CA state record for inland rainbow trout

[spectr17]

Jim Matthews, ONS

12/3/03

The state record for inland rainbow trout is a 26.08-pounder caught at Santa Ana River Lakes in February, 2002, but that record would have been eclipsed at Corona Lake this past Friday. "Would have" because the huge 27-pound rainbow landed by Chuck Kemp of Compton was foul-hooked while he was casting with a Roostertail. Between Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes, managed by fishing promoters Bill Andrews and Doug Elliott, there were some 40 trout over 10 pounds caught over the Thanksgiving weekend, including the 27-pounder. There is currently a trout swimming in Santa Ana River Lakes that could weigh in the 30-pound range. This fish would top the California state record for rainbow trout, including ocean-going steelhead, which is 27-pounds, four-ounces.

All of these monster trout were raised at Mt. Lassen Trout Farms in the Northern California city of Red Bluff. Phil Mackey, or "the mad fish scientist," as his wife Nancy likes to call him, says he will have rainbow trout in excess of 30 pounds in his ponds on a regular basis from now on.

Anglers pay $18 a day to fish at Corona or Santa Ana River Lakes, where there are these monster trout to hook, and sometimes land. We pay 8 1/2 cents a day to fish public waters managed with our license dollar funds. Whether or not you like the philosophy of these urban lakes, do you think it's safe to say we get what we pay for in fishing and hunting?

[Loye]

Mutant trout suck!