Weekly Fishing Report

February 20, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. While we’re on the backside of the full moon now, the good bass action at Casitas Lake should continue as the fish begin to think about spawning. Lots of the smaller male fish were in the shallows this week with bigger females to 11 pounds reported on the outside points. With the changing weather and moon phase, make sure you call the marina at 805-649-2043 for an up-to-the-minute update.
2. The warmer weather last week turned on the striped bass bite at Lake Skinner and the bite has been very good with most anglers fishing anchovies, chicken liver, or frozen shad. While most are smaller fish, up to six pounds, there was a 35-pounder caught this past week. Most of the fish are still in deeper water off the points and at the inlet. For an update on this bite check with the marina 951-926-8515.
3. Corona Lake has been a sleeper spot for the big, Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows. For each of the past two weeks, it has produced the best trout in Southern California with fish over 20 pounds. There was also a plant of the colorful Lightning Trout this past week and these fish will go in this week and next, too. For an update on the action, call the tackle shop at 951-277-3321.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Overall, better trout action this past week thanks to clearing water and heavy plants as most of the popular urban lakes. Top bets continue to be Corona Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine Lake and Laguna Niguel. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows all have been good this week, and 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 cranked out a pile of big fish.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Casitas, Diamond Valley, Perris, and Castaic all have been good this past week, thanks to the warmer, sunnier weather. Add in Piru, Pyramid, Cachuma, Skinner, and Silverwood among the list of waters getting better fast, but now the weather is turning again. In San Diego County, Poway, San Vicente, El Capitan, Otay, Hodges, and Wohlford all have fair to good bites. On the Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a fair to good spotted bass bite, and Lopez is worth fishing for largemouths.
STRIPED BASS: Skinner really turned on this week, but the few reports coming in from Pyramid, Castaic, and Silverwood show that all three have turned the corner from the dismal bites of the past few weeks. On the Colorado River, bites were improving with Mead very good for small fish, but also a couple of 20 pound class were landed. Willow Beach and Mead has been very spotty. Mohave is still slow, but Havasu is starting to really come to life.
PANFISH: Virtually all of the bluegill, redear and crappie bites are still mostly slow, with a couple of exceptions. Lower Otay showed signs of some good crappie action this past week, and crappie are also being caught in good numbers at the Buena Vista Lakes (near Taft) in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
CATFISH: Diamond Valley still has a decent bite, but overall the catfish action is still mostly slow. A few fish are showing at Hesperia Lake and some cats are starting to show in better numbers in the lower Colorado River.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Fair trout action on Power Bait, worms, spinners and nightcrawlers with the best bite in Cleghorn and Miller’s canyons, off the dock, along the dam, and at the spillway. Pam Trotter, Fontana, and Tommy Rangdom, Redlands, each landed two-pound trout. Fair striper action on swimbaits, minnows, mackerel and anchovies off the docks, near the dam and in Cleghorn Canyon. The better stripers are from six to nine pounds, with the occasional fish over 10. Chad Granger, Anaheim, caught an 8-8 striper. Catfish action is slow 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: Slow trout action with light fishing pressure. 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 all closed 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: Decent sturgeon action on nightcrawlers off the north shore. The rainbow trout bite is fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait off Sandy Point and in the inlet. Very good blue and channel catfish action on mackerel, nightcrawler, anchovies or shrimp. Alpers’ trout will be planted over the next few weeks. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Very good trout action at last Saturday’s prize day. Anglers are still using a variety of baits to catch limits -- plastics, Power Bait (spring green, corn yellow and red), and inflated nightcrawlers dipped in garlic. Hot spots include the northern and eastern shores of lake 2 as well as the grassy points and western shores of lake 3. Jason Ocull, Hesperia, landed a 4-6 trout and won the prize for the heaviest trout. Ocull also won the prize for the heaviest limit, with a total weight of 10-4. Heidi Hardwell, Hesperia, caught a 1-11 trout and took first prize for the kid’s division. 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 trout action with fish up into the seven-pound range and some bigger. Top baits are Power Bait (rainbow, red and blue, white and orange), nightcrawlers and plastic trout worms. Action is best in the morning. Fish off shore from both Pelican and Horseshoe Lake for the best bite. 