Irvine Lake fishing topped by 9-14 rainbow

Here's this week's Irvine Lake fishing report, written by veteran angler Steve Carson:

Excellent trout fishing was again the story at Irvine Lake this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. “The trolling bite is just phenomenal, you can’t keep ‘em off the lures,” observed Getty. “We are seeing well over 100 trout limits a day, and are selling lots of second-limit passes and even a good number of third-limit passes. The bite in the Kids Lagoon is also wide-open on just about any small lure. One 8-year old youngster even caught his first-ever fish in the Lagoon while using a bare hook!”

Getty added, “We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so that our staff can spend the day with their families, but we will be open regular hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend.”

Most trout filling up the limits are in the 1-to 3-pound category, but a nice mixture of 4-to 9-pounders are spicing up the stringers. Good catches were reported from Trout Island, the west shore, boat dock cove, mid-lake and near the dam. 

Trollers scored better than bait dunkers, but both techniques produced plenty of fish. The “natural” Power Mouse was the best bait choice, made with a white Gulp! Salmon Egg and a nightcrawler. Almost any good trolling lure nailed the fish, with firetiger CD05 Rapalas, or hot pink in the SC Shiner or XR06 X-Rap being the top choices. 

Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks hunting and fishing

I plucked the December/January issue of Outdoor Life from the mailbox Sunday afternoon, shortly after learning that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered what was believed to be a mild concussion in a losing effort against the Kansas City Chiefs.

By strange coincidence I turned to the back page first and there was Big Ben, whose team is the defending Super Bowl champion, talking about how much he loves the much safer pastimes of hunting and fishing--and boasting about how he once bagged three ducks with a single blast.

Here's the brief Q&A:

Outdoor Life: How did you start out?

Ben Roethlisberger: I grew up in Ohio and have been fishing and hunting as long as I can remember with my dad and grandpa. Whether it was bobber-fishing for bluegills or spin-fishing for bass, I'd do it. I'd get out often.

OL: What's your favorite place to fish?

BR: Anyplace there's water! Seriously, though, I've taken my dad to Wyoming to fly-fish and it's been a great experience.

OL: How about hunting?

BR: I've always been more of a bird hunter than a deer hunter. I love to hunt ducks, geese, quail, grouse and turkeys.

OL: What's your most memorable hunting experience?

BR: As a kid, hunting with my dad on the Ohio River, I once got three ducks with one shot.

OL: How does playing football compare to hunting or fishing?

BR: I think my dad said it best when he said, "Being outdoors is still  better than anything else you can do." It's hard, but we always manage to get a day off and I'll get outdoors.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions this season. Credit: Leon Halip/US PRESSWIRE

Trout plants for Southern California during the week beginning Nov. 23

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Nov. 23 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes and Lincoln Park Lake.

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake and Laguna Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake and Skinner Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake and Silverwood Lake. 

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake.  

Photo: Unidentified anglers display their catch at Beaver Cove on Crowley Lake. Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times

Officials poison Florida pond that was home to piranha

A retention pond near West Palm Beach, Fla. was purposely poisoned earlier this week after red-bellied piranha were discovered living in it.

The piranha were discovered by a young angler, who hooked one of the fish last month. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists followed up and discovered another one 10 days later.

So on Tuesday, FWC biologists pumped rotenone into the pond, effectively killing every living thing in the water.

"The only way to be sure all of the piranha are gone is to apply a safe-to-use fish toxicant to kill any piranha that might still be present in this pond," Scott Hardin, FWC exotic species leader, said in a news release.

Irvine Lake fishing report includes trout to 13-8

Here's this week's Irvine Lake fishing report, written by veteran angler Steve Carson and issued today:

The phenomenal action of Irvine Lake’s opening weekend just kept right on going this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop.

“The trout bite has been just insane,” quipped Getty. “The fish are biting on the troll, bait and plastics; and trolling is probably best of all right now. The few people not limiting-out are either using line that is too heavy or are not paying attention to what those around them are using.” 

Legendary trout expert Marlon Meade of Anaheim offered a technique that has worked consistently at Irvine Lake so far this season, using the 3-inch Power Trout Worm in 5 to 30 feet of water. “Use a size five or smaller split-shot and a small light-wire fly hook,” Meade said.

“Hooks that are too large make the worm sit on the bottom and will not be effective. When casting from a boat, shore or float tube, let the worm sink to the bottom and start popping or dragging it in. Another technique is 'dead sticking,' which means letting the worm sink and not moving it. The trick is to use a small fly hook for best results,” he said.

At Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, no ordinary trout will do

In the Eastern Sierra, they're just trout. But at the handful of private, paid-entry lakes in Southern California, they need special qualities or catchy names to lure the crowds.

At Santa Ana River Lakes in Anaheim and Corona Lake alongside Interstate 15 near Corona, they're called Nebraska tailwalkers, Mt. Lassen Sierra ’bows and ruby red steelhead.

The lakes, which are run by the same concessionaire, are adding bonus plants for this weekend and the Thanksgiving holiday week. The Nebraska tailwalkers stocking will include fish to about 10 pounds and the Mt. Lassen 'bows will include fish perhaps upward of 20 pounds.

The Big Fish Bonanza begins the day after Thanksgiving. Click on the blue link for details, and check out some of the whoppers pouring into Santa Ana River Lakes in the video. If you're a trout angler, it should whet your appetite.

-- Pete Thomas

Video: Fried fish that still breathes -- a delicacy or downright distasteful?

I'm a longtime angler who occasionally kills a fish for dinner, but I would not be able to stomach eating a fish in the manner portrayed by Chinese diners in the accompanying video, which has been a popular draw on YouTube.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as expected, has spoken out against the practice of eating fish from a plate while the fish is still alive and breathing -- which is increasingly common in some parts of the world.

A PETA spokesman called it "disgusting" and added:  "Every decent person should be shocked when anyone mocks or abuses a helpless dying animal."

It's just a carp, some might say. But frying the fish on its side while keeping it alive and breathing when it's placed on the plate seems cruel, and the giddiness of the diners makes it that much more unappetizing. Your thoughts?

-- Pete Thomas

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter please visit @latimesoutposts

Trout plants for Southern California during the week beginning Nov. 16

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Nov. 16 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.  

RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Diamond Valley Reservoir and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Yucaipa Lake.  

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake.

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake and Rancho Simi Park Lake.

IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake and Weist Lake.

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Irvine Lake trout opener one of the best in years; 11-2 rainbow tops list

Here's the latest Irvine Lake fishing report, issued by Steve Carson:

To say that last Friday’s trout-season opener at Irvine Lake was wide open would be an understatement. The pre-opener stocking of 20,000 pounds of trout meant that easy limits were the rule in most areas of the lake, and virtually any legitimate trout-fishing technique yielded plenty of fish. To top things off, the weather was Chamber of Commerce perfect.

Numerous veterans of Irvine Lake openers of previous years gave superlative ratings to this year’s event. Comments there were heard (“Best I’ve been to so far”; “A lot better than any other I’ve been to”; “We bought second-limit tickets before 8 a.m.”; and many more) told the story of trout fishing that was simply incredible on both Friday and Saturday.

“The bite slowed somewhat on Sunday afternoon,” observed Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. “We restocked the lake with another 5,000 pounds of trout on Tuesday, and the bite perked right back up. Because of the Veterans Day holiday this week, we will also put in another 2,000 pounds on Thursday to make sure the fishing stays hot.”

Popular bait/lure choices included the garlic Power Bait/nightcrawler combination, white/pink Power Mouse, chartreuse/orange Atomic teaser, fire-tiger or shad-color Rapala Countdown CD03 and CD05, and gold Thomas Buoyant. 

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Nov. 9

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Nov. 9 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake and Lincoln Park Lake.

ORANGE: Laguna Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Silverwood Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake. 

INYO: Pleasant Valley Reservoir.

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.

Photo credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Irvine Lake trout season opens today

The trout season opens today at Irvine Lake, with more than 20,000 pounds of newly released trout awaiting anglers.

Closed since Monday, the lake has been stocked with rainbows ranging in the 1- to 6-pound range, although there were also a decent number of fish released that weigh from 8 to 12 pounds and also some lunkers weighing in at more than 20-pounds.

For good measure, some brown and steelheads were also added to the waters.

Longtime angler and outdoor writer Steve Carson offers the following trout angling tips:

--Veteran trout chasers at Irvine Lake always recommend using ultra-light line to get their limit. Trollers can get by with 6-pound test line, but most lure casting and bait fishing should be done with nothing heavier than 4-pound test monofilament line. If the fish are acting finicky, or there is heavy pressure from weekend crowds, dropping down to 2-pound test line will often get trout when nothing else will.

