Santee Lakes Fishing Report: Bass Spotted Close to Shore; Southern Fried Catfish

By Greg Even, Santee Lakes  

WEEK OF: March 11, 2013

TROUT:

Another awesome week of Trout Fishing. Nightcrawlers and powerbait both working well.

Frank Rubalcaba from San Diego managed to haul in an 8 lb. 14 oz. Trout from lake 3 on 2 lb. line. This Trout was caught using powerbait and qualifies Frank for the April 1^st TV drawing.

Richard Ouk from El Cajon caught an 8 lb. 8 oz. Trout from lake 3 on mackerel. This Trout must have been hungry. Richard also qualifies for the TV drawing.

Local angler Raymond Paul qualified for the TV drawing with his 7 lb. 15 oz. Trout from lake 4.

Mak Bailey from San Diego caught a 5 lb. Trout out of lake 3 on a nightcrawler and gets entered into the TV drawing.

Don Ferrarotti of San Ysidro caught 2 Trout out of lake 3 on powerbait and nightcrawler combo. Largest weighed 2 lbs.

BASS:

Water temps have increased to the mid to high 60’s. Numerous Bass can be spotted near beds close to shore. Reminder all Bass are catch and release. If you can’t lure the fish to bite then move on to the next one. Fines of up to $150 are being issued for fishing rule violations including fishing without a Santee Lakes permit.

CATFISH:

Ty Archer is not waiting for the Catfish Opener to start fishing for the whisker fish. Ty pulled an 8 lb. 4 oz. Catfish out of lake 1 using mackerel. Nice catch!

Catfish Opening Weekend is scheduled for April 6^th and 7^th.

2,000 lbs. of Catfish will be split between lakes 3 and 4. This stock will include HUGE Cats and tagged Catfish worth cash and prizes! Gates open at 6 am.

Recipe of the Week:

Southern Fried Catfish

• 1 liter canola, approximately, as needed for deep frying
• 3 cups cornmeal, approximately, as needed for breading stage
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (you may need more if you use more cornmeal for breading)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 pounds catfish fillets
• Lemon wedges, for service

Directions

Heat oil in deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.

Combine cornmeal, Cajun Seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste. Dredge catfish fillets in seasoned cornmeal. Deep-fry coated pieces in batches until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes. (For basic reference, use the manufacturer's instructions for your deep fryer for similar foods, then test the fish see that it is fork tender.) Allow to drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges.

NEXT STOCK

(stock will arrive on or before date below)

Catfish Opening Weekend

April 6^th and 7^th

2,000 lbs.

Night Fishing (registered campers only, lakes 6 & 7)

Fishing Permit Fees

Adult (ages 16 and over) $9.00 per day

Junior (ages 7 to 15) $6.00 per day

Second fishing pole stamp $4.00

*One child under 7 may fish for free with a paid adult

** No California State Fishing License required to fish at Padre Dam’s Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.