FISHING REPORTS -- FRESHWATER AND OCEAN

The fish report is weekly. Its accuracy depends on marina operators 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

This report is often edited for space.

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.

MATTHEWS' PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The top bite of the week still has to be the tuna action off the Southern California coast. While the bluefin action lulled a little, there is still mostly limit-style fishing for the albacore with boats from San Diego to Morro Bay cashing in on this bite. The bluefin are also still around and the next full moon should charge this bite up again. The boats are also now running with much lighter loads. This may be the best time to go on a tuna trip.

2. The striper bite at Pyramid Lake is still a top bet for boat anglers fishing lures or anchovies for these 2-0 to 5-0 fish with a number over 6-0 each week. There is also a decent surface bite in the mornings.

3. The fall catfish bites are really starting to swing into high gear. Isabella has to be the top pick of a good lot with a very good bite on clams or frozen shad. Close seconds would be the Colorado River flathead bite and the bites at most of the Central Coast lakes for the catfish. Come to think of it, most of the San Diego City lakes are good, too.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

STRIPED BASS: Top bets are the Pyramid Lake and Castaic Lake this week with Skinner fair to good at the inlet. The bigger fish are at Castaic, but the better volume is from Pyramid. The California Aqueduct in the Taft and Lost Hills area has also been good. Silverwood has a good bite on very small fish. The Willow Beach bite on the Colorado River for bigger fish also came back on and the bite in Havaus for small fish is also a good bet.

TROUT: Southern California trout bites are just fair with Casitas and Cachuma the best bets. The local mountain lakes have slowed way down. Most waters in the Sierra good for stocked fish. Fly action good at Hot Creek, Crowley and the San Joaquin. The high elevation and backcountry lakes are good.

PANFISH: Best bluegill bets are Lower Otay, Murray, Dixon, Sutherland, Perris, Lopez and Santa Margarita. Few redear bites of note. Crappie are good at Cuyamaca but the fish are small. Isabella may have the best crappie bite going right now with a lot of fish to 1-8 reported in the past week.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Improving action in spite of the heat. Evenings have been cooler and more fish are starting to come up and chase shad again. Topwater is a good bet early and late in the day. The best overall action is still at Casitas, Castaic, Pyramid, Silverwood, Cachuma, and Barrett. El Capitan, San Vicente, and Otay are all fair to good.

CATFISH: Isabella is the easy No. 1 pick this week, but the fall bites are starting to turn on everywhere. Other top bets include the Colorado River for flatheads and channels, most San Diego area lakes, and just about all the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast waters. Silverwood, Pyramid, and Piru are also producing some fish. The urban planted waters -- Anaheim Lake, Corona Lake, Irvine, and the San Bernardino County park lakes -- are all pretty good, too.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Slow fishing on all species this past weekend. The lake was hammered with pleasure boaters and personal watercraft all weekend. For fishing information, contact the Silverwood Country store at (760) 389-2423 or the marina at (760) 389-2299.

BIG BEAR LAKE: Lots of holiday boat traffic, but there is a fair trout bite going on. Fair bass action reported around the lake. Shallow running crankbaits or white spinnerbaits are working best. Good catfish bite on mackerel, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers. For information, call Lin's Tackle Box at (909) 866-6260 or Big Bear Sporting Goods at (909) 866-3222.

GREGORY LAKE: Good trout fishing reported all weekend long with many nice fish. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are working best on the rainbows. Crappie fishing good all over the lake for fish to ¾-pound. Pat Black, Crestline, landed a 5.54-pound rainbow, while Steve Mahoney, Palm Desert, landed trout at 5.02 and 4.40 pounds. Also reported was a stringer of 25 crappie that went 10 pounds for Brian Ramos, Glendale. For information, call the boat dock at (909) 338-2233.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE: Fair to good trout action with weekly plants of Whitewater trout. For information call the lake at (909) 867-2009.

ARROWBEAR LAKE: No report.

JENKS LAKE: Good trout action with some limits reported on Power Bait and jigs. A few catfish reported also. For information, call the lake at (909) 213-1501.

