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April 23, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1.
Crowley Lake has to be the number one pick. With nice weather forecast,
this year’s Eastern Sierra trout season opener could be one of the best
in years for volume and quality of fish caught, and Crowley Lake will
lead that parade. In fact, this might be the first year in a long time
where Crowley produces both the most fish (which it usually does) and
the biggest fish. But a whopper brown trout from Bridgeport’s Upper or
Lower Twin Lake could top Crowley in this category. Still, this is our
top pick. If you’re hauling a boat up to Crowley, make sure you give
yourself time for the quagga mussel boat inspection. For information,
check with the Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760-935-4043 or visit the web
site at www.crowleylakefishcamp.com.
2. For the curious, Santa Ana River Lakes or Corona Lake has to be our
number two pick – especially for those of you who want to trout fish but
don’t want to pay $4 per gallon for gas. Both of these lakes will be
stocked with a new Mt. Lassen trout called the Sierra Rainbow, a
full-finned, brighter-colored fish that looks wild. SARL is getting
4,000 pounds of them, and they will be bigger than the average trout out
of Crowley. Corona’s getting a batch, too. Let us know what you think of
these new trout. For fishing information on SARL, call the tackle shop
at 714-632-7851 or Corona Lake at 951-277-3321.
3. You just can’t leave Diamond Valley Lake out of the top picks. The
bass bite is still excellent. The trout bite will rival anything
happening in the Sierra this weekend. The catfish, bluegill, and crappie
bites are all really starting to take off. It is just one of the best
places to fish in Southern California. For updates, check with the
marina staff at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at
951-658-7410.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT:
While the Eastern Sierra will get all the ink this week with the trout
opener this weekend, there is still very good trout action throughout
the Southern California region. Top bets are Santa Ana River Lakes,
Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, and Laguna Niguel. In the High Desert,
Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows all have been good this
week, too. The San Bernardino County Park lakes are all dwindling after
the last plants of the season went in over the last two weeks. In San
Diego County, Wohlford, Dixon, Poway, Jennings, Morena, and Cuyamaca
have consistently fair to good bites after weekly plants. In the
southern Sierra, Lake Isabella and the Kern River are both very good.
The Eastern Sierra and Western Sierra waters have all been heavily
planted for this weekend’s trout opener.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Diamond Valley, Casitas, Perris, Skinner, Castaic,
Cachuma, Isabella, Piru, Sutherland, San Vicente, and Lower Otay all
have been good this past week. Add in Silverwood and Pyramid. Poway, El
Capitan, Hodges, and Wohlford all have fair to good bites. On the
Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good spotted bass bite, and Lopez
is worth fishing for largemouths. Keep in mind all of the local lakes
with bass still have fish on beds. While the spawn is winding down at
low-elevation waters, higher elevation waters are right in the middle of
the deal.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid was good to excellent last week. Skinner has fair
to good action, too, and the reports coming in from Castaic and
Silverwood show these bites are also breaking open. On the Colorado
River, the best action has been at Havasu and Mead where a lot of
smaller fish to six pounds showing. Even the lower river below Havasu
has areas of fair to good action all the way to Palo Verde. No monster
fish at Willow or in Mohave reported this week, though.
PANFISH: The panfish bites are just starting to really turn on just
about everywhere. There are very good crappie bites at Buena Vista Lake
(near Taft) in the southern San Joaquin Valley and at Lake Hodges. Other
budding crappie bites to note are at Henshaw, Elsinore, Perris,
Isabella, Lopez, and Piru. Bluegill and redear are also starting to
improve across the board. A few big bluegill are showing at Diamond
Valley, Perris, and Casitas, and there are bite starting just about in
every water that has these panfish.
CATFISH: More fish are showing at Hesperia Lake thanks to weekly plants
of pan-sized and trophy cats. Diamond Valley still has a pretty good
bite, and other waters throughout Southern California are just starting
to turn on. Many of the urban programs will be switching over the
catfish plants in the coming weeks as trout season winds down. The
Colorado River has been consistently good in the past week.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: The lake is warming up and the striper bite is, too. Anglers
have landed fish in the three- to eight-pound range on anchovies,
especially by the dam. Top striper was a 7-9 caught by Lee Ballard and
Brandon Tucker, both Apple Valley. Justin Morgan, Phelan, landed a
three-pound striper. Trout bite good in the coves on Power Bait or meal
worms. Jim Rock, Hesperia, caught a stringer of trout totaling 6 1/2
pounds on nightcrawlers and silver Kastmasters. His top fish was 1-12.
The largemouth bass bite has been pretty fair with a lot of fish shallow
on beds. Plastics and nightcrawlers have been best. Information: marina
760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store
760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The trout action was slowed by heavy winds, but should
pick up with lighter winds and warmer weather. The water temps are still
very low due to the slow snow melt, and the bite is suffering. Trollers
are using Needlefish in the red dot frog pattern or Thomas Buoyants.
Bait anglers are using dough baits and inflated nightcrawlers. The best
spots include the Trout Triangle and Eagle Point. DFG trout plant last
week. Upcoming events: May Trout Classic set for May 17 and 18. Call
(909) 585-4007 to enter or for information. Lake information: Big Bear
Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or
bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Mostly slow action with a few trout on floating baits
fished close to the bottom. DFG trout plant this week. Information:
909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Green Valley Lake officially opens for the season on
Thursday, May 15, after a plant of Alpers' trout, and it is scheduled to
receive two plants per month. The lake is currently at full pool and
overflowing thanks to the heavy snowpack in the San Bernardino
Mountains. The 2008 fishing fees are $15 per day for adults, $10 for
children. Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and parking is free. No
float tubes or private boats are allowed, but there are row boats
available for rent. The recorded information line is 909-867-2009..
Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: The lake has opened for the season. DFG trout plant this
week. Trout bite slowish, but should pick up with the plant.
JENKS LAKE: The trout bite has been slow to fair, but some float tube
anglers have managed to get limits of holdover trout. No DFG plants yet
this season. The bass action has been fair with some quality fish
showing. Richard Brown, one of the campground hosts, caught a 1
1/2-pound trout and a six-pound bass fishing nightcrawlers on two-pound
test on Tuesday. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Very good trout and catfish action. The weekly Monday
catfish plants include 500 pounds of brooder blue cats over 15 pounds.
Even bigger trophy catfish from 25 to 35 pounds will be planted
beginning in May. The rainbow trout are mostly two-pounders with a few
to eight pounds and a little bigger. Top catches this week include
Matthew Hall, 1 1/2, Hesperia, who landed his first fish on his own, a
two-pound rainbow fishing a Bullet Jig below a float. Victor Mancini,
Mira Loma, landed a 9-8 rainbow on Power Bait off the north shore, while
James Penez, San Bernardino, caught an 8-8 rainbow and a 6-8 brown
trout, the rainbow on Power Bait and the brown on a nightcrawler. Top
catfish was a 28-pounder caught by Mike Berry, Hesperia, on the meal
worm-shrimp combo, while Nannie McDonald, Hesperia, landed a 22-pound
catfish on mackerel doused with Sonny’s Catfish Bait. Day session hours
are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session fromn 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost
is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: The trout bite remains excellent with anglers reporting lots
of limits. Some have complained of catching their limit too quickly.
Anglers have used Power bait (sherbet, lime twist, rainbow and orange),
nightcrawlers (inflated and doused with garlic), lures, jigs and Senkos
to catch their limits with fish to four pounds. Hot spots include the
eastern logged shore and western shore from the pump house to the bridge
of lake 3 as well as the northern, western and eastern shores of lake 2.
Manuel Areola, Victorville, landed an 8-6 rainbow. Crystal Wylie,
Anaheim, caught a 6-14. Russell Ung, Lakewood, caught a 6-2. Rick
Trudeau, La Verne, caught a 5-14 rainbow. Juan Montano, Colton, landed a
3-10 rainbow. Joe Ormonde, Phelan, caught a 5-1 trout on a firetiger
Roostertail. Tristen Cruz, 11, Montrose landed a 10- 3 limit of trout.
His top fish was a 2-3 on chunky cheese Gulp. Bass are good in both
lakes using drop-shot plastics, spinnerbaits, and Senkos. Hot spots for
bass include the southeastern shore of lake 2 near the wall and the
northern shore of lake 3 near the pump house. Bluegill aren't up yet,
but they should be in a spawn mode by early May. 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: Fair to good trout bite with fish up into the
seven-pound range and some bigger. Top baits are Power Bait (rainbow,
red, white and blue, and orange), nightcrawlers and plastic trout worms.
Action is best in the morning from both Pelican and Horseshoe Lake. DFG
trout plant last week. No more county trout plants will go in this
season. 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. No more county trout plants will
go in this season. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: The trout bite improved with some limits reported near the dam,
snack bar and basin 2. Trout anglers have been successful with
chartreuse Power Bait and nightcrawlers with fish to 1 1/2 pounds.
Catfish, bass, and carp remain slow. DFG trout plant this week. The last
county trout plant of the season also went in last Thursday. No fishing
on stocking days. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Still fair trout action this week with the best bite on Power
Bait, mini-jigs, and small trout plastics. Also a fair bite on bluegill
and carp, with the catfish still mostly slow. DFG trout plant this week.
No more county trout plants will go in this season. Lake information:
909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair to good trout action this past week with some limits
reported on fish averaging from 1 1/2 to two pounds. Top trout baits
have been Power Bait (yellow or green) and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair
catfish action. Most of the cats are running two to four pounds and are
showing on mackerel, shrimp and Hog Wild. DFG trout plant this week. No
more county trout plants will go in 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: No recent plants. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: The bass continue to be up shallow on beds, but the
spawn is winding down. Anglers have had some of the best bass fishing
all season in th past week. Hot spots are near the east dam, in Rawson
cove, at the southwest corner and in the shallows near the flat rocky
spots. Swimbaits are the number one attractant for the bass. Drop-shotting
purple or green worms, Carolina rigged Brush Hogs, watermelon or green
pumpkin Senkos, and tube jigs are also catching bass. Chris Smith,
Moreno Valley, landed a 5.76-pound bass on a purple Roboworm. Justin
Paul, 9, Hemet caught a 4.6-pound bass. Shore fisherman and boaters have
been catching an abundance of trout. Hot spots include the marina, the
east dam, restroom 1 and 2, and the west dam. Shore anglers have been
relying on Power Bait, trout worms, mini-jigs, and Kastmasters. Boaters
found it is best to drift with nightcrawlers in the mornings. Then when
the sun gets high or the wind picks up try trolling a jointed Rapala or
nightcrawler on the surface has been best. Rich Garcia, Beaumont, caught
a 9.02-pound trout fishing off the south shore. Tim Carnahan, Sky
Valley, caught a 6.23-pound trout trolling a Rapala. Abraham Mubashshire,
Rialto, caught a 5.16-pound trout. Jack Nydam, Redlands, landed a
five-pound trout on crickets. Dan Mobeeg, Monrovia, landed a 4.62-pound
trout. Lori Carnahan, Sky Valley, caught a 3.25-pound trout also
trolling a Rapala. Very few stripers biting. Anglers are using swimbaits,
plugs and large topwater baits. Good catfish bite this week on raw
shrimp, anchovies and mackerel in 10 to 20 feet. Not too many panfish
reports this week, but anglers are fishing along the dam and near the
stairways on live worms for bluegill. Some crappie to two-pounds have
also been landed. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last
Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The bass action is still very good off the marina and at lots 5,
11 and 12. Top baits are nightcrawlers and plastics. Top bass was a
5.4-pounder caught by Travis Sublettop, Moreno Valley. Trout fair on
worms, Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trout hot spots also at lots 5, 11
and 12. DFG trout plant this week. Very good bluegill bite in the marina
on crickets and meal worms. Bob Walker and Sonny Daniels, Moreno Valley,
landed 22 bluegill. Most fish were under a pound. The crappie bite is
good on jigs. Lorenzo Martinez, Los Angeles, caught a two-pound crappie
off the east side of the island. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee
during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park
951-940-5600.
