Fish Report Finder
Maps and General Information
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
Big Bear Lake
Silverwood
HIGH DESERT LAKES
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Perris Lake
Skinner
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
ORANGE COUNTY
Anahiem Lake
Irvine Lake
Laguna Niguel Lake
Santa Ana River
Lakes
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
Casitas
Lake Piru
Puddingstone Res.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
COLORADO RIVER
LOWER DESERT WATERS
EASTERN SIERRA
WESTERN SIERRA
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
Reports
OUTDOOR NEWS SERVICE
Weekly Freshwater Fishing Reports
January 23, 1999
FRESHWATER FISH REPORT
Compiled by Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
THIS WEEK'S HOT SPOTS
STRIPED BASS: The Lake Mohave trophy striper bite continued with
several fish from 27 to 34 pounds. Havasu also is spotty. The California
aqueduct near Bakersfield is pretty fair on live minnows and bloodworms and
probably still represents the best bet in the region right now. Other
striper bites are mostly slow with very few fish showing at Skinner and
Pyramid.
TROUT: Top bet continues to be Santa Ana River Lakes which planted tons
of fish for its big Tagged Trout Extravaganza which concluded Monday, but
there were trophy fish caught all over Southern California this past week.
Lake records fell at Wohlford (15-14), Anglers Lake (15-8) and Poway (13-2).
The biggest fish came at Irvine (nearly 17-0), and fish over 10 pounds were
reported at Mirimar, Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Miramar, Jennings, Poway,
Wolford, and Corona. SARL cranked out the most over 10 pounds with 27 fish,
including a 16.8-pounder. Great planted trout action throughout the region.
PANFISH: Almost no panfish reports this week. A few crappie reports
from Casitas are worth watching, considering some of the fish are over 2-0,
but little else of note.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: We're moving into the big bass season, and some nice
fish are starting to show at Perris, Wohlford, and Isabella. Castaic and
Casitas are fair, but with few bigger fish this past week.
CATFISH: Generally slow. The Casitas bite is the only game in town with
pretty good action. The flathead and channel catfish action in the Colorado
River is starting to come back on with lower flows that concentrate the fish
in deeper pools.
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Overall tough action. A very few trout and deep-water bass
are showing. The holdover trout that are being caught are nice fish with
some topping two pounds. Spinners and spoons have been the best bet. Most of
the bass are deep and feeding on shad. Jigging spoons, ice jigs, and doodled
plastics are the best bet. No reports on other species. As of Tuesday this
week, the lake elevation was 3,347.67, down 3.93 feet from last week. Full
Pool elevation is 3,353. The marina is having a boat rental special with a
$30 all day Monday through Friday and $30 on Saturday and Sunday if rented
before 8 a.m. For more information, contact the marina at (760) 389-2299.
For addition fishing information, contact the Silverwood Country Store at
(760) 389-2423 or the Summit Valley Store at (760) 389-2262. Call (800)
824-6818 for a recorded information line on Silverwood or call the state
park office at (760) 389-2303 for camping and information on day-use.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Ice in and out. Most of the lake open this week, but
shoreline ice and sheet ice on the bays most mornings and into mid-day. Very
light fishing pressure, but some anglers are getting limits at Stanfield on
Power Bait and Sierra Gold. All marinas now closed. For fishing information,
call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909)
866-3222. There is a complete fishing report on the Big Bear Municipal Water
District's web page site at: www.bigbear.com/bbmwd.
GREGORY LAKE: Very slow. Almost no fishing pressure and only the odd
trout showing on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait near the baseball
fields. For fishing information, call Lake Drive Ace Hardware at (909)
338-1617.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Closed. For more information, call (909) 878-2756.
JENKS LAKE: Lake now closed for the season. For more information,
contat the Mill Creek Ranger Station at (909) 794-1123.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
MOJAVE NARROWS: DFG trout plant two and four weeks ago. The bite is
still fair but has slowed since the last plant. For information, call (760)
245-2226.
HESPERIA LAKE: Good trout action for anglers fishing Power Bait, Sierra
Gold or inflated nightcrawlers on a long leader. There are tagged trout in
the lake worth free passes. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or
(760) 244-5951.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Some real bruiser trout were caught here in the past
week, and a lot of limits have been posted. The biggest fish was a huge 16-8
rainbow landed by Clark Seny, Ontario, on a jig in the big lake. Frank
Murghannem, Ontario, landed a 14-4 rainbow, while Henry Gomez, Fontana,
caught a 13-2. Mako Nakamura, Monterey Park, caught a 12-pounder. There are
weekly county plants on Thursday. No fishing is allowed on plant day. No
state fishing license is required. For information, call (909) 481-4205.
