Outdoor report - 11/18/04

By: Compiled by Mike Bennett - Outdoor News Service | Wednesday, November 17, 2004 11:24 PM PST ∞

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 be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@earthlink.net or Mike Bennett at mike@976-tuna.com. This report is updated daily by Mike Bennett 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 CalTIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hot line, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet Web page is at www.dfg.ca.gov.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Santa Ana River Lakes received its first plant of the season of huge trout from 10-0 to 20-0 plus. These trout are from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms in Red Bluff and the last several record rainbows have come from Mt. Lassen and were caught at SARL, including last year's 27 1/2-pound state record. Top methods for hooking and landing a big trout are to use Power Bait or Nitro Bait on a short leader fished only 15 feet from shore. Light line ---- no heavier than 4-pound test ---- is a must. Make sure you have fresh line, a reel with a smooth drag and a big net for a shot at a trout of a lifetime.

2. This weekend, Buena Vista Lakes near Bakersfield will host the Taft Chamber of Commerce trout derby. Many prizes and cash will be handed out to anglers catching the biggest rainbow trout. Big fish plants will occur just before the Saturday event. So far trout fishing has been fair to good for anglers fishing inflated night crawlers dipped in garlic oil or on Power Bait. Some trout have also been landed on mini-jigs or lures. Buena Vista Lakes is stocked with trout from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms, so fish to 16-0 will be stocked for the event.

3. Trout fishing at Hesperia Lake has been excellent on fish from 2-0 to 5-0. Many bigger trout to 12-0 have also been landed over the past week. Top trout this season is already a 15-8 that was landed two weeks ago. Top baits have been Power Bait, Power Worms or inflated night crawlers. Catfish action has also been fair with big catfish to 20-0 showing each week. Top baits have been mackerel or shrimp. Trout are planted twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. Catfish will be planted once a week through the winter, including big fish to 25-0.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: Striper action at Lake Silverwood slowed over the weekend due to winds. However, before the weekend big stripers to 39-0 were landed on troutlike plugs. Smaller stripers are hitting a variety of baits including cut anchovies, cut sardines, chicken livers, and night crawlers. Top areas have been Cleghorn Cove, Sawpit Creek, and for anglers fishing off the boat dock during the week. At Lake Skinner Striper action has been fair on fish from 1-8 to 4-0. Top baits have been cut anchovies or chicken livers near the inlet.

TROUT: Santa Ana River Lakes stocked big trout from 10-0 to 20-0 and perhaps more on Wednesday night and fishing should be good through the weekend. This was the first plant of the season for the big fish. Fishing at Santa Ana River Lakes has been fair to good, with murky water the only thing slowing the bite. Trout fishing at Lake Poway has been very good and the lake will receive another 1,200 pounds of trout on Tuesday. Power Bait or orange trout worms have been best. The lake will be open on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule all winter. Laguna Niguel Lake will open for trout fishing Friday after a 5,000-pound plant with trout from Utah. Irvine Lake has been good to excellent on trout to 5-0 with many easy limits of fish being landed, also on floating baits.

PANFISH: The crappie bite at Lake Isabella continues to be the best panfish bite in California and has been consistent since August. Boat anglers fishing live minnows over flooded timber in 30 feet of water have had the best luck. Along the Central Coast, San Antonio Lake has been giving up good numbers of crappie to 1-8 on mini-jigs. Top area has been the flooded brush piles in the Harris Creek arm of the lake. The redear and bluegill bite at Lake Lopez continues to be fair to good with some quality fish landed. Top baits are worms, mealworms, or waxworms fish just off structure.

LARGEMOUTH: San Vicente Lake in San Diego County did slow from the wide-open fishing of a few weeks ago. However, it continues to be No. 1 in Southern California with excellent numbers of bass from 2-8 to 5-0 showing. Top baits are plastics, reaction baits, shad-swimbaits, and Senkos. Bass action at Diamond Valley Reservoir continues to improve with fair to good action on fish to 6-0. Drop-shotted or Carolina-rigged purple or green plastics fished in 30 feet of water have been best. Lake Perris had been good on bass to 8-8, especially for anglers able to dip net some live shad for bait.