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 slow to 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 that weren’t landed during last weekend’s trout derby. 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. Also a DFG trout plant this week. No fishing on stocking days. Lake information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Fair trout action this week with the best bite on Power Bait, mini-jigs, and small trout plastics. County plants will be made each Thursday through April 17 and trophy trout will be planted each month this year. DFG trout plant this week. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 12. Lake or derby 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. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: The bass are still being stubborn. The fish are deep and anglers are having to put in some extra work. Trollers are having luck with crankbaits and small spoons. Rick Nissen, Hemet, landed an eight-pound bass trolling Needlefish off the south shore. The trout bite is fair to good. The action is good near the marina, near the east and west dams and along the north shoreline on Power Bait (green or rainbow), inflated nightcrawlers and Power eggs. Steven Rodriguez, 5, Perris caught an 8.06-pound trout. Jill Prentice, Covina, caught a 4.37-pound holdover trout. Jim Mehan, Winchester, caught an 18-pound stringer of trout on nightcrawlers. Striper action slow on swimbaits, plugs, or large topwater baits in the inlet and near the marina. Lee Gonzales, Hemet, landed a 15.16-pound striper. 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. Fair panfish action near the stairways on live worms in 20 to 30 feet. A 12.48-pound carp was caught by Mike Wooten, Hemet, in Rawson Cove. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Bass action even better this week on nightcrawlers and plastics along the shallows, in the afternoon. Nathan Banks, Oceanside, caught a 6.8-pound bass off the Sail Cove Pier. Trout action also very good on worms, Power Bait and nightcrawleres at lots 11, 12 and 5 and off the marina. Trevor Williams, Moreno Valley, landed a 2-12 trout. Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley, caught a stringer of 10 trout on nightcrawlers. Each fish was just over one pound. DFG trout plant this week. The occasional cat has 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: Very good striper action with many anglers landing limits from boats, off shoreline, and in the east end on anchovies, chicken liver and nightcrawlers. Top striper was a 35-pounder caught by Dean McDonough, San Jacinto, on anchovies from the inlet. Brad White, Norco, caught a 3-2 striper on chicken liver. Very good trout action off Launch Ramp 2 on nightcrawlers, Power Bait or worms. Paul Simmons, Nuevo, caught a 4.5-pound rainbow on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week. Bass action fair on plastic worms and nightcrawlers in 10 feet or less. Fish in the one to two-pound range. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Still a slowish, inconsistent bite but there was some improvement this past week. The carp and the catfish are showing in a slow to fair bite in the afternoons. Use dough balls for the carp and anchovies, nightcrawlers or shrimp for the cats. A few bass are also starting to be caught on plastics fished slow and deep. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Good trout action with at least 15 fish caught over the 10-0 mark reported along with a good number of Lightning Trout, which were planted last week and will go in for the next two weeks. The best trout action has been on floating baits or inflated nightcrawlers doused with scent and fished on a short leader. David Sandoval, Ontario, caught the top trout this week at 21.75 pounds. He was fishing a small trout jig from boat. Tristan Garispe, Pomona, caught a 14-0 rainbow on Chartreuse Power Bait at the dam. Daniel Estevan, Riverside, caught an 11-8 rainbow. Kyle Wesly Maxwell, Chino, caught 15 trout totaling 32 pounds with an 11-6 topping the catch. Steven Arron, Riverside, caught a 10-8 trout on a Lip RipperZ Jig at the dam. Matt Vaughan, Corona, caught seven trout totaling 39-8 with fish to 10-8. Joe Mainwaring, Riverside, caught six trout totaling 25 pounds with a 9-8 and 6-8 topping the catch. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits right after plants. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the season. Fair bite on small spinners and floating baits. Fair catfish bite from all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Fair trout action with some trophy rainbows still in the mix, including several fish over nine pounds. The lake is closed Mondays. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake will be planted with 500 pounds of rainbow trout each week through spring. The bite has been very good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Fair to good rainbow trout action on rainbow Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The pond is fully stocked with one to two-pounders. The best time to fish is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rainbow trout plants go in twice a month through spring. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Slow to fair trout action on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers. 