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May 14, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. The
crappie bite at Lake Isabella is wide open with a lot of quality slabs
from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds and some even bigger. The best action has
been on small minnows in the north and south fork arms of the lake in
less than 12 feet of water. Check with Bob’s Bait in Bakersfield for an
update by calling 661-833-8657.
2. Hesperia Lake was planted with 2,000 pounds of five to 10-pound
sturgeon last week -- the first of monthly plants of sturgeon going into
this High Desert water this summer. Sturgeon this size are known for
their wild, leaping antics when hooked. The lake also has a very good
bite on catfish with a number of fish over 20 pounds this past week. For
an update, call the lake stores at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. Casitas Lake has a wide open largemouth bass and crappie bite thanks
to the availability of live shad for bait the past two weeks. Top bass
this past week was a 12-8 with a 14-pounder the week before. Crappie to
three pounds have also been landed. The bass are definitely out of the
post-spawn blues here. Remember the quagga mussel quarantine on private
boats here (which is changing soon). For an update, call the marina at
805-649-2043.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT:
Generally good fishing throughout the Eastern Sierra Nevada with
Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley and its major tributaries (especially the
Owens River and McGee Creek), and Mammoth Twin Lakes the top spots to
fish. The East Walker River is also an excellent bet for experienced fly
anglers. In Southern California, most trout seasons are winding down,
but the Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine Lake, Corona Lake are still good
for planted trout. Big Bear Lake is very good on holdover fish, and
Diamond Valley Lake is also very good. In the High Desert, Jess Ranch
has been good this week, too.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Dixon Dottie, the largemouth bass with the spot on its
gill plate, that was foul-hooked and weighed at 25 pounds before being
released – the would-be world record – was found dead this past week.
She still weighed over 19 pounds dead and without eggs. Casitas, Diamond
Valley, Perris, Skinner, Castaic, Cachuma, Isabella, Piru, Sutherland,
San Vicente, and Lower Otay all have been good this past week.
Silverwood and Pyramid just fair. 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.
STRIPED BASS: Silverwood gets the top billing here this week with a very
good bite, but Pyramid, Skinner, and Castaic are all fair to good. 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. Also
some decent wiper action at Lake Elsinore this past week.
PANFISH: The panfish bites are exploding just about everywhere. There is
still an excellent crappie bite at Isabella, with good fishing at Buena
Vista Lakes (near Taft), Casitas, San Antonio, Lopez, Santa Margarita,
and Elsinore. Bluegill bites are very good to excellent at Perris, Lower
Otay, and Murray, and just about every other water that has bluegill is
pretty good. Redear over a pound are mixed in this bite at Perris.
CATFISH: One of the top bets has to be Hesperia Lake thanks to weekly
plants of pan-sized and trophy cats, but a lot of waters are kicking
into gear for the cats. Diamond Valley still has a pretty good bite, and
Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and the lower Colorado River has
been consistently good in the past week. Most urban lakes will start
catfish stocking programs later this month and the DFG plants are in
full swing.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD:
Good to excellent striper action on anchovies and sardines. The striper
bite is exceptional in deep water at the spillway and by the dam. Top
striper was a 4.2-pounder caught by Sammy Miller, Apple Valley. John
Peterson, San Bernardino, landed a four-pound striper. Trout bite fair
to good off the marina rocks and in Cleghorn and Miller’s canyons. Peter
James, Temecula, caught a 3.1-pound trout on bubble gum-colored Power
Bait. Fair bass bite on plastics and crankbaits. Information: marina
760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store
760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Very good trout bite all over the lake on Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. Trollers are using Needlefish in the red dot frog pattern
or Thomas Buoyants. The hottest fishing areas are in the Trout Triangle
(Eagle Point, Observatory, to Lagonita Point), Windy Point, and near the
dam. Large trophy trout will be planted this 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 two weeks ago. Information:
909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Green Valley Lake officially opened for the season
Thursday (May 15), with an Alpers' trout plant. The lake 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. DFG trout plant last week. 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
909-867-20090. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: The lake has opened for the season. DFG trout plant last
week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers and Power Bait.
