August 7th, 2026

August 1st, 2026 - ¾ Day Charter w/Gentleman Sportfishing

August 15th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

August 20th, 2026 – Overnight Charter w/Mirage Sportfishing

September 12th (Departs Friday 9/11), 2026 - Overnight Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

October 10th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

November 14th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

December 12th, 2026 - 12 Hour Charter w/Black Pearl Sportfishing

Aqueduct anglers shifted to fishing at night to avoid the intense daytime heat. Catfish cooperated, filling stringers with one- to three-pound whiskerfish that eagerly took chicken liver and cut sardines. Striped bass reports slowed, likely because of the high daytime temperatures, but the bite remained consistent for anglers willing to fish early or late, with cut sardines and jumbo live minnows producing most of the catches. Lure anglers reported catching fish at first light on shad-patterned jerkbaits, Spooks, and tube baits worked slowly along the bottom. Bass anglers also found success during the evening hours with poppers, drop-shot rigs, and Senkos, although heavy slime hampered bottom-contact presentations in some sections of the aqueduct.

The lake remained at full pool, and water temperatures consistently stayed above 80 degrees. Water clarity was good despite a slight algae tint. Bass fishing remained consistent, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass holding in deeper water and responding well to drop-shot rigs and Carolina rigs tipped with small 3-inch baits in salt-and-pepper, cinnamon, and dark green colors. The topwater bite continued to improve each morning until the shadows receded, and even a few striped bass were caught on surface lures. Striped bass were also taken on cut sardines in about 80 feet of water in the Fish Arm. Catfishing reports were slow as most anglers avoided the extreme heat, but some impressive redear sunfish were caught on chunks of nightcrawler fished over submerged humps in approximately 30 feet of water.

Pyramid Lake fluctuated between 90% and 94% of its storage capacity, and water clarity remained poor because of a heavy algae bloom. Bass anglers enjoyed excellent fishing by targeting bluff walls, points, and weed holes and pockets with weightless Senkos and Texas-rigged plastics, with brown and purple proving to be the most productive colors. Spinnerbaits worked well along weedline edges, while weightless Flukes also accounted for plenty of fish. The topwater bass bite remained consistent until about 8:30 a.m., and walking baits occasionally hooked striped bass weighing up to five pounds. Striped bass boiled sporadically throughout the lake, and while some anglers found success with Espetits and Lucky Craft Gunfish lures, others struck out. Fishing with bait remained the most reliable method, with anglers catching plenty of five-pound striped bass in 40 to 60 feet of water on points throughout the lake. The key was using fresh, high-quality sardines and locating concentrations of fish with electronics before deploying bait lines. Catfish anglers continued to struggle with heavy weed growth, although boat anglers reported catching several hefty catfish that eagerly took sardines intended for striped bass.

Lake Isabella continues to drop as summer water releases pull the lake down, but fishing remains productive for several species. Bass anglers are finding the best action early in the morning and around deeper structure as the day heats up. Flukes, Senkos, spinnerbaits, and craw-pattern baits have all been producing, while purple, oxblood, and Margarita Mutilator worms worked along rocky points and deeper rock piles are getting some of the better-quality fish. The North Fork remains a good area to target, along with submerged timber and rocky structure, but anglers should not overlook deeper water in the 20- to 30-foot range.

Topwater baits can still produce around first light before the fish settle into deeper summer patterns. Crappie remain scattered around submerged trees and brush, with most fish holding in deeper water. Small live minnows, mini jigs, and small swimbaits have been the most consistent offerings when schools can be located. Catfishing continues to be very good, particularly during the evening and nighttime hours, with SSS Dip Bait, cut bait, nightcrawlers, and other natural baits producing quality fish. Trout are still showing despite the warm summer conditions, with boaters having the advantage by trolling deeper water with Tasmanian Devils, Needlefish, Flicker Shad, and similar small trolling lures. Shore anglers can still pick up an occasional trout with garlic- or cheese-scented floating baits, especially during the cooler early-morning hours.

