Six huge sturgeon landed over past two weeks at Santa Ana River Lakes

The huge sturgeon planted in Santa Ana River Lakes two weeks ago are getting accustomed to lake and really starting to test anglers' skills. Only six of the huge fish -- estimated to weigh from 50 to 150 pounds when planted -- have been landed.

"They're starting to get acclimated, and they're really running on people," said Brad Hutchison, at the SARL tackle shop. "We're had six landed so far, but a lot more people are breaking them off now -- even on 40-pound test. The fish are staying kind of shallow -- six or seven feet -- and people can see them and they're saying they can see two or three lines where they've been hooked and lost."

The big bottom feeders are being hooked on shrimp, nightcrawlers, mackerel, and even the floating trout dough baits. While those are usually short-lived battles, trout anglers who hook the big sturgeon while casting for trout have watched the big fish peel line off the reel in long runs that span the lake. They are also apparently moving freely between the big lake and Chris' Pond, having been hooked in both places.

Anglers are reminded that if they hook and land on of these bruisers, they are catch-and-release only -- but there is a reward for the catch. The $200-value prize package includes two free gate passes ($40 value), a free pontoon boat rental ($85 value), and a top-quality Eagle Claw fishing combo that includes a graphite catfish rod, multi-ball bearing spinning reel, and spool of Lazer line ($75 value).

While the sturgeon continue to get all the press and hype, it's the rainbow trout action that continues to draw the crowds to Santa Ana, and the catfish bite has been improving steadily each week. "There have been lots of limits with some pretty impressive stringers of fish," said Jim Davis, lake manager. Davis said the best bet for trout anglers has been to troll the middle of the lake with Rapalas or Kastmasters, while shore anglers are fishing in deep water with inflated nightcrawlers or one of the floating baits fished on an 18-inch leader. The catfish have been best in the Bubble Hole with the marshmallow-meal worm combo or shrimp.

In all, at least 14 rainbows over 10 pounds were reported at the tackle shop. The big fish was a 15 1/2-pounder caught by Dennis Matsunami, Whittier, on a Nitro Worm at the pipes. There were six other trout in the 13-pound class, including a 13.7-pounder caught by Bob Marshal, Torrance, and a 13 1/2-pound trout landed by Tom Brighten, Norwalk. Trout at 13-even were caught by Al Thomas, Cerritos, Sean Diaz, Alhambra, Ryan Fugit, Walnut, and Arturo Velazquez, West Covina.

One of the top limits was reported by T.J. Young, Carson. He had five trout that weighed 54 1/2 pounds, including a 12 1/2-pounder. All were taken on yellow mini jigs off the Sandy Beach. Top catfish was a 6 1/2-pounder landed by Alex Rodriguez, Paramount, on a nightcrawler near the docks.

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. The lake's 24-hour passes will be available one weekend a month on the Friday and Saturday night nearest the full moon. These passes have a 15-fish limit and cost $45. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com