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October 1, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

 

1. With bass bites tanking a lot of places this week, the best bite has been for bluegill and redear at Lake Perris. This action really broke wide open this past weekend (going into the new moon) with bluegill to two pounds and redear a little bigger reported by anglers fishing off the island, dam, and marina points. The best bite is in deeper water – more than 15 feet – and the fish are showing on crickets, nightcrawlers, wax worms, or meal worms. For an update on this hot bite, call the marina at 951-657-2179.
2. Corona Lake has just continues to provide good, all-around fishing for catfish, bass, and panfish. This past week there were four catfish over the 10-pound mark reported, including a 32-10, and some nice stringers of tilapia were landed. While there have been no bass approached the 17-10 caught early in September, a long of largemouth continue to show with relatively light fishing pressure. For an update, call the tackle shop at 951-277-3321.
3. Rivaling the Lake Perris bite, the bluegill and crappie bite at Lopez Lake on the Central Coast has been awesome with anglers filling ice chests with bluegill to two pounds – along with a fair number of minnow-caught crappie, also in the two-pound range. This is a long drive, but for panfish buffs, this might be the best of our top three picks. Of course, we are coming out of the new moon, which could cool things. Check with the tackle shop before you go at 805-489-1006.
 


FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS


TROUT: Generally just fair fishing throughout the Eastern Sierra Nevada, but the bite at Virginia Lakes is still hot. Other places mostly just fair with Crowley Lake and Bridgeport Reservoir still decent, but both with very low water levels. The Bishop Creek drainage is fair and improving, and the Mammoth Lakes and June Lake loop regions are improving with the cooler evenings. In Southern California, deep trollers are finding generally tougher action everywhere. There are still spotty bites at Diamond Valley, Casitas, Cachuma, Perris, with only Big Bear Lake getting better and better by the day thanks to the cool evenings up the mountain. In the Western Sierra, the upper Kern River is very good for the rainbows with dropping water levels. Urban water trout plants will start at many locations in the coming weeks, with the Hesperia Lake in the High Desert to be the first to put in trout with plants going in this week thanks to cool evenings and cooling water temps.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: The good fall bites were starting to kick into gear across the region, but oddly some slowed. The moon phase should have improved things. Diamond Valley Lake was just slow to fair, but Casitas remained pretty good. Sutherland and Lower Otay, in San Diego County, and Perris in western Riverside county, remain fair to good bets, too, but Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, and Wohlford have fair action. Poway, El Capitan, and Hodges, all have much slower action.
STRIPED BASS: Silverwood, Castaic, Skinner, and Pyramid have all been fair to good this past week, with Silverwood and Castaic the best bets, Silverwood with better volume and Castaic with better size. This has been true for several weeks now. A few wipers are showing at Elsinore, too, but that action has slowed way down. On the Colorado River, the best striper action has been an excellent bite in Mead where a lot of smaller fish to three pounds showing. Havasu improved with fair to good action and Mojave remains fair to good on small fish. A few bigger fish are starting to show all along the river, especially in the Mohave to Willow Beach region. Fair action in the lower river.
PANFISH: Top bets for bluegill and redear include Lopez, Perris, Lower Otay, and Elsinore. Diamond Valley is pretty decent but lightly fished for bluegill and redear. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but there is still a fair bite at Elsinore and Cuyamaca. The Central Coast lakes of Lopez and San Antonio both have been pretty fair for the crappie, too.
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 and Corona Lake cranked out the biggest fish this week, with Corona pushing out one over 30 pounds. Henshaw, Silverwood, and Diamond Valley have the best bite on non-weekly planted lakes – all three with pretty good bites. Skinner and Pyramid are also decent bets. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been consistently fair 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: Excellent catfish action passed up the striper bite this week. Catfish have been caught off the docks and in Miller’s on anchovies, chicken liver or shrimp. Top fish was a 20-pounder landed by Adrian Gutierrez, San Bernardino. Natasha Duarte, San Bernardino, pulled out a five-pound catfish. Striper bite still good on anchovies or nightcrawlers in Miller’s. Top striper was a four-pounder pulled out by Jeremy Bennett, Hesperia, on a Blade Dancer. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Fair rainbow trout bite in the western third of the lake. Trollers have reported the most action on Needlefish and red and gold Thomas Buoyants. Bait anglers did report some action on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant scheduled for this week. Upcoming events: Troutfest scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, although it’s sold out, but anglers can still fish the lake and have a shot at some good-sized rainbows planted for this event. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Slow to fair trout bite with a few fish reported on floating baits fished close to the bottom. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Good trout action with fish in the one to three-pound range. The best action is on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Shawn Murphy, Rancho Cucamonga, pulled out a 6-13 trout. The last trout plant was two weeks ago. The lake will get colder and colder each week, so starting Oct. 13 anglers will no longer be charged access fees. Until then, 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: Trout bite slow to fair on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. The water has cooled way down, and will get colder each week.
JENKS LAKE: Fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES


