Trout averaging a solid 2 1/2 pounds at Santa Ana River Lakes in hot bite

Rainbow trout action was excellent at Santa Ana River Lakes this past week with five-fish limits running from 12 to 15 pounds, and even the rain early in the week didn't seem to slow the bite down even through the water lost much of its clarity.

While fish bigger than five pounds were few and far between, there were veritable stringer's-full of fish from 2 1/2 to four pounds. Mark Howard, Victorville, had a five-fish limit that weighed in at 17 pounds and his big fish was a four-pounder. Justin Haney, La Mirada, landed five rainbows that weighed 13 1/2 pounds, while Vince Gonzales, West Covina, caught five that weighed in at 12 3/4 pounds. Both anglers' big fish was a 3 1/2-pounder. Tim Meyer of Huntington Beach had a limit that was 12 1/2 pounds, topped off by a four-pounder.

Jeremy and Elena Gravett, Corona, had seven trout that weighed in at 20 pounds total, and their big fish was a 5 1/2-pounder.

The best action has been on the floating baits and nightcrawlers fished at the Bubble Hole, off the sandy beach, and Levitz' Corner. Small jigs and plastics have also been good bets, with Lip RipperZ the hot lures. Trollers working mid-lake have also been scoring. With the water more off-color this week, adding scent to any bait used is a good idea, and brighter-colored or flashy lures will garner more strikes.

Two big events are coming up this week. First SARL was stocked with the largest Nebraska Tailwalkers the Chaulk Mound Trout Farm has to offer -- with fish up to and over 10 pounds in the mix that went in on Wednesday. This will be followed with a special $20 buy-in trout derby on Saturday. The entry fee is in addition to the usual lake entrance, but all derby entry money will be awarded to the anglers catching the five biggest trout caught that day. The biggest fish will win half the derby money, the second biggest will get 20 percent, the third biggest 15 percent, the fourth biggest will win 10 percent, and the fifth largest trout will get five percent.

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 passes is $22. Seniors only pay $20, with a special $17 pass sold on Wednesdays. All of these passes have a five-fish limit. For kids 4 to 13, a three-fish pass is just $9. The once-monthly 24-hour passes remain just $60 with the next 24-hour fishing coming up in mid-January. These passes have a 15-fish limit. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com