November 6, 2008

JIM MATTHEWS’

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The largemouth and striper action took off at Diamond Valley Lake this past week after the DFG planted trout this week. Anglers are hurling big, trout-like topwater and swim baits to catch quality largemouth to nine pounds and stripers to 19 pounds. For breaking updates, check with the marina staff at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410. You can also get more information on the lake at www.dvmarina.com.
2. A 20,000-pound plant of rainbows, brooks, browns and steelhead at Irvine Lake really fired off that trout season here with good action over much of the lake. Anglers here are using a combination bait called the "Power Mouse," a Gulp Salmon Egg paired with a Power Trout Worm trailer. That bait accounted for the best fish of the week at Irvine, a 13 1/4-pounder. Irvine is the only place in the region where you have a shot at catching three different species of trout at a single location. For an update on the bite, call 714-649-9111 or go to www.irvinelake.net.
3. Casitas Lake has been overlooked as a top bass spot lately and the fall bite is as good or better here than anywhere else. Live shad have been up on the surface and anglers getting a dip or two are having excellent fishing. Without the shad, plastics, nightcrawlers, or small trolled lures have been the best for the bass. A lot of quality fish over six pounds this past week, but nothing reported topping 10 pounds. For an update on the action check with the marina at 805-649-2043.
 

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake are all excellent with their trout seasons now in full swing. All three are also getting Nebraska Tailwalkers this season. Irvine Lake started its trout season last week with a 20,000-pound plant of browns, rainbows, brookies, and steelhead and a very good bite since. Big Bear Lake also picked with a plant again last week. Diamond Valley has a good bite, after a plant this week, for shore anglers and trollers working out of rental boats, but light fishing pressure now that the lake is closed to private launching. Few other bites of note, but most waters in SoCal will be getting trout plants within the next two to three weeks. In the Sierra, most places have slowed. Exceptions include the East Walker and lower Owens for fly anglers. In the Western Sierra, the upper and lower stretches of the Kern River are very good, seeing some of the best fishing of the year.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is generally fair to good fall bass action across the region. Casitas, Perris, and Diamond Valley Lake are all good in about that order of preference. Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, and Wohlford all have fair to good. Poway, and El Capitan are a little slower. Hodges closed this week.
STRIPED BASS: Silverwood, Castaic, Skinner, and Pyramid have all been fair with no standout reports this past week and no big fish. Most of these lakes are producing fish to four pounds with an occasional bigger fish at Castaic. Diamond Valley also has some striper boils going on and fish to 19 pounds were reported this week. A few wipers are showing at Elsinore, too, but that action is slow. On the Colorado River, the best striper action has been the fair to good bite in Mead where a lot of smaller fish to three pounds showing. Havasu and Mojave are also fair on smaller fish.
PANFISH: Top bets for bluegill and redear include Lopez, Diamond Valley, Perris, and Lower Otay. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but there is still a few fish showing at Elsinore and Cuyamaca. The Central Coast lakes of Lopez and San Antonio both have been pretty fair for the crappie, too, with Lopez producing some bigger fish.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted-catfish lakes is still good, but this is winding down rapidly, but the fall bite on bigger, hold-over or wild fish is picking up. A new lake record channel at 42-9 was caught from Diamond Valley this past week, and two fish over 35 pounds were landed at Corona Lake. Henshaw also cranked out a 21 pounder. Other decent bets include Santa Ana River Lakes, Hesperia Lake, Skinner, Diamond Valley, Henshaw and Silverwood, all are worth fishing. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been consistently fair to 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 striper bite in Cleghorn and off the docks on anchovies and swimbaits, but most of the fish are small. Top striper reported at the marina was a two-pounder landed by Ty Hodd, Beaumont, on anchovies. Most fish are under the three-pound mark, but anglers are catching plenty. The catfish bite remains excellent with fish caught off the docks on anchovies, shrimp or mackerel. Trout plant went in last week, 1,500 pounds, and the bite is fair to good on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: The rainbow trout bite remains fair to good after a DFG plant last week. Power Bait or nightcrawlers fished off the south shore near the dam is the best formula for catching fish. Some fish over three pounds. Other species slow. The west ramp is closed for the season. The east ramp remains open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The launch ramp at the marina is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The marina will stay open for boat rentals through Nov. 16. 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 two weeks ago. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish, but the last plant was over a month ago. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Trout fishing is excellent with a number of good-sized fish topping six pounds. The fish are showing all around the lake on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Lip RipperZ plastic worms in assorted colors. Top trout was an 8-8 by Louis Acosta, Ontario. Mike Morris, Apple Valley, pulled out a 7 3/4-pounder, while Martin Johnson, Barstow, landed a 7 1/4-pound trout. Jeff Harris, Alta Loma, landed a seven-pounder. Carl Hornsby, Fontana, landed 5-8 and 5-4 trout. Channel catfish action fair to good on mackerel, shrimp or just about anything dipped in Sonny’s. Tommy Wyatt, Hesperia, caught a 16-pound channel cat, and Shawn Washington, Victorville, caught a 10-8 channel cat. Fair to good sturgeon bite after this week’s 2,500-pound plant. Most are showing on inflated nightcrawlers or cut baits. Edward Lua, Corona, caught a 16-pound sturgeon, while Sam Butros, Hesperia, pulled out a 10-pounder on mackerel. Trout plants are twice a week. Trout plants twice a week. 