|
July 2, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. Hesperia Lake has been
excellent for catfish for several weeks and a bonus plant of trophy cats
for the holiday weekend would be enough to send this lake into the top
pick this week, but the addition of 2,000 pounds of sturgeon to 25
pounds makes this pick easy. Two weeks ago, a 180-pound sturgeon was
caught and released. This past week top fish was a 25-pounder. There are
cats over 20 pounds landed every week. For an update, call the lake
store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
2. The catfish action at Santa Ana River Lakes has been excellent this
past week. The lake was stocked with a bonus plant of trophy fish to 15
pounds last week and more are going in this week for the holiday
weekend. Some of the stringers reported have been staggering. Literally.
One angler landed over 100 pounds of catfish, and most anglers are
buying 15-fish all-night passes and filling them. Most stringers weigh
from 35 to 50 pounds with at least one or two fish in the eight-pound or
bigger range. To get an update, call the lakes’ tackle shop at
714-632-7851, the recording at 714-632-7830 or log on at
www.fishinglakes.com.
3. Diamond Valley Lake continues to have the best largemouth bass bite
in Southern California. In a weekend bass tournament, the winning team
only landed three bass – but they weighed 25 pounds total. That’s an
eight-pound average. While that’s not a typical catch, there are so many
quality bass in the five-pound range being landed that most bass
regulars here feel cheated if they don’t get at least one or two in a
day of catch-and-release fishing. The fish are still mostly in 10 to 35
feet, but they can be caught on the top and in 50 feet. The catfish bite
is also excellent. No one is fishing for the bluegill, hardly. The trout
have slowed, but trollers are still getting limits of fish up to six
pounds. This pick remains a no-brainer. For an update, call the marina
at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Generally good fishing throughout the Eastern Sierra Nevada with
Crowley Lake still perhaps the top spot to fish, but the higher
elevation waters are all really starting to turn on. The East Walker
River is also an excellent bet for experienced fly anglers. The Bishop
Creek drainage, Mammoth Lakes region, and June Lake loop are all
generally pretty good throughout. In Southern California, Big Bear Lake
and Diamond Valley Lake slowed to just fair this past week, but trollers
are still getting limits at both places. Hemet Lake also continues to
crank out limits of trout.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Barrett Lake remains wide open for anglers with a
permit. Diamond Valley might be a notch slower, but it has far better
quality fish in an excellent bite. Casitas, Perris, Skinner, Castaic,
Cachuma, Isabella, Piru, Sutherland, Wohlford, San Vicente, and Lower
Otay all have fair to good bass bite. Poway, El Capitan, and Hodges, all
have fair bites, while Silverwood and Pyramid are slow to fair. On the
Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good spotted bass bite, and Lopez
is pretty good, too.
STRIPED BASS: Castaic has been producing the biggest fish along with a
good volume of smaller fish under nine pounds. Silverwood, Skinner, and
Pyramid are all as good but mostly on smaller fish. Most of the action
is on drifted cut baits or frozen shad, if you can get that bait. A few
wipers are showing at Elsinore, too. On the Colorado River, the best
stripers action has been good 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.
PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites are fair to good wherever these
panfish occur. Top bets include Perris, Lower Otay, Casitas, and Diamond
Valley, but there are darn few places where you can’t catch at least a
few small ones. Most of the good crappie bites have all but died, but
there is still fair action at Elsinore, Cachuma, and Piru in Southern
California. San Antonio and Lopez on the Central Coast are both still
pretty good.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted lakes is very good. Santa Ana
River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake are being planted again this
week with trophy-sized cats for the holiday weekend. Irvine Lake is also
a very good bet. All of the San Bernardino County Park lakes are being
planted each week with catfish, and all are pretty good. Diamond Valley
has a good to excellent bite, too. Silverwood, Skinner, and Pyramid are
all good for cats, too. The lower Colorado River and river backwater,
ditches, and canals have been consistently good with both flatheads and
channels showing in the catch.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Good catfish bite on chicken liver and mackerel near the dam
and in Miller’s Canyon. Harold Young, Apple Valley, caught a 7.3-pound
catfish. Striper action continues to be good to excellent with fish over
six pounds on anchovies in all the coves and off the docks. Arnie
Thompson, Temecula, caught a 6.29-pound striper. Clara Potter, Anaheim,
landed a 6.28-pound striper on anchovies. Largemouth bite fair on the
points on nightcrawlers. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park
760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The catfish action stole the show this past week. Water
temps soared, and the whiskerfish came out. Best action has been off the
east end and Eagle Point on Nitro catfish baits. Tyler Zayas, 5, Big
Bear, landed a 22.82-pound catfish. Trout bite tougher this week, with
only a fair bite near the dam and in Boulder Bay on nightcrawlers and
Needlefish. 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: Very good trout action with most morning anglers
getting limits by 10 a.m Mt. Lassen trout planted June 6 and June 19 and
this week. Alper’s plant went in last week. The lake is scheduled to
receive two private plants per month plus DFG fish. 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. Recorded
information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Trout bite slow to fair
on nightcrawlers and Power Bait.
