Outdoors report - 3/3/05

By: Outdoor News Service | Wednesday, March 2, 2005 11:09 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 also 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), the Los Angeles Times site (www.latimes.com/fish), 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 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. The trout fishing at Hesperia Lake has been excellent with many big fish showing over the weekend. Last Saturday alone there were 13 fish from 7-0 to 15-2 landed. Top baits have been Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms. The top areas have been the drain, the north shore, or the finger point. Catfish action has been also steady thanks to weekly plants of fish. This week's plant will include trophy catfish from 20-0 to 40-0. Anglers who fish long rods and heavy weights and cast as near to the island in the center of the lake as possible have had the best action. Top baits have been mealworms and marshmallows, nightcrawlers, shrimp, or mackerel.

2. Big bass starting showing up at Lake Perris this past week with fish from 6-0 to 11-4 reported on trout swimbaits. Most big fish were caught off the main lake points, from the east end, or off the Island. Smaller bass have been seen shallow, but the best action continues to be in 25 feet of water on live crawdads, nightcrawlers, or plastic worms.

3. The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show will be at the Long Beach Convention Center today through Sunday. Billed as the largest fishing show in the West, there will be many hundreds (over 1,200 in fact) of vendors, including fishing tackle manufactures, retailers, vacation destinations, boat and yacht sellers, and -- in short -- all the outdoor products your senses can handle. Show hours are noon to 10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults with kids 12 and under free. For more information, log on at www.fredhallshow.com or call (805) 389-3339.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: Lake Skinner, Lake Silverwood, and Lake Castaic are starting to show signs of life in the striper department. At Silverwood, a few stripers are showing from deep water on cut anchovies. At Lake Castaic, most stripers are being landed close to shore on cut anchovies. Some stripers from 1-8 to 3-0 have been landed in 100 feet of water. Lake Skinner continues to have a fair bite on cut anchovies or chicken livers in deep water at the inlet. In the Colorado River region, Lake Mojave continues to produce big stripers from 12-0 to 35-0 on slow-trolled trout swimbaits. The hottest area continues to be Cottonwood Cove area right after trout plants. There will be a trout plant this Friday so fishing should be hot through the weekend.

TROUT: Trout fishing continues to be excellent at Hesperia Lake for anglers fishing mini jigs, Power Bait, or plastic trout worms. Limits of trout are the norm and most fish are averaging from 1-0 to 3-8 and fish to 15-2 were landed. Trout fishing has been fair at Irvine Lake for boat anglers. Top methods have been Power Bait or trolled firetiger colored Rapalas. Most trout are averaging from 1-0 to 2-8 but fish to 10-8 have been landed. Santa Ana River Lake picked up a little off-color water last week, but the bite is still fair with trout to 15-0 this past week, mostly on floating baits fished on long leaders and lathered up with scent. Corona Lake is also fair to good and the top trout here was an 11-0. The Diamond Valley trout bite just won't stop with good action reported by boat anglers either trolling or drifting nightcrawlers about 20-feet deep. Lots of quality holdover trout from 4-0 to 9-0 have been landed.

PANFISH: One weekend of no rain had crappie showing at Lake Isabella for anglers fishing live minnows over flooded trees. The best action has been in 25 to 35-feet of water on fish to 1-8. San Vicente is seeing the beginning stages of a crappie bite with fish to 2-0.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Bass have started to move shallow and males have been seen building nests at Lake Casitas, San Vicente, and even at Lake Perris. At San Vicente, increased pressure slowed the bass action overall, but many fish continue to be taken on live shiners or crawdads. Fish to 7-0 were landed last week and fish have been holding in many pre-spawn locations. At Lake Perris, many quality bass from 7-0 to 11-8 were landed on trout swimbaits and many male fish were seen shallow but no nest building was evident yet.

