spectr17
10-19-2006, 06:15 PM
FISH REPORT -- ONS-matthews-gurrola -- 17oct06
Compiled by Cyndi Gurrola and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
The fish report is weekly. Its accuracy depends on marina operators, tackle shops and local fishermen we contact. Anglers catching large fish should send the information to Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427, or telephone 909-887-3444, so it can be included n this report. Faxes can be sent to 909-887-8180. E-Mail messages or fishing reports can also be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@earthlink.net and/or Cyndi Gurrola at cagurrola@charter.net.
Other complete versions are posted on a number of Web sites each week, including the Turner's Outdoorsman Web site (www.turners.com (http://www.turners.com/)) and Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors Web site http://www.jesseshunting.com) (http://www.jesseshunting.com%29/). The updated report is usually posted by Thursday morning at each of these sites. The Outdoor News Service Web site is www.outdoornewsservice.com (http://www.outdoornewsservice.com/). 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 (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/).
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. Anaheim Lake continues to be a trout hotspot for Orange County anglers. Limits of 1-0 to 3-0 class fish are common and fish to 5-0 have been reported again this week. Even more importantly, this week marks the first plant of huge, trophy-class Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows, super trophies over 10 pounds and up to 20 pounds. This is the first time in over two decades when Anaheim Lake has been open during trout season, and it's estimated more than 100 rainbows over 10 pounds will be caught over the next two weeks. For an update, call the Anaheim Lake tackle shop at 714-854-9193.
2. Hesperia Lake has a great combination bite going now. Trout season kicked off last week with a number of rainbows over 10-0 caught. The catfish bite is also still sizzling with the top catfish over 20 pounds. Plants of both species will continue to go in every week for the time being and the action is excellent. For more information, contact the Hesperia Lake store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. If you can dip some live shad, the largemouth bass bite has been awesome at Castaic Lake this past week. Several anglers have reported catching and releasing over 50 bass per day on the shad. Both the main lake and the lagoon have been very good and fish to 9-0 have been reported in the past week. For an update on the bite, call the marina at 661-775-6232.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Anaheim Lake remains excellent for trout with rainbow to 5-0 reported this week, but trophy rainbows over 10-0 are being planted for this week. Corona Lake is fair to good on trout with trophy rainbows going in here, too. Hesperia Lake is excellent for trout to 10-0 and better, and Angler's Lake in Hemet is also already planted trout with a very good bite. The deep-water trout bite is fair at Diamond Valley Lake, Piru, Cachuma, and Casitas. Pyramid Lake was supposed to reopen this week. The bait action is also decent at the higher elevation waters -- especially at Cuyamaca and Big Bear. In the Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake, and the East Walker River are still the top picks, but the Virginia Lakes, Gull Lake, and the whole Bishop Creek drainage are all good bets, too. Bridgeport and Crowley are top bets for fly anglers throwing perch minnow imitations. In the Western Sierra, the Kern River is the top spot in the whole region with excellent trout action above Lake Isabella, which is also pretty fair.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Bass action is fair to good all across Southern California with decent surface action early and late in the day at most places, and some big fish continue to pop. The action is improving each week as the weather cools. Bass are in deeper water during the bulk of the day with the best action in 12 to 20 feet of water on plastics, live baits, and jigs, but the fish are much shallower early and late in the day. Top picks are Casitas, San Vicente, El Capitan, Diamond Valley, and Lower Otay. Other decent bets include Piru, Pyramid (which reopened this week), Silverwood, Castaic, Cachuma, Lopez, Santa Margarita, Nacimiento, San Antonio, Perris and Isabella. The lower Kern River is also turning on for smallmouth.
STRIPED BASS: For Southern California waters, Skinner, Silverwood and Castaic have a consistently good bites on smaller fish, mostly on cut baits, but some on topwater early and late in the day. Pyramid reopened this past Sunday and should be very good. On the Colorado River, Willow Beach had been producing some big stripers over 20-0 each week, but that bite lulled with rainy weather. Lake Mead has a morning surface bite as fish bust shad on the surface in Vegas Wash, while Mohave and Havasu are both fair to good on small fish to 4-0. The striped bass bite is good in the California Aqueduct near Taft with a lot of fish over the 18-inch minimum size showing on blood or lug worms.
PANFISH: There is still good bluegill and/or redear action at a lot of urban lakes and local water reservoirs right now and the fishing pressure is still light. Good bets include Perris, Diamond Valley, Skinner, Lower Otay, Piru, Pyramid, Lopez, and Santa Margarita. Cuyamaca, as always, also has a good bite on small crappie.
CATFISH: On the Colorado River, the flathead bite slowed in the lower river but a few flatheads over 20-0 were reported the past week, mostly on live bluegill, goldfish or tilapia. Best bet closer to SoCal would be Hesperia Lake on planted fish including big fish over 10-0, and a few fish over 20-0 were caught this past week.
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Catfish, striper, carp and bass are still biting excellent. The bluegill and trout are biting good, but the crappie bite is just fair. The stripers are boiling all over the lake on anchovies and scented baits. Judy Quinn, Westminster, and Barry Goade, Hesperia, each landed an 8-0 striper. Bass are biting on swimbaits from the docks. Jackie Stradler, Long Beach, landed a 4-0 largermouth on a swimbait off the dock. Trout are bite picked up after last weeks plant and are biting best on worms and Power Bait. Catfish biting on shrimp and chicken livers. Most of the fish are under 6-0, but the bite is hot. Some carp showing on garlic nightcrawlers and anchovies in most coves, and a few crappie and bluegill are being caught. Another trout plant this week. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure and generally a slow bite, but some good catches of rainbow trout have been made in deep water from the dam to Boulder Bay, including some limits. Best bite on Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week. Fishing information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.
GREGORY LAKE: Slow to fair trout action with a few fish reported to 1-0. Most fish are deep -- 25 feet or more. Trollers are having luck with Super Dupers or Thomas Buoyants. Limits are rare. Bite best late and early on lures or fishing worms near the fountains and dams. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Fair overall fishing action. The lake will not be stocked again this fall, all of the facilities are now closed (including restrooms) and there are no more boat rentals available. No fishing fees are being charged until next May. Highway 330 is closed, anglers can use Highway 18. Information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months.
JENKS LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 909-794-1123, ext 4.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Trout bite excellent with quite a few trophy over 10-0 reported this week. The trophies are biting best on Lip Ripperz plastics or floating dough baits. Top catch was a 13-0 trout landed by Ruben Rojas, Alhambra, on a Lip Ripperz plastic. Tom Gonzalez, Los Angeles, caught both a 12 1/2 pounder and an 11 1/2 pounder on a Lip Ripperz plastic off the north shore. Wade Rose, Gardena, caught an 11 3/4-pound trout on Power Bait in Stock Cove. Eugene Todd, Victorville, caught an 11-0 trout on Power Bait off Catfish Point. Mike Verner, Lakewood, caught an 11 1/2-pound and a 7 1/2-pound trout on Lip Ripperz plastics from the south side. Trevor Davila, Ontario, caught a 9 1/2-pound trout on Power Bait from the west side. Continued excellent catfish action with lots of limits on the M&M (marshmallow and meal worm) combo and shrimp. Bite is best off the island in deep water. Many limits. Top catch was a 21-8 catfish landed by Bob Giles, Ontario, on shrimp. Luke Hodkins, Redondo, landed a 21-0 and a 19-0 catfish on the M&M combo from the east side. Ronny Blake, Montclair, caught 20-0, 19-0 and 14-8 catfish on the M&M combo off the north shore. There were 2,000 pounds of catfish were stocked last week as well as two 4,000 pound plants of trout, which included trophies from 10-0 to 14-0. More Mt. Lassen trophy trouts will be planted this week. Fishing fee is $15 per person. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Great weather and continued excellent trout action. Lots of rainbows were caught on jigs, spinners, inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait (lemon twist and rainbow) from both lakes. Some fish over 3-0. Hot spots include the northern and eastern shore of lake 2 and the grassy point and western shore of lake 3. David Monrial, 3, Apple Valley, caught a 5-10 rainbow on Power Bait near the grassy point of lake 3. Moses Centeno, Apple Valley, caught a 4-0 trout on Power Bait. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits and Senkos with anglers reporting some bass over 3 pounds. Float tubers are having good action on bass lake with anglers catching up to 20 bass in a four-hour period. Bluegill are biting meal worms, nightcrawlers, small Senkos and jigs on both lakes with some bluegill over one pound. Hot spots for bluegill are off the shoreline near the pump house, and nearly all around lake 2. The lakes' hatchery stocks rainbow trout every Friday. The lakes are open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakes.net (http://www.jessranchlakes.net/).
