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Updated Aug 15, 2025

HENSHAW LAKE— Still flsying under the radar as arguably the best numbers producer in San Diego County as far as bass are concerned. Angler pressure remains arguably light despite the fact most heading up there and pitching bulky plastics into trees and other flooded vegetation are easily putting up double-digit numbers with the best scores exceeding 50 fish between a pair of anglers.

HESPERIA LAKE – August 1 brought 1,000 pounds of catfish to the lake, and while most anglers avoid this lake during the day due to the heat, it was clear that the lowlight bite was pretty good. Night fishing is on Fridays and Saturdays when the lake is open until 10p.m., and this has produced the best bite. Garlic shrimp is the best bait here, but mackerel will get them too. Day fishing is from 6AM-1PM. Everyone must exit the fishing bank at 1PM along with ALL belongings. No bands for night fishing will be sold before 2 p.m. If you are waiting in line for the night session you must physically be standing or sitting in line, an empty chair does not hold your spot. September 13 is the last time night fishing will be allowed until next summer.

HODGES LAKE – The bite is definitely improving here, and the variety is wider as well. This summer has seen BFS techniques be the best approach, but that’s changing. Jigs, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits are getting the better fish now, and most of these fish are coming from offshore. They’re feeding on shad schools, and anglers that can find those baitfish are finding a good bite. Smaller fish, 8- to 15- inches or so, are up along the bank, and will readily take a squarebill or topwater early. There’s also a pretty good catfish bite down near the dam, and this lake has some monster whiskerfish in here, as evidenced by the 70-pound sub that was caught in April. only, Fridays through Sundays, with no license required and a $5 parking fee. Bass fishing is catch-and-release only.

ISABELLA LAKE – The lake is about half full, and it’s down from last report, but the fish don’t seem to mind it (actually, they’re quite used to it here). Largemouth bass are being caught on wide variety of reaction baits including topwater, bladed baits, crankbaits and swimjigs. Big worms, jigs and stickbaits are also getting bit if action on the fun stuff is sluggish. The quality is there, too, with plenty of 5- and 6-plus pounders reported. Anglers are targeting flooded trees and rockpiles, shallow early then falling back into deeper water heading into mid-day.

JENNINGS LAKE – The lake was stocked with 1,000 pounds of catfish last week. We’re stocking another 1,000 pounds of catfish the weeks of August 18 and September 8, so plan visits around those dates to take advantage of fresh fish. Catfish stocks will continue through October. With the catfish stocking last week, the bite was steady this weekend particularly in the late afternoons and evenings. Stink baits, mackerel, and garlic shrimp continue to be the most effective. The bite will pick up around dusk so be patient! Larger catfish lurk in the deep drop offs. Key areas for bass are Cloister Cove, the T dock, and Half Moon Cove. Soft plastics (like Senkos) and topwater lures work best during early morning and late afternoons. During warm afternoons, you’ll find bass in deep structure. The current water temperature is 80 degrees at the surface. The aerator has been turned on, so the dissolved oxygen content is well mixed. Starting this August, Helix Water District will temporarily lower the water level at Lake Jennings by approximately 15 feet. This drawdown will allow for important construction work on the lake’s new aeration system, a key part of preparing for the arrival of purified water from the East County Advanced Water Purification Program (East County AWP). Stay tuned for any operational impacts.

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