The rainbow trout action remains very good at Santa Ana River Lakes, and the big storm on Monday this week didn't slow the bite at all. Limits of trout to four or five pounds have been common, but the huge rainbows over 15 pounds planted two weeks are still playing hard to get.

The big trout this past week was a 12 1/2-pounder caught last Friday by Trac Ng, Rowland Heights, while fishing with chartreuse Nitro Bait at the road. Santiago Palacios, West Covina, landed a 7 1/2-pounder, while, Jon Mulligan, Chino Hills, caught a seven pound rainbow on a nightcrawler to top off his 19-pound stringer.

The best action has been on a variety of floating boats in bright colors --chartreuse, rainbow, orange, white, and yellow -- or nightcrawlers doused with scent. The rainbows are showing from the entire Lake' complex but Chris Pond and the Bubble Hole seem to be producing a little better than other places.

In spite of the great fishing, none of the huge, 18-plus-pound trout planted two weeks were caught again this week. There was a whole load of these super trophies from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms and they averaged 21 1/3 pounds each when they were planted. The colder weather and rain might be what it takes for the big boys to finally start biting.

Photos are being uploaded daily to The Lakes website so anglers can keep tabs on the fishing. In addition, anglers who catch fish and report them to the tackle shop and have photos taken are eligible for a weekly drawing for a package worth $300, including lake passes, pontoon boat rentals, and fishing gear.

As a way to say thanks for all the anglers using Eagle Claw Nitro baits and Gravy, the company is sponsoring a $20 off boat rental coupon on The Lakes web site. From now through December 24, anglers can download the coupon off the web site (www.fishinglake.com) and use the coupon for $20 off on a boat or pontoon rental at Santa Ana River Lakes.

Anglers are reminded that private boats are no longer being allowed at Santa Ana River Lakes do to fears of invasive quagga mussels being introduced into the water system.

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 24-hour passes are sold once a month on Friday and Saturday nights nearest the full moon. These passes remain just $60. Anglers can bring a spouse and up to three kids to help fill the 24-hour pass 15-fish limit. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call 714-632-7830 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com