Weekly Fishing Report

February 28, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. With the better weather, the fishing will just get better every day this weekend and into next week as we head into the new moon on March 7. Casitas Lake is still the top pick and it should produce more quality bass in the next two weeks than it’s produced in the last three months. Top fish here was a 13-8 this past week, even with the poor conditions and dismal moon phase. This is the bass spot to watch. Call the marina at 805-649-2043 for an up-to-the-minute update.
2. While it was in the No. 3 spot last week, Corona Lake continues to be the sleeper spot for bit trout. While the top fish this week didn’t break the 20-pound mark, it was a 19-pounder, again the biggest trout landed in the region. The lake also has been stocked with colorful Lightning Trout this week and the past two weeks. Definitely one of the best trout options in the region. For an update on the bite, call the tackle shop at 951-277-3321.
3. The Eastern Sierra Nevada’s early trout season opener is this weekend, and all the small streams from Independence south to Lone Pine have been heavily planted by the Department of Fish and Game for this bonus opener. There’s a trout derby at Diaz Lake, and the weather forecast is for lovely conditions. Can’t wait until the April 26 opener at Crowley? This is a viable option to whet the appetite. Make sure you check the regs for open and closed waters, and for more information, call the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at 760-876-4444.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Overall, better trout action this past week thanks to better weather, 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 is good, but with fewer big fish this week.
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. 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 spotted bass bite, and Lopez is worth fishing for largemouths, but the weather hurt both of these bites.
STRIPED BASS: Skinner really turned on this week with very good action, but the few reports coming in from Pyramid, Castaic, and Silverwood show that all three were slowed by weekend rain. On the Colorado River, bites were improving with Mead very good for small fish. 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 and Hodges continued to show 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. There was also a 68 1/2-pounder caught from Lower Otay, but the bite is still very slow there.

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Fair to good trout bite on Power Bait, worms, spinners and nightcrawlers with the best bite in Cleghorn canyon, off the docks, along the dam, and in the spillway. Alberto Hernandez, Fontana, landed a two-pound trout on nightcrawlers and Trout Dip. Jackie Mata, Hesperia, landed a 1-8 trout on Salmon eggs. Marcus Haywood, Redlands, caught a one-pound trout on a Kastmaster. Fair striper action on swimbaits, minnows, mackerel and anchovies off the docks, near the dam and in Cleghorn. Lots of small fish. Haywood, Redlands, caught a 1-12 striper. Catfish action is fair on mackerel and chicken liver. The fish are deep by the dam and in Quarry Cove. Largemouth bite fair on worms, plastics, and live bait in Miller’s Canyon. DFG trout plant this week, 2,000 pounds. 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: Good trout action after an Alper’s plant last week and another one Wednesday this week. The rainbow trout bite is best on nightcrawlers or Power Bait off Sandy Point and in the inlet. Catfish also good with a plant on Monday. Best bite on mackerel, nightcrawlers, anchovies or shrimp. A few sturgeon continue to show on nightcrawlers off the north shore. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Very good trout action. 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. 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 last 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 last 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: The trout bite is on the slow side. Anglers are using 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 in the six-pound range. The catfish bite improved to good 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. DFG trout plant last 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 last 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 last 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 last week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Still a slowish bass bite with only a few anglers finding luck on the drop-shot rig. Last weekend’s Anglers Choice Tournament still had a good turnout. John Fuqua and Ryan Young caught the winning limit, 25.57 pounds. Kyle Grover and Brian Linehan took second with a 25.11-pound limit. Pat Keniry and David Avina pulled out a 23.92-pound limit for third. Good trout action off the shoreline and north shore, and near the east and west dams on Power Bait (green or rainbow) and inflated nightcrawlers. Ray Lominario, Fontana, landed the biggest trout of the week, a 7.23 pounder. Chris Popoff, Temecula, landed 5.9 and 6.3-pound trout on Lip RipperZ jigs. Ed Martinez, Fontana, landed a 5.52-pound trout in the third cove on a jig. Slowish striper bite this week with the occasional fish on swimbaits, plugs, or topwater baits. 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. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Fair to good bass bite on swimbaits and nightcrawlers. Lots 11 and 12 and right off the marina are still the hot spots. Top bass this week was a 4-2 landed by George Flevotomos, Moreno Valley. Trout action also very good on worms, Power Bait and nightcrawlers at lots 11, 12 and 5. Phill Bott, San Bernardino, caught a stringer of trout with fish in the one-pound range. DFG trout plant last 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 and inlet on anchovies, chicken liver and nightcrawlers. Sern Sy, San Bernardino, landed a four-pound striper. Monty Walker, Cherry Valley, caught a 2-5 striper. Very good trout action off Launch Ramp 2 on nightcrawlers, Power Bait or worms. Bob Warner, Ontario, landed two rainbow trout totaling a 1/2-pound. DFG trout plant last 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: The bite perked up this week with some better, sunnier weather after last weekend’s storm. The carp and the catfish are showing in a slow to fair bite in the mornings and 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: Very good action despite the nasty weekend weather, with Lightning Trout showing in very good numbers and hitting almost every bait or lure thrown their way. This week even had some nice catfish and carp in the catch as well. The best trout action has been on floating baits or inflated nightcrawlers doused with scent and fished on a short leader. Top trout this week was a 19-0 caught by Dwayne Castagna, Chatsworth, who landed the bruiser on orange Power Bait at the dam. Benny Magneson, Riverside, caught a 12-4 rainbow, while Justin Gordon, Perris, caught a stringer of trout totaling 17-0 with an 8-0 topping the catch. Some catfish were showing in the south end of the lake this past week on mackerel and shrimp. Fred and Marquis Murray, Riverside, teamed up to catch two nice catfish at 14-8 and 11-8 on mackerel. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action fair on Power Bait and worms. Lots of limits right after plants. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants will go in every other week for the season. Fair bite on small spinners and floating baits. Fair catfish bite from all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Fair trout action with some trophy rainbows still in the mix, including several fish over nine pounds. The lake is closed Mondays. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake will be planted with 500 pounds of rainbow trout each week through spring. The bite has been very good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The better weather has turned on the rainbow trout bite. The bite is fair to good, especially on sunny days, on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Some channel cats may start to come out if the warmth continues. 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. 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: Very good trout action with at least 14 trout over 6-0 caught, 10 of which weighed over 10-0. Many Lightning Trout are still showing is well, and the last plant of the season for these colorful fish goes in this week. The best action has been on Nitro Bait and other dough baits and the hot spots are the Bubble Hole, the boat dock, the sandy beach, Three Pipes, La Palma Point, and Chris’ Pond. Alec Ramishin, Santa Ana, caught the top trout this week at 13-8 on yellow Nitro Bait fishing near the boat dock. Will Hanacheck, Fullerton, caught a 12-0 rainbow, and Juvenal Maldonado, Anaheim, also landed a 12-pounder. Kelly Glenwook, Mira Loma, caught an 11-12 rainbow, while Craig Joachim, Santa Ana, landed an 11-8 trout. Pedro Villa, Anaheim, caught a 10-0 trout. 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: Light fishing pressure, but a good number of trout have still been landed, including some trophies over 10 pounds. The rainbows and steelhead are biting nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Power worms or Rapalas. The best spots to fish are off the west shore and the boat ramp, and near Trout Island. Gene Naka, Whittier, caught a 10-14 trout. Oscar Regundin, San Marcos, landed a 10- pounder. Justin Tran, Garden Grove, caught an 8-6. Dean Martin, Buena Park, landed an eight-pound trout. Tim Morlan, Lake Forest, caught an 8-12 steelhead on a Power Mouse. Bass fishing slow. No signs of cats yet, but anglers should fish the inlet. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Lots of easy limits landed with the light pressure. Fair 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, with some over. An eight-pound fish was landed early this week. A trout plant of hook jaw trout went in last week. Plenty of bass action on fish in the one- to three-pound range. The best action has been on dark-colored plastic worms in deeper water by the dam. A 6-8 bass was caught. Some crappie showing 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 last week. The launch ramp is closed for repairs. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Bass from one to three pounds have been landed in 10 to 15 feet on plastic worms. The bigger bass have been landed off the north shoreline in 15 to 25 feet on swimbaits. The morning and evening hours have been best. Mark Torrez, Camarillo, caught a 13-8 bass. Angel Perez, Santa Paula, caught a 10-8 bass. Travis Walters, Oak View, landed a 10.4-pound bass on a stocker trout. Jason Wendel, Ventura, caught a 9-8 bass. A few catfish have been landed on anchovies, mackerel or anything that stinks. Trout action fair in the deeper waters on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week at the Santa Ana Launch Ram this week. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair to good bass action on plastics, cranks, and spinnerbaits in five to 25 feet in the lagoon. Most bass are in the one to two-pound range, with the occasional fish in the six to eight range. The striper action slowed. The fish aren’t out like they usually are after a trout plant. Try big plugs, swimbaits, and cut baits at first light through 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to dusk at the west ramp and dam in 20 to 80 feet. Slow to fair trout action with only a few small holdovers biting Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fish to two pounds. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Fair trout bite on Power Bait, plastic worms and nightcrawlers for bait anglers. Trollers have been using Kastmasters, Rapalas or Needlefish in 65 to 85 feet. The bite is inconsistent. DFG trout plant last 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: Striper bite slow to fair on sardines and anchovies. Quite a few fish in the three to four-pound range have been landed along with the odd bigger fish. The dam, the channel, and Yellow Bar are the hot areas. The bass action is fair, with some flurries of very good action, on plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and small cranks in the aqueduct.. Water levels are up and boats are able to launch. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No launching after 2 p.m. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Decent trout action on Power Bait or Lip RipperZ plastics and worms. DFG trout plant this week. 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 this 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 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 this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
