South Freshwater Fish Report
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Updated April 9, 2025
EL CAPITAN RESERVOIR – Fun fishing, depending on who you talk to. The anglers that are doing the best work are the most diverse in their techniques. The fish are biting, but one day they may want a jerkbait or a squarebill while the next day they want dropshot or senkos. These fish have been reported to be on the bank, while other anglers are finding the fish in around 10 feet. In other words, be ready for anything and it should be a solid day.
ELSINORE LAKE – The bass bite has moved into the top spot with quality fish hanging out shallow as spring largemouth tend to do. Texas-rigged worms and creatures have been the best way to get after them. More quality wipers are still being caught on spoons, with the most successful anglers making long casts and staying mobile to find biters. The 12th-annual Dream Extreme Derby will be held on May 17 followed by the Carp Quest on May 18. For more info and to register for both, visit LEfishingderby.com.
GREGORY LAKE – Much improved fishing for rainbows and lightning trout after both Calaveras and DFW stocked the lake on March 27. The Lake Gregory Company Trout Derby is going down on April 19, and it sports a $1,000 grand prize that tops off a respectable prize pile. The event will go on rain or shine from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., all ages are welcome and there will be food and merchant vendors on site. Registration closes at 9 p.m. on April 18. For more info, visit LakeGregory.com/fishing.
HEMET LAKE – Another monster fish was caught, but this time it wasn’t a trout but a 9.7-pound largemouth bass that ate a homemade plastic fished on 4-pound test. That fish was released after some photos. Trout fishing has been good since it was “double stocked” on March 26. That was 4,000 pounds from Mount Lassen followed by another 1,200 pounds from DFW. 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 – Few reports coming in, as trout season is winding down. That means that the first catfish stock should be around the corner though, and just like with trout season, this lake stocks some big whiskers. Stink baits are the most productive here, with mackerel or shrimp being the best options. The lake hours have changed as well. 8 p.m. is the new closing time, and these twilight hours tend to be the best when it comes to the catfish.
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