HIGH DESERT LAKES

HESPERIA LAKE: Excellent catfish action with mackerel, the marshmallow and mealworm combo, and shrimp working best. Jere Burchfield, Hesperia, caught a 9-11 catfish on mackerel at the eastbank. Archie Taylor, Santa Ana, caught a 9-4 catfish on the marshmallow and mealworm combo at Sandy Point. Night fishing is allowed every Thursday through Saturday 6 p.m. through 12 a.m. This Sunday night fishing will be allowed also. For more information, call (800) 521-6332 or (760) 244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Good trout fishing on Little Jakes or Power Bait fished on three to four-foot leaders, with some limits taken in the morning. Trout plant each Friday. The catfish bite picked up with the best action still in Lake 2. The bass lake has seen very good action. The bass lake is catch and release only and is open to only float tubers by reservation. For more information, call (760) 240-1107.

MOJAVE NARROWS: No report. For information, call (760) 245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Good fishing with the consistent plants. Joe Gennaro, Upland, caught cats at 11.5, 7.9, 7.6, 6.0, 5.2, and 4.3 pounds on hot dogs over two days of fishing. The lake is planted every Thursday with catfish and is closed to fishing on days of a plant. For information, call (909) 481-4205.

PRADO: Very good catfish action. Chris and Eric Jessing, La Mirada, caught five cats totaling 10.2 pounds with fish to 4-4. Some bluegill and bass showing. No catfish will be planted until October while the lake is under repair. For information, call (909) 597-4260.

YUCAIPA: Fishing has been fair. Catfish plant slated for 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: No report. For more information, call (909) 887-7540.

GREEN MOUNTAIN RANCH: Excellent trout bite and fair to good catfish action. Rick Navaro, Perris, caught nine trout totaling 12-8 on bait in the lower lake. For more information, call (909) 880-1125.

MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are now being planted with steelhead and are open every Saturday and Sunday. Last week there were 265 anglers and they reported catching 670 fish with the largest fish being 18-inches. No fishing license is needed. For information, call (909) 982-4246.

SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG catfish plant last week. For more information, call city parks at (909) 384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

PERRIS: Labor Day boat traffic slowed the bass bite way down with a few small fish showing for anglers. Bluegill fishing is fair most mornings then it slows. There has been a fair catfish bite by the launch ramps most evenings on mackerel. For information on fishing, call the marina at (909) 657-2179, Lakeside Market at (909) 943-4364 or the state park at (909) 657-0676.

EVANS LAKE: No report. For information, call the Riverside Parks and Recreation Department at (909) 715-3440.

RANCHO JURUPA: Fair bluegill bite at the back lake. DFG catfish plant last week. For more information, call (909) 684-7032.

FISHERMAN'S RETREAT: Good catfish action. Mackerel and nightcrawlers have been working best. Willis Wilson, Gardena, caught a 4-15 cat. Max Amdrade, Rialto, caught a 4-11 cat. Steve Mays, Riverside, caught a 4-4 cat. For information, call (909) 795-2411.

BOGART PARK LAKE: No report. Call Riverside County Parks for information at (909) 955-4397.

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.

SILVER LAKE RANCH: No report. For information, call (909) 549-1300.

LAKE ELSINORE: Good catfishing all over the lake. There have been some nice catfish reported to seven or eight pounds. Jilmar Escobar, Elsinore, landed a limit of cats up to 1-8. Top baits for the cats have been nightcrawlers and skipjack, which is available at Whisker's Bait `n' Tackle. Carp fishing good on home made doughbaits. For information, call Whisker's Bait `n' Tackle at (909) 245-7025.

CORONA LAKE: The catfish and crappie bite has been good this past week, with a lot of catfish limits after the regular weekly plant of 2-0 to 4-0 fish plus a bonus plant of 12- to 20-pound broodstock cats. Top catfish was a 15-pounder caught by Michael Louden, Van Nuys, on shrimp while fishing from a boat in the trees. A 13 ½-pounder was landed by Joe Taylor, Ontario, and a 12-even was caught by Kevin Sanchez, Manhattan Beach. The best bite is still for boat anglers fishing the deeper water on the outside edge of the flooded timber because of the warm weather. Evening and night action has been much better than the day bite. Dumong's mackerel, regular cut mackerel doused with a stink bait, or shrimp are still the best baits. The crappie are showing on small jigs tipped with meal worms or nightcrawler pieces. LaTonya Cooper, Spring Valley, caught a 1 ¾-pound crappie, while Daniel Martinez and Xavier Blanco, both Colton, caught 14 crappie. For more information, call (909) 277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.

