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May 24, 2002
Despite Drought, Los Angeles County Waters Still Stocked by DFG
Contacts: DFG Conservation Education,(916) 653-6420
SACRAMENTO — While Southern California has suffered through the driest year in history, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) continues to please anglers by stocking three waters in Los Angeles County.
While the record low rainfall kept several lakes and streams in Southern California from receiving their normal allotments of fish plants, the DFG has countered the low stream flows by transferring those allotments to nearby waters in the Angeles National Forest.
“Although some streams have had their number of fish planted reduced, all of the yearly allotments will be met for the region,” said Jim Adams, manager of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery that plants Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties. “Those fish that we could not stock (because of low water) will be transferred to nearby waters. The amount of fish that the counties were supposed to get are still going to be planted, but the locations have been reduced. Fewer locations with the same amount of fish mean more fish per location.”
Due to a recent fire that swept through Bouquet Canyon, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery will be unable to plant Bouquet Canyon Creek until at least July 1. Those allotted fish will be added to the plants in Big Rock Creek, Piru Creek at Frenchman’s Flat and the East and West Forks of the San Gabriel River.
These five waters are currently the only streams and rivers out of the normal 14 Fillmore Hatchery plants that are still suitable to hold catchable rainbow trout. Flows are expected to remain high enough and the water cool enough to permit planting through June.
“There are plenty of places to fish and plenty of fish left,” added Adams. “Just because there is less water, our total allotment for the region hasn’t been reduced. Some streams have continuous release from reservoirs and those waters run longer than the streams that rely on snowmelt.”
Located on the leeward side of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 20 minutes from Palmdale and Lancaster, Big Rock Creek is stocked every other week with three-to-the-pound rainbow trout. This stream, shaded by pines and alders, is the perfect spot for a quick day trip where both small wild trout and hatchery-raised rainbows are abundant. An ideal spot to teach youngsters how to fish the creek has plenty of roadside access and is planted from the Angeles National Forest sign on Big Rock Road to Sycamore Campground.
Roughly 15 minutes north of the Santa Clarita Valley, Piru Creek is dependent on releases from Pyramid Lake, and unfortunately doesn’t offer roadside access. Old Highway 99 parallels the creek which is planted over a half-mile section. Plants are made from the wild trout section on downstream through the parking area.
The East, West and North forks of the San Gabriel River are located a short drive from the 210 Freeway in the San Gabriel Valley. The San Gabriel Drainage is the most heavily stocked river system in the Los Angeles Basin. Each year from October through June, more than 42,000 fish are dumped into these waters.
“The San Gabriel River is heavily fished,” said Adams. “That tells us right off the bat it’s a well-liked place. It’s heavily planted water and people keep coming back.”
With most of the rainbow trout located in pools, all of these waters can be fished the same. Lures tend to produce fast action, however, moss and algae growth due to warmer water can put a damper on the situation. Power Bait on the other hand, works like a charm.
Despite Drought, Los Angeles County Waters Still Stocked by DFG
Contacts: DFG Conservation Education,(916) 653-6420
SACRAMENTO — While Southern California has suffered through the driest year in history, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) continues to please anglers by stocking three waters in Los Angeles County.
While the record low rainfall kept several lakes and streams in Southern California from receiving their normal allotments of fish plants, the DFG has countered the low stream flows by transferring those allotments to nearby waters in the Angeles National Forest.
“Although some streams have had their number of fish planted reduced, all of the yearly allotments will be met for the region,” said Jim Adams, manager of the Fillmore Fish Hatchery that plants Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties. “Those fish that we could not stock (because of low water) will be transferred to nearby waters. The amount of fish that the counties were supposed to get are still going to be planted, but the locations have been reduced. Fewer locations with the same amount of fish mean more fish per location.”
Due to a recent fire that swept through Bouquet Canyon, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery will be unable to plant Bouquet Canyon Creek until at least July 1. Those allotted fish will be added to the plants in Big Rock Creek, Piru Creek at Frenchman’s Flat and the East and West Forks of the San Gabriel River.
These five waters are currently the only streams and rivers out of the normal 14 Fillmore Hatchery plants that are still suitable to hold catchable rainbow trout. Flows are expected to remain high enough and the water cool enough to permit planting through June.
“There are plenty of places to fish and plenty of fish left,” added Adams. “Just because there is less water, our total allotment for the region hasn’t been reduced. Some streams have continuous release from reservoirs and those waters run longer than the streams that rely on snowmelt.”
Located on the leeward side of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 20 minutes from Palmdale and Lancaster, Big Rock Creek is stocked every other week with three-to-the-pound rainbow trout. This stream, shaded by pines and alders, is the perfect spot for a quick day trip where both small wild trout and hatchery-raised rainbows are abundant. An ideal spot to teach youngsters how to fish the creek has plenty of roadside access and is planted from the Angeles National Forest sign on Big Rock Road to Sycamore Campground.
Roughly 15 minutes north of the Santa Clarita Valley, Piru Creek is dependent on releases from Pyramid Lake, and unfortunately doesn’t offer roadside access. Old Highway 99 parallels the creek which is planted over a half-mile section. Plants are made from the wild trout section on downstream through the parking area.
The East, West and North forks of the San Gabriel River are located a short drive from the 210 Freeway in the San Gabriel Valley. The San Gabriel Drainage is the most heavily stocked river system in the Los Angeles Basin. Each year from October through June, more than 42,000 fish are dumped into these waters.
“The San Gabriel River is heavily fished,” said Adams. “That tells us right off the bat it’s a well-liked place. It’s heavily planted water and people keep coming back.”
With most of the rainbow trout located in pools, all of these waters can be fished the same. Lures tend to produce fast action, however, moss and algae growth due to warmer water can put a damper on the situation. Power Bait on the other hand, works like a charm.
