A year after the devastating Cedar Fire virtually destroyed Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, the Anza-Borrego Institute and California State Parks are hosting a symposium Oct. 16-17 on the "Recovery Expectations and Realities of the Cedar Fire."

The two-day event will focus on the results of research and observations done by a number of scientists, and plant and wildlife biologists who have been monitoring the park since the fire.

On the first day, speakers will discuss forest and chaparral vegetation, and the impact of the fire on wildlife, and cultural and historical resources. There will be an evening campfire program titled "Awe of the Cedar Fire: The Human Experience," a sound and slide program given by Mark Jorgensen, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park's superintendent.

The second day will include guided field trips to view bird monitoring and wildlife recovery research efforts, and to see some of the impacts the fire had on archaeological and historical sites within the park.

Jorgensen said the program is designed to offer an overview of the ecological damage caused to the state park as well as an update on the recovery process.

The symposium will be conducted at the Cuyamaca Outdoor Camp, in the heart of the burn area. The camp is at 12561 Highway 79 in Descanso.

According to promotional material for the event, guided field trips through the burn area will give participants "a firsthand look at the impact of the Cedar Fire and an opportunity to witness the rebirth of a park one year later."

Jorgensen said the event is open to land managers, biologists, archaeologists, teachers, students, park volunteers and the general public. Cost of the full symposium is $115. The charge is $85 for just the Saturday lectures and lunch.

The symposium will also serve as an introduction to a series of future field programs and workshops that will examine how the fire-recovery process has worked through each season.

For additional information, call (760) 767-0446 or e-mail nacny@theabf.org.

Flood damage

Reports are coming out of Borrego Springs of heavy damage to the palm groves in Palm Canyon as a result of a flash flood early last week.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park's Jorgensen said the flood "wiped out everything in the drainage."

"Only about a third of the palms in the first grove remain, and hundreds of stumps are strewn all down the alluvial fan to the campground entrance station," Jorgensen said.

Flood waters also wiped out or damaged about one-third of the campsites in the Palm Canyon Campground, the premier campground in the 600,000-acre desert park. Jorgensen said the first priority will be to try and reopen the campground by the end of October.

"Right now all of the hookup sites are covered in debris and the park road is covered in sand. We have ordered in heavy equipment and our goal is to clear the restrooms and re-establish the campground," he said

While it might take some time to repair the damaged sites, hikers should still be able to access the palm groves in Palm Canyon when temperatures cool and winter crowds return to the area.

"But there is no trail into the canyon now," Jorgensen said. "This was a 100-year storm and a wall of water at least 18-feet high came down that canyon and wiped out a tremendous amount."

He said all of the groves suffered some damage, but the lower grove was hit the hardest.

"We will try and flag a route in there as soon as we can, but the first priority will be the campground," he said.

Free Fishing Day

Saturday is national Hunting and Fishing Day and several recreation areas in the county will be observing the day with special events.

Poway Lake will be staging a free fishing day, offering specially priced fishing permits for adults and free fishing to those under the age of 16. Adult permits will be $2 and boats will rent for half-day rates.

San Diego City Lakes and the San Diego County Wildlife Federation will be offering free fishing at Lake Murray in La Mesa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a children's fishing contest, a casting contest and fishing demonstrations.

All fishing permit fees and state license requirements will also be waived for the day at Barrett, El Capitan, Hodges, Miramar, Murray, Upper and Lower Otay and Sutherland lakes. Boating fees will still apply.

For additional information, visit the City Lakes Web site at www.sandiego.gov/water.

Ernie Cowan is the outdoor writer for the North County Times. If you have an outdoor story of interest, call (760) 518-8050 or fax his outdoor line at (760) 741-2216. E-mail at alloutdoors@cox.net.

Fishing 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 also be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@earthlink.net or Mike Bennett at mike@976-tuna.com.

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

Other complete versions are posted on a number of Web sites each week, including the Turner's Outdoorsman Web site (www.turners.com), 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 Outdoor News Service Web site is www.outdoornewsservice.com.