HESPERIA LAKE: Recent improved sturgeon action with fish to 20 pounds caught on shrimp, Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Top sturgeon of the week was a 21-pounder caught by Paul Brisko, Riverside. Andy Nelson, Moreno Valley, landed 19- and 14-pound sturgeon. Karen Conley, Redondo Beach, pulled out a 16-pound sturgeon. Catfish bite very good, although the last weekly plants of the season went in earlier this week. Most cats have been enticed by shrimp, inflated nightcrawlers or Sonny’s. Top catfish was a 16-pound channel landed by Tom Larson, Covina. Jose Garcia, La Mirada, pulled out a 14-8 blue catfish, while Scott Anderson, Chino, landed a 14-pounder. Byron Barnes, Brea, caught a 13-pound blue catfish on mackerel. Trout season is just around the corner. A 2,000-pound plant is due this week from Jess Ranch, and the rainbows will be twice a week. The next sturgeon plant is in November. 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: Cooler temps continue to improve the already good trout bite. Anglers have reported decent fish, over two-pounds, on lures, jigs, Senkos and nightcrawlers. The hot spots have been off the eastern and northern shores of lake 2 and the grassy point of lake 3. Good to excellent bass bite off the western shore of lake 3 and the southeastern shore of lake 2 on Senkos with fish to three pounds. Bluegill bite fair on meal worms and small lures near the pump house and off the western shore of lake 2. The 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: Good catfish bite in Horseshoe Lake, close to the cattails on various stink baits and blood baits, as well as nightcrawlers and meal worms. Last catfish bite plant on Sept. 11. A DFG trout plant went in last week, although the action is only fair on Power Bait and nightcrawlers to four pounds. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY


CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair with some limits reported. Top baits have been mackerel and shrimp. Also a fair bite on bass and bluegill. Trout plants begin in late October.
YUCAIPA: Fair catfish action on anchovies, nightcrawlers, meal worms, or anything dipped in Sonny’s stink bait. Action is best in the afternoons. The daytime bite is sluggish. No more channel catfish plants will go in. 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 catfish fishing on mackerel, shrimp, Hog Wild or anything dipped in Sonny’s. Trout plants should start in mid to late October. 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: Slow bass bite, although a few fish have been reported on drop-shotted jigs by the dams. Fair trout action in 40 to 50 feet on Needlefish or nightcrawlers near the west dam and around restroom 2. Fair bite for the stripers on swimbaits and topwater lurees. Catfish action fair in the third cove and near the inlet on mackerel, shrimp or anchovies. The ‘gills have been caught on live worms or mini jigs near the dam. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Bluegill and redear bites good with many stringers pulled out with fish over two pounds on crickets, nightcrawlers, wax worms, or meal worms. Joe Martinez, Bakersfield, pulled out a 31-pound stringer of bluegill. Top fish was two pounds. Rick Salvos, Riverside, caught a 3 1/2-pound stringer of redear. His top fish was a two-pounder. Largemouth bass bite just as good on worms off the north end of the lake. Tamara Silva, Covina, caught a four-pound bass. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Catfish action good to excellent and still the top producing species. The best bite remains off Ramp No. 2 and off the east end on mackerel. Larry Peebles, Oceanside, caught catfish at eight, 11, 11-8 and 14 pounds. Largemouth bass bite good for anglers fishing the east end and south shore on worms and dark-colored plastics. Johnny Summers, Ontario, landed a four-pound bass. The striper bite is just fair with a lot of action reported off Ramp No. 2. Peter Coyle, Fallbrook, pulled out a five-pound striper. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Crappie bite fair to good in deeper water on nightcrawlers and small jigs. Bluegill still biting, although the bite is only fair, with moments of good action. Best baits have been crickets or wax or meal worms. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair, but slowing down with a few fish in the four-pound range landed off shore on shad or for trollers using various lures. Carp fair to good off the east end on dough balls. Catfish and bass are hit and miss. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: Continued good action on catfish, bass, tilapia, bluegill and crappie, and this week there were at least four cats at or over the 10-pound mark reported. The top catfish a 32-10 caught and released by Mike Somaru, Mira Mesa, on mackerel while fishing near the boat dock. Fred Proushton, Los Angeles, caught a 25-pound catfish on shrimp while fishing from boat. Andre Pettnay, Lynwood, caught an 11-pound catfish on mackerel, while Artis Blanton, Compton, landed a 10-pounder on shrimp while fishing from boat. Best action on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp, all with Nitro Gravy added. Boat anglers have had the most success at mid-lake but anglers fishing the east shore have also done very well. Bass good in the evenings on topwater, plastics, and small cranks. A good number of 1 1/2 to four-pound fish landed. The tilapia, bluegill, and crappie are good on wax worms, meal worms, nightcrawler pieces and small jigs, with the best bite around the flooded brush and trees. Jose Bautista, Bloomington, caught a 3-4 tilapia on a nightcrawler. Weekly catfish plants. Trout season to kick off later this month. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Catfish action fair with the most action reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Still some slow to fair bass action on plastics and crankbaits, and fair action on small bluegill action around the shorelines.
RANCHO JURUPA: Catfish remain the name of the game here. Anglers are catching a fair number of fish to four pounds with an occasional bigger fish. No more catfish plants this season, but trout plants are slated to begin the first week of November. Upcoming events: Trout tournament scheduled for January 24. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. No more catfish plants will go in, but trout plants will begin in October or early November. 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: Catfish bite good to excellent. Mornings to about 11:30 a.m. is when the bite is best, and then things pick back up from 2 p.m. until sunset off the island. Mackerel, shrimp and stink baits are producing the most. Trout plants will begin on Halloween. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS


