Irvine Lake monster trout rampage continues, trout seminar slated
Unprecedented numbers of oversize trout were caught at Irvine Lake this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "The number of huge trout coming in has been spectacular, with more fish over 10 pounds than I can ever remember", observed Getty. "Fishing was generally very good all week, but took a little dip on Sunday due top the weather front that moved in. The forecast is looking to get back on track from Monday on."

Getty added, "Lake regulars will remember the famous ???silver bullet' steelhead-strain trout that we planted several years ago. A big batch of these tremendously hard-fighting fish in the 5-pound class will be planted next week, just before our January 17 derby."

A free trout fishing seminar will take place from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM this Saturday, January 10. Instruction will be given by Marlon Meade and the lake Pro-Staff, with topics to include trolling, bait fishing, and jig fishing techniques. The seminar is free with paid admission; please make reservations by calling the Pro-Shop at 714-649-9111.

Trolling results improved with a bang this week, perhaps consistent with the heavier tackle employed. Productive trolling lures included firetiger-color Rapala Countdown CD03's and CD05's and chartreuse-color Rapala X-Rap XR06's. Good spots for trolling included near the dam, along the west shore and Santiago Flats.

Bait anglers are sticking with Power Mouse, Power Bait and Power Worm presentations in shades of chartreuse, with a liberal spritzing of Alive! Garlic Spray. Preferred bait leader lengths are 12 to 16 inches. Bait dunkers are concentrating near the boat docks and Trout Island.

Most trout limits are made up of 1 to 5-pound fish, with a liberal mix of 6 to 9-pounders spicing up the stringers. Numerous opportunities at trophy-class fish from 10 to 15-plus pounds are happening, with both luck and skill determining the outcome of hookups with the big boys.

Good numbers of trout were caught in the Kids Lagoon by families with children age 12 or under. A few 2 to 6-pound catfish were caught on mackerel and shrimp, but no bass were reported this week.

The lake level is holding steady. All roads are currently open, except the west shore road which is open only as far as Woody's Cove. Shore anglers can reach the west shoreline via a short 10-minute hike.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Tim Williams of Orange, 15-4 rainbow trout on a Rapala at Rocky Point
Jason Allingham of Corona, 14-2 rainbow trout on a Panther Martin near the dam
Don Tucker of Irvine, 14-2 rainbow trout on a Panther Martin at the red clay cliffs
Ty Wythey of Tustin, 13-8 rainbow trout on Power Bait at Trout Island
Efren Tabback of Covina, 12-14 rainbow trout on Power Bait at Trout Island
Steve Hawes of Lakewood, 12-2 rainbow trout on a Rapala at the flats
Brent Fisher of Lakewood, 12-0 rainbow trout on a Power Worm at Trout Island
Tim Myer of Huntington Beach, 11-10 rainbow trout on a Power Worm near the ramp
Ranafar Diaz of Santa Ana, 11-6 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the flats
Terry Mines of Laguna Beach, 11-6 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at Trout Island
Pat O'Brian of Garden Grove, 11-6 rainbow trout at the flats
Chris Trinajstch of Santa Ana, 10-14 rainbow trout on nightcrawlers at the west shore
Johnny Stapleton of Los Angeles, 10-8 rainbow trout on a Rapala near the dam
Todd Weidman of Lakewood, 10-8 rainbow trout on a Power Mouse at Trout Island
Alan Rudd of Anaheim, 10-0 rainbow trout on a trolled dodger at Sierra Cove
Omar Casas of Redondo Beach, 10-0 rainbow trout on a Rapala at mid-lake