By:
CYNDI GOLLAZ and JIM MATTHEWS - Outdoor News Service
The fish report is weekly. Its accuracy depends
on marina operators, tackle shops and local fishermen we contact.
Anglers catching large fish should send the information to Outdoor News
Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427, or telephone
909-887-3444, so it can be included n this report. Faxes can be sent to
909-887-8180. E-Mail messages or fishing reports can also be posted to
Jim Matthews at
odwriter@earthlink.net and/or Cyndi Gollaz at
cagurrola@charter.net.
Other complete versions are posted on a number of Web sites each week,
including the Turner's Outdoorsman Web site (www.turners.com) and
Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors Web site (www.jesseshunting.com). The
updated report is usually posted by Thursday morning at each of these
sites. The Outdoor News Service web site is www.outdoornewsservice.com.
The Cal
TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hotline, is
1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is located at the
following address: www.dfg.ca.gov.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. This is starting to sound like a broken
record, but the trout bite at Diamond Valley Lake continues to be one
of the hottest bites going. The action is still confined to deep
trolling or drifting live bait in 35 to 60 feet of water near the west
dam, but fish have also been reported at the east dam this week. The
average fish is in the two-pound range and most anglers have three- to
four-pound or bigger holdover trout in their limits. For updated
fishing information, call the marina at 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait
& Tackle 951-658-7410, or go to the Diamond Valley Lake message board
section at www.fishingnetwork.net.
2. The best albacore fishing of the season is
happening right now. The only drawback in this wide open action has
been windy, rough weather at times offshore. The fish have moved as
close as 70 miles -- one-day range -- but the 1 1/2-day and two-day
trips are still the best bet. Boats are running from Los Angeles,
Orange County, and San Diego-based landings to these fish. These are
truck albacore, too, with most of the fish in the mid-30s and some into
the upper 40-pound range. Best source for updates is www.976-tuna.com
or any of the landingsĖ web sites. ItĖs time to go.
3. An increasing number of bigger stripers
are starting to show on the Colorado River, especially at Willow Beach.
There were several 11 to 26 pound stripers reported this past week on
the big trout-like plugs. This bite should continue improve as we move
into the fall and the water cools. For an update on this bite, call the
Willow Beach Marina at 928-767-4747.
FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: There is a good bite on holdover fish
at Diamond Valley and decent action at Piru. Big Bear is getting more
consistent again, but still just a fair bet. In San Diego County, only
Cuyamaca continues to have a consistently good bite. The entire Eastern
Sierra Nevada is generally slow to fair but improving after rains and
cooler weather this past week. Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake,
BridgeportĖs Twin Lakes, and Virginia Lakes are all decent and
improving. Lake Isabella and upper reaches of the North Fork of the
Kern River are very good in the Western Sierra in spite of low flows.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: More and more topwater
action each day now as the evenings cool. Most of the action is still
in deeper water during the day. If you can get live shad, the bite can
be very good. Diamond Valley, Casitas, and Castaic again share the top
picks this week, but Piru, Pyramid, Cachuma, Skinner, Perris, and
Silverwood are all fair. In San Diego County, Barrett is still pretty
much wide open, and San Vicente is also good. El Capitan, Sutherland,
and Lower Otay are spotty. Isabella is fair to good with some quality
fish. The lower Colorado River is also good with some excellent
reports, especially from the backwaters. Also some decent smallmouth
catches in this same region.
STRIPED BASS: Pyramid, Skinner, Silverwood,
and Castaic are all fair to good bets for stripers. Most of the fish at
all these reservoirs are three- to five-pound class fish, but a bigger
fish is possible at all four. PyramidĖs surface bite is getting better
by the day, but the best bite at all four is on anchovies and sardines
with some fish showing on swimbaits. On the Colorado River, bites are
just fair at Mead, Mohave, Havasu, and the lower river, but there have
been a few flurries of big fish action below Willow Beach. This past
week several fish from 11 to 26 pounds were landed.
PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites are
fair to good most places with fish showing in good numbers at Perris,
Skinner, and Diamond Valley. Some crappie bites are also starting to
perk, with good action at Lake Isabella, and fair to good bites at
Piru, Lopez, and Santa Margarita lakes. Some action also starting on
the Colorado River in Topoc Gorge and Havasu.
CATFISH: On the Colorado River, especially
the larger irrigation drainage ditches in the Blythe, Palo Verde, and
Yuma areas, the catfish action is good. Flatheads from 20 to 35 pounds
are reported each week. The urban catfish season is winding down with
no DFG plants for months and the county catfish programs are over or
winding down. Only Irvine Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake and
Hesperia Lake continue to have good action thanks to heavy plants.
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS
SILVERWOOD: Still a very good striper bite.
