Trout Fishing Paradise in Peril
Mud Snails & Hatchery Closures
May, 2004
The Mammoth
trout fishing region is in the midst of two on-going battles to save its
fisheries. Although there is widespread support and effort being put
forth, the region is in jeopardy of seeing limits reduced to daily catches
of 1-2 trout. And the loss of a true trout fishing paradise.
For those that
are unaware, Mammoth is in the middle of a trout fishing playground.
With several 'drive to' lakes (Crowley, Convict, June, Mammoth
Lakes...). As well as, the endless number of 'hike to' lakes
(Skelton, Barney, Duck, Thousand Island, Garnett, and a zillion
others). Not to mention the many 'drive to' and 'hike to' creeks and
rivers (McGee Creek, Mammoth Creek, Hot Creek, San Joaquin River, Rock
Creek, Owens River and countless others). All the same, there's
trouble in paradise.
New Zealand Mud
Snails have found their way around (if not into) Tim Alpers trout farm,
and his trophy fish (Alpers) will not be allowed in most Eastern Sierra
waters on the eve of the 2004 trout opener (and beyond). Most (if
not all) of the lakes in the Mammoth area will suffer the loss of
regularly stocked Alpers. The success of these lakes is closely tied to
their Alpers trout populations. For more information, Try this Google
Search. Also read: DFG
Offers Suggestions....
The Hot Creek
Hatchery provides the bulk of the DFG stockers to the Mammoth area.
More than $2.6 million has been cut from the state's hatchery program
since the 2002-03 fiscal year. The Hot Creek Hatchery is on the cutting
block with, among others, the Mojave River Trout Hatchery that supplies
Southern California. The Hot
Creek Hatchery Foundation has been successful at keeping the hatchery
operational. As a result the State has adopted a State
Pilot Project in Mono County .
Help is on the
way... maybe. Assembly Bill 2280 will dedicate 33 1/3 percent of
sport fishing license revenue directly to the Hatcheries and Fish Planting
Facilities Program. Assemblyman
Dave Cogdill introduced AB 2280 to prevent the gutting of the
hatcheries by California's budget crisis. The bill is currently
making its jumps through the legislative hoops. You can monitor its status
here.
Though the
alarm has sounded, I'm certain that Mud Snail issue will eventually be
resolved. The DFG and others are working diligently to counter the
Mud Snail and return the fishery to normal. Likewise, the State Assembly,
Local Governments and Concerned Citizens are doing whatever it takes to
ensure the fisheries (state-wide) continue to be stocked by the DFG.
Meanwhile, we
plan to visit the Mammoth region 'first hand' in June/04. And of
course, upon our return, we'll give you the full report here.
