While the trout bite has remained good at Corona Lake, the catfish bite is taking over after a big plant of cats last week and an even bigger plant of catfish this week -- including trophy fish to 10 pounds and more -- for the official "Grand Opening" of catfish season.??

The catfish are showing over much of the lake, and the big fish of the week was a 12-pound cat landed by Doug Rainey, Wildomar, fishing chicken liver from shore. Chris Green and Trevor Crain, both Ontario, teamed up to land 10 catfish that weighed in at 24 1/2 pounds and their top fish was a three-pounder. Richard Robb, Hemet, landed 16 catfish that weighed 34 pounds and his big fish was also a three-pounder. Top catfish baits have been the M&M combo (marshmallow and meal worms), mackerel, chicken liver, or some of the prepared catfish baits, like Hog Wild.??

The trout bite continues pretty good in deep water on bright Nitro Baits. Tyler Velasquez, Corona, caught an 11-pound rainbow fishing chartreuse Nitro Bait from shore.

Corona anglers who are also shooting enthusiasts will want to attend this weekend's Turner's Outdoorsman Shooting Sports Fair held Friday through Sunday at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises in Norco. Not only will everyone who attends be able to shoot all of the latest firearms from virtually every major firearm manufacturer -- from handguns to shotguns to rifles -- but you'll be able to try your hand at catching a huge catfish to 20 pounds or better in the Santa Ana River Lakes-Corona Lake Catch-and-Release Pond at the show.?? More information and $2 off discount coupons are available at the Corona Lake's web site at www.fishinglakes.com or a www.turners.com.

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 $20 passes has a five-fish limit. The popular 24-hour fishing passes are offered every Friday and Saturday night through the rest of the summer. These passes have a 15-fish limit and cost $45. For more Corona Lake fishing information, call (951) 277-4489