CATFISH: Although San Vicente Lake did not kick out any blue catfish over 40-0 this week, this lake remains an excellent choice to try to land the catfish of a lifetime. There were 24 blue catfish landed from 5-0 to 25-0 by anglers fishing big chunks of mackerel or bonito on 30- or 40-pound line. Kimball Arm, Barona Arm, the Chimney, the aqueduct inlet, and the island continue to be the top spots. At Hesperia Lake, plants of catfish to 28-0 will be stocked all winter long. The fishing for the big cats has been fair to good and fish to 19-8 showed this week. Top baits have been mackerel or shrimp and marshmallows. At Lake Lopez, catfish action remains fair on quality fish from 10-0 to 20-0. Top bait has been mackerel.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Lake is closed until next season. The TicketMaster 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: Hodges closed for the season on Oct. 31. 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: The lake is only open for fishing on weekends. Bass fishing has been fair on plastic worms, Senkos, or reaction baits. The launch ramp is down to one lane and is causing delays in launching. The concession will no longer be open, but vending machines are being installed. 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: The lake closed for the season Oct. 31 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: The lake closed for the season on Oct.31. 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: Bass fishing is good with fish running from 2-0 to 5-0. Crawdads, plastics, or jerkbaits have been best. No huge big catfish were reported to the marina, however, 24 blue catfish were reported so they are still biting. The lake is now open for fishing and water contact on Thursdays and Fridays and for fishing only on Saturdays and Sundays. 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 will reopen on Dec. 1 for trout season after both DFG and city plants. 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 Dec. 4 when it will open 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: Sutherland Lake is now closed for the 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/.

WOHLFORD: Bass fishing continues at a fair to good pace with fish holding to rock piles. Most fish are averaging from 2-0 to 5-0. 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: There was a DFG trout plant last week.

DIXON: Trout fishing has been very good since bonus plants for the Lake Dixon Trout Derby last week. Trout worms, Power Bait, or spinners have been best. Bass fishing has been fair with fish to 7-0 showing on 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: Trout fishing has been very good since weekly plants started two weeks ago. Top trout was a 5-0 that hit a Power Worm for Joe Boone, San Diego. Many trout in the 4-0 range were also reported. The lake is planted with 1,200 pounds of trout every Tuesday. The lake is open on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule all winter. For more fishing information, call the snack bar at (858) 679-5465.

JENNINGS: Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait. Fish to 2-8 have been landed. Bass fishing has been fair to good on plastics. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. 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: Trout fishing has been good on inflated night crawlers or Power Bait. Top areas have been the north corner of the dike, the east and west shore, or the Lone Pine Tree. Top trout of the week was a 4-8 that was landed by Danny Perez, Jacumba, on Power Bait by the Lone Pine Tree. For more information call (760) 765-0515 or visit the Web site at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: Fair bass fishing on plastics, night crawlers, or reaction baits. 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.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Trout continue to hang around the marina and hit mini-jigs, Kastmasters, or trout worms. Fish are running from a half-pound to 2-0. Many limits have been reported. Largemouth bass fishing has been fair on drop-shotted or Carolina-rigged plastic worms in 30 to 50 feet of water. 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 (951) 926-7201.

PERRIS: Shad continue to show in good numbers in the east end, at the island, in Rock Climber's Cove, and at the marina. Bass action has improved with a good bite as fish gorge on shad. Anglers able to net live shad have had wide-open fishing. Many fish are showing on shad-like artificial baits like swimbaits or jerkbaits. Trout fishing has been fair at Sail Cove and along the dam on Power Bait or trolled Kastmasters. There was a DFG trout plant last week. For more information on fishing call the marina at (951) 657-2179, Lakeside Market at (951) 943-4364, or the state park at (951) 940-5600.

EVANS LAKE: Trout fishing was fair for a day or two after the plant but has since slowed way down. 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: Some trout showing after a DFG trout plant last week. There will be another DFG trout plant this week. County trout plant will begin this Friday. For more information, call (951) 684-7032.

FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout fishing has been fair on fish to 4-8. Power Bait, inflated night crawlers, or mini-jigs have been best. 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 (951) 245-7025.

CORONA LAKE: There trout action broke wide open for anglers fishing night crawlers or chartreuse or rainbow floating dough baits. Clearing water really made for ideal conditions and the far side of the lake near the tules was the hot spot, especially for boat anglers. The biggest fish was a 9 1/2-pound rainbow caught by Scott Norris, Corona, that topped off a five-fish stringer that weighed 18 1/2 pounds. Most of the trout have been from 1 1/2 to 3 pounds. Trophy rainbows from 8 to 20 pounds or more will be planted this week and next week just before the Thanksgiving day weekend. There has continued to be a few catfish landed. Best was an 11 3/4-pounder caught by David King, Long Beach, while a 10 1/4-pound cat was landed by Salvador Godoy, Moreno Valley. Both anglers were using mackerel. For more information, call (951) 277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: Trout fishing has been slow after the first plant of the season last week. But a few catches are being made. Mike Sharpton, Corona, landed five trout that weighed 9-6 on worms from Ramp Two. Many stripers to 6-0 are being landed on trout swimbaits, cut anchovies or chicken livers. Some catfish showing from deep water near the dam on chicken livers. Poy Yang, Long Beach, landed four catfish that weighed 16-8 on chicken livers. Largemouth bass have been fair to good on spinner baits and plastics. Richard Barnes, Yucaipa, caught an released 20 bass to 2-8 on flies and spinnerbaits. For more information, call the marina at (951) 926-1505.

ANGLER'S LAKE: Trout fishing has been fair to good on fish to 6-0. Both rainbows and brown trout are showing on mini-jigs and Power Bait. For information, call the lake at (951) 927-2614.

REFLECTION LAKE: Lake is dry. For more information, call (951) 654-7906.

JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Trout plants have began and fair to good fishing has been reported on Power Bait. Fish baskets and long-handled nets are provided to anglers. This is a pay-by-the-pound fishery. For more information, call (951) 679-6562.

WILLIAMS CATFISH FARM: Good catfish action on fish from 1-0 to 5-0. Most fish are showing on cut baits, and the lake was planted heavily with catfish recently. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call (951) 674-7627.

STEVE'S FISHING POND: Catfish fair on Hog Wild and chicken livers. For information, call (951) 657-2625.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Trout to 20 pounds and more will be planted this week and next week. The action has been good here on 1 1/2- to 5-pound rainbows, with a lot of five-fish limits reported by anglers who know how to fish small jigs, artificial trout worms or floating baits on light line. The biggest rainbow landed this past week was a 5 1/2-pounder caught by Matt Faia, Fullerton, to top off his 22 1/2-pound limit. Also good catfish action on cats brought over from Anaheim Lake. Tops was an 18-pounder landed by Jarrod McClure, Santa Ana, but a 16-pounder was caught by Mario Preciado, San Fernando. Pedro Villa, Anaheim, had a 14-pound, and 11 1/2-pounders were caught by Wesley Funderbark, Los Angeles, and Lamar Kelly, Montebello. Lake will be closed Thanksgiving day. For more information, call (714) 632-7830 for the information recording or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

ANAHEIM LAKE: Lake is now closed and being drained for annual maintenance. For more information, call (714) 996-3508 or log on to the lake's Web site at www.fishinglakes.com.

IRVINE LAKE: Trout fishing has been excellent and limits of fish easy for anglers fishing bait or trolling. Power Bait, firetiger-colored Rapalas, mini-jigs, and trout worms are all taking easy limits of rainbow trout and California golden trout to 8-0. The west shoreline continues to be a hot spot for��ot����.��' anglers. Many anglers are only casting 15 to 30 feet from shore to catch limits. Dillon Henderson, Fullerton, landed a 7-0 rainbow on a nightcrawler near the docks. Paul Pham, Westminster, landed a 6-4 rainbow on Power Bait at the flats. Ben Gray, Cerritos, took a 5-8 California gold trout on Power Bait at the west shore. For information and lake hours, call (714) 649-9111.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout season is set to kick off Friday, and a catch-and-release float tube tournament was held Wednesday and Thursday this week before the main opener. The lake was planted with 5,000 pounds of Utah rainbows before the float tube derby. For fishing information, call (949) 362-3885 or visit the lake's Web site at www.lagunaniguellake.com.

