The multiple species that inhabit Irvine Lake are almost all on the menu now, according to Dave Noyes at the Irvine Lake Pro Shop. "Just about everything is biting if you know how to fish for them". "We've been seeing good catches of catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, and of course lots of trout. You never know what you've got on the line until you see it."

Trout chasers have noticed that their quarry is moving deeper as warmer weather arrives. Trolling is the name of the game, with 3 to 6 colors of leadcore line or downriggers being a superior tactic to get your lure down and in front of the fish during mid-day.

Top trolling lures are brown trout and brook trout-color J05 and J07 Jointed Rapalas, with a few fish still showing a liking for firetiger-color. The steelhead seem to show a preference for the TD05 Rapala Taildancer in the hot chub color. Productive trolling locations include the west shore, mid-lake, and along the dam restriction lines.

Bass anglers are doing best at the red clay cliffs and Rocky Point. Dropshot baits, jigs and Senkos are the top producers of largemouth ranging from 2 to 4 pounds. Anglers are reminded that all bass fishing is strictly catch-and-release at Irvine Lake.

Crappie anglers are finding decent numbers of fish by putting in a little effort to locate the fish among all of the areas of newly submerged vegetation. Standard crappie catchers are white mini jigs tipped with a mealworm, but a surprising number of slabsides are being taken incidentally by trout trollers dragging Rapalas.

Catfish catches are also perking up with the warmer water temperatures. Most of the whiskerfish are ranging from 2 to 5 pounds, but a few bigger cats over 10 pounds have been seen. Best action for catfish has been near the boat docks for anglers using nightcrawlers, mackerel or Bowker's.

The lake level is currently high and holding steady. The west shore road is closed to vehicle traffic, but pedestrians who feel like a hike can find their way to good fishing locations. The Kids Lagoon is decommissioned until further notice.

A crappie fishing seminar will take place from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on May 19 at the Catch-Out Pond. Presenters will be Irvine Lake Pro-Team members Marlon Meade and Dave Young. Topics covered will include drift fishing, vertical jigging, bobber fishing and night-time tactics. The seminar is free with paid fishing admission, or $10 for the seminar only. Reservations are required; please call 714-649-9111.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
John Ford of Orange, 8.14 pound rainbow trolling with a Rapala, mid-lake.
Eric McFaden of Bellflower, 8.3 pound steelhead on Power Bait at Trout Island.
Steve Appleby of Corona, 8 pound rainbow on Lemon Twist at Trout Island.
Juliet Jans of Anaheim, 8.0 pound rainbow on a nightcrawler at the West Shore.
Pat Baxter of Whittier, 7.5 pound rainbow on a Kastmaster at Santiago Flats.
Bruce Watson of Fullerton, 7.12 pound rainbow on Power Bait/nightcrawler at the west shore.
John Potter of Costa Mesa, 6.5 pound trout on Power Bait at Santiago Flats.
Young lady Crystal Meek of La Mirada, landed a 6.4 pound rainbow on a Fire Tiger.
Jack Norberg of Mission Viejo, rainbows weighing 6.0 pounds & 5.12 pounds on Rapalas.

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