spectr17
11-14-2008, 04:48 PM
SOCAL FISH REPORT 12 NOV 08
November 12, 2008
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews Outdoor News Service
1. The largemouth and striper action is pretty much wide open at Diamond Valley Lake this week thanks to trout plants, both stocker rainbows and DFG plants of subcatchable brown trout. Everything is chowing down on the small browns. The lake record, 47-pound catfish caught last week had 17 browns in its stomach. You can bet the stripers and bass are eating more. Best baits are big, trout-like topwater and swim baits to catch quality largemouth to eight pounds and stripers to 12 pounds. For breaking updates, check with the marina staff at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410. You can also get more information on the lake at www.dvmarina.com.
2. A flurry of big stripers came out of Castaic Lake this past week thanks to the Oct. 27 trout plant, and with more rainbows scheduled for this week, that bite could take off again. Top stripers in the past week were 18 and 22 pounds. The bigger largemouth are also up looking for rainbows for those targeting them. For an update, check with the marina at 661-775-6232.
3. Casitas Lake remains in our top picks for its good largemouth bass action. This is mostly thanks to the availability of live shad, but even when the shad a tough to get (like much of this past week), anglers are still getting quality fish to nine pounds or more on nightcrawlers, plastics, and small trolled lures. If you can get a dip net or two full of shad, the fishing is excellent. A bass over 10 pounds is always a possibility here. For an update on the action, check with the marina at 805-649-2043.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake are all excellent with their trout seasons now in full swing. All three are also getting Nebraska Tailwalkers this season. Irvine Lake is also very good with browns, rainbows, brookies, and steelhead all showing in a good bite. Diamond Valley has a good bite, after another plant this week, for shore anglers and trollers working out of rental boats, but light fishing pressure now that the lake is closed to private launching. Few other bites of note, but most waters in SoCal will be getting trout plants within the next two to three weeks. In the Eastern Sierra, trout season ends after fishing on Saturday in most places. In the Western Sierra, the upper and lower stretches of the Kern River are very good, seeing some of the best fishing of the year.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is generally fair to good fall bass action across the region. Casitas, Perris, and Diamond Valley Lake are all good in about that order of preference, with big fish starting to show after DFG trout plants at all three. Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, and Wohlford all have fair to good action. Poway, and El Capitan are a little slower.
STRIPED BASS: Castaic cranked out a few big fish this week after trout plants with fish to 22-plus reported. Silverwood and Skinner have been good on smaller fish, while Pyramid is just fair. Diamond Valley also has some striper boils going on and fish to 12 pounds were reported this week. A few wipers are showing at Elsinore, too, but that action is slow. On the Colorado River, the best striper action has been the fair to good bite in Mead where a lot of smaller fish to three pounds showing. Havasu and Mojave are also fair on smaller fish.
PANFISH: Top bets for bluegill and redear include Lopez, Diamond Valley, and Perris, but those bite could all tank with more cold weather. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but there is still a few fish showing at Elsinore and Cuyamaca. The Central Coast lakes of Lopez and San Antonio both have been pretty fair for the crappie, too, with Lopez producing some bigger fish.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted-catfish lakes is still slowing way down, but the fall bite on bigger, hold-over or wild fish is worth noting. While no huge fish were reported this week, places to watch include Santa Ana River Lakes, Hesperia Lake, Skinner, Diamond Valley, Henshaw, Corona Lake, El Capitan, Otay, and Silverwood. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been consistently fair to good with both flatheads and channels showing in the catch.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Striper bite good to excellent in Cleghorn Cove and in Miller’s Canyon on anchovies or nightcrawlers. Top fish was a six-pounder caught by Art Gutierrez, Alta Loma. He also had a four-pounder on a stringer totaling 16 1/2 pounds. Trout action just as good with fish caught in Cleghorn off either shoreline in 20 to 30 feet of water with fish to 1-8. Floating baits and Power minnows have been top baits. Few reports on bass, catfish, on panfish, but fishing pressure is light. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423
BIG BEAR LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Trout bite fairish on Power Bait or nightcrawlers fished off the south shore near the dam is the best formula for catching fish. Some fish over three pounds. Other species slow. The west ramp is closed for the season. The east ramp remains open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The launch ramp at the marina is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The marina will stay open for boat rentals through Nov. 16. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Slowish trout bite with a few fish reported on floating baits fished close to the bottom. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Trout fishing is excellent with even bigger fish reported this week, some topping 10 pounds. The fish are showing all around the lake on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Lip RipperZ plastic worms in assorted colors. Top trout was a 14-pounder caught by John Peterson. Joe Vicario, Hesperia, pulled out a 12-8 on a Kastmaster off shore. Marco Hernandez, Adelanto, pulled out a 12-pound trout. Steve Manion, Visalia, landed a nine-pound trout, while Gary Cruise, Muscoy, caught a 6-8 trout. Channel catfish action still good for this time of the year. Top channel was a 15-pounder caught by Cheryl Taylor, Rialto, on mackerel off the north shore. Robert O’Brian, Apple Valley, caught a 9-8 channel cat. The sturgeon bite is still fair to good with the best bite on inflated nightcrawlers. Victor Varella, Barstow, caught a 19-8 sturgeon, while Charles Hansen, San Bernardino, caught a 15-pounder. Trout plants are twice a week. Day session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Anglers are catching limits galore, sometimes too fast. The bite is excellent on both lakes with Power Bait (chartreuses, spring green and orange), night crawlers (doused with garlic), jigs and lures. Hot spots include the eastern logged shore to the northern shore and the western shore near the bridge of lake 3 as well as the northern and eastern shores and western shore near the drain of lake 2. Angel Ramonte, 14, Newberry Springs, caught a 5-13 rainbow. Danny Sullivan Jr., Rialto, landed a five-pound rainbow. Bob Grimes, Chino, landed a four-pound rainbow. Bob Burson, Cerritos, caught a 3-5 rainbow. The hatchery stocks trout every Friday year round. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or http://www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Fair catfish on various stink baits and blood baits, as well as nightcrawlers or meal worms. DFG trout plant last week. A county trout plant will go in this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Anglers have reported fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Fair bluegill bite on worms. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week. County plants start this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp. Last catfish plant was Sept. 11. DFG trout plant last week, and county plants start this week with a 1,000-pound plant. Lake closed to fishing this Thursday and Friday this week to kickoff season Saturday. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: DFG trout plant last week, with fair action. County plants began this week and will be weekly through April. Still fair catfish action on anchovies, nightcrawlers, meal worms, or anything dipped in Sonny’s stink bait. Action is best in the afternoons. Last catfish plant was in September. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair catfish fishing on mackerel, shrimp, Hog Wild or anything dipped in Sonny’s. DFG trout plant last week and county plants began this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: Launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Largemouth bass fishing remains excellent with fish showing on swimbaits early in the morning or in the afternoon near the marina and east dam. Carolina-rigging brushhogs has been a great method for largemouth during the day and rainbow and brown trout swimbaits are also getting a lot of fish. The back-to-back trout plants, and the plants of subcatchable brown trout, have resulted in a much improved trout bite. Shore anglers have pulled out the most fish on Roostertails, Kastmasters, nightcrawlers, or Power Bait. Stephen Kayczas, Hemet, caught a 3.03-pound trout. A DFG trout plant will go in this week. The big stripers are out and are going crazy on Z-Plugs, BBZs, and LA Sliders. Jesse Mena, Hemet, landed an 11.94-pound striper. The catfish bite still exists on mackerel, anchovies, and shrimp near the Inlet tower, the east dam and behind restroom. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or http://www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The exceptional bluegill bite finally slowed down, but not much, the action remains good. Bluegill anglers are using crickets and worms with fish to two pounds reported in the past week. Bass bite fair to good on nightcrawlers and plastics off the docks. Kevin T. Romero, Nuevo, pulled out a three-pound bass. Catfish bite also good on nightcrawlers or mackerel. Top catfish was a nine-pounder landed by Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley. Trout bite slow to fair, with only a few recent holdovers reported on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Last trout plant was on Halloween. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Last week’s trout plant of 1,500 pounds sparked the trout bite with fish to two pounds reported in the inlet and off Launch Ramp 2. Bob Smith, Menifee, caught a two-pound rainbow on nightcrawlers. Scott Reynolds, Murrieta, pulled out an eight-pound stringer of trout. Top fish was a 1-8. Striper bite also good with anglers pulling out fish to three pounds. John Spencer, Hemet, landed a 3-8 striper on anchovies from the inlet. Bass bite fair to good on a few baits. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Crappie action sluggish with a slow to fair bite on nightcrawlers and small jigs. Bluegill action fair on crickets and meal worms. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair, but slower than usual lately. Carp fair off the east end on dough balls. Catfish and bass are hit and miss. No signs of trout, yet. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: There is a good bite for catfish, very good action on trout, and there was even a 100-pound sturgeon caught this past week. Frank Telemage, Corona, caught the huge sturgeon on mackerel while fishing from boat. The big sturgeon was released after pictures were taken. Trout anglers are reporting limits of rainbows from 1 1/2 to four pounds. The best bite has been for boat anglers who can reach deeper water, and the Nitro Baits have been best in Sizzle, strawberry, corn and orange colors. Top trout was a seven-pounder caught by Leeston Yates, Riverside, on nightcrawlers. Scott Cooper, San Diego, caught six trout totaling 10-4, with a 4-8 topping the catch. Gary Wolfe, Ontario, landed four trout totaling 11 pounds. Both Cooper and Wolfe were fishing with nightcrawlers. The catfish action has been good for anglers still targeting the cats, and there will be a plant this week. Dave Jowett, Norwalk, caught a seven-pound catfish on nightcrawlers. This week marks the official grand opening of trout season with the first plants of the season of 10-pound-plus Mt. Lassen rainbows. Information: 951-277-4489 or http://www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Catfish action fair with the most action reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass action on plastics and crankbaits, and fair action on small bluegill action around the shorelines.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout plant last week kicked off the season here, and the action has been fair to good for the rainbows. Next plant is scheduled for Nov. 20. Lots of rainbows to two pounds reported, and Joseph Mujica, Yucaipa, landed a 2 1/2-pounder to top off his limits, all caught on rainbow Power Bait. Earl Chick, Riverside, also caught a limit of rainbows with a two-pounder being his top trout. Other species are slow with a few cats. Upcoming events: Trout tournament scheduled for January 24. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. No more catfish plants will go in. First trout plant went in this week. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or http://www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Trout season is in full swing, with another plant this week. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Catfish bite slowing down with cooler nights, but anglers are still pulling out some under two pounds. Most of the fish will be hibernating for the season within the next week or so. Trout will be planted twice a month with double loads. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Trout action has improved with the cooler weather and shore anglers catching as many fish as boat anglers. Best action on inflated nightcrawlers or trolling. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. While most trout are 10 to 16 inches long, John Seroky, Lake Hemet, caught a six-pounder trolling this past Thursday. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The rainbow trout action is excellent with rainbows to seven pounds and lots of limits reported by anglers over the past week. Walter Skau, Yorba Linda, caught the top fish this past week at 9.4 pounds. Skau was fishing with green Nitro Bait at Levitz’ Corner. Jose Osuna, Los Angeles, caught a 7-8 trout on nightcrawlers at the bubble hole. Jim Grudzien, Torrance, caught a 7-4 trout on nightcrawlers fishing the sandy beach. Top stringer this past week was a 16.75-pound five-fish limit caught by Eirc Chuna, Montebello, on rainbow Nitro Bait at the bubble hole. Tom Players, El Monte, caught three trout totaling 10-8 with a 6-8 topping his catch. The hot spots for fishing were the sandy beach and the main point, and the best bets continue to be chartreuse or orange Nitro Bait. This week marks the official grand opening of trout season with the first plants of the season of 10-pound-plus Mt. Lassen rainbows. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at http://www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: The trout bite took over and since the opener two weeks ago the action has been excellent. Anglers are pulling out easy limits on nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Power Mice. Hot spots for the trout are in Boat Dock and Sierra Cove and off the Santiago Flats. Kevin Xiong, Irvine, caught a 6-6 rainbow off the docks. Louie Jordan, Huntington Beach, caught a 4-1 brook trout off the west shore. Richard Hernandez, Riverside, landed a four-pound rainbow at the flats. Shannon Gibbs, Rowland Heights, caught five trout totaling 14-1. Some bass anglers are still reporting fair action with fish to four pounds near and in Sierra Cove on swimbaits. Over 20,000 pounds of rainbows, brooks, browns and steelhead were planted. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or http://www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Just fair bass action with most fish in the one to two-pound range. The best action is one drop-shotted or Texas-rigged plastic worms in dark colors and 4 1/2-inches long. Catfish still fair on nightcrawlers and mackerel on the main point and inlet. Bluegill bite fair on half nightcrawlers. Crappie fair to good on assorted crappie jigs. Trout season kicks off Friday, Nov. 21, but the Catch-and-Release Float Tube Derby is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20, to give the barbless crowd a chance to exercise the newly planted trout. The lake will be closed to shore and boat anglers that day. Register by e-mail at lnlake@cox.net or call 949-201-9884. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or http://www.lagunaniguellake.com.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Improved trout bite with anglers pulling out fish in the one- to two-pound range on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Trollers are working 30 to 40 feet with Needlefish, Kastmasters or Rapalas. Keith Fredrickson, Brea, caught a two-pound trout. DFG trout plant last week. Crappie bite spotty with a few fish on jigs. Bass bite slow to fair with only a few fish showing early mornings. Catfish bite continues to be slow, but with a few good ones reported on shrimp, mackerel or anything dipped in stink baits. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The big bass are out and anglers are having luck off shore on nightcrawlers. Some are still being caught on shad, but they have been a little tougher to come by this week and nightcrawlers have been nearly as good. Top largemouth was a nine-pounder caught by Art Alonzo, Santa Paula. Alonzo also caught a seven-pounder. Martin LIsman, Oak View, pulled out an 8-8 on nightcrawlers, while Martin Sierra, Nuevo, landed an 8 1/4-pounder. Jess Settem, Simi Valley, landed a seven-pound largemouth. Trout and catfish bites both poor. No trout plants have gone in yet this winter. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Trout action is on the slower side, with not too much action reported, but a few one to two pounders. The last plant was on Oct. 27, 900 pounds with another scheduled for this week. The largemouth bass, striper and catfish bites are on the flip side. All three species have a fair to good bite. The striper bite is exceptional at times with fish over 18 pounds caught. Jake Traba, Florida, caught a 22-7 striper near the dam. Jack Wang, San Gabriel, pulled out an 18-6 striper on nightcrawlers and sardines in the fish arm. Todd Sullivan, Simi Valley, caught a 10-pound striper on plastics. Largemouth bass action very good for those fishing plastics and nightcrawlers off the marina. Scott Lizakowski, Canyon Country, pulled out a three-pound largemouth. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Trout bite improving with two DFG trout plants. Anglers are pulling out limits with fish to two pounds on Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. The bite is best just off shore immediately following the plants. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to three pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: Striper bite fair to good on anchovies. Anglers are pulling out fish under four pounds, with a few better. Some action also reported on cut baits or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. DFG trout plant last week, so plenty of holdovers are in the waters, anglers just have to fish the right times and spots to pull them out. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed until February. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Bass and crappie bites slowed. This week 97 anglers reported 55 bass, 30 crappie, three blue catfish and two bluegill. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: The lake is closed and is expected to remain closed for six to nine years for dam reconstruction. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout plant last week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Channel catfish bite fair to good off the Senior Shoreline and near the West Buoy Line. Jesus Gomez, Escondido, caught a 6-2 channel catfish. Bob Steilen, Carlsbad, landed a 5-4 channel catfish . Crappie bite also fair to good on jigs or live golden shiners. Jerry Harris, Riverside, aught two large crappie, each 2-8. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. Trout opener set for Saturday, December 13, 4,500 pounds of trout will go in. The lake is open Saturdays and Sundays through the trout opener. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or http://www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON LAKE: Over 5,000 pounds of trout went in last week for the season opener, which kicked off Saturday. The derby was also a hit. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or http://www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The trout season began last Friday with a sluggish bite. The best bite has been off the northern corner and near the Log Boom, where anglers reported decent limits and better action. A few good trout were pulled out this week. Stefan Guintoli, San Diego, caught an 8-4 trout on spoons in Half Moon Bay. Flor Abena, San Diego, landed a 6-3 trout on crappie jigs. Tony Tran, San Diego, caught four trout totaling 14-2 on gold Kastmasters. The lake was planted with 4,000 pounds of trout on from Chalk Mound Trout Ranch in Nebraska, and half will be trophy-sized for this weekend’s trout opener. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to sunset. Float tubes, private motors and anchors, and live bait are banned at the lake due to potential quagga mussel contamination. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Only a few sparks of trout action, the bite is primarily slow. The lake did receive 1,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout last week. A very nice bluegill was pulled out, however. Ricky Nejig, 9, Morgan Hill, landed a 2-4 bluegill on a crawdad. The lake is now open Fridays from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or http://www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The trout season will kick off in December, but in the meantime anglers are loving the bluegill, bass and catfish bites. Catfish action fair to good on mackerel or shrimp with fish to eight pounds reported. Tommy Bossard, Jacumba, caught a 5-10 channel catfish in Cabin Cove.Devin Connell, Lake Morena, landed a three-pound channel catfish on chicken liver in Horseshoe Cove. Gary Carmel and Don Wright, Lake Morena, caught a stringer of nine channel catfish, averaging 2 1/2 pounds on worms. Steve Martin, El Cajon, stringer of five channel catfish, chicken liver, near the dam. The area below the cabins is best. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: More trout from Jess Ranch means more action here. The trout bite is very good on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Top trout this week was a 3-8 caught by Timothy Bliss, Ramona. Marica Palomares, San Diego, pulled out a 3-6 trout. Stephen Chickos, San Diego, caught a 3-5 trout. Mikhael Farhat, San Diego, pulled out a three-pounder, while Tony Trvong, San Diego, caught a 2-9. The channel catfish bite is slow, with no recent reports. An oddball sturgeon was caught this week. Shawn Wyatt, San Diego, caught a 15-9 on nightcrawlers. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or http://www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Fair to good catfish action off the shoreline and down by the dam. Best baits are shrimp, nightcrawlers, and mackerel. No big fish pulled out this week. Fair crappie bite on jigs. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Nightfishing is over. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Water levels are on the rise, although the overall remains on the slow side. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish have slow to fair bites in the Vegas Wash area. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some better action reported in these areas. Anchovies and plastics continue to be the best baits for stripers. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies
WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite very good to excellent. The new fishing pier is the spot for trout. Anglers are using salmon eggs, green Power worms or floating baits just off shore. Trollers are also catching trout on Jakes, Panther Martins and spoons. Trout continue to be planted every Friday. Stripers spotty. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Lots of largemouth and bluegill biting here. The action for both is fair to good. The fish are in the submerged trees and brush, largemouth biting plastics and bluegill taking crickets and worms. Stripers reported are small, seven to 14 inches, while the cats have been 15 to 20 inches. Trolling techniques are productive in Cottonwood Cove. Lake levels are steady. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Fair striper bite. Trout plants began two weeks ago, with two per month. The action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
NEEDLES: Striper bite fair with only small fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are up, and the bite is good. Take caution when launching. Some bass have been caught on Senkos. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper action fair to good with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds or greater. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads 12 pounds or better on shrimp and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Flathead bite remains the top bite, with a few fish in the 15-pound range or better reported. The bass bite is fair in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Bluegill bite fair to good in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fair to good bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Very good flathead action. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair catfish bite on mackerel. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fiar on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too. Information: 928-783-9589 or http://www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: No report. Check on the action with the state park staff before you go. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052. Weather information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water District's weather forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass has been reported. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: November 15 is the last day of trout season throughout the region, except on the year-around and special regulation waters. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or http://www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Bridgeport Reservoir is mostly done for the season. The reservoir is a puddle, and the temps are very low. Cold weather has also slowed East Walker but improved water flows (about 58 cfs) have led to a fair bite with some quality browns being landed. Virginia Lakes fair. Big Virginia Lakes’s fly and bait bite is still decent. Twin Lakes fishing fair for trollers fishing on top. West Walker River slow. For the East Walker River flows, you can check this website for real time flow data: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000. The lakes in the region close for the season, Saturday, Nov. 15. Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: The cold weather is here and June, Gull, and Grant are experiencing good action with big fish on the prowl. Silver is slow. Nighttime temps have dropped well below freezing, and morning temps are very low, but the big fish love it. Float tubbing with the big streamers is a good combination for fish. Also try midging on the far side of Gull and June. Rush Creek flows are low, 13 cfs, and the temps are low, but the action is fair for those nymphing early. All lakes on the loop and Rush Creek close for the season after Saturday, Nov. 15. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Nothing much to report from Crowley. Low levels and very cold waters have left this area without action the last week of the season. Sluggish action in Mammoth Creek and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie, Gull, and George. Most of the access routes have already been blocked, and the area will close completely for the season after Saturday, Nov. 15. The road to San Joaquin is now closed and will not reopen until next season. Convict Lake still strong, with anglers vying for the derby prizes. The action is ideal on Power Bait or Salmon eggs. Jacob Aguayo, Chino, pulled out a 5-10 trout and is holding on for the fifth place spot in the derby. Over $7,000 in prizes will be given to the derby winners. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or http://www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: A lot of hit and miss action, but patient anglers are still catching fish throughout the Bishop Creek drainage. No more reports from Lake Sabrina, the landing is closed for the season. Pleasant Valley Reservoir is fair to good for trout and perch. The trout are biting Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The lower Owens River has flows at 148 cfs, which are perfect, and in combination with the light crowds, the fishing is very good. Tricos hatch around 7 a.m., baetis start mid-morning. For flow information on the whole Owens River system, you can get information here: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAq...WP_AQUERTD_SCID (http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAqueductMap.ladwp?contentId=LADWP_AQUERTD_SCID ). The lakes in this area close for the season, Saturday, Nov. 15. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: No plants this week, and they are likely over for the season. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to http://www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Some big bass, over three pounds, have been caught here recently on crawdads and deep-diving plugs. Crappie bite fair to good on minnows. DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish bite on shad. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Both the upper and lower river have hot bites for the trout. In the upper river, the fish are good-sized with some to four-pounds and better. The lower river bite is just as good. Salmon eggs and Power Bait are the top baits. Some decent smallmouth action on crankbaits and swimbaits out of the lower river. DFG trout plants at Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, and at Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach this week. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good action for stripers on blood worms or pumpkin seed gitzits. The catfish bite is very good on mackerel, shrimp or Sonny’s.
HART PARK LAKE: Largemouths lead the action here with a good bite on plastic worms. Fair trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Mostly bass here. Largemouth bite fair to good on plastic worms or minnows to five pounds. DFG trout plant last week.
MING LAKE: Fair to good bluegill bite on wax worms and meal worms. Improved bass bite. DFG trout plant last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant last week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good bluegill bite on wax or meal worms. Fair catfish on shad. A few bass have been reported. Trout opener is Saturday, about 1,700 pounds will be planted that week and each week through the season. Derby Alert: Taft Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby at Lake Evans on Nov. 22. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Good bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets. DFG trout plant this week.
SUCCESS LAKE: Slow to fair bass bite on plastic worms. Bluegill bite good on wax worms and crickets. The levels are still very low. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Low, low levels. No recent reports Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Crappie action still fair to good on crappie jigs or worms. Striper action fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Little to no smallmouth action, however the largemouth action is fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good, and improving catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Good largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth to five pounds or better on some. Some smallmouth also starting to show. The early morning bite from sunrise to 9 a.m. is the best time. Improved, fair to good trout bite on Power Bait or worms. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair to good action for spotties on plastics (worms and jigs) and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Anglers are reporting an abundance of fish caught in the mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are still very good to excellent, and have some competition from the trout recently. Anglers have reported several limits and a fair to good trout bite near the dam on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers have reported good trout action with Needlefish or Kastmasters. Amparo Diaz, La Puente, caught a two-pound trout. Bluegill and redear action continues best on red worms, wax worms and crickets by the Ranger’s Boat House. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake, Santa Fe Dam.
RIVERSIDE: Diamond Valley Lake, Hemet Lake, Lake Perris, Lake Skinner, Big Bear Lake, Silverwood Lake.
INYO: Lower Owens River from Stewart Lane to Laws.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
SANTA BARBARA: Lake Cachuma.
VENTURA: Lake Piru, Rancho Simi Park Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Isabella Lake, Kern River from Powerhouse #3 to Riverside Park, Kernville, Lake Wollomes.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H.V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure.
MERCED: Yosemite Lake.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
TULARE: Kern River from Bruch Creek to Fairview Dam, Kern River from Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake.
CATFISH PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be stocked this week with one-pound channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game.
NO PLANTS
November 12, 2008
JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews Outdoor News Service
1. The largemouth and striper action is pretty much wide open at Diamond Valley Lake this week thanks to trout plants, both stocker rainbows and DFG plants of subcatchable brown trout. Everything is chowing down on the small browns. The lake record, 47-pound catfish caught last week had 17 browns in its stomach. You can bet the stripers and bass are eating more. Best baits are big, trout-like topwater and swim baits to catch quality largemouth to eight pounds and stripers to 12 pounds. For breaking updates, check with the marina staff at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410. You can also get more information on the lake at www.dvmarina.com.
2. A flurry of big stripers came out of Castaic Lake this past week thanks to the Oct. 27 trout plant, and with more rainbows scheduled for this week, that bite could take off again. Top stripers in the past week were 18 and 22 pounds. The bigger largemouth are also up looking for rainbows for those targeting them. For an update, check with the marina at 661-775-6232.
3. Casitas Lake remains in our top picks for its good largemouth bass action. This is mostly thanks to the availability of live shad, but even when the shad a tough to get (like much of this past week), anglers are still getting quality fish to nine pounds or more on nightcrawlers, plastics, and small trolled lures. If you can get a dip net or two full of shad, the fishing is excellent. A bass over 10 pounds is always a possibility here. For an update on the action, check with the marina at 805-649-2043.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake are all excellent with their trout seasons now in full swing. All three are also getting Nebraska Tailwalkers this season. Irvine Lake is also very good with browns, rainbows, brookies, and steelhead all showing in a good bite. Diamond Valley has a good bite, after another plant this week, for shore anglers and trollers working out of rental boats, but light fishing pressure now that the lake is closed to private launching. Few other bites of note, but most waters in SoCal will be getting trout plants within the next two to three weeks. In the Eastern Sierra, trout season ends after fishing on Saturday in most places. In the Western Sierra, the upper and lower stretches of the Kern River are very good, seeing some of the best fishing of the year.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: There is generally fair to good fall bass action across the region. Casitas, Perris, and Diamond Valley Lake are all good in about that order of preference, with big fish starting to show after DFG trout plants at all three. Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, and Wohlford all have fair to good action. Poway, and El Capitan are a little slower.
