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July 30, 2008
JIM
MATTHEWS’
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. The top bet for a quality
catfish or a nice sturgeon has continued to be Hesperia Lake over the
past week, and as we head into a new moon Saturday, this bite should
stay hot into this weekend. The lake is getting planted with quality
fish over 10 pounds each week right now, and there was one cat over 20
pounds and two sturgeon over that mark. For an update on the bite and
top baits to use, check with the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or
760-244-5951.
2. The bass bite surged back on at Diamond Valley Lake over the past
week with excellent number of fish to six pounds reported again, mostly
on plastics, but there has also been a good morning topwater bite. Add
in the good trout bite, excellent catfish action, some striper flurries
this week, and untouched panfish action, and this lake really could and
should be a top pick each week. For more information on the fish and to
get an update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait &
Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410.
3. The sand bass bite off the more southerly parts of our coast – south
Orange County and San Diego County – has been very good much of the past
week with many boats returning to port with limits for all anglers on
board – even the half-day boats. This bite should stay hot at least
through the new moon on Saturday night. The New Seaforth out of Seaforth
Sportfishing in San Diego has been one of the hottest boats this week
with limits the rule. For an update on the bite, call Seaforth
Sportfishing at 619-224-3383.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Generally good fishing throughout the Eastern Sierra Nevada with
Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the East Walker River still
perhaps the top spots to fish. The Virginia Lakes are also good to
excellent. The Bishop Creek drainage, Mammoth Lakes region, and June
Lake loop are all generally pretty good throughout, but the mid-day heat
shuts down the bite then thoughtout the region. In Southern California,
Cachuma Lake is very good for deep trollers, and Casitas has seen its
summertime deep trolling (or still fishing) bite return with fair to
good action. Perris also has a pretty good deep-water bite. Big Bear
Lake and Diamond Valley Lake both turned back on this week with good
action in deeper water. Hemet Lake continues fair to good. In the
Western Sierra, the upper Kern River is very good for the rainbows.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Barrett Lake remains wide open for anglers with a
permit. Casitas remains very good, and Diamond Valley really turned back
on with an excellent bite. Sutherland, in San Diego County, is a top
bet, but Perris, Skinner, Castaic, Cachuma, Isabella, Piru, Wohlford,
San Vicente, and Lower Otay all have fair to good bass bites. Poway, El
Capitan, and Hodges, all have fair bites, while Silverwood and Pyramid
are also pretty fair. On the Central Coast, Nacimiento still has a good
spotted bass bite, and Lopez is pretty good, too.
STRIPED BASS: Silverwood has been the top striper producer this week
with excellent action on smaller fish to four pounds and some bigger.
Most of the action here and most of the other Southern California lakes
-- including Pyramid, Castaic, and Skinner, all of which are fair to
good -- has been on anchovies. A few wipers are showing at Elsinore,
too, in a fair bite. On the Colorado River, the best striper action has
been an excellent bite in Havasu and Mead where a lot of smaller fish to
three pounds showing. Other spots slowed with only fair action in the
lower river.
PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites are fair to good wherever these
panfish occur. Top bets include Perris, Lower Otay, San Vicente,
Elsinore, Diamond Valley, and Casitas, in about that order, but the heat
has slowed some of the bites except for early in the day. Most Southern
California crappie bites are off, but a there’s still a slow to fair
bites at Piru and Elsinore, and the Central Coast lakes are a beter bet.
Lopez is fair to good and there are fair bites at San Antonio and Santa
Margarita.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted-catfish lakes is very good.
Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, and Hesperia Lake are
planted each week and have generally good action. Hesperia is cranking
out the biggest fish. 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 and Henshaw, a sleeper pick, is also
excellent. 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 to excellent striper and catfish action, and pretty good
bites on the bass and carp. Also still a few trout showing for anglers
fishing in deeper water, and some bluegill are also being caught. The
stripers are best at the dam and off the points on shad-like baits, cut
baits, and nightcrawlers. Larry Kerry, Lynwood, landed four stripers to
6 1/2 pounds fishing Realistix baits on main lake points. Peter Gardell,
Fontana, had a four-pound striper at the dam on a nightcrawler. Catfish
are best around the boat dock, off the dam, and in all the coves on
anchovies, mackerel, or chicken liver. While the trout are in deeper
water, some a few anglers have cleaned up. Kelly Patterson, Chino, had a
limit of rainbows to 3 1/2 pounds on Power Bait fishing near the dock
and in the coves. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park
760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The good trout bite is back. The action is exceptional in
the third cove and anglers are using Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Curt
Dills, Fish Big Bear Charter Service, reported catching 35 trout in a
single trip. The trout are the most active in the late afternoon than in
the morning. Trollers are fishing off the west ramp to the dam with
spoons. Catfishing remains good off the east end. Fish off the bottom
with a No. 4 baitholder hook below a sliding egg sinker with shrimp,
mackerel, or stink baits. Lake information: Big Bear Marina
909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Slowish trout bite with a few fish reported on floating
baits fished close to the bottom. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Very good trout bite with decent fish caught on Power
Bait, Power worms and nightcrawlers. Jon Omohundro, Rancho Cucamonga,
caught a 5-12 off the west end. Angelo Incardona, Rancho Cucamonga,
brought in a 5-4 off the first point, west of the boat house. A
1,000-pound plant of Alpers’ 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: No recent DFG trout plants. Trout bite slow to fair on
nightcrawlers and Power Bait with the occasional spark of action in the
mornings and evenings when the waters cool down.
