South Freshwater Fish Report
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Updated Feb. 14, 2025
HEMET LAKE – Fishing for trout remains consistent for shorepounders who are catching them on floating baits, minijigs and microspoons, and in some cases, Woolly Buggers on fly gear. The lake was last stocked with 4,000 pounds on January 7 and plenty of those fish held over. That would also suggest the lake is about due for another delivery of that size, but as of press time it had not happened yet. Day Use is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25 per vehicle. It’s time to mark your calendars for the 2-day WON Big Trout Campout derby powered by Suzuki Marine. It will be held April 26-27. For more info, visit WONews.com and click the TOURNAMENTS tab.
HESPERIA LAKE – Fishing slowed for a few days in between stocks, but February 6 brought the trout bite back with the arrival of 1,000 pounds of fish from Mt. Lassen. Most fish are in anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds, but there are some monsters to 11 pounds available too. The most consistent methods to filling a stringer are still minijigs, Trout Worms, or plastic minnows rigged on a leadhead. This is the best bet for a bigger sized trout as well. PowerBait and nightcrawlers are still the best options for the bait and wait guys. Catfish Point, the North Shore, and the drain are the best spots.
HODGES LAKE – The lake reopened on February 5, and while there was a good amount of anglers that launched their kayaks and float tubes, most reported very slow fishing. This is very typical of opening day at this lake, as the fish are usually still in winter mode. The crappie guys usually do the most damage during the first few weeks of the season, but even they reported only fair fishing. The lake will be open Wednesdays, Saturday and Sunday, but closed the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
IRVINE LAKE— The trout bite remains consistent with good numbers of quality rainbows and the occasional lightning trout being caught by shore anglers. Weekly stocking through January will continue through February, and that will likely sustain a respectable bite well into March. Microspoons, minijigs and floating baits have been the best options.
ISABELLA LAKE – The bass bite has been a grind, but the reward for powering through low numbers has been the occasional big fish. Texas-rigged big worms, jigs with trailers and drop-shots worked in 20 to 35 feet of water has been. The crappie bite is inconsistent with the occasional decent day popping up that’s followed by several slow-to-dead days.
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