The Kern River continues to fish well this week, particularly during the cooler morning hours, with conditions varying considerably depending on the section. Flows through Kernville are currently around 160 cfs, making much of the Upper Kern very fishable, while releases below Lake Isabella are running much higher at approximately 1,090 cfs. The Johnsondale Bridge area continues to provide opportunities for wild Kern River rainbows, with anglers focusing on deeper pools, pocket water, current seams, and shaded runs. Fly anglers are finding fish with smaller nymphs, including stonefly and caddis patterns, while dry-dropper rigs can be effective in the shallower pocket water. Small spinners and spoons are also worth working through the deeper holes.

The Kernville and 20-mile section remain the most accessible stretch for anglers targeting a mixture of stocked and wild trout. With flows near Kernville around 160 cfs, anglers can cover plenty of water, and deeper pools and faster oxygenated runs have been the most productive areas. Salmon eggs, crickets, nightcrawlers, and garlic-scented floating baits continue to produce for bait anglers, while Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, and small spoons are good choices for anglers covering water. Fly fishermen are doing well with nymphs through the deeper runs and pockets, with occasional dry-fly opportunities early in the day. Fishing has been best from first light through mid-morning before the afternoon heat sets in.

The Lower Kern is a completely different situation, with Lake Isabella releases currently running around 1,090 cfs. The heavier flows are limiting wading opportunities, so anglers should use extreme caution along this section of river. Fishing from shore around slower edges, protected pockets, and accessible pools has been the better option. Trout can still be found in suitable holding water, while bass and catfish are also available farther downstream. Nightcrawlers, crickets, small spinners, and natural-colored plastics are all worth trying depending on the species being targeted.

Overall, the Upper Kern is providing the better trout fishing opportunity this week, with the Johnsondale and Kernville/20-mile sections offering much more manageable conditions than the Lower Kern. Early mornings remain the best time to fish, and anglers targeting wild trout should concentrate on cooler, well-oxygenated water and keep fish handling to a minimum during the summer heat.

The lake dropped to 16% of its storage capacity, and fishing remained fair. Spotted bass held on main lake points, with most catches coming from rock piles in 15 to 20 feet of water. Drop-shot rigs and small jigs both produced bass, while a few anglers also reported success on topwater baits and chatterbaits. The crappie bite was on the slow side, although some anglers caught fish using mini jigs. Catfish responded well to cut anchovies, garlic-scented nightcrawlers, and dip baits.

Water levels at Lake Success dropped to 24% of the lake's storage capacity, and fishing remained decent. The lake continued to produce good numbers of quality largemouth bass, with most catches coming from submerged brush, points, and the dam. Drop-shot rigs, hula grubs, and Senkos in watermelon green flake, oxblood, and Aaron’s Magic consistently produced fish, while crankbaits and topwater lures were most effective during the first and last light of the day. One angler also reported excellent success fishing buzzbaits after dark. The crappie bite remained decent, with some quality fish caught on small live minnows and swimbaits. Catfish reports were limited, but anglers typically found success after dark by Carolina rigging dip bait or chicken liver.

Bluegill remain the most consistent bite at River Walk Park, with mealworms fished under a bobber or on a light split-shot rig producing steady action along the shoreline. A few catfish were also reported this week, with garlic nightcrawlers getting the bites. Bass fishing has been best during the cooler early morning and evening hours, with topwater baits and reaction lures producing around shaded banks, weed lines, and other structure. Senkos and finesse plastics are also working once the topwater bite slows down.

Fishing at Ming Lake remains steady this week, with the best action coming during the cooler early morning and evening hours. Bass continue to provide the best bite, with topwater frogs, walking baits, and buzzbaits producing around vegetation and shallow cover during low-light periods. Once the sun gets higher, anglers are switching to Texas-rigged creature baits, Senkos, drop-shot worms, and jigs worked tight to reeds, shaded banks, and submerged structure. Reaction baits are also picking up fish, with Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, square-bill crankbaits, jerkbaits, and 4- to 6-inch swimbaits all good options for covering water. White, chartreuse, perch, shad, and natural green-pumpkin patterns are worth rotating depending on water clarity. Bluegill fishing remains consistent in the shallows, with mealworms, wax worms, and small pieces of nightcrawler fished under a bobber or on a light split-shot rig producing good numbers. Crappie remain a little more scattered, but anglers should focus on the backside of the lake and areas with submerged structure using white or chartreuse mini jigs, small shad-pattern swimbaits, tiny crankbaits, and live minnows.

