Continued warm weather does not slow the rainbow bite at Santa Ana River Lakes

The big rainbows continue to make weekly appearances at Santa Ana River Lakes and the general trout action remains good, in spite of the hot weather. The newly-planted Sierra Rainbows are starting to show after a big plant last week, and the catfish bite is warming up with the water temperatures.

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.

Two anglers share the top spot this week for the biggest fish caught. Ryan Nguyen, Westminster, and Chris Taylor, North Hollywood, each caught 13-pound rainbows while fishing near the pumphouse. Nguyen was fishing with rainbow Power Bait and Taylor was using strawberry Nitro Bait. Russ Ingram, Glendale, caught an 11-8 rainbow, and Levon Bodjoukya, North Hollywood, caught a 10-pound trout. Both Ingram and Bodjoukya were fishing at the boat dock using Power Bait. Kerry Gayagas, Ontario, landed an 11-0 trout on chartreuse Nitro Bait while fishing at Levitz' Corner.

The catfish bite is starting to pick up with the warm weather. Anglers have been having the best success for these fish by the road, the bubble hole, and at La Palma Point. Top baits are shrimp, mackerel, and the M&M combo (marshmallow and mealworm).

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.