SKINNER: Good catfish action with anchovies, chicken liver, and mackerel working best. The dam and inlet have been the hot spots for cats. Vincent and Sam Davis, Yucaipa, caught three cats totaling 20-8 with fish to 10-8 on chicken liver at the inlet. Stripers are fair with some showing on topwater early in the morning and cut baits later in the day. Bass fishing has been slow. For information, call the marina at (909) 926-1505.

ANGLER'S LAKE: No report. For information, call the lake at (909) 927-2614.

REFLECTION LAKE: No report. For more information, call (909) 654-7906.

JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Continued excellent fishing with nightcrawlers still the top bait this week. For more information, call (909) 679-6562

WILLIAMS CATFISH FARM: Excellent catfish action after a plant of 500 pounds of fish this week. Best bite on beef liver and Hog Wild fished right on the bottom. Most of the cats are from 3-0 to 4-0. For information, call (909) 674-7627.

STEVE'S FISHING POND: Very good catfish action at the south and west end mid-afternoons and late evenings using Hog Wild and chicken gizzards. Good carp bite south and east end early mornings and mid-afternoons using Hogwild and worms. For information, call (909) 657-2625.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Fair catfish action along the shore by camp two early in the mornings and evenings using nightcrawlers and mackerel. Fair trout fishing near the dam early mornings and evenings on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. For more information, contact the Lake Hemet Market at (909) 659-2350 or the campgrounds at (909) 659-2680.

FULMOR LAKE: No report. For information, contact the U.S. Forest Service in Idyllwild at (909) 659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: The lake is now closed for annual maintenance, but sister water, nearby Anaheim Lake, opened last week. For information call (714) 632-7851 or log on to The Lakes' website at www.fishinglakes.com.

ANAHEIM LAKE: This lake reopened last week after several massive plants of catfish, including two truckloads of trophy fish from 12 to 20 pounds, and the first weekend lived up to expectations with lots of limits spiced up with trophy fish. The top catfish landed so far has been a 15-pounder that topped a five-fish limit caught by Harold Polk, Compton, while fishing with shrimp at the Bubble Hole. The five fish together weighed in at 27 pounds, which means the other four fish averaged three pounds each. Five-fish stringers have been weighing from 15 to 20 pounds. Larry and Marvin Crayton, both Los Angeles, had 21 catfish that weighed in at 62.4 pounds. Joe Rena and Eddie Buell, both Long Beach, had 24 cats that went 47 pounds. For more information, call (714) 996-3508 or log on to the lake's web site at www.fishinglakes.com.

IRVINE LAKE: No report. For information, call (714) 649-9111.

OSO: No report. For information, call (949) 858-9313.

LAGUNA NIGUEL: Good bass action with lots of fish in the 2-0 to 4-0 range showing. Jason Hughes, 12, Laguna Niguel, caught a 5-10 bass. Catfish action continues to be very good. Crappie and bluegill are also showing on nightcrawler pieces along the shore. For fishing information, call (949) 362-3885 or visit the lake's web site at www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKE

CACHUMA: Fair trout action near the dam. The trout are hanging in deeper water from 50 to 75 feet. Red Needlefish on a downrigger has been the best way to score the trout. Troy Anderson landed a 6.8-pound rainbow. Fair bass fishing using poppers in the morning, and plastics later in the day. Best action reported from Johnson's Bay and also Cachuma By. Catfish are slowly improving try mackerel or nightcrawlers early or late for your best chances to score. Joshua Williams landed a 13-pound cat on mackerel. For fishing information call the boat dock at (805) 688-4040. The number for the main gate is (805) 688-4658.

CASITAS: Good bass action reported on topwater lures mornings then plastics later in the day. Good catfish bite at Deep Cat and Dead Horse on mackerel. Herve DeClerco, Moorpark, landed and 8-0 bass on a Zara Spook. Dave Sellers, Ventura, landed a 10-0 bass a brown plastic worm. For more information, contact the marina at (805) 649-2043.