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 this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this 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 this week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: The lake is closed until May 2008. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Fair to good crappie and bass action. This week 155 anglers checked reported 111 crappie and 98 bass. Rusty Brown, Tustin, caught a 6.65-pound largemouth bass on a plastic worm in the narrows. The lake is open for fishing and boating Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Fair to good bass and crappie action. This week 86 anglers checked reported 133 bass and 44 crappie. 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. This week 216 anglers checked reported 219 bass, 63 crappie, 26 channel catfish, 11 rainbow trout, three bluegill and one blue catfish. Basilio Tavares, Chula Vista, landed a 68.50-pound blue channel catfish on mackerel in Otay Arm. Aromond Washington, Long Beach, landed a 26.25-pound channel cat on mackerel. DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: This week eight anglers reported catching 13 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 111 anglers reported 224 bass, three bluegill, two channel catfish and one blue catfish. 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: The rainbow trout bite slowed, but the bass action picked up. This week 119 anglers checked reported 30 bass and two channel catfish. DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: No reports. 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: Another 1,200-pound trout plant will go in this week, which should keep the bite good to excellent. The rainbows are biting nightcrawlers off the Senior Shoreline. Top fish was 9-8 rainbow caught by Bob Steilen, Carlsbad. Wallace Yagi, Oceanside, landed a 6-6 trout. Bass action fair to good on plastic worms, swimbaits or nightcrawlers near the west buoy line. Mike Kostial, Oceanside, caught an 8-1 bass. The lake is open seven days a week. There is a temporary ban on private boat launches, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to quagga mussels. Rental boats available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: No reports.
DIXON: The trout action is fair 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 four pounds, with some over six. Jerry Goldsberry, San Ysidro, caught a 6-10 trout on nightcrawlers, at the buoy line. The lake will be stocked this week with 1,200 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout. The bass action is slowish, but some fish, in the two to three-pound range 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: Slow fishing for both bass and trout with only the occasional fish. A 1,500-pound trout plant went in last week, with another one set for March 4. 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: The trout bite is inconsistent, but when anglers find the fish, the bite is good. A 1,200-pound Mt. Lassen plant will go in this week. 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. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Upcoming events: fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake or class information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The lake received a 1,600-pound load of trout from the DFG last week, and the bite is fair to good on Power Bait and Kastmasters near the launch ramp. Ed Schult, Campo, caught a 9-6 trout in Cabin Cove. Mickey Marvel, El Cajon, landed a 6-8 trout in Cabin Cove. 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: The trout bite is making a comeback after last week’s bad weather. There is still plenty of fish left from the recent large stockings. The fish are from one to three pounds. 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. 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: 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: The smaller stripers are biting like crazy on cut bait in Government and Las Vegas Wash, in the Vegas Bay arm and at 33 hole in 60 feet of water. Anglers are landing 20 to 60 fish per day. Some larger stripers, over 10 pounds have been caught on A.C. Plugs in the Saddle Cove area, in the evening. Trout are planted every Friday at Hemenway and in the Saddle Cove area. Small spinners and Power Bait are attracting the trout. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bite is expected to improve with warming temps. The ramp is open at South Cove, but it is a gravel ramp
WILLOW BEACH: Still very spotty striper action, but the odd big fish continues to be caught along with a few smaller fish on cut baits. A 22-pound striper was caught by Kevin Larosee, Las Vegas. Some anglers are catching limits on 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. Fair 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 has still kept the bite to a minimum. 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 last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Decent trout bite on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. DFG plant last week. Crappie action good around the docks, but most are small. Also a good bullhead bite. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: Trout season is closed throughout most of this region. Early trout season opener in the small streams of the southern Eastern Sierra is Saturday (check regulations for details), and the general trout season opener will be Saturday, April 26. 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 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. Small streams from Independence to Lone Pine open this weekend, with plants going into Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River below Tinnemaha, Sheperds Creek, Symmes Creek, and Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Fair trout action on Gulp Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs. The best action has been in Paradise Cove and by the dam. A 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. Fishing 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. 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 fair. Some bass action has been reported on plastic worms and minnows, but this action is tough.