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. For more information, contact the Lake Hemet Market at (951) 659-2350 or the campgrounds at (951) 659-2680.

FULMOR LAKE: Trout fishing is slow to fair on Power Bait. There was a DFG trout plant two weeks ago. For more information contact (951) 659-2117.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Trout fishing has been fair on fish to 2-0. Power Bait, mini-jigs, and salmon eggs have been best. There will be an additional DFG trout plant this week. For information, call (909) 481-4205.

PRADO: Trout fishing is good right after plants each week and slows through the weekend as fish spread out. There will be an additional DFG trout plant this week. Some fair bass action continues on purple plastics fished along the reeds. For information, call (909) 597-4260.

YUCAIPA: Good trout action on mini-jigs, trout worms, and Power Bait. 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: Fair trout fishing on fish to 2-0. Power Bait or mini-jigs have been best. There will be an additional DFG trout plant this week. 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 license is needed. For information, call (909) 982-4246.

SECCOMBE LAKE: There will be a DFG trout plant this week and there was one two weeks ago. For more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Strong winds over the weekend slowed striper fishing. However some big fish were landed before the weather moved in. Allan Cole, Boulder City, landed a 39-0 on an A.C. Plug while fishing Sawpit Canyon. Stripers from 1-0 to 6-0 are hitting a variety of baits, including cut anchovies, cut sardines and chicken livers. Top areas have been Cleghorn Cove, Sawpit Canyon, and the boat docks, which are open to fishing on weekdays. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be fair to good on plastic worms or reaction baits. No reports on catfish action. 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: Fair to good trout fishing despite cold temperatures early and late in the day. Best fishing has been on Power Bait fished along the west side of the lake. For information, call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

GREGORY LAKE: Trout fishing has been slow to fair for the few anglers fishing the lake. The boat dock is closed for the season. There will be no further trout plants until next season. For information, call the boat dock at (909) 338-2233.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Private trout plants have ceased for the season and will begin again in April. Fishing has been slow to fair on trout to 3-8. Shore anglers fishing the dam or the aerators continue to do best. Operations at the lake will reopen May 13, 2005. For more information call the lake recording at (909) 867-2009.

ARROWBEAR LAKE: Lake is starting to fill, but was dry over the summer. Don't expect much until DFG plants start next summer.

JENKS LAKE: Trout fishing has been slow to fair on pan-sized fish with Power Bait or Power Worms catching a few fish. Main parking area is closed but anglers can still walk in from the main road. For information, call the Mill Creek Ranger Station at (909) 794-1123.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Lots of big trout were landed last week with limits of trout from 2-0 to 4-0. Rainbows at 12-0 were caught by Greg Valdez, Hesperia, Rick Redden, San Bernardino, and Art Smith, Apple Valley. Alisha Love, Hesperia, landed an 11-0, while Barron Dean, Phelan, landed a 10-0. Robert Gilmore, Apple Valley, landed a 9-8. Power Bait, split-shotted Power Worms, mini-jigs, or inflated night crawlers have been best. The lake is stocked twice a week with trout on Tuesdays and Fridays. Fair to good catfish action continues for anglers fishing shrimp, mackerel, or the mealworm and marshmallow combo. The lake will receive 1,000-pounds of catfish to 20-0 each week throughout winter. Big fish this week was a 19-8 landed by Justin Nyugn, Fontana, on mackerel. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout fishing is good with some quality trout from 4-0 to 7-0 showing on Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. Catfish action has been slow to fair on mackerel, shrimp, or trout guts. For more information, call (760) 240-1107.