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: The fishing improved dramatically this week with lots of limits and many big fish reported. The first plant of Lightning Trout went in this past week and had an immediate impact on the fishing with these colorful trout showing in good numbers in the boat dock area. The best action has been on Nitro Bait and other dough baits fished at the Bubble Hole and around the boat dock. Joseph Vue, Tustin, caught the top trout this week at 20-0 on a nightcrawler fishing near the boat dock. George Ahad, Orange, caught a 13.5-pound rainbow on a nightcrawler. Chappy Ramirez, Anaheim, landed a 12.8-pounder on Chartreuse Power Bait. Paul Flores, Ontario, caught an 11-4 trout. Gary Dew, Diamond Bar, caught 15 trout totaling 42 pounds on Green Nitro Bait. Jim Anderson, La Puenta, landed 15 trout totaling 40-8 on Pink Nitro Bait. 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 large crowds over the President’s Day weekend slowed the trout bite, however nine trout over the 10-pound mark were landed. Inflated nightcrawlers and Power Mice were the top baits. Trollers brought in fish with Rapalas, too. Joshua Zalero, Westminster, caught an 11-6 trout near Trout Island. Zack Germain, Garden Grove, caught an 11-4 trout off the west shore. Marcellus Burton, Los Angeles, landed an 11-2 trout on nightcrawlers. Dave Cicero, Orange, caught an 11-pound trout. Garrett Evans, Norco, caught a 10-9 trout. Mike Cairns, Santa Ana, landed a 10-3 trout. Ted Browt, Mission Viejo, caught a 10-12 trout on Power Bait near the docks. John Zaldano, Westminster, landed a 10-pound trout on a Power Worm. Jose Guitran, Long Beach, also caught a 10-pound trout at the flats. Jim Mercado, Pasadena, caught a 9-9 trout on Power Bait near the docks. The bass bite is decent with some sparks of action in the brush shallows and off the rock points on jigs or worms. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Fair to good trout action on inflated nightcrawlers doused in garlic or corn Trout Dip or Power Bait (red, 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 SpoonZ are top lures for the big trout. The fish are in the two to three-pound range. A trout plant of hook jaw trout will go in this week. Plenty of bass action on fish in the one- to four-pound range. The best action has been on dark-colored plastic worms in deeper water by the dam. Crappie still showing in good numbers on small crappie jigs (chartreuse or white) and Lip RipperZ lures. 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. Fish primarily in 20 to 50 feet. Catfish and panfish slow. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: A lot of small bass have been landed in 15 feet or less on nightcrawlers or plastic worms. Most fish are in the one to three-pound range. The larger fish from seven to 11 pounds have been landed primarily on swimbaits. Mike Hernandez, Valley Center, caught an 11-pound bass. Robbi Martinez, Ventura, caught a 10-pound bass. Brandon LeMay, Ojai, landed a 9-8 bass. Travis Walters, Oak View, caught eight- and seven-pound bass. A few catfish have been landed on anchovies, mackerel or anything that stinks. Roy Mini, Oak View, caught a 12-pound catfish on anchovies. Trout action fair in the deeper waters on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant at the Santa Ana Launch Ram this week. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair to good bass action on plastics, cranks and spinnerbaits in 10 to 35 feet. Michael Darnell, West Hills, caught a two-pound bass on plastics in Fish Arm. Last week’s trout plant brought the stripers out, and the bite has been fair on big plugs, swimbaits, and cut baits at first light through 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to dusk in 20 to 80 feet. Trout action also improved after last week’s plant. Frank Pallares, Ventura, caught a 2-8 trout on Power Bait. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Slow to fair trout action with some signs of improved action. 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 two weeks ago. 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: Decent trout action on Power Bait or Lip RipperZ plastics and worms. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits and live worms. Most fish are eight to 12 inches. Bluegill and redear fair on meal and wax worms. Crappie bite fair on small jigs. The action is best in or around Sailboat Cove. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair to good trout action on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week. Fair bluegill action on worms and nightcrawlers in the afternoon. Most fish are under a pound. Fair catfish action on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent 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 last week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Some decent trout action at the drop offs. Some fair carp action with fish in the 1-8 to two-pound range on dough balls. DFG trout plant 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: Fair bass and crappie action. This week 144 anglers checked reported 41 bass, 41 crappie and five channel catfish. Jeff Rehm, Encinitas, caught a 6.45-pound largemouth bass from Dam Arm. Adam Perez, San Diego, landed a 3.70-pound largemouth. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Pretty good crappie action and a decent bass bite. This week 155 anglers checked reported 146 crappie, 104 bass and three channel catfish. 