LAKE HEMET: Trout action has improved with the cooler weather and shore anglers catching as many fish as boat anglers. Best action on inflated nightcrawlers or trolling. DFG trout plant this week. Donovan Steele, 11, Corona, caught four trout at 1 1/2 pounds each trolling Rapalas. Mike, Donna, Steve, and Nancy Carter, Montclair and Idyllwild, landed 18 trout, with eight of them over a pound, and four bluegill drifting bait. Still fair action on bluegill and bass, and the carp bite is very good for those targeting them. 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 slowed a bit from last week, but fishing is still rated as good. The water level is still dropping, and as a result the shoreline is very steep and muddy close to the water line. This week the lake will have the exposed sides above the water line scraped. The lakes will remain open during this process, however, the shore line will be closed from the boat dock all the way around to Levitz’ Corner. The fish continue to be condensed as the lake’s water level is lowered. This has made for good fishing all over the lake, with the best action at the three pipes and near the boat dock. The hot baits have been mackerel and shrimp. Calise Mendez, Anaheim, caught the top catfish this week at 8-8 on a nightcrawler, while the best stringer was posted by Rick and Brenda Harey, Hemet, who teamed up to catch 10 catfish totaling 26-8 with a 6-8 topping the catch. Cathy Harris, Riverside, caught a five-fish stringer of catfish totaling 9-8, while Romeo Cervantes, Yorba Linda, caught five catfish totaling 13-0 with a 3-8 topping the catch. Trout season is expected to kick off around Oct. 22 with some initial plants, and the grand opening with massive plants of trophy Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows will be in early November. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830 or log on at 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: Catfish are still the name of the game here. The bite is fair to good on mackerel or Catmando off the west shore and near the dam. Elaine Dickerhoof, Artesia, caught a 15-pound channel catfish on mackerel. Nick Vega, Garden Grove, also caught a 15-pound blue catfish. Ronson “Catman” Smothers, Los Angeles, landed a 12-6 blue catfish and a 12-4 channel cat at mid-lake. Bass bite fair to good on dropshot-rigged plastics in 15 to 18 feet off the points. Only a few largemouth under four pounds have been reported. Crappie anglers are still pulling out fish to 1 1/2 pounds on Atomic Teasers. Bluegill and redear bite very good on meal or wax worms near the docks.
Upcoming events: Trout opener scheduled for Friday, October 31. That week 20,000 pounds of trout will be planted. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.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. Drop-shotted or Texas-rigged plastic worms, and topwater lures in dark colors are best with the most success in mornings and early evenings. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also good bets, but during the day only. Bluegill good on half nightcrawlers. Crappie good on assorted crappie jigs. Catfish bite good on nightcrawlers, mackerel and shrimp at the point, near the launch ramp and at the opening of the inlet. The launch ramp and the inlet entrance are the hot spots. 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: The trout bite continues to hang on, although the action should make an improvement after the fall plants begin early October. Anglers and trollers are having to work extra hard for the fish. Trollers are working deep, 40 feet plus, with Needlefish, Kastmasters or Rapalas. Some bait anglers have reported fish on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Crappie bite spotty with a few fish on jigs. 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, but with a few sparks reported for the past few weeks on shrimp, mackerel or anything dipped in stink baits. 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: Mornings and evenings continue to be the primetimes for the good to excellent bass aciton. The largemouths have been caught on plastic worms and Rapalas. Top bass this week was a 10-pounder caught by Don Northern, Moorepark. Travis Walters, Oak View, pulled out a nine-pound bass. Sean Flaherty, Ventura, landed an eight-pounder. Randy Westbury, Ojai, caught a seven-pound bass. The catfish bite continues to be good with fish over 10 reported on mackerel or nightcrawlers. Jessica Ortega, Mira Monte, caught a 15-pound catfish. Some bluegill and redear continue to bite in the backs of coves on meal worms. 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 stripers are keeping anglers busy all over the lake in a good bite, but the action is even better in the Fish Arm. Cut bait, swimbaits and shrimp are the most productive bait, but the fish are mostly small. Top fish reported was a three-pounder caught by Jason Ladew, Lancaseter, on live shad. Largemouth bass anglers are experiencing great action on shad, crankbaits, jerk baits and spinnerbaits. Top fish in some time was caught this week, a 10.8-pounder by Thomas Ladew, Crystal Beach, Florida, on live shad from Ski Arm. Not too many catfish have been reported, but a few fish to four pounds are showing on stink baits. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Continued slow trout bite, although anglers have had a preview of the fall bass bite. Bass have been biting plastic worms and lures. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. 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.
PYRAMID: Shore fishing has been prohibited until further notice. Boat fishing is still allowed, however. The striper bite slowed to fair, with a few 10-pound or better brought in. Best action on cut baits or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites have improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: Fair catfish bite, with excellent action during the cooler parts of the day, mornings and evenings. Pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers are the top choices for the cats. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. 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: Catfish bite remains fair for a majority of the day. The bite improves to good in the later part of the day, and anglers have landed fish to four pounds on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
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: No recent plants. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
LEGG LAKE: No recent plants.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No recent plants.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Catfish action fair on cut mackerel or shrimp. 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: Last week saw excellent bass action, and a good bluegill bite, although the lake closed to fishing on Sunday. The 132 anglers checked reported 850 bass, 107 bluegill and one crappie. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The bass bite slowed even more over last week. This week 76 anglers reported 27 bass, seven crappie and four 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 to good bass action, and a fair crappie bite. This week 97 anglers reported 156 bass, 60 crappie and five channel catfish. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 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: Good to excellent bluegill bite. Good bass bite, too. This week 245 anglers reported 582 bluegill, 294 bass, 24 channel catfish and one blue catfish. R.J. Coleman, San Diego, pulled out a 43.90-pound catfish on mackerel, while Rob Shannon, EL Cajon, caught a 5.80-pound largemouth bass. 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: Slow to fair bite. This week nine anglers checked reported 18 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 lake is closed and is expected to remain closed for six to nine years for dam reconstruction. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: Overall slow action. This week 72 anglers checked reported 16 bluegill and 14 bass. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: The bluegill bite sparked with a fair to good bite. This week 76 anglers checked reported 95 bluegill, 28 bass and 20 channel catfish. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: This week 54 anglers checked reported 127 bass, 54 crappie, 19 bluegill, seven carp, five channel catfish and one blue catfish. Robert Gray, San Diego, caught a 15.95-pound blue catfish on mackerel. Vicky Bartel, Sun City, landed a 13-pound carp on bread. The lake is open for fishing and boating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boar rentals available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: The channel catfish bite is the best here. Anglers have reported a good to excellent bite on mackerel. Fair to good bass bite with some smaller fish biting off the shoreline while chasing after the schools of shad. The crappie bite improved with fair action on live shiners and crappie jigs. The lake is open Saturdays and Sundays through December. 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: No recent plants.
DIXON LAKE: The cats are in the one to two-pound range and are fair on mackerel and shrimp. A 2,000-pound plant went in one month ago. The bass action is fair on Senkos and nightcrawlers. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: Early-morning bass action helped perked the recent sluggish bite. Anglers are working Senkos off shore. The lake is open Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to sunset during the month of October. Beginning Nov. 1, the lake will go back to its Wednesday through Sunday schedule. Float tubes, private motors and anchors, and live bait are banned at the lake due to potential quagga mussel contamination. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Good bass bite off shore and in the coves on Senkos, Ikas and Assassins. David Palmer, Lakeside, landed a 7-13 bass in Half Moon Cove. Blaze Conant, Lakeside, pulled out a 6-12 bass in Hermit Cove. John Dobbs, 12, Lakeside, caught a 6-5 bass. First trout plant slated for Oct. 22. The lake is open Fridays from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Fair catfish bite on nightcrawlers and mackerel off Paradise Island. Bass and bluegill bite fair with bass most active off submerged points and the bluegill bite is best in the coves on wax or meal worms. 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: Last Saturday’s Fishin’ in the Pine Kid’s Derby had over 660 kids. Chris Michael was the ground prize winner with a 1.9-pound trout. An abundance of trout were planted for the derby so the bite should continue. The channel catfish bite was very good with two large fish caught this week on nightcrawlers in the dike area. Christian Anzy, El Cajon, pulled out a 21-pound channel, while Juvenal Arevalo, EL Cajon, caught a 17-pounder. The bass are also pretty decent on nightcrawlers near the Lone Pine tree. Steve Carpenter, El Cajon, landed a 6-2 bass. 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. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Good catfish bite on liver, nightcrawlers and mackerel near the aerator. Gary Smith, Lancaster, and Todd Rogers, Compton, landed 22 channel catfish with the top fish an eight-pounder. The pair also pulled out 20 crappie with several fish weighing in at two pounds. Vern Schwietzer, Santa Ysable, pulled out 12 channel catfish. Top fish was six pounds. Tony White Eagle, Santa Ysabel, caught eight channel catfish off the Fish-n-Float Dock with three five-pounders in the mix. The bluegill made some noise this week, too on jigs off the Fish-n-Float Dock. Don ford and Elizabeth Branch, Inglewood, pulled out a stringer of 20. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Nightfishing is over. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER


LAKE MEAD: The area near Temple Bar has been off and on in the past few weeks. An angler pulled out a 42-pounder from this area last week on a Rat-L-Trap. Anchovies and plastics continue to be the most typical. Fish are still showing in the Vegas Wash during the day. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies. Launching conditions at South Cove are almost impossible with the dropping water levels, although the new concrete ramp can be accessed.
WILLOW BEACH: Good trout bite immediately following the weekly plants on salmon eggs or floating baits just off shore. Trollers are also catching trout on Jakes, Panther Martins and spoons. Trout continue to be planted every Friday. Stripers spotty. New fishing dock is open for fishing. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Trout anglers are landing fish under two pounds in a fair to good bite on Power Bait and Power worms off the shoreline upstream. Stripers aren’t as good as the trout, but anglers have had their fair share from boats fishing anchovies. This week a 24 and 32-pound striper was reported. Lake levels are steady. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: The striper action improved again over last week and the bite is good. Little to no trout bite, although plants should begin in late October.
NEEDLES: Striper bite 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: The bite has been slow. Only a few bass have been caught on Senkos. 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 action fair with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points. Early morning casting and trolling with jerk baits and Rat-L-Traps will also help turn on the bite. Large and smallmouth bass fishing fair on topwater just before dawn. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads 12 pounds or better on shrimp and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Flathead bite fair with some fish close to 20 pounds, and a rare one 30 or more. 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 catfish bite on mackerel. Few reports. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, 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 continues to be the best fishing spot, especially for the channel catfish. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS


SALTON SEA: No report. 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: Bridgeport Reservoir is extremely low and boats can no longer launch at the marina. There is a dirt area for launching by the dam. Not too many reports coming in due to this. Temps have cooled down on the East Walker with very low flows around 60 cfs. Virginia Lakes fair. Big Virginia’s fly and bait bite is still decent. Twin Lakes fishing fair for trollers fishing on top. Twin Lakes should see the spawning fish soon. 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. A load of Alpers’ went in last week with fish to two pounds. 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 cold weather is here and all the lakes on the Loop -- June, Gull, Silver and Grant are feeling the temp change. Nighttime temps have dropped below freezing. This only means the big fish are out there. Flaot tube with the big streamers is a good way to turn a big brown. Also try midging the outlet and inlet of Silver and near the reeds on the far side of Gull and June. DFG trout plant at June. Rush Creek is running at about 30 cfs. A small improvement in the fishing has been seen and fishing pressure is light. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: The bite at Crowley Lake is a bit difficult with the recent algae bloom. The bite in the back of Hilton in nine to 10 feet is fair to good. Sandy Point and McGee Point are also productive areas. Water temps are lower than usual for this time of year, so look for the warm spots. Nice fish in the 20-inch plus range have been pulled out with plenty from 15 to 16 inches reported. DFG planted subcatchable this week at Crowley, so anglers should make sure they release the four to six-inchers. The bite at Hot Creek is fair to good, the water is clear and the flows are around 50 cfs. Lots of weed growth slowed things down, but the fish are still there tucked away. Good stocker trout action in Mammoth Creek and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie, Gull, and George. DFG trout plants at George and Mary. The fly-fishing options are best at Mamie and Twin Lakes. The San Joaquin River is really coming down and the fishing is good for wild and stocked fish. Starkweather Lake is fishing better than the river now, so try fishing dries in the evenings. Convict Lake bite good for rainbow trout at the inlet and outlet on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Thomas Buoyants and Kastmasters. 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: A lot of hit and miss action, but patient anglers are catching fish throughout the Bishop Creek drainage. Fair trout action at Lake Sabrina. For some the bite is producing, and for others it’s not. Fish the inlet with salmon eggs, Power Bait or Gulp. Shore anglers are using nightcrawlers and a bobber or Power Bait and Gulp combined. Scott Chattuck, Hesperia; Phillip Petteruto, Apple Valley; Nick Bryson, Barstow; and Ryan Wadsley, Hesperia, caught several limits of trout using a variety of baits this past week. DFG trout plant at Sabrina this week. Bishop Creek and Intake II were planted this week. Pleasant Valley Reservoir is fair to good for trout and perch. The trout are biting Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The lower Owens River (in both the Gorge below Crowley Lake and below Pleasant Valley Reservoir) has a good early bite in slower water and eddies. Tricos hatch around 7 a.m., baetis start mid-morning. 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 the lower Owens River and local creeks coming off the Sierra, mostly for planted trout. Diaz Lake slow. Plants this week at Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, and Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA


LAKE ISABELLA: The crappie action is back with a fair bite on minnows in the trees. Fish from a quarter to a half-pound have been reported. Good bass bite on large minnows. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: The Kernville area has a fair to good trout bite on salmon eggs and spinners. The flows have dropped drastically in the upper river, so the bite is very good for trout on flies, crickets, and salmon eggs in the pools. Aaron Apodaca and Gilbert Cazares, Bakersfield, caught two limits of trout with fish to one pound or better. The lower river flows are also down and the area is very fishable. Both the trout and smallmouth bass bites have picked up to fair on nightcrawlers and platstic worms. The hatchery at Kernville has started planting the area with trout, and the bite is picking up. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: The catfish bite is sparked with two decent fish reported. Al Nolasco, Bakersfield, pulled out a 10-pound cat, while Marvin Dye, Bakersfield, caught a nine-pound cat on shad. Fair to good action on small stripers with blood worms.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action good on wax worms and crickets. Good carp bite on dough balls. Fair to good bass bite with fish to five pounds.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bluegill action good to excellent on meal worms and crickets. Good carp bite on dough bait. Catfish bite decent. Largemouth bass bite fair to good on plastic worms or minnows to five pounds.
MING LAKE: Fair to good bluegill bite on crickets and meal worms. Improved bass bite.
BRITE LAKE: Few reports.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good bluegill bite on wax or meal worms. Fair catfish on shad. A few bass have been reported.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets
SUCCESS LAKE: Improved action. Decent bass bite on plastic worms. Bluegill bite good on wax worms and crickets. The levels are still very low. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Fair bass bite on Senkos. Fair bluegill on wax or meal worms. Levels still high. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES


SAN ANTONIO: Crappie bite fair to good, sometimes excellent depending on the day. The bite has been consistent off shore on crappie jigs and minnows. Fish to two pounds have been caught. Striper action good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Little to no smallmouth action, however the largemouth action remains 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: The good largemouth bass bite continues on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth to five pounds or better on some. Some smallmouth also starting to show. The early morning bite from sunrise to 9 a.m. is the best time. Fair 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 spotties are good to excellent 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: The bluegill bite is still phenomenal on crickets and wax worms. Anglers bringing home ice chests full of bluegill after each trip with fish to two pounds on some stringers. Good crappie bite on crappie jigs and minnows. Fish to two pounds. Bass action also very good on plastic worms in Cottonwood Cove. Trout bite fair. Lake temps are dropping so the action is improving. 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: Bouquet Canyon Creek.
RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake.
INYO: Bishop Creek (Intake 2), Bishop Creek Lower, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, George Lake, June Lake, Mary Lake, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and 2), Twin Lakes Mammoth.
FRESNO: Courtright Reservoir, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake.
MONTEREY: Lower Nacimiento River.
STANISLAUS: Turlock Lake.
TUOLUMNE: Tullock 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