JENKS LAKE: Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. DFG trout
plant this week. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: The catfish and sturgeon are still the name of the game
with a good bite for both on shrimp, Sonny’s Dip Bait, nightcrawlers, or
mackerel. The action is best in the mornings and evenings. Top sturgeon
was a 22-8 caught by Roger Kerr, Rialto. Jacob Neiman, Hesperia, landed
an 18-8 sturgeon. Sean Johnson, Culver City, caught a 15 3/4-pound
sturgeon. Troy Goodwin, Palmdale, landed a 12-pound sturgeon. Top
catfish was a 21-pounder landed by Ray Morgan, Los Angeles. Ken Jackson,
Corona, caught a 14-pound catfish. Mark Stewart, Twentynine Palms,
brought in a 12-pounder. The lake is planted with 3,500 pounds of
catfish each. 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 heat continues to keep the trout bite slow with anglers
using nightcrawlers, lures, jigs and plastics to try for a big fish
and/or limit.
The increased water flow should also help improve the bite. Hot spots
include the eastern shore and northern shore of lake 2. Bass action
slow, with fair action at the western shore of lake 3 and the
southeastern shore of lake 2 on Senkos. Bluegill bite fair and fish are
taking lures and meal worms near the pump house and the western shore of
lake 2. Overall best bite was before 10 a.m. The pay-per-trout Angling
Pond was the best bet after 10 a.m., where anglers paid $3.50 per trout
with no limit. The lakes' hatchery stocks trout every Friday year
around. 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 action on meal worms and
nightcrawlers around Pelican Lake. Another catfish plant will go in this
week. Still a fair trout bite from Horseshoe Lake in the cattails. The
trout bite is excellent for this time of the year and anglers have
reported fish to four pounds have been reported on Power Bait and
nightcrawlers. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers.
County catfish plants each week. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite still on the slow side, but with a few waves of fair
action in basin 1 and 2. A few anglers have pulled out some cats on
nightcrawlers and shrimp. Bass, bluegill and carp action remain slow.
Noriel Garcia, Fontana, caught four carp ranging from 5 1/2 to 6 1/2
pounds. Lake information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Catfish bite on the slow side, but still fair to good
occasionally for anglers fishing anchovies, nightcrawlers, meal worms,
or anything dipped in Sonny’s stink. Weekly county plants go in with
channels to two pounds. Good bluegill action on wax or meal worms.
Mostly quarter- to half-pounders on stringers, fish to one pound are
rare. Fair bite for carp and a few bass also showing on plastic worms.
Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair to good catfish fishing on mackerel, shrimp, Hog Wild
or anything dipped in Sonny’s. Mike Martinez caught a 4-10 blue catfish
on chicken liver. Channel catfish plants are going in every week now.
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 wide open bass bite continues. Bass have been unable
to resist drop-shot finesse worms, prism shad, or topwater baits in
morning. Texas-rigged brush hogs or lizards in watermelon colors, flukes
combined with underspins, Senkos and bluegill swim baits have all
produced as well. Jesse Mena, Hemet, caught the top fish of the week, a
7.07-pounder. Adam Cavazos, Menifee, brought in a 4.93-pound bass. Jaime
Hernandez and Jaime Jr., Baldwin Park, landed a 4.45-pound bass on
purple plastic worms in the third cove. Improved trout action with
trollers pulling fish out in 20 to 40 feet with Kastmasters, Rapalas or
Needlefish. The stripers have surfaced and are taking trout swimbaits,
plugs or large topwater baits. John Blanderson and Jorge Delgado,
Temecula, caught four stripers totaling over 20 pounds. The catfish bite
is exceptional with the best action reported in the third cove, and near
the east dam, or wave attenuator. The most effective baits include
anchovies, mackerel, and shrimp. Christopher Proffer, Palm Desert,
landed a 4.36-pound catfish. Few panfish reports this week. Lake
information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait &
Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Big improvement in the bite this past week as we moving into the
new moon on Saturday. Bluegill, bass, and catfish are all very good, and
there has been improved redear and crappie as week. Also still a few
trout showing in deep water for trollers or bait anglers. The bluegill
and redear have been best in deeper water off the island, the dam,
Rockclimber’s Cove, and the marina and launch areas. Crickets, wax
worms, and meal worms have all been good baits and some of the fish are
topping a pound. Bobby Bond, Wildomar, had five redear totaling four
pounds fishing crickets off the island. Ed Thomas, Sun City, had a
22-fish bluegill stringer that weighed 24 pounds. He was fishing
drop-shot and Texas rigged plastics. The largemouth are up on top early
and late in the day and showing on plastics or deep cranks. Bill Serblic,
Moreno Valley, had five bass to two pounds in lots 11 and 12, all on
topwater. The trout are showing off the dam and in deep water off Sail
