The catfish action was very good over the holiday weekend at Santa Ana River Lakes, with some bass and crappie showing for anglers on this popular Orange County lake complex.

The hot spots this past week were the Catfish Lake, the boat dock, the pump house, the spillway, and the sandy beach. The best baits continue to be mackerel, the M&M (marshmallow and mealworm) combo, and nightcrawlers all dipped in Gravy. Anglers fishing from boats are still having the best success during the day, especially in the deeper water.

Alex Morgan, Montclair, caught the top catfish this week at 8-0 along with another 7-0 catfish on mackerel at Catfish Lake. Gustavo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, caught a 7-8 catfish to top a three fish stringer totaling 13-0 on shrimp at Catfish Lake. Ulyssa Pati, Pico Rivera, caught the top stringer at 26-8 on shrimp. Emily Grenon, Brea, caught eight catfish totaling 24-0 with fish to 5-8 on the M&M combo. Alex Sergio, Santa Ana, caught ten catfish totaling 20-8 with fish to 3-0 on nightcrawlers. Perwin Dizon, Chatsworth, caught five catfish totaling 19-0 with fish to 5-8 on the M&M combo. Charles Archie, Westminster, caught five catfish totaling 13-0 with fish to 4-0 on mackerel.

??No sturgeon were landed this week, but anglers are reminded that if they hook and land one of these bruisers, they are catch-and-release only -- but there is a reward for the catch. The $200-value prize package includes two free gate passes ($40 value), a free pontoon boat rental ($85 value), and a top-quality Eagle Claw fishing combo that includes a graphite catfish rod, multi-ball bearing spinning reel, and spool of Lazer line ($75 value).

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 $20 passes has a five-fish limit. The lake's 24-hour passes are available every week Thursday through Saturday nights. These passes have a 15-fish limit and cost $45. The lake is planted with catfish each week. For Santa Ana River Lakes fishing information, call (714) 632-7830.