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

PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. This Saturday is a free fishing day in California. On this day you will not need a California fishing license to go fishing, but other fees (entrance fees, boat rentals etc.) will still apply. So take the kids fishing. Anywhere. One option: There is a kid's trout derby at Lake Cuyamaca in San Diego County, sponsored by Western Boating and Fishing Radio. Prizes will be awarded by age category. The lake will also receive a DFG trout plant this week and a bonus plant of Whitewater trout just before the event. It's all free.

2. Yellowtail fishing has been hot at Cortez Bank and at San Clemente Island for overnight boats. Anglers are fishing sardines, mackerel, and squid. Fish have been averaging from 12-0 to over 30-0. Most boats are hitting Cortez Bank in the morning then are heading off to look for floating kelp paddies that have been holding yellowtail, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. Anglers are reminded to bring a stout 40-pound set-up to get big fish on Cortez Bank off the rocks. On Tuesday, the overnight boat the Cat Special, Davey's Locker, landed 86 yellowtail for 16 anglers.

3. It may be a couple weeks early, but in October San Vicente Lake in San Diego is known to kick out big blue catfish to 100-0. The bite started last week with fish to 20-0 showing in Kimball Arm on mackerel. Anglers should fish nothing lighter than 20-pound line on an open bail. Most anglers fishing for big blues will set up in 30 to 40 feet of water and fish big pieces of mackerel on 6/0 hooks with no weight. This lake could kick out a state record catfish between now and November.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: Lake Mead is producing stripers to 4-0 that are suspended in 30 to 50 feet of water. Anglers jigging spoons have been cashing in. The hot topwater bite disappeared last week. Lake Castaic has been kicking out fish over 10-0 for a few weeks now on trolled Kastmasters 25 feet deep or on cut anchovies or sardines. Lake Silverwood has been good on 1-0 and smaller stripers. Pieces of night crawler or anchovies have been best. Fish reports for Lake Pyramid are scarce, but a few Internet reports have the striper bite fair to good on fish to 2-8.

TROUT: Diamond Valley Reservoir is still wide open on quality rainbows for deep water trollers using nine to 13 colors of leadcore and Needlefish. Bait anglers are soaking Power Bait or fishing Power Worms in 60 to 80 feet of water. Most fish are averaging from 2-0 to 4-0 and fish to 8-0 have been landed. Green Valley Lake will receive its last trout plant of the season this week. Fishing has been fair to good for anglers using Power Bait, Power Worms, or small lures. In the Sierra, rough weather and wind slowed fishing throughout the region. Fishing has been rebounding, but anglers know the action is on a roller coaster from now through the end of the season. Winds and inclement weather can make things tough, but this is also when the big brown trout show up.

PANFISH: The crappie bite at Lake Isabella continues to be the number one panfish bite in the region right now. Black crappie to 2-0 are showing in the flooded trees. Mini-jigs or live minnows fished in 30 feet of water has been best. The Central Coast's Lake Lopez has been good on bluegill and redear to 1-8 with most smaller. Top baits have been worms, mealworms, or waxworms. Lake Murray in the San Diego continues to produce many limits of bluegill on mealworms or waxworms. Bad news is that Lake Murray will be closing until the December trout season on Sept. 29. The bluegill action also turned on this week at Lake Skinner with a number of fish to 1 1/2 pounds reported and good stringers of smaller fish common.

LARGEMOUTH: Bass fishing is picking up at most lakes across southern California with fish feeling the onset of fall. Bass have been chasing and balling up shad in many lakes so keep a rod with a topwater plug or jerkbait handy in case boiling fish pop up. Lake Isabella has been excellent on jerkbaits and crankbaits with fish averaging around 4-0 with fish to 8-0 reported. Lake Castaic continues at a good pace with bass to 5-0 showing on night crawlers, plastics, Senkos, or topwater plugs. Lake Perris, in Riverside County, has been on fire for bass to 2-8 but bigger fish are finally showing more regularly. Drop-shotted plastics or crankbaits have been the best lures. Silverwood is a sleeper with some nice fish being taken on topwater and plastics.