PRADO: Very good trout action with weekly county plants on Thursday.
There was also a DFG plant two weeks ago. Quite a few limits and most
anglers are getting at least two or three fish. Top rainbow was a 6-0 caught
by Choung Nyet, Long Beach, on mackerel. Andy Hicks, 11, Riverside, landed a
3-6 rainbow, and Stephen Rozema, 10, Redlands, caught his first trout, a 1-0
'bow. For more information call (909) 597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Very good trout action with the county stocking in the top and
bottom lakes in this week's plant. In addition to the weekly county plant,
the DFG is also slated to plant this week. Lots of limits of fish showing
along with a smattering of bigger trout. Bryan Hagenbuch, Yucaipa, alnded a
3-8 rainbow, while Jason Huckeba, Yucaipa, topped his 8-0 limit with a three
pounder. Crappie jigs have been the hot lure this past week. The third event
in the Inland Empire Trout Tournament Series will be here Feb. 27. For park
information, call (909) 790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Whopper time! The county plant last week had some huge
trout, and there have been five trout over nine pounds reported and the
overall action has been very good with weekly plants by the county. There
was also a DFG trout plant slated for this week. The biggest fish was a
14-pounder caught by Ernie Paderez, Chino Hills, on a Kastmaster. Ron
Rodriguez, Upland, landed a 13-8, while Luz-Maria Becerra, San Bernardino,
caught a 13-5. Tray Nelson, San Bernardino, caught a 12-7, and Charlie Rowe,
Mira Loma, caught a 9-5. For more information, call (909) 880-2522.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open weekends
only. No fishing license is needed. For information, call (909) 982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant here this week and two weeks ago. For
more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
PERRIS: Trout were stocked Thursday at the jet ski launch ramp (Lot 12)
and the bite was good through the weekend in that area, but has slowed since
as the fish spread out. The trout plant also seemed to perk the largemouth
bite for a couple of days. On Thursday, Rich Iannolo, Menifee, caught an 8-4
on a Castaic soft bait trout in the east end. Ed Townsend, Moreno Valley,
landed an 8-6 largemouth on a nightcrawler in the marina from shore. Then on
Friday, Joe Tamulonis, Banning, caught bass at 11-8 and 9-2 trolling the
east end with Kastmasters. He also had a 2-0 rainbow. Other species are
still slow. A few bluegill are showing in 40 feet of water in the marina at
night. As of Tuesday this week, the lake elevation was 1,586.83, the same as
last week. Full Pool elevation is 1,588. For more information on fishing,
call the marina at (909) 657-2179 or the state park at (909) 657-0676.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plants two and four weeks ago.
RANCHO JURUPA: County trout went in last week and the bite has been
pretty good. County fish will go in again next week. The fee to fish here is
just $5 per angler and there is no parking fee. The fourth event in the
Inland Empire Trout Tournament Series will be here March 13. For
information, call (909) 684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: The trout bite has been fair to good and another
plant will go in Thursday this week. There will be a derby 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday. Jim Reed, Moreno Valley, caught a 7-12 rainbow, while Richard
Collins, Moreno Valley, caught a 3-12. A few cats also showing. Lloyd
Chambers, Ontario, landed a 6-12 cat. Bass and crappie slow. For
information, call (909) 795-2411.
BOGART PARK LAKE: No report available. Call Riverside County Parks for
information at (909) 955-4397.
WHITEWATER TROUT FARM: There are two well-stocked ponds at this park in
Whitewater off Interstate 10. The trout farm has a program for churches,
schools and groups. No fishing license is required and tackle is available.
Open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call (760) 325-5570.
SILVER LAKE RANCH: No report. For information, call (909) 549-1300.