JENKS LAKE: Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. DFG trout
plant two weeks ago. The bass action has been fair, but most of the fish
are small. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Lots of full stringers with limits of catfish and
sturgeon. Mackerel and shrimp dipped in Sonny’s are the best baits. The
bite perks in the mornings and later afternoons to the evenings. Louise
Acosta, Ontario, pulled out a 22-8 channel catfish off the north shore
on nightcrawlers. Hugh Jackson, San Bernardino, landed an 18-pound blue
catfish at the drain on mackerel. Tim Micklin, Hesperia, landed a 15-8
channel cat at the east bank on shrimp and garlic. Travis Hogan,
Victorville, caught a 12-8 channel cat in the inlet on mackerel. Carter
Jones, Norco, brought in a 12-pound blue catfish off the north shore on
mackerel. Mark Stevens, Riverside, pulled out a 10-pound channel cat on
nightcrawlers. Top sturgeon was a 25-pounder pulled out by Candy Jorge,
Hesperia, on mackerel. Will Garcia, Rialto, landed a 19-pound sturgeon
on anchovies. Charles Hayes, Oak Hills, caught a 15 3/4-pound sturgeon
off the north shore on anchovies. George Spalding, Apple Valley, landed
an 11-8 sturgeon in the inlet on nighcrawlers. Catfish over 35 pounds
have been planted. An extra 2,000-pound plant of sturgeon to 25 pounds
and a trophy catfish plant went in this week for the Holiday weekend.
Day session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1
p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or
760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: The trout bite slowed a bit this week with the hotter
weather, but many anglers still had good success with quite a few
limits. Power Bait (red, white and blue, sherbert, bubblegum, orange and
lemon twist) night crawlers (doused with attractant), lures and jigs
have been best. Hot spots included the grassy point and western shore of
lake 3 as well as the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Hot spots
for bass are the southern shore of lake 2 and the northern and western
shores of lake 3, particularly near the bridge and pump house. Bluegill
are hitting meal worms and jigs on the western shore of lake 2 and the
northern and western shores of lake 3. 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: Fair to good catfish bite on meal worms, nightcrawlers
and stink bait in Pelican. County catfish plants go in every week. Trout
bite hanging in with the best bite during plant weeks. DFG trout plant
last week. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. County
catfish plants each week. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish action slow to fair. The best bite has been in Basin 2.
Fish have been ranging from one to one and a half pounds. Best baits has
been shrimp and mackerel. Bluegill action has been sizzling hot for
anglers fishing with meal worms or pieces of nightcrawlers. Fish to half
a pound have been showing. Bass action slow, but improving. Matt Kramer,
Norco, caught an 8.5-pound bass for the new lake record. Carp bite
remains slow. Lake information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Very good bluegill bite with fish up to a pound reported on wax
or meal worms. Mostly quarter- to half-pounders on stringers, however.
Catfish bite is fair to good on anchovies, nightcrawlers, Hog Wild, or
anything dipped in Sonny’s Catfish Bait. Weekly county plants go in with
channels to two pounds. Fair bite on carp and a few bass also showing.
Trout are slow, but Brad Hollingswith, Riverside, caught an 8
1/2-pounder fishing with nightcrawlers. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Catfish action fair to good, and the channels are going in
every week now. Mackerel, shrimp and Hog Wild top baits. 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 action is still good to excellent. Most bass
have been caught in 10 to 25 feet on a variety of baits. Senkos,
jerkbaits, jigs and cranks are top choices. Jim Salk, Riverside, pulled
out a seven-pound bass off the south shore on a purple plastic worm.
Jeff Alley, Palm Desert, caught a five-pound bass. The National Bass
West tournament last Saturday was excellent with the first place team
landing just three fish for a 24.99-pound total – more than an
eight-pound average. The trout have gone deep, 50 feet, and the bite is
fair. Boaters have had their best luck trolling nightcrawlers, Rapalas,
Excel lures, or Needlefish. The entire west half of the lake, including
restroom 3, the west dam, and the inlet tower have been the spots for
the rainbows. Ken Mattice, Monrovia, brought in a 5.6-pound trout. Eric
Okino, Los Alamitos, landed a 3.8-pound trout. Excellent catfish
fishing, especially in the third cove, and near the east dam and wave
attenuator. Top baits include anchovies, mackerel, and shrimp. Most
catfish have been found on the bottom 10 to 20 feet down. Kevin D. Bath,
Yucaipa, caught the biggest catfish of the week, a 30-pound channel.
Very close to the lake record. Ernest Montoya, Perris, landed a
13.95-pound catfish. Few panfish reports, although some have found luck
along the dams, near the stariways on live worms. Lake information:
800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle
951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The bass action is good to excellent with fish to five pounds
landed on nightcrawlers this week. Hot bass spots have been off the
island and marina. Damien Hardy, Jr., Perris, caught two bass totaling
10 pounds. Mike Vincent, Riverside, caught a 2.5-pounder. Chris Frye,
Duarte, landed a stringer of bass totaling nine pounds. Bluegill bite
very good on wax and meal worms with lots of fish from a 3/4-pound to
one-pound. Fair catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Fish to
five-pounds have been reported. Fair trout bite for bait anglers using
Power Bait and nightcrawlers, and trollers are seeing good to excellent
action using Needlefish near the dam and off Sail Cove. The trout range
from one to three pounds. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during
store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park
951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Catfish are still leading the pack here. The action is
exceptional, especially on chicken liver, mackerel or anchovies in the
inlet. Top catfish reported was a 14.2-pounder by Michael Meadows,
Commerce. Frank Galaz, Murrieta, pulled out an 8.14-pound catfish on
chicken liver. The striper bite is not too far behind the catfish
action. Good to excellent action for the stripers near the dam on
anchovies. The bite takes off at dusk. Anglers have been landing over 10
per trip, although no whoppers have been reported. Average fish is three
pounds. Larry Nelbacher, Menifee, caught a stringer of 10 on anchovies
by the dam. Bluegill bite good with fish from 1/2-pound to one-pound
reported on wax or meal worms. Fair bass bite with fish in the
three-pound range on plastic worms. A few carp have also been pulled out
on dough balls. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Bluegill bite very good off Rocky Point on nightcrawlers and
meal worms. Ray Sanchez, Riverside, caught a stringer of bluegill to
3/4-pound. Ben Molina, Riverside, caught a stringer of bluegill and
three crappie. Crappie action fair on nightcrawlers and small jigs off
the west side marina. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair to good with a
few fish in the four-pound range landed off shore on shad or for
trollers using various baits. Carp fair to good off the east end on
dough balls. The cats are showing at the state park on mackerel, shrimp
and nightcrawlers. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: The catfish bite has been good to excellent, and the action
can only get better with another huge plant of catfish going in this
week for the July 4th weekend. In addition to the cats, there is fair to
good fishing for bass, bluegill, and tilapia. The catfish bite has been
good on a variety of baits with mackerel doused with garlic Nitro Gravy,
nightcrawelers with or without scent, and shrimp with Gravy all good
bets. The best action for catfish has been in the south end of the lake
in the flooded trees. Stan Williams, Fontana, had the top catfish of the
week, a 16-pounder landed on mackerel. Allen Lupoe, Compton, caught one
at 10 pounds while fishing with chicken liver and mackerel in the
flooded trees. Rick Clinedinst and Bret Taylor, both of Riverside,
teamed up to catch a stringer of 30 catfish totaling 63 pounds on
mackerel. Jeff Long, Riverside, caught five catfish totaling 18 pounds
on mackerel fishing by the dam. Some bass are showing for anglers
targeting them with plastic worms, swimbaits, or topwater baits early
and late in the day. The tilapia are starting to show in much better
numbers, especially for anglers fishing the south end of the lake, and
bluegill are showing up right along with the tilapia, mostly on
nightcrawler pieces. Catfish will be planted weekly all summer long.
