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 atodwriter@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 theTurner'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. Not even steady rains could stop the good bass fishing on tap at San Vicente Lake in San Diego County. Many anglers are catching and releasing up to 12 fish a day to 5-0 on live shiners or crawdads in 10 to 30 feet of water. With the rains came another big blue catfish — a 64-5 landed on mackerel. But it was one of the only three cats caught.

2. Trout fishing at Hesperia Lake continues to be wide-open on 1-0 to 3-4 fish, with some to 13-8. Top baits have been Power Bait, mini-jigs, Lip Ripperz, or Power Worms. Catfish action has been steady even through the rains for anglers fishing shrimp, mackerel, or a nightcrawler-marshmallow combo as close to the island as possible.

3. Lake Casitas has been kicking out big bass from 6-0 to 12-0 and more, but cold weather and rain slowed the bite last week. A DFG trout plant Tuesday and better weather could break this bite wide open. Fish five to 15 feet of water around newly flooded brush with big trout-like swimbaits or go deeper if the fish aren't shallow.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: Rain moved in again and most lakes and reservoirs that hold stripers in Southern California took another pounding and fishing continues to be generally slow. Lake Skinner continues to have a fair pick bite for anglers fishing cut anchovies or chicken livers in deep water at the inlet. At Lake Castaic, stripers to 5-0 started to show in a scratchy bite for anglers drifting cut anchovies in 70 to 100 feet of water before the latest round of storms. In the Colorado River region, Lake Mojave continues to produce big stripers from 12-0 to 35-0 on slow-trolled trout swimbaits.

TROUT: Hesperia Lake trout action continues to be wide-open, even on rainy days. Trout to 13-8 were reported along with full limits of trout averaging from 1-8 to 3-0. Best baits continue to be mini jigs, Power Bait, or plastic trout worms. Trout fishing continues to be good at Diamond Valley Reservoir with boat anglers trolling Needlefish or drifting nightcrawlers, and shore anglers are fishing Power Bait or Kastmasters in the marina area. Irvine Lake's trout bite has been very good and there will be a bonus trout plant this week. Santa Ana River Lakes is fair to good, and there were 10 trout over 10 pounds, including a 20-8.

PANFISH: Cold weather shut down the crappie bite at Lake Isabella, and the budding redear bites at Puddingstone and Perris were also stalled.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Not even rain and cold weather could slow the good bass action at San Vicente in San Diego County. Fish to 6-0 reported on live crawdads or shiners. Lake Casitas continues to produce bass over 10-0 on big trout swimbaits. There was also a DFG trout plant this week so that should really get the big fish feeding. Veteran anglers are betting bass bites erupt all over the region in the next few days or better weather.

CATFISH: San Vicente pumped out a 64-5 on mackerel near the buoy line. With recent rains this bite is definitely worth checking. 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 even through the rain and cold weather. Catfish to 25-0 have been reported by anglers who can make the long cast necessary to reach the honey hole near the island in the middle of the lake. The best baits have been marshmallows and nightcrawlers, cut mackerel, or shrimp.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Striper and largemouth action is still slow, but both bites are showing signs of life. The boat dock has been reopen for fishing. A few stripers are being pulled from deep water on nightcrawlers, anchovies, or sardines. 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 has caused very little fishing pressure in the area, but a few locals continue to have 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 is good to excellent on Power Bait, mini-jigs, and split-shotted trout worms. Many limits have been landed. Biggest trout of the week was a 13-8 that hit a mini-jig for Walter Aleman, Temecula, near the drain. Catfish continue to show in a fair to good bite thanks to weekly stockings of fish to 20-0. 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. Jeff Allison, Claremont, landed a 24-2 catfish on shrimp. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout fishing has been good on fish to 7-4. 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 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. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. 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. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. For information, call (909) 481-4205.

PRADO: The lake is being drained and cleaned before being refilled and restocked. The lake was flooded with runoff from heavy rains which caused a complete fish kill. 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. 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. 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. For more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Trout fishing has been good for both shore anglers and boat fishermen. There are lots of trout hanging around the marina from recent stocks. Best action continues to be on Power Bait, inflated nightcrawlers, Kastmasters, or mini-jigs. Boat anglers continue to troll from four to six colors deep with Needlefish or they are drifting nightcrawlers or plastic trout worms. Top trout this week was an 8-12 that was landed by Kelly Gordon, Hemet, on a Needlefish. Largemouth bass fishing is fair on swimbaits or Carolina-rigged plastics in 40 to 75 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: Bass fishing is fair and showing signs of improvement 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. A few reports of trout and redear. 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: Fishing has been slow. There will be a DFG trout plant this week.