MOJAVE NARROWS: Fair to good trout action on trout with Power Bait or Power Worms. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. For more information, call (760) 245-2226.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Trout fishing has been fair since trout were planted last week. Power Bait, Kastmasters, and spinners produced some limits over the weekend. Best fishing has been for trollers fishing 10 to 15 feet deep near the harbor or the dam. A few bass are showing off of lake points in 35 feet of water. Drop-shotted or Carolina-rigged plastics have been best. Catfish action is fair on mackerel or night crawlers. For fishing information, call the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The number for the main gate is (805) 688-4758.

CASITAS: Some big bass are starting to show on trout swimbaits. James Almerao, Ojai, landed a 10-2 on a swimbait. Catfish continue to be fair to good on mackerel. Robert Shirk, Port Hueneme, landed catfish weighing 25-1 and 22-0 on mackerel. Fish from 13-0 to 18-0 were landed last week. Trout fishing has been fair after a plant last week. Bet baits are Power Bait, small spinners, or white mini-jigs. There will be a DFG and Idaho plants this week. For more information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.

CASTAIC: Striper fishing continues to be good on cut baits and on trolled lures. Smaller stripers from 1-0 to 4-0 are hitting cut anchovies or sardines drifted 30 to 80 feet deep. Trollers have been scoring on Kastmasters. Stephen Shipper, Venice, landed a 7-8 on a piece of sardine. Largemouth bass continue to gorge on schools of shad around the lake. Anglers able to net live shad have had wide-open fishing on bass to 5-0. When largemouth bass are feeding on the surface, anglers are cashing in on jerkbaits, flukes, shad swimbaits, and crankbaits. Trout fishing has been fair to good on both the upper lake and lower lagoon. Another DFG trout plant this week should keep the action hot. For more information, contact the marina at (661) 775-6232.

PIRU: Good bass fishing on largemouth to 8-8. Darrel Cochran, Piru, landed bass weighing 8-8 and 6-9 on a purple plastic worm off of the east side of the lake. Bud Welch, Santa Paula, landed an 8-6 bass on a crankbait. Trout fishing continues to be fair after recent plants. Trollers using four to six colors of lead core line are scoring limits of fish. Hottest lure has been a firetiger-colored Rapala. The lake will receive a DFG trout plant this week. For more information call the marina at (805) 521-1231 or check out the new Web site at www.lakepiru.org.

PYRAMID: Fair to good striper action on cut baits for smaller fish. No big stripers have been landed recently, however a DFG trout plant this week should get them stirring. Smaller stripers are hitting cut anchovies in 30 to 80 feet of water. A few largemouth and smallmouth bass are showing for anglers fishing grubs and plastic worms along the steep rocky walls of the lake. The lake has switched to its winter hours and the lake now closes at 5 p.m. 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. 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: Bass fishing has been fair to good with fish to 4-8 landed. Catfish action has been fair on night crawlers or mackerel. For more information, call (909) 599-8411.

SANTA FE DAM: There was a DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. For more information call (626) 334-1065 for info on the lake.

ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plant last week.

BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plant last week.

CERRITOS PARK LAKE: There was a DFG catfish and trout plant last week. There was a DFG catfish plant last week.

DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: There was a DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.

ECHO PARK LAKE: DFG trout and catfish plants last week.

EL DORADO PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

ELIZABETH LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

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

HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG catfish and trout plants last 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 trout and catfish plants last week.

LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week.

LEGG LAKE: There was a DFG catfish plant two weeks ago.

LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant last week.

MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE (formerly Willowbrook Lake): DFG catfish and trout plants last week.

PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant two weeks ago. Call (818) 448-7317 for information.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: Striper fishing slowed with fish spreading out through the water column. Best action has been for anglers trolling Kastmasters, spoons, or shad-like lures. Fish are scattered from the surface to 100 feet deep. Largemouth bass action has been fair on drop-shotted plastics or live shad off of lake points and in the Vegas Wash also. For more information, call Blue Lake Tackle at (702) 452-8299.

