FISHING REPORTS

By: Compiled by Mike Bennett - Outdoor News Service | Wednesday, October 6, 2004 11:54 PM PDT ∞

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 in 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 or Mike Bennett at mike@976-tuna.com.

This report is updated daily at www.calfreshwater.com.

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 CalTIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hot line, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Web page is located at the following address: www.dfg.ca.gov.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The striper bite at Lake Silverwood has taken off, and good fishing on stripers from 1 1/2 to five pounds has been reported. Top baits have been chicken livers, cut anchovies and cut sardines. Boat anglers are finding the best action near the inlet. Shore anglers are fishing near the marina or in Cleghorn Canyon. If the striper fishing happens to be slow, the largemouth bass at the lake have been on a good bite for anglers using reaction baits or drop-shotted plastics.

2. The Blythe Region of the Colorado River kicked out two flathead catfish over 40 pounds this week and many fish from 20 to 35 pounds were also landed. Top baits have been live bluegill or goldfish fished in the main river or backwaters. Heavy gear and 30- to 50-pound fishing line is recommended for the big catfish.

3. Hesperia Lake kicked off its trout season on Wednesday with a 1,000-pound stocking of rainbow trout. The lake will be stocked again on Friday for the weekend. Reports are that trout fishing has been good on fish to five pounds with Power Bait, Power Worms or mini-jigs the best baits. After this week the lake will be stocked twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Also on Oct. 15 the lake is set to receive a plant of sturgeon from 50 to 200 pounds.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: The best striper action has been at Lake Havasu where anglers are still catching and releasing from 25 to 75 fish a day. Most of the fish are under 3-0 and showing on surface baits or shad-type jerk baits and cranks. Striper fishing has come alive at Lake Silverwood with great action on a higher quality of fish. Stripers from 1-8 to 5-0 are showing on chicken livers or anchovies. Best action has been for boat anglers fishing near the inlet. Lake Pyramid has also been hot, but the bite has been hit or miss. The DFG has been planting trout here, and stripers to 25-0 have been landed on trout swimbaits near the marina and the bite is hot when the stripers are in chasing trout. Lake Castaic has seen fair to good fishing on anchovies or sardines. Top areas have been the buoy line or Elizabeth Canyon.

TROUT: Urban trout season is just around the corner. Angler's Lake in Hemet started receiving trout plants two weeks ago and fishing has been fair on trout to 1-4 since. Power Bait or mini-jigs have been best. On Wednesday, Hesperia Lake received its first trout plant of the season, with 1,000 pounds of trout stocked. The deep water trout bite at Diamond Valley Reservoir has been slower than it was earlier in the summer, but rainbows to 6-0 are still showing along the west side of the lake near the dam for trollers using nine to 13 colors of leadcore and Needlefish. The entire Eastern Sierra region is generally good.

PANFISH: The crappie bite at Lake Isabella has slowed a bit, but fishing is still fair to good. Live minnows or mini-jigs have been best. On the Central Coast, Lake Lopez continues at a good pace for quality bluegill and redear. Top baits are worms, mealworms or waxworms. Perris still fair for bluegill, and El Capitan continues to have flurries of good crappie action for anglers who locate a school of fish.

LARGEMOUTH: Bass fishing is on an upswing at many lakes across Southern California. Bass continue to feed heavily on schools of shad as they start to bulk up for winter. Castaic Lake has been wide-open if you can make live bait, but for anglers who can't net shad fishing has been a bit tougher. Bass continue to work giant schools of baitfish off of main lake points and in coves. San Vicente Lake, in San Diego, has had fair to good bass fishing for anglers working bait balls or fishing plastics. Lake Isabella has been good with fish to 8-8 landed. Many fish in the 4-0 to 8-0 range have been showing.

CATFISH: Big catfish are starting to show from lakes and reservoirs across California. In San Diego County, Lake Sutherland is good on cats to 15-0. Top bait has been chunks of mackerel. Flathead catfish action on the Colorado River below Lake Havasu continues good on quality flathead catfish. Two fish in the 40-0 class were landed this week and a few anglers reported loosing bigger fish. Irvine Lake continues to have a good catfish bite for anglers fishing mackerel with no weight. Hesperia Lake continues to kick out big catfish to 34-0, and the lake's concessionaire will plant the big fish all winter.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Lake is closed until next season. The Ticket Master phone number for reservations is (619) 220-8497 or go to www.TicketMaster.com. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

HODGES: A few catfish continue to show on mackerel. Some bass to 2-0 have been landed on plastics. There are no rental boats or boat launch available. Water level is low and launch ramp is completely out of water. The lake is open for shore fishing or for the use of car toppers (canoes or small boats). Hodges is open on a two-day a week schedule, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

