Irvine Lake to get 5,000-pound bonus planting of blue catfish; Trout Opener slated for November 6
Good numbers of catfish are still the story at Irvine Lake, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "A lot of people are getting limits of 2 to 6-pounders", observed Getty. "All of the usual spots, like Santiago Flats, the west shore, and boat dock cove are holding catfish. Not many of the big ones have been heard from this week, but we will be planting a bunch of them before next weekend."

The end of this week will see a bonus stocking of 5,000 pounds of surplus broodstock blue catfish in the 8 to 20-plus pound class. Anglers re reminded that Irvine Lake has a voluntary release policy for blue catfish over 10 pounds, and a mandatory release policy for all catfish over 20 pounds. Lucky anglers who release a big whiskerfish over 20 pounds will receive a free lake pass, and extremely fortunate [or skilled] anglers who release a cat exceeding 50 pounds will also receive a free motor boat rental.

Bass fishing remains excellent, and several informal "Turkey Shoots" were held over the weekend. Plenty of 2 to 5-pound largemouth are being caught and released, and one of the mini-tournaments weighed in a pair of bass of over 7 pounds each. Best lures were crankbaits and jigs fished off main lake points.

Crappie anglers have been few and far between, but those who venture out have gotten limits of slabs to about a pound. Patience after setting out a floating lantern is the key. Best lures are white Atomic Tubes or Gulp! Minnows.

Bluegill are biting mealworms and waxworms at an "all you want" pace. The Kids Lagoon is kicking out good numbers of planter-size catfish to families with children age 12 and under who cast out with the marshmallow/mealworm combo.

Irvine Lake's annual trout season opening day will be Friday, November 6, with 20,000 pounds of trout planted just prior to the opener. For the first time ever, Thursday November 5 will be "VIP Day", and for $150, members of the public will be allowed to fish a day ahead of everybody else. Price includes a New York Steak lunch, and shared motor boat rental [5-trout limit in force]. Advance reservations are required for VIP Day; Call Daniela in the Pro Shop [714-649-9111] no later than October 28.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

- Donovan Swann of Fontana, 10-4 catfish on mackerel at the flats
- Marty Sauceda and Fred Ambiguous, 10-catfish limit totaling 30.1 pounds on mackerel at the flats