JENKS LAKE: The trout bite improved with the DFG trout plant last week
but still just fair action overall, but float tube anglers have managed
to get limits of holdover and recent planter. The bass action has been
fair with some quality fish showing. Information: Mill Creek Ranger
Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Catfish and sturgeon season are in full swing. The cats
are being planted twice a week and the bite has been very good. Most of
the fish are 1 1/2 to three pounds, but quality fish over 20 pounds have
been caught this past week, mostly on mackerel and Sonny’s Catfish Bait
or the marshmallow-meal worm (M&M) combo, also doused with Sonny’s. The
trout bite is still fair even thought it’s been two weeks since the last
plant. The sturgeon planted last week were mostly five to 10 pounds and
the bite has been fair on Power Bait with quite a few landed. Day
session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to
10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or
760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Excellent trout bite on both lakes with anglers using Power
Bait
(orange, nymph, spring green, garlic, salmon peach), nightcrawlers, jigs
and lures. Lots of limits were reported. Hot spots include the grassy
point, the eastern and western shores of lake 3 as well as the western,
northern and southeastern shores of lake 2. Frank Bellezza, Victorville,
caught six and 2-4 rainbows. Mike Garrison, Azusa, caught a 4-10 rainbow
on a Thomas Buoyant. Tyler Andreas, San Moreno, landed a 3-8 trout.
Anglers have had fair bass action on spinnerbaits and Senkos. Hot spots
for bass include the southern and northern shores of lake 2 and the
northern and western shores of lake 3. Bluegill still just fair. The
Lakes' Hatchery stocks trout every Friday year round. 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: Slow to fair trout bite. 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 two weeks ago. No more county trout
plants will go in this season, but catfish season kicks off May 22.
Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair 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 three weeks ago. No more county trout plants
will go in this season. Catfish season will kick off May 22.
Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Slow to fair trout action with only a few fish pulled out from
previous plants. Anglers are using Power Bait (chartreuse or rainbow)
and nightcrawlers. A new lake record was recorded this week. Matt
Kramer, Norco, landed an 8.5-pound trout. No more trout plants will go
in this season. Catfish, bass, and carp remain slow. Catfish season will
kick off May 22. 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 two weeks
ago. No more county trout plants will go in this season. Catfish season
will kick off May 22. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Slow to fair trout action. 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 three weeks ago. No more
county trout plants will go in this season. Catfish season will kick off
May 22. 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: Phenomenal bass action at the east dam, in Rawson Cove,
off the southwest corner and in the shallows. The bass are in five to 20
feet. Purple and green worms, brush hogs, watermelon or green pumpkin
Senkos, flukes, swimbaits and tube jigs are all best for the bass.
Darrel Painter, Riverside, caught a 5.5-pound bass on a Margarita
Mutilator Roboworm. Austin McMasters, Hemet, caught a five-pound bass.
Shore fisherman and boaters have still been catching loads of trout. Hot
spots include the marina, the east dam, restroom 3, 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 or
to troll Rapalas. Mark Bleeker, Long Beach, landed a 6.55-pound trout on
a Panther Martin in Rawson Cove. Nick Alexander, Murrieta, landed a
3.5-pound trout. Ed Adams, Hemet, caught a 3.23-pound trout on
nightcrawlers. James Dinkins, Sun City, caught a 2.57-pound trout on
nightcrawlers. Only one striper was reported this week. Matthew
Middendorf, Beaumont, caught a 12.14-pound striper. Very good catfish
bite on raw shrimp, anchovies and mackerel in 10 to 20 feet in the third
cove, off the shoreline and near the east dam or wave attenuator. Mitch
Ealy, Santa Ana, landed a 15.30-pound catfish on mackerel. Chris
Hagopian, Redondo Beach, landed a 6.25-pound catfish. Bryan Bender,
Tustin, caught a 5.14-pound cat. 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 been reported.
Upcoming events: “Spring Smackdown” trout derby set for Saturday. Cash
and prizes will be awarded in three categories: adult boaters, adult
shoreline and kids. Entry tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for
children. Lake and derby information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201,
Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Very good bluegill and redear bite. Anglers are catching over 50
per day. Top baits are crickets, meal worms and wax worms. Most bluegill
have been under a pound, with some redears bigger. Bite best for redear
at lots 5, 6, 11 and 12, bluegill showing in the marina, Sail Cove, and
off south side. Bass action fair on plastic worms and nightcrawlers.
