The trout bite remains very good at Santa Ana River Lakes with anglers catching both rainbows and steelhead in good numbers, and there have been a number of really large trout over 13 pounds. Some catfish are starting to show as well.

Trout fishing continues to be best on dough baits. The fish have been moving deeper in the lake with the warm weather, and boat anglers have been having the best success.

Top trout this week was a 23-4 rainbow caught by Leo Severiano, Long Beach, on Nitro Bait at La Palma Point. James Williams, Los Angeles, caught a 19-8 rainbow on Chartreuse Nitro Bait at the boat dock.

Jack Demirchyan, Glendale, caught a 14-0 trout at Levitz' Corner. Erik Buena, Los Angeles, caught a 13-0 trout on a Lip Ripperz at the boat dock.

Jason Silva, Anaheim, caught a 13-8 steelhead on a White Nitro Worm at Levitz' Corner. Silva's catch is a new lake record for steelhead.

Jeff Catale, Santa Ana, caught a nice mix with a 9-0 catfish and a 7-0 trout on Nitro Bait and nightcrawlers. Those targeting cats with mackerel are also starting to see pretty good action.

Catfish anglers are reminded that if they hook and land a sturgeon, they are catch-and-release only -- but there is a reward for the catch. The $200-value prize package includes two free gate passes ($40 value), a free pontoon boat rental ($85 value), and a top-quality Eagle Claw fishing combo that includes a graphite catfish rod, multi-ball bearing spinning reel, and spool of Lazer line ($75 value).

Santa Ana River Lakes, and sister water, Corona Lake, will be holding a Tagged Trout Poker Tournament starting this Thursday and running through April 19. During the event hundreds of tagged trout will be planted and each will have a card value. There will be daily winners -- $55 worth of Eagle Claw fishing tackle -- for the angler who catches the best poker "hand" at both lakes. Then on Sunday April 20, there will be a drawing for cash prizes up to $500 among all anglers who caught tagged trout at both waters. Each tag will be an entry in this drawing. In addition, the angler who caught the highest daily "hand" in the tournament will win $1,000.

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.