Cove, mostly on trolled Needlefish-type lures. Quality fish to five
pounds continue to be caught. Catfish are showing in most coves, off the
dam, and in the east end, mostly on cut baits. Dock fishing is allowed
for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179,
state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Very good catfish action. Freshly-stocked fish are best off the
points near the boat ramp, while some bigger fish are showing at the dam
and inlet. Chicken liver has been best for both. Travis Hickmore, Los
Angeles, caught four catfish with his best fish an eight-pounder fishing
at the inlet with chicken liver. Tracy Schwartz, Irvine, landed six cats
to three pounds on mackerel at Ramp No. 2. The striper action has been
good, too, with the best bite on schoolie-sized fish early in the day at
the inlet and marina buoy line on anchovies and chicken liver. Most of
the fish are under two pounds. Dave Meyers, Nuevo, had 10 stripers that
weighed 25 pounds total on chicken live at the inlet. Some bluegill
showing in the east end coves and near Ramp No. 2 on crickets and wax
worms. Largemouth bass are deep on the main lake points with a few being
caught on plastics, mosty along the south shoreline. Information: store
951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: The bluegill bite is still hot. While high temps have spoiled
the bite for other species, it has only brought about some of the best
bluegill action, which keeps getting better. The bite is best off Rocky
Point on nightcrawlers and meal worms. Randy Park, San Gabriel, caught a
1 3/4-pound bluegill. Crappie action fair on nightcrawlers and small
jigs off the west side marina. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair, but
slowing down with a few fish in the four-pound range and bigger landed
off shore on shad or for trollers using various lures. Derek “Kid Wiper”
Snyder, Riverside, caught a 7-6 wiper this past week. Carp fair to good
off the east end on dough balls. The cats are showing at the state park
on mackerel, shrimp and nightcrawlers. Robert Shaw, Corona, caught a
four-pound catfish. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Good catfish action with a anglers landing some nice
stringers of fish, and many of those stringers have at least one catfish
topping four pounds with fish over 10 pounds caught each week. Big fish
reported this past week was an 11 1/4-pound channel caught by Chris
Pope, Pasadena, fishing with mackerel in the flooded trees from a boat.
These trees have been the hot spot for the cats, but many anglers report
bigger fish wrapping up in the timber and breaking off. Jordon Rose,
Murrieta, caught a 10-pound cat on mackerel fishing near the boat dock.
Al Hinton, Los Angeles, had a 13-fish stringer that weighed in at 56
pounds -- better than a four-pound average on the cats. The tilapia are
also good in the shallows with nightcrawler pieces. The fish are
averaging about a pound each with some into the two-pound range. There
have also been some bass showing for anglers targeting them with jigs,
plastics, and even topwater lures early and late in the day. Steve
Carpenter, Corona, landed four bass to 4 1/2 pounds this week fishing
jigs around structure. Catfish plants are weekly with the average fish
at two pounds, but some to 15 pounds each week. Carp and tilapia are
planted with the cats alternating weeks. There is 24-hour fishing every
Friday and Saturday night. Information: 951-277-4489 or
www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Catfish action good to excellent with the most action
reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. The action improved over last
week. Still some slow to fair bass action on plastics and crankbaits.
Some small bluegill action around the shorelines.
RANCHO JURUPA: The catfish lead the show here. Anglers are catching an
abundance of fish to three pounds with an occasional bigger fish. John
Newton, Riverside, landed a six-pound cat on a worm from the back lake,
while Daniel Evans, Riverside, caught a 5-10. six pounds on mackerel and
shrimp. Cats are scheduled to be planted every other week through the
summer, with a plant last week. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Catfish action decent on all lakes, with waves of
actions in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or
DuMong’s. 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: Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp.
A catfish plant, 500 pounds went in last 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: Excellent catfish bite with many large stringers
being pulled out on chicken liver and nightcrawlers. Arra Mela Wilson,
Sun City, landed a six-pounder. Catfish are planted when the current
stock goes below 2,000 pounds. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays, including Labor Day.
Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Fair trout action with some 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 using Needlefish and drift fishermen
using inflated nightcrawlers. Most of the rainbows are 1/2 to 1 1/4
pounds with some bigger. DFG trout plant this week and last week. Fair
to good bass action with the best action on plastics and crawdads.