Excellent action on Blade Dancers, anchovies, or Power worms off the
docks and near the dam. Most striper are in the one to four pound range
with some bigger. Good catfish action on anchovies or nightcrawlers all
over the lake. The trout action is fair to good on nightcrawlers and
worms off the docks. Mark Scott, Bloomington, and Hilton Auzenne,
Rialto, caught five catfish, topped by an eight pounder landed by
Scott, and five stripers to four pounds. The pair was fishing
anchovies. Largemouth bass action fair near the dam and off the points
on nightcrawlers or worms. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park
760-389-2281, Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.
BIG BEAR LAKE: Still the best bite for
trollers fishing the surface with silver, black or gold CD Rapalas, and
copper melon or red-dot frog Needlefish. Trout Alley, Metcalf Bay and
the area near the west ramp are still the most productive areas for
trollers. Drift fishing with a sliding egg rig at Rock Wall mouth is
also a good way to land trout. DFG trout plant this week. Some panfish
action in the shallows and off the docks on mini-jigs or meal worms.
The catfish bite is fair on cut baits. Upcoming events: October
Troutfest set for October 6 and 7. Information: Big Bear Marina
909-866-3218, Big Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.
GREGORY LAKE: Still a slow to fair trout
bite. DFG trout plant this week. A county plant is scheduled for Sept.
21. Crappie fair to good, but most fish are very small. Also some
bluegill and the odd catfish in the catch. Information: 909-338-2233.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE: The trout action improved
with the cooler evenings with a lot of limits posted on Power Bait and
nightcrawlers, and off-season rates are now in affect ($10 adults, $5
kids under 16). Don OĖToole, Moreno Valley, caught an eight-pound
rainbow on a crawler. DFG trout plant this week. The lake is open from
5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Recorded information: 909-867-2009.
ARROWBEAR LAKE: Mostly dry. No DFG trout
plants for over a month.
JENKS LAKE: Good rainbow trout action. DFG
plant this week. Tubing with small trout plastics or using Power worms
is the best bet. Also some small bass being caught. Information:
909-794-1123, ext. 4.
HIGH DESERT LAKES
HESPERIA LAKE: Fair to good catfish action on
nightcrawlers, shrimp, and the alternate M&M (marshmallow and mackerel)
combo. Anything dipped in SonnyĖs Catfish Bait will also do the trick.
Best bite is in deeper water near the island. Also still the odd
sturgeon showing. Information: 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
JESS RANCH: The continued cooling trend is
helping the trout action improve each week. Anglers are using rainbow
Power Bait and nightcrawlers. The best bite is still before 10 a.m. Hot
spots include the grassy point and western shore of lake 3, and the
north shore of lake 2. Some bluegill were also caught on meal worms
with most fish near or over 1 pound. The Lakes' Hatchery stocks trout
every Friday year round. Lake hours are Friday through Sunday from 7
a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.
MOJAVE NARROWS: Catfish action good to
excellent on shrimp, nightcrawlers or chicken livers dipped in stink
bait. The fish are in deep water close to the island and in Horseshoe
Lake. The afternoon bite is best. The fish are from three to five
pounds. Bluegill and bass action also good in Horseshoe Lake. Trout and
carp action poor. Trout plant scheduled for mid October. Information:
760-245-2226.
INLAND VALLEY LAKES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good catfish
action. The last county plant went in three weeks ago. Information:
909-481-4205.
PRADO: Fair to good catfish bite in the
mornings and evenings on shrimp, mackerel or nightcrawlers. The fish
are in the cattails. Most are 1-8 to two pounds. Bass action fair to
good on purple or blood-red worms fished drop-shot style or or
Texas-rigged plastics in the cattails and at the dam. Most of the fish
are between one and two pounds with an occasional four to five pounder
being landed. Bluegill and carp action remain steady. Information:
909-597-4260.
YUCAIPA: Fair catfish bite. No more plants,
however. The fish are in the two to three-pound range. Top baits have
been anchovies, mackerel, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and the
marshmallow-meal worm combo. Lake information: 909-790-3127.
GLEN HELEN: Fair catfish action with the last
county plant of the season last week. Most of the fish are running two
to four pounds and are showing on mackerel, shrimp and Hog Wild. There
is also fair bite on small bluegill. Information: 909-887-7540.
MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked
pools are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed.
Information: 909-982-4246.
SECCOMBE LAKE: Slow. Information:
909-384-5233.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
DIAMOND VALLEY: The bass action improved and
the bite is fair to good. Drop-shoting finesse worms has been the most
successful. Others are finding success with ice jigs deep.
Shad are the
live bait of choice. Most fish are in the two to four-pound range and
the fish are off the points in 25 to 45 feet. Good to excellent trout
action for those that are trolling or drifting along the west dam and
east dam. Needlefish, TD Minnows and shad Rapalas are best. Bill Burns,
Bruce Burns and David Rolph, Moreno Valley, caught a 5.7-pound trout to
top off limits while drifting worms.
