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: The wet weather did little to affect the trout bite. Anglers reported good to excellent action from both lakes on Power Bait (salmon peach, chartreuse and orange) nightcrawlers or jigs. Lures such as Roostertails and Panther Martins are also top producers. A 12-7 rainbow and new lake record was recorded this week by David Cortez, San Dimas. Most trout were from three to five pounds, however, with a few ones nearing the six-pound range. The hot bite areas are off the northern and eastern shores of lake 2 and the northern and eastern shores of lake 3, from the logged shore to the pump house. Larry Well, Apple Valley, caught an 8-11 rainbow. Rey Huerta Jr., Fontana, caught a 7-14 rainbow. Jerry May, Fontana, pulled out a 5-9 on an orange Power worm. Brian Aston, Pinion Hills, reeled in 5-2 and 4-8 trout. Zachary Bedenkamp, 11, Pomona landed a five-pound rainbow. Wes Tanimura, Cypress, caught a 3-15 trout. Jason Orellana, Hesperia, caught 3-13 and 3-4 trout, while Jason O'cull, Phelan, caught a 3-9 rainbow. Upcoming events: Prize Day is Saturday and anglers will compete for tackle, bait, free passes and other items. Prizes for the heaviest trout and limit will be given for children and adult divisions. No special fees are required to participate. The lake’s hatchery stocks 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: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout this 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 bite on Power Bait. County trout plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in two weeks ago. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 4. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Good trout action off the points of park lots one, six, and seven, with the points the best spots. Lots of limits of fish to three pounds and more quality fish are again showing in the catch. Top rainbow was a 14-pounder caught by Adres Tapia, Los Angeles, on Power Bait at Lot No. 1. Ryan Phua, Chino, landed an 11-2 rainbow at Lot 1, while Richard Danaher, Placentia, caught a 9-13 off the point. Brett Huizar, Corona, had two nearly identical 7 1/2-pound rainbows. County trout plants are each week through April, and a DFG plant went in two weeks ago. Catfish action has been fair, but a few quality fish are showing. Alex Lo, Pomona, landed a seven-pound catfish to top off his five-fish limit of cats fishing with nightcrawlers and shrimp at the dam spillway. 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. Top rainbow reported was a 7 1/2–pounder caught by four-year-old Nicholas Luna, Fontana, on lime green Power Bait. Jose Goni, Mentone, landed five rainbows that weighed 22 1/4-pound total, while John Boatman, Yucapia, had a five-fish limit that weighed in at 9 1/2 pounds. County plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in last week. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Very good to excellent trout bite for those using Power Bait or mackerel. County trout plants with 1,000 pounds of fish are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in two weeks ago. 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 two weeks ago. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Largemouth bass bite is good with quality fish from seven to nine pounds reported by anglers drop-shotting four-inch worms or fishing underspins, swimbaits, crankbaits, and Senkos. The east dam, north shore points, and the west dam are the top bass spots. Rick Rivera, Menifee, caught the top bass of the week, a nine-pounder on plastic worms. Big trout over five pounds have been caught on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, mini jigs, Kastmasters, and Rapalas. Ricardo Martinez, San Jacinto, caught a 7.33-pound trout. Terry Ferrell, Riverside, caught a 7.14-pound trout fishing the east dam with a Kastmaster. Kristina Pulido, Hemet, pulled out a 6.8-pounder. Valene Omullance, Hemet, reeled in a 6.32-pound trout on Power eggs fishing just off the marina. Anthony Givia, San Bernardino, landed a 6.14-pound trout on a Rapala on the east dam. Kai Jayden Nostrates, 7, Menifee caught two trout totaling 9.5 pounds. Michael McGill, Lake Elsinore, caught a 23-pound stringer of trout. The stripers were affected by the storm and only a few were caught. Austin Hough, Cherry Valley, landed a 14.3-pound striper off the rock quarry with a Spro BBZ-1. Eddie “Fish Taco” Martinez, Fontana, caught seven and six-pound stripers. Catfish bite fair to good in the cove to the right of the marina, the rock quarry, and the inlet on mackerel and shrimp. Jason Bush, Temecula, caught an 11.31-pound cat on hot dog. 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: Just a fair overall bite, although the action for trout and stripers perked in the past few days. Good trout bite at lots 11 and 12 and off the docks on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Herman Dominguez, Moreno Valley, caught a three-pound trout. Stripers biting cut baits and mackerel in Sail Cove and at lots 11 and 12. A 21-pounder was caught by Marc Higashi, Los Alamitos, from the dam area. Some crappie action in the mix with a fair bite on small jigs with fish to three pounds. 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 trout plant by the DFG went in two weeks ago, but the bite is still solid. Good, consistent action on Power Bait, spinnerbaits and nightcrawlers off the east end reported. Frank Rodriguez, Corona, caught a 5-8 trout off Ramp No. 2. A four-pound trout was caught by Robert Jameson, Palm Springs. Striper bite fair to good with fish reported on anchovies off Ramp No. 2. Frank Johnson, Los Angeles, caught a seven-pound striper while Robert Lopez, Oceanside, landed a five-pounder. Bass action slightly better over last week with a fair bite for those fishing deep with worms. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Fair to good action on small wipers that must be released. A load of 18,000 fish went in the first week of January. The 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: Rain didn’t seem to dampen the good trout bite over the past week, but it did cut back on the crowd in spite of the first plant this season of Lightning Trout last week. Most of the Lightning Trout were in the one to two-pound range and a lot of five-fish limits weighed in at 10 pounds or more, with most of the heavier stringers holding a kicker rainbow or two. Joseph Hernandez, Pomona, had the top trout reported with a six-pounder he landed on a nightcrawler while fishing from a boat. Wes Wright, Fulleton, had one of the better stringers -- a catch of eight trout on pink Nitro worms that weighed in at 18 1/2 pounds. Plants of Nebraska Tailwalkers this week and Lightning Trout again next week. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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 last week. DFG trout plant went in two weeks ago. 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. 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 snow much of the past week, but those braving the elements found good action from shore. Chad Wilson, with Raul and Henry Ramirez, all Morongo, each had three trout each to four pounds along with a seven-pound carp. They were shore fishing at Camp 5 with Power Bait. DFG trout plant this week. 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: Rainbow trout to 19 1/2 pounds and Lightning Trout filled stringers here over the past week in a very good bite. The 19 1/2-pound rainbow caught by Art Hasegawa, Diamond Bar, while fishing with a nightcrawlers at Levitz’ Corner. The next biggest trout reported was a 7 1/4-pound rainbow landed by Felix Romero, South El Monte, as part of a two-fish stringer that also included a 6 1/2-pound rainbow. Top stringer was caught by Vince Virgen, Buena Park, who landed five trout that weighed 24 3/4 pounds total while fishing strawberry Nitro Bait. His best trout was a 6 1/2-pounder. Larry Orduno, Anaheim, had five rainbows that weighed 16 3/4 pounds, including a 5 1/4-pounder, while Larry Stiles, Covina, had five that weighed in at 15 pounds with his top fish a four pounder. Nebraska Tailerwalkers to be planted this week and Lightning Trout again next week. 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: The trout seemed to love the rainy weather. The bite was good to excellent throughout the storm and continued strong after. Nightcrawlers and chartreuse Power Bait are the most popular baits with the best bite off the west shore, in Boat Dock Cove, and off Trout Island. Most rainbows were from one to five pounds. Also, a few exotic brook trout to five pounds were caught on nightcrawlers. Robert Vandevelde, Silverado, pulled out the top fish of the week, a 12-4 rainbow. Derek Peters, Costa Mesa, landed a 5-4 brook trout in Woody’s Cove, while Jonathen Ceruz, Lakewood, caught a 2-10 brookie. The lake received a trout plant last week and steelhead will be planted late this week in time for President’s Day weekend fishing. Fair bite for both the bass and bluegill. Some anglers reported up to 20 bass per day up to two pounds in 20 to 40 feet of water on jigs and drop-shot baits. Most bluegill reported in 10 to 35 feet on meal worms or crappie nuggets with fish over a pound showing. A few catfish have been caught around the submerged trees, and wherever creeks are running into the lake. Upcoming events: Western Outdoor News trout tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Anglers must pre-register for the tournament at irvinelake.net or at wonews.com. Anyone not preregistered for the event will not be permitted to fish that day. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: A load of trophy rainbows with fish from eight to 12 pounds went in Monday. The bite is good to excellent on inflated nightcrawlers, Power Bait, white Power worms or fighting frog LipRipperZ lures. The points and launch ramp are the hot areas. No recent bass or catfish reports. 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: DFG trout plant by the DFG last week with fair to good action on trout to two pounds for trollers using Rapalas or Kastmasters. Bait anglers are fishing Power Bait, nightcrawlers or plastic worms. Lisa Lee, Garden Grove, caught 1-2 and 1-4 trout. Catfish bite 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: Last Tuesday’s trout plant sparked the bass action and swimbaits were the ticket after the plant and some pre-storm action on shad. Top fish of the week was a 13 3/4-pounder by Kirk Menne, Casitas. He also caught an 11-8. Paul Baradat, Oxnard, landed a 10 1/4-pound bass. Matt Maclenic, Ventura, landed a 10-2. Angel Perez, Santa Paula, caught a 10-pound bass, while Travis Walters, Oak View, caught 8-9 and eight-pound bass. Lastly, Mike Kane, Camarillo, pulled out five, seven, and eight-pound bass on shad. The trout bite was good just following the plant, with small fish under a pound caught on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Nothing happening with the catfish. Some crappie reported this week, including a 3.6-pound crappie caught on the 10-pound stringer of three by Shaun Flaherty, Ventura. 