CORONA LAKE: The trout fishing has been excellent, with limits the rule
and trophies common. Big fish was a 13-0 caught by Bob Renolds, Lancaster,
on Power Bait at Catfish Corner. Other biggies: A 12.7-pounder was caught by
Bruce Budnovich, La Palma. A 12.4 by G.G. Lisicay, Murrieta. Two
12.1-pounders were caught, one by Sean Donovan, Yorba Linda, and the other
by Ty Quaintance, Rancho Cucamonga. The Corona Lake Tagged Trout
Extravaganza will be Thursday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 21. The 11-day
event will feature 250 tagged trout, including 10 that will qualify the
angler who catches that fish for a drawing from 250 envelopes for a shot at
the $50,000 grand prize. Corona Lake is stocked with trout twice a week on a
Monday and Friday schedule. Catfish are also planted each Friday. The lake
is open seven days a week with night fishing allowed on Friday and Saturday
evenings only. For more information, contact the lake’s recorded information
line at (909) 277-4489, or log on to the web site at www.fishinglakes.com.
SKINNER: Good trout action near around Launch Ramp No. 2 after county
plants last week. The fish are showing on inflated nightcrawlers and
rainbow-colored Power Bait. Next plant Jan. 28. The striper action is
spotty. A few 2-0 to 4-0 class fish are showing at Ramp No. 2 and back in
the east end on topwater, swim baits, and shad. Some increasing action on
largemouth bass, but that bite is still tough. Best action has been on the
south shoreline on swimbaits and nightcrawlers. For information, call the
marina at (909) 926-1505. As of Tuesday this week, the lake elevation was
1,469.23, up 1.0 feet from last week. Full Pool elevation is 1,479.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Very good to excellent trout action with Power Bait,
inflated nightcrawlers, or small Crappie John jigs. Some whopper trout were
caught this past week, including a new lake record at 15-8 landed by Ramon
Fonseca, Hemet. Other big fish included trout at 12-12 and 10-14 caught by
Chris Sergeant, Riverside; an 11-4 landed by Danny Sanchez, Chino, and a
10-4 caught by Richard Gross, Riverside. The lake is being planted weekly.
No fishing license is required. For information, call (909) 927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: Trout fishing is good with the fish averaging about a
pound. The small lake has been best. For more information, call (909)
654-7906.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Continued good to excellent trout action with
rainbow-glitter Power Bait seeming to be the best bait for the rainbows. A
few catfish are showing on nightcrawlers. The lake will be planted again
this week. Some fish to nearly 5-0 caught. The lake is open daily from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., and construction of a new pond is starting this month. For
more information, call (909) 679-6562.
WILLIAMS CATFISH FARM: Fair catfish action and slowish trout action.
Cuts baits have been the best for the cats. Bluegill and tilapia are slow.
For information, call (909) 674-7627.
STEVE'S FISHING POND: No report available. For information or
directions, call (909) 657-2625.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: The trout bite has been tough and few anglers are fishing
the lake. There hasn't been a DFG plant in over a month. No bass reports.
FULMOR LAKE: Slow. No DFG plants in over a month. For more information,
contact the U.S. Forest Service Idyllwild at (909) 659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: No one won the $50,000 grand prize in the Tagged
Trout Extravaganza, but 197 of the 250 tagged trout were caught, including
27 trout over the 10 pound mark in the past week. John Schmidt, Yorba Linda,
had the big fish for the second week of the 12-day tournament when he caught
a 16.6-pounder fishing an inflated nightcrawler near the boat dock. Fish at
14-pounds or better were caught by Sheryl Guerrero, Chino, who landed a
14.9-pounder, while John Chapman, Yorba Linda, caught a 14.8-pound rainbow.
Christopher Palacios, Lakewood, had a 14.4, while Arthur Jenkins, Walnut,
caught a 14.2 pounder. A 14.1-pounder was caught by Ron Morlan, Anaheim, and
Nick Bartholomew, Placentia, caught a 14-even. Hot spots have been Levitz’
Corner, near the Boat Dock, the whole west side of the lake, and the Bubble
Hole, and Power Bait in a variety of colors has been the hot ticket,
especially if dipped in shrimp-flavored Smelly Jelly. Inflated nightcrawlers
have also been a staple. The trout have been hanging very near the shoreline
early in the day, and anglers should not cast more than 20 feet from shore.
