Any good fishing in SoCal right now?

[pmoradi2002]

I've been itching to fish, I wouldn't mind saltwater but I'd prefer fresh. I don't want any pay-to-fish areas. I'm open to a wide variety of species to catch (would prefer trout), and I'm willing to drive ~2 hours from OC.

I know Kern is good as I go there every year, but this year nobody will go with me

Also, if anyone wants to go, let's do it!

[Sanderhawk]

I have been useing this to do trout fishing in some of my local ponds http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcherie...SouthCoast.asp

I`m sure they have something similar to this for Nor Cal. I`ve had pretty good luck with the trout this year. Hope this helps.

[zerohour714]

I just went out last weekend to the Newport Jetties, We caught 1 mackeral all day. I think the water is too cool still. Saw a lot of guys in kayaks, boats, and on the jetties, not much action though.

Trout fishing is tough down here. Like you mentioned, Kern River is the best I have found in so-cal. You can also try Del-prado reservoir right off of the 71 hwy. It's all stocked, but the only time I was there we caught a bunch of bass and a couple of trout.

Tight Lines!!!

[pmoradi2002]

I have been useing this to do trout fishing in some of my local ponds http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcherie...SouthCoast.asp

I`m sure they have something similar to this for Nor Cal. I`ve had pretty good luck with the trout this year. Hope this helps.

Thanks, I'll look into that!

I just went out last weekend to the Newport Jetties, We caught 1 mackeral all day. I think the water is too cool still. Saw a lot of guys in kayaks, boats, and on the jetties, not much action though.

Trout fishing is tough down here. Like you mentioned, Kern River is the best I have found in so-cal. You can also try Del-prado reservoir right off of the 71 hwy. It's all stocked, but the only time I was there we caught a bunch of bass and a couple of trout.

Tight Lines!!!

I do usually go to Newport and fish the Harbor for Bat Rays & Sharks. Usually have good luck there but the past few times nothing.

[edwardfrench]

I tried fishing in So cal for 7 years. There is nothing worth the effort except ocean fishing. I tried every body of water within 4-5 hours driving from San Diego. It's either polluted or lifeless due to overfishing

[truep]

I don't have nearly the experience of EdwardFrench. The fishing is awesome right now, if you know what you're doing. My buddy and myself caught and released 14 largemouth last Tuesday. Nothing huge- but all nice chunky hard fighting 3 pounders. Pre-spawn fishing is going off at many lakes right now, and within a month, they should start spawing, and the fishing will be even better.

As for the ocean, I'd check out the Mirage. They have a couple open chargers coming up for Rockfish. I've never had a bad day on that boat, and you should get some big Lings.

I catch Calico's and Sand bass every time I go out on my kayak 15 minutes from my house. Well, every time but once, but that's about a 99% average of catching something.

It is true, that the fishing was much better 5+ years ago. Many lakes have been drained, and the internet has blown a lot of my spots, because people are stupid enough to tell exactly where they are having great fishing. I keep those spots to my friends, but get out there and find your own secret spots, and you will find good fishing.

[50deuce]

Freshwater - local OC lakes:
Thornton park has Large Mouth bass in it.. Caught some nice +/- 3lb er and lots of little 4-6 incher... Use Bass Assassin plastic.. Note water is filthy so you won't be able to see it swimming. Run the plastic (slowly) near boulders (rock), and 5-10 ft from the edge.
I recently saw a fishing derby sign/flier at Mile Square Park. Couldn't get a full detail as i drove by, but assume it's for Trout. I'm sure you can still fish there but are excluded from the event. Or you can get a full detail and join the event.

Saltwater:
Seal Beach Harbor is a hit or missed Mackeral, Rays, Perch, and Smelt (over a foot in length) Use mussels and or squid bait
Long Beach Harbor had wide open Mackeral (not the previous weekend but before that).
Haven't fish in Newport lately so unsure about the abundance of species in that harbor. If you can catch some little jack smelt and use it as bait, I'm sure you'll catch some Halibut there

GL