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: Trout bite continues to be very good on lakes 3 and 2 for anglers using Power Bait (spring green, rainbow and chartreuse) nightcrawlers, jigs and for trollers using Kastmasters or Rapalas. Most trout caught are near or over two pounds with some over three. Hot spots include the grassy point, eastern logged shore and the north shore near the pump of lake 3 as well as the northern and eastern shores of lake 2. Bass bite slow to fair on Senkos off the eastern and northern shores of lake 3 with anglers reporting good action off the eastern shore of lake 2 near the wall. Catfish bite fair on mackerel and shrimp off the eastern 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: Fair catfish on various stink baits and blood baits, as well as nightcrawlers or meal worms. DFG trout plant this week. A county trout plant will go in on Saturday, Nov. 15. Anglers have reported fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Fair bluegill bite on worms. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant this week. County plants start Nov. 13. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp. Last catfish plant was Sept. 11. Jesus Gil, La Puente, landed three cats weighing 11 pounds total, all on nightcrawlers. His big fish was a 5 3/4-pounder. Martin Rojas, Corona, had four cats on shrimp that went six pounds total. DFG trout plant this week, and county plants start Nov. 13. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish action on anchovies, nightcrawlers, meal worms, or anything dipped in Sonny’s stink bait. Action is best in the afternoons. Last catfish plant was in September. Fair bluegill action on wax or meal worms. Mostly quarter- to half-pounders on stringers, fish to one pound are rare. County trout plants start Nov. 13. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair catfish fishing on mackerel, shrimp, Hog Wild or anything dipped in Sonny’s. DFG trout plant this week and county plants start Nov. 13. 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: Launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Shoreline access has been expanded and rental boats will remain available. The bass are in a feeding frenzy since the DFG dropped rainbows. Large topwater baits and swimbaits are attracting the big fish. Spooks, LA Sliders, and Z-plugs have been the top lures. The east dam, the marina, and the west dam are the reported hot spots. Marina manager, Dave Neitzke went out on the lake and caught a nine-pound largemouth. Shawn Cooley, Quail Valley, caught seven largemouth, his biggest was a seven-pounder. The striper bite was also wide open this week on Z-plugs, BBZ’s, and LA Sliders. Besides the largemouths, Cooley pulled out 12, 15, and 19.6-pound stripers. Paul Thompson, Hemet, caught a 19-pound striper fishing off the west side. Matt Thompson, Hemet, landed 14.95 and 15.59-pound stripers. Josh Baldwin, Temecula, and Mark Dominguez, Fullerton, each caught a 14.5-pound striper. Trout season has begun, and some anglers are catching easy limits on Kastmasters, Roostertails, or mini jigs near the east dam. A new catfish lake record was made this week. Jason Walsh, Temecula, smoked the previous record by 10 pounds, with his 42-9 cat pulled out on an LA Slider near the inlet tower. Nick Vaughn, Hemet, caught a 7.25-pound catfish with a crocodile lure. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Bluegill action remains the best with a very good bite for anglers fishing off the marina docks and island with crickets, wax worms, or meal worms. Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley, pulled out a stringer of 15 bluegill totaling 17 pounds. Top fish was a two-pounder. Another angler checked in with 25 bluegill, and his top fish was a 1-8. The trout are starting to make some noise with fishermen pulling out full stringers of fish on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. A DFG trout plant went in last week. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Catfish bite remains the top bet. The fish are from four to six pounds with anglers using mackerel or chicken liver off Ramp No. 2 and the east end. Rafael Torrez, Whittier, caught a three-pound catfish. Striper bite trails the catfish bite, but there is still good action on anchovies, swimbaits and chicken liver at the inlet and off the north and south shores. Bass and bluegill bites fair with some action off the east end and south shore for both species. The first trout plant went in this week. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Crappie action fair to good bite on nightcrawlers and small jigs. Bluegill action fair on crickets and meal worms. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair, but slower than usual lately. Carp fair off the east end on dough balls. Catfish and bass are hit and miss. No signs of trout, yet. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: While there is good to excellent trout action, it was a pair of huge catfish that stole all the thunder this week. Melissa Welford of Norco, landed a 37-pound cat on Saturday and then came back on Sunday and landed a 38 1/2-pounder. She was fishing from a boat with J.D.’s Catfish Bait. The catfish action has been good for those few anglers still targeting the cats. Eric Stevens, San Diego, landed a 14-pound catfish late last week, while Keith and Doris Curtis, both Riverside, caught nine cats totaling 26 pounds, including a seven-pounder. But the main show is still the excellent trout bite, with many anglers reporting limits of rainbows from 1 1/2 to four pounds. The best bite has been for boat anglers who can reach deeper water, and the Nitro Baits have been best in Sizzle, strawberry, corn and orange colors. The big rainbow this week was a seven-pounder caught by Ray Hiser, Riverside, to top off his three-fish, 15-pound stringer while fishing with Power Bait from a boat. Jasyon Blaton, Riverside, landed a 6 3/4-pound trout on chartreuse Nitro Bait fishing from shore near the dam. Corona Lake will get plants of catfish and Nebraska Tailwalker rainbow trout this week. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Catfish action fair with the most action reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. 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. DFG trout plant this week. 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. First trout plant went in this week. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The first trout plant of the season went in last week, with the next one set for Nov. 12. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Catfish bite slowing down with cooler nights, but anglers are still pulling out some under two pounds. Most of the fish will be hibernating for the season within the next week or so. Trout will be planted twice a month with double loads. 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. Layne Flemming, Anza, had a limit of trout, including a 4 1/2 pounder. Pete and Payton Wynn and Sabrina Naso, all Hemet, caught three limits of rainbows on Saturday with fish to three pounds. DFG trout plant last week. 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 rainbow trout action is excellent with rainbows to seven pounds and lots of limits reported by anglers over the past week. Kevin Garrett and Kevin Jr., both of Fullerton, teamed up to catch a 42-pound, 14-fish stringer of rainbows last Thursday, including a seven-pounder, the week’s best fish. The two anglers were fishing Power Bait at the Bubble Hole. Three rainbows at six-pounds, eight-ounces were landed. Mike Davis, Anaheim, landed one fishing chartreuse Nitro Bait at Levitz’ Corner, while Faith Chase, Murrieta, topped off a four-fish, 17-pound stringer with her 6-8. Robert Bourret, along with Steve, Alex, and Jeremy Guerrero, all of Brea, caught seven trout that weighed 20 pounds, including the last 6-8 rainbow. Most of the five-fish limits weighed a total of 12 to 15 pounds, with most anglers weighing 3 1/2 to four-pound rainbows as their top trout. The hot spots for fishing were the sandy beach and the main point, and the best bets continue to be chartreuse or orange Nitro Bait. Tailwalker rainbows from Nebraska and channel catfish planted this week. Information: 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: Trout season kicked off with a bang. Last week 20,000 pounds of rainbows, brooks, browns and steelhead were planted for the big opener and the bite was very good to excellent. Sierra Cove, Santiago Flats, the west shore, Boat Dock Cove and Rocky Point were the hot trout spots. Anglers have been using the popular "Power Mouse," a Gulp Salmon Egg paired with a Power Trout Worm. Other good bets include Atomic Tubes and Atomic Teasers, Power Bait, and nightcrawlers. Tranz Vo, Garden Grove, caught the top fish, a 13-4 trout on a Power mouse at Trout Island. Dave Brewer, Anaheim, landed a 13-1 rainbow on a mini-jig. Frank Duarte, Huntington Beach, pulled out a 12-2 trout on a mini jig. Fernando Diaz, Orange, caught a 12-1 rainbow on nightcrawlers. Matthew Pham, Huntington Beach, pulled out an 11-pound trout, while David Schrante, Chino Hills, landed a 9-10 rainbow and a 3-9 brook. Armando Gonzales, Anaheim, landed a 3-1 brook. The Kids’ Lagoon is closed. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Just fair bass action with most fish in the one to two-pound range. The best action is one drop-shotted or Texas-rigged plastic worms in dark colors and 4 1/2-inches long. Catfish still fair on nightcrawlers and mackerel on the main point and inlet. Bluegill bite fair on half nightcrawlers. Crappie fair to good on assorted crappie jigs. Trout season kicks off Friday, Nov. 21, but the Catch-and-Release Float Tube Derby is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20, to give the barbless crowd a chance to exercise the newly planted trout. The lake will be closed to shore and boat anglers that day. Register by e-mail at lnlake@cox.net or call 949-201-9884. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Fair trout action, but anglers still have to put in some extra time and work for anything over a pound. Trollers are working 30 to 40 feet with Needlefish, Kastmasters or Rapalas. Some bait anglers have reported fish in the one to two-pound range on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week. Crappie bite spotty with a few fish on jigs. Bass bite slow to fair with only a few fish showing early mornings. Catfish bite continues to be slow, but with a few good ones reported 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: The shad are all over, and anglers are netting them in big numbers and using them to pull out some quality bass. Other baits such as nightcrawlers, Power Bait and trolled lures fished right at the surface are producing just as good of fish. Early morning bite is best. Top largemouth reported was an eight-pounder, and Art Alonzo, Santa Paula, and Matt Wheatley, Oak View, each caught one. Alonzo also pulled out a 7 1/2-pound largemouth. Jess Settem, Semi Valley, landed a seven-pound bass on a jig. Troy Griggs, Ojai, landed a six-pound bass. Trout and catfish bites both poor. 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: Action remains on the slower side with low, murky waters. Anglers have seen no signs of trout. The last trout plant, 1,000 pounds, went in Oct. 6, and not too many holdovers have been reported. A DFG trout plant went in last week and the bite improved. The word out is that the bass action is fair with fish reported on worms and swimbaits. Another week of no specific names or catches, but the bite is good. Striper bite on the slow side, but signs of some action on anchovies, however no recorded catches or names. A few cats have also been pulled out, but nothing bigger than eight pounds. Mackerel or shrimp working for the cats. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: The fall bass bite is kicking into gear with fair to good action on plastic worms and lures in 10 to 15 feet. Trout have been tough, but last week’s DFG trout plant improved the shore bite. Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of plastic worms are the hot picks for the trout. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: Striper bite made a slight improvement with waves of fair action on anchovies. Anglers are pulling out fish under four pounds. Some action also reported on cut baits or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. DFG trout plant this week and last. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant last week. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant this week and last. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day 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: DFG trout plant this week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. 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: DFG trout plant this week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed until February. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Bass bite fair to good. This week 93 anglers reported 129 bass, 114 crappie and two 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: No catch reports this week. 