As the surface and shoreline waters warm later in the day, anglers should
fish in deeper water. SARL is planted twice a week with trout and once a
week with catfish. Hours at The Lakes are from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. with night
fishing from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Santa Ana River Lakes are open seven days a
week. Anglers can call the fishing hotline at (714) 632-7830 for
information, or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE: The biggest trout in Southern California was caught here in
the past week when Frank Bauman, Cota de Caza, landed a 16.95-pounder
trolling a firetiger-colored Rapala near the dam. There were also 13 other
trout topping 10 pounds caught, including a 15.05-pound 'bow landed by Duane
Gleason, Foothill Ranch, a 14.3-pounder caught by Tony Conway, Cowan
Heights, and a 13.9-pound rainbow landed by Herb Lloyd, Trabuco Canyon. The
top winner in the Splash for Cash tagged fish event was a $500 tagged trout
landed by Roger Theobald, Anaheim. The best action has been in three areas:
Trout Island, Woody's Cove, and the West Shore, with Power Bait the bait for
still fishermen and smaller Rapalas the best for lure fishermen. For more
information, call the lake recording at (714) 460-4040 or the lake office at
(714) 649-9111. Irvine's website: www.fishinghotpage.com/irvine.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Good to excellent trout action early in the morning
and in the evening, and there was a plant of 5,000 pounds of rainbows
Tuesday this week that made the bite even better. Most baits are working and
small jigs are also a hot bet. Top trout this past week was a 5-9 landed by
Chuck Doucot, Costa Mesa. Jeff Herrington, Tustin, landed a 5-6 rainbow. The
bass bite has been pretty fair, too, with a lot of fish to 5-0 caught on
crankbaits resembling trout and plastics early and late. Victor Gonzalas,
San Juan Capistrano, landed a 7-2 bass on an inflated nightcrawler. January
is Mepps month with prizes given away to the best three trout caught on a
Mepps each week. For information, call (949) 362-3885.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed.
OSO RESERVOIR: The bass bite is fair to good for anglers vertical
jigging Hopkins or Kastmaster lures in 25 feet of water, especially near the
dam. Plastics worms or shad-like plastics on darter heads also very
productive. Most of the fish are from 2-8 to 5-0. Catfish fair in Oso Creek
Cove and off Conservation Point. Bluegill slow. This is a
catch-and-release-only lake. For information, call (949) 858-9313.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: The trout action has continued very good with both DFG and Mt.
Lassen plants on the docket this week. Lots of limits posted by anglers
still fishing with Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers in Cachuma Bay and
the backside of the Island. Trolling is also good with Needlefish behind two
to three colors of leadcore at the island or at the Narrows. Some of the
rainbows being caught are up to 4-0. The bass are slow to fair in deep water
on jigs and spoons off Jackrabbit and Stork Flats, also some fish showing on
cranks. The redear bite slowed again with only a very few showing in 30 feet
on nightcrawlers in the mouth of the Narrows and Stork Flats. Catfish are
slow. For more information, contact the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The
number for the main gate is (805) 688-4658.
CASITAS: The trout and catfish bites are both pretty good. Trout were
planted at the Coyote ramp Tuesday this week and Mt. Lassen trout were to go
in Thursday at the Santa Ana Ramp. Two nice shore-caught fish: Jason
Mandell, Santa Paula, 3-2 trout on Power Bait. Steve Bohanon, Santa Paula,
3-0 on a nightcrawler. Trollers fishing with eight colors of leadcore and
Needlefish. Dale Hawley, Ventura, landed a 3-4 to top a stringer of four
fish caught trolling. Leonard Gibson, Oakview, led the parade of catfish
with fish at 14-6, and 13-0 landed on mackerel in 80 feet. The bass are fair
with quite a few fish showing on crawdad, but most are under 6-0. Some fish
on plastics and the odd big fish being caught on a big, trout-like bait. Few
anglers are fishing crappie, but Brian Evans, Ojai, landed a 2-2 that topped
a stringer of eight fish. All on mini jigs and none were under 1-8. For more
information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.
CASTAIC: The bass bite has been fair on waterdogs down to 20 feet,
with a lot of smaller fish to 5-0, but few bigger fish. The water level has
fallen six feet in the past two weeks, which doesn't help things. The trout
action has been excellent since a plant of 2,000 pounds Friday last week.