CATFISH: Hesperia Lake continues its untouchable "number one catfish spot" streak with a 36-0 and a 31-0 landed this week. The lake will continue to plant big fish all winter and will even stock sturgeon to 200-0 next month. For anglers who do not get a big fish, they are filling stringers with catfish from 2-0 to 8-0. The best bite continues to be off the north shore and Finger Point. Lake Sutherland, San Diego, kicked out many limits of fish on mackerel near the rockpile. Many double-digit catfish have been landed. San Vicente in San Diego is the lake that kicked out a 100-0 state record catfish just two years ago. Now is the beginning of the season for these monster catfish. Blue cats to 20-0 showed last week and a fish or two over 80-0 could be landed anytime from now through November. Irvine Lake, Anaheim Lake, and Corona Lake all remain fair to good for planted catfish, with a few fish over 8-0 each week from all three waters.

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: Bass fishing has been fair to good on topwater plugs, small shad swimbaits, plastic worms, jerkbaits, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits. There are plenty of reservations available for September. There is also a very good bluegill bite with fish to 1-0. Jeff Soto, Riverside, reported catching 32 bass to 4-0 and 97 bluegill, with some over a pound. The Ticket Master phone number for reservations is (619) 220-8497, or go to www.TicketMaster.com. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

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

EL CAPITAN: Bass fishing continues to be slow to fair with a little action on plastic worms, Senkos, or reaction baits. Channel catfish continue to show on mackerel, night crawlers, or stinkbaits. Some good crappie action for anglers fishing mini-jigs. The launch ramp is down to one lane and is causing delays in launching. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The concession will no longer be open, but vending machines are being installed. Personal watercraft are allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

LOWER OTAY: Due to low water levels the boat ramps are now closed. Bass fishing has been fair on topwater plugs early and then plastics as the day goes on. There continues to be good bluegill action on mealworms or redworms. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. For information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

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

SAN VICENTE: The catfish bite has come alive and fish to 20-0 are showing on mackerel. R.J. Coleman, San Diego, landed catfish five catfish that weighed 35-0 and was topped by a 20-0. All fish were landed in Kimball Arm on mackerel. Robert Joyce, San Diego, landed five catfish that weighed 30-0 and was topped by a 10-0 that was also landed in Kimball Arm on mackerel. Bluegill fishing has been good for anglers fishing mini-jigs, night crawler pieces, mealworms, or redworms. Bass fishing has been fair at best on bass to 5-0. Crawdads, plastics, or jerkbaits have been best. For more information call the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 668-3274.

MURRAY: Bluegill fishing continues to be the best bite at the lake with 460 fish checked in. Mealworms or pieces of night crawler are the top baits. Bass action continues to be fair to good on drop-shotted plastics, jerkbaits, or topwater baits. The lake will close for the season on September 29 until trout season in December. For more information contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0223.

MIRAMAR: Catfish action is fair on mackerel or night crawlers. Bass fishing has been slow to fair on a smaller grade of fish. The lake is open from Saturday to Tuesday each week. Miramar will close to fishing on Sept. 28 until December for trout season. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/. For rental boat reservations, call (619) 390-0223.

SUTHERLAND: Catfish action has picked up with some quality fish showing. Ernie Klemm and Tony Macedo, Ramona, landed four catfish that weighed 28-8 and was topped by a 14-1 by the rock pile on mackerel. Lonnie Carpenter, Chula Vista, landed two blue catfish and five channel catfish that weighed 48-8 and was topped by a 13-0 blue catfish. All fish were landed on the rockpile on mackerel. John Miller, Ramona, landed eight catfish on mackerel that weighed 37-1 on mackerel at the rockpile. His biggest fish weighed 10-12. Bass fishing is slow to fair with only die hard locals picking up a few fish, including the occasional limit. The lake is open on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Reports are that water levels are low at this time. For more information, contact the City Lakes information line at (619) 465-3474 or log on to the Web site at www.ci.san-diego.ca.us/water/.

