Irvine Lake Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, however no fishing license is required. This is due to an existing Aquaculture permit held by the Serrano Water District. Future license requirements for fishing are uncertain and will be subject to review by the State and County.

• Yes, all Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations regarding fish limits apply, see www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations for the latest CA DF&W regulations.
• Additionally, the following fishing regulations apply:
  • Five fish limit.
  • Bass is catch‐and‐release only.
  • Catfish larger than 24 inches must be released.
  • One rod per person maximum.
  • Approved baits only: worms, mackerel, dough baits, or artificial lures. No live bait allowed (except worms).

Not at this time.

Friday‐Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gates open to parking at 6:30 a.m. Access to the lake begins at 7 a.m. Do not line up on Santiago Canyon Road prior. It is unsafe, and you will be subject to all applicable traffic laws.

There is no charge for fishing. Parking is $5 per vehicle. No reentry.

Bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, crappie.

The lake is stocked. Schedules can be found here.

Shoreline fishing only, no boats permitted.

No. Shoreline fishing only.

No alcohol is permitted.

Yes. Bait is sold at the Tackle Shop.

Yes, light snacks available for purchase.

On the designated shoreline identified on the map onsite. May vary due to water levels.

No dogs permitted.

Please call 911 for emergencies. County Park Rangers do patrol the area but are not stationed there at all times. For any basic information contact the staff at the tackle sales office.

None are scheduled at this time. Please check http://www.ocparks.com/ or social media channels for future announcements.

No camping is allowed.

• At this time there are no open connections to other area trail systems. The park is only open for shoreline fishing.
• For recreation opportunities at adjacent OC Parks facilities check http://www.ocparks.com/ and https://letsgooutside.org/
• Visitors are welcome to walk along the lake edge within the designated areas to observe birds, but there will not be any connections to hiking trails.

No drones, boats or any other radio‐controlled objects permitted.

No amplified music is allowed.

Serrano Water District and Irvine Ranch Water District determine the level of water in the lake.

The lake is open for shoreline fishing only this year through a cooperative agreement between the County of Orange, Serrano Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District and the Irvine Company. Future opportunities to keep the lake open are being discussed by all parties.

No boats, trailers or RVs. Oversized vehicles will be turned away.

For the time being, OC Parks annual parking passes that include regional and wilderness parks will be honored. This may be reevaluated in future.

ADA transportation to the lake can be scheduled by calling 714-649-9111 with at least 24-hour advance notice.

No barbecues permitted at this time.

Red Flag warnings and extreme weather/wind conditions may lead to immediate closure if deemed hazardous.