The striper bite was spotty until Wednesday this week, when the overcast
weather seemed to turn on the striper action. Robert White, Granada Hills,
caught an 11-2 striper on a Stocker Trout and a 3-8 largemouth on an
anchovy. Ed Kurihara, Monterey Park, caught a 13-12 striper on a homemade
hard bait. Rod Thigpen, Santa Paula, had a 13-8, and his partner Mark
Rogers, also Santa Paula, had an 11-0. Tod Thigpen, Santa Paula, caught a
13-0 on Stocker Trout. Chris Burroughs caught a 15-8, also on a Stocker
Trout. Other species slow in both lakes. As of Tuesday this week, the lake
elevation was 1482.57, down 4.50 feet from last week. Full Pool elevation is
1,513. For an update on fishing, call the marina at (805) 257-2049 or the
Castaic Mini Mart at (805) 257-3717. The Mini-Mart also has an internet web
site with fishing reports updated each week. The address is:
www.castiac.net.
PIRU: The trout action remains fair for trollers fishing the surface
with Rapalas or using three to four colors of leadcore and Needlefish. The
east side of the lake, especially Diablo Cove, and the dam have been the
best spots. Still fishermen are getting a few fish on the points and in the
coves around the marina. Bass are fair with light fishing pressure. The best
bet has been nightcrawlers or small plastics off the points in 20 feet or
more of ewater. Slow other species. Winter boat rental special is $30 if
rented before 8 a.m. Saturday or Sunday or anytime Monday through Friday.
For fishing information, call the marina at (805) 521-1231.
PYRAMID: Still mostly slow action, but a few striper anglers are
scoring using anchovies. Donny and Buffy Jones and Kenny McDaniel, all
Castiac, caught 18 stripers at Serrano on anchovies on the bottom. A 12-0
was also reported by Keshua Talley at Yellowbar, also on anchovies. The
largemouth and smallmouth bite is also tough but a few are showing on
plastics and crawlers off the points. Winter boat rental special is $30 a
day. As of Tuesday this week, the lake elevation was 2,573.40, up .62 feet
from last week. Full Pool elevation is 2,578. For information, call (805)
257-2892.
TEJON LAKE: The lake is closed until early February. The lake is
managed as a quality bass water with a three bass slot limit (up to three
bass less than 12-inches and only one over 22-inches). Annual fishing passes
are available. For more information, call the Tejon Ranch Company at (805)
248-6774.
QUAIL LAKE: Slow. Very little fishing pressure and few reports of any
activity from those few anglers fishing the lake. As of Monday, the lake
elevation was 3,323.80, down .10 from last week. Full pool is 3,324.5.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant last week. The action has been fair since
the plant. Bass are spotty with the best bite still in deeper water on jigs
and plastics. For fishing information, call the boat dock at (909) 599-2667,
or the park's regular number at (909) 599-8411.
SANTA FE: DFG trout plant last week. Call (818) 334-1065 for info on
the lake.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plants last week and four weeks ago.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and three weeks ago.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago.
ERVIN MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE (formerly Willowbrook Lake): DFG trout plants
last week and three weeks ago.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. For more information,
contact the Hollenbeck Recreation Center at (213) 261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.
KENNY HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plants last week and four weeks ago.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Call (818) 448-7317 for
information.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: Closed. The lake will reopen this spring.
HODGES: Closed. The lake will reopen in February.
EL CAPITAN: The bass action is fair to good with some nice fish showing
on plastics or deep-trolled lures. The best fish reported was a 6.4-pounder,
but most of the fish are in the 2-0 range. Other species mostly slow, but a
few crappie and blue cats showing. The lake is only open Saturday and Sunday
each week. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0222.
LOWER OTAY: Opening day has been set for Feb. 3. For boat reservations,
call (619) 390-0222.
UPPER OTAY: Opening day has been set for Feb. 3. This is a
catch-and-release lake when shore and float-tube fishing allowed.
SAN VICENTE: Both the trout and the bass action has been fair. The bass
are showing on deeply fished plastics, jigs, but mostly crawdads. Top fish
was a 6.94-pound bass caught by Ron Baker, Corona, on a spoon during a local
bass tournament. Trout were planted this week. The catfish and bluegill
bites are slow. For more information, call (619) 668-2060. For rental boat
reservations, call (619) 390-0222.
MURRAY: A trout plant went in this week and the rainbow action has been
pretty good with fish to 2-0 reported. A few bass are showing. Other species
are slow. For more information, call (619) 668-2060. For rental boat
reservations, call (619) 390-0222.
