"Phil Hildenbrandt of Anaheim hefts the 15-9 Irvine Lake catfish he caught this week on a chunk of mackerel."

"Alex Brenton and Adrian Pintor of Huntington Beach show off part of their impressive Irvine Lake 10-catfish limit totaling 72-1."

Irvine Lake catfish action "really good"; 15-9 whiskerfish tops
The catfish bite really perked up at Irvine Lake this week, according to Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "The fish are biting all over, it's been really good", observed Getty. "Catfish are being caught in both the shallow spots and the deep spots, on all the usual baits. The very hot weather means that almost all of the action is going to be after dark"

Bass anglers are still being secretive, but word of very good numbers of 1 to 4 pound largemouth leaked out from reliable sources. Best action has been in 5 to 10 feet of water on jigs and crankbaits. Anglers are reminded that all bass species are catch and release only at Irvine Lake. The few crappie anglers making an effort found willing slabs up to a pound hitting on white Berkley Atomic Tubes and 2-inch Gulp! Minnows fished under floating lanterns. Some bluegill and redear were also caught on mealworms and waxworms.

The bite has been slow in the Kids Lagoon for families with children age 12 and under. The main lake water level is receding slowly, with the surface temperature at 74 degrees. Current lake hours are 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, until 11:00 PM on Thursdays, until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed on Tuesdays.

Irvine Lake's annual trout season opening day will be Friday, November 6, with 20,000 pounds of trout planted just prior to the opener. For the first time ever, Thursday November 5 will be "VIP Day", and for $150, members of the public will be allowed to fish a day ahead of everybody else. Price includes a New York Steak lunch, and shared motor boat rental [5-trout limit in force]. Advance reservations are required for VIP Day; call Daniela in the Pro Shop [714-649-9111] no later than October 28.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

- Phil Hildenbrandt of Anaheim, 15-9 catfish on mackerel at the flats
- Theresa Lau of Costa Mesa, 9-8 catfish on mackerel near the dam
- Marty Saucedo of Costa Mesa, 8-7 catfish on mackerel at the flats
- Alex Brenton and Adrian Pintor of Huntington Beach, 10-catfish limit totaling 72-1, topped by a 14-9, on mackerel at the flats