SKINNER: The largemouth bass action is still very good on jigs and
nightcrawlers in the east end and off Launch Ramp 2. Bill Justice,
Corona, landed a 4-5 largemouth on crankbait. Good striper bite on
anchovies in the inlet. Buck Miller, Escondido, landed a 5-6 striper.
The holdover trout bite is fair on Power Bait, nightcrawlers or dough
near Launch Ramp 2. DFG trout plant early this week. Fair to good
bluegill action on meal worms off the east end. Wayne Bruford, Carson,
caught a two-pound bluegill. Some early season catfish biting on chicken
liver and crankbaits. Fish to two pounds. Information: store
951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: Crappie bite fair to good on nightcrawlers off the west
side marina. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action good. A few fish in the
four-pound range have been landed off shore. The carp have a fair to
good bite off the east end on dough balls. The cats are showing at the
state park on mackerel, shrimp and nightcrawlers. Good bluegill bite on
wax worms. Some bass action at the southeast end on plastics.
Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Trout fishing was good this past week, with Lightning Trout
leading the stringer parade after last week’s big plant of fish to 2 1/2
pounds. Jose Guerra of Los Angeles landed a 19-pound rainbows while
fishing from shore with a lure. Other nice trout catches included Abel
Chacon, Corona, and Edward Contreras, Riverside, who caught 10-pound and
nine-pound trout, respectively. Both Chacon and Contreras caught their
big rainbows on Power Bait while fishing from shore. More and more
catfish are being reported each week with the majority being caught on
mackerel and shrimp. Those baits are also getting the occasional
sturgeon. An 80-pound sturgeon was caught by Santiago Palacios, La
Puente. Special plant this week of Sierra ‘bows, a new strain of
full-finned, brilliant-colored rainbows from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms.
Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Very slow. The odd trout is still showing from winter plants
and a few bass and panfish are showing for anglers fishing the
shorelines. The lake is still muddy from dredging with low visibility.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout action slow to fair on Power Bait and worms. Most
fish are in the one to two-pound range. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout plants go in every other week and there is a
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 at space 54, by the dam.
Anglers have landed up to 20 fish per day. The lake is closed Mondays.
The lake will be closing Wednesday, April 30, perhaps permanently.
Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: The lake is planted with 500 pounds of rainbow trout
each week through April. The trout bite has been very good on chartreuse
or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The catfish bite is on with good action on
nightcrawlers, chicken liver, dough bait and mackerel. Catfish are
planted when the current stock goes below 2,000 pounds. The trout are
scarce, and have been reduced to $3 per pound to make room for the
catfish. 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: The bass bite has been good with the best action on plastics
and crawdads. Fair to good trout action with the best bite on
nightcrawlers. Power Bait and Power Worms are also working well for
trout, and trollers have also been having some success on Kastmasters.
Average fish size was 10 inches, and the fish are showing all over the
lake. Terry Gerlach, Long Beach, caught a limit of trout while fishing
at the dam. Curt Lott, Lakewood, caught a limit of trout with each fish
weighing in at the two-pound mark. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. 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: A 4,000 pound plant of the new Mt. Lassen Trout
Farms’ Sierra Rainbow Trout is slated for this week. These fish have
been raised differently than the typical hatchery trout to address
angler complaints about fin quality, coloration, and vigor. The result
has been vividly-colored, wilder acting and looking fish. These new
Sierra Rainbows should only improve an already very good trout bite that
has been ongoing over the past week. Anglers reported catching lots of
Lightning Trout after a plant last week, but not as many rainbows over
10 pounds were landed as in recent weeks. Trout fishing has been best
for boat anglers at the bubble hole. Warming water has caused the fish
to move into deep water. Top baits continue to be the floating dough
baits or inflated nightcrawlers. Top trout this week was a 12-pounder
caught by Mark Oehlerking, Irvine, on a grub while fishing at the sandy
beach. Ray Waldschmidt, North Hollywood, who caught an 11-even on
rainbow Nitro Bait at the three pipes. Scott Zimnicki, Garden Grove,
caught a mixed 10-fish stringer with both catfish and trout totaling 23
pounds using orange and white Power Bait. Nguyen Ryan, Westminster,
landed an 8-8 rainbow on Power Bait at the boat dock. 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 rainbow and brown trout bites are keeping anglers busy.
Fish to over seven pounds have been landed on a variety of baits,
including Power Bait, nightcrawlers, mini-jigs and trout dough. Hot
spots include Boat Dock and Woody’s Cove. Top fish was a 10-4 rainbow
caught by Marcello Canon, Chatsworth. Steve England, Mission Viejo,
landed a 10-pound brown trout on a Thomas Buoyant. Dee Bartlett,
Anaheim, caught a limit of trout totaling 29 pounds in Sierra Cove. Mitz
Onizuka, Irvine, caught seven and nine-pound trout on the flats. Tim
Healy, Newport Beach, caught a 30-pound limit of trout topped by a 7-6.
Al Rotta, Lomita, landed a 10-fish limit of brook trout totaling 29-8 on
Power Bait at the flats. Good bass bite, with a lot of fish up on beds.
Most legitimate sight-fishing techniques are working well, with dropshot-rigged
lizards and tubes being used. Crappie anglers are finding good numbers
of fish to two pounds on Atomic Teasers at the flats and in Sierra Cove.
Elaine Dickerhoof, Artesia, landed five crappie totaling 10-12 on
mini-jigs. Catfish to five pounds are becoming active on all trout dough
baits. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming events: The first
Night-Time Bass Tournament in several years will be held May 10, with
signups only available at the lake or Angler’s Marine. The lake’s summer
catfish opener is scheduled for June 6. Information: 714-649-9111 or
www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No more trout plants will go in this season, but the
catfish plants are just around the corner, with the first one slated for
the week prior to Memorial Day Weekend. The trout bite is fair on
inflated nightcrawlers doused in garlic or corn Trout Dip or Power Bait
(red, white and blue or chartreuse) dipped in garlic Nitro Gravy in the
flats and off the launch ramp. 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. 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. Some crappie showing on small
crappie jigs (chartreuse or white). The occasional catfish on mackerel
or nightcrawlers in the flats and by the launch ramp on nightcrawlers
dipped in garlic. 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 five to 20 feet for trollers using red
Needlefish and nightcrawlers. The trout are from 1 1/2 to two pounds,
with some over six pounds. Bait anglers are using rainbow Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. The trout bite is best in Cachuma Bay, just outside the
marina and on the flats. Todd Cright, Arroyo Grande, caught the highest
tagged trout in last weekend’s tournament and took home the $2,000 grand
prize. Nick Langer, Valencia, caught a limit of trout that weighed over
25 pounds, with a 9-8 top fish. Bass bite fair in the mornings on
crankbait and plastics in the Jackrabbit Flats. Crappie bite fair on
jigs and nightcrawlers in Bobcat Canyon. DFG trout plant last week. For
quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html.
Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The live shad are still driving the bass wild. The fish are
also taking swimbaits and plastic worms. Top bass this week was a
12-pounder landed by Travis Walters, Oak View. Eric Elsher, Ojai, landed
a 10-pound bass. Phuong Phan, Ventura, also caught a 10-pounder. Todd
Thigpin, Santa Paula, also brought in a 10-pounder. Robbi Martinez,
Ventura, landed a 6-8 bass. The trout action is fair at the Coyote
Launch Ramp. Laren Campos, Ventura, caught a four-pound trout. Fair to
good bluegill and redear on live worms. Catfish bite very slow. Crappie
bite fair with an improving bite on jigs and live shad. Nightfishing
scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Private boats will again be
allowed at Casitas in the near future, but boaters will face an
inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga
mussel infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Fair to good largemouth bass bite, with fish from two to four
pounds. The fish arm and the lagoon are the hot spots for the bass on
plastics and swimbaits. Jenny Ally, Canyon Country, caught a two-pound
largemouth. The striper bite is fair to good, with a few fish in the
double-digits on anchovies or frozen shad. Top striper was a 16-pounder
landed by Galen Tsabetsaye, Canyon Country, on swimbaits. Manuel Muro,
San Fernando, caught a 10-8 striper to the right of the marina. Some
carp still lurking near the west ramp on frozen shad. Trout were planted
last week, 1,500 pounds at the lagoon, and aside from a few holdovers
the action is just fair. Nicholas Clem, Canyon Country, caught a 1-2
trout on Power Bait. The Ski Cove is closed for the remainder of the
spawning period this season. 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. Most fish are in the one to two-pound
range, with an occasional four-pounder or better. DFG trout plant three
weeks ago. 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
fair 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: Last weekend’s bass tournament had 168-pounds of fish pulled
out of the lake by participants, and the bite has been fair to good for
anglers throwing jigs and plastics up shallow. Lot of fish on beds. A
trout plant, 3,000 pounds, went in two weeks ago the trout bite to fair
to good on anchovies and nightcrawlers. The bigger stripers should come
out and go after the trout from the plant, but the striper bite has been
very good on fish to six pounds this with fish showing on cut baits or
shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best
area for trout and stripers. Many anglers have caught easy limits this
week. Catfish are still slow, but a 15-pound catfish was caught last
week. No bluegill or crappie reports, yet. 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. Fair
bluegill action 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. DFG catfish plant this
week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. DFG catfish plant this week.
Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week. Information:
213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Fair trout bite at the drop offs on Power Bait or
nightcrawlers. 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 for fishing, but will reopen on May 7.
Reservations available through Tickemaster. Call (619) 220-8497. Lake
information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The crappie action slightly perked over last week. Improved bass
bite. The bluegill bite is fair. This week 198 anglers checked reported
164 crappie, 158 bass and 51 bluegill. Sam Voiavou, Murrieta, landed a
7.10-pound largemouth on a crappie jig in Dam Arm. 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: The bass bite is not as hot as last week, but still good.
