Irvine Lake trout opener looming November 6; 20,000 pounds of trout to be stocked
Anglers are reminded that catfish season is wrapping up, and the final 2:00 AM late-night fishing session of the year at Irvine Lake will be Saturday night, October 31. The lake will then be open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 1.

After that, the lake will be CLOSED to the public from Monday, November 2 through Thursday, November 5 to stock fish and prepare for the season. Friday, November 6 will mark opening day of the 2010-11 trout season, and the winter season schedule will be 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7 days a week.

Some 20,000 pounds of trout will be planted during the 4-day closed period just before the opener. The majority of the stocking will consist of rainbow trout in the 1 to 6-pound class, along with some steelhead, brookies and brown trout. A liberal sprinkling of larger-grade fish from 8 to 12 pounds, and even some real trophy trout to over 20 pounds will be providing major-league thrills.

This week's fishing saw some nice whiskerfish caught from the time the sun leaves the water. Most are 2 to 6-pound eating-size stockers, but some larger fish were definitely around. Good catches were reported from the west shore, boat dock cove, and Santiago Flats. Productive catfish baits were mackerel, shrimp, and skipjack.

Bass chasers found decent numbers of 2 to 4-pound largemouth. Most were caught on dropshot baits fished at 15 to 20 feet near the red clay cliffs and Rocky Point. Crappie were biting at a fair pace for anglers who put out a floating lantern, with some bluegill and redear hitting during daylight hours on mealworms and waxworms.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

- Phil Hildenbrandt, Anaheim, 20 lb cat, mackerel, Santiago Flats
- Clyde Ito, Diamond Bar, 5.12 lb cat, mackerel, Santiago Flats
- Joe Schemenauer, Orange, 1.62 lb & 1.78 lb cats, mackerel, Santiago Flats
- Mits Onizuka, Irvine, 4.30 lb & 3 lb cats, mackerel, Santiago Flats
- Mits Onizuka, Irvine, on another day, 5 cats totaling 11 lbs, mackerel, Santiago Flats