Back in 1999, a 90 pounder catfish was the biggest ever caught at Irvine Lake Catfish Baits officials claimed that a few 50 to 60 pounders are taken most seasons; fish in the 30 to 50 pound range are definitely expected all season.

Trout Fishing

Although far-off mountain streams are great for trout fishing, Irvine Lake Catfish Baits offers the chance to catch several trout species near by but, as said, in the winter when the water temperatures remain chilly enough.

Once the water warms, expect no numbers to be captured. While other fish cover the shortfall, catch rates will slow quickly during spring and most likely into summer.

There have occasionally been several kinds of fish placed in the lake, mostly rainbow and brown variations. There have occasionally been planted the steelhead variation of rainbows.

Trout Stocking Schedule for 2023–24

OC Parks claims that at some point during each of the following weeks Irvine Lake Catfish Baits will be filled with hatchery trout for the 2023-2024 season. Note that occasionally circumstances can change plans for trout-stocking.

Apart from the week following Thanksgiving, trout fishing should be most consistent until the first planting of 2024 takes place in the second week of January and runs on into the early days of March.

Catfish Hunting

Catfish, which bite more frequently as the water warms throughout spring and on through summer and fall, are also sometimes supplied in Irvine Lake Catfish Baits.

If a cat picks up your nightcrawler or PowerBait during trout season, however, you should not be totally astonished.

The finest catfishing, though, starts with the first hatchery-raised catfish planting and probably lasts late summer or early October.

Generally speaking, the last catfish stocking schedule we came onto shows the first fish delivery in mid-March, with additional scheduled for May and August. Before that first planting, OC Parks most certainly will reveal the stocking plan for the current year.

Schedule for Catfish Stocking in 2024

Catchable-sized catfish will be seeded in Irvine Lake fish stocking over the next weeks:

March 18 through 22; May 13 through 17
August 1–16

Other Fishery at Irvine Lake

Try your luck capturing largemouth bass, panfish, carp or maybe the elusive sturgeon when trout and catfish are insufficient or not cooperative.

Bass Hunting

Although of course the average catch is smaller, Lake Irvine has largemouth bass topping 10 pounds.

They get so big here mostly because all bass must be released for other anglers to enjoy.

Simply casting and retrieving crankbaits or other lures that mimic the food source, such smaller fish or crawfish, is one of the best ways to find largemouth bass, particularly for beginning bass fishermen.

Fishing for Panfish

Irvine Lake's various common panfish species include crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Using similar techniques catches each of these.

Fishing by Carp

In Irvine Lake Catfish Baits, common carp can grow really large and weigh more than thirty pounds.

Sometimes carp root about feeding on the bottom, while other times you will see them boiling the water or gliding across the surface.

Stingers

Native to California rivers, white sturgeon are prehistoric fish that grow enormous and occasionally grown in lakes.

The way the sturgeon are captured is like that of catfish. Concentrate on the bottom using a weight and baited hook.

Irvine Lake is in what location?

Irvine Lake fish stocking, perched on the hills, is easily reachable from the east side of Orange by brief drive out East Santiago Canyon Road.

Fishing Rules

Mostly owned by the Orange County, the highly controlled reservoir supplies water for the Serrano and Irvine Ranch districts.

FAQs

Why did Irvine Lake closed?

Three years of closure for Irvine Lake resulted from conflicts between many agencies. Supervisor Wagner effectively negotiated with the Irvine Company, Irvine Ranch Water District, Serrano Water District, County of Orange, to reopen Irvine Lake for public enjoyment upon assuming office.

Why did Irvine Lake closed?

Three years of closure for Irvine Lake resulted from conflicts between many agencies. Supervisor Wagner effectively negotiated with the Irvine Company, Irvine Ranch Water District, Serrano Water District, County of Orange, to reopen Irvine Lake for public enjoyment upon assuming office.

How much does it cost to fish Irvine Lake?

Fishing does not incur fees. Five dollars for each car is parking. no reentry.

Where does Irvine Lake get its water from?

Irvine Lake, co-owned by Serrano Water District and Irvine Ranch Water District, serves mostly to store water for the nearby towns. In years with less rain, it stores water imported from Northern California or outside-of-state and gathers precipitation from the nearby watershed.