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: The bite had been slow for the trout, and last week’s scheduled DFG plant never came. Bass kept anglers occupied, however. Good action reported by many in shallow waters, primarily five to 10 feet, on plastics and spinnerbaits. Not too many caught fish reported, although Alberto Rodriguez, Bell Gardens, caught a four-pound bass on swimbaits. Only a few stripers have been caught off the west ramp on cut baits or swimbaits. Catfish remain in the talk with some action reported from the upper and lower lake. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant last 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: Sluggish trout bite with light pressure and no plants in the past month and a half. Action fair for stripers to five pounds on anchovies or nightcrawler. Shad-like swimbaits, spinnerbaits 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 last week. Good bite for trout on nightcrawlers Crappie, bass and bluegill bites fair. Nightcrawlers producing for the bass with mini jigs working best for crappie and bluegill. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen in May. 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 last week and it will operate on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule with boat rentals on the weekends only. The 80 anglers checked reported just 24 bass, five channel catfish and three crappie in very spotty action. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Fair bass bite and a few crappie are showing. This week 94 anglers checked reported 117 bass, 25 crappie and three blue catfish. 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: This week 221 anglers reported 188 bass to 4.65 pounds, 110 crappie to two pounds, 86 bluegill to 1.45 pounds and 20 channel catfish. Steve Rice, Lakeside, pulled out 12 crappie totaling 15.95 pounds with a 1.95-pound top fish on mini jigs. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: This week six anglers pulled out 15 bass to nearly four pounds. 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: Very slow. This week 32 anglers reported eight bass. 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 90 anglers checked reported 87 rainbow trout, three channel catfish and one bluegill. 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: Currently closed, 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 last week with another one set for next Wednesday. The early trout bite from dawn until 10 a.m. is very good to excellent. Willow and Boat Dock Coves are the most productive areas for the trout, especially for those fishing nightcrawlers. Lang Nguien, San Marcos, caught the top fish of the year, a 6-7 trout on cheese and Power Bait in Boat Dock Cove. Hank White, La Costa, pulled out a 5-5 trout on rainbow Power Bait off the Senior Shoreline. Bob Blackburn, Escondido, caught a 4-8 trout. Channel Catfish action fair to good on cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and night crawlers near the South Shore Rock Pile and in Oakvale Cove. Some bass action stirring up with some five pounders reported in the rocky outcroppings. Lake Wohlford Road will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in preparation for The Tour of California bicycle race. The race itself will bring on road closures on Sunday, Feb. 22nd between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Fees at the lake have increased; adults are $7, seniors are $5 and youths are $5. Boats rent for 17, half boats are $14, motorboats are $35, half motorboats are $30, and bass boat rentals are $46 to $50. 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 Nebraska Tailwalkers went in last week. Trout from two to four pounds have been biting on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Fees have increased; adults are $7, seniors are $5 and youths are $5. Boats rent for 17, half boats are $14, motorboats are $35, half motorboats are $30, and bass boat rentals are $46 to $50Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The lake belonged to kids 15 and under during last Saturday’s youth derby. The grand prize went to Trevor Burnett, 8, Chula Vista, who caught a 6.93-pound trout on nightcrawlers. The first place winner for the 12-15-year group was Scott Cranny, 12, Scripps Ranch, who caught a 6.84-pound trout. First place for the 8-11-year group went to James Martin, 11, San Marcos, who pulled out a 6.06-pound trout on Power Bait. The first place fish for seven and under was a 6.03-pound trout by Reily Retherford, 3, Escondido, on Power Bait. More trout were pulled out aside from the derby with the best action reported on Kastmasters and firetiger Rapalas. Ines Chavarin, San Diego, caught a 6.7-pound trout on a Power worm off shore. A flurry of catfish action reported, too. Mario Gonzalez, National City, landed a nine-pound catfish on nightcrawlers off the east shore, and other fish in the five to seven-pound range were reported. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234
