The lower part of the Golden State is continuing to experience the effects of several years of low winter rain and snow. It's difficult sometimes to typify it as a full-blown drought, but as precipitation levels have waned so too has the health of some southland waters.

On the other hand, many of Southern California's best bass factories are not as dependent on direct rain and snow. Those that get water from the California Aqueduct or Colorado River are often full to the brim in the spring and stay at good levels right though the year. That means for many lakes the fishing is going to be about as good (or bad) in 2005 as it has been for the last few years. That's the good news.

The bad news is that the long drought in the Southwest has begun to have a severe effect on the giant lakes of the Colorado River system, and this could have considerable impact on the availability of water in future years for Southern California. We fish in water that fell as rain or snow not only in Northern California but also in places as far away as Colorado. Between political decisions about how water is managed, the continuing rapid population growth in Southern California, and the drought, there could be some serious problems ahead.

That's in the future. For 2005 most of our lakes will be in fishable conditions, especially those on the pipeline for water from elsewhere.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Our newest star attraction, Diamond Valley Lake near Hemet, should be in good shape for 2005. Down some 50 feet last fall, Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District officials believe water levels should be near normal by February.

"The bass population in Diamond Valley is stable to growing, and the quality fish are here," said DFG biologist Mike Giusti. "The largest recorded bass caught so far weighed 14.83 pounds. We see a 10-pounder almost every week in the winter and spring." Giusti noted the total number of legal size bass (15-inch) will probably stay about the same throughout 2005 as it was in 2004.

Giusti said bass anglers should not be concerned if DV's water level is down from full pool. "We have habitat throughout the fluctuation zone, so there's good cover for the bass regardless of what happens," Giusti said. "Typically at Diamond Valley, a five-fish limit in a tournament will go 16 to 17 pounds."

Lure maker and guide Greg Silks told California Game & Fish he feels anglers looking at Diamond Valley should be versatile. "They need to be able to find the structures the bass are using if the water level is down. You can't just rely on your old ideas and notes," Silks said. "I think the best bet in the clear water you find there is something like drop-shotting with small plastic baits. It's a nearly perfect technique for Diamond Valley in the spring."

Another item of interest to bass anglers is that DV is no longer insisting on reservations to launch a boat. You still need reservations to rent a boat at the marina, but as long as your boat has been inspected and meets the regulations here, you can just show up, pay your fee, and launch.

Diamond Valley's sister water, Lake Skinner, is also a property of the LAMWD. For several months in 2004, it was not known if Skinner would even be open to fishing. It looked like Riverside County was about to terminate its operation of Lake Skinner as a Riverside County Park. The good news is that it appears the county will sign a long-term contract with LAMWD and that Lake Skinner will remain open. According to county park officials, anglers can expect some improvements to services as well.