STRIPED BASS: Castaic cranked out a few big fish this week after trout plants with fish to 22-plus reported. Silverwood and Skinner have been good on smaller fish, while Pyramid is just fair. Diamond Valley also has some striper boils going on and fish to 12 pounds were reported this week. A few wipers are showing at Elsinore, too, but that action is slow. On the Colorado River, the best striper action has been the fair to good bite in Mead where a lot of smaller fish to three pounds showing. Havasu and Mojave are also fair on smaller fish.
PANFISH: Top bets for bluegill and redear include Lopez, Diamond Valley, and Perris, but those bite could all tank with more cold weather. Most Southern California crappie bites are off, but there is still a few fish showing at Elsinore and Cuyamaca. The Central Coast lakes of Lopez and San Antonio both have been pretty fair for the crappie, too, with Lopez producing some bigger fish.
CATFISH: The action at all of the planted-catfish lakes is still slowing way down, but the fall bite on bigger, hold-over or wild fish is worth noting. While no huge fish were reported this week, places to watch include Santa Ana River Lakes, Hesperia Lake, Skinner, Diamond Valley, Henshaw, Corona Lake, El Capitan, Otay, and Silverwood. The lower Colorado River and river backwater, ditches, and canals have been consistently fair to good with both flatheads and channels showing in the catch.
WATER BY WATER REPORTS
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Striper bite good to excellent in Cleghorn Cove and in Miller’s Canyon on anchovies or nightcrawlers. Top fish was a six-pounder caught by Art Gutierrez, Alta Loma. He also had a four-pounder on a stringer totaling 16 1/2 pounds. Trout action just as good with fish caught in Cleghorn off either shoreline in 20 to 30 feet of water with fish to 1-8. Floating baits and Power minnows have been top baits. Few reports on bass, catfish, on panfish, but fishing pressure is light. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423
BIG BEAR LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Trout bite fairish on Power Bait or nightcrawlers fished off the south shore near the dam is the best formula for catching fish. Some fish over three pounds. Other species slow. The west ramp is closed for the season. The east ramp remains open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The launch ramp at the marina is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The marina will stay open for boat rentals through Nov. 16. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: Slowish trout bite with a few fish reported on floating baits fished close to the bottom. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: No reports. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Trout fishing is excellent with even bigger fish reported this week, some topping 10 pounds. The fish are showing all around the lake on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Lip RipperZ plastic worms in assorted colors. Top trout was a 14-pounder caught by John Peterson. Joe Vicario, Hesperia, pulled out a 12-8 on a Kastmaster off shore. Marco Hernandez, Adelanto, pulled out a 12-pound trout. Steve Manion, Visalia, landed a nine-pound trout, while Gary Cruise, Muscoy, caught a 6-8 trout. Channel catfish action still good for this time of the year. Top channel was a 15-pounder caught by Cheryl Taylor, Rialto, on mackerel off the north shore. Robert O’Brian, Apple Valley, caught a 9-8 channel cat. The sturgeon bite is still fair to good with the best bite on inflated nightcrawlers. Victor Varella, Barstow, caught a 19-8 sturgeon, while Charles Hansen, San Bernardino, caught a 15-pounder. Trout plants are twice a week. Day session hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: Anglers are catching limits galore, sometimes too fast. The bite is excellent on both lakes with Power Bait (chartreuses, spring green and orange), night crawlers (doused with garlic), jigs and lures. Hot spots include the eastern logged shore to the northern shore and the western shore near the bridge of lake 3 as well as the northern and eastern shores and western shore near the drain of lake 2. Angel Ramonte, 14, Newberry Springs, caught a 5-13 rainbow. Danny Sullivan Jr., Rialto, landed a five-pound rainbow. Bob Grimes, Chino, landed a four-pound rainbow. Bob Burson, Cerritos, caught a 3-5 rainbow. The hatchery stocks trout every Friday year round. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or http://www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Fair catfish on various stink baits and blood baits, as well as nightcrawlers or meal worms. DFG trout plant last week. A county trout plant will go in this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Anglers have reported fair trout action on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Fair bluegill bite on worms. Information: 760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair catfish bite on mackerel or nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant last week. County plants start this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Catfish bite fair on nightcrawlers, mackerel, and shrimp. Last catfish plant was Sept. 11. DFG trout plant last week, and county plants start this week with a 1,000-pound plant. Lake closed to fishing this Thursday and Friday this week to kickoff season Saturday. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: DFG trout plant last week, with fair action. County plants began this week and will be weekly through April. Still fair catfish action on anchovies, nightcrawlers, meal worms, or anything dipped in Sonny’s stink bait. Action is best in the afternoons. Last catfish plant was in September. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair catfish fishing on mackerel, shrimp, Hog Wild or anything dipped in Sonny’s. DFG trout plant last week and county plants began this week. County plants will be weekly through April. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: Launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Largemouth bass fishing remains excellent with fish showing on swimbaits early in the morning or in the afternoon near the marina and east dam. Carolina-rigging brushhogs has been a great method for largemouth during the day and rainbow and brown trout swimbaits are also getting a lot of fish. The back-to-back trout plants, and the plants of subcatchable brown trout, have resulted in a much improved trout bite. Shore anglers have pulled out the most fish on Roostertails, Kastmasters, nightcrawlers, or Power Bait. Stephen Kayczas, Hemet, caught a 3.03-pound trout. A DFG trout plant will go in this week. The big stripers are out and are going crazy on Z-Plugs, BBZs, and LA Sliders. Jesse Mena, Hemet, landed an 11.94-pound striper. The catfish bite still exists on mackerel, anchovies, and shrimp near the Inlet tower, the east dam and behind restroom. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait & Tackle 951-658-7410 or http://www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: The exceptional bluegill bite finally slowed down, but not much, the action remains good. Bluegill anglers are using crickets and worms with fish to two pounds reported in the past week. Bass bite fair to good on nightcrawlers and plastics off the docks. Kevin T. Romero, Nuevo, pulled out a three-pound bass. Catfish bite also good on nightcrawlers or mackerel. Top catfish was a nine-pounder landed by Lorenzo Martinez, Moreno Valley. Trout bite slow to fair, with only a few recent holdovers reported on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Last trout plant was on Halloween. Dock fishing is allowed for a $3 fee during store hours only. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Last week’s trout plant of 1,500 pounds sparked the trout bite with fish to two pounds reported in the inlet and off Launch Ramp 2. Bob Smith, Menifee, caught a two-pound rainbow on nightcrawlers. Scott Reynolds, Murrieta, pulled out an eight-pound stringer of trout. Top fish was a 1-8. Striper bite also good with anglers pulling out fish to three pounds. John Spencer, Hemet, landed a 3-8 striper on anchovies from the inlet. Bass bite fair to good on a few baits. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Crappie action sluggish with a slow to fair bite on nightcrawlers and small jigs. Bluegill action fair on crickets and meal worms. Wiper (striper-hybrid) action fair, but slower than usual lately. Carp fair off the east end on dough balls. Catfish and bass are hit and miss. No signs of trout, yet. Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: There is a good bite for catfish, very good action on trout, and there was even a 100-pound sturgeon caught this past week. Frank Telemage, Corona, caught the huge sturgeon on mackerel while fishing from boat. The big sturgeon was released after pictures were taken. Trout anglers are reporting limits of rainbows from 1 1/2 to four pounds. The best bite has been for boat anglers who can reach deeper water, and the Nitro Baits have been best in Sizzle, strawberry, corn and orange colors. Top trout was a seven-pounder caught by Leeston Yates, Riverside, on nightcrawlers. Scott Cooper, San Diego, caught six trout totaling 10-4, with a 4-8 topping the catch. Gary Wolfe, Ontario, landed four trout totaling 11 pounds. Both Cooper and Wolfe were fishing with nightcrawlers. The catfish action has been good for anglers still targeting the cats, and there will be a plant this week. Dave Jowett, Norwalk, caught a seven-pound catfish on nightcrawlers. This week marks the official grand opening of trout season with the first plants of the season of 10-pound-plus Mt. Lassen rainbows. Information: 951-277-4489 or http://www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Catfish action fair with the most action reported on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass action on plastics and crankbaits, and fair action on small bluegill action around the shorelines.