This season each plant will have trophy cats from eight to 15 pounds as
part of the mix. The average cat will be in the two-pound range. In
addition, carp and tilapia will be part of the loads at least every
other week. There is 24-hour fishing every Friday and Saturday night.
Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Fair to good catfish action, especially for anglers fishing
in 10 to 15 feet with shrimp, mackerel, nightcrawlers or chicken liver.
Still some slow to fair bass action on plastics and crankbaits. Some
small bluegill action around the shorelines.
RANCHO JURUPA: Good catfish bite on shrimp, mackerel, and worms. Cats
are scheduled to be planted every other week through the summer, with a
plant last week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair catfish bite from all three lakes on pieces of
nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or anchovies. Catfish plants go in
every other week. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7
a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: A catfish plant, 500 pounds went in this week. The
lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8
p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Very good catfish bite on nightcrawlers, chicken
liver, dough bait and mackerel. Perhaps the best bite in a few years.
Catfish are planted when the current stock goes below 2,000 pounds. The
fishery is currently at full capacity. Any fish over four pounds will be
free over the 4th of July weekend. 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: Good trout action with a lot of limits reported for both
shore and boat anglers. Best bite early and late in the day for shore
anglers and throughout the day for trollers and drift fishermen. Top
action on floating baits, with scent added, Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyants,
small jigs, and inflated nightcrawlers. Most of the rainbows are 1/2 to
1 1/4 pounds with some bigger. DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Fair to
good bass action with the best action on plastics and crawdads. Some
bullhead and catfish action also staring. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to
10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground
951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The catfish fishing has been excellent thanks to
bonus plants for the official catfish season opener last week. Limits
were common and lots of quality catfish were showing on anglers’
stringers. The excellent bite should continue this week with another
huge catfish plant slated for the 4th of July weekend. Nightcrawlers,
shrimp, and mackerel are top baits, but the hot ticket has been to add
Eagle Claw Nitro Gravy. The top fish landed this past week was an
11.9-pound catfish caught by Tony Terry, La Palma. He also had a
10.2-pounder, and his 15-fish stringer totaled 57.2 pounds. He was
fishing with shrimp dipped in Nitro Gravy. Doug Bader, Orange, caught an
11-8 catfish to top his 30 fish stringer totaling over 70 pounds. Scott
Zimnicki, Garden Grove, had a 40-fish stringer totaling 107-8.
Zimnicki’s top fish was a 7.4-pound catfish, and he was using
nightcrawlers with Gravy for bait. Pete and John Williams, Riverside,
teamed up to catch a 30-fish stringer of catfish totaling 86.3 pounds,
with a 9.4-pounder their best. The Williams’ were fishing with the M&M
(marshmallow and mealworm) combo dipped in Gravy. Scott Tahoy, Garden
Grove, landed a 40-fish stringer totaling 85 pounds on nightcrawlers and
shrimp. Mike Scott, Bellflower, caught a 15-fish stringer totaling 46.2
pounds, with a 8.1-pounder topping his limit, and all were landed on the
M&M combo with Gravy. Douglas Wills, Anaheim, caught 15 catfish totaling
49.2 pounds with an 8.7-pounder topping the catch. Catfish plants will
be weekly all summer, and trophy fish from eight to 15 pounds will a
component of each week’s plant. The average cat will be in the two-pound
range. The 24-hour passes are available every Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday night. 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 good to excellent catfish bite has kept anglers busy,
especially during night fishing. The hot spots for the catfish have been
off the Santiago Flats, along the west shore, and near the docks on
DuMong’s, nightcrawlers, and mackerel. Jim Wilkes, Santa Ana, landed two
catfish weighing 30-pounds each at mid-lake. Nester Jimenez, Santa Ana,
caught a 7-3 cat on shrimp. Clay Johnson, Garden Grove, brought in a 6-5
catfish on shrimp. John Chameau, Irvine, landed a stringer of catfish
totaling 19 pounds. Mitz Onizuka, Lake Forrest, landed a 17-pound limit
of catfish. Night anglers using a floating lantern have experienced good
crappie action. Bass bite fair with most fish in the two to four-pound
range on topwater baits and rubber frogs off Rocky Point and the Red
Clay Cliffs. Additional inspection procedures will take place at entry
to prevent further contamination of the zebra mussel. The lake’s hours
are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nighfishing is Thursdays until 11 p.m. and Fridays
and Saturdays until 2 a.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or
www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Bass bite fair to good with fish in the one to
three-pound range. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits in the bluegill pattern
working best. Topwater baits in the early mornings and late evenings are
best. Top fish was a 7 1/2-pounder. Good catfish action on mackerel,
nightcrawlers, shrimp and chicken liver. The launch ramp and at the back
side of the small island. Crappie and bluegill good on assorted crappie
jigs, nightcrawlers and meal worms fished below a bobber. 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: Good trout bite in the morning and afternoons in 50 to 60 feet
on downriggers, Rapalas and Needlefish. The trout are from 1 1/2 to two
pounds, with some over six. Bait anglers are using rainbow Power Bait,
Power worms and nightcrawlers. Best trout spots include Cachuma Bay,
just outside the marina and in the flats. Crappie bite just fair on jigs
and nightcrawlers in Bobcat Canyon. Bass bite on the slow side. Not too
much action. Catfish picking up in the evenings from 4 p.m. to the early
mornings on mackerel or anything dipped in stink. 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: Bass action good to excellent on live shad, plastic worms and