BRITE LAKE: Closed due to poor park road conditions from recent rain and snow. The lake will reopen once the grounds dry. 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. Adam Ivory and Adam Ivory, Jr., Bakersfield, landed a stringer of trout on Power Bait. Top fish was 1-8. 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 last week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair crappie bite on small minnows. DFG trout plant last 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 last week. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: The bite is rough. Some spotted bass have been biting 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. 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 last week. Most fish are under the two-pound mark. The bass action fair on jigs, nightcrawlers or plastic worms, especially in Wittenberg. The action sparks when the sun is out. Decent crappie action in 25 to 30 feet across from the marina and near the boat house on jigs. Slow to fair bluegill and redear action on meal and wax worms. Catfish bite spotty. Try anchovies or shrimp. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Arroyo Seco Creek, Belvedere Lake, Big Tujunga Creek (Lower and Upper), Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, San Gabriel River (East and West Forks), Santa Fe Reservoir.
ORANGE: Laguna Lake, Trabuco Creek.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Silverwood Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Lower Otay Lake, Murray Lake.
INYO: Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Creek, Georges Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Sheperds Creek, Symmes Creek, Tuttle Creek.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
MONTEREY: El Estero Park 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 this Saturday and the bite should be excellent. Outside of the rockfish, the action has been dismal. Even with squid at the islands the white seabass and yellowtail action isn’t happening and even the bass bite is not kicking in yet.
LOS ANGELES AREA UPDATE: There has been a pretty decent pick on the white seabass at Catalina Island this week, along with a few yellowtail showing at West Cove. While the bulk of the seabass are shorts, some have been up into the 25-pound range, while the yellows have been up to 13 pounds. Also a pick on the calico bass at Catalina. For nearshore anglers, there has been a good pick on the sand bass in the Santa Monica Bay. In fact, the winter bite has been better than the peak of last year’s summer season, which was horrible. The New Del Mar, out of Del Mar Sportfishing, has consistently been posting decent scores. On Monday, there were 15 anglers who had 43 sand bass and one perch. On Tuesday, the 22 anglers on board had 35 sand bass, two calicos, 110 sculpin, and 114 sand dabs. There has also been improving halibut action off Long Beach in the L.A. Harbor area, but more and more flatties are showing all up and down the coast on the sandy beaches.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: While the sport fleet is still pretty low key right now, there are signs of improved calico bass action at San Clemente Island and off Dana Point with the warmer weather and water temps. There’s also improved halibut action and a continued decent pick on sand bass for Dana Wharf Sportfishing anglers
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: Fishing is definitedly picking up with daylight hours getting longer and water temperatures warming up. During the middle of last week, even before the warm spell, there was a tremendous bite off La Jolla for quality white seabass. There was a major squid spawn right off La Jolla, and it brought with it great white seabass action and fish to 60 pounds were reported, even in terrible conditions. The bite waned by the middle of this week, but it’s a good sign of things to come. The local fleet of 1/2 and 3/4-day boats, which had been focused on sculpin can switch over to rockfish starting Saturday.
LONG RANGE UPDATE: The San Diego-based 12-day and longer trips are still seeing very good tuna action south of Cabo San Lucas. The Royal Polaris returned to port from and 18-day trip on Monday. The 22 anglers on board caught 84 yellowfin tuna, including 10 over 200 pounds and many in the 150 to 190 pound range. They also landed 65 wahoo.
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.

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

RECENT BIG CATCHES

February 20, 2008 - Brandon Cotton, editor of Fish Rap, caught this 62-pound white seabass off LaJolla.

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.