Seven rainbow trout over 10 pounds caught at Santa Ana River Lakes in spite of tough bite

The latest round of pouring rains finally slowed the action at Santa Ana River Lakes, turning the water muddy. But in spite of the conditions, persistent anglers still managed to catch seven rainbows over the 10-pound mark, mostly before the latest storm front moved through over with weekend.

The big fish was a 12 1/2-pound rainbow caught by Adam Kelleher, El Monte, while fishing with a nightcrawler at the Bubble Hole. Chris Rhodes, Santa Ana, landed a 12-even fishing a Nitro Worm in Chris' Pond, while an 11 3/4-pound rainbow was caught by Nick Nunez, Buena Park, in rainbow Nitro Bait, also from Chris' Pond. A pair of 11 1/4-pound trout were caught by Wayne McDonough, Placentia, and Dan Speece, Cerritos, both on chartreuse Nitro Bait. Pete Rios, Orange, topped off his limit with an 11-pound rainbow, and Craig Adkinson, Orange, landed a 10-pounder.

Since the weekend rains, the best action has for patient anglers fishing either 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.

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. Anglers should also remember there are still two huge rainbows, potentially pushing the 30-pound mark and breaking the state record, that are still swimming in the lake. Eagle Claw has a bounty on a new state record fish. If the 28-plus 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 during trout season -- the weekend closest to the full moon (Feb. 15-16 this month). 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.