crankbaits. The bite is best in the morning and evenings. Travis
Walters, Oak View, brought in a 10-8 bass on a plastic worm. Seth Casey,
Oak View, caught 7-8 and 9-8 bass on a plastic. Ron Thompson, Acton,
landed a nine-pound bass on a swimbait. Eric Johnson, Oxnard, caught a 7
3/4-pound bass on topwater. Kevin Thompson, Acton, caught a seven-pound
bass on a swimbait. Trout bite still making some noise with fair action
by the dam for trollers using Needlefish in 40 feet. Fair to good
bluegill and redear bite on red worms and pieces of nightcrawlers in the
shallows. Catfish bite fair to good on chunks of mackerel and anchovies.
Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face
an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga
mussel infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: The heat slowed some things down, but the striper and catfish
action improved. Some large stripers were landed on topwater in the
early mornings. The bite slows down, and the fish go deep in the
evenings. Steven Hage, Valencia, caught a 10.5-pound striper on an
umbrella rig in Ski Arm. Catfish bite good in the fish arms ad in the
lagoon with plenty of eight to 12 pounders. Chuck Crosby, Lancaster,
pulled out a 10.7-pound cat in Government Cove on nightcrawlers.
Largemouth bass bite decent, especially for those using swimbaits and
plastics. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Trout bite fair to good on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. 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. 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: Fair to good bass action on jigs, and plastics. Anglers have
reported the most action up shallow. Slow to fair trout action on Power
Bait, anchovies and nightcrawlers. 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. Catfish
action improving with a fair to good bite on nightcrawlers, mackerel or
shrimp. No bluegill or crappie reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710,
concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Fair to good catfish bite in deep water on mackerel,
shrimp, chicken liver and nightcrawlers. DFG catfish plant three weeks
ago. Slowing action but still a few trout on Power Bait or Lip RipperZ
plastics and worms. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on
drop-shot plastics, jerk baits and live worms. 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: Very good catfish action on mackerel, shrimp or chicken
liver. Slow to fair trout action on nightcrawlers. Some bluegill on
worms and nightcrawlers in the afternoon. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant three weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: No recent plants.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. Information:
888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. Information:
213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
LEGG LAKE: No recent plants.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG catfish plant two 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. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: Bass bite excellent, but the bluegill bite slowed. This week
183 anglers checked 2,599 bass, 29 bluegill, 11 crappie and two
smallmouth bass. Reservations for August available through Ticketmaster
July 8. Call (619) 220-8497. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Bass and bluegill bites fair. This week 116 anglers checked
reported 60 bass, 55 bluegill and one crappie. Chance Start, El Cajon,
caught a 5.45-pound largemouth bass on spinnerbait. 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: Bass action fair. This week 127 anglers reported 133 bass,
45 crappie, 23 channel catfish, 13 blue catfish and six bluegill. The
lake will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 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: Bluegill action slowed, although the bite is still good.
This week 166 anglers reported 369 bluegill, 150 bass, 20 channel
catfish and 17 rainbow trout. Bill Collins, Chula Vista, caught a
6.30-pound largemouth bass on plastic worms in Harvey 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: Improving bass bite with fair to good action. This week 24
anglers reported 57 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: The bluegill action sparked again and the bite is
exceptional. This week 122 anglers reported 473 bluegill, 128 bass and
27 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. The City of San Diego and the owner/operator of the
reservoir have confirmed that the reservoir will close sometime in
August due to lowering water levels. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: Bluegill fair. This week 55 anglers checked reported 65
bluegill, nine bass and eight channel catfish. 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: Very slow action. This week 29 anglers checked reported six
bass, three bluegill and three channel catfish. The lake is open for
fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are currently unavailable. The
launch ramp and boat dock are temporarily closed due to low water
levels. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Good bass bite. This week 66 anglers reported 168 bass, 25
crappie, nine channel catfish and one blue catfish. Sharrie Parks, San
Diego, caught a 14.60-pound channel catfish on mackerel off the east
bank. Mike McSpoonhead, Ramona, landed an 11.50-pound blue catfish on
mackerel. Greg Lukacs, Ramona, caught a 9.05-pound largemouth bass on a
shiner off the west bank. Zoe Gardner, Lakeside, caught a 6.85-pound
largemouth. 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: Bass bite very good on swimbaits, crawdads, plastic worms, and
live golden shiners. Hayden Heck, 7, Valley Center, caught a 3-10 bass
on a Senko off the Senior Shoreline. The crappie have moved into deeper
water, but a few the scrappy ones are still biting. Robert Slaughter,
Lake Elsniore, caught a 2-7 crappie on a live golden shiner in Boat Dock
Cove. A few bluegill showing in Oakvale Cove. The catfish fishing is
fair to good on cut mackerel, chicken liver, nightcrawlers and shrimp in
the channel and off the east end. A 2,000-pound plant of channel catfish
went in last week. Jose Garlejo, Escondido, caught an 18-6 blue catfish.