MOJAVE NARROWS: Catfish action still fair in both lakes with a lot of catfish weighed in from 2-0 to 3-0, and nightcrawlers are the most common bait. Few reports of bass and bluegill, but Horseshoe Lake has been good for small bluegill on meal worms or nightcrawler pieces. DFG Trout plant last week. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: County catfish plants are done for the season, but the bite is still fair on mackerel with fish showing all around the lake. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair with plants are done for the season. Pretty decent carp bite early in the mornings. The lake is open for fishing Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: The first trout plant of the season will be Wednesday, Nov. 1. Catfish action has been slow to fair. Nightcrawlers, mackerel and anchovies are best baits, especially if dipped in stink bait. Most fish from 1-0 and up. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Catfish action spotty with a few fish from 1-0 to 3-0 being reported from both lakes. Bass and bluegill action slow to fair. Catfish plants are done for the season and trout season not projected to start until November. 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: Slow. Only a few small bluegill and bass being caught, along with the odd catfish. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: A good bass and panfish bite, while the trout and catfish bites are just fair. A DFG trout plant is expected this week, while there was one last week. Largemouth are biting off points and humps and the best bite is on swimbaits. Anglers are also drop-shot rigging or spooning for largemouth. Trout fishing is best on cloudy days with seven to 10 colors of leadcore line and Needlefish. Panfish action remains excellent with bluegill showing in good volume from the stairways on either dam or along most shorelines on live worms. Lots of quality stringers caught. Catfish aren't getting any pressure, but a few to 3-0 have been landed on mackerel. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com (http://www.dvmarina.com/).
PERRIS: Bluegill action still good off the marina docks and for boat anglers fishing off the southeast end of the island in the morning. Fish from 1-0 to 2-0 are being landed on crickets and wax worms. Jesse Fimbres, Moreno Valley, caught a 1.72-pound bluegill on crickets. Largemouth bass action still good in Rock Climber's Cove, and around the marina on swimbaits and topwater lures with fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Tony Ortega and Wike Dot, both Wildomar, caught a 6.2-pound largemouth on a plastic worm off the east end. Some crappie still showing off the marina docks. Carp, catfish and trout bites have been poor, but rainbows were planted this week and were showing around the boat dock and in the marina. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Excellent catfish and striper bites, while the bass, bluegill, carp and crappie bites are just fair, but the trout bite is poor. The striper bite is still hot in the evenings before sunset. Lots of fish showing at the inlet and off the main lake points. Best action for the bluegill has been in six to 15 feet of water on crickets or wax worms with some fish to a pound showing. Catfish are everywhere and biting on mackerel. Top catch were cats at 12-12 and 11-0 by Gary Smith, Compton, on mackerel. Next county trout plant scheduled for Nov. 2. Information: 951-926-1505.
LAKE ELSINORE: No reports.
CORONA LAKE: Good to excellent trout and catfish action here this week, with a lot of limits of trout and some quality cats still showing. Top rainbow was an 8 1/2-pounder caught by Dave Poor, Riverside, on a mini jig near the dam. Jack Fierro, Elsinore, had a five'fish limit that included a 5-0 rainbow. Dan Thomas, San Diego, had a five-fish, 18-pound stringer of rainbows. Big catfish was a 22 1/2-pounder caught and released by Joe Sokoloski, Riverside, on mackerel from shore, while Bustos Gonzales, Hemet, landed a 10-0 catfish. There also continues to be a few bass, tilapia, bluegill and crappie caught. Top bass was a 4-4 landed by Mart Torres, Lakewood, on a nightcrawler, while William and Nick Johnson, Elsinore, topped off their stringer with a 2 1/2-pound crappie. Trophy trout set to be planted this week. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
EVANS LAKE: Fair panfish action, but few other reports.
RANCHO JURUPA: Catfish biting fair on mackerel and anchovies in the front and back lakes. Last stock was Sept. 14. Trout season begins Nov. 2 with a county plant. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout and catfish are both biting good. Cats are biting on all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel and anchovies. Upcoming events: Fishing derby every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Trout and catfish dominating with a good bite for both species. Trout bite picking up after two consecutive trout plants last week and this week. Catfish action is fair to good on the M&M combo, mackerel and nightcrawlers all over, while the trout are liking Power Bait most. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: Catfish action is good on garlic nightcrawlers. Fish from 4-0 to 5-0 reported. Information: 951-654-7906.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Catfish bite slowing down, but a few are still biting. Pond is stocked regularly. The channel cats will be heavily stocked with trout prior to Halloween. The lake has a new sonar sensor that can help anglers determine where the fish are in the lake. Lake open daily Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on all Monday holidays. This is a pay-by-the-pound fishery. Information: 951-679-6562.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: A DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Still fair action. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Closed for routine draining and maintenance. Information: 714-632-7830 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
ANAHEIM LAKE: The first trophy plants of rainbow trout are set to go in this week here, and the huge rainbows over 10 pounds will be planted for two weeks in a row. Operators are predicting at least 50 rainbows over 10 pounds will be caught over the next week.The trout action has been excellent with a lot of five-fish limits of 11/2 to 3-0 rainbow caught. Big fish this past week was a 5-0 landed by Amy Ramsey and Will Watanabe, both Anaheim, to top off a five-fish stringer that weighed 15-0. They were fishing chartreuse Power Bait. Jason Silva, Anaheim, landed an 11-0 limit that included a 4-8 rainbow. The catfish bite has also been very good with a lot of five-fish limits on a wide variety of cut baits. Jimmy Suchi, Anaheim, landed a 10 1/2-pound catfish to top of his 15-fish, 65 1/2-pound stringer, while Phu and Mark Phong, Anaheim, had a 15-fish, 70-0 stringer topped by a 10-0 cat. Top trout action has been on Nitro Bait in chartreuse, orange or lemon lime with white lightning Nitro Grease or corn-flavored Nitro Gravy. Catfish are being on the M&M (marshmallow-meal worm) combo, shrimp, or nightcrawlers doused with garlic or shrimp Nitro Gravy. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
IRVINE LAKE: Catfish bite continues to be excellent with most cats from 3-0 to 10-0. Lots of anglers are catching their limit on Catmando baits, Bowker's, shrimp and plain mackerel at the Santiago Flats, at mid-lake, along the dam and off the west shore. The biggest fish was a 42-0 blue catfish landed by Brian Cummings, Los Angeles. Terry Leirsen, Huntington Beach, caught a 22-0 cat on mackerel at the flats. Tim Harris, Irvine, caught a 15.2-pound cat on mackerel. Bass bite good with lots of 2-0 to 4-0 largemouth showing on plastics, jigs, and Senkos off the Red Clay Cliffs or near Rocky Point. Crappie are still biting on two-inch Gulp minnow grubs under floating lanterns at night. Daytime bluegill and redear bite good on wax and meal worms. The boat launch has been moved to the west shore location. Opening day for trout season is Friday, Oct. 27. Over 20,000 pounds of fish will be planted. The final nightfishing session of the season is Saturday, Oct. 21. The lake will be closed from Monday, Oct. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 26 in preparation for opening of trout season on Friday, Oct. 27. Information: 714-649-9111.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com (http://www.lagunaniguellake.com/).
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Overall fishing slowed down this week, however, still lots of stringers of trout, largemouth and catfish were reported off the pier in the Mohawk area. Just a fair bass and trout bite, and a good catfish bite. Bass biting on plastic worms and nightcrawlers all day and spinnerbaits in the morning. Both largemouth and smallmouth biting in Cachuma Bay. Fish mostly 1 1/2 to two pounds, with a lot of limits. Trout bite best in front of the marina about 35 to 40 feet deep on Needlefish or silver Kastmasters. Catfish bite hot in Cachuma Bay on mackerel and nightcrawlers, however, Harvey's Cove is all fished out. No bluegill or readear sunfish reported this week. Crappie to 1-0 are biting good on crappie jigs in Harvey's Cove. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Bass action remains strong and the trout action really perked after three different plants late last week, however no catfish action was reported. Bass action best in the early morning and late evening on top water trout- imitation lures, plastic worms and nightcrawlers off the rocky points. Sabien Reynoso, Oak View, caught an 11 3/4-pound bass on a nightcrawler. Vince DeAlba, Casitas Springs, landed a 10.25-pound bass on a Stocker Trout. Logan Hall, Ojai, caught a 9.75-pound bass on a surface lure. Mark Torrez, Camarillo, caught an 8-0 bass on a trout- imitation lure. Trout bite fair to good and are biting off all the shorelines on small spinners and Power Bait. Anglers are still catching lots of perch, bluegill and redear sunfish on pieces of nightcrawlers and red worms in Station Canyon and from the Wadleigh Arm. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: The trout are dominating with an excellent bite with boat anglers having the best success. Bass, bluegill and striper bites are good, while the striper bite is fair and the catfish and crappie bites are poor. Lots of limits of bass, especially largemouth, for anglers who are dipping live shad. The candy bait is good for lots of fish and some fish from 7-0 to 9-0 have been reported again this week, especially in the lagoon. The striper bite improved, with the fish averaging five to seven pounds and some in double digits. Miguel Iribe, 13, Lancaster, and Scott Lizakowski, Canyon Country, each landed a 12-0 striper on an A.C. Plug. Manuel Roldan, Sylmar, caught an 8.2-pound striper. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: The bluegill and redear sunfish bites are excellent, while the trout and bass bites are good and the catfish bite is fair. Bass are biting early and late on topwater, plastic worms and crankbaits. Trout action best off points and by the buoy lines on nightcrawlers, jigs, and on the troll with three colors of leadcore and Needlefish. Bluegill are redear sunfish are biting along bluffs in 20 feet of water on mealworms. Trout plant last week. The lake's hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Information: 805-521-1231 or www.lakepiru.org (http://www.lakepiru.org/).