--Bait fishing with Carolina-rigged PowerBait or Gulp! Trout Dough is the most common way to catch trout from shore. Under normal to clear conditions, go with a 12- to 18-inch leader, but when rains decrease visibility, leaders from 6 to 8 inches work best. Favored bait colors include chartreuse, rainbow and white.
 
--Trollers usually go for Rapalas, in most cases the smaller the better. Top choices are the Rapala Countdown CD01, CD03, and CD05 in firetiger color, or the Rapala X-Raps in the XR06 size and clown or hot pink colors. When the fish want more movement, the Jointed Rapala J05 and J07 in chartreuse or brown trout colors are the go-to baits.

Gates open at 6 a.m. daily at the privately run, paid-entry lake, where no state fishing license is required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Jenn Ngyuen of Yorba Linda shows off the 15-pound, 4-ounce rainbow she landed near the boat docks at Irvine Lake last year. Credit: Irvine Lake

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I set a loaded shotgun on the hood of my car?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We were hunting doves in Imperial County recently when the game wardens came in asking for inspections. I set my 12-gauge shotgun on the hood of the car, gave the officer my hunting license, and then went back to check the guns to make sure they were unloaded. The officer stopped me and told me not to touch any gun at that point. He then checked the guns and found both my gun on top of the hood and another gun leaning on the front hood were loaded. I was given a ticket for Fish and Game Code Section 2006 ”loaded gun in a vehicle.” I tried to argue that my gun was not “IN” the vehicle but “ON” the vehicle, but the officer declined to argue and said I have to argue in court.

Is this a valid citation? Was the officer in a position not to allow me to have a chance to unload our firearms before his inspection? Do you have any court cases regarding loaded guns on top of the hood/vehicle? I plan to plead not guilty on the charge. (Grace C.)

Answer: The situation you describe did warrant a citation. According to game warden Todd Tognazzini, when a vehicle is upon or along a public roadway, guns placed in or on a vehicle or its attachments may not be loaded.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Nov. 2

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Nov. 2 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Elizabeth Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir. 

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake and Huntington Park Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Yucaipa Lake. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River Section 2.

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, Hansen Lake, Hollenbeck Lake and Lincoln Park Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake.

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Does color matter when buying outdoor gear?

Does color -- specifically pink -- affect decisions on which equipment hunters and anglers of both genders  purchase?

A survey conducted by Southwick Associates on AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com shows that while color has some importance, quality is key.

Anglers of both sexes preferred black, with 52% of men and 38% of women selecting this color. Sixteen percent of women preferred pink, and 30% overall do not factor color into their purchasing decision. The lowest preferences were reflected in brighter colors such as orange and yellow.

Hunters and target shooters said that the most popular color scheme was camouflage, with 62% of males and 60% of females chiming in with this preference. Other popular colors included black, green and brown, with pink getting 15.4% of women's votes. Again, the lowest preference for both genders included brighter colors -- white, yellow and multicolored. Thirty percent overall did not factor in color when buying firearms and related equipment.

Asked if offering pink outdoor gear is a condescending way to market to women (outside of that offered to promote breast cancer awareness), half the women who took the angler survey believe it is, while 46% of men thought so. Of hunters, 47% of surveyed women find it condescending while 42% of men believe that.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 26

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Oct. 26 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

SAN BERNARDINO: Silverwood Lake

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha)

Catfish:

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Lake, Tri-City Park Lake and Yorba Regional Park Lake

Photo: Trout on a stringer. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 19

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 19 by the California Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, and Elizabeth and Pyramid lakes.  

RIVERSIDE: Hemet and Perris lakes.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear and Gregory lakes.  

INYO: Bishop Creek Lower, Owens River Section 2 and Pleasant Valley Reservoir.

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Young angler lands a catfish weighing more than him

They say things are bigger in Texas, and a 4-year-old angler has the picture to prove it after landing a fish weighing more than him.

Caden Smith was fishing with his uncle Dan from the banks of the Trinity River near downtown Fort Worth this weekend when he landed the 45-pound flathead catfish.

Caden, who weighs in at 40-pounds, "battled for his life," Dan told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Proud mom Natalie said the fish was as big as her son. "When they got it out, he hugged it," she said.

Though not a record breaker -- a 56-pounder caught in the Trinity in 2004 holds that distinction for a junior angler -- it is an impressive feat nonetheless.

Perhaps in the hopes of fighting the fish another day, Caden released the behemoth back into the river.

--Kelly Burgess

Photo of Caden and his 45-pound catfish courtesy of the Smith family.

