Plenty of bass, but only modest number of catfish were the story this week at Irvine Lake, reported Whitney Curry at the Pro Shop. “Bass anglers really did well this week”, observed Curry. “Lots of bass are being caught in the early AM hours, and then at dusk and in the evenings. Catfish anglers did not do that well this week, but a few nice ones did get weighed in.”

Curry added, “Our public trout season opener will be on Friday, October 30, and thousands of pounds of beautiful Nebraska Tailwalkers will be stocked. The lake will be closed for preparations just prior to the opener on Monday, October 26, Tuesday, October 27, Wednesday, October 28, with a special limited-entry ‘VIP Fishing Day’ on Thursday, October 29.”

Catfish responded to the usual baits, with mackerel, shrimp, bonito, and skipjack all mentioned as good choices. Favored rigging was flylining, Carolina-rigging, or under a slip bobber. Best areas were the west shore and Boat Cock Cove.

Bass anglers continue to do exceptionally well with a constantly moving bank-walker approach. Using small Texas-rigged plastics or jigs yields the more abundant 2-4 pounders, but a more patient and systematic approach with large swimbaits, rats, and wakebaits is kicking out some better bucketmouths in the 5-9 pound class. The shoreline structure along the west shore road is holding most of the fish. Anglers are reminded that all bass species are strictly catch and release at Irvine Lake.

Surface temperature on the main lake is 75-76 degrees, with underwater visibility rated at 5-6 feet, and the lake level receding slowly. The Kids Lagoon is currently closed for weed removal work in order to get it ready for trout season. Children age 12 and under may fish in the Catch Out Pond on Saturdays from 12-5, and on Sundays from 10-2, with a 2-fish limit. The fish are biting very well in the Pond, as it has been heavily stocked with a variety of species netted out from the Kids Lagoon. The public is reminded that no watercraft of any kind are permitted at Irvine Lake.

The public is invited to attend a free seminar by legendary trout expert and Irvine Lake Pro team leader Marlon Meade. The event will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on October 27, at the Sport Chalet location in Brea at 2500 E. Imperial Highway. Special emphasis will be given to shore fishing techniques with Berkley products, and prizes will be given away.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Aaron Alarion of Yucca valley, 17-0 channel catfish on mackerel at the west shore
Mondo Alarion of Yucca Valley, 8-2 channel catfish on mackerel at the west shore
Kaita Tominaga of Japan, 9-1 largemouth bass [released] on a crankbait at the west shore
Tim O’Donnell of Fullerton, 8-0 largemouth bass [released] on a Triple-Trout at the west shore
Hideto Shibata of Fullerton, 7-5 largemouth bass [released] on a crankbait at the west shore