PYRAMID: The lake finally reopened Sunday after being closed because of the Day Fire. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.. No reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: Continued good striper bite on blood worms and shad.
PUDDINGSTONE: Catfish are biting good, while the bass, crappie and bluegill are biting fair all over the lake. Nightcrawlers best for the bass, mini-jigs for the crappie and bluegill, and mackerel and shrimp tops for the cats. DFG catfish plant this week. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Catfish are biting all over on mackerel and anchovies. DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG catfish plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: Trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Catfish are biting all over on mackerel and anchovies. DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Catfish are biting all over on anchovies and mackerel in a fair bite. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake is closed to all fishing until spring of 2007. Waterfowl hunting begins Saturday, Oct. 21 on a Wednesday and Saturday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/).
HODGES: Fair to good bass bite, everything else slow. There were 164 anglers who reported 192 bass, 26 crappie, 10 bluegill, and eight catfish. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
EL CAPITAN: Excellent bass action, but most of the fish are small. Other species slow. This past week, 215 anglers reported landing 638 bass, 10 bluegill, five channel cats, three crappie, and two blue cats. The lake is open on Thursdays for fishing and boating only. No rental boats are available. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274
LOWER OTAY: Continued fair to good bluegill and bass action along with a few catfish. In all, there were 203 anglers who reported landing 249 bass, 226 bluegill, and 25 channel cats. Top bass was an 8.95-pounder landed by Jack Reyes, Chula Vista, on a crawdad. John Allen, Bonito, had three bass that weighed 12 1/2 pounds, including a 7.3-pounder caught on a crankbait. Bill Collins, Chula Vista, landed a 4 1/2-pound bass on a plastic. Kevin Crutcher and Robert Anderson, both San Diego, had 12 bluegill and seven channel cats that weighed 25-0. The launch ramp is down due to three lanes due to low water level. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: Fair to good bass action. There were21anglers who reported 34 bass this past week. The lake is open to catch-and-release fishing on a Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
SAN VICENTE: Overall a very good bite, with especially good number of bass and bluegill. There were 73 anglers who reported landing 181 bluegill, 137 bass, 28 channel cats, 18 redear, two crappie and one rainbow trout. The lake is closed on Saturday through Wednesday and is temporarily open on Thursdays and Fridays for shore fishing. Lake information: 619-465- 3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: The lake is open only for shore fishing seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: The lake is closed to all fishing and boating until December. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: The lake is closed to all fishing and boating until March, 2007. Waterfowl hunting begins on Sunday, Oct. 22, on a Thursday and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
WOHLFORD: Catfish action consistently good, with an unusually good bass bite. Catfish action best at the buoy lines and in Oakvale Cove on nightcrawlers, chicken liver or shrimp. Good bass action in 10 to 15 feet of water off the shoreline in the early morning while the shad are working along the shoreline. Isaac McMann, Escondido, caught a 4-4 bass off senior shore on a crank bait. Crappie are biting off the south shore rock pile on shiners. Trout plants to start Saturday, December 16. The lake requires a $1 daily permit for each person float tubing. The lake is closed Monday through Friday and will only be open on the weekends until December. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com (http://www.wohlfordlake.com/).
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON: Bass action remains good. Most bass are being taken in 25 to 30 feet of water. Fish up to 7-0 were reported and the hot spot is trout cove. Crankbaits are producing the most fish. Catfish action slow this week. Light fishing pressure. The first 1,200 pound trout plant of fall is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 1. The lakes is open daily to 7 p.m. Information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com (http://www.dixonlake.com/).
POWAY: Bass and catfish bites are still hot. Bass bite best early and late, especially when overcast or cloudy by the rock pile, by the first barrel on the log boom, near the white buoys, and off Jump Off Point. Although action is excellent, top water action has slowed due to rising water levels and dropping temperatures. Most bass are in the 2-0 to 5-0 range. Catfish are best for boat anglers at the log boom near the second barrel. Best baits are mackerel and nightcrawlers. Mike Roselle, Mira Mesa, caught a 16-0 channel catfish on mackerel from the log boom. The bluegill bite is slow, however some fish are biting in Hidden Bay and in Half Moon Bay. The lake is closed for maintenance Monday through Friday and will be open to fishing and boating Saturday and Sunday only from 7 a.m. to sunset. Normal lake hours will resume on Nov. 1 when trout season kicks off. Information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Catfish biting fair to good on mackerel and chicken livers. The catfish have moved deeper. Best bite near the dam by the buoy lines. Good topwater bass bite early and late. Best action in Siesta and Hermit coves and at Cactus Patch. Drop-shotting or Texas-rigging plastics on the steep slopes is also a good bet, and worms and spinnerbaits also working. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Upcoming events: free fishing class 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org (http://www.lakejennings.org/).
MORENA: Fishing slow to fair due to last week's algae bloom. Bass action still fair with lots of 1-0 to 3-0 fish showing on crankbaits in 25 to 30 feet of water. The bluegill and crappie bites slowed. Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers near the brush in the shallows. Mackerel best bet for larger fish. The best bite is between 6 and 9 a.m. The boat launch is open, but no boats over 19-feet recommended. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: The trout bite continues to improve each week with every plant, and another load of Mt. Lassen rainbows is slated for this week. Most anglers are catching their limit of 1-0 to 1-8 trout on Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers fished on a 30 to 36-inch leader off the bottom. Kastmasters and Panther Martins in gold or silver are also working. Hot spots are the Lone Pine, the south end and Heron Point. Top rainbows were a pair of 4-8 fish. One was caught by Zachary Lapfer, 4, Scripps Ranch, while Mike Sanchez, Camp Pendleton, caught the other. Kim Green, Alpine, landed a six-foot long sturgeon. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org (http://www.lakecuyamaca.org/).
HENSHAW: The bluegill are leading the action with a strong bite, however the catfish continue to be caught in large numbers, and the crappie bite is still fair. This week's rainy, windy weather kept some fishermen home, but lots of good numbers were still brought in. Catfish good from boats and off shore on nightcrawlers and shrimp fished in rocky areas. Most cats from 2-0 to 4-0, with some to 8-0. Al Gumabon and Kim Warrington, Fountain Valley, caught a 7.3-pound catfish. John and John Jr. Whitehead, Ontario, caught a 4.5-pound cat. Dan Serato, Los Angles, caught three cats to 1 1/2 pounds. Crappie bite picked up with lots of fish to 3-0 and better fished from boats with crappie jigs. Gumabon also landed a 1.3 pounder. Carp biting on dough bite, peanut butter or bread. Bluegill bite starting to pick up on meal or wax worms and Raul Nicolas, Oceanside, caught sixteen bluegill to 1/2-pound. The bass bite is fair, with few repots. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Overall fishing poor with lots of up and down action due to heavy rain. Anglers are still catching striped bass by Sand Island in 150 feet deep water jigging. Few limits. Information: 702-564-3058.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout biting fair to good with lots of limits on orange, yellow or rainbow Power Bait or spinners. The Jumbo Wash area is the best place to land trout. The striper bite slowed down this week. Not too much fishing pressure. Some catfish from 4-0 to 5-0 are also being landed. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Heavy rain and windy conditions left this lake with a poor bite, but the action is expected to pick up this week as conditions clear. Anglers are still catching small stripers on anchovies and catfish on nightcrawlers. The best bite is 30 feet down off the points. The striper and catfish bites should pick up as waters cool. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Striper fishing good in the morning and evening along the river in Bullhead. Most of the stripers are small, but a few 25-inch fish were reported. Davis Camp has been the best spot. Water levels are higher during the day for boat fishing.
NEEDLES: No Reports. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Striper bite picking up, and higher water levels during the day have made it possible to launch boats. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Overall fishing fair. Stripers and largemouth are biting on anchovies and worms mostly off boats. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Water levels are dropping and the bass fishing slowed. Smallmouth are biting off shore on Texas-rigged nightcrawlers. Channel cats and carp are biting on shrimp and corn. Bluegill are biting around the docks on meal worms or small nightcrawlers.
BLYTHE: Overall light fishing pressure, but still a few good catches, especially on large and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth biting on shiners with some fish to 2-0. Many limits. Largemouth to 5-0 biting in the backwaters of the Arizona side. Information: 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Channel catfish action remains good in the backwaters, canals and main river. Flathead action is also good on live goldfish or tilapia. Largemouth bass fishing is fair on plastic worms, reaction baits, and live minnows in backwaters.
PICACHO AREA: Bass fishing is fair on live bait and plastics. The catfish bite has remained fair with a lot of channel cats and flatheads showing.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Flatheads still have a good bite on bluegill or goldfish with fish to 20-0 reported. Hodge Rock and near Pichacho are hot spots. Excellent early morning topwater bite for largemouths and then decent action on live shiners, cranks, spinnerbaits, and plastics. Lots of limits. Stripers are biting in the lake as well as in the main river channel, mostly on cut baits. Striped bass are biting from the deep sides of the sand bars on the river on chicken livers or worms. No crappie action. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com (http://www.martinezlake.com/).