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I mail abalone to someone out of state?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I read your answer to a recent question regarding whether trout can be shipped across state lines, and you said the answer was no. Are there similar restrictions on shipping abalone to friends in other states? Thanks. (Kelly K.)

Answer: The possession limit for abalone is three, so you may not ship more than three abalone at any time. Neither the shipper nor the recipient may possess more than the legal limit at any given time. You also may not offer for transportation by common carrier more than one bag limit at a time, and the common carrier transporting the abalone may not legally receive for transportation more than the bag limit during any interval of time (CCR Title 14, Section 29.15).

Irvine Lake angler catches 59.8-pound blue catfish

A blue catfish weighing in at 59-pounds, 8-ounces was caught Friday night at Irvine Lake.

Ronson Smothers, of Los Angeles, boated the behemoth using mackerel while fishing deep water.

"I fished out in the middle of the lake," Smothers said. "I tossed out a 10-inch chunk of mackerel weighing over a pound. I knew if I got bit, it would be something big."

"The big bait got slammed; I knew it had to be big," added Smothers. "The fight was chaotic. Every time I got the fish up, it dove back down to the bottom and hugged the floor tightly." It would be 15 minutes before Smothers netted the big blue.

The largest blue catfish caught at the lake this season, the fish was released after the above photo was taken.

The final late-night catfish session of the season will be Oct. 31.

Irvine Lake is a privately run, paid-entry lake, so no fishing license is required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Ronson Smothers and the 59.8-pound blue catfish he caught at Irvine Lake. The big fish was released. Credit: Irvine Lake

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 12

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 12 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrow Regional Park Lake and Silverwood Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, North Lake, Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha).

MONO: Convict Creek, Lee Vining Creek, Mary Lake, Rock Creek (Section II), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes (Mammoth) and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper).

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 5

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 5 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake and Perris Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork

INYO: Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (South Forks), Diaz Lake, Owens River Section 2, Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Sabrina Lake

MONO: Convict Lake, George Lake, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Mamie Lake, Mary Lake, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Saddlebag Lake, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper)

Photo credit: Stephen Osman/Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I clean halibut while at sea?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: Is it true that halibut can be cleaned only once the boat is tied to the dock? If not, can the fillets just be attached to the skeleton upon coming back to the slip, or can fishermen produce the fillets without the skeleton attached? Cleaning and disposing of the halibut innards and skeletons into the water at the harbor create a major bird problem, and the neighboring sailing and pleasure boaters are quite upset with the bird droppings on their vessels. We just want to be sure we’re doing the right thing. Can you please clarify? (George J., Newport Beach)

Answer: Fish for which there is a size or weight limit may not be possessed on a vessel or brought onshore in such a condition that the size, weight or species cannot be determined. The Fish and Game Commission has provided exceptions for some species, including California halibut.

California halibut taken from or possessed aboard a vessel in waters north of Point Arena (Mendocino County) may not be filleted at sea, but halibut taken south of Point Arena may, under certain conditions. The fillets must be a minimum of 16 3/4 inches in length and retain the entire skin intact, and they may not be cut crosswise in half fillets. Fillets may, however, be cut lengthwise in a straight line along the midline of the fillet where the fillet was attached to the vertebra (backbone) of the fish. The two fillet pieces must remain joined along their midline for a length of at least two inches at one end of the fillet (FGC Section 27.65).

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 28

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 28 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake and Gregory Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II) and Sherwin Creek.

Photo: Trout jump out of the water after bits of feed in a holding pond at the Kern River Hatchery. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week of Sept. 21

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 21 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle and South forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Leavitt Creek, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and 2), Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower and Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth and West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3).   

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

                       

Fish and Game Q&A: Is it a steelhead or a rainbow trout?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I have been trying to decipher the wild steelhead regulations and the definition of anadromous waters. Based on what I’ve read, I believe a rainbow trout is considered to be a wild steelhead if it meets the following criteria: 1) is 16 inches in length or greater, 2) has an intact adipose fin, and 3) resides in anadromous waters (waters that somehow connect to the ocean). Is this accurate? Are there wild steelhead trout in non-anadromous waters?

Also, if I’m fishing in a body of water known to have wild trout, do I need to have a Steelhead Report Card in case I catch a rainbow that fits the steelhead description listed above? Thank you. (Larry G.)

