how packed does Irvine get for the tournaments?

[Bear Grylls]

going to be making my first trip out there on Aug. 7th. Scheduled a trip with my family and my wife's family. Didnt realize there would be a catfish derby that same day. Dont really want to push the trip back another week. How early should I get there?

[Thisfool]

get in line now

[troutdog]

The only reason the lake would be "packed" would be if the lake is having an outside event, but that would have nothing to do with how crowded the lake itself would be as concert goers aren't there to fish. Trout Tourneys are a different story, but generally speaking the heat keeps many anglers off the water until later in the day. If you are taking kids fishing, there should be plenty of elbow room at the lagoon and the catfish will more then likely be keeping you busy!

Have fun and see you on the 7th!


TD

[See Chris Fish]

Usually very crowded. If I'm going to be in the line-up in the parking lot, I'm there at 2am.
Opening day for Trout season sees hundreds of people. Not to sure about the Catfish season.
Don't forget the breakfast burritos at the cafe!!

[troutdog]

Show up at 2am during catfish season and you will be the only one in the parking lot :LOL:, trout season is another story...apples to oranges.


TD

[Bear Grylls]

so showing up at 5am or 530am should be fine?

[TaperSteve]

most peeps show up later in the day for the cat tourneys. There isnt a big crowd at all. The last cat tourney had I think 30-45 peeps. Like others have said come on the day of one of the bigger trout tourneys and there will be lotsa cars in line.

TS

[Bear Grylls]

sweet thanks for the info guys.

[fongster]

You can get in line before 6 am--like 4:30, 5:00, whatever and sit there until 6:20 when you'll get thru the gate. Or, you can sleep in an extra hour and drive right in if arriving at 6:30. There will e no line for boats in the store at that time and still plenty of shore or boat spots to pick from.