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal in East Yuma is great for channel catfish and large redear and bluegill. All biting on worms. Catfish bite good on chicken liver or worms, and the flathead bite has improved with the best action on live minnows. Bass fishing has been good, especially on live minnows in the main river and local backwaters.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: Slow fishing. Nothing reported this week. Information: Red Hill Marina 760-348-2310, 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: Few reports. Channel catfish are fair on mackerel or anchovies.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass have been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No report.
WEIST LAKE: No report.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No report. Information: 760-352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Catfish and bass are biting good off the jetty, off the south eastern side of the lake, and at the inlets. Best catfish baits are mackerel, anchovies, Power Bait and chicken livers. Nightcrawlers and plastic worms are best for bass. First county trout stock of the season is scheduled for Nov. 16. 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 (http://www.bishopvisitor.com/).
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Good trout bite at Bridgeport Reservoir. Best bite from boats for anglers fishing Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers or fly-fishing out of tubes with wooly buggers. Trolling with small Rapalas also good. Most fish are from 1-8 to 3-0 with a few 5-0 to 6-0 reported. The East Walker River is fishing excellent and the river flow is 110 cfs and dropping. Streamers and nymphs fished just off the bottom are best. West Walker River is running low and the fishing is poor to fair. Upper and lower Twin Lakes has a hit-and-miss bite. Lots of pan-sized fish biting on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers are having luck using nightcrawlers and Needlefish-type lures. Action is good at Virginia Lakes, however the lake got lots of snow last week and still has very low temperatures. Trolling with Thomas Buoyants or Kastmasters is best. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are best baits. Small wooly bugger-type flies, beetle or ant patterns are best for fly-fishing. Fishing action fair at Trumble Lake. Plenty of brookies and browns, although last week marked the last plant of the season. All the lakes in the reservoir will close Nov. 15 for the season. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com (http://www.kenssport.com/).
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Overall fishing good, but the best fishing remains at Gull and June Lake out of all the lakes in the loop -- June, Gull, Silver, Grant. A lot of trout being caught at Gull and June on Trout Traps and Gulp eggs. Trollers are also having luck at both lakes with wooly buggers and matukas. The hot spot on June and Gull is the reed section. Grant fishing fair with some fish to 2-0 from the dam. Gulp eggs and or rainbow, salmon or peach Power Bait are good bets at all lakes. Needlefish are also working for trollers. A hot spot has been the mouth of Rush Creek on Grant Lake. Bite at Silver best when trolling wooly buggers or Kastmasters. Decent action from Saddlebag Lake. Information: Ernie's Fishing Tackle 760-648-7756, June Lake Marina 760-648-7726.
MAMMOTH LAKES REGION: Overall good action with the upper and lower Owens River fishing best. Convict fishing good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait or nightcrawlers. The best lures are silver or blue Kastmasters, trout teasers, or red and gold Thomas Buoyants. Holding a block olive or purple wooly bugger with a Hare's Ear trailing behind is also a good bet. Crowley having some hit and miss action due to high winds, but some fish still being caught on black, purple, or olive leach patterns trailed with a tan or olive perch fry pattern. Small fish have been stocked so a lot of catches have been 1/4 to 1/2 pound. Best areas to fish are in the river channel and along Green Banks in the North Arm. Some jumbos showing along the dissipating weed lines in Leighton Springs. The most consistent fishing is in nine to 13 feet, however the shallows of McGee Bay are also producing good numbers of fish. Oct. 31 is the last day to fish from a boat at Crowley Lake, but the season remains open until Nov. 15. Owens River fishing good to excellent with a Hare' Ear or San Juan worm. Midge patterns with a small Hare' Ear or Pheasant Tail dropper will also work. Lots of fish are hitting streamers, nymphs and late morning BWOs and afternoon caddis on the surface at Hot Creek. Mamie and George fishing good with olive matukas or pink and orange Power Bait. Information: Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250.
BISHOP AREA: Fishermen were scarce this week after a few inches of snow in the higher elevations, but the few out there were catching. Gulp and salmon eggs and nightcrawlers are catching fish everywhere. South Lake and Sabrina are best spots for trollers with Rapalas or Needlefish working best. The whole drainage was stocked with pan-sized fish to 3-0 and Alpers trophy trout, courtesy of SCE. Tube jigs are best at Intake II. Plenty of Alpers at North Lake and more from 4-0 to 6-0 will be planted this week. Owens is still running high, so fishing is tough. Wooly buggers are working at times or nightcrawlers or Gulp for bait anglers. The Owens River gorge above Pleasant Valley has been good for fly anglers. Information: Culver's 760-872- 8361 or Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Diaz Lake is slow. Georges, Independence, Lone Pine, Sheperds, Symmes, and Tuttle were all planted two weeks ago. Information: 760-876-4444.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Overall fishing good in a number of species. The crappie bite is good on minnows. Good catfish bite on shad and Sonny' dip bait. Fair bass bite on jigs. A few trout are being landed by the dam on Power Bait, Power eggs and nightcrawlers. Bluegill are biting good on wax worms and crickets. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Continued low flows and clear water keep this river the best spot in the Western Sierra. Area above the lake is best, but fishing in both upper and lower river is excellent. Good smallmouth bass action in the lower river on plastic worms, nightcrawlers and Roostertails, while the upper river has a hot trout bite on nightcrawlers, crickets, red salmon eggs and silver spinners. Catfish bite good on clams at both rivers. Information: James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Slowest fishing in the Western Sierra, but stripers are still biting on lug and blood worms. Few limits of fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Catfish are fair on anchovies, shad and mackerel. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action dominating with a good bite on wax worms. Lots of limits. Carp bite good on dough bite. Trout season begins in November.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bass action good on minnows and plastic worms. Lots of bluegill on wax and meal worms. Carp bite fair on dough baits. Trout season begins in November.
MING LAKE: Good bass bite on plastic worms, plastic frogs and nightcrawlers with fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Good carp bite on dough bait. Spotty, but fair bluegill bite. Trout season set to begin in November. BRITE LAKE: Few reports.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Overall fishing good, with the bass and catfish bites dominating. Good bass bite on Senkos, shad and minnows. Catfish bite good on shad and Sonny's dip bait. Bluegill fair on wax worms. Trout season begins Nov. 11 and 2,000 pounds of fish will be planted each week during the season. The Taft Chamber of Commerce is holding a trout derby on Nov. 18. Registration is currently open. Derby and lake information: Concession 661-763-1268, Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Continued good bass action on Senkos. The bluegill bite is good on wax and meal worms. Few catfish reported.
SUCCESS LAKE: No reports. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: The lake' water level is low, however the bass bite remains fair. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Overall fishing fair, with the large and smallmouth bite dominating. Striper action off-and-on in the marina area or on anchovies off the north shore and near the dam. Not too many boils. Fish to 7-0. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bite is good all over the lake, but off the north shore and in the coves and arms near Harris Creek. Fish from 2-0 to 5-0. Catfish fair during the late evening. Little daytime action. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: The bass bite continues to be fair to good. Bluegill and crappie action also fair to good. Crappie biting on jigs and worms. Catfish are slow. Bass are best on Senkos. Trout bite expected to pick up with a DFG trout plant this week. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Bass and crappie still dominating with good bites. Spotted bass and crappie are good, with the spotties boiling on shad in a good topwater bite. White bass are also good, biting on white Roostertails, jigs and plastic worms. Most crappie showing on white jigs and they're averaging 3/4-pound. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com (http://www.nacimientoresort.com/).
LOPEZ: Catfish bite still good on nightcrawlers and cut baits with fish to 25-0. Crappie bite good with several fish over 2-0. Redear to 1-0 are biting good on nighcrawlers, mini nightcrawlers and red worms. Hot spots include Mallard Cove, Cottonwood Cove and the Strawberry Flats from boats. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked the week of October 16, 2006 with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Cerritos Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lakes, Hansen Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Santa Fe Reservoir.
RIVERSIDE: Perris Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake, Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River (South Fork), Silverwood Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Intake II), Bishop Creek (Lower, Middle, South Forks), Diaz Lake, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (Laws Bridge downstream to Steward Lane and below Tinnemaha), North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, Mcgee Creek, Rock Creek (Section 1), Rock Creek (Section 2), Rush Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Twin Lakes (Mammoth).
FRESNO: Kings River below Pine Flat Dam, Potal Foreby, San Joaquin River below Friant Dam. KERN: Kern River (KR#3 to Riverside Park, Kernville).
TULARE: Kern River (Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge and Brush Creek to Fairview Dam).
CATFISH PLANTS The following waters, listed by county, will be planted by the Department of Fish and Game with one-pound channel catfish during the week of October 16, 2006:
LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, La Mirada Park Lake, Legg Lakes, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, and Santa Fe Reservoir.
Compiled by Cyndi Gurrola and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service
The fish report is weekly. Its accuracy depends on marina operators, tackle shops and local fishermen we contact. Anglers catching large fish should send the information to Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427, or telephone 909-887-3444, so it can be included n this report. Faxes can be sent to 909-887-8180. E-Mail messages or fishing reports can also be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@earthlink.net and/or Cyndi Gurrola at cagurrola@charter.net.