Answer: Steelhead are rainbow trout that migrated out of fresh water as juveniles and spent some portion of their life in the ocean before returning to fresh water to spawn. According to steelhead program coordinator Terry Jackson, adult California steelhead are usually at least 16 inches in length. It is not possible to be sure, however, if a large rainbow trout (16 inches or larger) in anadromous waters has been to the ocean without examining a scale (fish scales can be “read” like tree rings) or an otolith (a bone in its head, which unfortunately requires sacrificing the fish), so this regulation reflects probabilities based on years of data.

Big bass caught in Japan could tie 77-year-old world record

It's amazing that for 77 years bass anglers have been trying to beat the catch of a 22-pound, 4-ounce bass made by George Perry on June 2, 1932, in Georgia's Montgomery Lake--and then somebody comes along and ties the record.

Japan's Manabu Kurita is that angler. He made his catch on July 2 at ancient Lake Biwa northeast of Kyoto, and it has generated quite a buzz among the passionate bass-fishing community.

But Kurita waited until this week to submit documentation for the catch to the Florida-based International Game Fish Assn. The IGFA issued a press release Tuesday afternoon stating it had received documentation via the Japan Game Fish Assn., and that it is under review. A decision regarding the submission is due within a month.

Kurita's bass measured 27.20 inches in length and an almost equal 26.77 inches in girth. It was caught on a live bluegill as the angler was trolling through a canal. The IGFA will try to verify  whether all regulations were adhered to.

Beating Perry has and remains the premier aspiration among serious bass fishermen. Few thought a Japanese reservoir could produce so large a bass. Many believed and still believe the new record fish will come from a Southern California reservoir, such as Lake Dixon in Escondido or Lake Casitas near Ventura, to name just two.

For now, however, anglers will wait to see what the IGFA says about Kurita's impressive catch.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Manabu Kurita poses with 22-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass he caught in July in Japan. That ties the all-tackle world record, set 77 years ago in Georgia, but the world record submission must be approved by the International Game Fish Assn.

Hot Creek Ranch trout fishing 'monumental' as the caddis hatch is on

The summer heat is fading, leaves are beginning to reveal brilliant colors of fall and caddis flies are hatching, which places fly fishermen in some areas of the Eastern Sierra in paradise. 

Chatsworth angler Bennett Mintz provided the accompanying photo of a 20-inch rainbow he raised, hooked, landed, photographed and released while fishing last Saturday at Hot Creek Ranch near Mammoth Lakes.

"This chunky rainbow fell victim to a size 20 Bob Brooks’ Hot Creek caddis [fly] on a 6X tippet," Mintz said via email.

The Hot Creek caddis hatch is occurring between about 9 a.m. and noon, and again from 4 p.m. until dark. That latter period, Mintz said, "is monumental."

He suggests anglers use a size 18 or 20 gray or tan elk-hair caddis, Schroeder caddis, parachute or other popular pattern.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A 20-inch rainbow was no match for Chatsworth angler Bennet J. Mintz. Credit: Bennett J. Mintz

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 14

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 14 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Gregory Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper).   

Photo: The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery in Independence, which was closed last year after a mudslide, reopened recently to visitors, though it will not be raising trout. Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I use masking and/or attractant scents when deer hunting?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I am looking for clarification on the use of scents while deer hunting here in California. Is it legal for me to use products that are applied to my clothing to mask human odors? Is it legal to use scents that spray into the air such as doe urine scents or other scents that might lead a buck to the area I’m hunting? I understand I cannot use any type of bait such as edible products but would like clarification before the season opener for rifle hunting. Thank you. (Mike K.)

Answer: Yes, you can use all of these scent attractants. Baiting is the offering of feed attractants that will lure, entice or attract animals to a certain location or cause them to alter their behavior, thus giving hunters the advantage over the animal.

Q: I want to try some ocean bowfishing but cannot find the regulations applicable to the sport. What do I need to know? Thanks. (B. Carter, San Clemente)

Today is a free fishing day in California

Today is the second of two annual free fishing days in California.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day, allowing citizens to fish all public waters in the state, both saltwater and freshwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, the department's interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Seth Carper of Yucca Valley holds a trout he caught in Lake Arrowhead. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 8

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 8 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake 

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3)

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 31

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 31 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake and Gregory Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Is it legal to release fish I've had on a stringer or in a floating basket?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I do a lot of shore angling and occasionally catch a few fish that I intend to keep. By the time I’m leaving the lake, though, if I’ve only caught a couple of fish, I don’t always want to take the time to clean them and would prefer to just let them go. Is it legal to release them into the same waters where they were caught if they are still in good health, even if they have been on a stringer or in a floating fish basket for a few hours? Thanks. (Ralph, Riverbank)

Answer: Fish and Game law does not prohibit this practice, but it is not recommended because it can be hard on the fish and they won’t always survive. While putting fish on a stringer may help to keep the fish alive and fresh longer, they are still being put under stress and their gills often damaged. When gills are damaged, especially with trout, fish will still often die even if they appear to be fine when released.