CATFISH: San Vicente continues to pump out a few blue catfish to 69-5. Anglers targeting the big catfish are using 7/0 hooks tied to 30 or 40-pound fishing line. Hesperia Lake continues to have fair to good action on catfish to 25-0. Anglers who can make the long cast necessary to reach the honey hole near the island in the middle of the lake have had the best action. This week the lake will be stocked with catfish to 40-0. The best baits have been marshmallows and nightcrawlers, cut mackerel, or shrimp.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Fishing for both striper and largemouth has been very slow. A few stripers are showing from deep water on cut anchovies. 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: Cold weather and snow meant fishing pressure was nonexistent last week, but a few locals are seeing fair action on trout to 3-0 on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait near the dam. For information, call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

GREGORY LAKE: No one has been fishing with the murky water and very cold water. There will be no trout plants until April when the marina reopens. For information, call the boat dock at (909) 338-2233.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Mostly iced over. Operations at the lake will reopen May 13. For more information call the lake recording at (909) 867-2009.

ARROWBEAR LAKE: No DFG plants until this summer.

JENKS LAKE: Mostly iced over. 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: Trout fishing continues to be good to excellent on Power Bait, mini-jigs, and split-shotted trout worms. Many limits have been landed, and last Saturday 14 fish from 7-8 to 14-5 were reported. The 14-5 trout was landed by Robert Wilson, Rancho Cucamonga, on a mini-jig from the end of the finger point. Ricky Gonzalez, Yucaipa, landed a 13-8 on a Power Worm near the drain. Dan Fernandez, Hesperia, landed an 11-9 on a mini-jig. Catfish continue to show in a fair to good bite thanks to weekly stockings. This week's stocking is going to include fish to 40-0. Action continues to be best from the finger point or the north shore. From both spots anglers are using long rods and heavy weights needed to make the long cast that will reach the island in the middle of the lake. Lawrence Bland, Ontario, landed a 22-0 blue catfish on a nightcrawler. A 15-8 catfish was landed by Walt Slovick, Redondo Beach, on a Lip Ripperz trout worm. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout fishing continues to be good with many limits and fish to 6-0 showing. Top baits continue to be Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, mini-jigs, trout worms, and small spinners. The lakes receive weekly plants of trout to 9-0. Bass to 5-0 are starting to show on nightcrawlers, plastics, or small jigs. For more information, call (760)240-1107.

MOJAVE NARROWS: Fair fishing for trout with Power Bait or Power Worms getting a few limits. For more information, call (760) 245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait, mini-jigs, or inflated nightcrawlers. For information, call (909) 481-4205.

PRADO: The lake is being drained and cleaned again due to heavy runoff from the last round of storms that pounded the area. For information, call (909) 597-4260.

YUCAIPA: Trout fishing has been fair to good on trout to 3-0. Mini-jigs, trout worms, and Power Bait have been the top producers. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. 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 a 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 was a DFG trout plant last week. For more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Trout fishing continues to be good for boat fishermen either trolling Needlefish or drifting nightcrawlers about 20 feet deep. Lots of quality holdover trout to 8-0 are showing weekly. Fishing has been a bit tougher for shore anglers, but there are still lots of trout hanging around the marina from recent stocks. Best action continues to be on Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, Kastmasters, or mini-jigs. Largemouth bass fishing is fair on swimbaits or Carolina-rigged plastics in 40 to 60 feet of water. The toll-free reservations telephone line is 1-800-590-LAKE (5253)and can be made online at www.dvmarina.com. For fishing info, call the marina at (951) 926-7201 or Last Chance Bait & Tackle at (951)-658-7410.

PERRIS: Big bass to 11-3 are showing on big trout swimbaits fished along the east end or main lake points. Top bass reported was an 11-3 landed by Jerry Thompson, Bishop, on a Generic Trout. He also landed a 9-7 the same day. Randy Poth, Placentia, landed an 11-2 on a trout swimbait. Bass fishing is also fair for smaller fish from 1-0 to 5-0 along the east end of the lake. Most boat anglers are targeting fish holding in deep water with purple or brown plastics, nightcrawlers, or live crawdads, but anglers are seeing some fish up shallow cruising, looking for next building areas. 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 after a DFG trout plant last week.

RANCHO JURUPA: Trout fishing has been very good after a double plant last Friday. The county planted 1,500 pounds in the front lake and the DFG added 600 pounds in the picnic lakes. Best action on Power Bait and small trout jigs. For more information, call (951) 684-7032.

FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout fishing has been fair to good with weekly plants with fish to 5-0. Best baits have been Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, or mini-jigs. 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: Boating has been closed at the lake due to heavy runoff and lots of floating debris. For shore anglers carp have been the only action due to the dirty rising water levels. Best baits have been dough baits or corn. A few catfish to 8-0 have been showing on mackerel or nightcrawlers.

CORONA LAKE: The water level has dropped a foot and the water is clearing rapidly. Both the trout and catfish bites have been good over the past week. The best cat reported was a 20-pounder landed by Jason Borras, Aliso Viejo, while fishing mackerel at the dam. Other good spots have been the flooded trees and the whole south end. Top trout was a 11-pounder caught by Ted Lyons, Pasadena, while fishing Nitro Bait, while John Barnes, West Covina, caught a 9-0 trout on a nightcrawler doused with Gravy. For more information, call (951) 277-4489 or log on at ww.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: The lake received two trout plants last week for a total of 3,000 pounds, and fishing was good through the weekend around Ramp Two on Power Bait or small spinners. Some quality largemouth bass and fair numbers of bass from 1-0 to 3-8 were also landed. Kevin Oshann, La Mirada, caught an 8-0 largemouth on a Roostertail at Ramp Two. Jimmy Holmquest, Hemet, landed a 7-0 largemouth on a Rebel lure along the east end. No big stripers were reported to the snack bar this past week. Fishing for school-sized fish was also slow with a few taken on cut baits at the inlet. A few catfish are showing on the same cut baits for anglers fishing deep water near the inlet or along the dam. Gary Smith, Compton, landed catfish weighing 9-0, 6-8, and 6-0. For more information, call the marina at (951) 926-1505.

ANGLER'S LAKE: Trout fishing has been fair on mini-jigs or Power Bait. For information, call the lake at (951) 927-2614.

REFLECTION LAKE: No report on the trout fishing. 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.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Fishing for trout is starting to improve with fair fishing at best reported on Power Bait. 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. For more information contact (951) 659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: In spite of off-color water, the trout action has remained fair to good for anglers using longer leaders and added scents to attract the rainbows. The biggest trout was a 15-pound rainbow landed by Gary Sargent, Orange, while fishing with an inflated nightcrawler and an Eagle Claw Amino Egg at Levitz' Corner. Rigo Lopez, La Puente, landed a 14-pound rainbow on Power Bait at La Palma Point, while Bo Fuentes, Fontana, caught a 10-pounder at Levitz' Corner. While very few anglers have been fishing the catfish, this bite has improved with the off-color water, especially in the Catfish Lake. The big fish was a 10 1/2-pounder caught by Josh Fox, Santa Ana, while fishing mackerel. Big $100,000 tournament March 12. For more information, call (714) 632-7830 for the information recording or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

ANAHEIM LAKE: Lake is closed. 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 fair with the stained water. The lake is at full pool and water is spilling over the dam. Best action has been on Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers fished on a short leader. Trollers are scoring with firetiger-colored Rapalas. Lots of browns and brook trout are also showing in catches. A 10-8 brown trout was landed mid-lake by Bud May, Huntington Beach, on a Roostertail. For information and lake hours, call (714) 649-9111.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout fishing continues to be fair with the off color water. Quality fish from 4-0 to 6-2 were reported this past week on Power Bait, salmon eggs, inflated nightcrawlers or mini-jigs. Top fishing area continues to be near the flats right behind the boat dock or the point to the right of the boat dock. For fishing information, call (949) 362-3885 or visit the lake's Web site at www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Trout fishing broke open and good action was reported for trollers using Needlefish near the island or the narrows. Most fish are showing from 15 to 25 feet deep. Largemouth bass have adjusted to new water levels and are feeding pretty heavily most mornings. Best action has been on spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Fish to 6-4 showed over the weekend. For fishing information, call the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The number for the main gate is (805) 688-4758.

CASITAS: Lots of male bass seen shallow over the weekend with some already clearing nests. No big fish were reported over the weekend due to heavy pressure and sunny weather. Lots of anglers throwing big swimbaits for over the weekend were blanked. Best fishing was on plastic worms for bass from 2-0 to 6-0. For more information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.

