Irvine Lake stormy periods still produce trout to 9-5


Plenty of rain was the story at Irvine Lake this week, but the trout did not disappoint, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "It rained very hard here for a couple of days this week, but the trout kept on biting really well" observed Getty. "The lakeside roads take about 24 hours to dry out after the rain stops, so call ahead for local road conditions during rainy periods."


Getty added, "Another big stocking load of Yosemite reds went into the lake this week; those fish are really beautiful. We will be holding our 12th annual Sport Chalet Tournament on March 15, with thousands of dollars in cash and prizes."


Bait dunkers did best at Trout Island, with PowerBait and nightcrawlers being the best bests. Trollers scored at mid-lake and Santiago Flats. Favored trolling lures were overwhelmingly either pink, firetiger, or red/chartreuse, with Rapala Countdown CD05's, ScatterRap SCRCD07's, and Shad Rap SR04's among the favorites.


Most trout on the stringers were nice 2 to 5-pound rainbows, with an assortment of bigger 'bows to 9 pounds, and Yosemite reds keeping things exciting. A handful of steelhead and brown trout also added a little spice.


Although no catfish anglers ventured out during the storms, traditionally the catfish bite heats up wherever creeks are running into the lake. Try mackerel or nightcrawlers fished in the old creek bed in Sierra Cove. Ditto a dearth of bass reports, but largemouth in the 2 to 4-pound class were moving up into pre-spawn mode before the weather pushed them down. The Kids Lagoon experienced slow action due to turbidity.


Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Gayle Johnson of Torrance, 9-5 rainbow trout on PowerBait at mid-lake

PJ Castongue of Vista, 9-3 rainbow trout on PowerBait at the west shore

Kaelan Elesh of Santa Ana, 3-8 Yosemite Red on a Flickershad at the west shore



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