Shore anglers reported a slow bite at BV, but boat anglers enjoyed much better success. Bass held tight to the reeds and cattails, where anglers fishing from boats were able to reach the heavy cover with weedless lures, topwater frogs, and weightless green pumpkin black flake Senkos. Catfish anglers found the best action after dark by soaking chicken liver and dip bait, while the crappie bite was hit or miss. However, some regulars managed to catch fish near the launch ramp and around the island by fishing small live minnows.

Despite the hot weather, anglers reported good bass fishing at Hart Park. Soft plastics, including Senkos, Texas-rigged worms, and creature baits, consistently produced one- to three-pound bass, while spinnerbaits and weedless topwater frogs accounted for some of the larger fish. Catfish anglers kept their lines tight by fishing with hot dog chunks, dip bait, and chicken liver, and bluegill were readily caught on live redworms suspended beneath a float.

The water level at Naci fell slightly to 47% of its storage capacity, and the excellent bite continued for another week. Extreme heat kept most anglers fishing during the morning hours, but conditions remained very productive for those throwing poppers, Whopper Ploppers, and a variety of walking baits, with one angler even reporting success on buzzbaits. The subsurface bite was also strong, as anglers using small finesse plastics on drop-shot rigs or darter heads in salt-and-pepper, brown, and green colors consistently caught spotted bass. White bass were primarily targeted by topwater anglers using the same lures as bass fishermen, while catfishing remained excellent for those willing to soak cut mackerel or dip bait despite the heat. Crappie fishing slowed somewhat, but anglers still reported catching limits by targeting submerged structure in 15 to 20 feet of water with small live minnows and mini jigs.

The Los Angeles-area sportfishing fleet is seeing excellent summer action this week, with yellowtail, barracuda, calico bass, and bonito providing much of the action, along with some quality bluefin on the longer trips. Out of San Pedro, the Amigo returned from a two-day trip with 35 bluefin tuna, 40 yellowtail, 16 bonito, 11 sheephead, and 8 calico bass for just 11 anglers. The Native Sun had an excellent 3/4-day trip with 59 yellowtail, 77 barracuda, 51 sand bass, and 21 bonito for 40 anglers, while the Pursuit finished a full-day trip with 8 yellowtail, 18 bonito, 20 calico bass, 85 rockfish, and a mix of barracuda, sheephead, and whitefish. Local half-day fishing has also been productive, with the Monte Carlo returning with a yellowtail, 26 calico bass, 11 sand bass, and several other mixed species.

Long Beach boats are also seeing strong summer fishing. The City of Long Beach returned from a half-day trip with 3 yellowtail, 21 barracuda, 145 sculpin, 13 calico bass, and 8 sand bass for 49 anglers, while the El Patron reported 70 barracuda, 31 sand bass, 19 calico bass, and a yellowtail on its full-day run.

Farther north, Marina del Rey and Redondo Beach boats are finding plenty of variety. The New Del Mar returned from a half-day trip with 14 yellowtail, 120 calico bass, 15 sand bass, 10 bonito, 50 rockfish, and 2 halibut, while the Spitfire finished a 3/4-day trip with 3 yellowtail, 42 calico bass, 9 bonito, and 85 rockfish. Out of Redondo Beach, the Redondo Special had one half-day trip produce 23 yellowtail, 21 calico bass, and 20 bonito for 28 anglers, while the Pescador returned from a full-day trip with 8 yellowtail, 26 calico bass, and 10 bonito. Overall, yellowtail fishing has been the highlight of the week, with barracuda, bonito, and calico bass providing plenty of additional action throughout the Los Angeles fleet.