CASTAIC: Best action has been for largemouth bass which have been holding in 35 feet of water. Best baits have been plastics or jigs. A few stripers to 5-0 continue to show on cut anchovies or cut sardines fished either very close to shore or drifted from 70 to 100 feet deep. For more information, contact the marina at (661) 775-6232.

PIRU: Trout fishing has been fair for anglers trolling Needlefish on three to four colors of leadcore line. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. Bass fishing is fair for anglers fishing nightcrawlers or plastics in 30 feet of water. The lake has a 10 mph speed limit right now due to floating debris. For more information call the marina at (805) 521-1231 or check out the new Web site at www.lake-piru.org.

PYRAMID: After a DFG plant last week, a few trout continue to show around the marina on Power Bait. Bass continue to be landed by anglers fishing white grubs along the steep rocky walls of the lake. The lake is on winter hours and 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: Closed. The private lake is open to catch-and-release anglers on a day-fee or season basis. The lake reopens this Saturday. For more information, call the Tejon Ranch Company at (661) 663-4210.

QUAIL LAKE: Catfish action has been slow on mackerel fished near the inlet.

PUDDINGSTONE: Bass fishing has been fair and a fish from 5-0 to 10-4 were landed on trout swimbaits. A few redear and trout are showing on inflated nightcrawlers in Sailboat Cove. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. For more information, call (909) 599-8411.

SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago. For more information call (626) 334-1065 for info on the lake.

ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant last week and three weeks ago.

CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

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

EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

ELIZABETH LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

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

HOLLENBECK LAKE: No DFG trout plants in a month. For more information, contact the Hollenbeck Recreation Center at (213) 261-0113.

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

KENNY HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

LEGG LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

MAGIC JOHNSON LAKE (formerly Willowbrook Lake): DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago.

PECK ROAD PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and three weeks ago. Call (818) 448-7317 for information.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: The tentative reopening is April 20. Reservations must be made through Ticket Master at (619) 220-8497, or go towww.TicketMaster.com. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site atwww.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

HODGES: The lake reopens this week on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site atwww.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

EL CAPITAN: Closed last weekend due to mud slide on entrance road. The lake and surrounding park will close on rainy days due to heavy fire damage in the area. The lake is open Friday through 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: Bass action is slow with 311 anglers checking in with 104 bass this past week. Bill Collins, Chula Vista, landed a 4-9 largemouth on a plastic worm in the Harvey Arm. A few catfish are showing on cut mackerel. Marquette Sweet, San Diego, 15-6 catfish near the buoy line. Some bluegill, redear, and crappie are also being landed. Tori Jackson and Preston Jones Jr., Spring Valley, teamed up to catch 27 bluegill, crappie, and redear that weighed 19-9 on live shiners. All launch ramps are open. 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: There were no anglers over the weekend. 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: A few big blue catfish were caught again last week with the biggest at 69-5. That brute was landed by Mike Long, Poway, on a jig and pig while fishing for largemouth bass. A 40-0 catfish was caught by Ronson Smothers, Los Angeles, on his Catmando Bait. Big chunks of mackerel fished on 30-pound line have been the number one producer of cats. Bass fishing has been fair with the increased fishing pressure. This week 976 anglers checked in with 1,006 bass to 7-8. Most fish have been averaging from 1-8 to 5-0. Top baits have been live crawdads or shiners. Big bass of the week was a 7-8 that was landed on a crankbait by Steve Bolivar, Ramona, in the Aqueduct Arm. Some fish have been seen shallow on beds. Some fair catches of trout continue to show on inflated nightcrawlers. There were 79 trout checked in last weekend. For more information call the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log onto the web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

MURRAY: Trout fishing was fair on Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms. Last week 232 trout to 2-8 were checked in. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. Bass fishing is picking up on fish to 5-0. There were 203 fish reported last week. 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: Trout fishing is fair to good with 368 trout checked in over the weekend. Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms have been best. 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: The lake will reopen this Friday on a Friday through Sunday schedule. 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: Trout fishing continues to be fair with some limits of fish landed on Power Bait. Some bass to 4-8 are starting to be landed on plastics. For more information, contact the ranger station at (760) 839-4346or log on to the lake's Web site at www.wohlfordlake.com.

