Water still rushing into Irvine Lake; 8.4 pound trout tops
The heavy influx of water continues to raise Irvine Lake's water level, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "It's moving up fast", said Getty. "The pipe in Sierra Cove is still about 2 feet from being covered up. Until that happens, we will still have about 90-percent of Sierra Cove buoyed off, and going beyond that point is prohibited."

Getty added, "The fenceline should also be flooded over in about 2 weeks. We have added a lot of new habitat along the fenceline and back in Santiago Flats, which is pretty visible right now."

The rising water has really gotten the lake's bass population moving up. Good catches of 2 to 4-pound largemouth are being made, but most of the serious bass chasers are being very tight-lipped about their success and methods.

Astute observers have seen bass being caught on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and dropshot baits, with the red clay cliffs a particular hotspot. One anonymous basser even came up and weighed a nice 8.2 pound largemouth at the Pro Shop before releasing it. Anglers are reminded that bass fishing is strictly "catch and release" at Irvine Lake.

Trollers did especially well on a larger grade of fish this week with fire tiger-color CD05 Rapalas. Trolling at mid-lake and along the dam restriction lines yielded the most success.

Bait anglers should be aware of the exceptionally clear water conditions. Longer leaders in the 16 to 18 inch range are best, and 2-pound test fluorocarbon leader material ups the success rate substantially. Most trout are ranging from 1 to 4 pounds, but some larger fish are coming to the scales.

Power Bait, the new Gulp! Trout Dough and nightcrawlers all caught their share of fish for bait dunkers. Shorecasters did best along the west shore, while boaters soaked baits along the restriction lines at Sierra Cove.

Heavy activity by spawning carp is expected to bring out anglers skilled in European specialty carp fishing techniques. Large carp in the 10 to 20-pound range are readily visible throughout the lake, and those with the proper knowledge often make spectacular catches.

Due to a malfunctioning water pump, all fish stocking in the Kid's Lagoon will be halted until repairs can be made. Some trout do remain in the Lagoon, and a 5.4 pounder was taken over the weekend.

The boat docks have been moved further south on Trout Island. Free camping is still available through the end of March with paid fishing admission.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Keith Burridge of Alta Loma, 8.4 pound trout on a Rapala at mid-lake Chris Goodwin of Newport Beach, 7.2 pound trout on a Rapala near the dam Randy Bealer of Orange, 7.12 pound trout on Power Bait at the west shore Manuel Cruz of Santa Ana, 7.1 pound trout on Power Bait at the west shore Tarique Johnson of Long Beach, 6.8 pound trout on Power Bait at the west shore Stan Kong of Garden Grove, 5.4 pound trout on a nightcrawlers at the west shore

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