This week 287 anglers checked reported 296 bass, 77 crappie, 22
bluegill, 13 blue catfish and 10 channel catfish. Gary Howard, San
Diego, caught a 6.10-pound largemouth bass on plastic worms. 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: The bluegill bite is on. This week 172 anglers reported 231
bluegill, 115 bass, nine crappie, four rainbow trout, four redear, three
channel catfish and two crappie. Bruce Murray, Chula Vista, caught a
10.60-pound largemouth bass on crank bait in Otay Arm. 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: Fair to good bass bite. This week 39 anglers reported
catching 52 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 action. This week 100 anglers reported
171 bass, 64 bluegill and 22 channel 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: Very good bluegill bite. This week 88 anglers checked reported
214 bluegill, 20 rainbow trout and one bass. DFG trout plant this week
and last. 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 to good bluegill action. This week 118 anglers checked
reported 113 bluegill, 46 rainbow trout, one channel catfish and one
redear. 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: Very good bass action. This week 80 anglers checked reported
181 bass, eight crappie and one blue catfish. Vic Williams, Ramona,
landed a 10.90-pound largemouth bass. Leonard Jones and Richard White,
San Diego, caught 5.40 and 5.10-pound largemouth. Information:
619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: The water is clear, and the trout action is good with plenty
of rainbow trout taken on nightcrawlers, Power Bait (green and yellow)
and Power worms. A 1,200-pound plant of rainbow trout went in this week.
Best trout areas have been in Boat Dock Cove, off the Senior Shoreline,
and in Willow Cove. The bass are in spawn mode with a lot of fish in
shallower water. Senkos, swimbaits, crawdads, live golden shiners, and
plastic worms are working best for the bass. Crappie have started to
bite with the water warming and rising. The catfish bite is picking up
with some decent channel catfish being landed on shrimp or anchovies.
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: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON: The trout action is very good, and should be excellent by this
weekend. The lake will receive a trout plant, 2,400 pounds this week.
The best baits have been yellow Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Thomas
Buoyant. Hot spots have been in Trout Cove and near pier No. 3. Average
trout is between one and two pounds A few catfish were reported on cut
mackerel or nightcrawlers in the deeper parts of the lake or near the
buoy line. Upcoming events: The Hidden Valley Kiwanis is holding their
11th Annual Charity Trout Derby at Dixon Lake on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be a $5,000 tagged fish, and a Kid’s pond for children 8 and
under. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Very good trout action with some fish over 10 pounds being landed
on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and worms. J. K Bennett, Spring Valley,
caught a 10.1-pound trout. Mike Voss, Mira Mesa, landed a 10-pound trout
in Boulder Bay. Jeff Kopischke, Chula Vista, caught a 9.5-pound trout at
the Log Boom. Don Patrol, San Diego, landed a nine-pound trout at Pine
Point. Pete Deerman, Linda Vista, caught an 8.9-pound trout. Fair bass
bite along the shorelines on plastic worms. There are still plenty of
trout over 10 pounds at in the water from the big stock two weeks ago.
The bluegill bite is still slow. Some catfish starting to show on
mackerel along the Log Boom. The shoreline is now open for fishing in
the curtain area. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday through Sunday
from sunrise (6 a.m.) to sunset. Lake information: snack bar
858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions
858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Good trout action off the boat dock and near the fishing float
for trollers using Needlefish and Rapalas. Bait anglers using Power Bait
are having luck at the Cactus Patch and in Sentry Cove. Fair channel
catfish bite near the floating boathouse and bird trees on mackerel.
Catfish season opens on May 12, a 1,000 pound plant will go in prior.
The bass have moved off the shoreline and are in 15 to 25 feet on
crawdads, Ikas, swimbaits or Gitzits. Upcoming events: Nightfishing
starts May 16. The lake is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45
a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or
www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Fair to good trout bite with the best bite in the late morning,
and early afternoons on Power Bait, rainbow Rapalas or Kastmasters. Most
fish have been landed near the launch ramp or off the shoreline. Boaters
are also catching limits by the dam in Paradise Cove and working the
northern shoreline toward the dam. Fly fishermen have found good fishing
at the Cottonwood Creek area. Bass fishing is improving on plastics as
the water warms. 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 1,200-pound load of Mt. Lassen’s that went in last week
made the already-good trout bite even better. The nice spring weather
has brought the fish out, and both bait anglers and trollers are getting
their share of action. Chambers Park, Fox Hole and the West Finger Jetty
are the hot spots. Bait anglers are using nightcrawlers and Power Bait.
Upcoming events: San Diego Fly Fishers is sponsoring Lend-A-Rod programs
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. It includes free bait and tackle and
fishing tips. Private boats are not allowed on the lake in order to
prevent a quagga mussel outbreak. Information: 760-765-0515 or
www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: The crappie bite continues, although the catfish bite is
getting anglers’ attention too. Anglers are pulling out 10 to 12 crappie
per day on crappie jigs. The catfish bite is fair to good around the
dock. A five-pound catfish was reported this week. Bass in a spawn mode
with fish showing in the shallows. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
**LAKE MEAD: The shad are moving closer to shore, and some anglers have
netted them in the Las Vegas wash area. The striper are all over the
shad, and are going after the shad-imitation lures. Some trout action
now on small spinners and floating baits in the evenings. No more trout
plants will go in until fall. The largemouth and smallmouth action is
fair to good with fish to eight pounds reported in the past week, most
in the one to two-pound range. Channel catfish bite is good in the Vegas
Wash on anchovies and squid.