Cliff Graham, Cathederal City,
caught a 16-pound limit of trout on nightcrawlers. Jesse Dinkins,
Hemet, caught a 15-pound limit of trout drifting worms. Top fish was
four pounds. Matt Thompson, Hemet, caught a 4.4 and 4.7-pound trout
drifting shad. Bryan Eddy and Chris Hurn, Corona, landed 4.44 and
four-pound trout at the west dam. Slow to fair catfish action this
week. Some are having luck near the rock quarry on anchovies, mackerel
and raw shrimp. Robbie Tarbaux, Highland, caught a 10.2-pound catfish
on the west side
on nightcrawlers. Fair to good bluegill
action near the dams on meal worms. Fair crappie action near the
eucalyptus trees on live worms or shad. Striper action very slow.
Information: 800-590-LAKE, marina 951-926-7201, Last Chance Bait &
Tackle 951-658-7410 or www.dvmarina.com.
PERRIS: Bluegill action excellent in the
marina and off the east end on meal worms. Cooper Lake, 3, Norco,
landed a 1-8 bluegill on a meal worm from the east end. The largemouth
bass bite is good in Sail Cove, off the island, near the dam and at
lots eight and nine on plastic worms and crankbaits. Bass to 7-0
reported. The redear bite is good off the east side of the island. Dock
fishing is allowed for a $3 fee. Information: marina 951-657-2179,
state park 951-940-5600.
SKINNER: Catfish bite good with plenty of
limits off shore, around Launch Ramp 2, and in the spillway on
nightcrawlers, mackerel or chicken liver. Steve Forester, Menifee,
caught a 3-5 catfish on mackerel in the inlet. The striper action is
fair to good at dawn or dusk on anchovies or sardines. Excellent
largemouth bass action on Rapalas and topwater plastics, especially
during cloudy conditions. Chris Espinoza, Carlsbad, caught a 5-6
largemouth on a Rapala at the east end. Good to excellent bluegill
action on nightcrawlers or wax worms. Lance Jennings, Vista, caught 1-3
and 1-2 bluegill on nightcrawlers in Toilet Cove. Fair crappie action
on crappie jigs. Information: store 951-926-1505 or marina
951-926-8515.
LAKE ELSINORE: A fair to good largemouth bass
action on purple or green plastic worms, white or chartreuse
spinnerbaits, live worms and vibrating cranks. Some wipers have been in
the mix. Carp and catfish bites remain fair to good. Dough balls,
nightcrawlers and corn meal are top choices for carp. Worms,
nightcrawlers and mackerel are best for the catfish. The bite is best
at the old state park and most carp and cats are in the two to
five-pound range. Dipping any bait in stink bait will help the action.
Information: Catfishing R Us at 877-685-7752.
CORONA LAKE: The bite continues good for both
catfish and tilapia. Cats best at night or in deeper water from boats
during the day. The top bait has been mackerel dipped in garlic Gravy.
Top catfish this week was an 11-4 caught by Randy Muirhead, Riverside,
on mackerel near the dam. The top catch this week was a 55-8 stringer
of catfish brought in by BoB Schempp and Murray Tolway, both of
Riverside. They were fishing from boat and using mackerel. Jimmy Cinza,
Colton, caught eight catfish totaling 13-8 on a variety of baits, using
mackerel, nightcrawlers, and shrimp. The tilapia bite remains good.
Nightcrawlers fished in the shallow water is the best bet for these
fish, and some bluegill are also showing for anglers fishing the
tilapia. Catfish plants weekly. The 24-hour passes are available Friday
and Saturday each week. Information: 951-277-4489 or
www.fishinglakes.com.
EVANS LAKE: Few reports but some bullheads
and catfish are showing, and the bluegill action is improving on meal
or wax worms.
RANCHO JURUPA: Slow. Information:
951-684-7032.
FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair catfish bite from
all three lakes on pieces of nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mackerel or
anchovies. Upcoming events: fishing derby every Saturday from 7 a.m. to
4 p.m. Information: 909-795-2411.
ANGLER'S LAKE: Catfish action good with some
fish showing on the M&M (marshmallow and meal worm) combo, mackerel or
nightcrawlers. Information: 951-927-2614.
REFLECTION LAKE: Good catfish action on
mackerel and shrimp. The lake is stocked with 1,000 pounds of catfish
every two weeks. Lake information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.
JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: The lake currently
closed, but it will re-open Wednesday, October 3. Information:
951-679-6562.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS
LAKE HEMET: Fair trout and bass action.
Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are top choices. Most trout were in the
one-pound range. DFG trout plant this week. Also a decent carp and
bluegill bite on dough and wax worms. 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 DFG plants for over a month.
Information: 951-659-2117.
