The incoming water is done pumping at Irvine Lake, and the lake level is high and holding steady for the time being. A special stocking of big steelhead to 8 pounds is slated for this week, promising to yield line-ripping action on the "silver bullets" over the weekend.

Access to the west shore road for shore fishing is now blocked by the flooding just beyond the rental boat dock, and the now stable water level has spread the fish out all around the lake. There is still limited pedestrian access to the west shore, but no vehicles are allowed. Full vehicle access is still available to Trout Island, and the front launch ramp is now in operation. The Kids Lagoon is out of operation.

Top offering for trouters continues to be the Gulp! Trout Dough, either alone or in combination with a half-nightcrawler. The white-color Gulp!, along with the chunky cheese-color have been the hottest choice. A Power Mouse constructed with a Gulp! Salmon Egg is also a productive choice.

Trollers are finding that more natural-color CD3 and CD5 Rapalas are best, with brown trout and brook trout colors earning the nod. Sierra Cove, Trout Island and the west shore are the best locations for trout fishing success.

Quality-size trout are still the name of the game, with most limits made up of 2 to 5-pound fish. A good assortment of larger 6 to 8-pound trout are creating some heavy total weights on the stringers. Mixed-bag action is also running rampant, with almost all of the lakes' fish species getting active.

Catfish action is very good for smaller-grade whiskerfish in the 2 to 3 pound range. Crappie are biting well near the fenceline back in the flats for anglers offering white mini jigs with a mealworm trailer. Good numbers of largemouth bass from 2 to 4 pounds are biting for bass anglers who are keeping relatively quiet regarding specifics. Lots of bluegill are also starting to show up.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Micah Blackwood of Norco, 14.6 pound hybrid striper [sunshine bass] on a Rapala at the flats
Chris Goodman of Brea, 8.8 pound trout on a Cordell Chub at Sierra Cove
Curt and Christian Watt of Lakewood, 5-trout limit totaling 25.1 pounds on Gulp! Trout Dough at Sierra Cove
Al Rota of Lomita, 5-trout limit totaling 23.6 pounds on Kastmasters at Sierra Cove
Mitz Onizuka of Irvine, 5-catfish limit totaling 21.5 pounds on DuMong's at the west shore

Media contacts:
Daniela Galvadon at the Irvine Lake Pro Shop [714-649-9111] Steve Carson at scarson@sunset.net