The catfish bite stayed hot at Santa Ana River Lakes this past week, and a few bruisers were landed as part of the mix. Even better news? That number of big catfish on the stringer will increase this week with a huge bonus plant of trophy fish up to 20 pounds this week for the "official" catfish season grand opening.

Top baits for catfish have been shrimp, mackerel, and anchovies. Anglers fishing from boat have been having more success than those fishing from shore, with the majority of fish are still being caught in deeper water.

Biggest fish this week was a 15-pound catfish caught by Patrick Leduff, Los Angeles, on shrimp with Nitro Gravy at La Palma Point. Leduff also caught an eight-pounder. Top stringer this week was landed by Mark Chance, Placentia, who caught a limit of five cats totaling 20-pounds with fish to nine-pounder. All were caught on shrimp at the pump house. Tim Barnett, La Habra, caught an 11-8 catfish on shad, also at the pump house, and Jim Johnson, Huntington Beach, caught an eight-pound catfish on mackerel at the boat dock.

The trout action has slowed way down with no plants in over a month, but some fish are still showing in the deep water. Orange or chartreuse Nitro Bait has been the best bet for trout. Boat anglers are having a much easier time fishing the deep water and have been having the best success. Anglers fishing from shore need to fish long leaders (four-foot range) with floating baits and make long casts into the deeper water for best results.

Steve Rodriguez, Whittier, caught a 10-8 rainbw on a worm at the three pipes, while Pete Salazar, Norwalk, landed a 10-2 rainbow on nightcrawlers at the boat dock. Mario Davila, Fullerton, caught an eight-pounder trout on Nitro Bait at the three pipes.

Catfish plants will be weekly all summer, and trophy fish from eight to 15 pounds will a component of each week's plant. The average cat will be in the two-pound range.

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. Each week all summer long, the lake will be open to 24-hour fishing each Thursday through Saturday. 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. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.