Henry Heitmann, Perris, caught a 2-2 bass at lots 11 and 12. Fair to
good crappie bite at the east end on crappie jigs. Ron Welch, Corona,
landed a 30-pound stringer of crappie on jigs. Catfish bite fair to good
on crawdads and mackerel. Glen Arnspiger, Banning, landed a 15.05-pound
catfish off the island. DFG trout plant last week. 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 largemouth bass bite off shore on inflated
nightcrawlers, plastics and crankbaits. Paul McConnel, Beaumont, landed
a four-pound largemouth at the east end. Stripers fair to good at the
inlet and spillway with some fish topping four pounds. Good bluegill
bite on meal or wax worms. Jim Cochran, Norco, caught an 11-pound
stringer of bluegill. His top fish was a two-pounder on meal worms. Fair
to good rainbow trout action with some fish reported on nightcrawlers or
Power Bait at Launch Ramp 2. Sean Peterson, Moreno Valley, landed a
3.5-pound rainbow. Fair catfish action on mackerel or shrimp with fish
to three 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 fair with a few fish in the
four-pound range 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: Fishing pressure was lighter than normal this past week but
the bite stayed hot. Many limits of trout were reported and a few big
ones mixed in as well. Boat anglers having the most success. Due to
warmer water temperatures the trout are staying in the deep water. Dough
baits and nightcrawlers have both been working well. Top fish this week
was a 9-8 rainbow caught by Delvin Obelas, Corona, on orange Nitro Bait
while fishing from shore. Luke Haetman, San Bernardino, caught an 8-8
trout on chartreuse Nitro Bait. Ryan Ostronic, Upland, landed a 7-12 and
James Gary, Riverside, had a 6-8, both fish landed at the dam. More and
more catfish are being reported each week with the majority being caught
on mackerel and shrimp. There also continue to be some panfish --
bluegill and crappie -- and bass caught each week. 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: The lake is closed, perhaps permanently.
REFLECTION LAKE: No more trout plants this month. The trout bite fair to
good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Very good catfish bite on nightcrawlers, chicken
liver, dough bait and mackerel. Catfish are planted when the current
stock goes below 2,000 pounds. A plant went in last week, with another
one going in this week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays, including Memorial Day.
Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Fair to good bass action with the best action on plastics
and crawdads. Good trout action with the best bite on nightcrawlers,
Power Bait and Power worms. Trollers have also been having some success
on Kastmasters and Needlefish. Layne Fleming, Anza, landed a limit of
rainbows off the point on nightcrawlers that average about a pound each.
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: Lots of big rainbows were reported this past, and
the overall trout action continues to be fair to good. The bass and
catfish bites are also starting to heat up. Trout fishing has been best
for boat anglers with the warming water temperatures causing the fish to
move into deep water. The bubble hole, La Palma Point, and Levitz’
Corner continue to be the best spots, and shore anglers making longer
casts to the deep water have been having the most success. John
Michicoff, Whittier, caught the top trout this past week at 11 pounds on
a Thomas Bouyant at Levitz’ Corner. Pete Devlin, La Palma, and Manuel
Guiterrez, Rialto, each caught trout weighting in at just over 10
pounds. Dave Beaver, Anaheim, caught two nice rainbows at 8.1 and 5.4
pounds while fishing Levitz’ Corner. Mike Rowe, Covina, landed an
8-pound trout on chartreuse Nitro Bait at the boat dock. The catfish
bite is starting to pick up with the warm weather with most anglers
using shrimp, mackerel, or the M&M combo (marshmallow and mealworm). The
best spots for the catfish have been the boat dock and the pump house.
Some bass are showing as well for anglers targeting them. The best spots
for bass have been Catfish Lake and the bubble hole. Trout plants again
this week and catfish season kicks off May 22. Information: 714-632-7830
or www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes
is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or
www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: The trout have gone deep, so anglers need to change their
technique. Trollers are catching fish on firetiger Rapalas and
nightcrawlers. Bait anglers are fishing with mini-jigs and Power mice.
