More than 60 years of angling tradition came to a close last Sunday, as Irvine Lake closed its doors to the public. Numerous anglers stopped by to pay their respects, and relive the many memories. The Team 57 fishing club had a large farewell picnic, and caught plenty of nice bass, catfish, and even a few trout as the clock ticked down.

General manager Dave Noyes said, “I would sincerely like to thank everyone who made Irvine Lake such a special place for all these years. Boat and RV storage operations will continue, but daily fishing and recreational use will be closed as of February 29, and operational control given over to Orange County Parks & Recreation. At this time we do not know exactly how things will be handled going forward.”

Longtime lake manager Daniela Gavaldon reminisced, “About 15 years ago, I drove through the gates of Irvine Lake and started working at the greatest lake in Southern California. Very quickly I realized I was not in Kansas anymore. Thank you for the best 15 years anybody could ever have, and for the friendships that will last a lifetime. Thanks also for your kindness and support, but most of all thank you for the incredible memories.”

Former lake assistant manager, and fishing industry veteran Jimmy Getty [now of Owner Hooks] noted, “It’s sad that we are losing the premier fishery in Orange County. I started coming here when I was five years old. Lots of good memories.”

Lake regular and expert angler Terry “Pontoon” Lairson of Huntington Beach summed it up, “I am devastated by the feeling of Irvine Lake closing its doors. Irvine Lake was my ‘Cheers’; sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Where else can families go to experience nature so close and affordable? I’ve seen deer come down for water, I’ve seen mountain lions, and I’ve even had raccoons grab my waders. The memory I will keep forever is when my own Dad and I witnessed my daughter catch her first trout from the ‘big lake’.”

Your intrepid reporter first fished Irvine Lake in 1964, and it was indeed a treasure that will be missed greatly by everyone who has ever experienced it. It has been my privilege to tell the world about it. With luck, anglers in the future will be able to experience it again soon.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

18-month old Mason Getty of Silverado, 6-1 largemouth bass [released] on a Senko at Crawdad Point
Kelli Ann McManus of Silverado, 4-5 largemouth bass [released] on nightcrawlers at the west shore
14-year old Stevie Duncan of Silverado, 11-4 channel catfish on mackerel near the dam
8-year old Samantha Richardson of Silverado, 4-1 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore