SOCAL FISH REPORT

February 18, 2009

Compiled by Cyndi Gollaz and Jim Matthews
Outdoor News Service

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. A new moon, better weather, and a trout plant slated for this week all point to a big bass fishing weekend at Casitas Lake. This lake has been cranking out fish over 10 pounds each of the past few weeks, but this spot may be your best shot for a bass over 15 pounds and this may be the best weekend of the year to accomplish that goal. Hurl a big, trout-like swimbait and hold on. For an update on this bite, check with the guys at the marina by calling 805-649-2043.
2. Surprise pick of the week. You trout guys should go to Prado Park Lake this week. It has been getting heavily planted with Mt. Lassen Trout Farms fish, including trophy rainbows, by San Bernardino County and there is a derby this weekend. That means a bonus plant of trophy fish and DFG state fish to boot. The derby fee is $15 and $7 for daily parking. Call the park for directions and more information at 909-597-4260.
3. We’re keeping the lower Colorado River’s smallmouth bass bite in our top three picks this week because of the moon phase and better weather. This bite could really perk this week. Top spot to fish is the main river below Lake Havasu, especially along rip-rap between the diversion dam above Blythe and Palo Verde. Some of these fish top four pounds and pull harder than an eight-pound largemouth. For an update on this bite, check with B&B Bait in Blythe at 760-921-2248.


FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Still good to excellent planted trout action at most of the major players over the past week. Rain didn’t seem to slow this bite much and some waters even improved. Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Laguna Niguel all have been pretty good, with both Irvine and Laguna Niguel producing more fish over 10 pounds than normal. All of the San Bernardino County park lakes, but especially Prado Park Lake and Yucaipa Park Lake, are good bets thanks to weekly plants and some quality fish. There’s also a bonus plant going in at Prado this week for a Saturday derby. In the High Desert, Hesperia Lake, Jess Ranch, and Mojave Narrows are all good bets. In San Diego County, Dixon, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, Miramar, Lower Otay, Murray, and Cayamaca are all pretty good bets.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: Casitas is still a top bet, and a trout plant this week and better weather point to a big weekend for anglers hurling big swimbaits or live shad. The Diamond Valley bass bite has also been pretty good this past week in spite of the weather, and Perris, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, Isabella, Skinner, Piru, Otay, Wohlford, El Capitan, and Poway are all worth fishing. Still relatively light bass pressure everywhere, but the pre-spawn bite is kicking into high gear. There’s also a decent smallmouth bass bite on the lower Colorado River from Havasu to Palo Verde that is pretty much untapped except by a few locals.
STRIPED BASS: The storms seemed to slow the striper bites again, but Skinner, Castaic, Pyramid, and Silverwood are all fair bets on fish to eight pounds. On the Colorado River, the warm weather is really starting to turn on bites from Mohave to the lower river, with Havasu having a particularly good bite on fish to three pounds. Willow Beach also exploded the past two weeks with some fish to 38 pounds coming up to chomp trout.
PANFISH: Top bet for bluegill and redear is Lopez Lake but that bite is just fair. The Perris and Diamond Valley bites have continued to sputter, but most Southern California crappie bites continue to improve this week. Top bets include Lake Henshaw for fish to 3/4-pound, with Perris starting to turn on for bigger fish. Lower Otay may be the best bet with fish to nearly three pounds this week and some very good stringers reported. Elsinore is also be taking off, and Casitas again cranked out crappie over three pounds in a decent bite. Buena Vista Lakes (near Taft) and the Central Coast lakes of San Antonio and Margarita are also pretty decent bets.
CATFISH: Not a lot of catfish action reported. Lower Otay cranked out some nice blues and channels this week to 17-plus pounds. There are decent bites at Buena Vista Lake near Taft, Hesperia Lake, which is planted with cats each week now, Lake Isabella, and the whole lower Colorado River and river backwaters, ditches, and canals which are all starting to produce more and more channels (with the odd big flathead on the Colorado River).

