South Freshwater Fish Report
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Updated July 28, 2026
POWAY LAKE – Three 1,000 catfish stocks this month have led to a solid start to the summer season here. July 10, 17, and 24 all saw stocks, and the next will be on August 7. Catfish here prefer mackerel, shrimp, nightcrawlers or chicken liver. The log boom is the best zone, and light line is needed because the water is crystal clear. Night fishing is available until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and both catfish and bass guys are taking advantage of the after dark fishing. Bass guys are using loud clacking swimbaits or big Berkely Powerworms. Weigh in your largest caught fish at the boat dock (dock scale must be used by the city staff), and you may win two fishing permits and a full day motorboat rental. Prizes will be given away each month for bass, trout and catfish.
PYRAMID LAKE – Plastic worms are still the best bet for bass, and they will work from the shoreline out to about 25 feet. Natural colors, like brown/green or Margarita Mutilator patterns rigged on a Texas Rig are the best bets. A smallmouth might be mixed in with the largemouth on this technique too. The stripers are also hitting at a solid pace here, with guys reporting over 20-fish days on topwater, a-rigs, or cut bait. There’s also an algae bloom too, so be prepared for the water to be very green in certain spots. Anglers are still advised to call ahead when they plan to rent a boat, as there are days when they are not available for various reasons.
SAN ANTONIO LAKE— Local guide Doug Rice (RGSFish.com) told WON “San Antonio is sitting at 54% and the carp and catfish have finally left the bank’s allowing bass fisherman a better chance at catching bass. Bass are hitting jigs and drop-shots in 5 feet on isolated rock and white sandstone points. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits on the outside of brush/rock mix is working best in low light or wind. RkCrawler has been weapon on choice. No panfish reports”
SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES — Heavy stocking continues here, as this lake continues to plant the most poundage in pretty much all of Southern California. The monsters have been suspiciously absent this summer though, but there’s definitely a 50-pound fish in the future. A near 14-pound fish led the catches. Tilapia are often included in the plants, and they’ll eat nightcrawlers. Catfish like shrimp, chicken liver, or mackerel. Float tubes are no longer allowed, but campers can fish overnight, and there are frequently some very large catfish taken after dark. During catfish season, the lake is open until 11p.m. on Thursdays.
SANTA MARGARITA LAKE – “Margarita lake is still very full for July/August at 94% and two different techniques are working,” said guide Doug Rice (RGSFish.com). “Frogs and punch rigs the yellow cheese mats in any part of the lake you find it. Finesse guys are doing well in 15 to 22 feet of water on drop-shot and Neko rigs. Water clarity is 6 to 10 feet, and it’s more stained in the river area. A recent frog-only tournament took well over 20 pounds to win. (WON BASS pro, Austin Bonjour) Panfish have moved to outer edge of red leaf weed mats and off the flats in 15 feet of water.”
