Daniel Powell

This fat rainbow from Dixon Lake made for a good couple meals.

Dock Totals 1/2 – 1/8: 295 anglers aboard 20 half-day to full-day trips out of San Diego landings this past week caught 79 blacksmith perch, 138 calico bass (109 released), 23 halfmoon, 19 lobster (10 released), 1,345 rockfish, 47 rubberlip seaperch, 207 sand bass, 298 sculpin, and 2 triggerfish.

Saltwater: This past week was a fairly normal week for the fleet fishing locally and long-range for early January. Rockfish in Mexican waters on the lower 9-Mile Bank and other high spots within range, and basses, sculpin, and various perches topped the count in our near-and inshore waters, while the mid-range running boats centered on yellowtail along the Baja coast. Bluefin tuna are still hanging around the Tanner and Cortez banks, and south outside of Cedros Island, but have been slow to bite this week. Further south, big yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and some chunky yellowtail to 50 pounds are being caught by boats running eight days or longer and fishing the grounds from outside Bahia Asunción and south to the Ridge.

On January 6, California Department of Fish and Wildlife implemented new statewide emergency measures concerning the groundfish complex and species-specific limits. Those new measures are a decrease to the statewide sub-bag limit for vermilion rockfish from five fish to four fish; a new statewide sub-bag limit for quillback rockfish of one fish; and a new statewide sub-bag limit for copper rockfish of one fish. These limits are per angler, per day and do not otherwise affect overall 10 fish bag limits of other species in the complex. Of the three species named, two matter to southern California anglers. Quillback rockfish are found from central California and north to Alaska and are not caught in our area. Copper rockfish are not as common as vermillion rockfish in local waters, but they are still caught here.

Freshwater: I had the opportunity to check out Dixon Lake for trout this week, and though usually very productive when stocked, I caught one fat 3-pound trout for a full day’s effort from before sunrise to about 3pm. Though it seemed the fish were in an afternoon mode, I reluctantly left tired but happy that I avoided the ‘skunk’ with one good-sized fish worthy of the smoker. It was excellent eating. Next, I may go to Santee Lakes for their trout season reopener event this Saturday and Sunday beginning at 6AM, January 15 &16. There will be breakfast burritos, pastries, and full drink menu available, so I’ll probably skip breakfast and get there early. Unlike many park lakes, you can add a spike to your coffee from your flask or pick up a cold one at the concession stand. Bringing adult beverages is allowed, but no kegs. It is, after all, a family-oriented park with lots of children usually about.

2,500 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked on Friday for the event, with big fish up to eight pounds in Lakes 2, 3, and 4. As it might draw a crowd, permits can be pre-bought at the park’s improved general store so anglers can head to their favorite spot without having stop and pick theirs up on the morning of the event. Junior (15 and under) and senior (60 and over) permits are $6, while adult permits are $10. Though I prefer lures, Powerbait, and fly-lined nightcrawlers for stocked trout, it is important to mention bait restrictions at Santee Lakes. As is in most of our reservoirs, the use of minnows, frogs, goldfish, or other game fish as bait are not permitted. The use of any type of attractant or chum is not permitted. Corn may not be used as bait. Fishing licenses are not required. Have fun and go catch ‘em! Now, back to my smoked trout sandwich...

Fish Plants: January 14 – Santee Lakes, trout (2,500), January 13 – Lake Poway, trout (1,500)