WATER BY WATER REPORTS

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Trout bite remains good, although the last plant went in two weeks ago. The fish are still showing in decent numbers on Power Bait and nightcrawlers in Miller’s and Cleghorn. Aaron Baker, Chino, pulled out a limit of five with a 3 1/2-pounder his top fish. All were taken on Power worms. Striper bite if fair to good, too, with the best action in Chamise on anchovies or swim baits. Jackson Hall, Fontana, caught a seven-pound striper, while Tim Patton, Anaheim, landed a six-pounder. Mostly slow action on largemouths, and no reports on other species. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Light fishing pressure, although some trout anglers fishing near the observatory or off the rocks have reported a slow trout bite on nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. All the lake’s marinas and public ramps are closed and will reopen April 1. Lake information: Big Bear Marina 909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222 or bigbearmarina.com.
GREGORY LAKE: No reports. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The lake facilities are closed and no fishing fee is being charged. The boat house and store will reopen on May 14, 2009. Anglers can still fish but little action now. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: No reports.
JENKS LAKE: Currently closed. Information: Mill Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2881.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Another week of good mixed action. Gary Ball, Hesperia, pulled out a mixed bag including a 15-pound sturgeon, a 12-pound catfish, and a seven-pound trout, all from the inlet. Trout action best on Power Bait or nightcrawlers off the North Shore. James Bhamon, Redlands, landed a 9 3/4-pound trout. Manny Martinez, Fontana, caught a 7-8 trout. Most cats have been reported off the grassy bank. Robert Smith, San Bernardino, caught a 15-8 channel catfish, while Jason Lanpaeur, Hesperia, landed a 13-pound blue. Catfish and trout plants are weekly. 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: Bad weather didn’t slow things down here. Trout bite very good to excellent on Power Bait (salmon peach, lemon twist and rainbow), nightcrawlers, jigs and lures. Easy limits have been reported from the grassy point and the eastern logged shore from the inlet to the pump house as well as the northern, western and southern shores of lake 2. Last week’s prize day event meant loads of extra fish pulled out. Stewart Kwoh, Los Angeles, caught a 7-15 and won the adult division. Johnnie Perez, Yucaipa, caught the heaviest limit on prize day, five fish totaling 19-11 on Power worms. Heaviest trout for the kids division went to Jessica Shando, Riverside. She pulled out a 3-13 rainbow. There was even a prize for the smallest trout. Kwoh, Los Angeles, earned another prize with her 13-ounce trout. Other fish reported outside the event this week included a 5-8 by Fred Winterswyk, Rancho Cucamonga. He also pulled out a 4-6 on nightcrawlers. Rodger Soper, Canyon Country, landed a 4-12. Toshiro Mui, Long Beach, pulled out a 4-11, while Jason Ocull, Phelan, caught a four-pound and 4-3 trout. The lake’s hatchery stocks every Friday. The lake is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake information: 760-240-1107 or Jess Ranch Lakes-The Official Site.
MOJAVE NARROWS: County trout plants are weekly through April. DFG trout last week. Very good trout bite for anglers fishing Power worms or Power Bait. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, March 14. Information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout bite on Power Bait. County trout plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in this week. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, April 4. Information: 909-481-4205.
