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    Irvine Lake

    2.9 (136 reviews)

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    I so looking forward to the Trout derby today at Irvine lake, however I was declined handicap parking with a handicap placard, and was discouraged from going to the lake shore because the shore was almost full and I would be cast over and tangled up with other angles and was told by pci parking it would be better for me to come on another day. On my way out of the park i had to drive through the handicap parking lot were there were empty handicap parking spaces. No one should ever be lied to at a public event and be made to feel they have to leave because of a handicap or for any other reason. SHAME ON IRVINE LAKE AND ALL INVOLVED!!!

    One of the docks at the end of the lake.
    Grace R.

    I went on the first weekend it re-opened in 2019. It was a hot day. Plenty of people there who were mostly fishing. So we walked on the left side all the way down to the dam at the end. It's a pretty neat place to sit and relax. Parking was easy. However, I didn't see any restrooms that weren't the port a potties. There may have been more public ones near the main entrance. If you like to fish, I recommend checking this place out if it's closer than the beach.

    Amanda A.

    Nice views. Get there early for a good spot. Lots of people! $5 parking fee. Little bit of a walk (not difficult), take a wagon if you have one. Little spiders everywhere but they don't bother much. We only noticed them when they were inside our tent.

    Nice sunny January day at Irvine lake. Catching is bad today but fishing is fun!
    Nick A.

    Went there with a group for an event. I entered the address in my GPS and it took me in the right direction; however, the entrance was actually a couple miles closer than my GPS said, so make sure you keep an eye out for the main entrance. The sign is pretty clear, otherwise you'll be flipping a u-ey. Once we arrived, we thought we were in the wrong place. Nobody at the entrance gate. No instructions of what to do or where to go if nobody is there. There's a store, and that's where you go if nobody is at the gate. It didn't look like a store until I walked around the front, so if nobody is at the gate, park in the lot and go to the store. The store guy said to go to the gate and push the call box and he'd let us in, which he did. We were meeting at a specific place. Our directions were to "go to the left." We did, but ended up making the wrong turn twice. There are no road markers, and nothing is well marked. We had a reserved area, and we were fishing shoulder to shoulder. People in other areas seemed to be concentrated in the same place and also fishing shoulder to shoulder. It's a big enough lake where you can fish in your own spot, but I guess they were all where the fish usually are. Parking was easy and we were able to park pretty much a few yards away from where we were fishing. Our group only caught six fish between about 30 people. A regular told me it was the worst day of fishing he ever had there, so we probably hit it on a bad day. The shoreline was clean, but they only had one trash can for our area and it was quickly filled. They needed at least one more, or they needed to empty it at least once. There are lots of Porta Potties around the lake, but our area only had one and it was almost full. Gross! More are needed in areas with more people. Other Porta Potties in other areas were much cleaner. I wouldn't go here on my own, but for a group I think it's OK. It's a private lake, so you just pay the entrance fee and you don't need a fishing license. A regular adult admission is $24. Check their website for all the fishing regulations they have. It could be a lot better with better signage, more trash cans and more Porta Potties in heavily used areas.

    R M.

    It's a very nice place we spent a very nice time there yes we didn't catch any big fishes but that is fine because it was our first time ever fishing

    Gerard G.

    Glad they re-opened the lake back to fishing. It's a beautiful area to get away from all the buildings and freeways of Orange County. Opening day was super crowded...but it's lightened up now. I caught a good sized catfish opening day...and today my kids caught their first fish, not one but two each! It's a bit tough with the new setup compared to years ago...like you have to walk to your fishing spot instead of driving up. Or the one pole per angler restriction...but overall it's still a fun place to get out and fish.

    Beauty..
    Venissa R.

    I am all about adventure, and I have been fishing before when I was a kid. So I was looking forward to braving it out as a sportsman. But visiting Irvine Lake for the first time was a so-so experience. Lets dish.. I felt that maybe I was a bit rusty at fishing, and to actually be up at dawn and to drive thru the gates at 5am, already made me feel exhausted, but I was hoping for a good time. The drive in on the dirt road billowed dust everywhere, and once I could see the lake in the distance, it totally broke my heart. Due to the lack of rain in this past year, the lake has been very very low. It seems more like a huge pond - but I may exaggerate, it just doesn't look like a full lake. The Hubbster and I were driving out to the far end to meet my Father-in-law who had already set up our poles and tarp. We fished for about half of the day, and caught nothing. We ate a hearty lunch at 2pm and fished again.... nothing. I did end up catching 1 medium sized Trout, and my hubbster caught a nice bass - however, they are only for catch and release here. Oh well, he was happy for the moment. My Father-in-law was disappointed he didn't catch anything, and he is the champion fisherman in the family, but it could of been how the day was. 90 degrees, low water flow and just flies everywhere... yeah, if I were a fish, I would lay low too. Perks: Lake is still beautiful at sunrise. Great Pics are to be had with your camera or smart phone. A pickup food truck drives up and down the fishing areas with burgers,drinks and chips to purchase, as well as a little market at the entrance/exit gate to drive to and purchase snacks and drinks if needed. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. Downsides: Porta Potties are filthy, but its to be expected. Flies are everywhere, and because of the low water line.. there is some trash to be found like bottles, beer cans, cigarette butts, etc. Watch your dogs and the kiddos with these things. KNOW before you GO: You will have to purchase a fishing permit to come in to the lake. Its per person and can cost around $25-$50 or so. Be sure to wear the fishing permit (its a sticker) on your shirt during your stay. The employees come by and patrol often. Also keep in mind of the catch and release law on certain fish breeds. OverALL: A-OK for local fishing. I was hoping for an EPIC time, but sometimes nature has an affect on things you cant control. Its worth a try and to learn from it. We will be back again.

    Killed it today with a rat :)
    Cheryl F.

    I haven't fished here in awhile since the drought started. But I'm glad I did today! The lake has dropped quite a bit since we haven't had a lot of rain but it is still very well maintained from what I experienced today. Employees are very friendly and I always learn something new when I have conversations with any of them about fishing. There are a lot of fish out there. I can't wait to go back next week. Ohhh yeah... Remember to push the button to enter. There are signs everywhere if you just look and read.

    Shrinking lake

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    1 year ago

    Great to have shuttles for disabled. No one else offers this . Was very helpful . Fishing was good. Ty for having the public needs.

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    11 years ago

    Not every day you're going to catch a fish year but the best part is it's only 20 minutes away from anywhere in orange county

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    14 years ago

    We caught a fish, gutted it, and ate it! That makes for a decent day.

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    Ask the Community - Irvine Lake

    Are dogs allowed? I'm seeing a review saying it's $3 per dog, but someone also said no dogs are allowed.

    No dogs

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    Review Highlights - Irvine Lake

    I am now 33 and getting ready for the trout opener.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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