JENNINGS: The trout bite improved over the past few weeks with good action reported in Half Moon and Shadow Coves on inflated nightcrawlers. Fair to good big bass action reported for those drop-shoting jigs in 25 to 35 feet. Creature baits and swimbaits have also been productive. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and will also be open Monday, February 16 for President’s Day. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. hosting by Ranger Hugh Marx. For information call 619-443-2510. Lake information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The trout bite is solid with fish to six pounds. DFG trout plant this week. Limits are common with most action reported 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 remain the talk here with good action on nightcrawlers and Power Bait with the best bite at the Lone Pine. DFG trout plant week before last and a plant from Jess Ranch slated for this week. 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 continues to dominate and anglers have reported good to excellent action on minnows, especially in the holes in the Fish-N-Float dock. Feng Yu, El Monte, caught seven crappie to 3/4 pounds. Lee Dos, San Diego, caught 23 crappie, with his top fish was also a 3/4-poundr. Al Herter, Hemet, caught a 3/4-pounder. Tasanee Blake, Hemet, caught a 1/2-pounder. Lyle Daniels, Santa Ysabel, caught 34 crappie this week with all fish weighing in between 1/2 and 3/4-pounds. 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 bite fair to good from Hemmingway to Boulder Bay. Trout plant week before last. 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: Good trout action with easy limits still common. 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. 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: Striper bite good on shad or swimbaits, especially in the mornings. 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: Good tilapia bite 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: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant last 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, although some are still finding a few fish. Midge emerger patterns are the top bait, but some bigger fish are showing on streamers. 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 bigger pools. Flows at Hot Creek are around 107 cfs, and this bite is good with blue-wing olive mayfly hatches some days, but the midge hatches are consistent. 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 125 cfs with good action on some quality fish showing. 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 this week. 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: Just fair striper bite on blood worms, sand worms, Rat-L-Traps or pumpkinseed Gitzits. The catfish bite is fair on shad.
HART PARK LAKE: Good trout bite on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. DFG trout plant last week.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant last week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite remains very good with fish caught in the 10-pound range or better. 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 last week.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant this 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: Alondra Park Lake, Arroyo Seco Creek, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake.
ORANGE: Laguna Lake, Trabuco Creek.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Morena Lake.
IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Isabella Lake.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H. V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
TULARE: Kaweah River, Lake Success

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

LONG RANGE EPIC: While the 14- to 28-day long range season is drawing to a close, those boats still fishing south of Cabo San Lucas are still seeing an incredible bite on the bigger yellowfin. The American Angler reported in on Tuesday with nine fish from 100 to 220 pounds. This came after a couple of tough days of fishing for the bigger tuna. The Shogun came back to port on Saturday with nine tuna in the hold over 200 pounds. Best was a 261.2-pound yellowfin landed by Dr. Bob Thayer, a veterinarian from Nuevo. The five- to eight-day spring season for yellowtail and nearshore species will be gearing up soon.
MEXICAN ROCKFISH, YELLOWTAIL: The overnight to two-day fleet out of San Diego is still reporting excellent rockfish action. Rick Craddick, skipper of the Black Pearl out of Point Loma Sportfishing, said this week “there are more big reds and more volumn of rockfish along the Baja coast than I’ve seen in my entire career.” That sort of sums it up.
ISLAND UPDATE: Almost no boats have fished Catalina or Clemente island because of rain over much of the past week. The warm jag before the latest round of rain had some anglers hoping for an early start to the white seabass season, but that dream was put on its ear with the rain and cold.
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 Pot-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 still is the leader in the tournament with a 28.55 halibut.
WINTER BASS ACTION: Even the local boats that had been focusing on sand bass and sculpin were washed out over much of the past week. As one skipper said, “We’ve had full limits of rain.”
LOBSTER HOOP-NETTING: While rain washes out the fishing locally, it seems to make the lobster crawl. On Monday night, two anglers aboard the Liquid Coast Highway have five bugs each. That remains an option.
SPORTFISHING SATURDAYS RADIO: “Sportfishing Saturdays” can be heard from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. each Saturday with live on-the-spot updates from across Southern California, listener call-ins, and giveaways. The new fishing-only radio program on KLAC 570 is anchored by Philip Friedman, the founder and “voice” of 976-Tuna.
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.

February 5, 2009 - Frank Youso of Ridgecrest with a 7-0 trout he caught at Pleasant Valley Reservoir in the Eastern Sierra.

February 4, 2009 - Art Hasegawa, Diamond Bar, caught this huge 19 1/2-pound Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbow at Santa Ana River Lakes while fishing a nightcrawler off Levitz' Corner.

February 2, 2009 - Lang Nguien, San Marcos, caught this 6-7 trout at Wohlford Lake on a mixture of cheese and Power Bait in Boat Dock Cove.

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.