CASTAIC: Striper action is good for anglers using Kastmasters, Worm Kings, or big white jigs. The fish are showing on the main points in 30 to 60 feet of water. Lots of fish are also showing in 60 to 100 feet of water on nightcrawlers. David Toth, Piru, caught a 12-0 striper. Rey Patos, Castaic, caught 11.9 and 11.1-pound stripers. Debbie Justus, Agoura Hills, caught a 10.2-pound striper. Flip Lawyer, Van Nuys, caught a 10.8 striper. Dave Lombardoz, Valencia, caught a 12.8-pound striper. Marcus Liebe, North Hills, caught a 9.7-pound striper. Good largemouth action on topwater, cranks, live baits, and plastics. Some bluegill are showing on meal worms, wax worms, and red worms. Slow other species. For more information, call the Castaic Marina at (661) 775-6232.

PIRU: Good bass action on plastics, cranks, and nightcrawlers. Some trout are showing on Power Bait or on lures. The panfish are biting red worms, meal worms, and jigs. Catfish are hitting nightcrawlers, and anchovies, mackerel in the coves in the north end. For fishing information, call the marina at (805) 521-1231 or visit the website at www.lake-piru.org.

PYRAMID: Very good striper action continues this week. Topwater is best in the early morning with nightcrawlers and anchovies working best in the middle of the day. Moon Lee, Santa Clarita, caught a 14-0 striper on anchovies. Some catfish are showing on nightcrawlers in Yellowbar and Bear Trap areas. New lake hour are 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, call (661) 257-2892.

TEJON LAKE: The lake is managed as a quality bass water, catch-and-release only. Annual fishing passes and guided trips are available. The bass action has been good, with a good topwater bite early and late in the day. For more information, call the Tejon Ranch Company at (661) 248-6774.

QUAIL LAKE: No report.

PUDDINGSTONE: Holiday boat traffic slowed fishing down. Look for the bass fishing to rebound quickly as the bite had been improving weekly. Cat fishing is fair with a few nice fish reported. For more information, call (909) 599-8411.

SANTA FE: DFG catfish plants this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago. Call (626) 334-1065 for info on the lake.

ALONDRA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plants last week and three weeks ago.

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

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

CERRITOS PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plants this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago.

DOWNEY WILDERNESS PARK: DFG catfish plants two and four weeks ago.

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

EL DORADO PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plants this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago.

ELIZABETH LAKE: No DFG plants in over a month.

HANSEN DAM LAKE: No DF plants in over a month. For more information, call (888) 527-2757 or (818) 899-3779.

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

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

KENNY HAHN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plant last week.

LA MIRADA PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plants this week and two weeks ago.

LEGG LAKE: DFG catfish plants this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago.

LINCOLN PARK LAKE: DFG catfish plants last week and three weeks ago.

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

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

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

BARRETT: No report. Reservations for September are now on sale through Ticketmaster (619 220-8497). The lake is currently on a weekends-only 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/.

HODGES: Slow to fair fishing. The launch ramp is now closed due to low water level. 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) 390-0222.

EL CAPITAN: Fair bass and catfish action. Slow other species. The lake's water level is dropping nearly 1 ½ feet a week and anglers should use caution when on the lake. 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) 390-0222.

LOWER OTAY: Fair bass and catfish action with a good bluegill bite. John Shand, Chula Vista, caught a 10.4-poiund bass. Paul Lopez, San Diego, caught two cats totaling 10-4 with the top fish a 6.05-pounder. Dalawn Moss, 9, caught 61 bluegill on mealworms in Harvey Arm. 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) 390-0222.

UPPER OTAY: Slow to fair bass fishing. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, 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/.

SAN VICENTE: Good bass fishing. Luke Williams, 9, San Diego, caught five bass totaling 18.1 pounds with fish to 7-12 on shiners. Fair to good catfish bite. There is also a fair bluegill bite. Justin Curry, 7, San Marcos, caught a 1.05-pound bluegill on a nightcrawler. The lake is open for fishing on Wednesdays and Thursdays only. 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) 390-0222.

