Catfish anglers did not tangle with any of the bigger kitties at Irvine Lake this week, but some eating-size whiskerfish were caught on nightcrawlers or mackerel at the west shore, near the dam, and at Rocky Point. Team 57 members also reported that trout fishing was slow, but a few nice holdover Nebraska Tailwalkers were caught on nightcrawlers at Rocky Point.

Bass anglers continued to do pretty well, as long as they keep moving around to the less-pressured areas of the lake. Good numbers of 2-4 pound largemouth were fooled by various plastics and crankbaits. A handful of hybrid striped bass also hit on crankbaits.

Families with children age 12 and under found fair numbers of 1-3 pound catfish in the Kids Lagoon. Daily limit in the Kids Lagoon is 3 fish, but the main lake is currently offering “no limit” fishing on catfish and trout. Tentative last day of fishing is Feb. 28, and a 50-percent off everything in the Pro Shop sale is currently underway. Anglers are reminded that no watercraft are permitted. Operating hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 6 AM to 4 PM, and closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Aaron Titelman of Orange, 2-9 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at Rocky Point
Art Boyamian of Los Angeles, 3-8 channel catfish on mackerel at Rocky Point
Seth Mostero of Newport Beach, 3-5 largemouth bass [released] on a crankbait at the west shore
Phillip Choy of Anaheim, 3-0 largemouth bass [released] on nightcrawler at the west shore
Christina Choy of Anaheim, 3-7 wiper on a crankbait at the west shore