RANCHO JURUPA: Trout fishing has been fair to good on Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. For more information, call (951) 684-7032.

FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Trout fishing has been fair with fish to 4-0 showing on 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: Carp have been fair to good on dough baits or corn. A few largemouth bass are starting to show on plastic worms. There has been fair catfish action on mackerel or nightcrawlers.

CORONA LAKE: The trout bite is good. Floating baits or nightcrawlers doused with Eagle Claw Gravy are the best baits. Top trout this past week was a 9-0 landed by Juan Ramirez, Lake Elsinore, while fishing with rainbow Power Bait from shore at the dam. An 8 1/2-pound rainbow was caught by Chris Vargas, Moreno Valley, using Nitro Bait, also fishing from shore at the dam. Vargas bought two permits and ended up with 10 trout that weighed 18 1/2 pounds total. John Roush, Corona, landed an 8-0 on orange Nitro Bait off the far side. For more information, call (951) 277-4489 or log on at ww.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: A few big stripers continue to show each week on trout swimbaits. Stripers from 12-0 to 18-0 have been landed. Fishing for school-sized fish has also been spotty, but boat anglers willing to put in some time have scratched some fair catches on fish to 4-0 using anchovies and chicken liver. Best action has been early in the morning 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. 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: Trout fishing has been slow on Power Bait. 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: Continued good trout action with a steady parade of trophy rainbow trout. The big fish was a 21 1/2-pound rainbow landed by Travis Foster, Placentia, on a green marshmallow near the boat ramp on Saturday. In all, there were 10 trout over the 10-pound mark. There were 15 1/2-pound rainbows caught by Joe Kottke, Hemet, and Tammy Shelton, Glen Avon. Ben Rillorta, Sierra Madre, caught a 15.1-pound rainbow, and a 15-even was landed by Steve Appleby, Corona. There have also been a lot of stringers of one to 2 1/2-pound trout caught, and fish are showing all around both the big lake and Chris' Pond. Bright colors of floating dough baits and small plastic trout worms have been the top baits. 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 good on Power Bait or inflated nightcrawlers. Trollers are scoring with Needlefish or Rapalas. Lots of trout in the 5-0 to 9-0 range were landed. Paul Nazar, El Monte, landed trout weighing 9-7 and 8-6 on a Rapala near the docks. Kane Kobayashi, Anaheim, landed a 9-1 rainbow on a Rapala at Trout Island. For information and lake hours, call (714) 649-9111.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: Trout fishing has been very good with some quality trout to 8-0 being landed. Top baits continue to be Power Bait, salmon eggs, inflated nightcrawlers, mini-jigs, or trout worms. The best fishing has been 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 continues to be fair to good for anglers trolling Needlefish or drifting Power Bait. Best fishing continues to be around the island on fish to 2-8. The lake will receive a DFG trout plant this week. Bass action continues to be fair for anglers fishing plastics. The lake is now at full pool and continues to be very muddy. For fishing information, call the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The number for the main gate is (805) 688-4758.

CASITAS: Big bass continue to be the number one target for anglers using big trout swimbaits. The lake received rain all last week which slowed fishing, but a DFG trout plant on Tuesday should turn on fishing. Eric Elfherz, Ojai, landed a 13-7 on a swimbait. Duane Styles, Oxnard, landed a 10-0 on a Castaic Soft Trout. Many other quality bass from 4-0 to 8-0 were landed on spinnerbaits or plastic worms. Water continues to rise and the lake is seven-feet from being at full pool. Trout fishing has been good following the DFG trout plant on Tuesday. Power Bait or small spinners have been best. For more information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.

CASTAIC: Rain shut down fishing again last week. Before the storm, largemouth bass were showing on plastics fished 20 to 30-feet deep off of points. A few stripers to 5-0 are showing on cut anchovies or cut sardines drifted from 70 to 100-feet deep. Both of those bites should kick back into gear this week. For more information, contact the marina at (661) 775-6232.