MURRAY: No report. 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) 390-0222.

MIRAMAR: Generally slow fishing for all species. The lake is open for fishing on Saturdays through Tuesdays. 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) 390-0222.

SUTHERLAND: Good catfish bite. David Sanchez and his grandfather, Chula Vista, caught 10 catfish totaling 40.6 pounds on mackerel at the east bank. Fair fishing for basss and bluegill. The lake is open 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) 698-3474.

WOHLFORD: Good catfish bite after a plant last week. Mackerel, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and stink bait have been working best. Betty Wooden, Pomona, landed a 20-4 cat from the South Shore Rock Pile on Shrimp. Bill Wooden, Pomona, caught a 17-8 cat at the South Shore Rock Pile on Shrimp. Paul Eddo, Escondido, caught a 10-0 cat to top off a 16-2 stringer. For more information, contact the ranger station at (760) 839-4346 or log on to the lake's website at www.wohlfordlake.com.

DOANE POND: No DFG plants in over a month.

DIXON: Bass fishing slowed a bit but the best action is still on plastics. Very good bluegill bite in Catfish Cove on meal worms or pieces of nightcrawlers. Very good catfish action with mackerel and shrimp being the top baits. Night fishing is open every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. For more information, contact the ranger station at (760) 839-4648 or the concessionaire at (760) 741-3328. Dixon fishing reports are on the Internet at: www.dixonlake.com.

POWAY: Good fishing for bass and catfish. Mike Long, Poway, caught a 15-0 bass in Boulder Bay. Eugene Price, San Diego, caught a 12-0 cat on mackerel at the south shore. Don Pena, San Diego, caught a 10-0 cat on mackerel. Chris Duffy, Oceanside, caught a 10-0 cat on mackerel. There were four other anglers reporting cats over 5-0. Night fishing is allowed every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. through September 7th. For more fishing information, call the snack bar at (858) 486-1234.

JENNINGS: No report. For more information, call (619) 596-1396 or (619) 667-6293.

MORENA: Very good catfish action with the best bite on mackerel. Michael Lopez, 10, Downey, caught a 3-6 cat on mackerel. Good bass fishing on plastics and nightcrawlers. Robert Pongracz, Campo, caught 8-8 and 7-8 bass on a jig. For lake information call (619) 694-3049. The 24-hour fishing update line is (619) 478-5473.

CUYAMACA: Slow to fair fishing catfish, crappie, and trout. Paul Blankenhorn, Saddle Brook, caught 22-0 and 15-0 cats on mackerel at the west finger jetty. Donald Nordgren, San Diego, caught an 8-0 rainbow in the middle of the lake. Trout plant slated for this week. Free fishing class this Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information call (760) 765-0515. The web site address is at www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: Fair fishing for catfish and carp with some crappie showing and a slow bass bite. For information, call (760) 782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

LAKE MEAD: There is still a good striper action in front of the 33 hole, with fish boiling in the mornings. Bass are really tough right now. Water is 76 feet lower than usual and a lot of people are having problems launching boats. For more information, call Blue Lake Tackle at (702) 452-8299.

WILLOW BEACH: Fair trout action in front of the hatchery early mornings on nightcrawlers. There was a good striper bite this past week. Howard Bryan, Spanish Fork, Utah, caught a 37.9-pounder, while Allan Cole, Boulder City, landed stripers at 24.7 and 15 pounds. All on A.C. Plugs. For more information, contact the marina at (928) 767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: Good striper fishing all over the lake on anchovies and squid. Also a good catfish bite with cats averaging three-pounds on anchovies. Fair largemouth bass fishing mornings and evenings with some topwater action. For more information, call Cottonwood Cove at (702) 297-1464

BELOW DAVIS DAM: No report.

NEEDLES: No report. For more information, call Premier Sports at (760) 326-2727 or Golden Shores at (760) 768-2325.

TOPOCK MARSH: Slow fishing activity. For information, call (928) 768-2350.

HAVASU: Lots of holiday boat traffic over the weekend. However there is a fair bite for small stripers mornings and evenings using anchovies. Fair catfish action in most coves and by the dam at night, anchovies and mackerel has been the best baits. Bass fishing has been slow. For more information, call Black Meadows Landing at (760) 663-3811.