Keep in mind that fish that are released immediately have the best chances of survival. The best thing would be for you to decide at the time you catch your fish whether to keep or release them, and then keep only those you intend to take home and utilize. A fish that has spent time on your stringer or in your floating basket may swim away when you let it go, but there is no guarantee that it will survive. The sooner you can release any fish that you do not want to keep, the more likely it will survive to be caught by another angler on another day.

Question: How are points on deer antlers determined? I would assume a forked horn buck has two points on the forked side and one point for the spike side, but I see in the harvest data most bucks taken have only two points total. (Steven J.)

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 24

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 24 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).                           

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I carry a gun and hunt wild pigs while with friends who are bow-hunting deer?

*Updated with Carrie Wilson clarifying answer to first question

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I have a question regarding hunting pigs during deer archery season. I know that pigs are open all year. I also know that if you are hunting deer during archery season, you cannot have any firearms with your archery equipment while out in the field. If I am out hunting with my friends, but I am hunting pigs with my gun while they are archery hunting for deer, is it legal for me to carry my gun with me while my buddies are bow-hunting if we are in the same hunting area? Will a game warden cite us or be overly suspicious because we would have a mixture of hunting equipment in our possession during archery season, even though we have a non-deer hunter in our group? Any info from you will be most appreciated. Thanks. (Tim P.)

Answer: This is an age-old scenario that we hear often. According to Assistant Chief Mike Carion, while you are not prohibited from carrying a firearm (Section 354[h]) because you are not an "archer," if you claim to be hunting pigs with your firearm during a deer archery-only season, you may draw the attention of a game warden.

If you are observed in the field with archery deer hunters and are carrying a firearm, and you are doing anything that could be defined as "hunting, pursuing, catching, capturing or killing" deer, there is a good chance you will be cited for taking or attempting to take deer without a tag, and hunting with a firearm during an archery season. If you claim you are hunting pig, coyote, ground squirrel or something else, this must be substantiated, as the claim alone does not protect you from prosecution. Based upon all the evidence at hand, you must be able to prove you are hunting pigs or legally hunting game other than deer. If game wardens know that pigs are not known to even occur in your particular area, or the type of ammo you are carrying is not consistent with what you say you are hunting, then you will probably be cited. So be sure your actions are consistent with the intended legal game you are hunting, that the game is obviously found in the area, and that you are carrying the correct tags and ammunition for the game you are pursuing.

In summary, hunting with folks that have specific types of tags places you in the same arena, as far as a warden is concerned. Because there are people who take advantage of such situations, game wardens pay close attention to mixed hunting groups, and by carrying a firearm you will be putting yourself and your group in the spotlight.

Question: Is it legal to spearfish at night? If so, what fish can be taken? This sounds intriguing to me since I enjoy night diving and it would give me another activity to enjoy while doing so, but I want to stay within the law. Thank you for your time. Just to be clear, I would be diving along the North Coast. (Anonymous)

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 17

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 17 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE:Hemet Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake and Gregory Lake 

SAN DIEGO:Cuyamaca Lake

INYO:Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO:Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3)   

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Where can I go to see the best grunion runs?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: For a couple of years now I have been trying to witness a really good grunion run but I always seem to miss them. Can you tell me where to go and which beaches have been having good grunion runs this year? I don't want to keep any of the fish. I just want to take my son out to see this unusual California event. (Vicki T., Anaheim)

Answer: Yes, when the grunion decide the moon and the tides are all aligned just right for a moonlit frolic, anyone lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to witness one of their spawning runs will be treated to a crazy, frenzied experience.

Grunion, small silvery fish that usually get to be about 5 to 6 inches in length, will ride the waves in onto the beach just after the high tide has peaked. The female quickly drills herself down deep into the sand, depositing sometimes as many as 3,000 eggs as the wave she rode in on recedes. Waiting males then curve their bodies around her on top of the sand to release their milt, and once spawning is complete (about 30 seconds), both fish will ride the next wave back out to sea.