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: No catch reports this week. 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: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout plant this 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: No individual catch report. 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: No individual reports this week. The lake is open for fishing and boating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Boar rentals available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Channel catfish action fair on cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers near the South Shore Rock pile and the East end. Bob Steilen, Carlsbad, caught a six-pound channel cat. Hayden Heck, Valley Center, landed a 1-13 catfish. Bass action slowed. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. The crappie have moved into deeper water. Trout opener set for Saturday, December 13, 4,500 pounds of trout will go in. The lake is open Saturdays and Sundays through the trout opener. 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: A 2,000-pound trout plant went in last week, and the official season opener is set for Nov. 7. Another 4,500 pounds will go in this week. Derby is this weekend, with prizes for a big fish in a wide variety of categories. A daily permit is required for entry. The bass action is fair with fish caught in the 10-pound range. Some anglers have reported catching loads of bass in Trout Cove with some to six pounds. Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The fair to good morning bass bite slowed down. Anglers still seeing a few waves of good action here and there, but with dropping water levels the bite is unpredictable. The lake was planted with 4,000 pounds of trout on from Chalk Mound Trout Ranch in Nebraska, and half will be trophy-sized for this weekend’s trout opener. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to sunset. 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: The lake received 1,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout this week with fair to good action. The bass are still going after the planted trout. Anglers are throwing trout imitation lures to fool them. Fair to good catfish action with fish reported on Power Bait, mackerel or shrimp off the boat dock, near the buoy line and in the rock quarry area. The lake is now 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. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Some big bass over seven pounds have been landed here recently. Bass anglers are experiencing good action on crawdads and swimbaits off the North Boat Dock, especially. Bluegill bite fair on pieces of nightcrawlers. Catfish bite good with fish reported on chicken liver or mackerel. The area below the cabins is best. 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: Good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers off the T-Dock. Another 1,000-pound Jess Ranch plant going in this week. The channel catfish bite hangs on with fair action on worms or mackerel. 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. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: The good catfish bite continues off the shoreline and down by the dam. The catfish have been biting on shrimp, and mackerel. Daylon Flournoy, San Diego, caught a four-pound catfish. Armond Washington, San Diego, also snagged a four-pounder by the dam, and the top fish of the week a 21-pound channel cat. Gary Smith, Compton, brought in caught a three-pound channel cat and a 1.5-pound crappie. Fair crappie bite. Armond Washington, Long Beach, caught a two-pound crappie. 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: Water levels are on the rise, although the overall bite is sluggish. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish have slow to fair bites in the Vegas Wash area. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some better action reported in these areas. Anchovies and plastics continue to be the best baits for stripers. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies
WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite still good and consistent. The new fishing pier is the spot for trout. Anglers are using salmon eggs, green Power worms 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. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: The bite is fair to good from early to mid-morning for small stripers on anchovies. Fair catfish bite for both on cut baits. Stripers reported are small, seven to 14 inches, while the cats have been 15 to 20 inches. Trolling techniques are productive in Cottonwood Cove. Lake levels are steady. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Good striper bite. The first trout plant of the season went in and the action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
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: Water levels are up, and so is the bite, but still take caution when launching. Some bass have been caught on Senkos. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper action fair to good with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds or greater. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. 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 fairish with some fish greater than 20 pounds, and a few 30-pounder lurking in the water. 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 bite 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. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. 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: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant this week. 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’s trout bite is hanging on, but very low temps and levels are making it tough. There is a dirt area for launching by the dam, and for the few anglers getting out the bite is pretty good. Michael Ross, Garden Grove, and Glenn Harwood, Long Beach, limited on rainbows to three pounds and browns to four pounds recently by slow, slow, slow trolling Rapalas and broken back Rebela (No. 7s in brown and rainbow trout or bright orange). Temps have cooled down on the East Walker, overnight freezing temps, with improved water flows to about 58 cfs. Fair bite with some quality browns being landed. Virginia Lakes fair. Big Virginia Lakes’s fly and bait bite is still decent. Twin Lakes fishing fair for trollers fishing on top. West Walker River fair 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 cold weather is here and all the lakes on the Loop -- June, Gull, Silver and Grant are feeling the temp change. Silver Lake is already closed to fishing for the season. Nighttime temps have dropped well below freezing, and morning temps are very low, but the big fish love it. Float tubbing with the big streamers is a good combination for fish. Also try midging on the far side of Gull and June. Rush Creek flows are about 13 cfs, and the action is fair for those nymphing early. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Nothing much to report from Crowley. The last week and a half of the season will be very slow. Six Bays and Sandy Flats are producing some action. The bite at Hilton has slowed, but a few big ones remain, 20 plus inches, including some cutthroats. Good early morning and late afternoon and evening action in Mammoth Creek and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie, Gull, and George. The fly-fishing options are best at Mamie and Twin Lakes with fish feeding on midges. The road to San Joaquin is now closed and will not reopen until next season. Convict Lake still strong, fair to good, with action on Power Bait or Salmon eggs. Steve Santa, Thousand Oaks, landed a 5-5 trout on Power Bait. Paul Gagnon, La Mesa, caught a 4-4 rainbow on Power Bait near the inlet. The fall fishing derby began last week and will continue through Nov. 15. Over $7,000 in prizes will be given. Entry is $15. 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. The bite at Lake Sabrina is on the slow side, but that’s due to the recent very cool temps. Fish the inlet with salmon eggs, Power Bait or Gulp for the best action. Shore anglers are using nightcrawlers and a bobber or Power Bait and Gulp combined. Sabrina’s landing is closed for the season, but the closing weekend was eventful. Pleasant Valley Reservoir is fair to good for trout and perch. The trout are biting Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The lower Owens River has flows at 147 cfs, which are perfect, and in combination with the weather make the bite good to excellent. 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 holdover planted trout and wild fish now. No plants this week, and they are likely over for the season. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Some big bass, over three pounds, have been caught here recently on crawdads and deep-diving plugs. Crappie bite fair to good on minnows. Fair catfish bite on shad. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Both the upper and lower river have hot bites for the trout. In the upper river, the fish are good-sized with some to four-pounds and better. The lower river bite is just as good. Salmon eggs and Power Bait are the top baits. Some decent smallmouth action on crankbaits and swimbaits out of the lower river. DFG trout plants at Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, and at Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach this week and last. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good action for stripers on blood worms or pumpkin seed gitzits. The catfish bite is very good on mackerel, shrimp or Sonny’s.
HART PARK LAKE: Largemouths lead the action here with a good bite on plastic worms. DFG trout plant this week and last.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Mostly bass here. Largemouth bite fair to good on plastic worms or minnows to five pounds. DFG trout plant this week and last.
MING LAKE: Fair to good bluegill bite on wax worms and meal worms. Improved bass bite. DFG trout plant this week and last.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. The lake received another DFG trout plant. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good bluegill bite on wax or meal worms. Fair catfish on shad. A few bass have been reported. Trout opener is Nov. 15, about 1,700 pounds will be planted that week and each week through the season. Derby Alert: Taft Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby at Lake Evans on Nov. 22. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Good 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 in deep water with most fish under a pound and a half but a few showing in the two-pound range. The bite has been consistent off shore on crappie jigs and minnows. Striper action fair to 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 is fair 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: Good largemouth bass bite 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. Improved, fair to good trout bite on Power Bait or worms. DFG trout plant last week. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Good action for the spotties on plastics (worms and jigs) and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Some anglers have reported catching over 20 fish in a day’s fishing. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are still very good to excellent, and have some competition from the trout recently. Anglers have reported several limits and a fair to good trout bite near the dam on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers have reported good trout action with Needlefish or Kastmasters. Bill McCain, Arroyo Grande, caught a five-pound limit of trout. Bluegill and redear action continues best on red worms, wax worms and crickets by the Ranger’s Boat House. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. John Usieton, San Luis Obispo, caught a 4.5-pound largemouth, and Robert Johnson, Pismo, pulled out a 3.75-pound largemouth. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Lake, Pyramid Lake, San Gabriel River (East and West Forks).
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake.
RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake, Yucaipa Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Cuyamaca Lake, Lindo Lake, Murray Lake.
IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.
FRESNO: Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Brite Valley Reservoir, Hart Park Lake, Kern River from Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, Kernville, Kern River from Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach, Ming Lake, the Park at River Walk Lake, Truxton Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure, McSwain Reservoir.
MERCED: Los Banos Reservoir, Merced River from McSwain Dam to Merced Falls, Yosemite Lake.
STANISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Turlock Lake, Woodward Reservoir.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake, 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