DOANE POND: There will be a DFG trout plant this week.

DIXON: Not much change in the trout action, with fair fishing on fish to 4-8. Top baits have been Power Bait, trout worms, or mini-jigs. Bass fishing has been fair with some fish starting to hold to shallow water. 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 with many limits of trout to 5-0 showing. Best action has been for anglers fishing Power Bait or trout worms. A few largemouth bass are also starting to show on nightcrawlers or plastics. A 14-0 bass was landed by Rolan Durano, Poway, on a nightcrawler. The lake is planted with 1,200 pounds of trout every Tuesday. For more fishing information, call the snack bar at (858) 679-5465.

JENNINGS: Bass fishing continues to be fair for anglers who can find the fish. One day are suspended in 40 feet of water feeding on schools of shad. Other days, they are holding tight to cover in 20 feet of water. Trout fishing continues to be fair on Power Bait. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. For more information, call (619) 596-1396 or (619) 667-6293.

MORENA: Trout fishing has been improving with the clearing water. Fish to 2-8 have been showing on Power Bait. The 24-hour fishing update line is (619) 478-5473. For lake information call (619) 694-3049.

CUYAMACA: Trout fishing has been fair with fish to 5-0 showing. Best action has been on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait fished on a three-foot long leader. Water is very stained so anglers adding scent to baits have had better action. The lake is at full pool and the dike is underwater. For more information call (760) 765-0515 or visit the Web site at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: Carp fishing continues to be fair on homemade dough baits or corn. Catfish have been slow to fair on nightcrawlers or mackerel. For information, call (760) 782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: There continues to be fair action on stripers from 4-0 to16-0 after trout plants each Friday in Vegas Wash. Anglers fishing big swimbaits have been targeting areas where trout are stocked. The bait bite for stripers continues to be fair on cut anchovies drifted in 40 to 70 feet of water. Trout will be planted on Fridays for the rest of the season. Largemouth bass action is fair and improving in the Overton Arm for anglers fishing plastics. For more information, call Blue Lake Tackle at (702) 452-8299.

WILLOW BEACH: Trout fishing has been very good with many limits of trout to 5-0 showing on Kastmasters or Power Bait. A few big stripers continue to show from the area, but the bulk of big fish continue to be hanging to the south in Lake Mohave. For more information, contact the marina at (928) 767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: Big stripers are showing for anglers slow-trolling or casting swimbaits from boats in the Cottonwood area. Ron Howard, Las Vegas, landed a 28-0 on a slow-trolled A.C. Minnow. Largemouth bass fishing is showing signs of life for anglers throwing spinnerbaits or plastic worms. For more information, call Cottonwood Cove at (702) 297-1464.

BELOW DAVIS DAM: No report.

NEEDLES: More reports of catfish with the better weather. Best action is 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: Catfish action continues to be fair with the better weather. Fish have been showing from both 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: Fishing has been tough. A few largemouth bass continue to show from mid-lake coves on plastics. Striper action has been slow. 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: Bass fishing is fair for anglers fishing live shiners. A few flathead catfish are showing from the river and local back waters on goldfish or tilapia. For more information, call B&B Bait at (760) 921-2248.

PALO VERDE: Catfish and bass action has been fair in the main river and local backwaters. A few flathead catfish have been showing from the area.

PICACHO AREA: Bass fishing has slowed, but some fair action on live shiners, plastics, and nightcrawlers. A few flatheads are still showing in the area on live bluegill or goldfish but that bite is tough.

MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Catfish action has been fair at best, with fish to 6-0 showing on cut baits. Stripers have been fair on cut baits. Bass are improving on live minnows. 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 has been slowly improving with the better weather with shiners or plastics the best baits. Channel catfish are fair on mackerel or other stink baits, and the flathead bite has been slow. For more information, contact Mesa Sport Shop at (928) 782-5313.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: Fishing is 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 catfish continue to show on mackerel.

COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: Panfish and bass are very spotty on nightcrawlers.

ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Very little fishing pressure.

FINNEY-RAMER: No report.