WILLOW BEACH: Trout fishing continues to be the number one bite with fish to 4-0 showing. Best action has been on rainbow Power Bait. No big stripers reported. A few smaller stripers to 10-0 have been showing on cut baits. For more information, contact the marina at (928) 767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: Big news is a 46-0 striper that was landed by Jeff Smith, Las Vegas, on an A.C. Plug. Besides that, smaller stripers from 1-0 to 4-8 are showing along the Cottonwood Cove area. Best bite has been for anglers trolling Kastmasters or drifting anchovies or squid. Largemouth bass action has been fair on drop-shotted plastics along the south end of the lake. 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: Fair to good striper action in the river on cut anchovies. Fish to 7-0 have been landed. Catfish action has been slowing with the cooler weather, but some fish are still being landed on stink baits 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. Catfish have slowed down but the action is still fair in the marsh and the main river. Mackerel or stink baits have been the best bets. For information, call Five Mile Landing (928) 768-2350.

HAVASU: Some big catfish are being landed by anglers fishing shad. Don Pennington, Colorado, landed catfish weighing 35-9 and 34-6 while fishing near Havasu Springs Resort. Fair to good striper action on cut anchovies or shad swimbaits. Fish have been averaging from 1-8 to 6-0. Fish are scattered all over the lake right now. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been taken on plastics or reaction baits early in the morning. For more information, call Black Meadow Landing at (760) 663-3811.

PARKER STRIP: A few catfish are being landed from the river at night on cut baits or stink baits. For information, call Big Bend Marina at (760) 663-3755.

BLYTHE: Action has slowed on the big flathead catfish, but a few fish to 25-0 have been landed on live goldfish or bluegill. The main river, its backwaters, and local drain ditches have all been fair. Bass fishing has also slowed, but a few are being landed on plastics, live shiners, or crawdads. For more information, call B&B Bait at (760) 921-2248.

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

PICACHO AREA: Bass fishing has slowed, but some fair to good action is still being reported. Live shiners, plastics, and night crawlers are doing good. A few flatheads are still showing in the area on live bluegill or goldfish.

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. Lots of smallmouth bass to 2-0 started showing from the river near sand bars. Stripers have been very slow. 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 fair. For more information, contact Mesa Sport Shop at (928) 782-5313.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: Fishing is dead slow. 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: A few flathead catfish continue to show on live goldfish in the deeper pockets of the river. Channel catfish and 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: The first DFG trout plant of the season went in last.

SUNBEAM LAKE: The first DFG trout plant of the season went in last week. For information, call (760) 352-3308.

LAKE CAHUILLA: Catfish from 2-0 to 8-0 are showing at the inlet, outlet, and the area south of the point. Steven Contreras, Indio, landed catfish weighing 10-1 and 10-0 from the point on mackerel. Trout plants will start on Thursday. 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.

BISHOP AREA: Most waters in Inyo and Mono county are closed until next spring. There is year-round fishing on the Lower Owens River and at Pleasant Valley Reservoir, but few reports from either water. 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: Trout season is closed on all waters in Inyo County except the Owens River. Fair action in the Owens.

LONE PINE AREA: Trout season is closed except on the Owens River and Diaz Lake. Few reports. For more information, contact the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at (760) 876-4444.

WESTERN SIERRA ISABELLA: Fair crappie fishing for boat anglers fishing over flooded trees in 30 feet of water. Live minnows have been the best bait by far. Some reports say that trout are starting to bite on green Power Bait. For more information, contact North Fork Marina at (661) 379-1007 or Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

KERN RIVER: Trout fishing continues to be fair to good on fish from 1-0 to 1-8. A few bigger trout to 5-0 continue to show from brood stock plants a few weeks ago. Salmon eggs, worms, Power Bait, have been best. Flows on the lower river continue to be low, but anglers targeting deeper pools have found fair fishing for trout to 1-8 or on bass to 2-0. For more information, contact the James' Store at (760) 376-2424.

AQUEDUCT AT TAFT: Stripers continue to be fair to good on blood worms. Many fish to 4-0 are being landed. A 16-0 striper was landed by Rod Langels, Bakersfield, on a white Gitzit. Catfish have been slow to fair on frozen shad. For more information contact Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

HART PARK LAKE: Fair to good bluegill fishing on waxworms. Some bass are being landed on plastics. Carp are being landed on dough baits.

TRUXTUN LAKE: Fair to good bluegill fishing on waxworms or mealworms. Bass fishing is good on night crawlers, plastics, or spinnerbaits.

