Mixed species action was still the name of the game at Irvine Lake this week, reported Daniela Gavaldon at the Pro Shop. “We had trout, catfish, bass, bluegill, and carp all being caught this week”, observed Gavaldon. “There will also be a special stocking of catfish into the Kids Lagoon this week. The limit in the Kids Lagoon is 3, but there is currently no limit on catfish or trout in the main lake. Bass species are still catch and release.”

Gavaldon added, “We will be open our regular hours of 6 AM-4 PM on Christmas Eve [Dec24], closed on Christmas Day [Dec25], and open regular hours on December 26. Come on out and avoid the crowd at the malls.”

Lake veteran and expert angler Chris Hagopian fooled two nice rainbow trout and also a pair of good size channel catfish Sunday morning before 8 AM. The trout hit on inflated nightcrawlers, and the catfish went for mackerel presented off the far end of the west shore road.

Trout anglers did best with inflated nightcrawlers, PowerBait, and Berkley Mice tails, and 2-pound leader material was a must with the continuing clear water conditions. Some nice trout were caught on firetiger-color Rapala Countdown CD05’s or chartreuse/red X-Rap XR07’s.

Catfish were most active in the afternoons after 2 PM, along the west shore road past the berm. Carolina rigs were best for catfish, as were longer rods allowing the furthest possible cast. Best baits included mackerel, shrimp, bonito, and skipjack.

` Bass anglers did well on 2-4 pound largemouth using crankbaits and various plastics. Walking a bit further than the normal bank fishing crowd can yield even better bass fishing opportunities. Some bluegill and redear sunfish are hitting on nightcrawlers intended for trout. Several large carp also surprised trout anglers.

` Families with children age 12 and under found fair fishing in the Kids Lagoon, but a special holiday bonus stocking of catfish will go into the Lagoon this week. Anglers are reminded that watercraft of any kind are not permitted at Irvine Lake.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Glen Welch of Torrance, 9-8 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore
Jose Guitron of Long Beach, 4-6 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the Kids Lagoon
Dylan Dupres of Orange, 4-2 largemouth bass [released] on a crankbait at the west shore
Joe LaPore of Sherman Oaks, 18-4 carp on a Berkley Mice Tail at the west shore