PARKER STRIP: Slow fishing over the weekend, with tons of pleasure boaters. Some Channel catfish showing around the docks at night. For information, call Big Bend Marina at (760) 663-3755.

BLYTHE: Good flathead catfish action this past weekend as many a dove hunter opted to wet a line. The channel catfish also showed in good numbers for anglers this past weekend. The biggest flathead catfish of the weekend was 45-pounds, and was landed by Roy Bradford, Blythe. Good bass bite most mornings on topwater lures. For information, call BB Bait at (760) 921-2248.

PALO VERDE: No Report.

PICACHO AREA: No Report.

MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Very good bass fishing with the best action on shiners, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms. Catfish action is fair with some flatheads being caught at night on bluegill and goldfish. Bluegill fishing is excellent with some over 1-0 showing. Good striper fishing on cut bait, live shiners, and Rapalas in the lake entrances. For more information, contact the Martinez Lake Resort at (928) 783-9589 or check out the web site at www.martinezlake.com.

YUMA AREA: Fair bass action early mornings and evenings on topwater baits. Cat fishing is slow. For more information, contact Mesa Sport Shop at (928) 782-5313.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: Real slow fishing all over the sea right now. If you're going to give it a try bring plenty of water and sunscreen as it has been HOT. Slow croaker action. For current fishing information, call Johnson's Landing (760) 394-4755, 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, but it will be closed in August. To reserve a boat in September, call (909) 377-6365. 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: Fair to good catfish action overall.

COACHELLA, HIGHLINE CANALS: No reports.

ALL AMERICAN CANAL: Good largemouth and smallmouth bass action using topwater lures and plastics.

FINNEY-RAMER: No report.

WEIST LAKE: DFG catfish plant last week.

SUNBEAM LAKE: DFG catfish plant last week. For information, call (760) 352-3308.

LAKE CAHUILLA: No report. For more information, call (760) 564-4712.

EASTERN SIERRA

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

BRIDGEPORT AREA: Lots of people this past weekend with fair rainbow trout action at Bridgeport Reservoir for boat anglers. Fish to 6-0 have been reported. Virginia Lake and Twin Lakes have been very good for fisherman hitting the lakes early or in the evenings. Many have been scoring with Power Bait, small nightcrawlers, Thomas Buoyants and Mini jigs. Woolybuggers and Matukas are working well for fly fisherman. Lots of 12-14 inch fish with a few 3.5 to 4.5-pound Alpers rainbows to keep it interesting. For information, contact Ken's Sporting Goods in Bridgeport at (760) 932-7707.

JUNE LAKE AREA: Good rainbow trout action throughout the entire loop. All the lakes received plants for the past weekend. Look for trophy Alper's rainbows to be caught for the next few weeks. This is still a morning-evening bite with Power Bait producing fish. For more information, contact Ernie's at (760) 648-7756.

MAMMOTH AREA: Great rainbow fishing in the Mammoth area. Crowley Lake has been good in McGee Bay on midges. The Upper Owens River is picking up on dry flies. Still better during early morning and evening but look for that to change soon as fish will start fall feeding patterns as the days start to shorten. For more information, contact Crowley Lake Fish Camp at (760) 935-4301, The Trout Fly at (760) 934-2517, or Convict Lake Resort at (760) 934-3800.

BISHOP AREA: Good holiday trout fishing at South Lake this past weekend with some nice fish showing for anglers. Also the Middle and South forks of Bishop Creek were real good with trout to 4-0 reported. Intake Two was a good place to wet a line this past weekend. Casey May, Santa Fe Springs, landed a 5-0 trout on 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.

LONE PINE AREA: Fair to good trout fishing on the area streams. A few brown trout are also showing for anglers plying waters early morning or in the evening. For more information, contact Barrett's Outfitters at (760) 872-3830 or the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at (760) 876-4444.

WESTERN SIERRA

ISABELLA: Great catfish action using clams or frozen shad. The crappie bite is excellent at Isabella right now, limits are common and the fish range from a half to 1 ½ pounds. A good bluegill bite is underway using mealworms and waxworms. For more information, contact North Fork Marina at (760) 379-1007 or Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

KERN RIVER: Good trout fishing at the upper Kern River on nightcrawlers, and crickets and salmon eggs. Glenn Jones, Bakersfield, landed a 1-8 smallmouth bass from the lower river. The lower river is real low so you have to pick your pools, but the bass are responding well to plastic worms.

