IRVINE LAKE REPORT
By Steve Carson
8/2/15


IRVINE LAKE LAKE CATFISH BITE TOPPED BY 14.75 POUNDER, Bass Fishing Awesome as anglers sees fish to 9.7
REMINDER; PRIVATE WATERCRAFT NO LONGER PERMITTED
Good numbers of catfish and bass set the pace at Irvine Lake this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. “The Catfish bite has been very good epically for anglers taking advantage of the night time opportunities Thursday-Saturday!” observed Getty. “The fish have showed a strong preference for Shrimp the last two weeks so make sure to have some of those tasty crustaceans when you hit the lake.”
Getty added, “I would like to remind the public that due to a change in our insurance regulations, we can no longer permit private boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, or other privately-owned watercraft. Our 100-boat rental fleet is ready to go, and includes motorboats and party pontoons. We will be adding additional vessels to the fleet to accommodate our valued visitors.”
Good catfish catches were checked in from the west shore, mid-lake, and near the dam. Productive baits included mackerel shrimp, bonito, and skipjack, with strong added scents a big plus. Most catfish on the stringers were prime “eating size” 2 to 10 pounders, with some larger specimens keeping things interesting. Sports Chalet and Berkley hosted a tournament, Seize the Summer Catfish tournament, which was won by lake regular and noted big fish expert Ronson “Catmando” Smothers with a 6.80lb Channel Catfish that was taken on Mackerel near mid lake. Earnest Reed of Los Angeles caught the biggest Catfish of the week with a 14.75lb Blue Catfish he caught while using Shrimp doused in Bite On Cajun!
Bass anglers continued to do well on mostly 2 to 4-pound largemouth. Daytime pattern was mostly dropshot-rigged plastics on hard structure at 15-20 feet, with some frog bite happening for anglers skilled at that technique. Evening and night-time pattern was shallow fish chasing various reaction baits including topwaters. More than one angler reported having 30+fish mornings while throwing an Owner Zip N’ Ziggy in the baby bass pattern or a Heddon Spook. Andrew Perez of Compton caught and released a 7.5lb Largemouth Bass while tossing a 68 Huddelston Deluxe Swimbait. Not to be outdone Marc Neflas of Big Bass Dreams caught and released a 9.7lb Largemouth Bass while fishing a wakebait.
Plenty of plump bluegill and redear sunfish were available for anglers soaking mealworms near submerged vegetation in the Santiago Flats and along the West Shore. In most cases you can actually sight fish the big panfish as the water is mostly gin clear. Bobber and a mealworm or a small jig has been the best bet.
Families with children age 12 and under did well on stocker-size catfish in the Kids Lagoon using mackerel or marshmallow/mealworm combos. The daily limit in the Kids Lagoon is 3 fish, and anglers may complete their 5-fish limit in the main lake. Surface temperature on the main lake is 80 degrees, with underwater visibility rated mixed. The lake level is dropping slowly.
Anglers should make plans now to attend the “Midsummer Night’s Dream” catfish tournament event on Saturday, August 15. Some 5,000 pounds of catfish will be planted, and the lake will be open until 2 AM that evening only. The event is also a “King of the Cats Qualifier”.
Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Earnest Reed of Los Angeles 14.75 Blue Catfish caught on Shrimp doused in Bite On Cajun
Ronson Smothers of Los Angeles 6.80lb Channel Catfish caught on Mackerel.
Marc Neflas of Hollywood 9.7lb Largemouth Bass (caught and released) on a wakebait
Andrew Perez of Compton 7.5lb Largemouth Bass (caught and released) on a 68 Huddelston.
Tanner Blake of Orange 7.10 Channel Catfish taken on Shrimp West Shore
Samantha Richardson 7yrs old of Long Beach 6.95lb Channel Catfish on Shrimp in the Lagoon

Follow Irvine Lake on Facebook, on the web at IrvineLake.net or call 714-649-9111