The rising water story at Irvine Lake was eclipsed by the best trout action of year for both quantity and quality. The phenomenal action included the two largest trout of the year to date. Literally dozens of big trout in the 6 to 10 pound class were checked in, along with a scattering of larger specimens ranging from 11 to over 15 pounds.

The rising water finally covered the pipe at Sierra Cove, allowing lake management to move the restriction buoys to within 50 feet of the water that has been rushing in for over a month. With the fish stacked up like cordwood, the action was fast and furious.

Last weeks' bonus planting of both the famous Alpers-strain rainbows in the 2 to 5 pound range and plenty of big Calaveras rainbows, browns, brookies and steelhead running from 6 to 16 pounds will be supplemented by another stocking of primarily 1 to 4 pounders from Calaveras this week.

Trollers did very well using several different lures, with Rapalas the top choice fished along the west shore, mid-lake and near the dam.

Shorecasters dunking bait will now find Trout Island their top location, with boaters making a beeline over to Sierra Cove. By far the top choice for bait anglers is the new gulp! Trout Dough, fished alone or with a nightcrawler. A Power Mouse made with a Gulp! Salmon Egg also scored well.

Bass anglers nailed excellent numbers of 2 to 5-pound largemouth along the red clay cliffs and in areas of submerged vegetation. Best bets were dropshot-rigged Power Worms, and wacky-rigged Gulp! Sinking Minnows.

Very few anglers targeted catfish, but those that did generally found limit action on 3 to 6-pound whiskerfish near the docks using nightcrawlers or mackerel.

Access to the west shore road for shore fishing is now blocked by the flooding just beyond the rental boat dock, but the influx of water has spread the fish out all around the lake. Stocking in the Kids Lagoon is suspended until further notice.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Tim Morlan of Anaheim, 15.4 pound trout on Gulp! Trout Dough at the flats
Juan Ramirez of Lawndale, 14.5 pound trout on Power Bait at Trout Island
Allen Yegniam of Glendale, 9.5 pound trout on Power bait at the west shore
Chris Goodman of Brea, 8.8 pound trout on Cordell Chub at Sierra Cove
Jose Valenzuela of Anaheim, 8.2 pound trout on Gulp! Trout Dough at the flats
Mitz Onizuka of Orange, 7.2 pound steelhead on a Kastmaster at the west shore
Gary Becker of Orange, 6.9 pound trout on a mini jig at Sierra Cove
Ricky Awana of Stockton, 6.7 pound brook trout on a Rapala at Sierra Cove
Nick Northrop of Lake Forest, 6.5 pound trout on nightcrawlers at Sierra Cove
Berkley Cup Tournament top-5 winners [Sunday]:
Tim Morlan- 15.4 pounds
Chris Goodman- 8.8
Gary Baker- 6.9
Jose Valenzuela- 6.4
Alan Swan- 6.3

Media Contacts:
Daniela Galvadon at the Irvine Lake Pro Shop[714-649-9111] Steve Carson at scarson@sunset.net