John Gomez, Garden Grove, caught a 9-8 rainbow at the dam. Andres
Campos, Santa Ana, landed an 8-8 rainbow on a nightcrawler at the flats.
Moises de la Torre, Carson, caught an 8.08-pound rainbow. Brenda
Salguero, Simi Valley, landed an eight-pound rainbow off the west shore.
Jimmy Getty, Silverado, caught a six-pound rainbow on mini-jigs in
Woody's Cove. Bob Hebert, Brea, caught a 5-8 rainbow. Good bass fishing,
especially during last week’s tournament. Chris Pappez, La Verne, tied
for first with a bass limit totaling 7-10. Top fish 1-14. Dennis Spiki,
Mission Viejo, also caught a bass limit of 7-10 and a top fish was a
1-14. Steve Morvick, Blue Jay, came in second with a total bass limit of
7-6, and a top fish of two pounds.
The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming events: The lake’s summer
catfish opener is scheduled for June 6. Information: 714-649-9111 or
www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: 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 on the launch
ramp. Fighting Frog Lip RipperZ and Trout SpoonZ are top lures for the
big trout. 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. Anglers are using spinnerbaits and topwater baits in
the early mornings and afternoons. A seven-pound bass was landed this
week. Crappie showing in good numbers on small crappie jigs (chartreuse
or white). Good bluegill bite on wax worms. Fair to good catfish on
mackerel or nightcrawlers in the flats and by the launch ramp on
nightcrawlers dipped in garlic. A four-pounder was caught this week. 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. 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 this 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 still remain the hot ticket. The bass bite is
very good with anglers catching large numbers of fish on live shad,
swimbaits and plastic worms. Easton Perez, Oak View, caught a 12-8 bass
on live shad. Stevie Arklin, Castaic, caught an 11-pound bass Roger
Snowbarger, Ojai, caught a 10-8 bass. Edward Earnest, Oak View, caught a
10-pound bass. Ivan Hampton, Hesperia, caught a nine-pound bass. Mike
Kane, Camarillo, caught nine and 7-8 bass. Glen Pecor, Los Angeles,
landed a seven-pound bass. Very slow trout bite. Although Mike Kane,
Camarillo, caught a three-pound trout. DFG trout bite this week. Fair to
good bluegill and redear bite on red worms and pieces of nightcrawlers
in the shallows. Crappie bite fair on jigs and live shad. Catfish bite
picking up. Grahm Smith, Ojai, caught six catfish totaling 53 pounds on
cut mackerel. 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: Good largemouth bass bite, with fish from three to five-pounds
lurking in the shallows. The coves and off the points are the hot spots.
Don Rubidoux, San Fernando, landed a five-pound largemouth in Fish Arm.
The striper bite is very good, with the occasional fish in the
double-digits on anchovies or frozen shad. Ken Hemer, Castaic, caught a
six-pound striper on plastics. Scott Zinn, Rosemead, landed a 4.5-pound
striper on sardines. Some carp still biting near the west ramp and
showing on frozen shad pieces. Trout were planted three weeks ago, 1,500
pounds at the lagoon, and aside from a few holdovers the action is slow.
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 this
week. Slow to fair crappie action in 10 to 20 feet on white mini-jigs.
Most fish are under a pound, with a few over. Bass action 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: Good bass bite for anglers throwing jigs and plastics up
shallow. Some still on beds but most are moving out. Fair trout action
on Power Bait, anchovies and nightcrawlers. Still some holdovers from
the DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Fair striper bite. The bigger
stripers should come out and go after the trout from the plant. Best
action reported 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 slow to fair. 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 last week. DFG catfish 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 last week. Fair bluegill action on worms and nightcrawlers in the
afternoon. Most fish are under a pound. Fair catfish action on mackerel,
shrimp or chicken liver. DFG catfish plant this week. Information:
626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three
weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week. DFG catfish plant
this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three weeks
ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant one month ago. DFG catfish plant three
weeks ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three weeks
ago. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three
weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. DFG catfish plant this
week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three weeks
ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Catfish plant three weeks
ago.