ORANGE COUNTY
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Good catfish action
with a number of double-digit fish caught this past week. The big lake
and Catfish Lake have been the best spots to fish with ChrisĖ Pond
being very difficult to fish because of the steep sides because of low
water levels. The best baits continue to be mackerel, the M&M
(marshmallow and mealworm) combo, shrimp, and nightcrawlers, all dipped
in Gravy. Anglers fishing from boats are still having the best success,
especially with the lower water levels. John Codrean, Fullerton, caught
the top catfish this week at 16-8 on a nightcrawler near the pump
house. Steve McWeeney, Costa Mesa, caught a 13-0 catfish, while Preston
Starnes, Fullerton, caught a 12.4-pound catfish. Bob Valencia, Downy,
caught an 11-8 and Ce Khamphant, Anaheim, and Art Haynes, Costa Mesa,
each caught 11-pound catfish. Yoo Ray, Fullerton, landed a 10-pounder,
while Francisco Garcia, Santa Ana, caught a 15 fish stringer of catfish
totaling 31-0 with fish to 4-0. Mike Sargent, Buena Park, caught a
stringer of cats totaling 39-0 with fish to 9-0. Catfish plants are
weekly.
Information: 714-632-7830 or
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: Terry :Pontoon Lairsen,
Huntington Beach, caught a 45.5-pound blue catfish on mackerel at the
flats off his boat. The overall catfish bite is excellent on mackerel,
Catmando, catfish dough, chicken liver and DuMongĖs in the flats, off
the west shore and in the lagoon. Jerry Joiner, Laguna Beach, landed
14.8 and 11.6-pound catfish on Catmando. Terry Leibon, Huntington
Beach, caught a 14.4-pound catfish on mackerel at the flats. Little to
no crappie action this week. Bass action fair with fish in the two to
three-pound range on drop-shot plastics at Rocky Point. Some anglers
have reported catching 20 or more. Bluegill and redear action also fair
on meal worms and wax worms. Most fish are about one pound. Lake
information: 714-649-9111.
LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Bass action fair to good
with fish from one to three pounds on Texas-rigged plastic worms in
dark colors or various crankbaits. Fish the surface in the early
mornings. Catfish action fair to good off the points and in the flats
on nightcrawlers or mackerel dipped in garlic sauce. A 21-pound catfish
was landed this week. Fair crappie and bluegill action on meal worms
fished off a bobber, half nightcrawlers or various crappie jigs. The
lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or
www.lagunaniguellake.com.
LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES
CACHUMA: Good bass bite on topwater worms,
jigs and plastics in Cachuma Bay and behind the island. The bite is
best in the afternoons. Some good trout action by the dam. The fish are
in 40 to 60 feet on nightcrawlers, pearl-bikini Needlefish, shad
Rapalas or Power Bait. Catfish are showing on mackerel, shrimp or
nightcrawlers in the narrows and in Little Cachuma. Also some fair to
good action in HarveyĖs Cove and by the Mohawk Fishing Pier. Crappie
bite slow with only a few in Little Cachuma on crappie jigs and meal
worms, if you can find the schools. Information: 805-688-4040.
CASITAS: Good bass action in the early
morning and late afternoon on topwater, plastic worms, or shad
replicas. Live worms good during the day. The bite is best near the
dam. Kevin Thomson, Acton, caught 9-8 and nine-pound bass on plastic
worms. Seth Casey, Oak View, caught a seven-pound bass on plastic
worms. Bernie Cronk, Thousand Oaks, caught a five-bass limit on plastic
worms. Top fish was six pounds. Tim Holt, Oak View, landed a five-pound
bass on a spinnerbait. Good catfish action on mackerel or shrimp. Jim
Mason, Oak View, caught a 12-pound catfish on mackerel. Plenty of
bluegill and redear in the shallows on live worms, nightcrawlers or red
worms. Information: 805-649-2043.
CASTAIC: Good striper bite on anchovies,
sardines, Kastmasters or nightcrawlers off the shore and west ramp.
Rick Howe, Ventura, caught a 14.8-pound striper on worms. Most stripers
landed are in the two to four-pound range off the west ramp or off
boats. The largemouth bass action is fair to good in shallow water in
the early morning on plastic worms, topwater plastics, swimbaits,
cranks, or Senkos. Ken Hemer, Castaic, caught a 3.2-pound largemouth on
a Robo worm. Most fish from one to three pounds. Information:
661-775-6232.
PIRU: Good crappie action in 10 to 20 feet on
white mini-jigs. Most fish are under a pound, with a few over. Top fish
was a pound and a half. Bass action good on nightcrawlers, Power Bait
and plastic worms in 10 to 15 feet. Trout action fair for trollers
using Kastmasters, Rapalas or Needlefish deep, 60 to 80 feet. Hours are
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: park 805-521-1500, marina 805-521-1231.
PYRAMID: The striper bite is still very good
to excellent on topwater lures, sardines and anchovies. Plenty of
boils. Not too many big fish, but quite a few in the four to five-pound
range have been landed with the odd bigger fish. The shad have moved up
to the surface and the fish are all over them. The dam, the channel and
Yellow Bar are the hot areas. Largemouth bass bite fair on plastics and
swimbaits. Not too much bluegill or crappie action again this week.
Still some trout being landed on Power Bait. The bite is off and on.
Water levels are up and boats are able to launch. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5
p.m. Information: USFS 661-296-9710, concession 661-257-2790.