MIRAMAR: A trout plant last week made for good trout action with quite
a few limits and some trophy fish. The best was a 15-8 caught by Eric
Austin, Santee, on a yellow roostertail. Jaime Legaspi, San Diego, landed a
13-4, while Aaron Peterson, Santee, caught a 12-8 rainbow. Andrew Oliva, 9,
Mira Mesa, caught an 8-9 to top his limit. All were taken in Moe's Hole.
Next plant will be next week. Slow other species. For more information, call
(619) 668-2060. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0222.
SUTHERLAND: Closed. The lake will reopen this spring. For more
information, call (619) 668-2060. For rental boat information, call (619)
698-3474.
WOHLFORD: Trout fishing has remained very good after a plant last week,
including one fish reported to be 18 pounds. That monster wasn't caught, but
a new lake record 15-pound, 14-ounce fish was landed by Roy Johnson, Valley
Center, while fishing with a nightcrawler and four-pound test on Wednesday
this week. (The old record was 12-12) An 11-8 rainbow was landed by George
Schaaf, 88, Lake Elsinore, on Power Bait off the senior shoreline. The bass
action has also started to perk, especially for bigger fish. Kevin
Loewenberg, Escondido, caught and released bass at 10-12, 10-7 and 7-11
fishing jigged Kastmasters in Oakvale Cove. Other species slow. The lake is
open seven days a week. For information, call (619) 738-4346.
DOANE POND: The DFG planted trout here four weeks ago.
DIXON: No report. For more information, contact the ranger station at
(760) 738-4345 or the concessionaire at (760) 741-3328.
POWAY: Continued good trout action with weekly plants, including some
whoppers last week. The best was a 13.30-pounder -- a new lake record --
caught by Jason Casison, Poway, on salmon egges in Half Moon Bay. Triston
Jones, Escondido, landed a 10.3-pounder. The bass action is spotty, but Mike
Long, Poway, caught a 12-12 on a crawdad in Boulder Bay. The lake is open
Wednesday through Sunday. For more fishing information, call the snack bar
at (619) 486-1234.
JENNINGS: Trout action improved this past week, and some nice fish were
stocked. The best caught was an 11.8-pounder caught by George Nichols, El
Cahjon, on a Kastmaster in Sentry Cove. There will be another plant this
week. The bass bite is spotty, but a few fish to 4-0 showing. Free fishing
classes for beginning anglers are held 1 p.m. each Saturday. Gear is
available for use at no charge during these classes. For more information,
call (619) 667-6293.
MORENA: Fair trout action and a few bass being caught. For information
call (619) 694-3049. The 24-hour fishing update line is (619) 478-5473.
CUYAMACA: The good trout action has continues this week with limits
common on bright Roostertails or inflated nightcrawlers dipped in scent.
Best action in from mid-morning into the afternoon. Free fishing classes are
held 10 a.m. Saturday each week. Cuyamaca is closed to fishing Saturday
until noon for the junior waterfowl hunting day. For more information call
(760) 765-0515. The web site is at www.electriciti.com/lakcuya.
HENSHAW: Almost no fishing pressure this week, but there is a pretty
decent catfish bite at the dam for anglers fishing mackerel chunks. At least
a couple of limits have been reported and some of the cats have topped 4-0.
Also a few crappie being caught on jigs, also at the dam, and the fish are
up to 3/4-pound. For information, call (760) 782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Largemouth bass are slow to fair, mostly on deeper points.
Striped bass fishing has been fair for anglers fishing cut sardines or
anchovies in 40 to 60 feet of water. Best area from Pyramid Island to
Hemenway Wall, Boxcar, Callville Bay and Grand Wash. The catfish bite is
slow.
WILLOW BEACH: Slow to fair for both stripers and trout, but a trout
plant was due this week.
LAKE MOHAVE: The bite on trophy stripers came back on a little with
fish from 27-0 to 34 reported for anglers fishing A.C. Plugs and Bombers
from Cottonwood all the way upriver to Willow Beach. Beast action has been
in the Aztec and Placer areas. Small, one-pound stripers showing on cut
anchovies closer to the dam. Otherwise mostly slow fishing for largemouths
and catfish.
DAVIS DAM: Still mostly slow, but some trout been caught in the past
week along with a few small stripers and catfish. The stripers have been
showing at the gas line at the end of the cliffs.
TOPOCK MARSH: The largemouth bass bite is fair but with light fishing
pressure. Some crappie showing in the north dike area. The catfish bite has
slowed.