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: Good bass action. Fair catfish bite with some large fish landed. This week 288 anglers checked reported 127 bass, 40 crappie, 18 channel catfish, seven rainbow trout, three blue catfish and one bluegill. The cats and bass are in Harvey Arm and are biting mackerel and crawdads respectively. Basilio Tavares, Chula Vista, landed an 83-pound blue catfish. Lori Williams, San Diego, landed a 62.75-pound blue cat. Ranay Williams, National City, caught a 55.50-pound blue cat. Jim Melillo, National City, landed a 5.90-pound largemouth bass. 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 23 anglers reported catching 21 bass. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: Fair to good bass bite. This week 129 anglers reported 155 bass, five channel catfish and one redear. 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: Rainbow trout bite fair. This week’s 104 anglers checked reported 102 rainbow trout, six bass and two channel catfish. 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 58 anglers checked reported 58 rainbow trout, 11 bass and one channel catfish. 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 1 opener. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Despite cool weather and water temps, the rainbows have been landed in good numbers and size. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Power worms are the main baits, with a few on spinners. Jonathan Vine, San Diego, caught an 8-15 trout near Crappie Rock. Angel Penaloza, Escondido, landed an 8-8 trout in Oakvale Cove. Sue Brennen, Ramona, caught a 6-3 trout on nightcrawlers off the Senior Shoreline. Frank McDowell, Fallbrook, caught a 5-14 trout. The catfish bite is hanging in there with some decent action on cut mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp. Bob Purchase, Escondido, caught a 2-6 channel catfish on nightcrawlers off Bass Point. Fair to good bass bite in deeper waters 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: No reports.
DIXON: The trout action is fair to good 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. Steve Romero, Temecula, caught a 12-2, the biggest trout of the season, on a Kastmaster in Whisker Bay. Ron Rio, Santee, landed 6-8 and 6-12 rainbow trout. A 1,200-pound plant of Mt. Lassen trout will go in next week. The bass action is slowish, but some fish are biting adjacent to the Boat Dock Cove area in between piers on black and purple or brown and purple plastic worms. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Mike Rossell, Escondido, landed a 22.5-pound channel catfish on mackerel at the Log Boom. Bass and trout action just fair with only the occasional fish. A 1,500-pound trout plant will go in this week. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: A few flurries of trout and bass action, but the bites for both species are still rough. The small bass are feeding off the shoreline. Crawdads, Ikas or Gitzits are the top baits for the bass in Shadow Cove in 25 feet of water off the points. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the top baits for the trout off Eagle Point and near Cactus Patch. A 1,200-pound plant of Mt. Lassens will go in this week. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The lake has loads of trout, but the fish are being stubborn and have gone deep. Try Power Bait and Kastmasters near the launch ramp. DFG trout plant this week. 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: Lots of trout after a 3,200-pound plant of trout last week.Best bite off the shoreline with Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Also use scent with any baits. Plenty of trout in Azalea Creek and Little Stonewall Creek inflow. Dennis Dwyer, Ramona, landed a 2-8 trout on nightcrawlers off Herron Point. Flea Descanso, Ramona, caught a two-pound rainbow on Power Bait off the T-Dock. The lake has a temporary ban on private boats due to quagga mussels. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Saturday at 10 a.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Slow to fair bass action. 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: Winds have slowed the striper action, but some smaller fish are still showing in Government and Las Vegas Wash and at 33 hole in 60 feet of water. Some larger stripers, over 10 pounds have been caught on A.C. Plugs in the Saddle Cove area. This past week a 23-9 striper was Mike O’Donnell, Las Vegas, on an A.C. Plug. There was also a 22-pounder reported. Trout are planted every Friday and Hemenway are and in the Saddle Cove area. Small spinners and Power Bait are attracting the trout in a fair bite. The ramp is open at South Cove, but it is a gravel ramp. Catfish and largemouth bass action slow.
WILLOW BEACH: Still very spotty striper action, but the odd big fish continues to be caught along with a few smaller fish on cut baits. Some anglers are catching limits of trout, 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: Tough striper bite. 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. Good trout bite. A few rainbows in the one to two-pound range have been reported. Some catfish reports at night on shrimp or mackerel. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Weekly trout plants at Davis Camp and near The Riverside Resort. The fishing is exceptional immediately following each plant. Fair to good striper and catfish action near Harrah’s Casino on anchovies. Some good stripers have been landed along the Big Bend area. Decent smallmouth action at Davis Camp.