QUAIL LAKE: Few reports.
PUDDINGSTONE: The bass action is just fair
off the east shore on drop shot plastics and live worms. The fish are
deep, but will surface once the water temps come down. Bluegill and
redear fair on meal and wax worms. Crappie bite fair on small jigs. The
action is best in or around Sailboat Cove. Catfish bite fair.
Information: 909-599-8411, ext. 4.
SANTA FE DAM: Fair bluegill action on worms
and nightcrawlers in the afternoon. Most fish are under a pound. Fair
catfish action on mackerel, shrimp or chicken liver. Information:
626-334-1065.
ALONDRA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BALBOA PARK LAKE: No plants.
BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: No plants.
CERRITOS PARK LAKE: No plants.
DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: No plants.
ECHO PARK LAKE: No plants.
EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No plants.
ELIZABETH LAKE: No plants.
HANSEN DAM LAKE: No plants. Information:
888-527-2757 or 818-899-3779.
HOLLENBECK LAKE: No plants. Information:
213-261-0113.
JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No plants in over a
month.
KENNETH HAHN PARK LAKE: No plants.
LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: No plants.
LEGG LAKE: No plants.
LINCOLN PARK LAKE: No plants.
MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE: No plants.
**PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: Some action at the
drop offs. Some fair carp action with fish in the 1-8 to two-pound
range on dough balls. No plants in over a month. Information:
818-448-7317.
SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES
BARRETT: Good to excellent bass action and a
fair bluegill bite. There were 132 anglers who reported catching 1,028
bass and 94 bluegill. The lake is open for fishing on a Wednesday,
Saturday, and Sunday schedule. September reservations are still on sale
through Ticketmaster at 619-220-8497 or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.sandiego.ca.us/water/.
HODGES: Both the bass and crappie action
slowed from last week, but both are still fair. No bluegill action.
There were 211 anglers who reported 99 bass, 39 crappie and 11 channel
catfish. Austin Kelley, 9, and Jesse Kelley, 11, Oceanside, caught a
10.80-pound channel catfish on mackerel. The lake is open on a
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
EL CAPITAN: Fair bass action. This past week
there were 133 anglers who reported catching 125 bass, 10 channel
catfish, two crappie and one blue catfish. Kierra Silveira, Lakeside,
landed a 5.25-pound largemouth on a spinner in the North Arm. The lake
will be open Thursday for fishing only, and Friday through Sunday for
both fishing and water contact. The private boat limit is 80 on
Sundays. No rentals on Thursday, Friday or Monday. Information:
619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-668-3274.
LOWER OTAY: Fair bluegill action. Everything
else slow. This week 154 anglers reported catching 74 bluegill, 61
bass, nine channel catfish and two crappie. Best action in HarveyĖs
Arm. Larry Wilson, San Diego, caught a 15.10-pound channel catfish on
mackerel. 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: There were 15 anglers who
reported 14 bass in a fair catch-and-release bite. The lake is open on
a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake will be open
Memorial Day. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
SAN VICENTE: Fair to good bass action and a
good bluegill bite. There were 119 anglers who reported 276 bass, 96
bluegill, 10 channel catfish and one blue catfish. The lake is open
Saturday and Sunday only, and the boat launch is open for private
boaters. The lake is open to fishing Thursday and Friday through the
end of September. During October the lake will be open on Saturday and
Sunday for water contact only. Fishing will resume in November on
Saturday and Sunday only. The shoreline from the launch ramp to the
buoy line is closed to all activities. Lake information: 619-465- 3474
or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat reservations:
619-668-3274.
MURRAY: Bluegill action fair. Everything else
slow. This week there were 39 anglers who reported 43 bluegill and 22
bass. Rental boats are available Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-390-0223.
MIRAMAR: Very slow action. This past week
there were 31 anglers who reported 10 channel cats, five bass and one
bluegill. The lake is open to fishing and boating seven days a week.
Information: 619-465-3474 or www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-390-0223.
SUTHERLAND: Good bass and bluegill action.
There were 115 anglers who reported 162 bass, 42 bluegill, 23 channel
catfish and one crappie. Top fish was a 7.10-pound largemouth by Mark
Dobson, Rancho Penasquitos. Michael Coney, El Cajon, caught a
5.65-pound albino catfish at Santa Ysabel. Janelle Alva, 13, Ontario,
caught a 0.75-pound bluegill on a worm off Dock Cove. The lake is open
to fishing and boating on a Friday through Sunday schedule. Starting
October 1, the lake will be open for fishing and boating Friday,
Saturday and Monday. Information: 619-465-3474 or
www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.