PIRU: Trout action continues to be fair for anglers trolling Needlefish on three to four colors of leadcore line. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. Bass fishing has been slow, but some fair action has been reported by anglers fishing pig and jigs or live crawdads. The lake has a 10 m.p.h. 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: Trout to 4-0 continue to show on lures or Power Bait near the marina. There will be a DFG trout plant this week. A few bass are being 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 on March 5. 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: There was a very good catfish bite at night for the few anglers who braved the cold and wet conditions. On Tuesday, Eddie Meyer, Claremont, caught and released 13 catfish from 4-0 to 8-0 on hot dogs from the point at the mouth of Sailboat Cove. Bass fishing has been fair, but a few lunker fish are showing on swimbaits. A few redear and trout are showing on inflated nightcrawlers in Sailboat Cove. For more information, call (909) 599-8411.

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

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

BALBOA PARK LAKE: No DFG plants in a month.

BELVEDERE PARK LAKE: DFG trout plant this week and two weeks ago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOLLENBECK LAKE: DFG trout plant three weeks ago. For more information, contact theHollenbeck Recreation Center at (213) 261-0113.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: The tentative reopening is on April 20th. Reservations must be made through Ticket Master. Closed until early spring. 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: Tentative opening is early March. 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 rain. 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 fishing has been slow to fair with 271 anglers checking in with 269 bass this past week. Stu Kenson, Chula Vista, landed a 6-13 bass on a plastic worm. 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: Some bass to 3-0 being landed on assorted plastics. Last weekend 12 anglers landed 16 bass. 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: Another big blue catfish was landed during the rain storms this week by Ronson Smothers, Los Angeles. The 64-5 blue catfish hit a mackerel head fished at the buoy lines. Overall, big catfish continue to show each time it rains on big chunks of mackerel fished on 30-pound line. Cold weather and rain couldn't slow the good bass fishing. This week 742 soggy anglers caught and released 1,485 bass. Fish have been averaging from 1-8 to 5-0. Top baits have been live crawdads or shiners. Sonny Ruis, El Cajon, landed a 6-5 largemouth to top a five-fish limit on a live crawdads. John Grabowski and Ernie Marugg, El Cajon, teamed up to land 10 bass from the Barona Arm on live crawdads that weighed 34-15. Tops was a 4-8. Some fair catches of trout continue to show on inflated nightcrawlers. 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: Trout fishing was fair to good on Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms. Last week 342 trout were checked in. There has been some fair bass action on fish to 4-8. 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 over 300 trout checked in over the weekend. Power Bait, mini-jigs, or trout worms have been best. For more information, contact the CityLakes 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 on March 4th with 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. 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: Trout fishing has been fair on fish to 4-8. Top baits have been Power Bait, trout worms, or mini-jigs. Bass fishing has been slow to fair at best on fish to 9-8. 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 good with many quality trout to 5-0 showing. Best action has been for anglers fishing Power Bait or trout worms. Pete Dale, San Diego, landed a 5-0 trout on a Z-Ray. 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 at a fair pace for anglers targeting suspended bass feeding in 40 feet of water on schools of shad. Most anglers are using vertical jigged spoons. 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 to 2-8 have been showing on Power Bait. The bite should improve with the clearing water. 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 in the afternoon on inflated nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Water is very stained so anglers adding scent to baits have had better action. For more information call (760) 765-0515 or visit the Web site at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: Carp fishing is 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 to good action on quality stripers from 4-0 to 16-0 after trout plants each Friday. Anglers fishing big swimbaits have been targeting areas where trout are stocked. Top baits have been Storm swimbaits, Huddleston Deluxe swimbaits, or A.C. Plugs. The bait bite for stripers continues to be fair, with some action coming 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: A few big stripers continue to show from the area, but the bulk of big fish continue to be hanging in Lake Mohave. Trout fishing has been very good with many limits of trout to 5-0 showing on Kastmasters or Power Bait. For more information, contact the marina at (928) 767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: No trout plant this week, but a few big stripers from 10-0 to 28-4 were landed by anglers slow-trolling or casting swimbaits from boats. Alex Timmons, Boulder, landed stripers weighing 28-4 and 11-2 on slow-trolled A.C. Plugs. The lake will be stocked with trout next Friday. 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: Catfish action continues to be slow to fair, but some decent action is being reported 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 was fair and improving before the weather hit the region last week. 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: Largemouth bass continue to make for the bulk of the action right now with fair to good action reported in many pre-spawn locations. Most bass continue to show from mid lake coves on plastics. Striper action has been slow to fair with the best action for anglers trolling the lake. 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 to good for anglers fishing live shiners. Many anglers are catching from two to 12 fish each to 3-8. 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 continues to be 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 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: Slow to fair trout action on Power Bait. There will be a DFG trout plant this week.