EL CAPITAN: Bass fishing continues to be fair on plastic worms, Senkos or reaction baits. Catfish continue to show on mackerel, night crawlers or stinkbaits. Pablo Herrera, Spring Valley, landed five catfish that weighed 50-0. His stringer was topped by a 32-8 from the north end on chicken liver. Some good crappie action for anglers fishing mini-jigs. The launch ramp is down to one lane and is causing delays in launching. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. The concession will no longer be open, but vending machines are being installed. Personal watercraft are allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

LOWER OTAY: Due to low water levels the boat ramps are now closed. Bass fishing has been fair on topwater plugs early and then plastics as the day goes on. The bluegill action is picking up on mealworms or redworms. Some catfish are being landed on mackerel. Alex Mapes, Chula Vista, landed a 26-3 on mackerel at the rock pile. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. For information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

UPPER OTAY: Bass fishing is fair at best. Other species slow. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. For information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

SAN VICENTE: Good catfish action continues even though no fish over 20-0 were landed. Bass fishing really picked up and good fishing on bass to 5-0 has been reported. Crawdads, plastics or jerkbaits have been best. For more information call the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

MURRAY: Lake closed until trout season in December. For more information contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0223.

MIRAMAR: Lake closed until December for trout season. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0223.

SUTHERLAND: Catfishing exploded last week with many 10-0 class catfish landed. Biggest catfish was a 15-8 landed by Ken Davis, Ramona, on squid. Ernie Klemm and Tony Macedo, Ramona, landed 10 catfish that weighed 56-0 on mackerel at the rock pile. Lonnie Carpenter, Chula Vista, landed seven catfish that weighed 51-0 on mackerel. The lake is set to close for the season on Oct. 17, and waterfowl hunting will begin on Oct. 24. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. Reports are that water levels are low at this time. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

WOHLFORD: Bass fishing has been fair with fish to 5-0 showing regularly. Catfish continue to bite on mackerel and shrimp near the buoy line. For more information, contact the ranger station at (760) 839-4346 or log on to the lake's Web site at www.wohlfordlake.com.

DOANE POND: No DFG plants in a month.

DIXON: Bass fishing is picking up for anglers throwing plastic worms. Catfish action is fair on mackerel or shrimp. Fishing reports are on the Internet at: www.dixonlake.com. For more information, contact the ranger station at (760) 839-4345 or the concessionaire at (760) 741-3328.

POWAY: The lake will be closed on weekdays through October, open only on weekends. Trout season will begin on Nov. 3. Bass fishing is good with fish chasing shad around the lake. Catfish action has been good for anglers fishing mackerel. For more fishing information, call the snack bar at (858) 679-5465.

JENNINGS: Trout plants should start sometime in October. For more information, call (619) 596-1396 or (619) 667-6293.

MORENA: Bass fishing has been fair on plastic worms, pig and jigs or drop-shotted plastics. Some catfish are being landed on night crawlers. The 24-hour fishing update line is (619) 478-5473. For lake information call (619) 694-3049.

CUYAMACA: The fall trout bite is on with many limits of fish being weighed in. There will be another 1,200 pound stocking of Whitewater trout this week. Top areas have been the north corner of the dike or the Lone Pine Tree. Trollers continue to score fish on orange or firetiger Rapalas, yellow Panther Martins and brown and black Roostertails. Some catfish are being landed on night crawlers and mackerel. Butch Blaylock, Julian, landed a 25-0 catfish on mackerel. For more information call (760) 765-0515 or visit the Web site at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: Crappie has been fair on mini-jigs or minnows. A few largemouth are showing on plastics, night crawlers or mini-jigs. Carp fishing continues to be very good. Many 10 to 15 fish catches have been reported on dough baits. Catfish have been fair to good on night crawlers or mackerel. For information, call (760) 782-3501.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: A better class of stripers have gone on the bite for boat anglers fishing the inlet or for shore anglers fishing in Cleghorn Canyon or near the marina. Boat anglers are getting into a good grade of fish from 1-8 to 6-0. Shore anglers are catching smaller fish from 1-0 to 3-0. All anglers have having their best luck on chicken livers, cut anchovies or cut sardines. Largemouth bass are fair to good on plastic worms or reaction baits. Some trout are showing on Power Bait, and a DFG plant this week should perk the bite. For more information, contact the marina at (760) 389-2299, the state park at (760) 389-2281 or the Silverwood Country store at (760) 389-2423.