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

DOANE POND: No DFG plants in a month.

DIXON: Bass fishing continues to be fair at best with fish starting to target shad. 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: Catfish action has been good for anglers fishing mackerel. Bass fishing has been fair on plastics. Starting in October the lake will only be open on weekends. For more fishing information, call the snack bar at (858) 679-5465.

JENNINGS: Lake is now closed and will reopen on Friday, Oct. 1. Trout plants should start a couple of weeks later. 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: This Saturday Western Boating and Fishing Radio will host a kid's trout derby for the free fishing day. The lake will receive 2,200 pounds of trout just prior to the tournament. Trout fishing continues to be good for anglers fishing the north corner of the dike or the Lone Pine Tree. Limits of trout are being landed on Power Bait on a three-foot leader or a night crawler drifted under a bobber. Trollers continue to score fish on orange or firetiger Rapalas, yellow Panther Martins, and brown and black Roostertails. For more information call (760) 765-0515 or visit the Web site at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

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

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Largemouth bass, stripers, and catfish, are on a fair to good bite when the wind isn't howling. Largemouth have been best on plastic worms or reaction baits. Small stripers to 1-4 are best on anchovies or cut sardines. Catfish have been eating mackerel, anchovies, or night crawlers. Scott Lee, Rancho Cucamonga, caught catfish weighing 10-0 and 8-4 on mackerel. Some crappie are being landed around brush piles and sunken trees. Mini-jigs tipped with a Berkley Crappie Nibblet have been best. Trout fishing continues at a fair to good pace on Power Bait. For more information, contact the marina at (760) 389-2299, the state park at (760) 389-2281, or the Silverwood Country store at (760) 389-2423.

BIG BEAR LAKE: Trout fishing continues to be good at the aerators near the dam. Trout from 1-0 to 3-0 have been showing from Boulder Bay to the dam. Anglers fishing slip-bobbers and Power Bait on a 20-foot leader from shore or from boats are taking limits. Trollers are finding the best luck with two to three colors of leadcore and Rapalas. Water level is low. For information, call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

GREGORY LAKE: The lake will receive it's last plant of the season just before a tournament on Oct. 16. The boat dock will close on Oct. 17. Fishing is allowed all winter, but there will be no further trout plants until next season. Overall fishing continues to be fair near the fountains or the dam. Power Bait, mini-jigs, or inflated night crawlers continue to be the top producers. For information, call the boat dock at (909) 338-2233.

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

ARROWBEAR LAKE: Lake is dry.

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

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Good to excellent catfish action continues. Top catfish was a 36-0 that was landed by Willy Mosley, Rancho Cucamonga, on shrimp. Tim Hoang, Hesperia, landed a 30-0 on shrimp. Lots of stringers of smaller fish. The lake receives 3,000-pounds of catfish, including 1,000-pounds of fish from 20-0 to 30-0 each week. The lake will also be receiving a plant of sturgeon from 50-0 to 200-0 this October. In October, trout season will begin with plants of trout to 20-0. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout fishing continues to be fair on Power Bait or inflated night crawlers. Trout are stocked weekly all summer long. Catfish have been fair on mackerel, shrimp, or trout guts. Don Simpson, Victorville, landed a 9-11 catfish on mackerel. There is a good bite on the bass lake, which is for float tubers-only with prior reservations. For more information, call (760) 240-1107.

MOJAVE NARROWS: Some fair catfish action on fish to 2-0 on night crawlers or mackerel. For more information, call (760) 245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY/SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are being planted with steelhead and are open every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed. For information, call (909) 982-4246.