Other complete versions are posted on a number of Web sites each week, including the Turner's Outdoorsman Web site (www.turners.com (http://www.turners.com/)) and Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors Web site http://www.jesseshunting.com) (http://www.jesseshunting.com%29/). The updated report is usually posted by Thursday morning at each of these sites. The Outdoor News Service Web site is www.outdoornewsservice.com (http://www.outdoornewsservice.com/). 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 (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/).
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. Anaheim Lake continues to be a trout hotspot for Orange County anglers. Limits of 1-0 to 3-0 class fish are common and fish to 5-0 have been reported again this week. Even more importantly, this week marks the first plant of huge, trophy-class Mt. Lassen Trout Farms rainbows, super trophies over 10 pounds and up to 20 pounds. This is the first time in over two decades when Anaheim Lake has been open during trout season, and it's estimated more than 100 rainbows over 10 pounds will be caught over the next two weeks. For an update, call the Anaheim Lake tackle shop at 714-854-9193.
2. Hesperia Lake has a great combination bite going now. Trout season kicked off last week with a number of rainbows over 10-0 caught. The catfish bite is also still sizzling with the top catfish over 20 pounds. Plants of both species will continue to go in every week for the time being and the action is excellent. For more information, contact the Hesperia Lake store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. If you can dip some live shad, the largemouth bass bite has been awesome at Castaic Lake this past week. Several anglers have reported catching and releasing over 50 bass per day on the shad. Both the main lake and the lagoon have been very good and fish to 9-0 have been reported in the past week. For an update on the bite, call the marina at 661-775-6232.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Anaheim Lake remains excellent for trout with rainbow to 5-0 reported this week, but trophy rainbows over 10-0 are being planted for this week. Corona Lake is fair to good on trout with trophy rainbows going in here, too. Hesperia Lake is excellent for trout to 10-0 and better, and Angler's Lake in Hemet is also already planted trout with a very good bite. The deep-water trout bite is fair at Diamond Valley Lake, Piru, Cachuma, and Casitas. Pyramid Lake was supposed to reopen this week. The bait action is also decent at the higher elevation waters -- especially at Cuyamaca and Big Bear. In the Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake, and the East Walker River are still the top picks, but the Virginia Lakes, Gull Lake, and the whole Bishop Creek drainage are all good bets, too. Bridgeport and Crowley are top bets for fly anglers throwing perch minnow imitations. In the Western Sierra, the Kern River is the top spot in the whole region with excellent trout action above Lake Isabella, which is also pretty fair.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Bass action is fair to good all across Southern California with decent surface action early and late in the day at most places, and some big fish continue to pop. The action is improving each week as the weather cools. Bass are in deeper water during the bulk of the day with the best action in 12 to 20 feet of water on plastics, live baits, and jigs, but the fish are much shallower early and late in the day. Top picks are Casitas, San Vicente, El Capitan, Diamond Valley, and Lower Otay. Other decent bets include Piru, Pyramid (which reopened this week), Silverwood, Castaic, Cachuma, Lopez, Santa Margarita, Nacimiento, San Antonio, Perris and Isabella. The lower Kern River is also turning on for smallmouth.
STRIPED BASS: For Southern California waters, Skinner, Silverwood and Castaic have a consistently good bites on smaller fish, mostly on cut baits, but some on topwater early and late in the day. Pyramid reopened this past Sunday and should be very good. On the Colorado River, Willow Beach had been producing some big stripers over 20-0 each week, but that bite lulled with rainy weather. Lake Mead has a morning surface bite as fish bust shad on the surface in Vegas Wash, while Mohave and Havasu are both fair to good on small fish to 4-0. The striped bass bite is good in the California Aqueduct near Taft with a lot of fish over the 18-inch minimum size showing on blood or lug worms.
PANFISH: There is still good bluegill and/or redear action at a lot of urban lakes and local water reservoirs right now and the fishing pressure is still light. Good bets include Perris, Diamond Valley, Skinner, Lower Otay, Piru, Pyramid, Lopez, and Santa Margarita. Cuyamaca, as always, also has a good bite on small crappie.
CATFISH: On the Colorado River, the flathead bite slowed in the lower river but a few flatheads over 20-0 were reported the past week, mostly on live bluegill, goldfish or tilapia. Best bet closer to SoCal would be Hesperia Lake on planted fish including big fish over 10-0, and a few fish over 20-0 were caught this past week.
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Catfish, striper, carp and bass are still biting excellent. The bluegill and trout are biting good, but the crappie bite is just fair. The stripers are boiling all over the lake on anchovies and scented baits. Judy Quinn, Westminster, and Barry Goade, Hesperia, each landed an 8-0 striper. Bass are biting on swimbaits from the docks. Jackie Stradler, Long Beach, landed a 4-0 largermouth on a swimbait off the dock. Trout are bite picked up after last weeks plant and are biting best on worms and Power Bait. Catfish biting on shrimp and chicken livers. Most of the fish are under 6-0, but the bite is hot. Some carp showing on garlic nightcrawlers and anchovies in most coves, and a few crappie and bluegill are being caught. Another trout plant this week. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure and generally a slow bite, but some good catches of rainbow trout have been made in deep water from the dam to Boulder Bay, including some limits. Best bite on Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week. Fishing information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.
GREGORY LAKE: Slow to fair trout action with a few fish reported to 1-0. Most fish are deep -- 25 feet or more. Trollers are having luck with Super Dupers or Thomas Buoyants. Limits are rare. Bite best late and early on lures or fishing worms near the fountains and dams. DFG trout plant last week. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Fair overall fishing action. The lake will not be stocked again this fall, all of the facilities are now closed (including restrooms) and there are no more boat rentals available. No fishing fees are being charged until next May. Highway 330 is closed, anglers can use Highway 18. Information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months.
JENKS LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago. Information: 909-794-1123, ext 4.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Trout bite excellent with quite a few trophy over 10-0 reported this week. The trophies are biting best on Lip Ripperz plastics or floating dough baits. Top catch was a 13-0 trout landed by Ruben Rojas, Alhambra, on a Lip Ripperz plastic. Tom Gonzalez, Los Angeles, caught both a 12 1/2 pounder and an 11 1/2 pounder on a Lip Ripperz plastic off the north shore. Wade Rose, Gardena, caught an 11 3/4-pound trout on Power Bait in Stock Cove. Eugene Todd, Victorville, caught an 11-0 trout on Power Bait off Catfish Point. Mike Verner, Lakewood, caught an 11 1/2-pound and a 7 1/2-pound trout on Lip Ripperz plastics from the south side. Trevor Davila, Ontario, caught a 9 1/2-pound trout on Power Bait from the west side. Continued excellent catfish action with lots of limits on the M&M (marshmallow and meal worm) combo and shrimp. Bite is best off the island in deep water. Many limits. Top catch was a 21-8 catfish landed by Bob Giles, Ontario, on shrimp. Luke Hodkins, Redondo, landed a 21-0 and a 19-0 catfish on the M&M combo from the east side. Ronny Blake, Montclair, caught 20-0, 19-0 and 14-8 catfish on the M&M combo off the north shore. There were 2,000 pounds of catfish were stocked last week as well as two 4,000 pound plants of trout, which included trophies from 10-0 to 14-0. More Mt. Lassen trophy trouts will be planted this week. Fishing fee is $15 per person. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Great weather and continued excellent trout action. Lots of rainbows were caught on jigs, spinners, inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait (lemon twist and rainbow) from both lakes. Some fish over 3-0. Hot spots include the northern and eastern shore of lake 2 and the grassy point and western shore of lake 3. David Monrial, 3, Apple Valley, caught a 5-10 rainbow on Power Bait near the grassy point of lake 3. Moses Centeno, Apple Valley, caught a 4-0 trout on Power Bait. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits and Senkos with anglers reporting some bass over 3 pounds. Float tubers are having good action on bass lake with anglers catching up to 20 bass in a four-hour period. Bluegill are biting meal worms, nightcrawlers, small Senkos and jigs on both lakes with some bluegill over one pound. Hot spots for bluegill are off the shoreline near the pump house, and nearly all around lake 2. The lakes' hatchery stocks rainbow trout every Friday. The lakes are open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakes.net (http://www.jessranchlakes.net/).