BIG BEAR LAKE: Trout fishing has picked up for anglers fishing slip-bobbers and Power Bait on a 15-foot leader from shore. Boat anglers have been taking limits of trout trolling from Boulder Bay to the dam. Trollers are flat lining Rapalas or fishing with two colors of leadcore. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. For information, call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

GREGORY LAKE: Fishing has been fair to good and the lake will receive its last plant of the season just before a tournament on Oct. 16. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. The boat dock will close on Oct. 17. Fishing is allowed all winter, but there will be no further trout plants until next season. For information, call the boat dock at (909) 338-2233.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Trout season is winding down and fishing has been fair on fish to 1-8. Boat anglers fishing the aerators and shore anglers fishing the dam continue to do best. Hot baits continue to be Lime Twist Power Bait, mini-jigs and Thomas Buoyants. Operations at the lake will close Oct. 20 and reopen May 13, 2005. The daily fishing fee for adults is $10 and children are $5. For more information call the lake recording at (909) 867-2009.

ARROWBEAR LAKE: Lake is dry.

JENKS LAKE: Trout fishing has been fair to good on pan-sized fish with Power Bait or mini-jigs. For information, call the Mill Creek Ranger Station at (909) 794-1123.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Trout fishing has been a bit tougher than earlier this summer, but some limits of fish are being landed. The best bite is for deep-water trollers using nine to 12 colors of leadcore or downriggers and Needlefish-type baits near the dams. Bait anglers are soaking Power Bait and inflated night crawlers in 70 feet of water near the dam. Bass fishing is starting to improve for anglers drop-shotting or Carolina-rigging plastic worms or lizards. Bluegill fishing is good on fish to 1-4 showing on mealworms or mini-jigs. Rental boat reservations are still recommended for weekend, but shore fishing, private boat launching and weekday boat rentals are available daily now without reservations. The toll-free reservations telephone line is 1-800-590-LAKE (5253) and can be made online at www.dvmarina.com. For fishing info, you can call the marina at (909) 926-7201.

PERRIS: Bass fishing has been fair but fallen off the pace of the last few weeks. Action has been best in the east end and Rock Climber's Cove. Fish are averaging from 1-0 to 3-0. Drop-shotted plastic worms have been best. Danny Uribe, 7, Riverside, caught a 13-0 largemouth in the marina on a soft plastics. He also had four other fish just over 2-0 each. Bluegill and redear continue to be good around the east end and off of Lot 12. Mealworms or crickets have been the top baits. For more information on fishing call the marina at (909) 657-2179, Lakeside Market at (909) 943-4364 or the state park at (909) 940-5600.

EVANS LAKE: Bass are fair and are being landed by anglers fishing plastics either early or late in the day. Some carp being landed on dough baits.

RANCHO JURUPA: A few bluegill and catfish are being landed on night crawlers. No more catfish plants for the season. For more information, call (909) 684-7032.

FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Fair catfish action on fish to 7-0. Mackerel, hot dogs or night crawlers continue to be the hot baits. The lake is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information, call (909) 795-2411.

WHITEWATER TROUT FARM: The farm has two well-stocked ponds in Whitewater off Interstate 10. No fishing license is required and tackle is available. Open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call (760) 325-5570.

LAKE ELSINORE: Fair fishing on carp or catfish with dough baits or night crawlers the best bets. Some catfish have been showing on night crawlers or mackerel. For information, call Whisker's Bait 'n' Tackle at (909) 245-7025.

CORONA LAKE: Trout season kicks off here Oct. 14, and the catfish action has been good. The big cat of the week was a 15 1/2-pounder landed by Chuck Yanson, Lake Elsinore. Gary Wolf, Ontario, had a 12-pound cat. Geovanni Marquez, Riverside, landed an 11 1/2-pounder, while an 11 1/4-pound cat was caught by Sylvester Walker, Los Angeles. Top bait this past week was mackerel soaked in garlic-flavored Eagle Claw Gravy, but night crawlers and DuMongs mackerel were close seconds. The lake will be closed next Tuesday and Wednesday for trout plants. For more information, call (909) 277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: Catfish continue to show in good numbers on chicken liver and mackerel. The dam, the inlet and the east end have been best. Gary Smith, Compton, landed 10 catfish that weighed 58-0 on chicken liver. His biggest fish weighed 13-0, and all fish were landed by the inlet. Rufus Nelson, Diamond Bar, landed a 9-8 on chicken liver. The largemouth and striper bite slowed, with only a few stripers at the inlet on cut anchovies. For more information, call the marina at (909) 926-1505.

ANGLER'S LAKE: Trout plants started here two weeks ago, and there has been a fair bite on fish to 1-8. Mini-jigs and Power Bait have been the best baits. Catfish are fair on mackerel, shrimp or a mealworm and a marshmallow. Most fish are running from 1-0 to 3-0. The bass, which are catch-and-release only, are fair. For information, call the lake at (909) 927-2614.

REFLECTION LAKE: Fair bluegill fishing with some carp showing on dough-baits. For more information, call (909) 654-7906.

JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Catfish are good to excellent on night crawlers, chicken livers and dough baits. Fish baskets and long-handled nets are provided to anglers. This is a pay-by-the-pound fishery. For more information, call (909) 679-6562

WILLIAMS CATFISH FARM: Good catfish action on fish from 1-0 to 3-0. Most fish are showing on cut baits, and the lake was planted with 2,000 pounds of catfish on Wednesday this week. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call (909) 674-7627.

STEVE'S FISHING POND: Catfish fair on Hog Wild and chicken livers. For information, call (909) 657-2625.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Catfish plants have ended and fishing has been slow. Trout plants will begin in late October. For information, call (909) 481-4205.

PRADO: Last Catfish plant of the season went in on Sept. 2 and trout plants will not begin until the end of October. Bass fishing has been very good on fish from 1-0 to 4-0. For information, call (909) 597-4260.

YUCAIPA: Catfish plants have ended and the lake county will start planting trout in October. For park information, call (909) 790-3127.

OAK TREE VILLAGE PONDS: These ponds in Oak Glen are stocked regularly with

Whitewater trout year-around. The ponds are open seven days a week and group discounts are available. For more information, call (909) 797-4020.

GLEN HELEN: Catfish Plants have ended and trout plants will not begin until the end of October. For more information, call (909) 887-7540.

GREEN MOUNTAIN RANCH: Good trout fishing on any type of bait. Trout are paid for by the inch, and catfish are $3 a pound. Free fishing lessons offered. For more information, call (909) 880-1125.

MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are being planted with steelhead and are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing li������.�H��or information, call (909) 982-4246.

SECCOMBE LAKE: No DFG plants in a month. For more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Trout season kicked off on Wednesday with a plant of 1,000 pounds. Trout was fair to good and the lake will be stocked twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Good catfish action continues on fish to 34-0. The lake will also be receiving a plant of sturgeon from 50-0 to 200-0 Oct. 15. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout fishing continues to be fair on Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. Trout are stocked weekly all summer long. Catfish have been fair on mackerel, shrimp or trout guts. There is a good bite on the bass lake, which is for float tubers-only with prior reservations. For more information, call (760) 240-1107.

MOJAVE NARROWS: Some fair catfish action on fish to 2-0 on night crawlers or mackerel. There was a DFG trout plant last week. For more information, call (760) 245-2226.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Trout fishing has been fair to good on Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. Bass are being landed on plastic worms or small crankbaits. For more information, contact the Lake Hemet Market at (909) 659-2350 or the campgrounds at (909) 659-2680.

FULMOR LAKE: Trout fishing is fair on Power Bait. For more information contact (909) 659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The lakes are closed for annual maintenance, but the trout season opener has been set for Oct. 28. For more information, call (714) 632-7830 for the information recording or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

ANAHEIM LAKE: Catfish action remains good with twice-weekly plants. Top fish this week was an 18-pounder landed by Santiago Palacios, Pico Rivera, while fishing with shrimp at the Bubble Hole. Mike Fowler, Los Angeles, had a 10 pounder, and there were at least seven other cats over the eight-pound mark caught in the past week. The best bite was during the night session and cooler weather has the catfish moving to a little deeper water off the island and at the Bubble Hole. Mackerel and shrimp have been the most popular baits, but the M&M (marshmallow and meal worm) combo is still a good bet, too. Adding scent to help spice up any of the baits is popular. For more information and late hours, call (714) 996-3508 or log on to the lake's Web site at www.fishinglakes.com.

IRVINE LAKE: Catfish action has been very good and fish to 20-0 were landed again this week. Top baits have been mackerel or shrimp. Boat anglers continue to have the best luck, with boat dock cove, Rocky Point, Santiago Flats and the west shore the top spots. Scott Brenner, Cypress, landed a 20-0 catfish on night crawlers at Trout Island. Nicholas Bonomo, Azusa, took a 14-8 catfish on mackerel at the west shore. Bass fishing continues to be hot for anglers fishing topwater plugs early in the morning or drop-shotting plastic worms along the dam or the cliffs. The lake will kick off trout season on Oct. 28, and the lake will be closed the three days prior to stock fish. Over 20,000-pounds of trout will be planted for the opener. For information and lake hours, call (714) 649-9111.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Bass fishing has been fair to good on drop-shotted night crawlers or topwater plugs early in the morning. Trout season is set to kick off on Nov. 19, and there will be a catch and release float-tube tournament on Nov. 17-18. For fishing information, call (949) 362-3885 or visit the lake's Web site at www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Bass fishing has slowed and the topwater bite has disapeared. Some fish to 3-0 are showing on plastics. Lake level is very low. For fishing information, call the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The number for the main gate is (805) 688-4758.