Catfish starting to show on shrimp and nightcrawlers. 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 bite continues to be thanks to heavy
weekly plants of catfish, and a good number of fish between four and 12
pounds have been caught since the first of July when each week’s stock
has held trophy cats. The biggest catfish this past week was a
13-pounder caught by Braiden Chesleigh, La Verne. It was the big fish on
his five-fish stringer that weighed in at 21 pounds – all caught on
Wap-A-Doo at the Bubble Hole. A nine-pound catfish topped the 16-fish
catch made by Eugene Armstrong of South Gate. The total weight was 40
pounds and all were taken on shrimp near the boat dock. Other good
catches included a 19 1/2-pound, five-fish stringer landed by Christin
Higgins, Orange, fishing chicken liver and Nitro Gravy. The top cat was
a 6 1/2-pounder. Ken Fitzpatrick and John Arroyo, both Whittier, caught
10 catfish to 3 3/4-pounds fishing mackerel in Chris’ Pond with the
total stringer weighing in at 20 pounds. Jackie Faasulu, Bellflower,
caught cats at four and 3 1/2 pounds on mackerel, while Samantha Gray,
Anaheim, landed 14 cats that weighed 24 1/2 pounds on nightcrawlers and
Gravy. The action has been good in all three lakes with mackerel and
shrimp the two best baits, and many anglers are adding Nitro Gravy or
other scents to their cut baits. Catfish plants will be weekly all
summer, and trophy fish from eight to 15 pounds will a component of each
weekly 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 nighttime catfish bite is exceptional on mackerel,
shrimp, Gulp and DuMong’s. The catfish hot spots have been at the
Santiago Flats, near the docks, at mid-lake and near the dam. Most of
the fish are from two to six pounds. Donovan Swann, Huntington Beach,
caught a17.9-pound blue catfish on mackerel at the flats. Adrian Pintor,
Bob Barr, Clinton Whisler and Ashley Beck, Irvine, caught a 20-catfish
limit totaling 60 pounds on shrimp near the docks. Art Villa, and Joey
Arballo, Orange, and Mitz Onizuka, Irvine, caught a 15-catfish limit
totaling 40 pounds on mackerel at the flats. The crappie bite is very
good for anglers fishing at night under a lantern with crappie jigs.
Bass anglers very good with largemouth up to four pounds in the
shallows, and dropshot-rigged plastics in 20 feet during mid-day. Good
numbers of bluegill and redear are being caught near the docks on meal
worms and wax worms. The lake’s water level is receding due to normal
summer demand, creating some muddy areas at the water’s edge. Drivers
are advised to use caution. 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 just fair with some fish from one to three
pounds reported on drop-shot plastic worms all day, and in the early
mornings and late evenings on topwater and crankbaits. Good catfish
action on mackerel, nightcrawlers dipped in stink, shrimp and chicken
liver off the launch ramp and at the back side of the small island. A
five-pounder was caught this week. Crappie and bluegill good on assorted
crappie jigs, half nightcrawlers fished off a bobber and meal worms off
the boat dock. 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: Trout bite slowish, but OK for the few anglers trolling deep
with Needlefish or Rapalas. Crappie bite not too good either. This
should be the time for the crappie to take over, but the fish have been
shy. Some anglers have said patience and jigs will get ‘em. Bass bite
slow to fair with only a few decent waves of action on plastic worms in
the early morning. Catfish bite continues to be slow. 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: This week the bass bite perked with several anglers reporting
fish over seven pounds. Top bass was a 10-8 brought in by Chase Winston,
Thousand Oaks, on plastic worms. Randy Westbury, Ojai, caught a
nine-pound bass. Dee Skipper, Ventura, caught eight and 8-8 largemouth.
Trout bite OK for anglers trolling deep with Needlefish. Roger
Snowbarger, Ojai, caught a limit of trout. Catfish action slow. Redear
and bluegill everywhere. 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: There continues to be a fair to good largemouth bass bite for
anglers fishing topwater early in the day or smaller plastics later in
the day. Most of the fish are small with only a few bigger fish to five
pounds reported. The striper bite is fair at best with the best action
on two to five-pound fish showing for trollers in the Fish Arm, Ski Arm,
and the buoy line for bait anglers. Catfish fair with the best bite
early in the morning on mackerel. No panfish reports. Information:
661-775-6232.
PIRU: Trout bite remains fair but consistent with the most action
reported on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers also landing some
fish deep on 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 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: The bass bite hit its peak. The action had been improving each
week, but seemed to level off this week. Anglers have reported a fair
bite up shallow early in the day. Slow to fair trout action with anglers
catching fish at random on Power Bait, anchovies, and nightcrawlers.
Fair striper bite. The bigger stripers, 10 pounds plus, are occasionally
chasing the trout. 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 reports. Information:
USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: The cat action remains good with lots of fish on mackerel,
shrimp, chicken liver and nightcrawlers. 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: The catfish bite is still unpredictable. But when the bite
is on, it’s good. Anglers have landed fish to four pounds on mackerel,
shrimp or chicken liver. Slow to fair bluegill bite on wax worms and
nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: No recent plants.
