For the second week in a row, a 19-pound rainbow was the biggest trout caught at Santa Ana River Lakes, but it was the hot action for last week's plant of Lightning Trout that really fired up anglers.

SARL regular Vince Virgen, Buena Park, caught the 19-pounder fishing near the docks with chartreuse Eagle Claw Nitro dough last Thursday. Vince and Varian Virgen, also Buena Park, ended the day with nine trout for a total of 53 pounds.

That stringer was just one of many reported at the Lakes' tackle shop. Kory Allen, Garden Grove, had five trout for 18 1/2 pounds, including a 5 1/2 pounder. Edgar Sanchez, Corona, topped off his five-fish 13-pound stringer with a 6 1/2 pounder, while Hieu and Matthew Hoang, Garden Grove, landed five rainbows to 6 1/2 pounds for a total of 19 1/2 pounds. Bob Barr, Tustin, caught five rainbows topped by a 6 3/4-pounder for 14 3/4 pounds total.

Paul and John Kish, both Baldwin Park, along with Phillip Beanes and Leopoldo Estaeran, both West Covina, teamed up to land just over 20 pounds of Lightning Trout with the top fish a 4 1/4-pounder. But they also caught 57 1/2 pounds of carp and the big one was a 12 1/2-pounder. All were caught on garlic-flavored dough bait.
Kevin Smith, Harbor City, was using his own corn dough and landed six carp for a total of 40 pounds, including one at 8 1/2 pounds.

The best trout action is still in shallow water along the lake's shoreline with the best bite in only four to six feet of water and rarely more than 25 feet off the shoreline because of the steep sides of the lakes. Floating baits and the Trout Mouse combo have been the top baits, but dousing them with Eagle Claw Gravy has just made them more effective.

A 21-pound rainbow still leads the big trout tournament ongoing at both Santa Ana River Lakes and its sister water Corona Lake from now through 4 p.m. Feb. 28. The winner of this event 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. There are still a number of rainbows in SARL bigger than the current leader, including a 30-pound class rainbows planted at SARL two weeks ago. You can see video of that fish being planted on The Lakes web site at www.fishinglakes.com.

Anglers are reminded to continue to report all their catches at the tackle shop and have photos taken. Even if you don't have the big winner in the 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 continues through Feb. 28.

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.