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 last week. DFG catfish plant this
week. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake re-opened with an incredible catch-and-release bass
bite. This week 234 anglers checked 4,600 bass, 98 bluegill and 12
crappie. Reservations for June available through Tickemaster. Call (619)
220-8497. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Fair to good bass action. This week 156 anglers checked reported
151 bass, 40 crappie, 34 bluegill and 11 catfish. 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 bite. This week 67 anglers checked
reported 129 bass, 15 bluegill, six channel catfish, three blue catfish
and three 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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. On
Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: The bluegill bite remains hot, hot, hot. This week 204
anglers reported 883 bluegill, 109 bass, 14 channel catfish, 12 rainbow
trout and seven crappie. Stewart Lee, Spring Valley, caught a 7.70-pound
largemouth on swimbaits in Harvey’s 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: Improved bass bite with generally good action. This week 26
anglers reported catching 55 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: Good bluegill and bass action. This week 121 anglers
reported 346 bluegill, 249 bass, 23 redear, three crappie and two
channel catfish. The lake is open Thursday through Sunday for fishing
and boating. Rentals are available Thursdays and Fridays only. 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: Fair to good bluegill bite. This week 119 anglers checked
reported 187 bluegill, 61 rainbow trout and 25 bass. The lake is open
for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available
Saturday and Sunday. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Fair rainbow trout action. This week 65 anglers checked
reported 23 rainbow trout, 11 channel catfish, 10 bass and three
bluegill. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals
available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: No report this week. The lake is open for fishing and
boating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boar rentals available on
Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: The last trout plant of the season, 1,200 pounds will go in
this week. Fair to good rainbow trout bite with anglers landing some
nice rainbows on nightcrawlers, Power Bait (green and yellow), and white
Power worms. Best trout areas have been in Boat Dock Cove, off the
Senior Shoreline, and in Willow Cove. Fair to good crappie bite. Linh
Nguyen, San Diego caught a two-pound crappie on a live golden shiner at
the West Buoy Line. Donald Crain, San Diego, landed a 1-5 crappie on an
orange Kastmaster in Boat Dock Cove. The bass are mainly in the shallows
biting Senkos, swimbaits, crawdads, live golden shiners, and plastic
worms. The catfish bite is picking up with some decent channel cats
landed on shrimp or anchovies. Carp fishing also on the upswing. 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 last week.
DIXON: The trout action is very good with good numbers of limits. Plenty
of fish remain after last week’s 1,200-pound plant, which was the last
of the season. The trout are in the four to six-pound range. The best
baits have been yellow or green Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Thomas
Buoyants. Hot spots have been in Trout Cove and near pier No. 3. Dixon
Dottite, the one-time caught and released, 25-pound largemouth was found
dead last week. A few catfish were reported on cut mackerel or
nightcrawlers in the deeper parts of the lake or near the buoy. Lake
information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The bit trout are biting. Power Bait and nightcrawlers off the
south shore is the perfect formula. William Light, San Diego, caught an
11.3-pound trout on the Power Bait and nightcrawler combo. Harrison
Neidermeyer, Poway, landed a 7.9-pound trout. Jeffrey Lo Coco, Santee,
caught a 6.5-pound trout. Ron Hart, Ramona, landed a 6.3-pound trout.
The lake is open for fishing Wednesday through Sunday from sunrise (6
a.m.) to sunset. No outside boats are allowed on the lake due to quagga
mussel fears. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway
information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: The recent cool weather has kept the trout bite good. Trout
trollers are still experiencing a good bite between the boat dock and
fishing float, as well as near Cactus Patch and in Sentry Cove on
firetiger Rapalas and silver Kastmasters. Anglers and boaters are using
Power Bait or Gulp. Bass bite fair on the bank, in five feet or less.
Fair catfish bite on nightcrawlers. The first catfish plant of the
season will go in this weeks, with plants following on May 19, June 2,
June 23, July 14, July 28 and Aug. 11. Upcoming events: Nightfishing
starts Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight. 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: The trout bite is still hanging on with the best bite in the
late morning, and early afternoons on Power Bait, rainbow Rapalas or
Kastmasters. The last plant was in March, but holdovers have still been
landed near the launch ramp or off the shoreline. Bass fishing is
improving on plastics as the water warms. The big bass are starting to
bite with fish to 11 pounds in the boat launch area and in Cabin Cove.