MING LAKE: There has been fair fishing on bluegill and carp. Bass have been hitting on plastics also. Trout plants will begin in November.

BUENA VISTA LAKES: Trout season kicked off last week and fishing has been good on inflated night crawlers dipped in garlic oil or on Power Bait. The Taft Chamber Of Commerce will hold its annual trout derby this Saturday. The lake will only be open that day to derby participants. Trout over 10-0 planted for this event. For more fishing information, call the concession at (661) 763-1268 or contact Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

BRITE LAKE: Closed for the season.

WOLLOMES LAKE: Fair bass and crappie continues on live minnows. Most fish are running from 1-0 to 1-8. Bass are also showing on plastics, jerkbaits, crankbaits, or night crawlers.

SUCCESS LAKE: Fair bass fishing on fish to 2-8. Best lures continue to be spinnerbaits or plastic worms. For more information, call the Lakeside Mini Mart at (559) 781-6878.

KAWEAH LAKE: Bass fishing has been fair to good for anglers targeting deep water with spoons. Crappie and bluegill are still showing around the marina on minnows, mini-jigs, or mealworms. For more information, call the marina at (559) 597-2526.

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:

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Cuyamaca Lake, Lindo Lake.

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lake, Castaic Lagoon, Pyramid Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti-Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake, Lopez Lake.

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake.

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake.

CATFISH PLANTS

Following waters will be planted by the state Department of Fish and Game with 1-pound channel catfish this week.

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Lake, La Mirada Park Lake, Mile Square Lake, Ralph Clark Park Lake, Tri-City Park Lake, Yorba Linda Lake.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

Compiled by Terrence Berg, 976-TUNA.

HOT BITES

ALBACORE: Schools of albacore from 30-0 to 50-0 popped up just off Morro Bay. Boats are now targeting fish as close as 35 miles from the mouth of the bay. If weather in the region holds out, this could turn into a banner bite very quickly. The Princess, Virg's Landing, took 23 anglers to 20 albacore from 30-0 to 51-0 on Tuesday. Some albacore are also showing south of San Diego, but the bite is fair at best.

LOCAL YELLOWTAIL: The yellowtail bite continues to be fair to good at Catalina Island, but the grade of fish went down. Fish have been averaging from 3-0 to 6-0 this week instead of the 10-plus of previous weeks. The Pursuit, 22nd Street Landing, took 20 anglers to 44 yellowtail from 3-0 to 5-0 on Monday.

BONITO: Even though overall action on bonito is down, the quality of fish is way up. Fish averaging from 4-0 to 6-0 have been targeted by 1/2-day and 3/4-day boats from the Newport Beach area. The Nautilus, Newport Landing, was on a morning half-day run when 14 anglers landed 25 big bonito from 4-0 to 6-0 with many more fish hooked and lost. Bonito have now been landed out of Morro Bay as of last week. This is the first time bonito have made it this far north in many years.

BASS: Both calico and sand bass are being caught in good numbers at Catalina Island around the kelp line and along the coastal kelp paddies. Fish to 6-0 have been landed on surface iron, plastics, sardines, or mackerel.

LOBSTER: Lobster season is going full speed, and anglers are using hoop nets at night for a chance at a limit of lobsters. Prime time to net a lobster is at night on an incoming or outgoing tide. Nets are placed on a flat sandy bottom next to rocky structure. Mackerel and bonito are usually used for bait and are placed in a holding pouch in the center of the net. 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:

�������xA��OUTDOOR REPORT

Compiled by Mike Bennett 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 in this report. Faxes can be sent to (909) 887-8180.

E-mail messages or fishing reports can be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@earthlink.net or Mike Bennett at mike@976-tuna.com. This report is updated daily by Mike Bennett 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 CalTIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher hot line, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet Web page is at www.dfg.ca.gov.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Santa Ana River Lakes received its first plant of the season of huge trout from 10-0 to 20-0 plus. These trout are from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms in Red Bluff and the last several record rainbows have come from Mt. Lassen and were caught at SARL, including last year's 27 1/2-poun