There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes,
kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to
the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information:
760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON: The trout action is fair to good with decent limits. 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. Bass bite fair on plastic worms. Good
catfish bite on cut mackerel or nightcrawlers in the deeper parts of the
lake or near the buoy. Night fishing began last week with a 2,000-pound
plant of channel cats. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or
www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Slow to bass action. When the bite is on, fish between Boulder
Bay and the East End of the log boom with plastic worms. Not too much
reported trout action. Some reports of fish on nightcrawlers and Rapalas.
A few bluegill biting in Hidden Bay on meal worms. A few one-pounders
have been caught recently. Catfish fishing is fair with fish reported on
mackerel and shrimp along the Log Boom. A 2,000-pound plant will go in
next week. The lake is open for fishing Wednesday through Sunday from 7
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: Catfish fishing fair. Most action reported especially in
Shadow and Eagle Coves. Nightcrawlers and mackerel were the top choices,
with plastic worms best at night. Catfish plant early this week with
plants on July 14, July 28 and Aug. 11. Some decent trout action at
mid-lake on nightcrawlers, drifted about 40 to 80 feet down. Bass bite
fair with fish on the surface, near the bank at night. Bass in 15 to 30
feet during the day on shad. The lake is open Fridays from 5 p.m. to
11:45 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30
a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m.
Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Bass fishing fair and improving. The bass are biting in the boat
launch area and in Cabin Cove on plastic worms or nightcrawlers. The
boat launch is open. The trout bite is still hanging on with an OK bite
in the late morning, and early afternoons on Power Bait, rainbow Rapalas
or Kastmasters. 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: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. The bite is fair on
nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Bass are in the shallows on plastic worms,
and the action is improving as the weather warms. 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 tackle use 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: Good catfish bite on nightcrawlers, shrimp and mackerel. Small
bass have been caught in the shallows, right off shore on plastics.
Crappie bite very slow, with an occasional fish caught on jigs. The lake
is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Nightfishing will continue through the
summer. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: The largemouth bass bite is decent in the backs of coves. The
night striper bite is also picking up with many 13 to 18-inch stripers
landed on anchovies. Night anglers using lights have had luck with the
catfish and have landed plenty on anchovies. Water levels are very low,
and the conditions at Sough Cove are deteriorating.
WILLOW BEACH: Continued fair to good trout action on spinners, Power
Bait salmon eggs, or floating baits just off shore. Some fish to three
pounds. Also some trout action on Jake’s, Panther Martins, and spoons.
Trout continue to be planted every Friday. Stripers still spotty.
Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The striper bite at the upper end is still the best. Boat
anglers are also landing stripers in good numbers, trolling in 20 to 80
feet of water just outside of coves. Shore anglers are also catching
fish in the mouths of coves. Nightfishing has been best, although
anglers are catching fish in the early morning and late afternoon hours
as well. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Improved striper bite on anchovies or chicken livers,
especially near Harrah’s Casino. Little to no trout bite.
NEEDLES: Striper bite decent with small fish reported primarily
downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish are starting to show and some
crappie are also biting in the gorge. Slow largemouth bite. Information:
Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Very good catfish bite on nightcrawlers and anchovies. A
few bass biting on plastics. Some bluegill around structure. The key is
to find a school of fish. The stripers are nonexistent, and the crappie
bite dwindled to almost nothing. Water levels are up, but still take
caution when launching. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike,
Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Very good to excellent striper bite all over the lake on shad,
swimbaits, sardines, and cut anchovies in 35 to 56 feet from Copper
Canyon south to Standard Wash. The afternoon hours are best for fishing.
Good catfish action on anchovies in Buzzard and Eagle Coves. Largemouth
bass bite good to excellent with fish being caught on Senkos, Gitzits
and drop-shot worms. Smallmouth bite fair on jigs off the rocky banks
and points. Also some bluegill action reported at Six Site on meal
worms. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads to 12 pounds
reported in an improving bite. As the temps get higher, the action gets
better for the cats. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Still some very good to excellent flathead action with the
occasional fish 30-pounds or larger, but most are in the seven to
10-pound range. The 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 and bigger reported this week. Bluegill are fair to
good in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Water temperatures and levels are up, and the bass action is
fair to good 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. Very good flathead action. Information: Walter's
Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair to good catfish and bass action. Catfish taking
mackerel and bass are biting plastics. 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 fair to good for
channel catfish, large redear, and bluegill. Catfish taking mackerel or
shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms. The flatheads have been
active.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: The decent talapia bite two weeks ago is history. The heat
wreaked havoc and the sea has been slow since. Check with the state park
staff before you go. Information: 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. Also some stripers.
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: No report. 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: Recent algae blooms have slowed the action in the
Bridgeport Reservoir and the fish have switched from feeding on midges
to tiny freshwater shrimp. The lake is full of DFG stocker-sized trout.
Some fish showing on trolled lures or small streamers. The fly-fishing
bite in the East Walker River is good with a lot of 18 to 22-inch fish.