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: Very good trout bite, especially in Pumphouse Cove, Fox Hole
and at Chambers Park. The best action has been Power Bait or
nightcrawlers. Another 1,200-pound plant will go in this week. Slow to
fair bass, crappie and catfish action, although the bite will improve
with upcoming warm weather. 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 has slowed drastically, although the bite
sparks occasionally for anglers using crappie jigs. The catfish bite is
fair around the dock. Small bass have been landed in the shallows, right
off shore on plastics. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: The shad are still just off shore, with anglers netting them
in the Las Vegas wash area. The stripers are all over the shad, and are
going after the shad-imitation lures. The fish are in the one- to
three-pound range. Gypsum and Government Wash continue to be hot striper
areas. Some trout action now on small spinners and floating baits in the
evenings. 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, in 10 feet of water. Plenty of decent-sized fish pulled out at
last weekend’s bass tournament. Channel catfish bite is good in the
Vegas Wash on anchovies and squid.
WILLOW BEACH: Slow to fair striper action, with very few reports from
shore or boat anglers. Rainbow trout slow to fair on Power Bait,
spinners, Panther Martins, Roostertails, floating baits, and salmon
eggs. A group of anglers reported catching several trout fishing in the
southern buoy area. 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: Shore and boat anglers are reporting good catfish and
largemouth bass action. The bass have been landed on plastics, and the
cats are feeding on baits fished off the bottom. An occasional trout,
with anglers using Power Bait, worms and Woolly Buggers. Stripers have
been landed by trollers fishing in 20 to 80 feet. Most stripers are in
the one- to three-pound range with some close to 10. Crappie bite fair
near El Dorado Canyon, Money Hole, and up near Willow Beach on
crankbaits or anchovies. 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: Good flathead action with fish in the 30-pound plus range and a
lot of seven to 10-pounders. 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. Bluegill are still spotty
but improving. 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. Few reports.
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: The tilapia bite slowed down, but still a fair number of
fish showing off the east side of the sea, especially at the state park
marina. Even some rumors of corvina, but no confirmed 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: Few reports. Information: 760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: 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: Bridgeport Reservoir continues to be good, despite
the low water levels. Boats are launching, and boat anglers have had
decent success in front of the marina. Lots of quality fish up to five
pounds. Twin Lakes best for shore anglers fishing floating baits in a
fair bite. Alpers’ were recently planted, and those that can beat the
very cold temps will pull out a few. The East Walker River remains good
for good fly anglers with a lot of fish to 20 inches and better. Midge
hatch in the early morning. The West Walker remains fair with decent
water clarity in spite of the beginning of the runoff cycle and both fly
and spin anglers are scoring. Kirman remains good with most of the
action on quality cutts up to 20-inches. 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: June, Gull, Silver and Grant have been fair to good,
with waves of better action between windy spells. Silver Lake has been
fishing the best in the loop. Most of the fish are small, but the
occasional Alpers’ has been landed. Midging and stripping streamers will
get you the fish. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or
June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Bite fair to good on Crowley with fish spread out all
over. Cold water has most fish five feet off the bottom. Beaver Cove,
around the corner from the marina, is the hot spot with lots of small
fish. For those with patience, fish McGee Bay and right in front of
Bart’s Bluff for the larger fish. Sandy Point also producing some trout.
The Upper Owens and Big Springs are very good, and Convict-McGee (below
their confluence) excellent. Nymphing or eggs patterns fished below an
indicator the best bet with a lot of 18-plus inch fish. Convict Lake is
good with quality fish, often over five pounds biting in the inlet and
off the north and south shores on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Terry
Willis, Los Banos, caught a 5-3 trout. David Poor, Riverside, landed a
5-2. The Mammoth Lakes have all been good with Twin Lakes ice free and
still producing some quality fish. Lake Mary has opened. Lake George is
mostly still ice-covered and fishing is good through the ice. Mamie also
has thinning ice and fair action at the outlet. Hot Creek good for fly
anglers. Mid-day dry fly action at both on midge, mayfly and caddis
hatches. Rock Creek Lake still good for ice fishermen. Fishing
information: The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181.
