Catfish Fishing at Corona Lake

In Southern California

Hello fellow anglers:

     I just wanted to share with you another one of Southern California's Catfish Fishing (Hot Spots). Today is Jan. 06, 2008, now is the time to catch the big one.
I fish at Corona Lake as often as I can because the catfish fishing here is excellent. I always catch the limit which is (Five). This is one of the Southern California lakes that are stocked two to three times a week with very large trout, channel catfish, wiper, (Hybrid Striped Bass) sturgeon, large mouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Corona Lake also held the State Record for the largest Catfish at over 61 pounds. It also held the State Record for the largest Channel Catfish at over 52 Pounds. There is no fishing license required

     Using the right bait is probably the most confusing part of channel catfish fishing, and there are nearly as many concoctions as there are anglers. Bait selection ranges from night-crawlers, garlic corn, chicken liver, crickets or fish eggs, crawdads, grasshoppers, frogs, live and dead minnows, cut bait, and a multitude of prepared baits and stink bait. The prepared baits most often have one thing in common that’s cheese. All of these bait preparations and many others are excellent for catfish, and all will catch catfish. Selection of bait from this lengthy list may seem difficult but from my experience selecting bait for catfish fishing can be made into a rather simple process.

     The most important points to consider when selecting catfish bait are to determine the size of the catfish you want to catch and the water temperature of the lake. The rule of thumb is to use cut-bait for the best luck in late winter and spring. The cut bait of choice is mackerel and should be used when the water temperature is less than 60 degrees. Catfish usually feed on minnows and crayfish that die during winter and sink to the bottom. Bait scent is the key here, Fish in deeper portions of the lake then shift your efforts to shallow water afterwards. The shallow water warms faster and attracts catfish into the nearby shore line.

     The keen sense of smell possessed by channel catfish make it one of the few species of game fish that can be readily caught here at Corona Lake during the spring, summer, and early fall. During the warmer months most anglers will tell you that this is usually the best time to catch catfish and I agree. Catfish seem to be more active when the water temperature is above 70 degrees.

     The most popular catfish bait used at this lake is eagle claw and nitro bait. As water temperatures warm to 70 degrees and above, many catfish fishing anglers use these baits. This bait is most effective for catfish fishing during June, July, August and September. Anglers seeking larger catfish during this period use large sized baits such as live bluegill, hog wild, crayfish and frogs. Large catfish like a good sized meal and the movement of these creatures will attract their attention.

     The catfish fishing tackle you need to use here is 7ft heavy rod and conventional or spinner reel with 30 pound test line. If you are fishing for large catfish, be sure to match the reel to the fish. Light duty reels are made to catch small fish and heavy duty reels have the power to land trophies. Light tackle will catch small catfish but may not handle trophy size catfish. The thing to remember is that catfish may be in brush or in heavy cover in the lake and after the strike the catfish will fight so prepare your self.

     The most important part of the catfish fishing tackle is the sinker and hook.  Always use the lightest weight necessary, and always use a slip sinker. The slip sinker rig allows a catfish to pick up the bait without feeling the weight of the sinker. With any resistance on the line whatsoever, a respectable channel catfish will leave one bait morsel in search of another. Always use a sharp hook. Hooks with bait holders on the shank are preferred by most anglers. Use sponges or plastic worms when fishing with one of the soft, prepared cheese baits. No matter which hook and bait you select, present it to the fish in the most natural manner, which always requires the use of a minimum amount of weight. So if you should visit Corona Lake in Southern California, be sure to try the above catfish fishing methods for the best of luck.