ECHO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: No recent plants.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG catfish one month ago. Information: 888-527-2757 or
818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago. Information:
213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
LEGG LAKE: No recent plants.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG catfish plant one month ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Catfish bite improved and the action is good on
mackerel or shrimp. Little to no trout reported, just an oddball
reported in the deep-water drop offs on Power Bait or nightcrawlers or
for trollers tossing Rapalas. 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: Good bass action, although the bluegill bite tanked. This week
136 anglers checked 1,663 bass, 20 crappie, two bullhead and one
bluegill. Reservations for August now available through Ticketmaster.
Call (619) 220-8497. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Bluegill bite sparked. This week 111 anglers checked reported 61
bluegill, 39 bass, 16 crappie and 11 channel 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 bass action. This week 90 anglers reported 108 bass, 11
channel catfish and three bluegill. The lake is 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: Bass bite decent with 261 anglers reported 348 bass, 23
channel catfish, one rainbow trout and one blue catfish. 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 30
anglers reported 33 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: Steve Oudomsouk, San Diego, caught a 113.40-pound blue
catfish, which is the potential new state record for blue catfish. He
caught the beast on mackerel off Quaide Point this past week. Overall
fair bluegill and bass bite. Catfish action fair, but a state record was
pulled out here this week. This week 107 anglers reported 139 bass, 119
bluegill, eight blue catfish, and one 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 has
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: Another week of improved bluegill action, but slowish bass
action. This week 92 anglers checked reported 68 bluegill, 24 bass and
one 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: Bluegill action on the rise, and the overall bite improved.
This week 108 anglers checked reported 39 bluegill, 27 bass and 18
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 50 anglers reported 150 bass, 29
bluegill, 18 channel catfish and five carp. This week, Tony Shanley, San
Diego, caught a 5.45-pound largemouth bass on a popper. 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 action good with fish landed on plastic worms, swimbaits
or live golden shinners off the south shore. Clemit Miner, Escondido,
caught a 9-12 bass. Channel catfish action fair with fish biting cut
mackerel, chicken liver, nightcrawlers and shrimp. Crappie are deep,
biting finger jigs. A few bluegill on red worms reported in Oakvale
Cove. 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 LAKE: Catfish just fair this week with few limits reported. Best
area continues to be off the shoreline and in the boat dock area in the
evenings on cut mackerel. Most fish are in the one to two-pound range,
although there are some reported over five, and a few over 10. Some
anglers are still chasing the bass and have reported fair action on
Senkos. Richard Stackowicz, Escondido, landed an 11.5-pound bass.
Nightfishing will continue every Friday and Saturday night through the
end of August. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Exceptional catfish action with good-sized channels pulled out
this week. Ginger Guillen, Poway caught a 4.9-pound channel catfish on
mackerel. Tsob Fang, San Diego, landed a 4.8-pound channel catfish off
the pier. Upcoming events: A contest taking place each week will award
the angler with the heaviest catfish a $100 prize. The angler must
record the weight of his/her fish between 7 a.m. Wednesday and lake
closing Sunday to qualify. Lake Poway’s Family Campout is set for August
2. This event is limited to 75 families. Register at www.poway.org.
Midnight Catfish Craze scheduled for August 14 from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line
858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Catfish fishing good with decent sized fish, and a few over 10
pounds lurking in the waters. Top catfish was a 10-12 channel brought in
by Josh Price, Lakeside, on mackerel. Another 1,000-pound plant of
channel catfish will go in this week. 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: Good bluegill action on wax worms or nightcrawlers. Bluegill to
1 1/2 pounds have been landed. Arius Garrett, San Diego, caught a
stringer of bluegill, including a 1-8. Catfish bite fair on mackerel,
shrimp or nightcrawlers. Any live blue catfish shown at the ranger
station is worth a free day of fishing. 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: Trout bite still on the slow side. Trollers are landing a few
on Rapalas, but the action is minimal. DFG trout last week. On the other
hand, the channel catfish and bass action is good. Catfish anglers
landing fish on nightcrawlers or mackerel. Bass bite also good, with
anglers reporting the best action on Brush Hogs or plastic worms. The
panfish bite is fair with anglers pulling out a variety of crappie and
bluegill. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats
must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior
to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for
multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another
reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and
items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float
tubes and waders. The lake is now taking reservations for a new RV area
located in the overflow camping area. It is set up for eight rigs, but
has a minimum of four. The rate is $200 a night for all eight sites, but
can be rented by singles if not reserved by a group. Information:
760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Good to excellent catfish bite on nightcrawlers, chicken liver,
or shrimp, especially at night. Anglers have reported the best action
near the dam in the weeds, and off Fish-N-Float Dock. Annie and Arthur
Law, West Covina, caught several limits of catfish on shrimp and
nightcrawlers. Top fish was a four-pounder. Kenneth Alfred, San Diego,
landed the top crappie, two-pounds, for the second week straight. The
lake is open from 6 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
Nightfishing will continue through the summer. Rental boats can only be
rented during daytime hours, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Information:
760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Fair to good night striper bite in Vegas Wash on anchovies
and plastics, but fish are also showing in this area during the day.
