It has been a rough couple of months. Trout season started in California in late November, but it wasn't until recently that I finally landed a couple. My first successful trip was on December 20 at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, California. The weather was overcast with a light 4 mph wind. The lake was fairly busy, but there was little action anywhere. I landed one trout on salmon peach PowerBait using an 8-inch leader, cast about 10 feet out. After that bite, things slowed down for nearly two hours. I switched to mini jigs, trying different colors, and eventually landed another on a white mini jig with a slow retrieve and occasional rod bounces. It felt great to finally catch some rainbows!

My next trip was today, the day I'm writing this report. I returned to Mile Square Park around 10 a.m. in heavy rain. I fished for about an hour using only mini jigs. Forty minutes in, I landed one on a Matador Brand jig in green, white, and orange. Once again, the trout responded best to a slow retrieve with very slight rod bounces to give it action.

I can't wait to see what else this trout season brings. Next week, I'm heading to a new location: Hesperia Lake. I'm hoping to land a few more in February!