Santa Ana River Lakes is slated to receive 4,000 pounds of the new Mt. Lassen Sierra Rainbow Trout this week. These fish have been raised differently than the typical hatchery trout to address angler complaints about fin quality, coloration, and vigor. The result has been vividly-colored, wilder acting and looking fish.

These new Sierra Rainbows should only improve an already very good trout bite that has been ongoing over the past week. Anglers reported catching lots of Lightning Trout after a plant last week, but not as many rainbows over 10 pounds were landed as in recent weeks.

Trout fishing has been best for boat anglers at the bubble hole. Warming water has caused the fish to move into deep water. Top baits continue to be the floating dough baits or inflated nightcrawlers.

Top trout this week was a 12-pounder caught by Mark Oehlerking, Irvine, on a grub while fishing at the sandy beach. The only other fish over 10 pounds caught this week was landed by Ray Waldschmidt, North Hollywood, who caught an 11-even on rainbow Nitro Bait at the three pipes. Scott Zimnicki, Garden Grove, caught a mixed 10-fish stringer with both catfish and trout totaling 23 pounds using orange and white Power Bait. Nguyen Ryan, Westminster, landed an 8-8 rainbow on Power Bait at the boat dock.

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.