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

INLAND VALLEY/RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Trout fishing continues to be excellent for deep-water trollers using nine to 12 colors of leadcore or downriggers and Needlefish-type baits near the dams. Bait anglers are soaking Power Bait and inflated night crawlers in 70 feet of water near the dam. Some anglers have been Carolina-rigging trout Power Worms in deep water for limits also. Bass fishing has been fair for anglers targeting the suspended fish. Drop-shotting or Carolina-rigging plastic worms have been tops. Catfish action continues to be good on mackerel or night crawlers. Bluegill fishing is good on fish to 1-4 showing on mealworms or mini-jigs. Rental boat reservations are still recommended for weekend, but shore fishing, private boat launching, and weekday boat rentals are available daily now without reservations. The toll-free reservations telephone line is 1-800-590-LAKE (5253) and can be made online at www.dvmarina.com. For fishing info, you can call the marina at (909) 926-7201.

PERRIS: Bass action has been fair to good around the marina, the east end, and Rock Climber's Cove. Fish are averaging from 1-0 to 3-0. Top baits continue to be drop-shotted four-inch plastic worms, jerkbaits, or small crankbaits. Shaun Kittrell, Chino, landed an 8-8 bass on a six-inch worm on a darter head. Bluegill and redear continue to be good around the east end and off of Lot 12. Mealworms or crickets have been the top baits. Not many reports on the catfish, but J. Delsom, Moreno Valley, landed a 25-0 on mackerel. For more information on fishing call the marina at (909) 657-2179, Lakeside Market at (909) 943-4364, or the state park at (909) 940-5600.

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

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

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

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

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

CORONA LAKE: Continued good catfish action on cut baits doused with scent, especially in the flooded trees. Lots of 1-0 to 3-0 class fish filling stringers and a few bigger fish each week. A 14-8 was caught by Mike Sunderhaft, Lake Elsinore, fishing shrimp at the dam, while Bud Raines, Temecula, caught an 11 1/2-pounder. Lione Hawkins, Lakewood, landed a 10 1/2-pounder and Isaac Abeyta, Riverside, caught a 10-even. For more information, call (909) 277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: Overall, fishing pressure has been low but catfish continue to show in good numbers on chicken liver and mackerel at the dam and east end. Josh Halls, Murrieta, caught two cats at 8-0 and 6-0, while Bo Chuon, Long Beach, had cats at 15-0, 9-0 and 6-0. The bluegill bite also has been very good this past week, with some quality bluegill in the catch. Perry Davis, San Bernardino, had 10 bluegill that weighed 15 pounds total. Big fish was a 1-9. Frank Dorins, Temecula, had 10 `gills that went 12-0 topped by a 1-8. The largemouth and striper bite slowed, with only a few stripers at the inlet on cut anchovies. For more information, call the marina at (909) 926-1505.

ANGLER'S LAKE: Catfish are fair on mackerel, shrimp, or a mealworm and a marshmallow. Most fish are running from 1-0 to 3-0. The bass, which are catch-and-release only, are fair. For information, call the lake at (909) 927-2614.

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

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

WILLIAMS CATFISH FARM: Good catfish action on fish from 1-0 to 3-0. Most fish are showing on cut baits, and the lake has been heavily stocked recently. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call (909) 674-7627.

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

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The lakes are closed for annual maintenance and will

not reopen until this fall. For more information, call (714) 632-7830 for the information recording or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

ANAHEIM LAKE: For more information and late hours, call (714) 996-3508 or log on to the lake's Web site at www.fishinglakes.com.

IRVINE LAKE: Big catfish were a little scarce this week, but plenty of fish in the 2-0 to 6-0 range picked up the slack. Mackerel or shrimp have been best. Ronson "Catmando" Smothers, Los Angeles, landed a 13-0 blue catfish on Catmando bait at the hump. Brian "Bluehunter" Cummings, Ontario, landed a 12-6 catfish on Catmando bait on the flats. Overall catfish action continues to be very good most mornings and during night fishing on weekends. Boat anglers continue to have the best luck, with boat dock cove, Rocky Point, Santiago Flats and the west shore the top spots. Bass fishing continues to be hot for anglers fishing plastic worms along the dam or the cliffs. There has been a fair to good bluegill bite for anglers fishing worms or mealworms near the boatdocks. For information and lake hours, call (714) 649-9111.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No report available. For fishing information, call (949) 362-3885 or visit the lake's Web site at www.lagunaniguellake.com.