Most stripers have been under four pounds. The deep striper bite is also
decent on cut bait between Hemenway and Pyramid Island. Few catfish and
bass have been reported. Only an occasional cat has been landed off
shore, and the rare largemouth bass on topwater baits.
WILLOW BEACH:. Fair trout bite on good on spinners, salmon eggs, or
floating baits just off shore. Trout continue to be planted every
Friday. Stripers spotty. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Striper bite fair to good, but only the small ones have
been really showing and producing action. The stripers are going after
shad imitation lures. Other species have mostly been slow. 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. Catfish also
spotty.
NEEDLES: Striper bite slow to fair with only small fish landed downriver
in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite.
Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Catfish bite fair to good on nightcrawlers and anchovies.
A few bass biting on plastics. Some bluegill around structure. 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: Striper bite good on shad, swimbaits, sardines, and cut
anchovies in 35 to 56 feet from Copper Canyon south to Standard Wash.
The bite perks during the afternoon but the fish are all small, under
three pounds. Good catfish action on anchovies in Buzzard and Eagle
Coves. Largemouth bass bite fair 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 to good catfish action with some flatheads 12 pounds
or better on shrimp and mackerel. As the temps get higher, the action
gets better for the cats. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Hot days. It was 110 at 3 p.m. Wednesday with a hot wind.
Flathead bite fair to good with some fish close to 20 pounds, and a rare
one 30 or better. The bass bite has been just fair 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: Largemouth bass action fair 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 Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma has the best action,
especially for the catfish. Fair to good channel catfish, redear, and
bluegill bite throughout the area. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp,
and redear and bluegill biting worms. The flatheads have been active.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: Slow bite. Check on the action 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: Good action at Bridgeport Reservoir for both bait and
fly fishermen, but boat anglers have to find the open patches. The lake
is full of DFG stocker-sized trout. The East Walker and Buckeye River
channels are the prime fishing areas. The East Walker River has good
nymph fishing action early. Fish downstream, below the bridge. Green,
Robinson, and Buckeye creeks all good for stockers. Virginia Lakes are
very good. Big Virginia’s fly and bait bite is hot. Twin Lakes fishing
fair for trollers fishing on top. West Walker River good from 395 bridge
down the canyon into the town of Walker, both stockers and wild fish
showing on dries and droppers. 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 for Alpers’ and rainbows at all the
lakes in the loop -- June, Gull, Silver and Grant. Trollers having the
best luck in all four waters with bait anglers and shore fishermen
finding the best fishing early in the day. Cathy Soto, Canyon Country,
caught a three-pound rainbow on Wednesday from Gull on a Rostertail.
Grant is best bet in the loop for brown trout with some fish to three
pounds caught by trollers working 45 feet of water with Rapalas.
Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina
(760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: The rainbow and brown trout action at Crowley Lake is
good. A number of decent fish were brought in, with the hot spot for
both in Crooked Creek and McGee Bay for anglers fishing bait or midge
patterns in six to 14 feet of water. The bite at Hot Creek is fair to
good, but inconsistent. Water is dirty and high, but still fishable. Use
small tricos in the early morning and PMDs after 10 a.m. Good stocker
trout action in Mammoth Creek and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie,
Gull, and George. Best action on floating baits in the lakes with a few
Alpers’ coming from Lake George and Mary. The San Joaquin River is
finally starting to come down and the fishing is better. Sotcher and
Starkweather lakes both are good. Convict Lake bite good for rainbow
trout at the inlet and outlet on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Thomas
Buoyants and Kastmasters. Upcoming events: Crowley Lake Stillwater
Classic scheduled for August 9. Entry fee is $75 and includes entry,
T-shirt and BBQ lunch. Proceeds will be used to stock Crowley with brown
trout. Fishing and classic information: Crowley Lake Fish Camp at
760-935-4301 or www.CrowleyLakeFishCamp.com. For fishing info, call 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: Sabrina Lake is good for anglers fishing rainbow trout and
Alpers’. Dylan Boles, Minden. Nevada, caught a 5 1/2-pound Alpers’ on a
nightcrawler. The bite is also good in the Dingleberry Inlet for anglers
using mini-jigs, nightcrawlers, Power Bait, flies, or drifting around
the rock piles. Trollers are filling their stringers with flashers and
red and gold Thomas Buoyant or gold Kastmasters. Bishop Creek has been
very good. One angler reported catching and releasing 40 browns from the
south fork of the creek this week. Bishop Creek and Intake II were
planted this week, too. Pleasant Valley Reservoir is fair to good for
trout and perch. The trout are biting Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The
reservoir was planted with trout by the DFG this week. The lower Owens
River (in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley
Reservoir) is fishing better every week. The trico emergence and
spinnerfall has kept the morning action good, with a decent PMD grab