SAN DIEGO UPDATE: While almost no one is showing up at the local San Diego landings to go fishing, there is still an unseasonably good offshore bite on tuna exotics less than 100 miles from Point Loma. One example: The Condor out of Fisherman’s Landing was on a 1 ½-day trip with just 22 anglers over the weekend. Those anglers landed 64 albacore, 44 yellowtail, seven bluefin tuna, two yellowfin tuna, and two dorado. The long-range fleet has moved into high gear. The 10 to 16-day trips are mostly fishing the Hurricane Bank and getting yellowfin, yellowtail and wahoo. While most of the yellowfin are 40 pounds and under, there have been schools of fish in the 150 to 250-pound range. The Qualifier XL out of Fisherman’s Landing returned Wednesday this week with 242 yellowfin, 236 yellowtail, and 41 wahoo. The five-day boats are mostly fishing Guadalupe Island where the action is good on two class of yellowfin – those under 60 pounds and a few from 80 to 110 pounds. Most anglers fishing here are also seeing a lot of great whites, which put on wonderful shows eating hooked tuna.
ISLANDS UPDATE: Few boats are fishing the offshore islands right now and the bite has been generally slow. There has been some good bonito action at Catalina Island and up in the Channel Islands, but the yellowtail and white seabass have been absent. Even the bass bite is off.
NEARSHORE UPDATE: All along the local coast from San Diego up into the Channel Islands, the local boats are mostly fishing for rockfish, sculpin, with a pick on the bass and bonito. Skippers that hit both surface fish and bottom fish are generally coming back to port with some nice bags for the anglers. The New Del Mar was on a 1/2-day trip Wednesday with 28 anglers. They caught 30 calicos, 22 sand bass, 16 sheephead, five whitefish, 33 bonito, 34 sculpin, and one triggerfish. Not wide open, but worth going out.
INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA is hosting instructional charters throughout the year, offering beginning or veteran anglers advice and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. The next trip is a two-day lingcod special aboard the Black Pearl out of Channel Islands Sportfishing on Nov. 7. Limited to 20 anglers, cost is $270. For more information on upcoming Shimano/976-TUNA instructional charters, call 310-328-8426 or go to the website at www.976-TUNA.com.