WILLOW BEACH: Striper bite is fair to good, but the number of reports
has been small. Rainbow trout bite fair on Power Bait, spinners, 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. Also a few crappie showing. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Fishing in Cottonwood Cove is fair to good for catfish and
small stripers. Power Bait, worms and Woolly Buggers have all been
working for rainbow trout. Trout from two to three pounds have been
landed. Crappie bite fair near El Dorado Canyon, Money Hole, and up near
Willow Beach on crankbaits or anchovies. Largemouth bass and the
occasional smallmouth are also being caught on plastics. Information:
702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: The trout bite is slowing, but the bite is still fair.
The last plant of the spring went in three weeks ago. Also spotty
striper and catfish action near Harrah’s Casino on anchovies. Some good
stripers have been landed in the Big Bend area. Decent smallmouth action
at Davis Camp.
NEEDLES: Fair 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. Largemouth action still spotty. Information: Premier Sports
760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Slow to fair striper action, but a few crappie and bass
are starting to show, especially the bass. Catfish slow to fair on
mackerel, anchovies, worms, or shrimp. The marsh can be accessed by boat
at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information:
928-768-2350.
HAVASU: The striper bite is fair to good all over the lake with a lot of
fish to four pounds. The stripers are keying on shad, so swimbaits and
small cranks are a good bet. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bites
are fair to good, especially the smallmouth. Some bass in the three to
four-pound range have been landed off the point at Six Site. Also a good
redear bite with fish on beds in the Sandpoint area. Information:
760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads to 12 pounds
reported in an improving bite. The smallmouth bass action has improved
to good, and there are more and more largemouth showing each day.
Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Bass bite has been good in the main river for smallmouths and in
the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds
reported this week. The catfish action is also improving with the warmer
weather with flatheads to 15 pounds and above reported this week.
Bluegill are still spotty. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Good overall bite. Water temperatures and levels are up, and
the bass are improving in the backwaters and smallies on the river
rip-rap. Also improving action on schoolie-sized stripers in the river
with fish to four pounds reported. Information: Walter's Camp
760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Some catfish and bass action reported. Both bites fair to
good.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Fair to good largemouth bite on cranks, spinnerbaits
and plastics. Channel catfish bite decent, 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 bite at the Gila Main Canal in East Yuma is improving
with a fair to good 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. The
flatheads are also starting to get active. Largemouth bass in the main
river and backwaters started to really turn on this weekend.
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: No reports.
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: No recent DFG plants. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No recent DFG plants.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Slow to fair trout action on Power Bait (rainbow) or
nightcrawlers. Last DFG plant a month ago. 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. 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, although the rest of the
waters—Upper and Lower Twin, Bridgeport Reservoir, West Walker and
Virginia Lakes will open this weekend. The current bite at the East
Walker is fair with some decent-sized rainbows in the pools with the
best action on midges larva patterns or streams. Flows are still
inconsistent, but currently around 100 cfs. Plants at Bridgeport
Reservoir. For the East Walker River flows, you can check this website
for real time data: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000.
Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: All the lakes—June, Gull, Silver and Grant—in the loop
will open this weekend to fishing. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle
(760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: All waters in the area will open this weekend. Hot Creek
has been open, and the action is good. Take caution with the slippery
mud surfacing with recent temperature changes. The best action has been
for anglers fishing mayfly nymph patterns under an indicator. Upper
Owens is seeing a good mid-day bite with some dry fly, although nymph
fishing is a better choice. Try a PT or a midge emerger imitation.
During the hatches there are plenty of trout working. Fishing
information: The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River
(in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir) are open to fishing in this region, but the whole region
opens Saturday. On the lower Owens, nymphing with Hare’s Ears and
Pheasant Tails is best. Hatch in the mid-afternoon, early evening. Good
bite below the Wild Trout stretch thanks to plants last week by the DFG
in the Steward Lane to Laws stretch, but flows are ripping. Fair bite at
Pleasant Valley. The levels are very low, and some report the lake was
pretty much fished out during last week’s derby. Others have reported
fair to good action near the dam on Power Bait. DFG plant here last week
helped improve the bite. Fly fishing good in the Owens River gorge above
Pleasant Valley. Top action on dry/dropper rigs. For flow information on
the whole Owens River system, you can get information here: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAqueductMap.ladwp?contentId=LADWP_AQUERTD_SCID.
For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581,
or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 (web site fish report at http://www.performanceanglers.com/fish_report.php).
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Pretty decent bite in both the lower Owens
River and Diaz Lake. Plants this week in preparation for the opener at
Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Intake 2), Bishop Creek
Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle and South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Diaz
Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek,
Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pine Creek,
Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and 2) Sheperds Creek,
Symmes Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.
Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: The winds are dying and the overall bite is improving.
Fair to good trout action on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs
in Paradise Cove and by the dam. Fair to good crappie bite on minnows.
Jeremiah Dickerson, Bakersfield, landed a stringer of crappie on
minnows. Each fish was between a half and 1 1/2 pounds. Bass bite
improved this week, with a good bite on plastics. Also a fair catfish
bite at the dam on shad, clams and minnows. Fishing information: Bob's
Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon
eggs and silver spinners. The flows are rising in the upper river, but
it’s still fishable. Fair trout bite in the lower river. Bass bite also
picking up in the lower river. Information: Kern River Troutfitter
760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store
760-376-2424.
RIVER WALK PARK: The action from the last trout plant is dying. No more
trout plants will go until next season.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The striper action is very good on shad, Gitzits,
lug worms and blood worms. Mat Soh, Bakersfield, caught a 20-pound
striper. Colc Camtu, Bakersfield, landed a five-pound striper. Decent
catfish action on shad and nightcrawlers. Horacio Perez, Bakersfield,
landed a 10-pound catfish on anchovies.