MOJAVE NARROWS: Catfish action still fair in both lakes with a lot of catfish weighed in from 2-0 to 3-0, and nightcrawlers are the most common bait. Few reports of bass and bluegill, but Horseshoe Lake has been good for small bluegill on meal worms or nightcrawler pieces. DFG Trout plant last week. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: County catfish plants are done for the season, but the bite is still fair on mackerel with fish showing all around the lake. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair with plants are done for the season. Pretty decent carp bite early in the mornings. The lake is open for fishing Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: The first trout plant of the season will be Wednesday, Nov. 1. Catfish action has been slow to fair. Nightcrawlers, mackerel and anchovies are best baits, especially if dipped in stink bait. Most fish from 1-0 and up. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Catfish action spotty with a few fish from 1-0 to 3-0 being reported from both lakes. Bass and bluegill action slow to fair. Catfish plants are done for the season and trout season not projected to start until November. 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: Slow. Only a few small bluegill and bass being caught, along with the odd catfish. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: A good bass and panfish bite, while the trout and catfish bites are just fair. A DFG trout plant is expected this week, while there was one last week. Largemouth are biting off points and humps and the best bite is on swimbaits. Anglers are also drop-shot rigging or spooning for largemouth. Trout fishing is best on cloudy days with seven to 10 colors of leadcore line and Needlefish. Panfish action remains excellent with bluegill showing in good volume from the stairways on either dam or along most shorelines on live worms. Lots of quality stringers caught. Catfish aren't getting any pressure, but a few to 3-0 have been landed on mackerel. Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com (http://www.dvmarina.com/).
PERRIS: Bluegill action still good off the marina docks and for boat anglers fishing off the southeast end of the island in the morning. Fish from 1-0 to 2-0 are being landed on crickets and wax worms. Jesse Fimbres, Moreno Valley, caught a 1.72-pound bluegill on crickets. Largemouth bass action still good in Rock Climber's Cove, and around the marina on swimbaits and topwater lures with fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Tony Ortega and Wike Dot, both Wildomar, caught a 6.2-pound largemouth on a plastic worm off the east end. Some crappie still showing off the marina docks. Carp, catfish and trout bites have been poor, but rainbows were planted this week and were showing around the boat dock and in the marina. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Excellent catfish and striper bites, while the bass, bluegill, carp and crappie bites are just fair, but the trout bite is poor. The striper bite is still hot in the evenings before sunset. Lots of fish showing at the inlet and off the main lake points. Best action for the bluegill has been in six to 15 feet of water on crickets or wax worms with some fish to a pound showing. Catfish are everywhere and biting on mackerel. Top catch were cats at 12-12 and 11-0 by Gary Smith, Compton, on mackerel. Next county trout plant scheduled for Nov. 2. Information: 951-926-1505.
LAKE ELSINORE: No reports.
CORONA LAKE: Good to excellent trout and catfish action here this week, with a lot of limits of trout and some quality cats still showing. Top rainbow was an 8 1/2-pounder caught by Dave Poor, Riverside, on a mini jig near the dam. Jack Fierro, Elsinore, had a five'fish limit that included a 5-0 rainbow. Dan Thomas, San Diego, had a five-fish, 18-pound stringer of rainbows. Big catfish was a 22 1/2-pounder caught and released by Joe Sokoloski, Riverside, on mackerel from shore, while Bustos Gonzales, Hemet, landed a 10-0 catfish. There also continues to be a few bass, tilapia, bluegill and crappie caught. Top bass was a 4-4 landed by Mart Torres, Lakewood, on a nightcrawler, while William and Nick Johnson, Elsinore, topped off their stringer with a 2 1/2-pound crappie. Trophy trout set to be planted this week. Information: 951-277-4489 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
EVANS LAKE: Fair panfish action, but few other reports.
RANCHO JURUPA: Catfish biting fair on mackerel and anchovies in the front and back lakes. Last stock was Sept. 14. Trout season begins Nov. 2 with a county plant. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout and catfish are both biting good. Cats are biting on all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel and anchovies. Upcoming events: Fishing derby every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Trout and catfish dominating with a good bite for both species. Trout bite picking up after two consecutive trout plants last week and this week. Catfish action is fair to good on the M&M combo, mackerel and nightcrawlers all over, while the trout are liking Power Bait most. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: Catfish action is good on garlic nightcrawlers. Fish from 4-0 to 5-0 reported. Information: 951-654-7906.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Catfish bite slowing down, but a few are still biting. Pond is stocked regularly. The channel cats will be heavily stocked with trout prior to Halloween. The lake has a new sonar sensor that can help anglers determine where the fish are in the lake. Lake open daily Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on all Monday holidays. This is a pay-by-the-pound fishery. Information: 951-679-6562.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: A DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Still fair action. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Closed for routine draining and maintenance. Information: 714-632-7830 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
ANAHEIM LAKE: The first trophy plants of rainbow trout are set to go in this week here, and the huge rainbows over 10 pounds will be planted for two weeks in a row. Operators are predicting at least 50 rainbows over 10 pounds will be caught over the next week.The trout action has been excellent with a lot of five-fish limits of 11/2 to 3-0 rainbow caught. Big fish this past week was a 5-0 landed by Amy Ramsey and Will Watanabe, both Anaheim, to top off a five-fish stringer that weighed 15-0. They were fishing chartreuse Power Bait. Jason Silva, Anaheim, landed an 11-0 limit that included a 4-8 rainbow. The catfish bite has also been very good with a lot of five-fish limits on a wide variety of cut baits. Jimmy Suchi, Anaheim, landed a 10 1/2-pound catfish to top of his 15-fish, 65 1/2-pound stringer, while Phu and Mark Phong, Anaheim, had a 15-fish, 70-0 stringer topped by a 10-0 cat. Top trout action has been on Nitro Bait in chartreuse, orange or lemon lime with white lightning Nitro Grease or corn-flavored Nitro Gravy. Catfish are being on the M&M (marshmallow-meal worm) combo, shrimp, or nightcrawlers doused with garlic or shrimp Nitro Gravy. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com (http://www.fishinglakes.com/).
IRVINE LAKE: Catfish bite continues to be excellent with most cats from 3-0 to 10-0. Lots of anglers are catching their limit on Catmando baits, Bowker's, shrimp and plain mackerel at the Santiago Flats, at mid-lake, along the dam and off the west shore. The biggest fish was a 42-0 blue catfish landed by Brian Cummings, Los Angeles. Terry Leirsen, Huntington Beach, caught a 22-0 cat on mackerel at the flats. Tim Harris, Irvine, caught a 15.2-pound cat on mackerel. Bass bite good with lots of 2-0 to 4-0 largemouth showing on plastics, jigs, and Senkos off the Red Clay Cliffs or near Rocky Point. Crappie are still biting on two-inch Gulp minnow grubs under floating lanterns at night. Daytime bluegill and redear bite good on wax and meal worms. The boat launch has been moved to the west shore location. Opening day for trout season is Friday, Oct. 27. Over 20,000 pounds of fish will be planted. The final nightfishing session of the season is Saturday, Oct. 21. The lake will be closed from Monday, Oct. 23 through Thursday, Oct. 26 in preparation for opening of trout season on Friday, Oct. 27. Information: 714-649-9111.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com (http://www.lagunaniguellake.com/).
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Overall fishing slowed down this week, however, still lots of stringers of trout, largemouth and catfish were reported off the pier in the Mohawk area. Just a fair bass and trout bite, and a good catfish bite. Bass biting on plastic worms and nightcrawlers all day and spinnerbaits in the morning. Both largemouth and smallmouth biting in Cachuma Bay. Fish mostly 1 1/2 to two pounds, with a lot of limits. Trout bite best in front of the marina about 35 to 40 feet deep on Needlefish or silver Kastmasters. Catfish bite hot in Cachuma Bay on mackerel and nightcrawlers, however, Harvey's Cove is all fished out. No bluegill or readear sunfish reported this week. Crappie to 1-0 are biting good on crappie jigs in Harvey's Cove. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Bass action remains strong and the trout action really perked after three different plants late last week, however no catfish action was reported. Bass action best in the early morning and late evening on top water trout- imitation lures, plastic worms and nightcrawlers off the rocky points. Sabien Reynoso, Oak View, caught an 11 3/4-pound bass on a nightcrawler. Vince DeAlba, Casitas Springs, landed a 10.25-pound bass on a Stocker Trout. Logan Hall, Ojai, caught a 9.75-pound bass on a surface lure. Mark Torrez, Camarillo, caught an 8-0 bass on a trout- imitation lure. Trout bite fair to good and are biting off all the shorelines on small spinners and Power Bait. Anglers are still catching lots of perch, bluegill and redear sunfish on pieces of nightcrawlers and red worms in Station Canyon and from the Wadleigh Arm. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: The trout are dominating with an excellent bite with boat anglers having the best success. Bass, bluegill and striper bites are good, while the striper bite is fair and the catfish and crappie bites are poor. Lots of limits of bass, especially largemouth, for anglers who are dipping live shad. The candy bait is good for lots of fish and some fish from 7-0 to 9-0 have been reported again this week, especially in the lagoon. The striper bite improved, with the fish averaging five to seven pounds and some in double digits. Miguel Iribe, 13, Lancaster, and Scott Lizakowski, Canyon Country, each landed a 12-0 striper on an A.C. Plug. Manuel Roldan, Sylmar, caught an 8.2-pound striper. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: The bluegill and redear sunfish bites are excellent, while the trout and bass bites are good and the catfish bite is fair. Bass are biting early and late on topwater, plastic worms and crankbaits. Trout action best off points and by the buoy lines on nightcrawlers, jigs, and on the troll with three colors of leadcore and Needlefish. Bluegill are redear sunfish are biting along bluffs in 20 feet of water on mealworms. Trout plant last week. The lake's hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Information: 805-521-1231 or www.lakepiru.org (http://www.lakepiru.org/).