As far as where to find this phenomenon, any sandy wave-swept beach south of Point Conception is a potential grunion spawning beach. Thus, pinpointing with accuracy exactly where you might have the best chance of observing a grunion run will be tough. Grunion run in the middle of the night, and just like fishing, catching a grunion run can be a hit-or-miss affair that simply won't adhere to any predicted schedule we make. At best, we can estimate probable run times and dates based upon the tides and moon phases, but no guarantees. Only the grunion truly know when and where they will decide to run.

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 10

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug.10 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II,  Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

Britain mourns after Benson the 'iconic carp' goes mysteriously belly up

In much of the United States, carp are considered by anglers to be trash fish.

But Benson, apparently, was no ordinary common carp. She was gargantuan, for starters, weighing 62 pounds. She was venerable, too, believed to be at least 25 years old.

Britishers would drive for miles to her home lake in Cambridgeshire and try to spot her, Anglers would try to catch and weigh her, but they'd always release her.

And then she went belly up.

Or, as a columnist for the Times of London states in an online story posted today, "Now she is dead, and -- just as with Diana, Princess of Wales, and Marilyn Monroe--a mythology has already started to build up  around her passing."

The story quotes Tony Bridgefoot, owner of a lakes complex that stocked Benson in 1995, as saying Benson was "an iconic carp and we are all trying to come to terms with her death." He added that fishermen wanted to catch her because of her size but also because "she was scale perfect."

Some theorize that Benson was inadvertently poisoned with improperly processed nuts used for bait. More likely, she perished because she was old, obese and beleaguered after being caught at least 63 times.

But Benson, who was named after a hole in the shape of a cigarette burn in her dorsal fin, isn't really gone. Bridgefoot will have her mounted and give her a prominent location in the lodge. "We will have guided tours and they will be full, I'm sure," he said.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: An angler poses with Benson the carp at Bluebell Lakes near Peterborough, England. Credit: Angling Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 3

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 3 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake and Green Valley Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: What's the best bass for stocking a private pond?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We want to purchase some bass and bluegill for our four-acre pond in Northern California. We plan to use catch-and-release techniques to teach our kids how to fish. What would be the best kind of bass to buy? I assume largemouth bass and/or spotted bass would work best. Please advise me as to which type to buy and where to get them. Thanks very much. (Andrew)

Answer: The best bass for a small pond are going to be either the Northern or Florida strain of largemouth bass. According to Associate Fisheries Biologist Jay Rowan, the Northern strain are generally easier to catch and can grow to very large sizes in a pond environment. The Florida strain are a little more difficult to catch but are thought to have the genetic potential to grow to larger sizes than their northern cousins. Growth rates and maximum size of the fish are dependent on the stocking density, food supplies and water temperatures.

Since this is a relatively small pond in Northern California, Rowan suggests you start out with Northern strain bass for several years to see how they do. In your pond, the Northern strain fish should get a longer growing season because they will be less affected by cooler spring and fall temperatures than the Florida strain would be. And because of the longer growing season, you may also actually wind up with larger fish than if you went with the Florida strain from the start. In addition, the Northern strain bass are not quite as wily as the Florida strain, so the kids should catch more fish.

Irvine Lake anglers getting lots of action

Everything seems to be biting at Irvine Lake, including the huge catfish pictured above.

Donovan Swann of Fontana posed for this photo just before releasing the 20-pound, 1-ounce blue cat he landed using mackerel at Santiago Flats.

Other catfish anglers have had good results using mackerel, shrimp, DuMong's and Gulp baits. Most have been in the 2-to-6-pound range, though there have been some larger.

The bass are also hitting, with bites said to be bordering on the ridiculous.

Reports of anglers releasing up to 50 bass per boat were made, with most of the largemouth ranging from 1 to 4 pounds.

And the crappie bite is being described as spectacular.

Lesbians claim discrimination at catfish derby

Two women are claiming to be victims of discrimination because they were refused the couples discount when entering a catfish derby.

According to an article in the Baker City Herald, Angela and Tina Corriere-Gooch said that when registering for the annual Huntington (Oregon) Lions Club Catfish Derby, they were denied the $1 entry fee discount given other couples, including to their nieces who entered the contest with their boyfriends.

"It's insulting and degrading that the club treated us like strangers, instead of recognizing our committed relationship," said Tina.

Mike Raney, chairman of the event and a Huntington Lions Club member, said that his decision to deny the discount to the Corriere-Gooches had nothing to do with their sexual orientation.

"I wasn't making a statement against lesbians," Raney told the Herald. "I have nothing against them at all. I was just trying to run a catfish derby."