HART PARK LAKE: Good bass action on brush hogs, and Senkos. Fair to good
carp bite on dough balls. Trout action fair, but winding down, on Power
Bait and nightcrawlers.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Good bass bite on nightcrawlers, live minnows and brush
hogs. Good carp bite on dough. Catfish bite picking up. Bluegill action
fair on wax worms and crickets. Fair trout bite.
MING LAKE: Very good carp action on dough. Fair to good bass bite on
Senkos, plastic worms, nightcrawlers, Brush Hogs and minnows. Fair trout
action on Power Bait.
BRITE LAKE: Trout bite is fair on Power Bait and spinners, with boat
anglers having the best success in deeper water. Shore anglers having a
tougher time as the trout head deep with warming temperatures. Water
level still coming up. DFG trout plant last week.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good crappie bite on minnows and jigs with some
two-pound plus fish. Good bluegill bite on wax worms. Fair to good
striper bite on blood worms and lug worms. Good bass action on Senkos,
brush hogs, crawdads and large minnows. The catfish bite is fair on shad
or minnows. Some bluegill starting to show with warming weather on wax
and meal worms. Not too much trout action.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bluegill action on wax worms. Bass bite good on
minnows and plastics.
SUCCESS LAKE: The levels are up, and anglers are able to launch boats.
Action slow. Bass bite fair, at times, on plastic worms and Senkos.
Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair crappie bite on small minnows. Fair bass action on
Senkos. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Fair to good striper action in Bee Rock Cove and Harris
Creek on anchovies and swimbaits. The smallmouth are scarce, however the
largemouth bite is fair to good around the rocky points on swimbaits,
spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair catfish action on anchovies.
Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Largemouth bass action fair to good on Brush Hogs,
plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have landed their limit with largemouth
to five pounds on some stringers. The early morning bite, from sunrise
to 8 a.m. is best. Fair to good trout bite on Power Bait or worms.
Decent crappie action on jigs near the river. DFG trout plant last week.
The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information:
805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Continued good spotted bass action on plastics and spoons.
The spotted bass are in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines.
Anglers reported catching 12 to 15 fish by putting in two to three
hours. Fair white bass bite. Information: 805-238-1056 or
www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bass action very good on jigs, nightcrawlers or plastic worms,
especially in Wittenberg Canyon. Tracy Bright, Arroyo Grande, caught
11-4 and 10-1 bass on a seven-inch plastic worm, by the bridge. Andy
Wang, Lompoc, landed bass at nine- and 3 3/4-pounds on nightcrawlers off
marina point. Aaron Quarles, San Luis Obispo, caught four-pound and 3
1/4-pound largemouths in Lopez Arm on jigs. Fair crappie action in 25 to
30 feet across from the marina and near the boat house on jigs. Good
bluegill, perch and redear action on meal and wax worms. Ben Peterson,
Santa Maria, landed a 1-13 bluegill at the Ranger’s Boathouse on a
Roostertail. Catfish bite spotty. Try anchovies or shrimp. Fair trout
action on nightcrawlers and rainbow Power Bait 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
and silver Kastmasters. Most fish are under the two-pound mark.
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, Jackson 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: Diamond Valley Reservoir, Hemet Lake, Perris Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Arrowbear Lake, Big Bear Lake, Cucamonga Creek,
Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Gregory Lake, Lytle
Creek (Middle and North Forks), Miller Canyon Creek, Prado Park Lake,
Silverwood Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond, Murray Lake.
INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Intake 2), Bishop Creek
Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle and South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Diaz
Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek,
Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pine Creek,
Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and 2) Sheperds Creek,
Symmes Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Little Walker
River, West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3), Grant Lake, Gull Lake, Lee
Vining Creek, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rush Creek,
Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower and Upper),
Virginia Creek.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake, Reyes Creek,
Rose Valley Lakes.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San
Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, Tenmile Creek, Wishon Reservoir.
KERN: Brite Valley Reservoir, Kern River from Powerhouse No. 3 to
Riverside Park, Kernville.
MONTEREY: El Estero Park Lake.
TULARE: Big Meadows Creek, Kern River from Bush Creek to Fairview Dam,
Kern River from Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge, Middle Fork of
Tule River, North Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Wishon Campground,
Peppermint Creek, South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Camp Nelson,
South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Ceder Slopes.
CATFISH PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of
trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county,
will be
stocked this week with one-pound channel catfish by the Department of
Fish
and Game.
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hansen
Dam, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic
Johnson Lake.
OCEAN FISHING REPORT
By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com
CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: There is still excellent rockfishing in the
Channel Islands with reds and salmon grouper making up the bulk of the
bag. In addition, the ling cod also remain in a fair bite. The miserable
April conditions – winds and cooler coastal temperatures – continue to
plague the beginning of a good spring bite, but the stage is set with a
lot of bait when things turn around.
LOS ANGELES AREA/ISLANDS UPDATE: Instability in weather, water
temperatures, and tides have ruled April, and the typical April winds
have again shut down the budding bite at Catalina and San Clemente
islands. Every time we develop some momentum in the surface bite, the
winds blow it away. Water temperatures could and should be in the 62 and
63 degree range at Catalina, but winds have dropped those temperatures
into the 57 to 59 degree range holding the bite back. Still, there are
signs the spring bite is about to break wide open. There has been a good
bite at Catalina on bonito on the front side of the island and even a
few white seabass have been picked in the same area – mostly caught by
anglers on boats that ducked in behind the island to avoid the winds
that have hammered the backside. Bait is everywhere, with anchovies and
sardines on the frontside and squid on the backside. This place could
turn on almost overnight with some warm, less-windy weather. There have
even been some signs of barracuda at Catalina and in Los Angeles area
nearshore waters, but they are not sticking here yet because of the cool
water temps. The nearshore sand and calico bass bites are also being
help up by the weather. Of note, however, is a decent halibut bite in
the L.A. Harbor at a couple of spots. Local rockfish action remains the
mainstay. Boats in the Santa Monica Bay have been catching limits of
salmon grouper and a few lings.