PRADO: Annual Trout Derby Saturday with a bonus plant of trophy fish to go in this week. The action has been very good to excellent with a lot of limits reported over the past week. Top spots have been Lots 1, 6, 7, and 8, with the points the best spots. County trout plants are each week through April, and a DFG plant is also slated for this week. A 10-pound rainbow was landed by Darryl Canada, Los Angeles, off the point at Lot 1 on Power Bait. Kris Hoang, Santa Ana, landed a 9-8 on a purple Power Worm. Ken Ngow, Hacienda Heights, fished the lake two days this past week, catching an 8-9 rainbow, a 5-5, and a five-pounder using Power Bait. Joe Holmes, Upland, had a seven-pound rainbow. Catfish action has been fair, but a few quality fish are showing. Alex Lo, Pomona, landed a seven-pound catfish to top off his five-fish limit of cats fishing with nightcrawlers and shrimp at the dam spillway. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for Saturday, February 21. The derby fee is $15 and $7 for daily parking. Information: 909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Good trout action over the past week and some nice fish continue to be landed. Top fish this past were a pair of 7 1/4-pound rainbows. One was landed by Rick Clinedinst, Riverside, fishing a small jig, while Jerry Hampton, Redlands, caught the other one on chartreuse Power Bait. County plants are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in three weeks ago. Information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Very good to excellent trout bite for those using Power Bait or mackerel. County trout plants with 1,000 pounds of fish are weekly through April, and a DFG trout plant went in three weeks ago. 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: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Largemouth bass bite fair to good for those drop-shotting four-inch worms or fishing underspins, swimbaits, crankbaits, and Senkos. The east dam, north shore points, and the west dam are the top bass spots. Big trout over five pounds have been caught on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, mini jigs, Kastmasters, and Rapalas. The stripers were affected by the storm and only a few were caught. Catfish bite fair to good in the cove to the right of the marina, the rock quarry, and the inlet on mackerel and shrimp. The launch ramp remains closed due to low water levels. Lake information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410 or Diamond Valley Marina.
PERRIS: Slow action recently with the bad, rainy weather. A few catfish reported on anchovies or nightcrawlers, however, with the best fish of the week an 11.85-pound channel caught by JoJo Ramirez, Banning, on anchovies. Crappie action fair on mini jigs, but the weather slowed this bite, too. Slow to fair action for the trout and largemouth. DFG trout survey is ongoing. A percentage of each DFG trout plant will have non-reward and reward tags attached on some one to four-pound rainbows from the load. The tags will look like green spaghetti noodles attached right below the dorsal fin. Reward signs indicating information where to return the tags are posted around the launch ramps, marina and lake entrance. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: A 1,500-pound plant of trout went in last week, and the bite has been good to excellent on nightcrawlers and plastics. Kelly Dobbson, Riverside, caught a three-pound trout on a Roostertail. The stripers and bass bites are just as good. Bass action best on spoons and Roostertail, while the stripers are going wild on anchovies or cut mackerel off Ramp No. 2. Kevin Jackson, Corona, landed three and four-pound bass off the east end on blue plastic worms, while Wade Dackey, Oceanside, caught eight stripers totaling 23 pounds with a five-pound top fish. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina 951-926-8515.
ELSINORE: Fair to good action on small wipers that must be released. A load of 18,000 fish went in the first week of January. The fish were all under eight inches when planted and anglers cannot keep wipers until they reach the 18-inch minimum size. A few crappie are starting to show, and the odd bass was caught this past week. Few reports on other species. Information: Seaport Boat Launch at 951-245-9308.
CORONA LAKE: Good trout action this past week with both Lightning Trout and Nebraska rainbows in the catch. Danny Wilson, Covina, had a five-fish limit that weighed 16 pounds and his stringer included two Lightnings. Wilson also had a six-pound rainbow, the biggest trout of the week. Another six-pounder was landed by Jordan Cook, Murietta. Brad Donahue, Chino, landed five Lightning Trout that weighed 11 1/2-pounds, including a four-pounder. Lightning trout were planted two weeks ago with another plant to go in this week, including some broodstock fish. Information: 951-277-4489 or fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake.
EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Fair trout bite with anglers reporting the best action on nightcrawlers and worms. Catfish action is slow on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair bass bite on worms or plastics.
