There were over 65 limits of trout reported at Corona Lake this past weekend, including a good number of five-fish catches that consisted just of the golden-colored Lightning Trout planted Thursday. Even the rain on Saturday and Sunday didn't slow the hot action.

The best Lightning Trout was a nine-pounder landed by Matt Thomas, Riverside. He and Shon Roberts, also Riverside, caught a total of nine Lightning Trout fishing from a boat with Lip RipperZ baits on Friday, and the total stringer weighed in at 30 pounds.

But the week's best stringer was landed the day before by Roberts, Lucy Ortega, Riverside, and Jim Gregory, Beaumont. The trio landed 15 Lightning Trout and rainbows that weighed a total of 43 pounds on Thursday, and their best fish was a six pounder. They were all fishing Lip RipperZ. Ronnie Travis and Jerry Wilson, both Riverside, caught 11 rainbows for 26 1/2 pounds with a seven pounder the top fish. Erik Eyserbeck, Temecula, had eight trout for 21 pounds, including a 5 1/2-pound rainbow.

Of the 65 limits reported at the tackle shop, a surprising number had at least one trout over five pounds. Scott Gutierrez, Fontana, caught five rainbows for 14 pounds, including a 6 1/2-pounder. Tris Tong, West Covina, had a 5 3/4-pounder to top off an 18 1/2-pound, five-fish limit of Lightning Trout caught on nightcrawlers. Kerry Gayagas, Elsinore, had five Lightning Trout for 16 pounds and his top fish was a 5 1/2-pounder. Peter Negrete, Grand Terrace, had a nearly identical stringer, with the same size top fish.

Light and bright-colored trout plastics, jigs, and floating baits have all been working well for the trout at Corona, but adding a scent like Eagle Claw Gravy in garlic has been key.

The big trout tournament is ongoing at Corona Lake and its sister water Santa Ana River Lakes through 4 p.m. Feb. 28, still has a fish at 21 pounds leading the event, but there are 30-pound trout at Corona and SARL still swimming uncaught. The angler who catches the biggest trout between the two waters will win a three-day, four-night, all-expenses stay for two at Alaska's Woxof Lodge to fish for huge halibut and king salmon. And if the angler catches the biggest rainbow while using any Eagle Claw bait or attractant, Eagle Claw will kick $1,000 toward air fare. The trip is worth $5,000, and the airfare kicks up the total value to $6,000. Video of two 30-pounders being released is posted on The Lakes web site at www.fishinglakes.com. One of those fish will not only win the Alaskan adventure, but it will probably also set a state record for rainbow trout.

Anglers should continue to report all their catches at the tackle shop and have photos taken. Even if you don't have the big prize winner in the February derby, by checking in your catch you continue to be eligible for a weekly drawing for a package worth $300, including lake passes, pontoon boat rentals, and fishing gear. This promotion will run through Feb. 28.

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 passes is $22. Seniors pay only $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 the Friday and Saturday nearest the full moon each month. They cost just $60, and anglers can bring a spouse and up to three kids to help fill the 24-hour pass 15-fish limit. For Corona Lake fishing information, call 951-277-4489 or log on at www.fishinglakes.com.