SUNBEAM LAKE: Fair trout fishing on Power Bait. There will be a DFG trout plant this 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. 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 reported at Pleasant Valley Reservoir on fish to 3-8. Lots of rainbow and brown trout have been showing on inflated nightcrawlers. The Owens river near Bishop continues to pump out good trout with a few trophies to 9-0 landed. Adam Simmons, Pasadena, landed a 9-0 rainbow on a yellow and white mini-jig tipped with a nightcrawler. 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: The early trout opener will be March 12. 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: There was no fishing pressure last week due to heavy rains. Before the weather ran everyone, there was a fair bite on crappie to 1-12 for anglers 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 received a lot of rain but flows remained fishable. Salmon eggs, worms, or crickets have been the best baits. Trout fishing on the lower river has been fair on the same baits. Before the rains, some smallmouth bass starting to show on plastic worms, white spinners, or nightcrawlers. 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 will receive its last trout plant of the season this week, which should improve an already fair to good bite on trout to 10-0. Bob Dunson, Bakersfield, landed trout weighing 10-2 and 9-4 on Power Bait. Nelson Chavez, Bakersfield, landed an 8-0 on Power Bait. 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: 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: There continues to be fair largemouth action 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 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 fair on Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Redear, and bass continue to be slow. For more information, call (805) 489-1006.

END

TROUT PLANTS

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

LOS ANGELES: Belvedere Lake, Hansen Lake, Lincoln Park Lake, Pyramid Lake.

ORANGE: Centennial Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Park Lake, Trabuco Creek, Tri-City Lake, Yorba Linda Park Lake.

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake, Rose Valley Lake.

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

RIVERSIDE: Evans Lake, Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Atascadero Lake.

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake, Davy Brown Creek, Lion Canyon Creek, Manzana Creek.

IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake, Weist Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake, Morena Lake.

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

STANISLAUS: Turlock Reservoir.

END

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg, 976-TUNA

For Outdoor News Service

HOT BITES

GIANT SQUID: There was very little fishing pressure due to rain all week. Before the weather showed up again, there was a good bite on giant squid ranging from 20-0 to 30-0. The squid had been holding to waters just off of San Diego, but it will take some good weather and fishing pressure to see if the bite is still going.

GIANT YELLOWFIN TUNA: Long range sportfishers continue to pound the huge tuna deep in Mexican waters at the Hurricane Bank. The Excel, Fishermen's Landing in San Diego, found good fishing on tuna running from 125-0 to 250-0, with 50 fish from 150-0 to 200-0 landed in one afternoon. The Royal Polaris, Fisherman's Landing in San Diego, is fishing Clipperton Island and is finding good action on 50-0 to 70-0 tuna during the day, and the 120-0 to 220-0 tuna have been showing at night. Anglers have also had scattered catches of wahoo during the day.

MEXICAN ROCKFISH: Rockfish action has been excellent for San Diego-based boats fishing in Mexican waters. Anglers continue to report good catches of assorted rockfish including reds, sculpin, and ling cod. The giant squid are the only thing slowing this bite. When the squid are around, it gets hard to get baits and lures past them.

YELLOWTAIL: With the rain, no one was targeting yellowtail at any of the local islands for the past week but the fish are likely still there. Before the storms there was a strong showing of yellowtail to 15-0 at San Clemente and Catalina Island on iron or live bait.

SAND DABS: Fishing continued to be wide-open when boats were able to make it out between storms. Last Friday, 15 anglers aboard the Sea Angler out of 22nd Street Landing in Long Beach, caught 3,150 sand dabs and one mako shark.

WHITE SEABASS: More and more white seabass from 15-0 to 25-0 have been showing from Catalina Island even in the rain. The bigger fish are still mixed in with big schools of juvenile fish. The crew of the Premier, from Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach, was at the island on a crew-only trip early this week and left with a 50-0 white seabass.

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 a two-day rockfish trip aboard the Legend, Seaforth Sportfishing in San Diego this weekend. The trip will be limited to 30 anglers and will depart on 8 p.m., Friday and return on 7 a.m. Sunday. The cost of the trip is $150, and anglers should call (310) 328-8426 for more information or to sign-up. 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 near shore 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.

END

GRUNION RUNS

Grunion spawn on all of Southern California's long, sandy beaches from early March through mid-August each year. The runs are over for this year.

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.