WOHLFORD: Fair channel catfish action on
nightcrawlers, chicken liver, shrimp and cut mackerel. Jesse Roberson
and Caroline Wigg, Vista, caught seven channel cats totaling 24-4 on
shrimp in Oakvale Cove. Top fish was 7-15. The bass are in the shallows
and the action is fair on shad-replicas, Senkos, plastic worms and
swimbaits. The shad moved into the shallows and in the bank. The lake
is closed on weekdays and open only on Saturday and Sunday. There is a
temporary ban on private boat launches, canoes, kayaks, float tubes,
trolling motors, fish finders and anchors due to quagga mussels.
Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
DOANE POND: DFG trout plant one month ago.
DIXON: Slow to fair bass action along the
shoreline and in the coves. The fish didnĖt receive much pressure this
week. Look for an early morning and late evening shad bite. Catfish
bite fair at night on mackerel and anchovies. The last catfish plant of
the season, 2,000 pounds, went in three weeks ago, so the action is
slowing down each week. Bluegill action hanging on by a thread. Try red
worms near the piers and in the shallows. Lake information:
760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
POWAY: The action is still on the slow side.
The spots that can change your luck are by the Log Boom and off the
north shore. Only a few channel catfish have been landed on mackerel at
the Log Boom. The last catfish plant of the season, 900 pounds, went in
three weeks ago. Some bass action on topwater. The lake is open
Wednesday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. From October 1 through
November 1, the lake will only be open for fishing on Saturdays and
Sundays from 7 a.m. to sunset. Upcoming events: Discount Fishing Day
will be held on Sept. 22 from 7 a.m. to sunset. No state fishing
license will be required on that day. Adult fishing permits will be $4
and youth permits will be $1. Motorboats will rent for $15 and rowboats
for $8. Lake or discount information: snack bar 858-679-5465, Poway
information line 858-668-4770, concessions 858-486-1234.
JENNINGS: Fair bass action in the shallows
and in the bank at dawn and dusk on crawdad imitations. The water
levels are dropping, so the action is getting better. Fair catfish
action in 60 feet or deeper on mackerel or nightcrawlers at the buoy
lines and in Half Moon Cove. Trout season opens Oct. 19 with a
2,000-pound plant of rainbow trout. The lake is open on a Friday,
Saturday and Sunday schedule. Upcoming events: free fishing class this
Sunday at 1 p.m. Event or lake information: Ranger Hugh Marx,
619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
MORENA: Despite the slow trout bite, a local
angler managed to pull out a 1-2 rainbow on spinnerbait. Bass action
better than the trout. Try topwater baits in the mornings or crankbaits
during the day. Chris Patek, Chula Vista, caught an 8-15 bass on
plastic worms, and another bass at 7-3 was reported. The bluegill and
crappie bites are fair. Crappie fair on jigs and crankbaits. Try pieces
of nightcrawlers in the stick-ups for the bluegill. The catfish action
is fair to good on mackerel or chicken livers in the afternoons. Plenty
of channels and whites biting at the brush line. The boat launch is
open. Boat rentals are limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station
619-694-3049.
CUYAMACA: A 1,200-pound plant of AlpersĖ went
in last week, as well as a 1,500-pound trout plant by the DFG. The
channel catfish action is good on mackerel and nightcrawlers. Joni
Saudera, El Cajon, caught a 14-8 channel catfish on Hog Wild off the
fishing pier. Renee Pifer, La Mesa, caught a 1-8 trout on Power Bait
off the shoreline. National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for
Saturday. No state fishing license will be required. Upcoming events:
Fishin' In The Pines Free Kids Fishing Derby set for Saturday. Event
starts at 6 a.m. Free fishing, barbecue and giant raffle, with prizes
in various age categories for all kids 15 and under. Free fishing class
every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Information: 760-765-0515 or
www.lakecuyamaca.org.
HENSHAW: Good catfish action off the docks
and near the dam on nightcrawlers, chicken liver and shrimp. Sharon
Martinez, Pauma Valley, caught a 4-8 catfish off the Fish-n-Float Dock.
Fred and Catherine Vanderbilt, San Marcos, caught a 3 1/3-pound catfish
off their boat. Rul Him Shiu, Alhambra, landed two one-pound catfish
off the Fish-n-Float Dock. Good bass bite from boats and off the
Fish-n-Float Dock on swimbaits and plastics. The crappie have moved to
midlake and the bite there is fair to good on crappie jigs. Rul Him
Shiu, Alhambra, also caught two one-pound crappie. W.C. Smith,
Manhattan Beach, landed two, half-pound crappie off the Fish-n-Float
Dock. Some bluegill biting on meal or wax worms. Information:
760-782-3501.
COLORADO RIVER
LAKE MEAD: The weather cooled down and the
striper action is good on Storm Swimbaits in the Vegas Wash area. A 9-8
striper was caught in Echo Bay on anchovies. Most stripers have been in
the two-pound range. Bluegill are biting in the backs of coves in the
early morning. Largemouth action hit-and-miss with some topwater
action. Catfish are biting anchovies all day.
