Lightning Trout to go in this week at Santa Ana River Lakes

Fishing at Santa Ana River Lakes has suffered because of the recent rains, but the water is slowly clearing. Areas where the water is clearing have seen fair to good fishing this past week.

The first plant of Lightning Trout, in a three-week stocking binge of these colorful, hard-fighting trout, will go in this week. With the nicer weather and clearing water, these fish should really spice up the bite.

The best fishing has been on dough baits fished in the areas where the water is clearest, with the Bubble Hole and the Sandy Beach have been clear enough for good fishing.

Top trout this week was a 14.5-pounder caught by Dane O'Reilly, Burbank, on yellow Nitro Bait at Three Pipes. C.J. McEvilly, Fullerton, caught a 14-4 trout on rainbow Nitro Bait at the Bubble Hole. Keli O'Brien, Buena Park, caught an 11-8 trout on a Super Duper at the Bubble Hole.

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 (this weekend, Feb. 15-16, this month with Sunday night fishing allowed because of the Monday holiday). 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.