Weekly Report for Lake Morena
March 9??- March 15, 2009

Trout: The big trout parade still hasn't turned off!??Monster trout continue to be the game here at Lake Morena. Heavy stringers are common, as are??lots of big fish and even more big fish stories. Jonathan Hardy of San DIego tossed a Thomas buoyant to fool his 11 lb. 2 oz. toad. Jane Engleton of Campo tricked a 7 lb. 4 oz. rainbow with a power grub. Folks, bring a real net! If your net has a bungee cord on it, save it for your next Sierra trip. An 11 lb. fish will not fit, and your once in a lifetime opportunity will swim away much smarter.

Bass:??Most anglers are being lured by the big trout prospects, but a few purists are plinking away at smaller fish on jigs and drop shots.

Bluegill: A few green sunfish have been fooled by trout fishermen using night crawlers..

Crappie: None reported.

Catfish: Still cats to be had but most anglers are targeting trout.

Boat launch conditions: Not recommended for anything over 19 feet.
Boat rentals are available seven days a week and holidays.

Be sure to bring your catch in to the ranger station to weigh and record your fish on our new hanging scale. This helps park staff keep track of the fish population and you may also get your name in the local paper! The maximum creel limit for trout, bass, or catfish is five fish per person. Limits for crappie and bluegill are 25 per angler. There is no "catch and release" of trout. Bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep.

The lake is open daily for fishing and boating. Park hours for fishing and day use are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. No swimming at Lake Morena County Park. Motorboats and rowboats are available seven days a week. Motorboats rent for $40 on weekends, $20 weekdays except holidays; rowboats are $20 weekends, $10 during the week. You may provide your own motor on a rowboat. Our boat ramp will accommodate vessels up to 18 feet long. Watch out for submerged rocks!

For daily fishing updates, call Lake Morena's recorded fishing line at (619) 478-5473. A California Sport Fishing License (not sold at the park) is required for all anglers 16 years and older (under Section 7145a of the Fish and Game Code), in addition to the lake's daily fishing permit, which is available at the ranger station.