WEIST LAKE: Fair trout action on Power Bait after a DFG trout plant last week.

SUNBEAM LAKE: Fair trout fishing on Power Bait after a DFG trout plant last week. For information, call (760) 352-3308.

LAKE CAHUILLA: A few catfish continue to show at the inlet, outlet, and the area south of the point. Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. 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: Good trout action at Pleasant Valley Reservoir with fish to 3-8 showing on inflated nightcrawlers. The Owens river near Bishop has been producing quality trout after a plant by Tim Alpers. Fish from 3-8 to 7-0 have been landed on nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, Power Bait, or mini-jigs. Adrian Johnson, San Dimas, landed trout weighing 7-0 and 4-9 on nightcrawlers. 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, Rick Gunby's Guide Service at (760) 937-1001 or contact Creekside R.V. Park at (760) 873-4483.

BIG PINE TO INDEPENDENCE AREA: The early trout opener will be March 12 and will coincide with the Blake Jones Trout Derby. The Owens River is slow.

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: A few anglers were out targeting crappie over the weekend and found only a slow to fair bite. Best method was fishing live minnows over flooded trees in 25 feet of water. Trout fishing has been fair for anglers fishing green Power Bait. A few catfish are starting to show on frozen shad or clams from deep water near the dam. For more information, contact North Fork Marina at (661) 379-1007 or Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

KERN RIVER: The upper river is flowing pretty hard, but flows remain fishable. Salmon eggs, worms, or crickets have been the best baits. Trout fishing on the lower river has been fair on the same baits. For more information, contact the James' Store at (760) 376-2424.

AQUEDUCT AT TAFT: Striper fishing has been the best bet in the region with fair action reported on fish to 8-0. Lugworms or cut baits have been best. Catfish have been slow to fair on chicken livers. For more information contact Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

HART PARK LAKE: Trout action has been fair to good on Power Bait. Some carp are being landed on dough baits.

TRUXTUN LAKE: Trout fishing has been fair on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait.

MING LAKE: Bass fishing has really come on strong for anglers fishing plastics or live minnows. Lots of bass to 5-8 have been landed. Trout fishing has been fair on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait.

BUENA VISTA LAKES: The lake received its last trout plant of the season last week, and fishing has been good ever since. Inflated nightcrawlers, Power Bait, or salmon eggs have been the top baits. Catfish action has been slow to fair for anglers fishing frozen shad. 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: Trout action has been fair with most fish being landed on Power Bait. Other species slow.

SUCCESS LAKE: Some trout continue to show on Power Bait or small spinners. For more information, call the Lakeside Mini Mart at (559) 781-6878.

KAWEAH LAKE: Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait. Bass fishing continues to be slow to fair at best with a few fish showing on plastics from deeper water. For more information, call the marina at (559) 597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: Smallmouth and largemouth bass continue to show in good numbers along Harris Creek and Bee Rock Cove. Largemouth action is best on plastics in 10 to 20 feet of water. Smallmouth bass to 4-0 are starting to show in better numbers on crankbaits or plastics. Striper fishing has been slow. For more information, call (805) 472-2818.

SANTA MARGARITA: Fishing continues to be slow due to cold, stained water. Lake level is at full pool and bass fishing should improve greatly when water clears up. For more information call (805) 788-2401.

NACIMIENTO: Spotted bass continue to show in fair to good numbers for boat anglers fishing plastics. Best action has been on drop-shotted plastics fished off of rocky structure or lake points. White bass continue to be really slow. For more information, call (805) 238-1056.

LOPEZ: Trout fishing has been good on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Catfish to 20-0 have started to go on the bite for anglers fishing cut mackerel. Redear and bass continue to be slow. For more information, call(805) 489-1006.

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, Cerritos Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes, Magic Johnson Lake, Puddingstone Lake, San Gabriel River (East and West forks), Santa Fe Reservoir.

SAN BERNARDINO: Glen Helen Park Lake, Yucaipa Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Hemet Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond, Murray Lake.

INYO: Cottonwood Creek, Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Shepards Creek, Symmes Creek, Tuttle Creek.

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

KERN: Hart Park Lake (Bakersfield), Kern River (Sandy Flat to Democrat Beach), Lake Ming (Bakersfield), Lake Woollomes (Delano), Truxton Lake.

