SoCal Reports

Another stock in the second week of June has kept trout action going into early summer. However, with the warming water, they are pushing to the deepest areas of the lake. Powerbait and Micetails have been getting bites. Mostly CDFW stockers, but a few quality Calaveras trout are being caught as well.

The warm water species bite at Gregory has been fair. A few anglers are targeting catfish in the mornings and evenings. A 5+ lb largemouth was caught last month.

Vaqueros is seeing a lot of striper action across the lake. A 10+-pounder was reportedly caught last week on the south end. Boaters are throwing jerkbaits, while shore-casters are soaking anchovies. Trout anglers are still finding action even though the last stock was almost 2 months ago. Target the deepest water possible with spoons or PowerBait. If fishing shallow, aim for early morning. Largemouth reports are minimal, but a few have been caught by anglers trolling for stripers.

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.

Summer is ramping up at Pyramid Lake, bringing changes to both weather and fish behavior. The strong afternoon winds are subsiding, and fish are transitioning to their warm-season patterns.

Most largemouth bass are done spawning, but there hasn't been much of a post-spawn slump. Bass are gradually moving out from shallow areas, but have been extremely aggressive towards topwater reaction baits and deeper running crankbaits.

The catfish bite remains strong, as is typical for this time of year, with traditional baits like nightcrawlers and chicken livers working best. Striper reports have been scarce.

The bass bite at Lake Elsinore has slowed down slightly, but anglers are still catching fish. Preferred lure choices vary among anglers. Some report success only with drop-shots and ned rigs, while others claim reaction baits such as chatterbaits and swimbaits have been more effective. Regardless of the method, most fish caught have been small.

Catfish activity is increasing as the weather warms. Anglers are catching fish using cut mackerel and chicken livers, especially during late afternoons and evenings.

Another late-season trout stock the week of June 9th has reinvigorated the trout bite. However, due to warming water and significant algae growth, these fish are seeking the deepest water possible. Bass action has reportedly been decent, with most bites coming on small soft-plastics and swimbaits.

For both trout and bass, the key has been locating areas with minimal algae. While algae levels are improving, a warning remains in effect. Folks are advised to avoid all water contact.