Two huge rainbow trout estimated to weigh 30 to 31 pounds each were planted in Santa Ana River Lakes early late on the evening of Dec. 23. The fish both would topple the lake and state record of 28.1 pounds caught at SARL in 2005. The big rainbows have both probably been hooked by anglers, and by the stories circulating at SARL, they've both been hooked several times.

It's landing one of the bruisers that has become problematic. Anglers have learned that finesse fishing techniques are generally required to hook the big trout in SARL, but landing a 30-pound trout on two-pound test line is the hard part. Trout over the 28-pound mark were planted last winter, too, and none of them were landed. Now there are two more of the huge fish in SARL, and in the past three weeks the big fish have snapped lines, almost at will.

But every week, there are dedicated group of trout jig and bait anglers who are trying for the mondo rainbows. Is this the week one or both of them will be landed?

In spite of continued off-color water, anglers at SARL have landed six rainbows topping 10 pounds while fishing for the bigger fish. The top fish was caught by lake manager Jim Davis of Anaheim on his day off. The 21 1/2-pound rainbow was caught off La Palma Point on corn-flavored Nitro Bait smothered in green Nitro Grease. Jose Medrano, Cerritos, caught a 17-pound rainbow, while a 14-4 was landed by Ruben Mendoza, Fullerton. Tom Ma, El Monte, caught a 13-1.

Limits of one to two pound rainbows have been showing all around the big lake and Chris' Pond, with Nitro Bait and Power Bait the top choices. Many anglers are also getting stringers of fish on nightcrawlers doused with one of the scents.

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.

Catfish have been showing in fair numbers for the anglers fishing for trout. Jose Avila, El Monte, landed a seven-pounder on Power Bait, while John Leung, Torrance, caught an 11-pounder on shad at the Bubble Hole.

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 during trout season -- the weekend closest to the full moon. There will be a bonus night fishing day this month because of the Martin Luther King Monday holiday. Anglers can buy the 24-hour passes Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. 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, and a bonus plant is going in for the holiday weekend. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.