following. 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. Diaz Lake slow. Plants this week at Lone Pine Creek and the Owens
River (below Tinnemaha). Information: 760-876-4444 or go to
www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
DERBY ALERT: Catfish derby ended Thursday for all the lakes in the
Western Sierra. At press time, T.J. Williams, Bakersfield, lead the
contest for the 37-pounder he pulled out of Buena Vista. Striper derby
began this week and will continue through August 31. Biggest striper 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: Some of the best fishing in the area. The catfish bite is
still the best with excellent action on clams and liver. Excellent bass
bite on crawdads. A few crappie have been landed on small minnows. Also
some fair trout fishing on Power Bait. 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 flies, crickets, and salmon
eggs. The lower river is starting to clear some. The Hatchery at
Kernville has started planting the area with trout. The bite is best
around the Hobo Campground and Sandy Flats on nightcrawlers and Salmon
eggs. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or
www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
RIVER WALK PARK: Few reports, but some of slot to fair bass and bluegill
action.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The catfish bite is good to excellent on mackerel
and clams. Jose Benegas, Bakersfield, caught a 13-pound catfish on
liver. Striper bite fair on blood worms, primarily at night.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Good
carp bite on dough balls.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bluegill action good to excellent on meal worms and
crickets. Good bass bite on topwater plugs in the evenings. Good carp
bite on dough bait. Catfish bite picking up. Fair trout bite.
MING LAKE: Fair to good bluegill bite on crickets and meal worms. Fair
bass bite on Senkos, plastic worms and minnows. Good carp bite on dough
bait. A few trout biting Power Bait.
BRITE LAKE: Catfish bite fair on anchovies. Also a few bass showing.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good catfish bite on shad. T.J. Williams,
Bakersfield, caught a 37-pound catfish. Jim Huot, Bakersfield, landed a
30-pound catfish on shad. Bluegill bite also good on wax worms.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets. Bass bite
fair on minnows and plastics. Consistent, good carp bite on dough bait.
SUCCESS LAKE: Improved action. Decent bass bite on plastic worms.
Bluegill on wax worms and crickets. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Slow to fair bass bite on Senkos. Levels are high.
Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite good, but inconsistent. The bite is best off
shore on crappie jigs and minnows. Striper just as good, with
exceptional action in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or
swimbaits. Little to no smallmouth action, however the largemouth action
is fair to good around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits
and plastic worms. Fair to good, and improving catfish action on
anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Fair to good largemouth bass action on Brush Hogs,
plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth
to five pounds or better on some. The early morning bite from sunrise to
8 a.m. is still the best time. 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: The overall action improved and the bite for most species is
fair. The spotted bass are best on plastics and spoons in the narrows
and off the rocky shorelines. Some anglers have reported catching close
to 20 fish in a day’s fishing. Largemouth and small action fair with the
largemouth action slightly better with fish reported on plastics and
nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently.
Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Crappie remains good to excellent. Fish to two pounds or better
have been reported in the past few weeks. Rick Meyers, Ventura, caught a
1 1/2-pound crappie on jigs. Bass action also very good on plastic worms
in Cottonwood Cove. The trout bite is surprisingly decent even with the
lake temps in the mid to upper 70s, and rising. Bait anglers have
reported easy limits on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. 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 (Frechmans Flat).
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Gregory Lake, Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River South
Fork.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
INYO: Bishop Creek Lower, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (below Tinnemaha),
Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir.
MADERA: San Joaquin River Middle Fork, Sotcher Lake, Starkweater Lake.
MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery
Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Green Creek, Gull Lake, June
Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker
River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mary Lake, Mill Creek, Owens River
(Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag
Lake, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport
(Lower and Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake
(Lower and Upper), West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3).
FRESNO: Courtright Reservoir, Dinkey Creek, Huntington Lake Kings River
below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Mono Creek, Portal Forebay, San Joaquin
River below the Friant Dam, Shave Lake, South Fork of San Joaquin, Ward
Lake.
KERN: Kern River from Democrat Beach to Lower Richbar, Kern River from
Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, Kernville, Kern River from Sandy
Flat to Democrat Beach.
MADERA: Fish Creek, Lewis Creek, Lower Chiquito Creek, Manzanita Lake,
North Fork of Willow Creek, Upper Big Creek, West Fork of the Chiquito
Creek.
STANLISLAUS: Turloch Lake.
