Lake Murray, La Mesa, Ca

[crankbait2009]

As stated in one of my recent threads, I traveled to Cali for work and was able to make a couple pit stops along the way for some fishing out of the local lakes.

 

I found a lake located in La Mesa, Ca called Lake Murray.  Since it was the closest lake to me and was at the perfect time, I decided to give it a whirl

 

I walked along the shore line from the Marina over to the right side of the lake which formed a culdesac.  Fished everythign from tubes, worms, crankbaits, and jigs.  nothing worked for me.  I was there around 8:30 - 10:00 before I had to leave. 

 

I did see a couple anglers off the opposite shore (where I was previously at), and they were throwing out what looked to be big ass swimbaits!  At least a good 12" long (same size of bass I was trying to pull out of the water).  That blew my mind.  I have never seen anyone fish swimbaits that were as big as a targeted bass.  The swimbait was segmented.  There were a couple people over there throwing the same bait.  Obviously they knew something I didnt.  Although, I never saw them bring anything in..............I left earlier than them so couldnt see the outcome.

 

As I was fishing, I saw a seagul swoop down in to the water and pull out a good 12-15" large mouth bass right out of the water.  he started to take off with it, but i guess it didnt have a good grip or he needed to finish off the bass before taking it.  so he dropped back down in to the water, wrested for a second or two, then off he went.  with the bass dangling from his talons.  it was neat but amazing at the same time.  with my luck, he took the only large mouth bass out of that lake and left me with nothing!!!  Oh, and yes, I did  throw my lures repeatedly in the same area he fished from......hoping there were more in that vacinity.  no luck though

 

it certainly is a pretty surrounding area...........better luck next time. (attached a couple photos of the lake)

[crankbait2009]

this is the exact location on the lake i was fishing (the right side)

[gulfcaptain]

Odds are they stock trout there and the baits you saw were either a Dep's 250 glide bait, or the 10" Triple Trout.  Not sure about a seagull taking a 12-15" bass, but odds are it was an Osprey with a newly stocked rainbow trout.  Big baits are nothing out of the norm in CA.  City park ponds of less then 3 acres harbor lots of bass in the 4-12lb range that are more then willing to eat a large swimbait as well as several smaller 2-3lb fish that will also take a swipe at the bigger baits.  

[jb530]

They stock little 6-8 inch trout at lake murray in the winter. Hardly anybody actually catches any of the trout, they are basically just feeding the bass. 

[Fisher-O-men]

They stock little 6-8 inch trout at lake murray in the winter. Hardly anybody actually catches any of the trout, they are basically just feeding the bass. 

They are not that small, at least not any more.  DFG is famous for stocking the bass food. Lakes out here have been stocking some monster trout.

 

The guys throwing those baits are one bite guys.  They will fish all day and not care if they are skunked.  It does not pay off for everyone.  Guys think it is the $250 bait, but I have a feeling the secret is on the other end of the line.

 

Sea Gulls do not have talons, so yes, probably an Osprey.

[fisherrw]

too bad have any plans to fish any were else?

[crankbait2009]

Osprey it is then.  I saw a white bird that looked similar to one........now that you mention it, i went through my VERY SMALL bird rolodex in my mind and you're right.  they dont have talons.  my mistake

 

nowhere else to fish.  My trip ended March 3rd.  Had to come back to the good ol snow storm in Ohio.  what the frick.

 

well, until my next business trip out west, it was fun while it lasted.

[RSM789]

If it was a seagull, it would have gone after the sandwich you were eating instead of a fish in the lake.

 

Then it would have circled back around & pooped on you.  They seem to do it on purpose.

[fisherrw]

did you catch any bass in CA?