Summertime is definitely approaching, but several fish species at Irvine Lake are biting full speed, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "The bass fishing is just excellent right now", observed Getty. "A pair of bass anglers can easily release 30 bass or more in a day of fishing. Trout fishing is still very good, with the fish moving down slightly in the water column to between 10 and 25 feet. All of the usual suspects who are targeting catfish are doing well on beautiful-grade natural fish running 4 to 8 pounds."


Getty added, "This coming Saturday, May 17 will be the 'Happy Heart Tournament', which is a benefit tournament for 6-year old Tabitha Smith, who is a regular angler at Irvine Lake. We are also really looking forward to our first night-time catfish session, which will be on Friday night, June 7."


Some trout are still possible for shorecasters, with PowerBait and nightcrawlers being the top producers at Boat Dock Cove and Trout Island. Ultra-clear water means 2-pound test bait leaders are a must.


Trollers should consider changing to downrigger or lead-core line presentations. Favorite lures this week were brook trout-color Rapala Jointed J05's and black/silver Shad Rap SR04's. This is just about the time that cop-car or frog-color Luhr Jensen Needlefish start to emerge as the top trolling lure for trout. Best locations have been at mid-lake, and along the dam restriction lines.


Bass anglers are finding that almost every legitimate technique is getting some fish, with most of the largemouth ranging in the 2 to 4-pund class, but some larger bucketmouths around. Some topwater fish are available early, and then jigs and plastics work all day. The clear water conditions mean lots of good sight-fishing opportunities.


Families with children age 12 and under found good numbers of small carp and 1 to 3-pound catfish in the Kids Lagoon, but warm temperatures mean the trout are just about done in the Lagoon. Surface temperature on the main lake is 68-71 degrees, with the lake level having peaked and is now receding slowly. The West Shore Road is currently under 2 to 3 feet of water.


Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Ben Gray of Cerritos, 8-12 rainbow trout caught trolling at mid-lake

Chris Hagopian of Redondo Beach, 7-1 channel catfish on mackerel at Rocky Point

Bill Nelson of Orange, 10-7 largemouth bass [released] on a plastic worm at the west shore

James Getty of Silverado, 8-0 largemouth bass [released] on a swimbait at the flats

CJ Smith of Orange, 1-8 bluegill on a Gulp! Pinched Crawler at the west shore


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