CDFW Law Enforcement Active at Eastern Sierra Trout Opener

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers contacted more than 3,000 anglers while patrolling the local waterways in Inyo and Mono Counties during the trout season opener that started April 27. Over the opening weekend, 17 CDFW wildlife officers issued 60 citations, 43 warnings and made one arrest.

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Violations included over-limits of trout, fishing closed waters, fishing without a license, use of prohibited gear and bait, fishing out of season, angling in a hatchery, snagging, boating without a fire extinguisher, no life jackets, boating under the influence, excessive speed and use of multiple poles.

Officers also conducted a wildlife checkpoint operation to promote safety, education and compliance with law and regulations through education, preventative patrol and enforcement.

On Tuesday, April 30, the southbound lanes of U.S. 395 were reduced to one lane and all vehicles traveling south on U.S. 395 were screened by the Department’s law enforcement officers.  Screening consisted of an introduction and brief questions.  Approximately 2,000 vehicles were contacted. Of those, 250 vehicles submitted to an inspection. A total of 14 violations were found which included 11 over-limits of trout, one driving without a valid driver’s license, one unregistered vehicle and possession of scales and drug paraphernalia.

Average screening took less than 20 seconds per vehicle and the average inspection took about 2 minutes, 20 seconds per vehicle.  If violations were found, the occupants were detained for an average of 28 minutes to conduct the inspection, interviews and issue citations.

Anglers found in violation of the trout limit were returned their legal possession limit of 10 trout per person; the excess trout above the legal limit were seized.  A total of 88 seized trout were donated to the California Department of Forestry conservation camp.

The Department provided informative literature about the invasive quagga mussel and New Zealand mud snail to help reduce the spread of these invasive species.

Media Contacts:
Lt. Bill Daily, CDFW Law Enforcement, (760) 872-7360
Andrew Hughan, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8944

Lakes and Streams Looking Good for Eastern Sierra Trout Season Opener

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) anticipates good fishing for the eastern Sierra trout opener due to early spring conditions and rising temperatures.

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Warm weather has been melting snow and ice on lakes that often are still frozen in late spring, giving anglers more access to lakes, streams and waterways for the Saturday, April 27 season opener. Lakes below 8,000 feet have already thawed and higher lakes could thaw considerably more prior to opening day.

Warmer water often means the fish have had more time to forage and add some weight after the winter. Hatcheries have begun to stock the open waters.

CDFW biologists have been surveying the waters and have made the following observations:

• Crowley Lake is ice-free and has been open for two months.

• Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, Lundy Lake and the Twin Lakes in Bridgeport are all open and ice-free.

• The entire June Lake Loop, including June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Reservoir are all ice-free. Water level at Grant Reservoir is very low.

• East Walker River is at very low flow but fishing is good with no ice or muddy areas. East Walker River is open to catch-and-release fishing all winter.

• Monitor Pass is open.

• The Bishop Creek drainage roads are open and the roads are snow-free, the creek, south and middle forks will be fishable. North Lake and Weir Pond are ice-free and open.

• In the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Twin Lakes are open, no update on Mamie, Mary or George Lakes.

• Rock Creek Lake is 50 percent open and melting. The road is open and all shoreline is accessible.

• In Virginia Lakes, road is still closed due to highway work.

Anglers are reminded that anyone over 16 must have a valid California fishing license in their possession while fishing and that the limit for trout is five fish per day and 10 in possession.

CDFW wildlife officers will be in the area for the opener and enforcing the laws and regulations. On opening weekend last year wardens contacted 3,355 anglers, gave 73 warnings and wrote 91 citations for fishing without a license, catching more than the limit and other Fish and Game Code Violations.

The eastern Sierra trout season officially open at one hour before sunrise on Saturday, April 27. Check the CDFW freshwater fishing regulations for specifics on individual lakes at http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/FreshFish-Mar2013/

Media Contacts:         
James Erdman, CDFW Environmental Scientist, (760) 873-6071
Andrew Hughan, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8944

CDFW Trout Fest Series Kicks Off in Central Valley

Media Contact:
Jana Leiran, CDFW Hatchery Interpretive Services, (916) 539-6644

Catch ’em, Clean ’em, Cook ’em and Eat ’em at Annual Fish Festival

As the trout season opener approaches, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites all to Trout Fest.

Trout Fest is a free community event that introduces families to the low-cost outdoor sport of trout fishing, as well as offering a view of California’s unique hatchery system and the role of native trout in California’s rich natural history.

“Beginner, novice and experienced anglers alike will find that this activity-filled day features something for everyone,” said CDFW Education and Outreach Director Kirsten Macintyre. “If you are looking to build your fishing skill set or find an enjoyable activity for the whole family, Trout Fest is a great place to start.”

In 2013, Trout Fest will be held at the following locations:

• Saturday, April 13 – Moccasin Creek Hatchery in Moccasin (Tuolumne County)
• Saturday, April 27 – Kern River Hatchery in Kernville (Kern County)
• Saturday, May 11 – San Joaquin Hatchery in Friant (Fresno County)
• Saturday, June 29 – Hot Creek Hatchery in Mammoth Lakes (Mono County)

Hours for all four events are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with parking, admission and activities at no cost to the public.

CDFW staff and volunteers from local fishing groups will be on hand to teach attendees the basics of trout fishing, including how to rig a fishing pole, handle fish and clean and cook a fish. Pan-frying and grilling demonstrations will feature free recipes and samples. Fly-fishing groups will demonstrate the art of fly-tying, casting and catch and release techniques.

Additional information can be found at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Events/Trout_Fest/.