RANCHO JURUPA: County trout plant this week as well as a DFG trout plant. Lots of limits reported with trout to two pounds or better. Information: 951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair trout bite. 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: Trout plants are every other week. Trout bite fair on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. 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 Reflection Lake RV Home.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good to excellent trout bite. Power Bait (in all colors) and nightcrawlers are the most successful baits. Trout are planted twice a month with double loads. Plant this week. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday holidays. The lake will be open New Year’s Eve and day. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Light fishing pressure with rain and snow much of the past week, but those braving the elements found fair to good action from shore, and a DFG trout plant this week should keep that perking. 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: A big plant of Nebraska Tailwalkers this past week and Lightning Trout the week before combined to make for excellent trout fishing with a lot of 1 1/2 to three-pound fish. The biggest rainbow trout was a 10 3/4-pounder landed by Craig Joachim, Anaheim, while fishing off Levitz’ Corner with orange Nitro Bait. Eight-pound rainbows were caught by Mark Dahl, Santa Clarita, to top off his 23-pound, five-fish limit, and by John Corrigan, Lancaster, who also had a four-pounder. Jocko Smith, San Pedro, caught a 6 1/2-pound rainbow, while Steve Zookzwad, Baldwin Park, had a six-pounder. Both anglers were fishing with chartreuse Nitro Bait. The best action over the past week has been on floating dough baits, especially Eagle Claw’s Nitro Bait in the chartreuse, nightcrawlers doused with scent, and salmon eggs. Hot spots have been Levitz’ Corner, La Palma Point, and in Chris’ Pond. Another plant of Lightning Trout, including some broodstock fish, is scheduled for this week. Information: 714-632-7830 or log on at fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake.
ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information: (714) 996-3508 or fishinglakes.com, Santa Ana River Lakes - Corona Lake - Anaheim Lake.
IRVINE LAKE: The trout bite has been good and a 14-pounder was pulled out by Art “Dr. Hook” Villa, El Modeno, on a Power mouse combo off the west shore. The overall bite is good to excellent with several others over 10 pounds. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the key to fish, and Trout Island is the hot spot. Trollers are also catching fish on Rapalas. Ricardo Zepeda, Santa Ana, caught an 11-10 rainbow off the docks. Steve Bosbrock, San Bernardino, landed a 10-8 rainbow. John Reynoza, Orange, caught a 10-8 rainbow, while Micky Hall, Big Bear, pulled out a 9-12 rainbow. Christian Noseworth, Orange, hooked a nine-pounder, and Aundra Wagner, Orange, landed an 8-8. A few crappie have started to show on some stringers. Some fish to 1 1/2 pounds were caught by trout trollers near the docks and by bass anglers dropshotting small plastics at Crawdad Point. Good catfish action reported where the creeks meet the lake. Bass anglers found good numbers of largemouth to 3 1/2 pounds. Some fish were holding on deep structure, but a few fish are starting to move up near submerged trees in 10 feet of water. Upcoming events: Western Outdoor News trout tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Anglers must pre-register for the tournament at irvinelake.net or at wonews.com. Anyone not preregistered for the event will not be permitted to fish that day. Lake information: 714-649-9111 or Irvine Lake - Fishing and Camping in Orange County, Southern California.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: A load of trophy rainbows with fish from eight to 12 pounds went in last week and plants will go in regularly every other week through the season. Next plant is set for Feb. 23. The bite is good to excellent on inflated nightcrawlers, Power Bait, white Power worms or fighting frog LipRipperZ lures. The points and launch ramp are the hot areas. No recent bass or catfish reports. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or Laguna Niguel Lake.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: DFG trout plant this week. With decent action on trout to two pounds for trollers using Rapalas, Needlefish or Kastmasters. Bait anglers are fishing Power Bait, nightcrawlers or plastic worms. Lisa Lee, Garden Grove, caught 1-2 and 1-4 trout. Catfish bite fair in the narrows on mackerel or nightcrawlers with most fish from three to 10 pounds. Crappie and redear bite fair in 30 feet on nightcrawlers or small jigs. Bass bite slow to fair, some fish reported from deep water by trout anglers. For quagga mussel and the new boat launching information, log on at Santa Barbara County Parks. Fishing information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: The overall action slowed. Bass aren’t showing up in the numbers they did last week, but those using swimbaits in the right spot can still land some good-sized fish over 10 pounds. Crankbaits and plastics haven’t produced big fish, but anglers have pulled out fish to four pounds. Top bass of the week was a 12 3/4-pound rainbow by Darren New, Redding. A trout plant is due this week, which should spark the bite. Crappie are still making noise. Shaun Flaherty, Ventura, caught four crappie totaling 11 pounds on mini jigs. Private boats are being allowed at Casitas, but boaters will face an inspection and 10-day dry dock requirement because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Light pressure due to the bad water, although some largemouth and striper anglers pulled out decent fish on cut baits and plastics. Average bass are from two to three pounds. Stripers brought in have been from three to five pounds. Just a fair trout action due to the recent rainy, muddy weather. DFG trout plant this week. Information: 661-775-6232.
