The change in seasons affected the catfish action this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop. "The catfish bite was a little slower this week", observed Getty. "You could still get a limit of 3 to 7-pounders if you worked at it, but it's not like it was during July. The best numbers of fish are in deeper water at 20 to 30 feet." Getty added, "Don't forget that Irvine Lake will be closed to the public on Monday Oct. 29, Tuesday October 30, Wednesday October 31, and Thursday, November 1. Our big 2012-13 Trout Season Opener will take place on Friday, November 2, and over 20,000 pounds of trout will be planted just prior to that date.

Catfish anglers scored on all the usual baits, including mackerel, shrimp, bonito, and skipjack. Whiskerfish catches were reported from Boat Dock Cove, the west shore, and Santiago Flats.

Bass anglers found continuing good action on 2 to 7-pound largemouth, with daily release totals of up to a dozen per boat. Fish were available at 5 to 30-foot depths, with jigs, crankbaits, dropshot baits, and Texas-rigged worms all fooling their share. A handful of hybrid striped bass were caught incidentally during the pursuit of catfish.

Families with children age 12 and under found good numbers of medium-size carp in the Kids Lagoon. Water temperatures have dropped significantly in the past week, with surface temperatures on the main lake in the 68-72 degree range. The lake level is dropping a few inches per week.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:

Elaine Dickerhoof of Artesia, 14-9 blue catfish [released] on mackerel at the flats
James Dagostino of Huntington Beach, 8-5 channel catfish on Bite-On at the flats
Steve Cristoff of Artesia, 10-0 wiper [released] on mackerel at the flats
Dave Pearson of Garden Grove, 7-1 largemouth bass [released] on a custom worm at the fenceline