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.

October 30, 2008 - Glenn Harwood, Long Beach, caught this nice three-pound rainbow while trolling in Bridgeport Reservoir.

October 30, 2008 - Frank Duarte, Huntington Beach, with his 12.2-pound rainbow trout taken from Irvine Lake's Sierra Cove while fishing a yellow and white mini jig.

October 30, 2008 - Michael Ross, Garden Grove, llimited on rainbows to three pounds and browns to four pounds at Bridgeport Reservoir by slow, slow, slow trolling Rapalas and broken back Rebela (No. 7s in brown and rainbow trout or bright orange).

October 19, 2008 - This almost lake record, 93.40-pound blue catfish, was caught by Michael Williams, National City, on mackerel from Harvey Arm of Lower Otay.

October 11, 2008 - Pam Kalina, Big Bear City, with new Big Bear Lake record bass. The fish weighed 5.9-pounds and Kalina caught the fish on a firetiger Rapala off Juniper Point last week.

October 9, 2008 - Randy Muirhead, Glen Ivy, broke his own lake record for largemouth bass at Corona Lake by catching an 18 1/4-pounder  while fishing a crawdad-colored crankbait from his pontoon float tube.

October 4, 2008 -  Brian Cummings, Inglewood, caught this 23-pound albino catfish at Lower Otay on mackerel from the bouy line.

October 2, 2008 - Don Roberts of Valley Center nailed this 4-pound rainbow on a jig at Lake Sabrina.

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.

August 9, 2008 - Jeremy Smith of Twentynine Palms caught this 4-pound class bass out of Evans Lake.

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 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.