Anglers found that Irvine Lake's trout population had spread throughout the lake, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "Both boat anglers and shore anglers were doing well this week", observed Getty. "Both trolling and bait fishing presentations were also catching fish. Trollers were doing best by toplining, the leadcore line was not needed. A few anglers saw some really large trout over 15 pounds boiling way back in Santiago Flats, but they were not in the mood to bite. The 14-2 rainbow that came to the scales is our biggest so far this season." General manager Dave Noyes added some exciting news, "As part of the regularly-scheduled 5,000-pound plant just before Christmas Day, we will include 1,000 pounds of gigantic 15-20 pound rainbows. Additionally, the months of January, February, and March will include about 3,000 pounds per month of these huge fish; for a total of some 10,000 pounds by the end of the season." Most of the trout were rainbows in the 2 to 7-pound class, with a sprinkling of larger fish and a few exotics spicing up the stringers. Bait dunkers did best with the various garlic-flavored colors of Power Bait, and leaders in the 12 to 16-inch range. Good shore fishing spots included Trout Island, Boat Dock Cove, and out in front. Trollers scored the usual CD03, CD05, and XR06 Rapalas in firetiger and hot pink colors, with the addition of brown trout as a productive color. Top trolling locations were the west shoreline, mid-lake, and Santiago Flats. Bass anglers again found their quarry suspended below balls of bait. Bassers found moderate numbers of 2 to 3-pound largemouth hitting on vertical presentations such as underspins and dropshot-rigged plastics, but more trout than bass were actually landed during such efforts. Some incidental channel catfish also inhaled baits intended for trout. Families with children age 12 and under found wide-open action on 1 to 3-pound trout, on all of the usual Power Bait, nightcrawler, and Atomic Teaser presentations. An additional 1,000 pound stocking went into the Lagoon this week. During rainy periods when the lakeside roads are closed, Irvine Lake will offer full-day motor boat rentals at the half-day price. The Christmas Trout Derby will take place Dec. 18-19, and Holiday Tagged Fish celebration in the Kids Lagoon will run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. Surface temperature on the main lake is 57-59 degrees, with the lake level holding steady. The lake will be open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve [Dec. 24], Closed on Christmas Day [Dec. 25], and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Dec. 26. Follow Irvine Lake on Facebook, on the web at www.IrvineLake.net or call 714-649-9111.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

1) Serop Karchikyan of Burbank, 14-2 rainbow trout on a Rapala at the west shore.
2) Tim O'Donnell of Fullerton, 8-6 rainbow trout on Power Bait at Boat Dock Cove.
3) Emily Baczek of Redondo Beach, 7-1 rainbow trout on a Rapala at mid-lake.
4) Brian Addison of Los Angels, 7-1 rainbow trout on a Power Mouse at the flats.
5) Manny Romero of Yorba Linda, 4-10 brown trout on a Power Worm at the west shore
6) Danny Huitzil of Norwalk, 4-8 largemouth bass [released] on a plastic worm at Woody's Cove.
7) Seth Mostero of Villa Park, 3-5 largemouth bass [released] on a Triple Trout at Sierra Cove.
8) Antonio Heras of Santa Ana, 5-14 channel catfish on Power Bait at Woody's Cove.