AQUEDUCT AT BAKERSFIELD: Good striper bite using white bucktails and gizits. Bait anglers are tossing bloodworms and minnows to score stripers. Good catfish action on frozen shad. Phillip Solorio, Bakersfield, caught a 5-0 catfish. The weather has been extremely hot lately so drink plenty of water while fishing. For more information contact Bob's Bait Bucket at (661) 833-8657.

HART PARK LAKE: Fair bluegill action using waxworms. Good carp bite on dough baits.

TRUXTUN LAKE: Good bluegill fishing on waxworms. Bass fishing is slow with the heat. Good carp fishing using dough baits.

MING LAKE: Closed to fishing for the summer.

BUENA VISTA LAKES: Fair catfish action on shad with the hot weather holding the bite back some. Good bluegill fishing using waxworms. For more fishing information, call the concession at (661) 763-1268 or contact Bob's Bait Bucket.

BRITE LAKE: No report.

WOLLOMES LAKE: Bluegill bite good on waxworms and crickets, some catfish showing on mackerel.

SUCCESS LAKE: Fair bass action mornings and evenings on topwater baits. These fish are on the smaller side with no big fish reported this week. All other species are very slow right now. For more information, call the Lakeside Mini Mart at (559) 781-6878

KAWEAH LAKE: Fantastic bass fishing with plenty of nice fish from four to five pounds reported. The bass are smacking the topwater plugs early in the morning and targeting plastic worms and crankbaits during the day. Night fishing for catfish is fair on mackerel and minnows. For more information, call the marina at (559) 597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: The striper bite really turned on over the weekend with fish to 25-pounds reported. Try drifting anchovies by the dam for bigger fish. The largemouth bite is fair with fish still holding summertime patterns. For more information, call (805) 472-2818.

SANTA MARGARITA: Good catfish action early mornings and early evenings on Dumongs catfish bait and anchovies. Good bass bite early mornings on topwater baits. For more information, call (805) 438-3754.

NACIMIENTO: Fair white bass fishing, with a few boilers here and there. The spotted bass bite at Las Tablas is still fair on plastic worms and nightcrawlers. Catfish is fair in the back of coves most evenings on chicken liver and anchovies. For more information, call (805) 238-1056.

LOPEZ: Good largemouth bass fishing reported from most of the lake. Local nine-year-old angler Corey Jones did it again this week. This time it was with a Roostertail by the dam. His tally was three bass to 1-12 and one trout. For more information, call (805) 489-1006.

END

TROUT PLANTS

The following waters are scheduled to be planted this week with catchable-sized rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game. Plants are listed by county.

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Mojave Narrows Park Lake, Santa Ana River, Santa Ana River (South Fork).

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN DIEGO: San Luis Rey River.

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

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Green Creek, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lake Mary, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek (South Fork), Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Benton Crossing), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Paradise Camp to Tom's Place and Tom's Place upstream to Rock Creek Lake), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport, Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lakes, Walker River (Chris Flat campground to town of Walker and Leavitt Meadows to Sonora bridge).

END

CATFISH PLANTS

The following waters are scheduled to be planted this week with one-pound channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game. Plants are listed by county.

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Santa Fe Reservoir, Spane Lake.

