sawheeler52 Loc: Escondido, CA

The measure I use at Dixon is when the Ramona Lilacs (over most of the hillsides) start to bud through their bloom period.
Scoped Dixon yesterday. Still a bit early; but I certainly agree it is close to "go-time.
Stephen

sawheeler52 Loc: Escondido, CA

Gypsyboy,
I can only speak to Lake Dixon, not knowing how Poway Lake may compare.
What most guys and gals are looking for in the upcoming weeks are the very well defined bass spawning beds, most in less than 10' of water. Tons of them all along most shorelines. They are not there yet. This requires sight fishing (i.e. seeing a bass, often male; but sometimes the big girl sitting on the bed or near it coming back to it occasionally). I don't much like sight fishing; but here's what I think I know about it.
Lures:
1. small to medium white jigs with maybe a white trailer.
2. drop-shot may work with a small plastic (RoboWorm, Senko, usually green pumpkin).
The approach:
1. Slowly approach a target bed, not getting too close and hold your boat in that position. You're gonna be there a while.
2. Cast your lure a bit past and right in line with the bed center.
3. Quite slowly, work your lure into the bed and
4. STOP IT RIGHT THERE.
5. Trying not to advance the lure more than an inch or so, jiggle it to keep it in the bed as long as possible.
6. Once your retrieve comes out of the bed, reel it in and repeat.
Why it works:
1. The bass' job it to keep that bed clean. If anything ends up in the bed they are protecting, they are obligated to pick it up and remove it in preparation for the spawn. They're not interested in eating much during this period and will just vacuum it up and start to move it off the bed. When you see it in their mouth, set the hook.
Rules of Thumb:
1. If you're in or near the bed and you suddenly can't see your lure, set the hook.
2. If you are able, NEVER ON A WEEKEND.
Since I don't spend a ton of time targeting the beds, I always throw my drop-shots out deeper.
I don't care what time of year it is, I always pack some frogs to throw into the tules.
I'm sure some other Stagers will contribute more.
Stephen

Gypsyboy932

Stephen,
Thanks for the detailed information!
I live in Poway but travel to lake Dixon - it's a beautiful place. Being from the East Coast it's all new to me.
I recently joined a club - Senior Anglers of Escondido - which has some of their outings at Dixon & Wohlford.

http://senioranglersofescondido.net/

Thanks again
Bob

sawheeler52 Loc: Escondido, CA

Gypsyboy,
You are welcome.
I spent my first 50-years fishing Upstate NY Rivers and natural lakes.
Been in Escondido since 2000.
Some differences I noted quickly:
1. Where's the freakin' water?
2. You have to pay to fish?
3. Little to no night fishing.
4. What are the naturally sustained (i.e. not planted) species? As I don't target planted species, largemouth is all I got; though they do get bigger out here.
Don't forget the photos.
Stephen

Dogman3259 Loc: San Diego

Poway Bob…
What lake are you gonna be fishing?

Dogman3259 Loc: San Diego

I moved here from Ohio in 78.
Same set of questions.


Somewhere I learned…
Adjust, adapt and overcome.

And these Florida strain bucket mouths put the Ohio bucket mouths to shame.

A few pics from shore fishing Santee lakes over the past couple years.