CASITAS: Bass fishing has been fair for anglers throwing plastics. Catfish action has been good with fish to 15-0 landed. Trout slow. The lake now offers night fishing around the full moon on Thursday through Saturday nights. For more information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.

CASTAIC: Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good to excellent for anglers fishing drop-shotted plastics, topwater plugs or crankbaits. Lots of fish have been boiling on shad most mornings. Striper fishing good on fish in the 3-0 class with anchovies or sardines in 30 to 100 feet of water. Top areas continue to be the buoy line or Elizabeth Canyon. Some channel catfish are showing on mackerel, night crawlers and anchovies. For more information, contact the marina at (661) 775-6232.

PIRU: Trout fishing has been slow, even for deepwater anglers using leadcore. Largemouth bass action continues to be fair to good with fish to 5-0 showing on crawdads or plastics. For more information call the marina at (805) 521-1231 or check out the new Web site at www.lakepiru.org.

PYRAMID: Striper fishing has been fair for anglers fishing anchovies or sardines in 30 to 50 feet of water. Some fish continue to be up on the surface early in the morning hitting topwater plugs. A few big stripers over 20-0 have been landed on trout swimbaits. Trout fishing has been fair to good around the marina after a big DFG trout plant last week. Catfish have been biting in fair numbers, mostly for anglers targeting stripers with anchovies and sardines. There is no marina, bait shop, boat rentals or campground. For information, call the USFS at (661) 296-9710.

TAIT RANCH TROUT PONDS: These fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release trout ponds in Frazier Park have fish to 5-0. Fishing billed by hour, 1/2-day or full day. For information, call (661) 245-6315.

TEJON LAKE: The private lake is open to catch-and-release anglers on a day-fee or season basis. The bite has been good early and late in the day with some good surface action. For more information, call the Tejon Ranch Company at (661) 663-4210.

QUAIL LAKE: Catfish action has been fair to good on mackerel fished near the inlet.

PUDDINGSTONE: Heavy weeds along east shore slowing fishing there. A few bass are showing on flylined Senkos, purple grubs or Rat'L' Traps. A few catfish are showing on night crawlers or mackerel in a spotty bite. For more information, call (909) 599-8411.

SANTA FE: No DFG catfish plants in a month. For more information call (626) 334-1065 for info on the lake.

ALONDRA PARK LAKE: There will be a DFG catfish plant this week.

BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.

BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.

CERRITOS PARK LAKE: No DFG catfish plants in over a month.

DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: No DFG plants in a month.

ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week and three weeks ago.

EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No plants in a month.

ELIZABETH LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

HANSEN DAM LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. For more information, call (888) 527-2757 or (818) 899-3779.

HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week. For more information, contact the Hollenbeck Recreation Center at (213) 261-0113.

JOHN FORD PARK LAKE: No DFG catfish plants in a month.

KENNY HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.

LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: No DFG catfish plants in a month.

LEGG LAKE: No DFG catfish plants in over a month.

LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant this week.

MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE (formerly Willowbrook Lake): DFG catfish plant this week.

PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: No DFG catfish plants in a month. Call (818) 448-7317 for information.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Stripers continue to sit in 30 to 70 feet of water and continue to hammer jigged spoons. The lower basin continues to be the best area. Stripers have been averaging from 1-0 to 3-0 with fish to 5-0 showing. Largemouth bass have been fair to good on drop-shotted plastics. For more information, call Blue Lake Tackle at (702) 452-8299.

WILLOW BEACH: Some big stripers to 30-0 are being landed but not checked in to the marina. Lots of trout in the area. Trout fishing has been excellent lately with limits of trout landed on Power Bait or Kastmasters. For more information, contact the marina at (928) 767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: Small stripers contiue to be on the chew for anglers trolling Kastmasters or drifting anchovies or squid. Lots of fish from 1-0 to 4-0 have been landed. Largemouth bass are hitting around grass beds and brush piles. Plastic worms, flukes or Senkos have been best. Some catfish to 8-0 are being landed by striper fisherman using chicken livers. For more information, call Cottonwood Cove at (702) 297-1464

BELOW DAVIS DAM: No report.