BISHOP AREA: Bishop Creek is still fair to good, especially Intake II,
and Sabrina Lake. Lots of open water all over at Sabrina. Boats were
already on the water for Mother’s Day weekend. A few browns and rainbows
are being landed on nightcrawlers, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Pleasant
Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River (in both the Gorge below
Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley Reservoir) are fair to good.
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 at Baker, Big Pine, Cottonwood,
Georges, Goodale, Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Diaz
Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek,
Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Sheperds Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha
Creek, Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to
www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: The crappie bite is very good. Lots of big fish from 1-8
to three pounds have been landed on small minnows and jigs in the north
and south forks. Jordan Reed, Bakersfield, landed 2 1/4-pound crappie on
crappie jigs. Fair bass bite. Jermaine Brown, caught an eight-pound bass
on minnows. Fair to good catfish bite on shad, and decent bass fishing
for anglers fishing plastics, jigs, and nightcrawlers. Trout bite very
good on Power bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers also scoring with
Needlefish. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon
eggs and Blue Fox spinners. The flows are rising in the upper river, so
use some more lead. Fair trout bite in the lower river. Ryan Klaruyk,
Bakersfield, caught a two-pound trout on Power Bait. Still too cool for
the bass, but the action should start to pick up as it warms.
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 slow to fair.
No more trout plants will go until next season.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Excellent striper bite on blood worms and lug worms
and chicken liver. Very good catfish action on anchovies and shad, with
improving action as the waters warm.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Good
bass action on brush hogs, and Senkos. Good carp bite on dough balls.
Trout action fair, but winding down, on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bluegill action good on meal worms and crickets. Fair to
good bass bite on topwater plugs in the evenings. Good carp bite on
dough bait. Catfish bite picking up. Fair trout bite.
MING LAKE: Very good bluegill action on crickets and meal worms. Fair to
good bass bite on Senkos, plastic worms and minnows. Good carp bite on
dough bait. Fair trout action on Power Bait.
BRITE LAKE: Trout bite is fair to good 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.
Best shore action from the rocks on the left side of the lake. Make a
long cast to deep water. Bass spotty.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good catfish bite on shad and Sonny’s. Donte
Thompson, Bakersfield, caught a five-pound catfish on liver.The crappie
bite is fair on minnows and jigs with fish to 1-8. The bass bite has
slowed down. Bluegill bite good on wax worms.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair to good bluegill action on wax worms and crickets.
Bass bite good on minnows and plastics. Good carp bite on dough bait.
SUCCESS LAKE: Very slow. Little to no bite. 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: Very good crappie bite on jigs and minnows. 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 this 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: Very good crappie bite on jigs. Bass action very good on jigs,
nightcrawlers or plastic worms, especially in Wittenberg Canyon. Good
bluegill, perch and redear action on meal and wax worms. 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. DFG trout plant this week.
Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of
trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county,
will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the
Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Cuddy Creek Pond, Elizabeth
Lake, Hansen Lake, Little Rock Reservoir, Piru Creek (Frenchmans Flat),
Pyramid Lake.
ORANGE: Trabuco Creek.
RIVERSIDE: Strawberry Creek.
SAN BERNARDINO: Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River South Fork.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake, Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake, Santa Ynez River.
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), Pleasant Valley
Reservoir, Sheperds Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek,
Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Little
Walker River, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek
(Sections 1 and 2), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes
Bridgeport (Lower and Upper), West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3) and
Virginia Creek.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rancho Simi Park Lake, Reyes Creek,
Rose Valley Lakes.
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: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada
Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Santa Fe
Reservoir.
OCEAN FISHING REPORT
By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com
CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: The Coroloma out of Ventura Sportfishing
continues to report excellent rockfishing. There has also been an
occasional surface bite with a few yellowtail, barracuda, bonito and
white seabass. The water is warming up so a big surge in the surface
bite should be on the horizon.