PIRU: DFG trout plant last week. Top baits include Power Bait, nightcrawlers or any type of trout worm. 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 two pounds on plastic worms. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500.
PYRAMID: Trout action on the slow to fair side, although some fish that had gone deep have come up with the cold weather. Power Bait or nightcrawlers producing the most fish. No plants in almost two months. Action fair for stripers to five pounds on anchovies or nightcrawler. Shad-like swimbaits, spinnerbaits and cranks are also good producers. Down below the gatehouse is the best area for stripers. Largemouth and smallmouth bites fair on plastic worms, lures or swimbaits. Some catfish reported in the channels on nightcrawlers, mackerel or shrimp. No bluegill reports. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: No reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plant this week. Good bite for trout on nightcrawlers Crappie, bass and bluegill bites fair. Nightcrawlers producing for the bass with mini jigs working best for crappie and bluegill. Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant this week. Fair to good trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. 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 three weeks ago.
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: DFG trout plant last week. 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 two weeks ago. Fair trout action on Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.
PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information: 818-448-7317.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Closed for the season. The lake will reopen in May. Fees to fish here have gone up, making it $20 per angler and $46 for motor rentals. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: The 93 anglers checked reported 27 bass in a very tough bite. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule with boat rentals on the weekends only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Spark in the bass bite. This week 283 anglers checked reported 412 bass, 75 crappie, two blue catfish and one channel catfish. Cody Newton, Santee, caught an 18-pound blue catfish on mackerel from the north arm. The lake is open Thursday through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays rentals stop at 10 a.m. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: This week 247 anglers reported 221 bass to 4.65 pounds, 173 crappie to 2.40 pounds, 20 bluegill to 1.05 pounds, 10 channel catfish, two rainbow trout and two blue catfish. Top fish of the week was a 17.20-pound channel catfish by Armond Washington, Long Beach. Gary Smith, Compton, pulled out a 16.25-pound blue cat on mackerel, while Mark Williams, San Diego, landed a 16-pound blue catfish. Raman Sumeon, San Diego, pulled out a 14.10-pound channel catfish on a shiner. Some good crappie action reported, too. Gary Smith, Compton, caught a stringer of 35 crappie on jigs with his top fish a 2.70-pounder. Henry McBeth, El Cajon, pulled out a 2.40-pound crappie from Harvey Arm. 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: This week six anglers pulled out 15 bass to nearly four pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, but anglers may walk in to fish during lake hours. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
MURRAY: Mostly slow, but a DFG trout plant this week should perk the action. This week 31 anglers reported 10 bass. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are available Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: The rainbow bite slowed, but a city plant this week should improve things. This past week the 107 anglers checked reported 48 rainbow trout, four bluegill and one bass. The water level will drop this week. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Currently closed, but will reopen for fishing and boating on Saturday, March 7. The lake will then be open on weekends only, but will not have rental boats available. Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Another 1,500-pound plant of trout went in this week. Good trout action in Willow Cove. Nightcrawlers are the top producing bait. Ben Yaji, Chula Vista, caught a 4-15 trout off Senior Shoreline. Tong Nguyan, San Diego, landed a 3-8 trout in Boat Dock Cove on yellow Power Bait and Ken Birthalot, San Diego, pulled out a 3-1 trout in Oakvale Cove. Channel catfish bite sparked with the recent weather with good action reported on cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers near the South Shore Rock Pile, in Oakvale and Willow Cove. Some bass in the eight-pound range are showing, too on crankbaits or Senkos. The Tour of California bicycle race will bring on road closures on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Fees at the lake have increased; adults are $7, seniors are $5 and youths are $5. Boats rent for 17, half boats are $14, motorboats are $35, half motorboats are $30, and bass boat rentals are $46 to $50. There is a temporary ban on private boat launching, including canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to the threat of quagga mussels. Rental boats are available. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: No recent plants.