TULARE: Balch Park Eastern Lake, Balch Park Western Lake, Hedrick Pond
Campground Pond, Kern River from Brush 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, South Fork of Middle
Fork Tule River at Camp Nelson South Fork of Middle Fork Tule River at
Ceder Slopes.
TUOLUMNE: Deadman Creek, Lyons Canal, Middle Fork of the Stanislaus
River, Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River, Moccasin Creek, Pinecrest
Lake, Powerhouse Stream, South Fork of the Stanislaus River, Tulloch
Reservoir.
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
LONG RANGE: The five to seven-day long range trips out of San Diego are
really cashing in on great tuna, dorado, and yellowtail action. A couple
of scores on recent trips paint the picture: The Royal Polaris had 32
anglers on a five-day trip this past week and they landed 254
yellowtail, 148 yellowfin tuna, 82 albacore, and 53 bluefin. The Excel,
also on a five day trip with 30 anglers, returned to port with 390
yellowtail, 95 dorado, six bluefin, five albacore, three yellowfin, and
two white seabass. The yellowtail and dorado are mostly showing on
floating kelp paddies or around Cedros Island, while the tuna have been
in open water and frequently in temperatures we’d normally not see them
in – but that has been the case for the past three seasons, with the
tuna frequently all mixed together from the beginning of the summer
season. The yellowtail and dorado are mostly in the 15 to 30 pound
class, while the tuna are mostly 18 to 25 with a few over 30 pounds.
SAN DIEGO OVERNIGHT BOATS: The overnight and 1 1/2-day boats are also
seeing very good mixed tuna and exotic action. The yellowtail and dorado
are on floating kelp paddies in good numbers starting just 20 miles
south of San Diego and there are pockets of dorado all the way up into
the Catalina Channel. On Monday, the Condor had 34 anglers on a 1
1/2-day trip and they landed 170 yellowtail and 68 dorado. The Legend on
a 2 1/2-day trip (but fishing the same area as overnight boats) with 26
anglers came back with 104 dorado, 30 bluefin, 21 albacore, and five
bluefin. The New LoAn on an overnight trip with 26 anglers posted a
score of 130 yellowtail, 50 dorado, and five yellowfin. The albacore
have moved off futher to the west and have been far less consistent.
DORADO UPDATE: While the bite up the coast from San Diego has not kicked
into gear for dorado, there are pockets of these exotics off Dana Point,
Oceanside, and San Clemente, and they are only going to show in better
numbers and move further up the coast as summer progresses. These are
fish to watch.
LOCAL BARRACUDA AND SAND BASS: The local barracuda and sand bass action
all along the Southern California coastline has been from wide open to
scratchy over the past week. The sand bass, especially, seem to take a
couple of days off each week regardless of tide and moon conditions and
then bite like crazy the rest of the time. The most consistent action
has been off the south Orange County and San Diego beaches for the
sandies. But there are both good pockets of barracuda and sand bass off
La Jolla, Huntington, and the Santa Monica Bay, again, with the more
southerly spots more consistent. The New Seaforth out of Seaforth
Sportfishing in San Diego had several days of sand bass limits on
half-day trips this past week.
ISLAND UPDATES: Catalina Island has been pretty consistent on calico
bass, but the yellowtail and white seabass action has been far more
spotty this past week. There are smaller number of white seabass at
mid-island, but the big numbers from earlier have evaporated. The
Channel Islands are a different story with a spike in the white seabass
action this week. The Island Tac out of Channel Islands Sportfishing was
on a 1 1/2-day trip Tuesday with 14 anglers and they scored limits -- 42
-- on the seabass. The local boats in this region are also seeing good
mixed bag action. The Gentlemen, also out of Channel Islands Sportfish,
was out with 28 anglers earlier this week, and they caught 123 perch, 73
calicos, 12 sheephead, 10 rockfish, six barracuda, and two sculpin.
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.
The fish report is copyrighted and any
use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited
without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the
Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.
The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is
1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is located at the following
address: www.dfg.ca.gov. |
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For comprehensive saltwater fishing reports and
information visit our companion site:
www.976-tuna.com
RECENT BIG CATCHES
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.
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July 25, 2008 - Derek "Kid Wiper" Snyder
with a seven-pound, six-ounce wiper taken in Lake Elsinore, off
Rocky Point. Notice the much larger girth compared to a striped
bass.
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July 23, 2008 - Adam Cavazos, Menifee,
caught this 4-9 largemouth bass near the west dam of Diamond Valley
Lake on a crank bait.
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June 26, 2008 - Jose Garlejo of Escondido
caught this 18-6 blue catfish at Lake Wohlford.
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June 26, 2008 - Doug Bader, Orange, with
an 11 1/2-pound catfish he caught on mackerel with Nitro Gravy at
Santa Ana River Lake while fishing from a boat near Levitz' Corner.
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June 24, 2008 - Lake Perris gave up these four limits of
rainbow 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, and the fish went up
to 3 1/2 pounds.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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