MADERA: Bass Lake, Eastman Lake, Hensley Lake.

MARIPOSA: McClure Reservoir, McSwain Reservoir.

MERCED: Merced River from McSwain Dam to Merced Falls.

TULARE: Kaweah Lake Reservoir, Success Reservoir.

TUOLUMNE: Don Pedro Reservoir, Melones Reservoir.

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg

For Outdoor News Service

HOT BITES

GIANT SQUID: Giant squid from 20-0 to 35-0 continue to hold off of San Diego, and twilight boats have been making some good catches. On Saturday, 43 anglers aboard a twilight trip on the New Seaforth, Seaforth Sportfishing in San Diego, landed 230 giant squid. On Monday, 12 anglers on the same boat had 120 squid.

ROCKFISH: Rockfish are open for the take again in California waters as of March 1. Sport boats wasted no time cashing in on some good rockfish action. On Tuesday, 13 anglers aboard the Patriot, Newport Landing, landed 72 rockfish and 30 red snapper. Also on Tuesday, the Monte Carlo, 22nd Street Landing, had 15 anglers who landed 105 rockfish on a half-day trip. The San Diego-based boats are still fishing Mexican waters on 3/4-day and overnight trips. On Sunday, 31 anglers aboard the Legend, Seaforth Sportfishing, San Diego, returned from a two-day trip that produced 155 red snapper and 50 lingcod.

YELLOWTAIL: Still light fishing pressure at the offshore islands of Catalina, San Clemente, and the Coronados, but skippers are reporting schools of yellowtail in all three areas and the bite should improve with a week or two of good weather, or if bait-sized squid start to show in good numbers. For now, there has been just a pick on the yellowtail for island anglers. On Sunday, the Sunrise, Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina Del Rey, fished San Clemente Island with six anglers landing 31 calico bass, 30 bonito, and two yellowtail out of six hooked.

WHITE SEABASS: Catalina Island continues to hold good numbers of juvenile white seabass with a few adults mixed in with them. The bite has been very picky over the last couple of weeks, but a few fish from 15-0 to 50-0 have been reported. This bite should improve with better weather and the availability of live squid for bait.

BONITO: Bonito popped up in many places from San Diego to Catalina Island over the weekend. Lots of fish were on the surface chasing bait for hours on Sunday morning just off of Catalina Island. Fish have been averaging from 1-0 to 2-0, but fish to 5-0 have been landed. On Sunday, 15 anglers aboard the Monte Carlo, 22nd Street Landing, San Pedro, landed 75 bonito, 26 calico bass, and four sand bass. On Saturday, 18 anglers aboard the Mission Belle, Seaforth Sportfishing, San Diego, landed 90 bonito, 30 rockfish, and 55 red snapper.

INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The staff of 976-TUNA hosts instructional charters throughout the year, offering anglers advice and on-the-water teaching of techniques for different saltwater species. There will be an overnight white seabass trip on the Big Game 90, 22nd Street Landing in Long Beach, on March 9. Cost is $199.

FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE: 976-TUNA has launched a free online and e-mail fishing magazine. Anglers interested can send e-mail addresses to p976tuna@aol.com and they will get the first copy in their e-mail.

NEW HOTLINE: 976-TUNA is offering a new GPS coordinate service pinpointing hot spots at the local islands, offshore, and for nearshore fishing. The line is 888-800-TUNA.

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.

GRUNION RUNS

Grunion spawn on all of Southern California's long, sandy beaches from early March through mid-August each year.

The first expected run of the season will occur on March 12-15. Run times are as follows: 10:40 p.m. to 12:40 a.m., Saturday, March 12; 11:10 p.m. to 1:10 a.m., Sunday, March 13, 11:45 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., Monday, March 14, and from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 15 (actually Wednesday, March 16).

The Department of Fish and Game publishes an annual brochure called "California Grunion Facts and Expected Runs.'' It is available free if you mail a self-addressed stamped business-size envelope to Grunion, Department of Fish and Game, 4665 Lampson Avenue, Suite C, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. It is also available on the DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/gruschd.html.

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