DIXON LAKE: A 1,500-pound trout plant of Nebraska Tailwalkers went in week before last and some holdovers from the plant are still lurking. Trout from two to four pounds have been biting on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. A daily permit is required for entry. The Fishing Pier No. 1 remains closed until further notice. Fees have increased; adults are $7, seniors are $5 and youths are $5. Boats rent for 17, half boats are $14, motorboats are $35, half motorboats are $30, and bass boat rentals are $46 to $50Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: More big trout. The cooler temps brought about some of the best trout action of the season, including a few in the 11-pound range. Most fish have been reported by those slow trolling with nightcrawlers, Kastmasters or Rapalas along the backshore. The best spot along shore is across the lake near the restroom landing. A 1,500-pound plant of rainbows went in this week. Fair bass action on plastic worms. Catfish bite fair in the Log Boom. During the month of February the gates to Lake Poway will open at 6 a.m. There is fishing and boating on Wednesdays through Sundays. Lake information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234
JENNINGS: Fair to good trout bite in Half Moon and Shadow Coves on inflated nightcrawlers. Fair to good big bass action reported for those drop-shoting jigs in 25 to 35 feet. Creature baits and swimbaits have also been productive. The lake is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and will also be open Monday, February 16 for President’s Day. Upcoming events: Free fishing class Sunday at 1 p.m. hosting by Ranger Hugh Marx. For information call 619-443-2510. Lake information: 619-390-1300 or Lake Jennings - Helix Water District Drinking Water Reservoir.
MORENA: The trout bite is solid with fish to six pounds. DFG trout plant last week. Limits are common with most action reported on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Kastmasters or spinners. Bass bite still slow, but a few have been reported on crawdad-colored jigs or shiners. Rowboats and motorboats are available to rent Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 a.m. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: Trout remain the talk here with good action on nightcrawlers and Power Bait with the best bite at the Lone Pine. DFG trout plant two weeks ago and a plant from Jess Ranch went in last week. Upcoming events: Supervising ranger Willard Lepley offers a free fishing class every Saturday at 10 a.m. 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 Lake Cuyamaca Home Page.
HENSHAW: Light pressure due to the weather, although the crappie action is still giving anglers something to talk about. John Blake, Hemet, caught two crappie with his top fish a 3/4-pounder. Billy Graham, Anaheim also caught two with his heaviest a 3/4-pounder. Some catfish action reported. Donald Holt, San Diego, caught four with a six-pounders to top his limit. Nolan Stiller, San Diego, caught five catfish on nightcrawlers, while fishing from the rocks over by the dam. His top fish was a four-pounder. Open daily 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motor boats are available for rent daily depending on the weather. Large amount of shoreline access and a 150-foot Fishing Float puts anglers in some good areas holding fish. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Trout bite fair to good from Hemmingway to Boulder Bay. Trout plant week before last. A few stripers were caught near Boulder Bay up to 15 pounds. The stripers are also chasing the shad in Gypsum Wash. Some catfish action reported on anchovies or shrimp. No largemouth reports.