NEEDLES: Stripers to 2-8 are good in the river on cut anchovies. Catfish are being landed on stinkbaits or mackerel at night from the river. For more information, call Premier Sports at (760) 326-2727 or Golden Shores at (760) 768-2325.

TOPOCK MARSH: Stripers from 2-0 to 4-0 have been landed on anchovies in the main river. Bass fishing has been fair on plastics or spinnerbaits, and catfish have been fair in the marsh and the main river. Mackerel or stinkbaits have been the best bets. For information, call Five Mile Landing (928) 768-2350.

HAVASU: The striper bite was shut down over the weekend with a bass tournament and pleasure boat traffic. Good news is the fish are already on the bite again with wide-open fishing reported. Anglers are already landing from 30 to 60 fish a day. Top areas have been from Windsor Basin to California Bay. Top lures have been Pencil Poppers, Rat-L-Traps and Sassy Shad jigs. Best action has been late morning or early afternoon. Catfish are fair to good from the south side of the lake on mackerel, anchovies or night crawlers. Largemouth bass have been fair on reaction baits or topwater near the grass beds. For more information, call Black Meadow Landing at (760) 663-3811.

PARKER STRIP: Some catfish are being landed from the river at night on cut baits or stink baits. Some smallmouth action in main river and bluegill action around docks. For information, call Big Bend Marina at (760) 663-3755.

BLYTHE: Big flathead catfish are being landed by anglers fishing live goldfish or bluegill on 30- to 40-pound line. Rafael Terrones, San Bernardino, landed a 43-0, a 21-0 and a 20-0 last week. Jeff Action, Riverside, landed a 42-8 and reported having one twice as big to the boat twice before it broke 100-pound Spectra line. The main river, its backwaters and local drain ditches have all been good. Bass fishing continues to be fair on fish to 4-0, but most are in the 1-0 range. Plastics, live shiners, Senkos or crawdads have been scoring limits. For more information, call B&B Bait at (760) 921-2248.

PALO VERDE: Catfish and bass action is fair to good in the main river and local backwaters. Bluegill started to show in good numbers again, too. A few nice flathead catfish continue to show for anglers fishing live goldfish, bluegill or tilapia.

PICACHO AREA: Good bass action in all of the area backwaters and lakes, mostly on live shiners, but plastics and night crawlers are also good. Channel catfish fair to good with improving action on flatheads.

MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Flathead catfish have been fair to good on fish to 6-0. Many anglers continue to catch from five to eight fish a night. Stripers to 7-0 are being caught on crankbaits or shiners at the lake entrances. Catfish are starting to show on night crawlers. For more information, contact the Martinez Lake Resort at (928) 783-9589 or check out the Web site at www.martinezlake.com.

YUMA AREA: Bass fishing continues to be fair in the main river and backwaters. Shiners or plastics are the best baits. Channel catfish are fair on mackerel or other stink baits, and the flathead bite has been good. For more information, contact Mesa Sport Shop at (928) 782-5313.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: Fishing continues to be slow. There have been a few reports of corvina in the Red Hill area and some tilapia from the state park headquarters. For current fishing information, call Johnson's Landing (760) 394-4755, Desert Shores Trailer Park at (760) 395-5280, Poor Richard's in Mecca at (760) 396-2180, Dean Marine in Bombay Beach at (760) 354-1231, Bombay Beach Marina (760) 354-4049, Red Hill Marina (760) 348-2310 and the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (760) 393-3059 or (760) 393-3052. Troll 'n' Boat (760-393-0119) has both rowboats and skiffs with motors for rent. For weather information, call (760) 352-3360 for a recording or the Coachella Valley Water District's weather forecast at (760) 398-7211. Anglers fishing the sea use Citizen Band (CB) radios and tune to Channel one.

ALAMO RIVER: Flathead catfish are picking up on live goldfish in the deeper pockets of the river. Channel catfish and bass have also picked up on mackerel or anchovies.

COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Panfish and bass are starting to hit night crawlers.

ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.

FINNEY-RAMER: No report.

WEIST LAKE: Fair bluegill fishing on waxworms or red worms.

SUNBEAM LAKE: A few bass and panfish are showing on night crawlers or mealworms. For information, call (760) 352-3308.

LAKE CAHUILLA: Overall good action on catfish from 1-8 to 6-8 at the inlet, outlet and the area south of the point. For more information, call (760) 564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

GENERAL: For weather info, log on to www.mammothweather.com. For updated road and camping information on the region, contact the Interagency Visitor Center at (760) 876-6222 or the Bishop Chamber of Commerce at (760) 873-8405. The Web site is www.bishopvisitor.com.

