Limits and big trout are the rule at Santa Ana River Lakes this week

The fishing at Santa Ana River Lakes improved dramatically this week with lots of limits and many big fish reported. The first plant of Lightning Trout went in this past week and had an immediate impact on the fishing with these colorful trout showing in good numbers in the boat dock area.

The best action has been on Nitro Bait and other dough baits fished at the Bubble Hole and around the boat dock.

Joseph Vue, Tustin, caught the top trout this week at 20-0 on a nightcrawler fishing near the boat dock. George Ahad, Orange, caught a 13.5-pound rainbow on a nightcrawler. Chappy Ramirez, Anaheim, landed a 12.8-pounder on Chartreuse Power Bait. Paul Flores, Ontario, caught an 11-4 trout. Gary Dew, Diamond Bar, caught 15 trout totaling 42 pounds on Green Nitro Bait. Jim Anderson, La Puenta, landed 15 trout totaling 40-8 on Pink Nitro Bait.

Lightning Trout will be stocked heavily the rest of this month. The first plants went in last week on Valentine's Day, and they will be planted 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. 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.