CHANNEL ISLANDS UPDATE: There continues be hit and miss yellowtail and white seabass action in the Channel Islands. Some days have been excellent and the amount of yellowtail swimming around the Channel Islands suggests a good fall bite. The Island Tak out of Channel Island Sportfishing continues to catch limits of calico bass with some exotics mixed in. The Coroloma out of Ventura Sportfishing has also had great bass fishing, a few exotics, and plenty of fine-eating rockfish. This area bears watching. The fall bite can be spectacular.
LOS ANGELES AREA LANDINGS’ UPDATE: The Tanner Banks’ bite exploded with bluefin tuna and yellowtail to 45 pounds. The Freedom from 22nd St landing in San Pedro had 80 bluefin tuna along with 40 yellowtail on trip early this week. Fall is the best time of the year for fishing the Tanner and Cortez and everything seems to be falling in to place. Remember to bring an outfit with 40-pound test because the yellows out here are big and tough. The 20-pound test has been effective with a fluorocarbon leader for the smaller eight to 20 pound bluefin tuna. Yellowfin tuna were also hot and heavy early in the week. The Chubasco III out of Long Beach Sportfishing had 21 yellowfin tuna for only six anglers while 25 anglers decked 54 yellowfin tuna and 1 albacore while aboard the Liberty, also out of Long Beach Sportfishing. The yellowfin range from 20 to over 40 pounds. At Catalina Islands, there has been fair yellowtail action with some calico bass, bonito and even a few barracuda setting the pace. Catalina is yet another venue where there are a lot of big yellowtail swimming around and sets up nice for a fall run. The yellows here are to 35 pounds so make sure you have a heavy outfit in your tackle arsenal. Local action has been mostly slow with a few barracuda and bass with many boats falling back on sculpin. Don Ashley from Pierpoint Landing is predicting a fall run of barracuda.
ORANGE COUNTY AREA LANDINGS’ UPDATE: There is tremendous yellowfin tuna for the local and overnight fleet from Dana Wharf Sportfishing. The Seahorse had 72 big yellowfin tuna on an overnight trip early this week, while the Fury had 31 yellowfin. On board the extended ¾-day Dana Pride, anglers hooked over 60 yellowfin tuna to get 19, and more importantly, they saw more fish than ever as we head into early October. Bongos II skipper Joe Berrian said the bite has been on fire lately with great yellowtail and yellowfin tuna fishing out of Davey's Locker in Newport Beach. One day, Berrian took his six anglers offshore for 29 big yellowfin tuna in a 2 1/2 hour stop. The next day, Berrian's group of four anglers opted for Catalina Island and they caught 21 yellowtail in the 20 to 35 pound class. The local boat have had some yellowtail flurries. On the 3/4-day Clemente out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing, anglers boated some yellows as well as some bass and bonito and a few barracuda. Sculpin fill in between.
SAN DIEGO UPDATE: The San Diego overnight trips have been hit and miss, just like everywhere else. You go one day and it's the slowest fishing you'll ever experience. Go another day and it could be the most spectacular day you've ever had in your life. One thing is for sure, there are a lot of fish in a lot of different areas. They don't always bite but when they do, it’s good. All the skippers set the stage is set for a bang-up fall. The New Lo An out of Point Loma Sportishing had 89 bluefin tuna on a recent trip, while the Pacific Voyager out of Seaforth Sportfishing had 17 anglers catch 170 bluefin. Several boats including the Legend had good hits on yellowfin tuna to 45 pounds as well as some catches of five to 20-pound dorado. The 3/4 day fleet out of San Diego has enjoyed a great summer and is looking down the barrel of a very promising fall. Big numbers of yellowfin tuna, albacore, skipjack, and an occasional marlin hook-up have all been part of an extraordinary local year. It's still hit and miss but when it’s on, it has really been hot. The 1/2 day boats continue to pick at the bass, bonito and barracuda with a few yellowtail. Once again, there are a lot of yellows zooming around here too which bodes well for the fall.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting a whole series of September charters during the peak of the fall exotics’season. These instructional charters are held throughout the year, offering beginning anglers or veterans advice and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. The next trip is a two-day trip set to leave Oct. 5 on the Prowler. This trip is limited to 25 anglers for teaching about fall pelagic species -- yellowfin, dorado, yellowtail -- caught on kelp paddies. Cost is $390. 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.

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.

September 20, 2008 - Mits Onizuka of Irvine with a 17-pound channel catfish caught on mackerel in the flats at Irvine Lake.

 

September 8, 2008 - Terrence Berg holds up Patrick Raahauge’s 27-pound yellowfin tuna caught 20 miles off Mission Bay.

 

September 2, 2008 - This 17-10 largemouth bass was landed at Corona Lake by Randy Muirhead of Glen Ivy setting a new lake record. It is also one of the best bass landed in Southern California this year.

 

August 22, 2008 - Donavan Swan, Fontana, caught a stringer of catfish totaling 24-8 on mackerel fishing near the boat dock at Santa Ana River Lakes.

 

August 18, 2008 - Eddie Rodriguez and Freedie Lopez, both of Wilmington, caught this nice bunch of catfish totaling over 27 pounds while fishing with mackerel at Santa Ana River Lakes.

 

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.

 

July 23, 2008 - Adam Cavazos, Menifee, caught this 4-9 largemouth bass near the west dam of Diamond Valley Lake on a crank bait.

 

June 26, 2008 - Jose Garlejo of Escondido caught this 18-6 blue catfish at Lake Wohlford.

 

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.
 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.