Irvine Lake night catfish bite is on; Trout Opener slated for October 31

Night-time was the best time for catfish this week at Irvine Lake, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "The best catfish bite was from about 9 PM to Midnight this week", observed Getty. "The full stringers of 2 to 8-pound channel cats mostly came out of 5 to 15 feet of water, and those who were trying for the bigger fish like the 54-pounder caught last week by Terry Lairson were down at 25 feet or deeper."

Getty added, "Our fall trout season opener will be on Friday, October 31. We will stock thousands of pounds of trout just before the opener. There will also be a special limited-entry 'VIP Fishing Day' on Thursday, October 30."

Good catches of catfish were reported from mid-lake, the west shore, and Santiago Flats. Favored baits included mackerel, shrimp, and in particular fresh bonito. Most of the catfish at the cleaning tables were prime eating-size 2 to 8-pounderts, with some bigger-grade whiskerfish mixed in.

Bass anglers found good numbers of 2 to 4-pound largemouth at the Red Clay Cliffs and Rocky Point. The fish are feeding heavily on a bloom of very small juvenile crappie and shad. This tiny bait is best replicated with a tiny jig, and savvy anglers have been using a jig/bobber combination to great success. Small Flukes and splitshot-rigged Reapers have also been productive.

Families with children age 12 and under found excellent numbers of small carp and 1 to 3-pound catfish in the Kids Lagoon. Surface temperature on the main lake is 79-81 degrees, with the lake level dropping a few inches per week. Underwater visibility is rated very clear, but if the afternoon wind blows the water can take on a slight tinge.

The 2014-15 season public trout opener will take place on October 31, with a special limited-entry "VIP Fishing Day" on October 30. Fishing hours for the rest of summer will be; Thursdays- 6 AM-11 PM; Fridays and Saturdays- 6 AM-Midnight; Sundays- 6 AM-6 PM; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays- CLOSED.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
10-year old Royal Hunter of Orange, 13-4 channel catfish on Bite-On at mid-lake
Terry Lairson of Huntington Beach, 11-0 channel catfish on mackerel at the flats
Aaron Titleman of San Fernando, 12-8 blue catfish on Bite-On at the flats
Justin Emerson of Newport Beach, 4-1 largemouth bass [released] on a Float-n-Fly at Rocky Point


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