BRIDGEPORT AREA: Good trout action last week out of Upper Twin Lake and Virgina Lakes. The region was stocked for a trout tournament last week. Winning fish was a 7-1 raibow that hit Power Bait for Paul Madson, Riverside, landed the fish from shore. Cale Baker of Orange, landed five trout that weighed 13-1 and was topped by a 6-14 rainbow. His trout were landed from Upper Twin Lake. Power Bait and mini-jigs have been best for the rainbows. Browns are showing on inflated night crawlers or trolled Rapala plugs in rainbow trout color. Fishing has been slow on Bridgeport Reservoir and the East Walker with warm water temperatures. For more information contact Ken's Sporting Goods at (760) 932-7707.

JUNE LAKE LOOP: A lot of cutthroat trout in the 2-0 range are showing for trollers right now. Many limits have been recorded. Rainbow trout fishing at June Lake is fair to good for trollers and anglers using Power Bait. Rush Creek continues to be good with a few big fish still showing. Justin Marks, Burbank, landed a 6-9 rainbow on a night crawler. Gull Lake and Silver Lake have been fair to good on trolled wooley buggers, Thomas Buoyants, Power Bait or mini-jigs. For more information contact, Ernie's Fishing Tackle at (760) 648-7756.

MAMMOTH LAKES AREA: Fishing at Convict Lake has been picking up and trout to 10-0 should be stocked very soon for the lakes fall trout derby. The derby started Oct. 1 and goes to the end of the season. Lake Mary and Mamie have been fair to good for anglers split shotting Power Worms. Power Bait, inflated night crawlers and flies. Crowley Lake was on fire early last week for anglers fishing barbless flies or mini-jigs. Mark Kaihara, Fullerton, caught an released trout weighing 4-8, 3-12 and 2-12 on mini-jigs. Hot Creek is also good with lots of caddis activity. The section of the upper Owens River from the Benton Crossing Bridge downstream to the posted rock monument closed to all fishing on Sept. 30. For more information, contact the Troutfitter at (760) 934-2517.

BISHOP AREA: Brown trout are becoming active at Lake Sabrina and South Lake with many anglers catching and releasing brown trout to 3-0. night crawlers, Rapalas or flies have been best for the brown trout. North Lake has been on fire since it is receiving the Alpers trout plants that were intended for Intake II. Fishing for Alpers trout has been very good on mini-jigs, Power Bait or Power Worms. Fall colors at the lake are breathtaking so bring a camera. Intake Two has been drained by Edison and will be unfishable until next season. South Lake continues to be good on Power Bait or mini-jigs. For more information, contact Culver's at (760) 872-8361, Brock's at (760) 872-3581 or Sierra Drifters Guide Service at (760) 935-4250 or contact Creekside R.V. Park at (760) 873-4483.

BIG PINE TO INDEPENDENCE AREA: Fishing has been fair to good near the campgrounds at Independence Creek, Taboose, Tinnemaha Creek and Baker Creek. There has been some good trout fishing on Big Pine creek for anglers fishing Power Bait or night crawlers.

LONE PINE AREA: Trout fishing is picking up with the cooling weather and good trout fishing has been reported on worms, crickets, Power Bait and flies. Diaz Lake slow. For more information, contact the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at (760) 876-4444.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following lakes and streams, listed by county, will be planted with catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game hatcheries this week:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Castaic Lake, Castaic Lagoon, Echo Park Lake, Jackson Lake, Pyramid Lake, Santa Fe Reservoir.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River, Silverwood Lake.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Lopez Lake.

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake.

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Lower, Middle and South forks), Diaz Lake, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lake Sabrina, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Trumble Lake, Virginia Lakes.

FRESNO: Kings River below Pine Flat Dam, San Joaquin River below Friant Dam.

MARIPOSA: McClure Reservoir, McSwain Reservoir.

MERCED: Merced River from McSwain Dam to Merced Falls.

TUOLUMNE: Cherry Valley Reservoir, Don Pedro Reservoir, Melones Reservoir.

CATFISH PLANTS

The following waters will be planted by the state Department of Fish and Game with one-pound channel catfish this week.