WILLOW BEACH: Still some good striper action,
including some whoppers over 25 pounds. The stripers are biting
trout-like swimbaits, A.C. Plugs, or anchovies. Darren Nyehe, Las
Vegas, caught a 26 3/4-pound striper on a Rapala. Chuck McMurray, Fort
Mohave, landed 15-8, 11-8 and 3-8 striper on anchovies. Bill Easter,
Meredith, caught an 11-pound striper at mile marker 54. Fair catfish
action on nightcrawlers, mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp. Some nice
rainbows have still been landed on Power Bait, Roostertails, worms or
spinners. Trout plant every Friday. Information: 928-767-4747.
LAKE MOHAVE: Striper action slow. When the
fish are taking, anchovies, shrimp, swimbaits or squid have been best.
Davis Dam and Telephone Cove are the best fishing spots. Information:
702-297-1464.
BELOW DAVIS DAM: A continued good striper and
catfish bite near HarrahĖs Casino on anchovies. Some good stripers have
been landed along the Big Bend area.
NEEDLES: Fair to good striper action on small
fish downriver in the Topoc area. A few catfish are starting to show
and some crappie are also biting in the gorge. Information: Premier
Sports 760-326-2727, Golden Shores 760-768-2325.
TOPOCK MARSH: Good striper bite. An 18
pounder was landed by a local angler on cut anchovy. Catfish action
excellent on mackerel, anchovies, worms or shrimp in the cattails and
in the wood, especially in the early morning. Bass bite fair in the
early morning and evening on topwater plastics. The marsh can be
accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile
Landing. Information: 928-768-2350.
HAVASU: Striper bite good south of Havasu
Palms on anchovies, shad and topwater lures such as Vixens and Chug
Bugs. Fish are from one to three pounds. Also some good action after
sunset in the northern part of the river. Largemouth bass action
excellent in coves and along the shorelines on Senkos. Both species
have been good on jigs in the backs of coves and up river. Good channel
catfish bite on cut squid or mackerel in the evening after 6 p.m. near
the bays and in the coves. Information: 760-663-3811.
PARKER STRIP: Good smallmouth bass action on
crankbaits and topwater lures. Fair catfish action. The flatheads are
biting goldfish and bluegill all along the lower river. Information:
JuneĖs Unique 928-669-8883.
BLYTHE: Still some very good flathead action.
The fish are in the 15 to 25-pound range. The channel catfish bite is
good, too, on mackerel and anchovies. Smallmouth and largemouth bass
are also good in the afternoons on plastics. Lots of fish to three
pounds reported. Bluegill are fair to good in the backwaters on worms.
Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.
PALO VERDE: Good flathead action all along
the lower river. The river levels are up and fishing pressure is light,
but there's improved bass and bluegill action in the backwaters, and an
excellent carp bite on fish to five pounds. Cibola Lake has a good
flathead bite on bluegill and goldfish and blue catfish are showing on
chicken livers. Some bass have also been landed in the main river.
Information: Walter's Camp 760-854-3322.
PICACHO AREA: Fair flathead, channel cat,
bluegill and striper bite. The largemouth bite broke open and the
action is good.
MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Good largemouth bite on
cranks, spinnerbaits and plastics. Channel catfish bite decent on
anything that stinks, and the crappie bite is also fair on small live
minnows. More and more flatheads are showing in the main river, too.
Information: 928-783-9589 or www.martinezlake.com.
YUMA AREA: The Gila Main Canal in East Yuma
is still fair for channel catfish and large redear and bluegill. All
biting on worms. In the main Colorado River, the channel catfish bite
has been fair on chicken liver or worms dipped in stink bait, but there
is very light fishing pressure and very few flatheads have been
reported.
LOWER DESERT WATERS
SALTON SEA: No reports. Information: Red Hill
Marina 760-348-2310, Salton Sea State Recreation Area ranger station
760-393-3052. Weather information: 760-352-3360, Coachella Valley Water
District's weather forecast 760-398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use
Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to channel one.
ALAMO RIVER: Fair to good catfish action, but
light fishing pressure. Several flatheads in the 15 to 20 pound range.
COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Few reports but
some channel cats and the odd bass have been reported.
ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing
pressure.
FINNEY-RAMER: No reports.
WEIST LAKE: No reports.
SUNBEAM LAKE: No reports. Information:
760-352-3308.
LAKE CAHUILLA: Crappie are good around the
docks, but most are small. Also a good bullhead bite. Information:
760-564-4712.
EASTERN SIERRA
GENERAL: For updated road and camping
information: Interagency Visitor Center 760-876-6222, Bishop Chamber of
Commerce 760-873-8405, or www.bishopvisitor.com.