Flows have been lowered to 175 cfs. Midge patterns are best in the
mornings. In mid- to late-morning the caddis start egg-laying flights
and the baetis start emerging. The mayflies continue through the
afternoon. The best and most consistent hatch is the evening caddis
grab. Virginia Lakes are very good. Big Virginia’s fly and bait bite is
hot. Twin Lakes have also been good with a lot of pan-sized trout,
although rainbows five pounds and better have been reported. For the
East Walker River flows, you can check this website for real time flow
data: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000. Fishing
information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: The bite is fair at all the lakes in the loop -- June,
Gull, Grand, and Silver. Lake Silver leads the lakes with the best
reported action for Alpers’ and recent DFG planted trout. Streamer
fishing is the preferred method. Gull Lake has had some very good brown
trout action after the lake’s 500-pound brown plant last week. Fish in
the three to six-pound range have been reported. Water levels at Grant
are very low, so the bite is a bit tough, but doable. Runoff flows are
down and the water has cleared at Rush Creek. Nymphing is best.
Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina
(760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Crowley Lake action has been very good for bait anglers
fishing deep in Big Hilton and McGee Bay. Inflated nightcrawlers and
bright-colored Power Bait are best. Shore fishermen have had luck off
Little Hilton Point and outside of Beaver Cove. Perch are making some
noise all around the lake, especially in Green Banks, Big Hilton Bay and
Leyton Springs. Lead head jigs are best. Fly fishermen have also had
luck in Big Hilton and McGee Bay catching rainbows. The midge hatch is
very good. Sandy Point and Leyton Springs have also produced some good
action. The damsel flies are starting around 10 a.m. Upper Owens above
Benton Crossing bridge is fishing good. The dry fly fishing in the long
ears area has been good with solid caddis hatches in the afternoon. The
bite at Hot Creek is fair to good, but inconsistent. Last week the
yellow sally stonefly hatch started and it is providing decent action on
No. 14 or 16 yellow stones. Good stocker trout action in Mammoth Creek
and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie, Gull, and George all producing
fish. George and Mary have the best fish with decent of action reported
fro the inlets. The road to the San Joaquin is open, and while the San
Joaquin River is high and still a little tough, Sotcher and Starkweather
lakes both are very good with fish to 3 1/2 pounds reported. A few
midges and mayflies. Convict Lake bite good for rainbow trout at the
inlet and outlet on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Thomas Buoyants and
Kastmasters. Fishing information: Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760-935-4301
or www.CrowleyLakeFishCamp.com. The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra
Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at
760-924-2181 or www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: The bite at Sabrina Lake continues to be unpredictable.
Good for some and slow for others. The lucky ones have landed Alpers’ to
five pounds and better on Gulp, plastic worms, and nightcrawlers. Some
have also found luck in the Dingleberry Inlet. Sean Bozigan, Palmdale,
caught the big fish of the week, a five-pound Alper’s. Austin Phillips,
Yorba Linda, caught a 4-8 Alper’s trout on green Power Bait. Dan Doran,
Bishop, nabbed a three-pound rainbow on a Power worm. Eamon O’Connor,
Los Angeles, also pulled out a three-pounder. Pleasant Valley Reservoir
is fair to good with good trout and perch action. The trout are biting
Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Bishop Creek and Intake II planted last
week, and the bite is fair to good. The lower Owens River (in both the
Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley Reservoir) is fishing
poor with high levels, around 461 cfs. 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.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Pretty decent bite in both the lower Owens
River and Diaz Lake. Plants this week at Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek,
Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence
Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha),
Sheperds Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.
Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
Derby Alert: Catfish derby going on through the end of July at all the
lakes in the Western Sierra. Biggest catfish of the month earns $100
cash. Entry is free, but anglers must sign up at Bob’s Bait in
Bakersfield. For more information, call 661-833-8657.
LAKE ISABELLA: Large numbers of catfish have been landed on shad and
clams in the north fork. Brandon Carr, Bakersfield, landed a nine-pound
catfish on shad. The crappie bite is hit and miss with only a few
pockets of fish in deeper water producing. Trout bite is very good on
Power bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers also scoring with Needlefish and
Excel lures by the dam. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon
eggs and spinners. The flows have dropped drastically in the upper
river, so the bite is very good for trout on crickets and Salmon eggs.
Lower river flows are still a bit high, and fishing is tough. Some bass
action reported 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 slow to fair.
No more trout plants will go until next season.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Very good catfish action on mackerel, shad, and
Sonny’s dip bait with improving action as the waters warm. This bite can
turn on and off depending on flows, moon phases, and weather conditions.
Pete Delao, Bakersfield, caught a 12-pound cat on anchoives. Danny
Edwards, Bakersfield, landed an eight-pound catfish on liver. Striper
bite good on blood worms.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Good
carp bite on dough balls.
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: Catfish bite fair on anchovies.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good catfish bite on shad. Joe Hernandez,
Bakersfield, landed a 22-pound catfish on anchovies. Also a few stripers
on shad. 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 fair on minnows and plastics. Good carp bite on dough bait.
SUCCESS LAKE: Slowish. Levels are lowering and the bass bite is picking
up. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair bass bite on Senkos. Levels are high. Information:
559-597-2526
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Decent crappie action 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 to good catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or
shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Largemouth bass action fair to good on Brush Hogs,
plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have landed limita 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 inlet. The marina store is open
Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Slow to fair overall action. The spotted bass are the only
species with a decent bite. Anglers are using plastics and spoons in the
narrows and off the rocky shorelines to score the spotties. Some anglers
have reported catching 12 to 15 fish by putting in two to three hours of
effort. Largemouth and small action slow. Slow white bass bite.
Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Crappie bite slowed down a bit, but the bite remains fair on
crappie jigs for those fishing in the evenings to dusk. Bass action good
on jigs, nightcrawlers or plastic worms, especially in Wittenberg
Canyon. Good bluegill and redear action on meal and wax worms. Catfish
bite spotty, but picking up to a fair bite at times. Try anchovies or
shrimp. Slow to fair trout action on nightcrawlers and rainbow Power
Bait in Cottonwood Cove and off the Cottonwood shoreline. Trollers have
had the most success 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: Jackson Lake, Piru Creek at Frenchman’s Flat.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Lake Gregory, Lytle Creek (middle fork),
Santa Ana River, South Fork of the Santa Ana 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,
North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2),
Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds
Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake,
Ellery Lake, Glass Lake, Grant Lake, Green Creek, Gull Lake, June Lake,
Lake George, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek
(south fork) lower of Twin Lakes, lower of Virginia Lake, Lundy Lake,
Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek
(Sections 1 and 2), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin
Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes (Upper), Owens
River (upper), Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower and Upper), Walker
River Little, West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3).
FRESNO: Big Creek near Huntington, Dinkey Creek, Kings River below the
Pine Flat Reservoir, Mono Creek, Portal Forebay,, Rancheria Creek, San
Joaquin River below the Friant Dam, South Fork of San Joaquin, Tamarack
Creek, Tenmile Creek, Ward Lake.
KERN: Kern River from Democrat Beach to Lower Richbar, Kern River from
Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, Kern River from Sandy Flat to
Democrat Beach.
MADERA: Corrine Lake, Fish Creek, Lewis Creek, Lower Chiquito Creek,
Manzanita Lake, Nelder Creek, North Fork of Willow Creek, Rock Creek,
Sotcher Lake, Starkweather Lake, Upper Big Creek, Upper Middle Fork of
the San Joaquin River, West Fork of the Chiquito Creek.
MARIPOSA: McSwain Reservoir, Merced River downstream of Redbud Bridge.
MERCED: Merced River from McSwain Dam to Merced Falls, Yosemite Lake.
TULARE: Balch Park eastern Lake, Balch Park western Lake, Big Meadows
Creek, Dry Meadow Creek, Freeman Creek, Hedrick Pond Campground pond,
Kern River from Bush Creek to Fairview Dam, Kern River from Fairview Dam
to Falling Waters Lodge, North Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Wishon
Campground, Peppermint Creek (upper and lower), South Fork Kern River,
South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at Camp Nelson, South Fork of
Middle Fork Tule River at Camp Nelson, South Fork of Middle Fork Tule
River at Ceder Slopes, Stoney Creek.
TUOLUMNE: Beardsley Lake, Beaver Creek, Cherry Lake, Deadman Creek,
Herring Creek, Herring Creek Reservoir, Lyons Canal, Lyons Reservoir,
Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River,
Moccasin Creek, North Fork of the Stanislaus River, North Fork of the
Tuolumne River, Pinecrest Lake, Powerhouse Stream, South Fork of the
Stanislaus River, South Fork of the Tuolumne River, Stanislaus River
Clark Fork.
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.
NO PLANTS.
OCEAN FISHING REPORT
By Terrence Berg and Phil Friedman
www.976-TUNA.com
WINDS ADVISORY: Winds have plagued sportboats all along the coast this
week with high seas and generally rough conditions. The forecast is for
the winds to continue through the weekend into next week, so be prepared
for swell and chop. It hasn’t ruined the fishing, but it has made
fishing more difficult.
ALBACORE AND EXOTICS UPDATE: There has been scattered success on the
albacore and tuna front this week, mostly due to the variable, windy
weather. There are lots of albacore, bluefin, bonito, and even some
yellowfin out there in this first wave of fish, some reported as close
as nine miles. There are even albacore in U.S. waters with fish in
waters just off San Clemente Island. Skippers making these overnight
runs for the longfins are also reporting a few yellowtail on kelp
paddies, but not many have been on the bite.
CATALINA AND CLEMENTE NEWS: San Clemente Island continues to kick out a
few white seabass and yellowtail for anglers making the long run to this
island. When the seabass and yellows aren’t cooperating, the calico bass
action has been very good. Winds have really hampered this bite,
however, and made the ride over and back nasty. Catalina Island has been
a mixed bag on the white seabass. Some boat skippers are finding fish
and getting three-fish limits for everyone on board, and other boats are
coming home empty. This has been a live squid bite. There are also a lot
of calicos are Catalina, but most are shorts.
NEARSHORE BARRACUDA: Half-day and three-quarter day boats fishing near
shore waters from Newport and Huntington Beach south into San Diego
waters are starting to see more and more barracuda on the surface taking
bait and iron. The barracuda are often sitting over sand bass, and
skippers taking the time and effort to put anglers on the fish are
reporting a pretty good bite, especially at mid-week.
CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: There continues to be scattered success on white
seabass in the Channel Islands. If you’re on the right boat, the catch
is two or three fish per person, but if you miss, you still get a few
calicos, the odd barracuda, and a limit of rockfish.
LONG RANGE UPDATE: Most of the multi-day boats are heading to Cedros
Island and focusing on yellowtail. A bad day is 20 to 30 fish for
anglers on these boats, and a good day if 50 to 60 fish in 10 minutes.
The trips are generally long enough you always see at least a couple of
those good days. These boats are also getting a piece of the tuna action
going or coming down the coast.
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 3/4-day limited load trip on
Friday, July 11, aboard the Icon out of Long Beach Sportfishing. This
trip will target surface species and the cost is $50. 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.
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. |
.jpg)
For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and
information visit our companion site:
www.976-tuna.com
RECENT BIG CATCHES
Photos are listed by date of
catch, not when they are received. If you've recently submitted a photo or heard of a big catch,
you might have to scroll down to find the image.
.jpg)
June 24, 2008 - Lake Perris gave up these four limits of
rainbows trout to trollers, left to right, Bob Camp, Tom Roberts,
Paul Ringdahl, and Bob Ghossain, all of Riverside. They were fishing
in 30 feet of water at the dam with Needlefish.
