Catfish season is still rolling at Santa Ana River Lakes, and the lake just loaded up again with a plant of Imperial cats and big tilapia on September 10. That follows a heavy Labor Day catfish stock and another cat/tilapia plant in late August, so there are plenty of fish in the water. Cut mackerel, blood bait, and dough bait are the go tos, and cats over 10 pounds are not unusual. Tilapia are fun, and there are a few giants roaming as well. No license is needed, and day, night, and overnight sessions are all available. Rental boats are first come, first served, so get there early if you want one.

Catfish season wrapped up with the final stock on November 6, and trout season is now underway. Lassen rainbows hit the lake on November 13, with a second plant just yesterday (November 20). Powerbait, mini jigs, and night crawlers are always solid go-tos. Even though the catfish plants are done, anglers are still picking off plenty of fish on chicken liver and mackerel. These lakes aren’t cheap to fish, but they offer a legit shot at landing trophy sized fish. Remember, all catfish over 15 pounds are catch and release, along with any-sized largemouth bass or sturgeon.