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: Bouquet Canyon Creek, Pyramid Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River.

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek (Lower, Middle, and South forks), Diaz Lake, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lake Sabrina, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Laws bridge downstream to Steward Lane and below Tinnemaha), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek, Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek (South Fork, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Owens River (Benton Crossing), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Sherwin Creek, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Virginia Lakes.

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

KERN: Kern River (Pump House Three to Riverside Park, Kernville).

TULARE: Kern River (Fairview Dam to Falling Waters Lodge and Brush Creek to Fairview Dam

OCEAN FISHING REPORT

By Terrence Berg

For Outdoor News Service

HOT BITES

ALBACORE: The long range boats are still finding pockets of good albacore 120 to 130 miles southwest of San Diego, but at this distance, the bite is mostly for the 1 1/2-day and longer trips. The one-day bite has become much tougher with warmer water pushing up from the south and forcing the cool-water dwelling albacore further to the west toward Guadalupe. The quality of the fish is still excellent, with most in the 30- to 50-pound range.

BLUEFIN TUNA: There are still some schools of quality bluefin tuna from 50 to 70 pounds mixed in with the albacore for the multi-day trips out of San Diego. The Gallilean returned to H&M Landing this past week with a 200-pound bluefin caught during a two-day trip targeting albacore offshore and yellowfin and dorado nearer to shore.

EXOTICS: The fall push of warm water up the coast, along with the swell from recent tropical storms off Baja, has created a warm-water haven all the way from northern Baja into the Catalina channel. The San Diego one-day fleet is fishing 10 to 85 miles south of Point Loma and focusing on kelp paddies. Most paddies have a mix of yellowtail, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna - some producing all four on a single stop. The Condor, Fisherman's Landing, was out on Tuesday and had 110 yellowfin tuna, 15 yellowtail, and two dorado by 9:40 a.m.. On Wednesday, the same boat reported in with 95 yellowfin tuna and 25 yellowtail for 19 anglers. The yellowtail and dorado are mostly six to 12 pounders, while the yellowfin are 12 to 15 with some to 25 in the mix, and the bigeye are averaging 35 to 50 pounds with some to 80 pounds. Dock counts show that most boats are getting a mix of all four species. The New Seaforth, Seaforth Sportfishing, landed 36 yellowtail and 85 bonito on Tuesday. The Mission Belle, Seaforth Sportfishing, was on 3/4 day trip on Monday when 25 anglers landed 25 yellowtail, five bonito and two barracuda. The Orange and Los Angeles county boats are fishing as close as three miles offshore for the yellowfin and dorado in a warm band of water that runs up into the channel and out the backside of Catalina Island.

LOCAL YELLOWTAIL: Outside of the migratory fish pushing up from the south, the local yellowtail action at San Clemente Island has been excellent. The Navy has had the island closed a lot over the past couple of months for training, but it has been open this past week and the bite was excellent. On Tuesday the overnight boat the Cat Special, Davey's Locker, landed 86 yellowtail for 16 anglers.

GIANT SQUID: Break out the squid jigs because big squid are showing off of the Newport coast and have even been landed from some piers. Tuesday night's twilight trip on the Freelance, Davey's Locker, had 25 giant squid, six calico bass, and seven sand bass for 31 anglers. Tuesday night the Agressor, Newport Landing, took 12 anglers to 12 giant squid.

BONITO: Bonito action continues excellent all along the coast in nearshore waters, with small boats, pier anglers, and bay fishermen all connecting on fish averaging 2-0 to 3-0. The more offshore schools of bonito also have had a few fish to 10 or 12 pounds. Trolling, live bait, or surface splasher rigs are all working.

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 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.