Sturgeon from 100 to 150 pounds are being planted at Corona Lake this week. Corona is sharing the 3,000-pound bounty of rare white sturgeon with Santa Ana River Lakes, and the lake management has imposed a catch-and-release regulation on the huge fish. The good news is that anglers who land -- and then release -- one of these huge, prehistoric fish will earn a $200 prize package that ?Įincludes an rod, reel and line combo, two free gate passes, and free pontoon boat rental. That's the bonus.

The trout and catfish action remains very good at Corona Lake, and more and more bass, bluegill, and crappie are showing with each warm day. Steelhead will also be planted again this week, the last of a three weeks of plants of these feisty, high-jumpers with pink meat.

Top rainbow this past week was a 13 1/2-pounder landed by Walt Kelly, Riverside, fishing red Power Bait near the dam, while the top catfish was a 16 1/2-pounder caught by Donnie Ballew, Moreno Valley, on mackerel in the trees. Corona Lake 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 one weekend a month, usually on the Friday and Saturday night nearest the full moon. The next 24-hour fishing will be this Friday and Saturday night. These passes have a 15-fish limit and cost $45.

For more Corona Lake fishing information, call (951) 277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.