San Diego County

After a strong bite for good-sized largemouth chasing shad in late-May/early-June, the action has slowed. Anglers are still finding strikes, but there is no day-to-day consistency. Early morning topwater or reaction baits can be hot one day and trigger nothing the next. Rattletraps and crankbaits are getting some action in deep water, while finesse worms and creature baits are working in shallow areas at times. Trial and error is currently the name of the game. No crappie reports.

The trout bite continues to be strong at Cuyamaca, as it received a late-season trout stocking the week of June 16th by CDFW. Due to the lake's elevation, the water temperature is remaining much cooler compared to other San Diego County lakes. Trout anglers are still finding the most success targeting the deepest parts of the lake, specifically near the dam.

Bass action has also been very good. With the cooler water temperatures, the spawn season typically delays, so fish are still holding shallow. Often times, the bigger females spawn late, so keep an eye out for giants.

Catfish stocks have begun at Wohlford, and there's plenty of fish to go around. Chicken liver or prawns thrown in shallow areas near Boat Dock Cove have produced consistent stocker bites. Be ready for a bite from one of the many trophy cats that lurk Wohlford.

The water is warming, and bass are feeling the heat. Morning and evenings have been best (topwater and swimbaits), while midday slows down. Many fish move deeper as the sun peaks, heading towards cooler water (try drop-shotting).

The early summer bass bite is heating up at Otay, and the fish seem very active. The morning and late evening topwater action has been excellent for quality bass up to 4 pounds. When the topwater bite shuts down during midday, Texas-rigged soft-plastics and drop shots are working well. The crappie and bluegill action is also very good. Throw crappie jigs down 3-4 feet under a bobber (slightly windy conditions help with the bait's action).

Another positive note, the algae issue has backed off quite a bit.

At Miramar, there are a few unexpected late spawners, but the spawn is mostly over as fish move out of the shallows. The word is that smaller baits are getting the most action, albeit more for numbers than size. Drop shots, small jerk baits, and 3-4 inch swim baits have been the best. Once the post-spawners settle into their summer patterns, a solid morning topwater bite is expected to unlock.