NEEDLES: Fair to good striper action on small fish downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish are starting to show and some crappie are also biting in the gorge. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: The water levels are down. Take caution when launching. Slow striper bite. Nothing exceptional in size, but some fish to three pounds. Bite best on anchovies and sardines. Catfish action slow to fair on mackerel, anchovies, worms or shrimp in the cattails and flooded brush. Bass bite fair in the vegetation outside the channel. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: The weather hasn’t helped things here. 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: The warm weather is almost here and the fish are starting to show. The largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting plastics and shiners, especially on those warmer afternoons. 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. 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: Few reports, but a few flatheads, channel cat, bluegill and stripers reported.
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 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. The bite at the East Walker is fair with some decent-sized rainbows in the pools. 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. Good action at Hot Creek. Pulling streamers is the best option. Upper Owens seeing a good mid-day bite with some dry fly action between storm fronts. Opening Day is set for April 26. 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. The weather has improved last week and the action at the lower Owens is fair with plenty of rainbows and browns keeping everyone busy. Lots of midge activity and mayfly hatches. Fair streamer fishing from noon to 2:30. Also a fair to good bite at Pleasant Valley. Tubers have had good fishing from the launch ramp to the inlet. 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 to good trout bite on Gulp Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs. The best action has been in Paradise Cove and by the dam. A fair to good crappie bite around French Gulch Marina on minnows. Also a fair to good catfish bite at the dam on shad and minnows. Upcoming events: trout derby set for March 15-17. Over $100,000 in prizes available. Entry fee, before March 1, is $15 for individuals and $35 for families (husband, wife, and three children, 15 and under). After March 1 entry fee is $20 for individuals and $45 for families. Derby info: visit http://derby.kernrivervalley.com or call 760-379-5236. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair trout bite on salmon eggs. The smallmouth action in the lower river around the Hart Park area is fair on plastic worms. 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 striper action improved with the warm weather, and the bite has been good on anchovies, minnows and lug worms. Fair carp action on anchovies.
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. Upcoming events: Parks and Recreation Kid’s Fishing Derby set for Saturday, March 1. No entry fee, or sign up required.
TRUXTUN 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.
MING LAKE: Trout bite very good. Some bass action has been reported on plastic worms and minnows, but this action is tough.
BRITE LAKE: The lake has reopened. Lake levels are down, but the trout bite is fair on Power Bait. DFG has no trout plantings scheduled in February.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite just keeps getting bigger and better with a lot of quality fish showing on floating baits. Good crappie action on small minnows with plenty of limits. The bite improves as the weather warms. 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 this week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Striper bite fair to good in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies and swimbaits. The smallmouth are scarce. Largemouth action also slow with sparks of action around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons and plastic worms. Fair catfish action on anchovies. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: 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: Just a fair trout bite on nightcrawlers and Power Bait (chartreuse or rainbow), although the action improves in Cottonwood Cove, off the Cottonwood shoreline, off the points, and across from the marina. Trollers are also having luck 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 Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Little Rock Reservoir.
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Tri-city Lake, Yorba Regional Park Pond.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Evans Lake, Perris Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond, Skinner Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake, Yucaipa Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake, Morena Lake.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake, Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma 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, McSwain Reservoir.
MERCED: Los Banos Reservoir, Merced River from McSwain Dam to Merced Falls.
STANISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Woodward Reservoir.
TULARE: Lake Kaweah, Lake Success.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake.