PYRAMID: The lake finally reopened Sunday after being closed because of the Day Fire. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.. No reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: Continued good striper bite on blood worms and shad.
PUDDINGSTONE: Catfish are biting good, while the bass, crappie and bluegill are biting fair all over the lake. Nightcrawlers best for the bass, mini-jigs for the crappie and bluegill, and mackerel and shrimp tops for the cats. DFG catfish plant this week. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Catfish are biting all over on mackerel and anchovies. DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in over two months.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG catfish plant this week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. DFG trout plant this week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: Trout plant last week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Catfish are biting all over on mackerel and anchovies. DFG trout plant this week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. DFG trout plant this week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. Catfish are biting all over on anchovies and mackerel in a fair bite. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: The lake is closed to all fishing until spring of 2007. Waterfowl hunting begins Saturday, Oct. 21 on a Wednesday and Saturday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/).
HODGES: Fair to good bass bite, everything else slow. There were 164 anglers who reported 192 bass, 26 crappie, 10 bluegill, and eight catfish. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
EL CAPITAN: Excellent bass action, but most of the fish are small. Other species slow. This past week, 215 anglers reported landing 638 bass, 10 bluegill, five channel cats, three crappie, and two blue cats. The lake is open on Thursdays for fishing and boating only. No rental boats are available. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274
LOWER OTAY: Continued fair to good bluegill and bass action along with a few catfish. In all, there were 203 anglers who reported landing 249 bass, 226 bluegill, and 25 channel cats. Top bass was an 8.95-pounder landed by Jack Reyes, Chula Vista, on a crawdad. John Allen, Bonito, had three bass that weighed 12 1/2 pounds, including a 7.3-pounder caught on a crankbait. Bill Collins, Chula Vista, landed a 4 1/2-pound bass on a plastic. Kevin Crutcher and Robert Anderson, both San Diego, had 12 bluegill and seven channel cats that weighed 25-0. The launch ramp is down due to three lanes due to low water level. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: Fair to good bass action. There were21anglers who reported 34 bass this past week. The lake is open to catch-and-release fishing on a Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
SAN VICENTE: Overall a very good bite, with especially good number of bass and bluegill. There were 73 anglers who reported landing 181 bluegill, 137 bass, 28 channel cats, 18 redear, two crappie and one rainbow trout. The lake is closed on Saturday through Wednesday and is temporarily open on Thursdays and Fridays for shore fishing. Lake information: 619-465- 3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
MURRAY: The lake is open only for shore fishing seven days a week. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: The lake is closed to all fishing and boating until December. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/). Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: The lake is closed to all fishing and boating until March, 2007. Waterfowl hunting begins on Sunday, Oct. 22, on a Thursday and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/ (http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/).
WOHLFORD: Catfish action consistently good, with an unusually good bass bite. Catfish action best at the buoy lines and in Oakvale Cove on nightcrawlers, chicken liver or shrimp. Good bass action in 10 to 15 feet of water off the shoreline in the early morning while the shad are working along the shoreline. Isaac McMann, Escondido, caught a 4-4 bass off senior shore on a crank bait. Crappie are biting off the south shore rock pile on shiners. Trout plants to start Saturday, December 16. The lake requires a $1 daily permit for each person float tubing. The lake is closed Monday through Friday and will only be open on the weekends until December. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com (http://www.wohlfordlake.com/).
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON: Bass action remains good. Most bass are being taken in 25 to 30 feet of water. Fish up to 7-0 were reported and the hot spot is trout cove. Crankbaits are producing the most fish. Catfish action slow this week. Light fishing pressure. The first 1,200 pound trout plant of fall is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 1. The lakes is open daily to 7 p.m. Information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com (http://www.dixonlake.com/).
POWAY: Bass and catfish bites are still hot. Bass bite best early and late, especially when overcast or cloudy by the rock pile, by the first barrel on the log boom, near the white buoys, and off Jump Off Point. Although action is excellent, top water action has slowed due to rising water levels and dropping temperatures. Most bass are in the 2-0 to 5-0 range. Catfish are best for boat anglers at the log boom near the second barrel. Best baits are mackerel and nightcrawlers. Mike Roselle, Mira Mesa, caught a 16-0 channel catfish on mackerel from the log boom. The bluegill bite is slow, however some fish are biting in Hidden Bay and in Half Moon Bay. The lake is closed for maintenance Monday through Friday and will be open to fishing and boating Saturday and Sunday only from 7 a.m. to sunset. Normal lake hours will resume on Nov. 1 when trout season kicks off. Information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Catfish biting fair to good on mackerel and chicken livers. The catfish have moved deeper. Best bite near the dam by the buoy lines. Good topwater bass bite early and late. Best action in Siesta and Hermit coves and at Cactus Patch. Drop-shotting or Texas-rigging plastics on the steep slopes is also a good bet, and worms and spinnerbaits also working. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Upcoming events: free fishing class 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org (http://www.lakejennings.org/).
MORENA: Fishing slow to fair due to last week's algae bloom. Bass action still fair with lots of 1-0 to 3-0 fish showing on crankbaits in 25 to 30 feet of water. The bluegill and crappie bites slowed. Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers near the brush in the shallows. Mackerel best bet for larger fish. The best bite is between 6 and 9 a.m. The boat launch is open, but no boats over 19-feet recommended. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: The trout bite continues to improve each week with every plant, and another load of Mt. Lassen rainbows is slated for this week. Most anglers are catching their limit of 1-0 to 1-8 trout on Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers fished on a 30 to 36-inch leader off the bottom. Kastmasters and Panther Martins in gold or silver are also working. Hot spots are the Lone Pine, the south end and Heron Point. Top rainbows were a pair of 4-8 fish. One was caught by Zachary Lapfer, 4, Scripps Ranch, while Mike Sanchez, Camp Pendleton, caught the other. Kim Green, Alpine, landed a six-foot long sturgeon. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org (http://www.lakecuyamaca.org/).
HENSHAW: The bluegill are leading the action with a strong bite, however the catfish continue to be caught in large numbers, and the crappie bite is still fair. This week's rainy, windy weather kept some fishermen home, but lots of good numbers were still brought in. Catfish good from boats and off shore on nightcrawlers and shrimp fished in rocky areas. Most cats from 2-0 to 4-0, with some to 8-0. Al Gumabon and Kim Warrington, Fountain Valley, caught a 7.3-pound catfish. John and John Jr. Whitehead, Ontario, caught a 4.5-pound cat. Dan Serato, Los Angles, caught three cats to 1 1/2 pounds. Crappie bite picked up with lots of fish to 3-0 and better fished from boats with crappie jigs. Gumabon also landed a 1.3 pounder. Carp biting on dough bite, peanut butter or bread. Bluegill bite starting to pick up on meal or wax worms and Raul Nicolas, Oceanside, caught sixteen bluegill to 1/2-pound. The bass bite is fair, with few repots. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Overall fishing poor with lots of up and down action due to heavy rain. Anglers are still catching striped bass by Sand Island in 150 feet deep water jigging. Few limits. Information: 702-564-3058.
WILLOW BEACH: Trout biting fair to good with lots of limits on orange, yellow or rainbow Power Bait or spinners. The Jumbo Wash area is the best place to land trout. The striper bite slowed down this week. Not too much fishing pressure. Some catfish from 4-0 to 5-0 are also being landed. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Heavy rain and windy conditions left this lake with a poor bite, but the action is expected to pick up this week as conditions clear. Anglers are still catching small stripers on anchovies and catfish on nightcrawlers. The best bite is 30 feet down off the points. The striper and catfish bites should pick up as waters cool. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Striper fishing good in the morning and evening along the river in Bullhead. Most of the stripers are small, but a few 25-inch fish were reported. Davis Camp has been the best spot. Water levels are higher during the day for boat fishing.
NEEDLES: No Reports. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Striper bite picking up, and higher water levels during the day have made it possible to launch boats. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Overall fishing fair. Stripers and largemouth are biting on anchovies and worms mostly off boats. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Water levels are dropping and the bass fishing slowed. Smallmouth are biting off shore on Texas-rigged nightcrawlers. Channel cats and carp are biting on shrimp and corn. Bluegill are biting around the docks on meal worms or small nightcrawlers.
BLYTHE: Overall light fishing pressure, but still a few good catches, especially on large and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth biting on shiners with some fish to 2-0. Many limits. Largemouth to 5-0 biting in the backwaters of the Arizona side. Information: 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Channel catfish action remains good in the backwaters, canals and main river. Flathead action is also good on live goldfish or tilapia. Largemouth bass fishing is fair on plastic worms, reaction baits, and live minnows in backwaters.
PICACHO AREA: Bass fishing is fair on live bait and plastics. The catfish bite has remained fair with a lot of channel cats and flatheads showing.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Flatheads still have a good bite on bluegill or goldfish with fish to 20-0 reported. Hodge Rock and near Pichacho are hot spots. Excellent early morning topwater bite for largemouths and then decent action on live shiners, cranks, spinnerbaits, and plastics. Lots of limits. Stripers are biting in the lake as well as in the main river channel, mostly on cut baits. Striped bass are biting from the deep sides of the sand bars on the river on chicken livers or worms. No crappie action. Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com (http://www.martinezlake.com/).