LOS ANGELES LANDING UPDATE: Fishing at San Clemente Island has been
inconsistent but has shown significant signs of life. Anglers aboard the
Toronado from Pierpoint, Long Beach, had 11 white seabass, while anglers
on the Freedom, 22nd Street Landing, landed 46 yellowtail, both on trips
this past week. Catalina Island has also shown promise, but for the most
part the action has been hit and miss. Anglers aboard the Phantom had
some big whites seabass days, as have fishermen on the Old No.7, but
there have been a lot of misses, too. A few more calicos, and even a few
yellowtail, along with good bonito fishing has helped. Lots of sculpin
and rockfish along the coast with some signs that the barracuda bite may
not be far away. Bass fishing on the Marina del Rey twilight trips has
been steady.
ORANGE COUNTY LANDINGS: Great local fishing for bonito to 17 pounds has
been the word for Orange County-based boats for the past week. The 1/2-
and 3/4-day boats have been acting more like albacore boats lately with
anglers trolling feathers. After a jig strike, the bait stops on the
giant bonito have made these trips something to remember. There have
also been some bird schools of barracuda around, so that may be in our
future, too. Add some sculpin, a few halibut, and some bass and you have
the perfect local scenario.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: Anglers aboard the Coronado Island boats have been
scratching some yellowtail, good bonito action (like in Orange County),
along with occasional jags of good barracuda action. The project heat
wave this might, might, just finally crank the spring bite into high
gear, so it would be wise to keep an eye on the islands. La Jolla has
also shown signs of life with some good bass, barracuda, and bonito
action along with a few yellowtail Big thresher sharks are nearby, and
always a possibility this time of year.
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. 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
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The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is
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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
May 7, 2008 - Emily Kropko, Perris, holds
a four-pound class Diamond Valley Lake rainbow trout.
May 3, 2008 - Kevin and Bianca Clow, San
Diego, with an 8.7-pound trout on a Gotcha Plug caught outside Half Moon Bay
at Lake Poway.
May 3, 2008 - Mark Barlow, Phelan, hooked
this 200-pound class sturgeon at Hesperia Lake, but even with the
help of four other anglers and two nets, they couldn't land the fish
before the line broke and it swam off.
May 3, 2008 - Kathleen and Kaira Berry,
Wildomar, caught this nice batch of bluegill behind the Bait Shop at
Corona Lake with wax worms fished beneath a bobber.
May 1, 2008 - Devin Preston, Glendora, caught this
rainbow from Mammoth Creek. The fish was 23 inches and about 4 pounds.
April 27, 2008 - Becky Matthews, assisted
by brother Randy Fann, both San Bernardino, holds up a 20-inch, 3
1/2-pound class rainbow caught and released on Hilton Creek just
above Crowley Lake opening weekend.
April 26, 2008 - Bryan Friedman, Walnut,
with a 4 1/2-pound Alpers Trout caught opening day of trout fishing
in the Eastern Sierra at Intake II on Bishop Creek.
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April 26, 2008 - Wilton (Big Willie) Mays of Pacoima landed this
35-pound flathead catfish just before dawn while fishing in the
Colorado River using a live redear for bait.
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April 26, 2008 - Mike Martinez, Moreno
Valley, with the largest trout reported in the Eastern Sierra for
the 2008 trout opener. The 9-pound, 15-ounce rainbow trout was
caught at Convict Lake on a small jig at 5:30 a.m.
April 26, 2008 - Andy Hall, Highland, holds a 1 1/2-pound rainbow he caught and released on
Hilton Creek opening weekend in the Eastern Sierra.
April 26, 2008 - Don McLaughlin, Thousand
Oaks, with a 2 1/2-pound brown trout from Lake Sabrina, on a gold
Kastmastr through the ice.
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April 24, 2008 - Marcos Perez, Corona,
with an 18 1/4-pound rainbow trout from Corona 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 dam.
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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.
April 20, 2008 - Santiago Palacios of La
Puente with an 80-pound sturgeon caught at Corona Lake.
April 20, 2008 - Emily Kropko, Perris,
caught a pair of rainbows at 1-6 and 1-4, one on a lure and one on
Power Bait at Silverwood 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.
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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.
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