RANCHO JURUPA: Trout plant last week kicked off the season here, and the action has been fair to good for the rainbows. Next plant is scheduled for Nov. 20. Lots of rainbows to two pounds reported, and Joseph Mujica, Yucaipa, landed a 2 1/2-pounder to top off his limits, all caught on rainbow Power Bait. Earl Chick, Riverside, also caught a limit of rainbows with a two-pounder being his top trout. Other species are slow with a few cats. Upcoming events: Trout tournament scheduled for January 24. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair to good catfish bite from both lakes, with times of better action in the evenings through dusk. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel or DuMong’s. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: The lake is currently closed.
REFLECTION LAKE: Fair to good catfish action on nightcrawlers or shrimp. No more catfish plants will go in. First trout plant went in this week. The lake’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 951-654-7906 or http://www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Trout season is in full swing, with another plant this week. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are the most talked about trout baits here. Catfish bite slowing down with cooler nights, but anglers are still pulling out some under two pounds. Most of the fish will be hibernating for the season within the next week or so. Trout will be planted twice a month with double loads. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Trout action has improved with the cooler weather and shore anglers catching as many fish as boat anglers. Best action on inflated nightcrawlers or trolling. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. While most trout are 10 to 16 inches long, John Seroky, Lake Hemet, caught a six-pounder trolling this past Thursday. Lake open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350, campground 951-659-2680.
FULMOR LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The rainbow trout action is excellent with rainbows to seven pounds and lots of limits reported by anglers over the past week. Walter Skau, Yorba Linda, caught the top fish this past week at 9.4 pounds. Skau was fishing with green Nitro Bait at Levitz’ Corner. Jose Osuna, Los Angeles, caught a 7-8 trout on nightcrawlers at the bubble hole. Jim Grudzien, Torrance, caught a 7-4 trout on nightcrawlers fishing the sandy beach. Top stringer this past week was a 16.75-pound five-fish limit caught by Eirc Chuna, Montebello, on rainbow Nitro Bait at the bubble hole. Tom Players, El Monte, caught three trout totaling 10-8 with a 6-8 topping his catch. The hot spots for fishing were the sandy beach and the main point, and the best bets continue to be chartreuse or orange Nitro Bait. This week marks the official grand opening of trout season with the first plants of the season of 10-pound-plus Mt. Lassen rainbows. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at http://www.fishinglakes.com.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.
IRVINE LAKE: The trout bite took over and since the opener two weeks ago the action has been excellent. Anglers are pulling out easy limits on nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Power Mice. Hot spots for the trout are in Boat Dock and Sierra Cove and off the Santiago Flats. Kevin Xiong, Irvine, caught a 6-6 rainbow off the docks. Louie Jordan, Huntington Beach, caught a 4-1 brook trout off the west shore. Richard Hernandez, Riverside, landed a four-pound rainbow at the flats. Shannon Gibbs, Rowland Heights, caught five trout totaling 14-1. Some bass anglers are still reporting fair action with fish to four pounds near and in Sierra Cove on swimbaits. Over 20,000 pounds of rainbows, brooks, browns and steelhead were planted. The lake’s hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or http://www.irvinelake.net.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Just fair bass action with most fish in the one to two-pound range. The best action is one drop-shotted or Texas-rigged plastic worms in dark colors and 4 1/2-inches long. Catfish still fair on nightcrawlers and mackerel on the main point and inlet. Bluegill bite fair on half nightcrawlers. Crappie fair to good on assorted crappie jigs. Trout season kicks off Friday, Nov. 21, but the Catch-and-Release Float Tube Derby is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20, to give the barbless crowd a chance to exercise the newly planted trout. The lake will be closed to shore and boat anglers that day. Register by e-mail at lnlake@cox.net or call 949-201-9884. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or http://www.lagunaniguellake.com.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Improved trout bite with anglers pulling out fish in the one- to two-pound range on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Trollers are working 30 to 40 feet with Needlefish, Kastmasters or Rapalas. Keith Fredrickson, Brea, caught a two-pound trout. DFG trout plant last week. Crappie bite spotty with a few fish on jigs. Bass bite slow to fair with only a few fish showing early mornings. Catfish bite continues to be slow, but with a few good ones reported on shrimp, mackerel or anything dipped in stink baits. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The big bass are out and anglers are having luck off shore on nightcrawlers. Some are still being caught on shad, but they have been a little tougher to come by this week and nightcrawlers have been nearly as good. Top largemouth was a nine-pounder caught by Art Alonzo, Santa Paula. Alonzo also caught a seven-pounder. Martin LIsman, Oak View, pulled out an 8-8 on nightcrawlers, while Martin Sierra, Nuevo, landed an 8 1/4-pounder. Jess Settem, Simi Valley, landed a seven-pound largemouth. Trout and catfish bites both poor. No trout plants have gone in yet this winter. Private boats are again being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Trout action is on the slower side, with not too much action reported, but a few one to two pounders. The last plant was on Oct. 27, 900 pounds with another scheduled for this week. The largemouth bass, striper and catfish bites are on the flip side. All three species have a fair to good bite. The striper bite is exceptional at times with fish over 18 pounds caught. Jake Traba, Florida, caught a 22-7 striper near the dam. Jack Wang, San Gabriel, pulled out an 18-6 striper on nightcrawlers and sardines in the fish arm. Todd Sullivan, Simi Valley, caught a 10-pound striper on plastics. Largemouth bass action very good for those fishing plastics and nightcrawlers off the marina. Scott Lizakowski, Canyon Country, pulled out a three-pound largemouth. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: Trout bite improving with two DFG trout plants. Anglers are pulling out limits with fish to two pounds on Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. The bite is best just off shore immediately following the plants. Slow to fair crappie action on white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound. Slowish bass action, but some are still reporting a few fish to three pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: Striper bite fair to good on anchovies. Anglers are pulling out fish under four pounds, with a few better. Some action also reported on cut baits or shad-like swimbaits and cranks. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites improved over the weekend on plastics and swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. DFG trout plant last week, so plenty of holdovers are in the waters, anglers just have to fish the right times and spots to pull them out. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Fair catfish bite on pieces of mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite off the east shore on drop-shot plastics, jerk baits, and live worms. The fish are deep. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant last week. The bite is picking up with some reported catches on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish bite still fair, but good action later in the day on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Fairish bluegill bite on wax worms and nightcrawlers from 5 p.m. to dusk. Information: 626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant last week.
ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: No recent plants. Information: 213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No recent plants.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen next spring. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Hodges is now closed until February. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Bass and crappie bites slowed. This week 97 anglers reported 55 bass, 30 crappie, three blue catfish and two bluegill. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
UPPER OTAY: No report. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: The lake is closed and is expected to remain closed for six to nine years for dam reconstruction. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout plant last week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: No individual catch report. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Closed for fishing. Information: 619-465-3474 or http://www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Channel catfish bite fair to good off the Senior Shoreline and near the West Buoy Line. Jesus Gomez, Escondido, caught a 6-2 channel catfish. Bob Steilen, Carlsbad, landed a 5-4 channel catfish . Crappie bite also fair to good on jigs or live golden shiners. Jerry Harris, Riverside, aught two large crappie, each 2-8. New rental boats are available for rent at the lake. They rent for $46 for all day. Trout opener set for Saturday, December 13, 4,500 pounds of trout will go in. The lake is open Saturdays and Sundays through the trout opener. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or http://www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant this week.
DIXON LAKE: Over 5,000 pounds of trout went in last week for the season opener, which kicked off Saturday. The derby was also a hit. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or http://www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The trout season began last Friday with a sluggish bite. The best bite has been off the northern corner and near the Log Boom, where anglers reported decent limits and better action. A few good trout were pulled out this week. Stefan Guintoli, San Diego, caught an 8-4 trout on spoons in Half Moon Bay. Flor Abena, San Diego, landed a 6-3 trout on crappie jigs. Tony Tran, San Diego, caught four trout totaling 14-2 on gold Kastmasters. The lake was planted with 4,000 pounds of trout on from Chalk Mound Trout Ranch in Nebraska, and half will be trophy-sized for this weekend’s trout opener. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to sunset. Float tubes, private motors and anchors, and live bait are banned at the lake due to potential quagga mussel contamination. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Only a few sparks of trout action, the bite is primarily slow. The lake did receive 1,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout last week. A very nice bluegill was pulled out, however. Ricky Nejig, 9, Morgan Hill, landed a 2-4 bluegill on a crawdad. The lake is now open Fridays from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. Lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx, 619-390-1300 or http://www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: The trout season will kick off in December, but in the meantime anglers are loving the bluegill, bass and catfish bites. Catfish action fair to good on mackerel or shrimp with fish to eight pounds reported. Tommy Bossard, Jacumba, caught a 5-10 channel catfish in Cabin Cove.Devin Connell, Lake Morena, landed a three-pound channel catfish on chicken liver in Horseshoe Cove. Gary Carmel and Don Wright, Lake Morena, caught a stringer of nine channel catfish, averaging 2 1/2 pounds on worms. Steve Martin, El Cajon, stringer of five channel catfish, chicken liver, near the dam. The area below the cabins is best. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: More trout from Jess Ranch means more action here. The trout bite is very good on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Top trout this week was a 3-8 caught by Timothy Bliss, Ramona. Marica Palomares, San Diego, pulled out a 3-6 trout. Stephen Chickos, San Diego, caught a 3-5 trout. Mikhael Farhat, San Diego, pulled out a three-pounder, while Tony Trvong, San Diego, caught a 2-9. The channel catfish bite is slow, with no recent reports. An oddball sturgeon was caught this week. Shawn Wyatt, San Diego, caught a 15-9 on nightcrawlers. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or http://www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Fair to good catfish action off the shoreline and down by the dam. Best baits are shrimp, nightcrawlers, and mackerel. No big fish pulled out this week. Fair crappie bite on jigs. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Nightfishing is over. Information: 760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: Water levels are on the rise, although the overall remains on the slow side. Small stripers, from eight to 10 inches, and catfish have slow to fair bites in the Vegas Wash area. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash and near the Boulder Bay pier with some better action reported in these areas. Anchovies and plastics continue to be the best baits for stripers. The night catfish bite is fair to good for anglers using lights and then fishing anchovies
WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite very good to excellent. The new fishing pier is the spot for trout. Anglers are using salmon eggs, green Power worms or floating baits just off shore. Trollers are also catching trout on Jakes, Panther Martins and spoons. Trout continue to be planted every Friday. Stripers spotty. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Lots of largemouth and bluegill biting here. The action for both is fair to good. The fish are in the submerged trees and brush, largemouth biting plastics and bluegill taking crickets and worms. Stripers reported are small, seven to 14 inches, while the cats have been 15 to 20 inches. Trolling techniques are productive in Cottonwood Cove. Lake levels are steady. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Fair striper bite. Trout plants began two weeks ago, with two per month. The action is fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
NEEDLES: Striper bite fair with only small fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are up, and the bite is good. Take caution when launching. Some bass have been caught on Senkos. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper action fair to good with the best bite in the early morning around the reefs and points with fish to four pounds or greater. Fair smallmouth and largemouth bass. The fish are 13 inches and up. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Fair catfish action with some flatheads 12 pounds or better on shrimp and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Flathead bite remains the top bite, with a few fish in the 15-pound range or better reported. The bass bite is fair in the main river for smallmouths and in the ditches and backwaters for largemouth, with some fish to four pounds and bigger reported this week. Bluegill bite fair to good in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fair to good bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Very good flathead action. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair catfish bite on mackerel. Not too many fish reported over three pounds, however. Bass action slow to fair with some action on plastic worms or nightcrawlers.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Largemouth bass action slow to fair on cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite fair, and the crappie bite is slow to fiar on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too. Information: 928-783-9589 or http://www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot. Fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear, and bluegill bite. Catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms in the river and backwaters. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: No report. Check on the action with the state park staff before you go. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052. Weather information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water District's weather forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: No reports.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but some channel cats and the odd bass has been reported. Also some stripers.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-352-3308.
SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
LAKE CAHUILLA: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: November 15 is the last day of trout season throughout the region, except on the year-around and special regulation waters. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or http://www.bishopvisitor.com.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: Bridgeport Reservoir is mostly done for the season. The reservoir is a puddle, and the temps are very low. Cold weather has also slowed East Walker but improved water flows (about 58 cfs) have led to a fair bite with some quality browns being landed. Virginia Lakes fair. Big Virginia Lakes’s fly and bait bite is still decent. Twin Lakes fishing fair for trollers fishing on top. West Walker River slow. For the East Walker River flows, you can check this website for real time flow data: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/uv?10293000. The lakes in the region close for the season, Saturday, Nov. 15. Fishing information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or www.kenssport.com.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: The cold weather is here and June, Gull, and Grant are experiencing good action with big fish on the prowl. Silver is slow. Nighttime temps have dropped well below freezing, and morning temps are very low, but the big fish love it. Float tubbing with the big streamers is a good combination for fish. Also try midging on the far side of Gull and June. Rush Creek flows are low, 13 cfs, and the temps are low, but the action is fair for those nymphing early. All lakes on the loop and Rush Creek close for the season after Saturday, Nov. 15. Information: Ernie’s Fishing Tackle (760) 648-7756 or June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: Nothing much to report from Crowley. Low levels and very cold waters have left this area without action the last week of the season. Sluggish action in Mammoth Creek and all the Mammoth Lakes -- Mary, Mamie, Gull, and George. Most of the access routes have already been blocked, and the area will close completely for the season after Saturday, Nov. 15. The road to San Joaquin is now closed and will not reopen until next season. Convict Lake still strong, with anglers vying for the derby prizes. The action is ideal on Power Bait or Salmon eggs. Jacob Aguayo, Chino, pulled out a 5-10 trout and is holding on for the fifth place spot in the derby. Over $7,000 in prizes will be given to the derby winners. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or http://www.performanceanglers.com.
BISHOP AREA: A lot of hit and miss action, but patient anglers are still catching fish throughout the Bishop Creek drainage. No more reports from Lake Sabrina, the landing is closed for the season. Pleasant Valley Reservoir is fair to good for trout and perch. The trout are biting Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The lower Owens River has flows at 148 cfs, which are perfect, and in combination with the light crowds, the fishing is very good. Tricos hatch around 7 a.m., baetis start mid-morning. For flow information on the whole Owens River system, you can get information here: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAq...WP_AQUERTD_SCID (http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/aqueduct/showAqueductMap.ladwp?contentId=LADWP_AQUERTD_SCID ). The lakes in this area close for the season, Saturday, Nov. 15. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: No plants this week, and they are likely over for the season. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to http://www.lonepinechamber.org.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Some big bass, over three pounds, have been caught here recently on crawdads and deep-diving plugs. Crappie bite fair to good on minnows. DFG trout plant this week. Fair catfish bite on shad. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Both the upper and lower river have hot bites for the trout. In the upper river, the fish are good-sized with some to four-pounds and better. The lower river bite is just as good. Salmon eggs and Power Bait are the top baits. Some decent smallmouth action on crankbaits and swimbaits out of the lower river. DFG trout plants at Powerhouse No. 3 to Riverside Park, and at Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach this week. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Good action for stripers on blood worms or pumpkin seed gitzits. The catfish bite is very good on mackerel, shrimp or Sonny’s.
HART PARK LAKE: Largemouths lead the action here with a good bite on plastic worms. Fair trout bite. DFG trout plant last week.
TRUXTUN LAKE: Mostly bass here. Largemouth bite fair to good on plastic worms or minnows to five pounds. DFG trout plant last week.
MING LAKE: Fair to good bluegill bite on wax worms and meal worms. Improved bass bite. DFG trout plant last week.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant last week. Some catfish reported, too.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Good bluegill bite on wax or meal worms. Fair catfish on shad. A few bass have been reported. Trout opener is Saturday, about 1,700 pounds will be planted that week and each week through the season. Derby Alert: Taft Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby at Lake Evans on Nov. 22. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: Good bluegill bite on wax worms and crickets. DFG trout plant this week.
SUCCESS LAKE: Slow to fair bass bite on plastic worms. Bluegill bite good on wax worms and crickets. The levels are still very low. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: Low, low levels. No recent reports Information: 559-597-2526.
CENTRAL COAST LAKES
SAN ANTONIO: Crappie action still fair to good on crappie jigs or worms. Striper action fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Little to no smallmouth action, however the largemouth action is fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good, and improving catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Good largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics or crankbaits. Anglers have pulled out limits with largemouth to five pounds or better on some. Some smallmouth also starting to show. The early morning bite from sunrise to 9 a.m. is the best time. Improved, fair to good trout bite on Power Bait or worms. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: Fair to good action for spotties on plastics (worms and jigs) and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines. Anglers are reporting an abundance of fish caught in the mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite with more showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are still very good to excellent, and have some competition from the trout recently. Anglers have reported several limits and a fair to good trout bite near the dam on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers have reported good trout action with Needlefish or Kastmasters. Amparo Diaz, La Puente, caught a two-pound trout. Bluegill and redear action continues best on red worms, wax worms and crickets by the Ranger’s Boat House. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. DFG trout plant two weeks ago. Information: 805-489-1006.
TROUT PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake, Santa Fe Dam.
RIVERSIDE: Diamond Valley Lake, Hemet Lake, Lake Perris, Lake Skinner, Big Bear Lake, Silverwood Lake.
INYO: Lower Owens River from Stewart Lane to Laws.
SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.
SANTA BARBARA: Lake Cachuma.
VENTURA: Lake Piru, Rancho Simi Park Lake.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
KERN: Isabella Lake, Kern River from Powerhouse #3 to Riverside Park, Kernville, Lake Wollomes.
MADERA: Bass Lake, H.V. Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.
MARIPOSA: Lake McClure.
MERCED: Yosemite Lake.
SAN LUIS OBISPO: Lopez Lake, Santa Margarita Lake.
TULARE: Kern River from Bruch Creek to Fairview Dam, Kern River from Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge.
TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, New Melones Lake.
CATFISH PLANTS
Barring adverse weather, water, road conditions, and the availability of trucks and personnel, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be stocked this week with one-pound channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game.
NO PLANTS