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATE: In spite of what should be happening, the weather
and cool water have made most skippers focus on the good sculpin and
rockfish action along the Orange County coast. There have also been a
few barracuda showing up mixed with bonito, and more and more bait moves
into this region. Big jags of bait are showing off Dana Point,
Huntington and Newport, so when the water temperatures spikes at all,
the bite could break wide open.
SAN DIEGO AREA UPDATE: Winds all but shut down the budding bite at the
Coronado Islands this week, but the huge buildup of bait and increasing
numbers of barracuda and bonito are signs the good spring action is not
far off for the local fleet in San Diego. The long range fleet is mostly
in port. The Royal Polaris returned this week from an 18-day trip, the
last long, long range trip of the season with a good catch of yellowfin
tuna to 300-plus pounds and good wahoo action. The fleet is shifting its
focus to six- to 10-day trips in the Alijos Rocks, Cedros, and Benitos
islands area. The Shogun just returned from an eight-day trip in this
range and found excellent yellowtail fishing along with a decent pick on
small yellowfin to 15 pounds. The yellowtail were 15 to 45 pounds and
came mostly off the bottom on a dropper-loop rig.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA and Shimano 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 two-day trip aboard the New Lo An
leaving May 2. This one costs $275. There is also 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
Shimano/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. |
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For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and
information visit our companion site:
www.976-tuna.com
RECENT BIG CATCHES
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April 20, 2008 - Steve England of Mission
Viejo caught this 10-0 brown trout on a Thomas Buoyant at Woody's
Cove of Irvine Lake.
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April 21, 2008 - Se Ier of Long
Beach with a couple of striped bass caught from shore at Lake
Silverwood near the damn area.
April 20, 2008 - Santiago Palacios of La
Puente with an 80-pound sturgeon caught at Corona Lake.
April 18, 2008 - MarkOehlerking of Irvine
with a 12-pound brown trout caught at Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 17, 2008 - Corona Lake produced these five Lightning
Trout for Brian Scrivens of West Covina on chartreuse Nitro Bait at
the dam.
April 16, 2008 - Proof that crappie bites
are kicking into gear all over Southern California, Todd Johnson of
Long Beach shows off two crappie approaching two pounds each he
caught at Diamond Valley Lake's east dam.
April 14, 2008 - Rich Garcia of Beaumont
with a 9.02-pound bass from Diamond Valley Lake's south shoreline
while fishing in 15 to 20 feet of water using a jig.
April 10, 2008 - Nestor Valladares,
Fontana, with a 17 1/2-pound rainbow caught at Corona Lake.
April 4, 2008 - Sonny Carbajal of Los
Angeles with a 10.1-pound trout caught on a chartreuse nitro worm at
Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 3, 2008 - Arturo Velazquez of West
Covina caught this 12-8 trout on chartreuse nitro with garlic gravy
at Santa Ana River Lakes.
April 1, 2008 - Nhan Doan, Moreno Valley,
Ca, with an 11.2-pound largemouth from Lake Perris caught on a
Triple Trout swimbait from shore.
March 30, 2008 - Tommy Megrditchian of
Escondido caught this 10-8 bass on anchovies at Lake Wohlford.
March 25, 2008 - Seng Ire, Long Beach, with a 12-pound bass
caught at Lake Perris on a deep-running crank while float tubing.
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March 24, 2008 - Ray Turner, Moreno
Valley, with 268-pound sturgeon caught from Hesperia Lake. The fish
was 85-inches long with a 51-inch girth.
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March 20, 2008 - Bob Caffey, Acton, caught this 28-inch brown
trout from the lower Owens River.
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March 20, 2008 - James Williams of
Los Angeles caught this 19-8 trout at Santa Ana River Lakes.
March 9, 2008 - This 7-1 largemouth was
caught at Lake Hemet by Rick Cargo of Riverside.
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March 1, 2008 - Nikki Risco, age 11, of
Sun City with 6.1-pound trout caught on a nightcrawler at
Diamond Valley
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March 1, 2008 - Mike Collins of San
Jacinto caught a 1.5-pound bluegill in the middle of the lake at 50’
using an ice jig at Diamond Valley
February 28, 2008 - Casitas Lake produced
this
13.5-pound and this 6-pound bass. Both were caught on 12-inch swim baits by Mark
"Chief" Torrez, B.A.S.S. Federation California state champion.
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February 28, 2008 - Barry Taylor of Corona
with 22 3/4-pound rainbow caught at Santa Ana River Lakes. It
took Taylor an hour to land on two-pound test and rainbow Nitro Bait
doused with Nitro Grease.
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.
Web1a.jpg)
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.
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February 6, 2008 - Mark Ward of Blythe with
three bass caught in the Colorado River. They were 2 1/2 to 4
pounds.
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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
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December 23, 2007 - Robert Coleman of
Rancho Cucamonga caught this 202-pound sturgeon at Hesperia Lake.
This was formerly 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.
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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.
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November 1, 2007 - 180-pound former Hesperia Lake record sturgeon
caught by Ed Paradise of Grove City, Pennsylvania.
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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@charter.net if you are interested in having it appear
on this page.
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