Lots of quality rainbow trout are showing at Santa Ana River Lakes

The fishing this past week at Santa Ana River Lakes was very good. At least 14 trout over 6-0 were caught, 10 of which weighed over 10-0. Many Lightning Trout are still showing is well, and the last plant of the season for these colorful fish goes in this week.

The best action has been on Nitro Bait and other dough baits and the hot spots are the Bubble Hole, the boat dock, the sandy beach, Three Pipes, La Palma Point, and Chris' Pond.

Alec Ramishin, Santa Ana, caught the top trout this week at 13-8 on yellow Nitro Bait fishing near the boat dock. Will Hanacheck, Fullerton, caught a 12-0 rainbow on Nitro Bait at the sandy beach. Juvenal Maldonado, Anaheim, landed a 12-pounder on Green Nitro Bait at Levitz' Corner. Kelly Glenwook, Mira Loma, caught an 11-12 trout at La Palma Point. Craig Joachim, Santa Ana, landed an 11-8 trout fishing near the boat dock, and Pedro Villa, Anaheim, caught a 10-0 trout on Green Nitro Bait at Chris' Pond.

Lightning Trout have been stocked heavily since Valentine's Day, and the plant this week is the last of the season. 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. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.