.jpg)
June 18, 2008 - Cliff McDonald, Needles,
holds a pair of stripers, both in the four-pound range, he caught at
Lake Mohave.
June 15, 2008 - Scott Lopez, Indio, landed this striped bass
weighing 4.8 pounds fishing a nightcrawler on four-pound test line
in the Coachella Canal near Indio.
June 15, 2008 - Dan Doran, Bishop, hauled in a 5-3/4 pound
rainbow from Sabrina Lake fishing a Thomas Buoyant.
June 13, 2008 - Adrian Pintor, North Hollywood, nailed this
nice 15.6-pound Irvine Lake channel cat on cut mackerel fishing on
Santiago Flats.
June 13, 2008 - Gavin Velasco of Poway with 3.5-pound,
3.4-pound, and 2.6-pound trout caught on nightcrawlers off the Lake
Poway pier.
June 13, 2008 - Vincent Hunt of Moreno Valley with a 26-8
catfish caught on J.D.'s Catfish Bait near the trees in the south
end of Corona Lake.
June 8, 2008 - Alex Benton of Long Beach
nailed this 13.06 pound channel catfish on Irvine Lake's Santiago
Flats while fishing mackerel.
.jpg)
June 7, 2008 - this 42-pound flathead was
caught by Brian Cummings, Inglewood, from the Colorado River - Palo
Verde area on a bluegill.
June 7, 2008 - Lee Bell of Bishop caught
this 3-3/4 pound rainbow at Lake Sabrina on rainbow Gulp.
June 7, 2008 - Lori Carnahan, Sky Valley,
caught this 3 1/4-pound brown trout at Lake Sabrina on a Rapala.
.JPG)
June 6, 2008 - Mike Mills of Poway caught
this 1-0 bluegill on a Meal Worm in Hidden Bay at Lake Poway.
May 30, 2008 - Taxidermist Jeff Soto,
Riverside, fished Evans Lake (Fairmount Park, Riverside) on Friday
morning and caught and released five bass to six pounds in two hours
of fishing.
May 24, 2008 - 976-TUNA.com's Philip
Friedman of Torrance while at Catalina Island Caught this 50-pound
class white seabass while soaking a live squid on a Seeker rods with
Avet SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound Berkley fishing line.
May 24, 2008 - Philip
Friedman, Jr. of Torrance caught this 50-pound class white seabass
while at Catalina Island. He was fishing a live squid on a Seeker
rod with sn Avet SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound Berkley fishing line.
May 24, 2008 - 976-TUNA.com's Terrence Berg
of La Mirada was at Catalina Island when he caught this 60- pound class
white seabass while soaking a live squid on a Seeker rod with an Avet
SX reel spooled with fresh 20-pound test Berkley fishing line.
May 23, 2008 - Pedro Villa of Anaheim
caught this 10-0 rainbow on a nightcrawler with garlic gravy at the
sandy beach of Santa Ana River Lakes.
 
May 18, 2008 - Brian Cummings, Inglewood, (top) with a 25-pound
flathead catfish and Tony Ferguson, Riverside, (above) with a
30-pound flathead catfish. Both were landed on the Colorado River. They were
fishing live bluegill in the Palo Verde region.
May 17, 2008 - Robert Sloan of Valley
Center with a 7.62-pound bass caught on a plastic worm near
restroom No. 2 at Diamond Valley Lake.
May 15, 2008 - Kevin Deemer of Hemet with
6-0 and 5-0 bass caught on jerkbaits near restroom No. 2 at Diamond
Valley Lake.
May 15, 2008 - Rico Gutierrez (left) and
his buddy Brett Phillips, both of San Diego, show off Gutierrez' 10
1/2-pound rainbow trout caught on Power Bait off the south shore at
Lake Poway.
May 14, 2008 - Kevan Branchfield of Hemet
landed this 10.3-pound rainbow on a Power Bait-nightcrawler combo
fishing in Boulder Bay at Lake Poway.
May 10, 2008 - Jeff Soto of Riverside
caught and released this four-pound largemouth at Evans Lake
(Fairmount Park). He also landed a six-pounder earlier in the month.
May 9, 2008 - Nick White of Silver Lakes
holds up a 3 1/2 to four-pound rainbow he caught and released at
Lundy Lake on a mini jig.
May 9, 2008 - Marco Luna of Apple Valley
holds a four-pound class rainbow he caught and released from Upper
Twin Lake in the Eastern Sierra. He was fishing a mini jig at Mono
Village.
.jpg)
May 9, 2008 - This is Dixon Lake's Dottie after she was found
dead. Dottie weighed 25 pounds at the peak of her life when she was
accidentally snagged, weighed, and released. That news started a
frenzy to land her legally and topple the world record of 22-4.
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 2, 2008 - Terrence Berg of La Mirada caught this 220
thresher shark off San Diego on The “Wide Load” with a Avet PRO EXW
30/02 on 50 Pound Ande Line and a Seeker Rod. The fish ate a slow
trolled lure with a live mackerel attached.
May 1, 2008 - Devin Preston, Glendora, caught this
rainbow from Mammoth Creek. The fish was 23 inches and about 4 pounds.
April 27, 2008 - Derek Snyder of Corona
was using pink Puddle Bug jigs under a bobber in heavy cover at Lake
Elsinore to land these two crappie -- one at 1 1/2 and the other at
two 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.
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
April 24, 2008 - Marcos Perez, Corona,
with an 18 1/4-pound rainbow trout from Corona Lake.
.jpg)
April 21, 2008 - Se Ier of Long
Beach with a couple of striped bass caught from shore at Lake
Silverwood near the dam.
.JPG)
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.
.jpg)
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.
|