Dana Point boats are seeing excellent summer fishing this week, with bonito, calico bass, yellowtail, and a few dorado making up much of the action. On Thursday, the Fury returned from an overnight trip with 12 yellowtail, 95 calico bass, 62 whitefish, and 9 bonito for 19 anglers. The Dana Pride finished a 3/4-day trip with 80 bonito, 27 calico bass, 18 sand bass, 2 dorado, and 1 yellowtail for 37 anglers, while the Clemente returned with 45 bonito, 7 calico bass, 4 dorado, and 1 sheephead for just 9 anglers. The Sum Fun also found yellowtail on its 3/4-day trip, finishing with 2 yellowtail, 45 bonito, and 16 calico bass for 22 anglers. Local half-day fishing has been highlighted by a very good calico bass bite, with the Reel Fun releasing 115 calicos on its morning trip and another 150 on the afternoon run. Overall, bonito and calico bass are providing the most consistent action close to home, while the longer trips are finding better opportunities for yellowtail and dorado.

Ventura, Santa Barbara, and the Channel Islands fleet are seeing an excellent mix of summer fishing this week, with bluefin tuna, dorado, yellowtail, and even some yellowfin showing alongside the traditional island species. Out of Oxnard, the Mirage returned from a two-day trip with 14 bluefin tuna, 10 halibut, 2 white seabass, 72 calico bass, 24 sheephead, 9 lingcod, 160 whitefish, and 220 rockfish for 17 anglers. The Island Tak also found offshore action on Thursday, returning with 1 bluefin tuna and 3 dorado for just 10 anglers, while the Aloha Spirit finished its full-day trip with 2 dorado, 1 yellowfin tuna, 1 yellowtail, and 65 calico bass. The Gentleman added 13 halibut and a yellowtail, while the Island Fox returned with 4 yellowtail and 95 calico bass.

The warm-water push has also brought marlin into the broader Southern California offshore picture, giving private boaters and longer-range trips another species to look for around temperature breaks, kelp paddies, and areas holding tuna and dorado. Bluefin remain the biggest offshore prize for the Channel Islands fleet, while dorado and yellowfin are adding some welcome variety.

Santa Barbara boats continue to see excellent bottom and island fishing. On Thursday, the Coral Sea returned from a 3/4-day trip with 6 white seabass, 193 rockfish, 137 whitefish, 3 sheephead, and a few other mixed fish for 24 anglers, while the Stardust finished its 3/4-day trip with 29 lingcod, 112 rockfish, and 30 whitefish for only 17 anglers. Overall, anglers have an unusually wide range of options this week, from bluefin, dorado, yellowfin, yellowtail, and potential marlin offshore to white seabass, halibut, calico bass, lingcod, and rockfish around the islands.

Port San Luis and Morro Bay continue to provide excellent bottom fishing this week, with limits or near-limits of quality rockfish and some monster lingcod highlighting the action. The big story has been the longer-range fishing around Jurassic Park, where anglers are reporting impressive numbers of trophy-grade lingcod, including a reported 35-pound fish along with many other big lings. Large swimbaits, heavy iron, jigs, and whole or large live baits worked tight to the bottom around deep rocky structure have been the ticket for anglers specifically targeting the bigger fish. Jurassic Park has long been known for producing oversized lingcod, and the quality of fish coming from the area continues to make the long run worthwhile.

Closer to home, the rockfish bite remains extremely consistent. On Thursday, the Starfire out of Morro Bay returned with 230 rockfish, 15 bocaccio, 5 red rockfish, and 5 lingcod for 25 anglers, while the Avenger loaded up with 275 rockfish, 8 reds, 5 copper rockfish, and 2 bocaccio for 34 anglers. Out of Port San Luis, the Patriot returned with 230 rockcod, 11 bocaccio, 6 copper rockfish, and 3 reds for 25 anglers, while the Sunny Day produced 34 rockcod, 2 bocaccio, 2 copper rockfish, 2 reds, and a lingcod for just 4 anglers. Overall, rockfish limits remain the dependable option, but anglers making the longer runs toward Jurassic Park have a legitimate shot at some of the biggest lingcod of the season.