Well Folks, it's that time of the year when local trout season here in the Southland is about to begin. I look forward every year with anticipation to fishing in local waters. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife are sure to be stocking the local county parks with catchable stockers and a few trout in the 1-2 pound range to keep us happy. Other venues such as Santa Ana River Lakes will be stocking their usual monster sized trout to get those anglers with deep money pockets, a shot at catching trophy size wall hanger trout. In waters further south down in San Diego County, you can expect Lake Dixon and Wohlford to be stocking big trout as well. Lake Poway and Santee Lakes will be a destination for many anglers as well as several other San Diego County lakes. Expect to see action at Diamond Valley Reservoir and possibly some of those exotic Lightning Trout added in, to make anglers really happy. For those of you that can brave colder weather Big Bear Lake will be a good destination but weather conditions will be the key to accessing the lake taking in road conditions and weather. Irvine Lake now under new management by the Irvine Ranch Water District will be another destination for the lucky few that can endure the ridiculous hike from the parking lot with fishing gear in hand to fishable waters. It's an approx. 1/2 to 3/4 mile hike to where you can fish. Expect the crowd numbers at the trout derby to reach approx. 1K-2K and elbow to elbow fishing since the lake water level is down compared to previous openers. Parking will exceed the Kiosk parking lot spaces and people will be parking in overflow areas probably without payments made to the County. The Trout Derby is Saturday 12/6/25. Maybe new management will change the standing rule of no vehicles driving the shoreline, to allowing anglers especially the elders, disabled, and younger folks equal access by opening the shoreline up so that all may enjoy fishing the lake? For decades anglers were allowed to drive their vehicles along the shoreline with little to no problems. Its about time for change at Irvine Lake. Let's hope this is the year to seeing Irvine Lake once again becoming a premiere fishing destination with Portable toilets and garbage barrels added. Irvine Ranch Water District are you listening?