HAVASU: The striper bite has been off and on with only a few small fish
showing in the bays on anchovies or Sassy Shad. A few largemouths are
showing uplake and into the river. Crappie, catfish slow.
PARKER STRIP: Flows plummeted this week and the bite is mostly slow,
but there are some stripers showing below Parker Dam and near the La Paz
County Park on cut anchovies or live shad. Channel catfish and flathead are
fair below Parker Dam. Light fishing pressure.
BLYTHE: Flows way down. The largemouth bass bite has been slow but a
few more fish are starting to show in the canals and backwaters. Dan Goble,
Redlands, caught a 4-8 bass, and Wesley Van Hook, Blythe, caught a 4-15
largemouth. A few catfish are showing and things are starting to improve.
Cheuck Tenefos, Blythe, landed a 25-pound flathead on a goldfish. For
information, call B&B Bait at (760) 921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Few anglers, but there is a slow to fair bass bite in the
local backwaters on live bait. No catfish reports. The main river has been
slow. Few anglers have been going out for the cats.
PICACHO AREA: The regulars are still getting quite a few bass in the
lakes and backwaters but the bite is tough with lower flows. Catfish slow.
MARTINEZ-MITTRY LAKE AREA: The bite has been generally slow but
improving and lower flows will concentrate the fish. A few bass showing on
shiners in the backwater lakes and lake entrances. A local tournament had 30
boats but only one limits was posted. The stripers are mostly in the main
river on trolled Rapalas. Catfish spotty. For more information, contact the
Martinez Lake Resort at (520) 783-9589. The web site is
www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: Light fishing pressure and slowish fishing. The bass bite is
fair, mostly in area backwaters in the afternoons. A few cats continue to
show, but almost no one is fishing cats. Also still some stripers showing
for anglers trolling or casting plugs in the main river.
COLORADO RIVER FLOWS, LAKE ELEVATIONS: This week's projected flow
releases should average (in cubic feet per second): Glen Canyon 15,000,
Hoover 7,800, Davis 6,600, Parker 6,600. These are all major reductions from
previous week. Last Friday, flow at Yuma Fourth Avenue Bridge was 1,940 cfs,
and it was 9,470 cfs at the Northerly International Boundary.
Projected lake elevations for Saturday (and change from last week in
parenthesis) are as follows: Havasu 446.1 (down 1.0), Mohave 640.3 (down
1.3), Mead 1212.9 (up 1.2), Powell 3681.6 (down .5)
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: Generally slow with very light fishing pressure. There
continue to be spotty reports of good corvina fishing in deep water off the
Target and Salt Creek, but no other reports this week. For more fishing
information, call one of the marinas: Red Hill Marina (760-348-2310), Bombay
Beach Marina (760-354-4049), the Salton Sea State Recreation Area
(760-393-3059 or 760-393-3052), Salton Sea Beach Marina (760-395-5212), and
Johnson's Landing (760-394-4755). For weather information, call (760)
352-3360 for a recording.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Slow action and very light fishing pressure
on local canals and drainage ditches. Very few catfish reports from the
Coachella Canal. For more information, call Poor Richard's in Mecca at (760)
396-2180.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Light fishing pressure and almost no fish being
reported except for the odd channel cat. Overall very slow.
WEIST LAKE: There was a DFG trout plant last week. For more
information, call (760) 344-3712.
SUNBEAM LAKE: There was a DFG trout plant last week. For more
information, call (760) 352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: The second event in the Inland Empire Trout Tournament
Series will be held here this past Saturday drew 485 anglers. The biggest
fish was a 3.9-pounder caught by Pablo Acevedo, 16, Indio, and he won the
$300 jackpot and a 10 fishing passes to Cahuilla. There were 100 tagged
trout, and prizes are continuing to be awarded for remaining tagged fish
landed after the event. During the event, several $50 and $100 tags were
caught. The next event will be a Feb. 27 event at Yucaipa Regional Park,
followed by a March 13 event at Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside, and finally
an April 17 event at Big Bear Lake. The fishing has been good at Cahuilla
with a lot of rainbows showing because of weekly plants. Call (760) 564-4712
for information.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: For road and camping information on the region, contact the
Interagency Visitor Center at (760) 876-6222 or the Bishop Chamber of
Commerce at (760) 873-8405.
