Rain doesn't slow the good rainbow trout action at Santa Ana River Lakes

In spite of pouring rains much of this past week, the trout action has been pretty good at Santa Ana River Lakes for anglers willing to brave the elements. The water is still off-color, but it didn't get much worse with the last batch of rain, and it hasn't slowed the bite.

The best action has been in deeper water for boat anglers. Limits of rainbows to two pounds, with an occasional bigger fish, have been common for patient anglers fishing floating baits -- Nitro Bait or Power Bait -- or inflated nightcrawlers doused with Nitro Gravy. Bright colors have been the best with white lightning, chartreuse, lemon lime, and rainbow all good bets. Most anglers have also been using shorter leaders to keep the bait closer to the bottom where the trout are cruising. Lure anglers are using baits with lots of flash and sparkle because they are more visible in the off-color water.

While neither of the 30-pound class rainbows were landed again this week, there were nine more rainbows over the 10-pound mark caught. The best was a 15 1/2-pounder caught by Ronnie Nadeau, Wildomar, while fishing chartreuse Nitro Bait with Nitro Gravy at Levitz' Corner. Joe Sanchez, La Puente, caught a 15-pounder on a nightcrawler off La Palma Point, while Ray Sell, Cerritos, had rainbows at 13 1/2 and 8 1/2 pounds. Bob Antilla, Loma Linda, caught a 12-pounder, and 11 1/2-pound trout were landed by Alisa Smith, Hemet, and Bryan Larson, Rialto.

Lightning Trout will be stocked heavily in February, starting Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, and going in each week through the end of the month.

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. 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.