??On the evening of Dec. 23, two huge rainbow trout from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms were planted in the waters on Santa Ana River Lakes. Lake manager Jim Davis says he knows that both of them are bigger than the current state record of 28.1 pounds.

??"I'd bet one was 29 1/2 pounds and the other one was 31 pounds or more," said Davis. "And when they hit the water, they were gone -- strong, healthy fish."

Davis said they had one report from one of the regular big fish anglers at Santa Ana River Lakes who believed he hooked the monster the day before Christmas in Chris' Pond. It simple surged out to the middle of the pond, snapping the angler's light line.

While the new lake and state record rainbows had not been landed as of Wednesday evening, there were at least 28 other rainbow trout topping 10 pounds caught in the past week, including two trout that weigh in at 18 pounds each.

Ernie Molina, Pico Rivera, landed his 18-pounder on red Nitro Bait fishing at Levitz' Corner, while Arturo Velasquez, West Covina, caught a near-twin while rainbow Nitro Bait in Chris' Pond.

Other big fish included a 14 1/2-pounder caught by Shane Rodriguez, La Habra, on chartreuse and rainbow Nitro Bait at the pump house, and Vince and Varian Virgen, both Buena Park, each caught 14-pound rainbows on lemon lime Nitro Bait in Chris' Pond. Rainbows at 13 1/2 pounds were caught by Frank Patella, Alta Loma, and Bernard Lopez, Paramount, and 13-pounders were landed by Jose Madrano, Cerritos, Andrew Navarro, Orange, and Francisco Niera, Orange.

Trophy Mt. Lassen Trout Farms' rainbows are being planted weekly through the end of the year. Trout topping 10 pounds are slated to go in each week.

Anglers fishing at SARL should keep in mind the Eagle Claw bounty on a new state record fish. If the 28.1-pound state and lake record is broken using Eagle Claw Nitro baits or bait additives, the lucky angler can claim a $500 prize. If an Eagle Claw hook is used, he or she is eligible for another $500.

Santa Ana River Lakes is open seven days a week with fishing allowed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on day passes or from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on an evening pass. Each of these $20 passes has a five-fish limit. The lake's 24-hour passes are available only once a month for trout season -- the weekend closest to the full moon. These passes have a 15-fish limit and cost $60. A spouse and up to three kids 12 and under can help dad catch his 15-fish limit on these passes. The lake will be planted every Wednesday for the remainder of trout season.