BISHOP AREA: Pleasant Valley Reservoir slowed for both bank and shore
fishermen, with only a few trout showing at the upper end. The lower Owens
River is cold but the flows have stayed at 125 cfs. Mixed reports on the
fishing with some anglers reporting fair success on small nymphs and midge
patterns fished subsurface. The Owens Gorge is good for anglers fly fishing
with just about any pattern, especially smaller nymphs or emergers. Flows
here are still 46 cfs. For more information, contact Brock's at (760)
872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Mostly slow trout action in the Owens below
Tinnemaha. Diaz Lake slow. Haiwee Reservoir slow to fair on bass. All other
waters in the region are closed.
WESTERN SIERRA
ISABELLA: The bass bite has continued fair with some quality fish
showing on jigs and deeply fished plastics and live bait in 40 to 50 feet of
water. The trout action is good at the auxiliary dam, and some of the fish
showing are holdover fish topping 3-0. The crappie bite is also good in deep
water around the trees in 40 to 50 feet of water on small jigs. The catfish
action is also improving in the North Fork and Camp Nine area on shad.
KERN RIVER: The lower Kern is very good for trout with the low flows
(380 to 400 cfs) and the fish are stacked up in the pools, and there were
plants last week. Salmon eggs and nightcrawlers the best. The upper river is
also good on holdover rainbows.
AQUEDUCT AT BAKERSFIELD: The striper bite has continued good on minnows
and big plugs. While most are 3-0 to 4-0, some nice fish have been caught. A
few catfish are also starting to show on chicken livers and anchovies.
HART PARK LAKE: Slow. No more trout plants scheduled because of lack of
flow going into the lake. A few bass and bluegill.
WOOLLOMES LAKE: Fair trout action with the best bite right after the
plants.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Slow with very few anglers.
BRITE LAKE: Mostly slow action.
MING LAKE: Good trout action after a plant last week. Nightcrawlers and
Power Bait best bets. Slow other species but a few bass are starting to
show.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: The trout bite remains very good with weekly plants
of rainbows, including some trophy fish. The best action continues to be on
Power Bait or nightcrawlers doused with garlic oil or Jake's lures. A few
more catfish are starting to show in the catch, and the crappie bite is
expected to kick in.
SUCCESS LAKE: Bass are fair in a deep water bite on live bait, spoons,
and small plastics. Slowish action on catfish and bluegill.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Little change. The crappie have moved shallower and are
hitting white grubs and slowly fished shad-like cranks. The bass are fair on
nightcrawlers fish on deeper points and dropoffs. A few catfish continue to
show in deep water in the Harris Creek area. For information, call (805)
472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: There is a good bite on the largemouths from noon on
along the north shore on jigs, blades and plastics as the fish move up into
five to eight feet of water in structure. Richard Verrelas, Paso Robles,
caught a 4-8 bass. Crappie improving in 15 to 20 feet on small jigs. Catfish
slow. Trout still fair to good, and the DFG was slated to plant this week.
The marina is closed on Wednesdays through Feb. For information, call (805)
438-4682.
NACIMIENTO: There is a very good bite on the spotted and smallmouth
bass throughout the lake with a lot of fish running from 1-8 to 2-8. In a
local team tournament this past weekend, of the 40 boats, all but two
brought limits to weigh-in. Best was a 4.3-pound spot. The bite has been on
small plastics fished on rocky points or steep banks. Everything else is
pretty slow right now, with only an occasional catfish being caught. For
information, call (805) 238-1056.
LOPEZ: The trout action has been pretty good after a DFG plant two
weeks ago and a stock of bigger fish last week. Inflated nightcrawlers and
Power Bait are the best bets with some holdover fish up tyo 4-0 showing. The
crappie and bass are both showing in a slow to fair bite in deep water.
Catfish are slow. For more information, call (805) 489-1006.
END
TROUT PLANTS
The following waters are scheduled to be planted this week with
catchable-sized rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game in Southern
California. Plants are listed by county.
LOS ANGELES: Big Rock Creek, Castaic Lagoon, Elizabeth Lake, Little
Rock Reservoir, Piru Creek (at Frenchman's Flat)
ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Cientennial Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Mile
Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Park Lake, Tri-City Park Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Seccombe Lake, Yucaipa Park Lake.
VENTURA: Casitas Lake.
SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake, Santa Ynez River.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascatero Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.