Bridgeport Reservoir has been good for fly
anglers fishing right outside the marina, in the Walker Channel, and
off Rocky and Rainbow Points. Fly anglers are using damsel nymph
patterns or brown or olive Wooly Buggers. The levels are perfect at the
West Walker River and the bite is decent on planted rainbows near the
campground and the Pickle Meadows trout habitat section. The East
Walker River is still fishing poorly. The water temps are high and the
flows are low. The fish are concentrated near the dam. Caddis, Trico°s
and midges hatching early. Caddis hatching again in the afternoon until
dark. Both Virginia and Lundy Lakes have fair action on nightcrawlers
and Power Bait. Information: Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Good to excellent fishing
across the loop -- June, Silver, Grant and Gull lake, as well as Rush
Creek. Fish the points and weed beds. Some decent midge hatches at
Grant, Silver and Gull. A few Callibaetis have been popping off in the
morning and afternoon. Pulling streamers and leach patterns have also
been productive. Try olive matukas, black or olive Wooly Buggers, mini
leaches, Hare°s ears or Copper Johns on all the lakes. Midging at Grant
by the inlet or at the outlet of Silver has produced some as well.
Information: Ernie's Fishing Tackle 760-648-7756 or June Lake Marina
760-648-7726.
MAMMOTH AREA: The temps are getting into the
low 40s overnight. Fishing at first light is not the best bet. Wait
until things warm up a bit. The bite at upper and lower Twin is good.
The browns are coming out of their hiding spots and are more
aggressive. The upper Twin has had some good action at midlake and
around the weed lines with Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns. On Crowley,
the weeds are history. A ton of midges to make up for the lack of perch
fry. Some bigger fish are showing, with a few up into the six-pound
range. The bigger fish are in McGee Bay near the channel, in six to 12
feet. Best action for the small ones is off the north end by Green
Banks and in the old stream channel. At Convict Lake, the action is
good at the jetty for trollers using Thomas Buoyants and Kastmasters.
The action at Hot Creek is very good with dry flies and small emergers
tied to a dropper. Look for the caddis hatches between 9 a.m. and 11
a.m. Try terrestrial imitations like beetles, ants or grasshoppers. The
fishing is excellent in the Upper Owens. Look for caddis on the surface
at 8 a.m. During the
day the fish are deeper in the elbows and in
the deep slots of the river. When the winds starts blowing, throw
Hoppers or Caddis. Some mayflies have been showing during the day. Lake
Mary and George have fair bites in the inlet and outlet and off the
drop-offs with various streamers and small trailers. Some decent
stillwater nyphimg at Lake Mamie. Fishing dries in the shallows will
also work. In the Mammoth Lakes, fly fishing is the best bet with
Matukas, Hornburgs, Pheasant Tails or Hare°s ears. Fishing information:
The Troutfitter 760-934-2517 or Sierra Drifters Guide Service
760-935-4250.
BISHOP AREA: Fair to slow action throughout
the Bishop Creek drainage. Sabrina action fair in the Dingleberry Inlet
on worms, eggs or Power Bait. Trollers are using flashers and worms or
a red and gold Thomas Buoyant. Most fish are in the two-pound range.
The lake was stocked this week by the DFG. Pleasant Valley Reservoir
has been good with a number of limits of rainbows. Most fish to two
pounds. In the lower Owens Rivers, there is still a steady hatch of
Trico°s and caddis in the early morning, around 7 a.m. The flows are at
450 cfs. Midge and caddis patterns are best. The BWO and PMD hatch
starts at 10 a.m. The Owens River gorge above Pleasant Valley is
cooling down. The lower temps are helping the action. Use dry/dropper
rigs. Not too many big fish, but plenty of small ones. Information:
Culver's 760-872- 8361 or Brock's 760-872-3581.
BIG PINE TO LONE PINE AREA: Plants this week
at Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, George
Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River
(below Tinnemaha), Sheperds Creek, Symmes Creek, Taboose Creek,
Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek. Information: 760-876-4444.
WESTERN SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA: Isabella is still the place to
fish in the Western Sierra. There is a very hot crappie bite on live
minnows or shad by the dam. Most fish are a pound to a pound and a
half. The catfish are everywhere and are taking mackerel and shad. Fair
to good trout action on lures and plastic trout worms. Trollers are
having luck with Needlefish by the dam. The bass are good on large
plastic worms and cranks. Bluegill bite good on wax worms. Information:
Bob's Bait 661-833-8657.
KERN RIVER: Very low flows. The best luck is
still in the pools with salmon eggs and crickets. Both the largemouth
bass and smallmouth bass are biting crickets, white Roostertails and
spinners in the lower river. All of the higher elevation streams have
also been good. The Kennedy Meadows stretch of the South Fork of the
Kern is tough with very low flows. Peppermint Creek good. Both the
upper and lower stretches of the Kern were planted this week.
Information: Kern River Troutfitter 760-376-2040 or
www.kernriverflyfishing.com, or James Store 760-376-2424.
AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: Fair catfish bite. Try
mackerel or shrimp. Still a good bite for the smaller stripers on lug
worms and blood worms. Fish are from three to five pounds. Swimbaits
also being thrown and enticing a few fish.
HART PARK LAKE: Still some fair to good carp
action on dough bait or corn meal. Fair bass bite on minnows,
nightcrawlers and jigs. Good bluegill action on wax worms and crickets.
