The season's largest catfish [so far] topped the news from Irvine Lake this week. A modest number of blue cats in the 10 to 20-pound class were also caught, but the hottest action was on 2 to 8-pound channel cats. "Even the shore anglers are finding very good fishing", observed Nick Sepulveda at the Pro Shop. "We are seeing lots of limits of nice size channel cats. Of course the big one was very exciting, and I am happy to say that it swam away just fine after we weighed it."

A massive 45.5 pound blue catfish was captured by Terry "Pontoon" Lairsen of Huntington Beach. The big fish was brought boatside after a tough fight, and would not fit into the net. The Lairsen's fishing partner Chris "Trollmeister" Hagopian of Redondo Beach finally hoisted the monster aboard by allowing it to clamp down on his hand "noodling style".

Productive spots for catfish included the west shore road, Santiago Flats and near the dam. Favored baits were Catmando, Bowkers, Gulp! Catfish Dough and plain mackerel.

Bass fishing continues to be very good, with some anglers reporting the release of 20 or more 2 to 4-pound largemouth per day. Best bet is topwaters very early and late, or dropshot baits at 18 to 25 feet during the day.

Crappie fishing effort is close to zero with the good catfish bite going on. The bluegill and redear fishing is still going at a torrid pace, with high numbers of the tasty panfish falling to mealworms and waxworms.

Outstanding catches of the week at Irvine Lake included:
Terry "Pontoon" Lairsen of Huntington Beach, 45.5 pound catfish [released] on mackerel at the flats
Jerry Joiner of Laguna Beach, 14.8 and 11.6 pound catfish on Catmando Bait at the flats
Terry Leibon of Huntington Beach, 14.4 pound catfish on mackerel at the flats