END

OCEAN FISHING REPORT -- 976-TUNA for ons

By Phil Friedman, 976-TUNA

For Outdoor News Service

HOT BITES AND UPDATES

ALBACORE AND BLUEFIN ACTION STILL GOOD: The albacore tuna bite has remained excellent for the San Diego fleet and the boats fishing the tuna out of Los Angeles and Orange county landings. The bluefin tuna was as good this week as it has been, but most boats are still scoring on bluefin in addition to getting limits of albacore. The albacore are still mostly 12 to 16 pounds with the odd bigger fish, and the bluefin are mostly 20 to 40 pounders for the one-day boats. The multi-day boats are still smacking the bluefin in big numbers 100 miles and further south of San Diego. On Tuesday evening, the Searcher had 60-plus bluefin on a single stop while on a multi-day trip. The best news in this bite is that the crowds have dropped way off since Monday and if history repeats itself, the fishing will continue very good while the crowds get smaller and smaller. The Truline out of Long Beach Sportfishing had a 1 ½-day run Tuesday with just 12 anglers and they boated 87 bluefin, 24 albacore, and 31 yellowtail -- a great mixed bag bite. The Morro Bay boats are also seeing excellent albacore fishing, and the grade of fish is better. The Princess on Tuesday out of Virg's Landing in Morro Bay had 14 anglers who boated 124 longfin. The best albacore bite continues to be on hot anchovies fished on 20 to 25-pound test mono, a No. 2 hook, and ¼-ounce sinker. You should also have at least a 50-pound class rod along just in case some big bluefin pop. Most veteran anglers and skippers think the next two full moon cycles will produce another big flurry of bluefin action.

DORADO NEWS: The warm water swelling up along the nearshore coast is bringing more and more exotics into Southern California waters, especially dorado. On Monday, skipper Scott McDaniels of the Dominator out of Point Loma Sportfishing, had a kelp paddy stop where everyone on board was hooked up. There were seven dorado jumping at once and the rest of the rods were locked onto yellowtail. While only two fish were boated, it gives an idea of what is probably in store for anglers in local waters this early fall. The dorado are being seen on kelp from Catalina to Rocky Point to San Diego.

YELLOWFIN COMING?: With the warm water, skippers are speculating whether or not the yellowfin will start showing up in local waters this early fall. The Polaris Supreme is on a 10-day trip at Alijos Rocks, and skipper Danny Hall reported seeing more yellowfin than he's ever seen. The bite has been wide open for 40 pounders with fish to 70 pounds. They also had over 100 wahoo.

LOCAL ACTION OFF: Most of the nearshore bites have slowed down in the past week, with the squid and barracuda sinking out of the picture and the bass action getting more scratchy. There is still a showing of yellowtail at Rocky Point and a few sand bass in the Santa Monica Bay (half limits Tuesday and Wednesday for Marina del Rey boats).

INSTRUCTIONAL CHARTERS: The 976-TUNA staff hosts a series of instructional charters all year. These trips focus on teaching fishing techniques for the different ocean species in season at the time of the trip. The limited load trips allow for one-on-one instruction. The next trips are set for Sept. 2 and 23 on the Tracer and Sept. 27 on the Betty G. Charter, and Oct. 25 on the Pacific Queen out of Virg's in Morro Bay for trophy albacore. For more information, call (310) 328-5850 or e-mail p976tuna@aol.com.

LONG RANGE BAJA CALIFORNIA

For comprehensive long range and Baja fishing reports, log on to the 976-TUNA web site at www.976tuna.com. The reports are updated daily as new information is available.

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; Big Fish Sportfishing, Seal Beach, (562) 598-4700; 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; Islandia Sportfishing, Mission Bay, (619) 222-1165; Seaforth Sportfishing, Mission Bay, (619) 224-3383; HM Landing, San Diego, (619) 222-1144; Point Loma Sportfishing, San Diego, (619) 223-1627; Fisherman's Landing, San Diego, (619) 221-8500; Lee Palm's Sportfishing, San Diego, (619) 224-3857.

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

END 976-TUNA REPORT

GRUNION RUNS

Grunion spawn on all of Southern California's long, sandy beaches from early March through mid-August each 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, 330 Golden Shore Blvd., No. 50, Long Beach, CA 90815.

END

FISHING NEWS SHORTS -- matthews

POWER SQUADRON CLASSES

The United States Power Squadron provides monthly "Boat Smart" classes, which provide essential information for every type of boat user, from inboards to outboards to personal watercraft to sail boats.

Boaters can learn about boat handling and seamanship, needed equipment, rules of the water, lines and knots, chart reading, aids to navigation, engine troubleshooting, trailering and much more. In Riverside, these classes are held the first weekend of each month at the California Division of Foresty office. The next class is Sept. 7-8. For more information, call Rich Nachman at (909) 887- 5155.

END REPORTS

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