WILLOW BEACH: Stripers started to show again with some exceptional action and fish over 20 pounds. Mile marker 55 is the hot spot with A.C. Plugs and anchovies being the top baits. Top striper was a 38 1/4-pound striper caught by John Romero, Rochestery, New York. Susan Osami, Las Vegas, pulled out a 25 1/4-pound striper, while Randy Plumlee, Henderson, caught a 18 1/4-pound trout. Curtis Easter, Boulder City, Colorado, landed a 13.3-pound striper. Trout plants resumed with stockings every Friday. The bite is fair to good on nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. Stripers slow. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Good trout action with easy limits still common. The bite is best for those fishing Power Bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers, especially in the mornings. A few large stripers have also been caught from Willow Beach to Placer Cove. Shore anglers have been catching fish off the south point on cut baits, anchovies or squid. No reports of largemouth bass. Information: 702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: Trout plants are once a month at Davis Camp and Riverside. Fair to good action Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Slow striper bite.
NEEDLES: Fair striper action for fish landed downriver in the Topoc area. Most stripers are under two pounds. A few catfish showing. Slow largemouth bite. Information: Premier Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Water levels are still low. Take caution when boat launching. Slow bite for most species with only waves of fair action for the catfish or largemouth. The marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper bite good to excellent on shad or swimbaits, especially in the mornings. The daytime bite is slower with limits produced for those slow-trolling anchovies. Shad continue to school up near Thompson Bay and Havasu Springs, so those are the top areas for the stripers. Smallmouth bass hitting soft plastics, Rat-L-Traps and eight to 12-foot diving crankbaits. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Channel catfish and flatheads have both been fair with some to 10 pounds or better reported on shrimp, nightcrawlers dipped in stink bait, and mackerel. Information: June’s Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Fair bass action 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. Flathead bite fair with some fish to 15 pounds reported. Bluegill bite slow to fair in most backwaters. Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Fairish bass bite, especially for the smallies, on plastic worms. Also improving action on small stripers in the river with fish to five pounds reported. Fair flathead action but very light fishing pressure. Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fairish catfish bite on mackerel, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Fish from one to three pounds, with only a few better ones. 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 fair on small live minnows. A few flatheads are showing in the main river, too, but the action is spotty. Information: 928-783-9589 or Martinez Lake Resort.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal area in East Yuma continues to be the best fishing spot with fair to good channel catfish action, and just a fair redear and bluegill bite. Channel catfish taking mackerel or shrimp, and redear and bluegill biting worms. The flatheads have been fair in the main river, mostly on live bluegill.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: Weather slowed the bite some, but there is still pretty fair tilapia action at the state park headquarter’s jetty. Most of the fish are from six ounces to a pound and hitting nightcrawler pieces fished on the bottom. But there are still very few reports from other areas of the sea with most anglers concentrating on this one spot. Information: Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.
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 two weeks ago. Information: 760-564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: General trout season reopens April 25th, but year-around and special regulation waters are open now. For updated road and camping information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of Commerce 760-873-8405, or Bishop.
BRIDGEPORT REGION: East Walker River remains tough with low flows, about 20 cfs, and freezing nighttime temperatures, although some are still finding a few fish. Midge emerger patterns are the top bait, but some bigger fish are showing on streamers. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or Kens Sporting Goods Home Page.
MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek are open to year-around fishing. Improved action in the upper Owens with some of the bigger rainbows stacked up in the bigger pools. Flows at Hot Creek are around 105 cfs, and this bite is good with blue-wing olive mayfly hatches some days, but the midge hatches are consistent. For fishing info, call The Troutfitter 760-934-2517, Sierra Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, or Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181 or Performance Anglers Fly Fishing Guide Service and Outfitters Mammoth Lakes, CA.