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 27

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of July 27 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra for week of July 20

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of July 20 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake and Lytle Creek (Middle & North Forks). 

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha). 

MONO: Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mary Lake, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo: The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery in Independence, which was closed last year after a mudslide, reopened recently to visitors, though it will not be raising trout. Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I hunt with arrows that have an electronic tracking device attached?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: Archery season is starting and before we go out I would like to know if it's legal to use an electronic tracking device that attaches to an arrow. The tracking device separates from the arrow as the arrow contacts the target animal and then enables the hunter to better follow the wounded animal. Thanks for any help. (Jared T., Red Bluff)

Answer: No. There is a regulation that restricts the use of computerized or telemetry types of devices to track big-game mammals, so this device is not legal to use in California at this time. According to Section 251 of the Fish and Game Code (FGC):

“No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached.“  

Question: Our club would like to hold a halibut derby in San Francisco Bay and we need information on permits. When and where are they needed and what are the requirements? Do we need a permit for a halibut derby in the Bay or are permits only needed for bass fishing? (Mark S.)

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 13

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of July 13 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

RIVERSIDE: Fulmor Lake, Hemet Lake and Strawberry Creek.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake and Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Shepherd Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo: Trout jump out of the water after bits of feed in a holding pond at the Kern River Hatchery. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I mail trout to someone out of state? Can he send me venison?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its efforts to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I was wondering about the laws on mailing fish. A friend of mine took me to Eagle Lake a few years ago, and to return the favor I always bring him some fish on the way home. He is going to be moving to Kansas and I want to send him some of the prized fish. Is it legal to ship them through the mail? I know I can get live lobsters from Maine, but they are a commercial product. My friend also wants to try to send me some venison but we're not sure of the laws there either. Thank you for your help. (Steve)

Answer: Unfortunately, it is not legal to ship trout outside of California (FGC Section 2356.) You also cannot personally transport them to another state, unless you have a nonresident angling license or are on active military duty (in which case you may personally transport no more than one limit of trout across state lines).

As far as venison mailed across state lines, as long as the animal was taken legally in the state of origin, it can be shipped to a recipient in California for their personal use, provided the shipper complies with the following procedures:

According to Captain (ret.) Phil Nelms, both California (FGC Section 2348) and United States (Lacey Act) laws require that packages containing wildlife and being shipped by common carrier "... shall bear the name and address of the shipper and of the consignee and an accurate description of the numbers and kinds of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians contained therein clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof." In addition, a declaration form must be filed when importing fish, game, etc. (FGC 2353.) This form is available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/docs/declaration_form.pdf.

Though it's not a requirement, it would be a good idea for your friend to include with his venison shipment a copy of his valid hunting license and tags for the deer, along with all information regarding where and when the animal was taken.

Question: I am going to be hunting 300 acres of private land for wild hogs in a few weeks with only my archery tackle gear. Can I carry a side arm in case of a charge by a large hog? I will be hunting with someone else but we will be in different areas and would like some protection. Is this legal? (Albert Q.)

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 6

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of July 6 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).  

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Hikers, campers, anglers this weekend are cautioned to be bear aware

Southern California hikers, campers and anglers will flock to local mountains and the Sierra Nevada during the first holiday weekend of summer. They ought to know that bears are no longer hibernating and many are hungry. So here are some tips for those bound for the forests and streams:

--Do not intentionally feed bears and do not leave garbage strewn about.

--Enjoy your favorite pastime in groups (this should not be a problem on the busy weekend).

--Keep the kids in sight at all times, and keep pets on a leash.

--Try not to get caught between a female bear and her cubs.

--If you encounter a bear and it does not see you, stay calm and continue facing it while slowly backing away. True, this is easier said than done.

--If a bear does spot you or strolls into your camp, yell and make other loud noises and bang pots or pans together. Black bears do not like confusing unfamiliar noises.

--Do not run from a bear unless it's dangerously close. Running can trigger an attack response and no human can outrun a bear. 

--If a bear attacks fight back with whatever means you can muster. This doesn't work against larger and far more powerful grizzlies, but there are no grizzlies in California.

Lastly, do not let any of this spoil your mood or prevent you from visiting the woods. Your chances of seeing a bear might be fair, but your chances of getting injured by one are extremely slim. Happy Fourth and stay safe!

--Pete Thomas

Photo: A black bear hunts for fish along Taylor Creek near South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Credit: Associated Press