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal in East Yuma is great for channel catfish and large redear and bluegill. All biting on worms. Catfish bite good on chicken liver or worms, and the flathead bite has improved with the best action on live minnows. Bass fishing has been good, especially on live minnows in the main river and local backwaters.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: Slow fishing. Nothing reported this week. Information: Red Hill Marina 760-348-2310, 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: Few reports. Channel catfish are fair on mackerel or anchovies.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass have been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No report.
WEIST LAKE: No report.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No report. Information: 760-352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Catfish and bass are biting good off the jetty, off the south eastern side of the lake, and at the inlets. Best catfish baits are mackerel, anchovies, Power Bait and chicken livers. Nightcrawlers and plastic worms are best for bass. First county trout stock of the season is scheduled for Nov. 16. 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 (http://www.bishopvisitor.com/).
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Good trout bite at Bridgeport Reservoir. Best bite from boats for anglers fishing Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers or fly-fishing out of tubes with wooly buggers. Trolling with small Rapalas also good. Most fish are from 1-8 to 3-0 with a few 5-0 to 6-0 reported. The East Walker River is fishing excellent and the river flow is 110 cfs and dropping. Streamers and nymphs fished just off the bottom are best. West Walker River is running low and the fishing is poor to fair. Upper and lower Twin Lakes has a hit-and-miss bite. Lots of pan-sized fish biting on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers are having luck using nightcrawlers and Needlefish-type lures. Action is good at Virginia Lakes, however the lake got lots of snow last week and still has very low temperatures. Trolling with Thomas Buoyants or Kastmasters is best. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are best baits. Small wooly bugger-type flies, beetle or ant patterns are best for fly-fishing. Fishing action fair at Trumble Lake. Plenty of brookies and browns, although last week marked the last plant of the season. All the lakes in the reservoir will close Nov. 15 for the season. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com (http://www.kenssport.com/).
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Overall fishing good, but the best fishing remains at Gull and June Lake out of all the lakes in the loop -- June, Gull, Silver, Grant. A lot of trout being caught at Gull and June on Trout Traps and Gulp eggs. Trollers are also having luck at both lakes with wooly buggers and matukas. The hot spot on June and Gull is the reed section. Grant fishing fair with some fish to 2-0 from the dam. Gulp eggs and or rainbow, salmon or peach Power Bait are good bets at all lakes. Needlefish are also working for trollers. A hot spot has been the mouth of Rush Creek on Grant Lake. Bite at Silver best when trolling wooly buggers or Kastmasters. Decent action from Saddlebag Lake. Information: Ernie's Fishing Tackle 760-648-7756, June Lake Marina 760-648-7726.
MAMMOTH LAKES REGION: Overall good action with the upper and lower Owens River fishing best. Convict fishing good on chartreuse or rainbow Power Bait or nightcrawlers. The best lures are silver or blue Kastmasters, trout teasers, or red and gold Thomas Buoyants. Holding a block olive or purple wooly bugger with a Hare's Ear trailing behind is also a good bet. Crowley having some hit and miss action due to high winds, but some fish still being caught on black, purple, or olive leach patterns trailed with a tan or olive perch fry pattern. Small fish have been stocked so a lot of catches have been 1/4 to 1/2 pound. Best areas to fish are in the river channel and along Green Banks in the North Arm. Some jumbos showing along the dissipating weed lines in Leighton Springs. The most consistent fishing is in nine to 13 feet, however the shallows of McGee Bay are also producing good numbers of fish. Oct. 31 is the last day to fish from a boat at Crowley Lake, but the season remains open until Nov. 15. Owens River fishing good to excellent with a Hare' Ear or San Juan worm. Midge patterns with a small Hare' Ear or Pheasant Tail dropper will also work. Lots of fish are hitting streamers, nymphs and late morning BWOs and afternoon caddis on the surface at Hot Creek. Mamie and George fishing good with olive matukas or pink and orange Power Bait. Information: Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250.
BISHOP AREA: Fishermen were scarce this week after a few inches of snow in the higher elevations, but the few out there were catching. Gulp and salmon eggs and nightcrawlers are catching fish everywhere. South Lake and Sabrina are best spots for trollers with Rapalas or Needlefish working best. The whole drainage was stocked with pan-sized fish to 3-0 and Alpers trophy trout, courtesy of SCE. Tube jigs are best at Intake II. Plenty of Alpers at North Lake and more from 4-0 to 6-0 will be planted this week. Owens is still running high, so fishing is tough. Wooly buggers are working at times or nightcrawlers or Gulp for bait anglers. The Owens River gorge above Pleasant Valley has been good for fly anglers. Information: Culver's 760-872- 8361 or Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Diaz Lake is slow. Georges, Independence, Lone Pine, Sheperds, Symmes, and Tuttle were all planted two weeks ago. Information: 760-876-4444.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Overall fishing good in a number of species. The crappie bite is good on minnows. Good catfish bite on shad and Sonny' dip bait. Fair bass bite on jigs. A few trout are being landed by the dam on Power Bait, Power eggs and nightcrawlers. Bluegill are biting good on wax worms and crickets. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Continued low flows and clear water keep this river the best spot in the Western Sierra. Area above the lake is best, but fishing in both upper and lower river is excellent. Good smallmouth bass action in the lower river on plastic worms, nightcrawlers and Roostertails, while the upper river has a hot trout bite on nightcrawlers, crickets, red salmon eggs and silver spinners. Catfish bite good on clams at both rivers. Information: James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Slowest fishing in the Western Sierra, but stripers are still biting on lug and blood worms. Few limits of fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Catfish are fair on anchovies, shad and mackerel. Information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
HART PARK LAKE: Bluegill action dominating with a good bite on wax worms. Lots of limits. Carp bite good on dough bite. Trout season begins in November.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Bass action good on minnows and plastic worms. Lots of bluegill on wax and meal worms. Carp bite fair on dough baits. Trout season begins in November.
MING LAKE: Good bass bite on plastic worms, plastic frogs and nightcrawlers with fish from 2-0 to 4-0. Good carp bite on dough bait. Spotty, but fair bluegill bite. Trout season set to begin in November. BRITE LAKE: Few reports.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Overall fishing good, with the bass and catfish bites dominating. Good bass bite on Senkos, shad and minnows. Catfish bite good on shad and Sonny's dip bait. Bluegill fair on wax worms. Trout season begins Nov. 11 and 2,000 pounds of fish will be planted each week during the season. The Taft Chamber of Commerce is holding a trout derby on Nov. 18. Registration is currently open. Derby and lake information: Concession 661-763-1268, Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Continued good bass action on Senkos. The bluegill bite is good on wax and meal worms. Few catfish reported.
SUCCESS LAKE: No reports. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: The lake' water level is low, however the bass bite remains fair. Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Overall fishing fair, with the large and smallmouth bite dominating. Striper action off-and-on in the marina area or on anchovies off the north shore and near the dam. Not too many boils. Fish to 7-0. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bite is good all over the lake, but off the north shore and in the coves and arms near Harris Creek. Fish from 2-0 to 5-0. Catfish fair during the late evening. Little daytime action. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: The bass bite continues to be fair to good. Bluegill and crappie action also fair to good. Crappie biting on jigs and worms. Catfish are slow. Bass are best on Senkos. Trout bite expected to pick up with a DFG trout plant this week. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Bass and crappie still dominating with good bites. Spotted bass and crappie are good, with the spotties boiling on shad in a good topwater bite. White bass are also good, biting on white Roostertails, jigs and plastic worms. Most crappie showing on white jigs and they're averaging 3/4-pound. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com (http://www.nacimientoresort.com/).
LOPEZ: Catfish bite still good on nightcrawlers and cut baits with fish to 25-0. Crappie bite good with several fish over 2-0. Redear to 1-0 are biting good on nighcrawlers, mini nightcrawlers and red worms. Hot spots include Mallard Cove, Cottonwood Cove and the Strawberry Flats from boats. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked the week of October 16, 2006 with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Cerritos Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lakes, Hansen Lake, Legg Lakes, Lincoln Park Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Santa Fe Reservoir.
RIVERSIDE: Perris Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake, Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River (South Fork), Silverwood Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Intake II), Bishop Creek (Lower, Middle, South Forks), Diaz Lake, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (Laws Bridge downstream to Steward Lane and below Tinnemaha), North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.
MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, Mcgee Creek, Rock Creek (Section 1), Rock Creek (Section 2), Rush Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Twin Lakes (Mammoth).
FRESNO: Kings River below Pine Flat Dam, Potal Foreby, San Joaquin River below Friant Dam. KERN: Kern River (KR#3 to Riverside Park, Kernville).
TULARE: Kern River (Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge and Brush Creek to Fairview Dam).
CATFISH PLANTS The following waters, listed by county, will be planted by the Department of Fish and Game with one-pound channel catfish during the week of October 16, 2006:
LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, La Mirada Park Lake, Legg Lakes, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, and Santa Fe Reservoir.