BISHOP AREA: Only Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the Owens River gorge, and lower Owens River remain open to anglers. Flows on the lower Owens are about 120 cfs. The bite in Owens and the reservoir has been fair to good with some quality broodstock fish showing in the lake and lower part of the river. Wild brown trout action good in the Wild Trout stretch on midge patterns. For fishing information: Culver's 760-872- 8361, Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Only the lower Owens and Diaz Lake remain open and fishing has been slow at both. No recent plants. Information: 760-876-4444 or go to Lone PineChamber of Commerce | the Other Side of California.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Best trout bite in the area, especially by the auxiliary dam on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. DFG trout plant last week. The occasional bass on jigs and spoons. Upcoming events: Trout derby set for April 4-6. A number of tagged trout worth big cash will be planted for the event. Applications are available at 20th Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. Fishing information: Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Slow action in the lower river with only a few trout reported. The upper river remains fair on wild fish and a few holdover planters. Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or Fly Fishing the Kern River, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Only a few reports of stripers from four to six pounds on blood worms or sand worms.
HART PARK LAKE: Good trout bite on nightcrawlers. DFG trout plant week before last.
TRUXTUN LAKE: DFG trout plant week before last. Fair trout bite on Power Bait and nightcrawlers with garlic.
RIVER WALK PARK: Fair trout action after plants. DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
MING LAKE: Fair to good trout bite. DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
BRITE LAKE: Fair trout action. DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
BUENA VISTA LAKES: Fair to good trout bite with fish caught in the 10-pound range or better. Call Bob’s Bait for information: 661-833-8657.
WOLLOMES LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago.
SUCCESS LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 559-781-2078.
KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Very good crappie bite with fish from 3/4 to a pound. Crappie jigs and nightcrawlers are best. Melissa Cummings, Newport Beach, caught a stringer of five fishing totaling 8 1/2 pounds. Striper action also fair to good with the best bite in Bee Rock Cove and Harris Creek on anchovies or swimbaits. Largemouth bass bite fair around the rocky points on swimbaits, spoons, crankbaits and plastic worms. Fair to good catfish action on anchovies, mackerel or shrimp. Information: 805-472-2818.
SANTA MARGARITA: Trout bite slow, although sporadic reports of fair or better action have come in. Most trout biting the afternoons on Power Bait. Fair largemouth bass bite on Brush Hogs, plastics, or crankbaits with most fish from two to three pounds and some smallmouth also showing. Decent crappie action on jigs near the river inlet. The marina store is open Wednesday through Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.
NACIMIENTO: The bite for spotties remains fair to good on plastics, jigs, and spoons in the narrows and off the rocky shorelines with the best bite mornings and evenings. Largemouth and smallmouth action fair on plastics and nightcrawlers. Slow to fair white bass bite, but more have been showing recently. Information: 805-238-1056 or Welcome to Lake Nacimiento.
LOPEZ: Bluegill and redear bites are slow to fair on crickets or wax and meal worms. Trout bite fair trollers using Needlefish or Kastmasters in 30 to 40 feet. Most fish are from one to two pounds and bait anglers have pulled some out on nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Bass bite fair with some action by the dam. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries:
RIVERSIDE: Lake Evans, Rancho Jurupa Park Lake.
SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park Lake, El Prado Lake, Seccombe Park Lake.
LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Cuddy Creek Pond, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Reservoir, Santa Fe Basin.
ORANGE: Yorba Regional Park Lake.
SAN DIEGO: Chollas Reservoir, Lindo Lake, Murray Reservoir.
SANTA BARBARA: Lake Cachuma.
VENTURA: Lake Piru, Rancho Simi Community Park Lake, Reves Creek.
FRESNO: Avocado Lake, Kings River below the Pine Flat Reservoir, San Joaquin River below the Friant Dam.
STANLISLAUS: Modesto Reservoir, Turlock Lake, Woodward Reservoir.
*TUOLUMNE: Tulloch Reservor.