CATFISH PLANTS

No Plants.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

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

CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: The rockfish opener is March 1st and the Channel Island fleet skippers can't wait to out there. Captain Chris Velasky of the Coroloma out of Ventura Sportfishing says that the bite should be wide open. "Coming out of the closure is a great time to be out. We have seen wide open fishing in prior years just after the closure," said Velasky. There has also been some squid in the Channel Islands and that could mean white seabass and yellowtail. There has not been much of a signal on either species, but as we near spring, that bite becomes more possible – probably even.
LOS ANGELES AREA UPDATE: there have been several white seabass and yellowtail taken at Catalina Island in the past week. Captain Jon Batts of the Westwind reports that anglers on his boat had one white seabass, several other shorts, and they lost a couple of big ones. Same kind of fishing reports have come from Daryl Sato on the Chubasco III. There is squid at the island, which is always a good sign for a strong spring bite. Along the coast, anglers aboard the New Del Mar out of Marina del Rey Sportfishing continue to enjoy good winter sculpin and bass fishing on both daytime and twilight trips. Limits of sculpin are not uncommon, and these trips have also been offering anglers a good shot of sand bass. A two-hook ganion rig with a couple of leadheads adorned with a strip of squid and fished above a six-ounce torpedo sinker has been the hot setup for the sculpin, while a straight leadhead jig with squid has been killer on the bass. Fluorocarbon leaders have been a key in getting bit. Decent halibut fishing is still the rule out of Long Beach Sportfishing for the Pot O’ Gold Halibut Derby. At press, there is a tie at 23.3 pounds for the derby lead. Lots of great prizes and thousands in cash. Call 562-432-8993 for details.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: Anglers aboard boats out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing, and most of the Orange County Landings for that matter, have been catching sculpin, sand bass, and a few halibut in a picky winter bite. Dana Wharf has a special promotion called “Two for Tuesday” where you can fish two for the price of one.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: Excellent bottom fishing for the 1 1/2-day trips headed down the Baja coast. Besides limits of rockfish, anglers aboard the Black Pearl also had 45 ling cod. You can find almost duplicate results for anglers on the Dolphin II, the Legend, and other boats making this short run down the coast. There have also been signs of yellowtail mixed in with the rockfish. The yellows will become more of a factor when the water temps exceed 60 degrees. There have also been a good number of eight to 12-pound bonito mixed in, providing some surface action on these trips. Anglers on local 1/2 and 3/4-day boats fishing in Mexican waters have also had excellent bottom fishing, along with a few bonito, too. The boats fishing La Jolla have been scratching some calico and sand bass, but mostly this is a sculpin bite right now.
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.

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.

RECENT BIG CATCHES

February 16, 2008 - Scott Holley of Torrance with an 8-0 bass caught at Diamond Valley lake.

February 14, 2008 - Steve Romero of Temecula caught a 12-2, the biggest trout of the season, so far, at Dixon Lake. He used a Kastmaster in Whisker Bay.

February 8, 2008 - Allan Cole of Henderson, Nev., caught this 50-pound, 48 1/2-inch long striped bass while fishing at Mile Marker 40 below Willow Beach on an A.C. Plug.

February 8, 2008 - Shaw Gallegher of Bellflower nailed this 13.16 pound trout at Irvine Lake's Trout Island on a Power Worm.

February 6, 2008 - Mark Ward of Blythe with three bass caught in the Colorado River. They were 2 1/2 to 4 pounds.

February 6, 2008 - John Hudspith of Torrance caught this 11-pound rainbow at Irvine Lake.

January 08, 2008 - Bob Caffey of Acton caught this 11-pound bass at Pyramid Lake, one of the best bass from this lake in years.

January 02, 2008 - Gary Goemer of Irvine caught this 14 pound trout at Irvine Lake.

January 02, 2008 - This 14.2-pound trout was landed by San Chow of Westminster at Irvine Lake

December 23, 2007 - Robert Coleman of Rancho Cucamonga caught this 202-pound sturgeon at Hesperia Lake. This is the biggest fish caught from freshwater in Southern California.

December 22, 2007 - Robert Metzger of Hesperia with his 19-7 striper he caught on a swimbait in Miller’s Canyon of Lake Silverwood.

December 15, 2007 - Here is a photo of the winning fish from the derby at Cucamonga Guasti. The fish was caught by Ray Moreno of Ontario.

November 11, 2007 - The derby winner at Lake Dixon. This 10.22-pound trout was caught on a nightcrawler by Connor Rasmussen of Escondido.

November 1, 2007 - 180-pound former Hesperia Lake record sturgeon caught by Ed Paradise of Grove City, Pennsylvania.

October 31, 2007 - Bobby Toliver of Ontario with a 135-pound sturgeon he caught at Hesperia Lake.

October 27, 2007 - Francisco Rios caught this 20-9 catfish at Lake Wohlford.

October 2007 - Bart Tyler of Victorville caught this lake record 62 1/2-pound catfish at Hesperia Lake.

Have a photo of a recent big catch you have made? Send it to Reprimir@earthlink.net if you are interested in having it appear on this page.