Irvine Lake trout to 11 pounds biting well, bluebird weather prevails and lakeshore roads re-open

Sunny and clear weather, with a few wispy clouds meant beautiful weather for midweek trout anglers at Irvine Lake. Last weekend's storms were just a distant memory as all lakeshore roads [except the submerged west shore road] are dry and open.

Overall trout action was excellent, with numerous anglers coming back to the Pro Shop to purchase "second limit" tickets. Most trout filling the stringers were quality fish again this week, although fewer exotics were in the mix. Trout from 2 to 5 pounds were the norm, with 6 to 11 pound trophies making every hookup exciting.

Top baits were the Power Mouse or nightcrawlers, with the top locations being the west shore, Trout Island and near the docks. Trollers did best with firetiger-color Rapala CD03's and CD05's at Santiago flats and near the dam.

Abundant precipitation over the past weekend means that the lake is getting slightly murkier, but the rise in water level cancels that out to a degree. Accordingly, best leader length for bait dunkers is in the 10 to 12-inch range.

A few large slabside crappie to 2 pounds are showing up for trout trollers using Rapalas. Bass fishing was slightly less productive than last week, due to the constant frontal movement. No effort was made for catfish, but some whiskerfish should be available for anglers who set up near where creeks flow into the lake.

The Kids Lagoon was also very good for the few families with children under 12 who gave it a try. Anglers are reminded that the upcoming "Berkley Cup" tournament on March 16 will be the last opportunity to qualify for the prestigious "Masters" tournament of champions competition on April 12.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Art Haynes of Costa Mesa, 11.0 pound trout on nightcrawlers at Trout Island
Gene Naka of Whittier, 10.14 pound trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore
Oscar Regundin of San Marcos, 10.0 pound trout on Power Bait at the west shore
Justin Tran of Garden Grove, 8.6 pound trout on a Power Worm near the boat ramp
Dean Martin of Buena Park, 8.0 pound trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore
Gose Penukoko of Anaheim, 7.8 pound trout on nightcrawlers at Trout Island
Tim Morlan of Lake Forest, 8.12 pound steelhead on a Power Mouse near the boat ramp
Fernando Diaz of Orange, 7.0 pound steelhead on nightcrawlers at Trout Island

Media contacts:
Daniela Gavaldon or Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop [714-649-9111]
Steve Carson at [email protected]