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Steve Carson Fish report
IRVINE LAKE CATFISHING STEADY; BASS CHEWING
COUNTDOWN TO OCTOBER 30 TROUT OPENER BEGINS
Both bass and catfish catches continue to be good to excellent for anglers at Irvine lake, but the October 30 Trout Opener looms large, reported “Kewly” Zimara at the Pro Shop. “Bass fishing is exceptionally good in the early mornings and in the PM”, observed Zimara. “The bass are schooling up, with most schools being 2-5 pounders, but some hold 7-10 pounders. Anglers are walking along looking for weeds, trees, or other hard structure, along with points. Catfish anglers are using Carolina rigs so that they can throw way out during mid-day, but you only need to cast 20-30 feet during the night-time. Fresh baits like skipjack, bonito, and sardines were better than mackerel this week. We also had our ‘King of the Cats’ championship; congratulations to Richard Smith for taking the big prize.”
Zimara added, “We are excited about the upcoming public trout season opener on Friday, October 30. Thousands of pounds of beautiful Nebraska Tailwalker rainbows just before opening day.”
Good catfish catches were checked in from the west shore and Boat dock cove. One of the most productive baits was shrimp, with fresh skipjack and bonito also fooling a lot of whiskerfish. Good numbers of bluegill and redear sunfish were caught using worms near brushy areas.
Bass anglers scored excellent numbers using a variety of plastics, topwaters, wakebaits, frogs, and rats. Points along the west shore were the prime holding structure for bass. Fast moving schools of bass and wipers are also popping up boiling on shad, though few anglers are ready when this happens. Anglers are reminded that all bass species are strictly catch and release at Irvine Lake.
The public is invited to attend a free seminar by legendary trout expert and Irvine Lake Pro team leader Marlon Meade. The event will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on October 27, at the Sport Chalet location in Brea at 2500 E. Imperial Highway. Special emphasis will be given to shore fishing techniques with Berkley products, and prizes will be given away.
The Kids Lagoon is being drained in order to make it deeper and wider in preparation for trout season. Surface temperature on the main lake is 71-72 degrees, with underwater visibility rated good. In the lead-up to trout season, the lake will be closed on Monday Oct. 26, Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday Oct. 28 to stock the trout. Anglers are reminded that only shore fishing is permitted at Irvine Lake; no boats or other watercraft are allowed. Thursday, Oct. 29 will feature a special limited-entry “VIP Fishing Day”. On Friday, Oct. 30, the gates will open and the winter excitement will commence.
Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Richard Smith of Anaheim, 13-6 channel catfish on bonito at the flats
Robyn Duncan of Lake Elsinore, 12-6 channel catfish on mackerel at the west shore
Andy Vega of Orange, 12-1 channel catfish on mackerel at the flats
Marty Sauceda of Irvine, 10-12 channel catfish on bonito at the west shore
Mark Neflas of Sherman Oaks, 7-1 largemouth bass [released] on a swimbait at the west shore
Alex Ishii of Japan, 1-2 bluegill on worms at Boat Dock Cove
Follow Irvine Lake on Facebook, on the web at IrvineLake.net or call 714-649-9111