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Park Lake, Echo Park Lake, Hansen Dam, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Park Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Magic Johnson Park Lake, Spane Lake.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg

For Outdoor News Service

HOT BITES

EXOTICS: Great fall fishing continues along the Baja and Southern California coast. Yellowfin tuna, yellowtail and dorado are all hanging to kelp patties, with most patties holding a variety of species. Most overnight boats out of San Diego are doing very well on yellowfin tuna to 15-0, dorado to 20-0 and small yellowtail to 5-0. Some patties, however, are holding a better grade of yellowtail to 18-0. With favorable conditions this bite will stay around, but a cold winter storm can sink the bite very fast. The Sea Adventure, H & M Landing, was on an overnight trip that fished Tuesday with 12 anglers. Those anglers landed 60 yellowtail, 41 yellowfin tuna and four dorado. The Deep Adventure III, H & M Landing, was on a two-day trip with 17 anglers who fished Monday and Tuesday. They landed 78 yellowfin tuna, 17 yellowtail and eight dorado. The Pacific Dawn, Fisherman's Landing, was on a two-day trip when 15 anglers landed 78 yellowfin tuna. The Pacific Queen, Fisherman's Landing, was on a 1 1/2-day trip on Tuesday when 16 anglers landed 80 yellowfin tuna and five dorado. The Pacific Voyager, Seaforth Sportfishing, was on a two-day that fished on Monday and Tuesday with 12 anglers. They landed 120 yellowfin tuna and two dorado. The New Lo-An, Point Loma Sportfishing was on a 1 1/2-day trip when 16 anglers boated 39 yellowfin tuna and two yellowtail.

LOCAL YELLOWTAIL: The yellowtail continue to hold near San Clemente Island with great fishing for Los Angeles and Orange county boats. The yellowtail bite has been red hot and some boats have been landing limits with over a 100 fish per boat. These yellowtail average 15 pounds, but there are plenty of fish from 25 to 35 pounds making the heavy fishing line a must. Anglers pursuing these fish should start off with 30-pound line and a fly-lined sardine. Freedom, 22nd Street Landing, was on a 1 1/2-day trip on Tuesday when 26 anglers landed 96 yellowtail, 17 calico bass, 12 sheephead and 95 rockfish. The Seahawk, LA Harbor Sportfishing, took 26 anglers to 65 yellowtail, 53 rockfish, 19 sheephead and five calico bass.

BONITO: A lot of bonito are showing from the front side of Catalina Island with some of the Los Angeles and Orange county boats getting a good shot of fish. Bonita continue to make scattered appearances along the coast from piers, bays and jetties. The jetty at Newport Bay has been a hot spot to nail a limit of fish on a Krocodile or splasher and feather rig.

BASS: Both calico and sand bass are being caught in good numbers at Catalina Island around the kelp line. Fish to 8-0 have been landed on surface iron, plastics or sardines and mackerel, but most are in the 2-0 to 3-0 range.

LOBSTER: Lobster season is here and many anglers have opted for hoop nets at night instead of fishing rods. Prime time to net a lobster is at night on an incoming or outgoing tide. Nets are placed along rocky structure with bait in the center. Nets are checked every half hour and pulled to the surface quickly using water pressure to pin the lobster in the net. Anglers should check the DFG regulation book regarding size and possession limits.

LANDING CONTACTS

Southern California: Virg's Sportfishing, Morro Bay, (805) 772-1222; Patriot Sportfishing, Avila Beach, (805) 595-7200; Sea Landing, Santa Barbara, (805) 963-3564; Harbor Village Sportfishing, Ventura, (805) 658-1060; CISCO Landing, Oxnard, (805) 985-8511; Captain Hook's Sportfishing, Oxnard, (805) 382-6233; Port Hueneme Sportfishing, Hueneme, (805) 488-2212; Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina del Rey, (310) 822-3625; Redondo Sportfishing, Redondo Beach, (310) 372-2111; Rocky Point Fuel Dock (skiff rentals for King Harbor), Redondo Beach, (310) 374-9858; 22nd Street Landing, San Pedro, (310) 832-8304; L.A. Harbor Sportfishing, San Pedro, (310) 547-9916; Long Beach Sportfishing, Long Beach, (562) 432-8993; Pierpoint Landing, Long Beach, (562) 983-9300; Marina Sportfishing, Long Beach, (562) 598-6649; Newport Landing, Newport Beach, (949) 675-0550; Davey's Locker, Newport Beach, (949) 673-1434; Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Dana Point, (949) 496-5794; Helgren's Sportfishing, Oceanside, (760) 722-2133; Fisherman's Landing, San Diego, (619) 221-8500; H&M Landing, San Diego, (619) 222-1144; Seaforth Landing, San Diego, (619) 224-3383; Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego, (619) 223-1627; Islandia Sportfishing, San Diego, (619) 222-1164.

Mexico Landings: Sergio's Sportfishing, Ensenada, 011-526-178-2185; San Quintin Sportfishing, San Quintin, 011-526-162-1455.