Starting March 1, the water level at Irvine Lake began to rise dramatically, due to a large influx of water for agricultural use by the Irvine Ranch. "The lake level will come up 20 vertical feet over the next 30 days", said Irvine Lake General Manager Dave Noyes. "Depending on the rains, we will probably hold that level until mid-May, and then begin drawing it down."

Anglers will note that due to the extremely strong current coming out of the inflow pipe at Sierra Cove; nearly the entire cove is now closed and buoyed off. Once the lake level covers the pipe, the lines will be moved in closer.

The lake is currently down about 40 vertical feet, so the influx should bring the level almost up to the west shore road, but not over it. That is very good news for anglers who use the road to more easily access some of the lake's best fishing spots. The water should also spread the fish out more evenly across the lake, and in particular will help the spawning success of the lake's bass and crappie populations.

The fish are moving around the lake noticeably, and finding a concentration of fish can mean excellent action. Probably the best overall location is right at the mouth of Sierra Cove, but anglers are reminded that entrance past the restriction lines in Sierra Cove is strictly prohibited.

More fish are now being caught by trollers than last week. Top trolled offerings were the firetiger-color CD01's and CD03's, with the smaller lures getting the nod due to the extremely clear water.

Most bait anglers used the Power Bait/nightcrawler combination, but some members of the Berkley Pro-Team were field-testing the upcoming Gulp! Trout Dough with excellent results. Bait leaders should be lengthened slightly to 14-18 inches, and 2-pound test Vanish fluorocarbon is a big help as leader material.

The bass fishing reacted almost immediately to the rising water, with good fishing found by the few bass anglers who went out looking. The largemouth are moving up, with lots of healthy-looking 3 and 4 pounders. Crankbaits like Rapala DT10's in bluegill and shad imitating colors were the top offering.

The Kid's Lagoon kicked out some good catches of trout to families with children age 12 and under. In addition, lake management announced that overnight camping will be included free with paid fishing admission for the entire month of March.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Clyde Ito of Diamond Bar, 6.4 pound trout on a mini jig at Trout Island
Scott Nakata of Garden Grove, 6.12 pound trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore
Al Rotta of Lomita, 5.0 pound trout on nightcrawlers at Trout Island

Media contacts:
Dave Noyes or Jimmy Getty at the Irvine Lake Pro Shop [714-649-9111]
Steve Carson at scarson@sunset.net