Trout plants for Southern California during the week beginning Nov. 23

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Nov. 23 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lakes and Lincoln Park Lake.

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake and Laguna Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake and Skinner Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Prado Park Lake and Silverwood Lake. 

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake.  

Photo: Unidentified anglers display their catch at Beaver Cove on Crowley Lake. Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times

Irvine Lake fishing report includes trout to 13-8

Here's this week's Irvine Lake fishing report, written by veteran angler Steve Carson and issued today:

The phenomenal action of Irvine Lake’s opening weekend just kept right on going this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop.

“The trout bite has been just insane,” quipped Getty. “The fish are biting on the troll, bait and plastics; and trolling is probably best of all right now. The few people not limiting-out are either using line that is too heavy or are not paying attention to what those around them are using.” 

Legendary trout expert Marlon Meade of Anaheim offered a technique that has worked consistently at Irvine Lake so far this season, using the 3-inch Power Trout Worm in 5 to 30 feet of water. “Use a size five or smaller split-shot and a small light-wire fly hook,” Meade said.

“Hooks that are too large make the worm sit on the bottom and will not be effective. When casting from a boat, shore or float tube, let the worm sink to the bottom and start popping or dragging it in. Another technique is 'dead sticking,' which means letting the worm sink and not moving it. The trick is to use a small fly hook for best results,” he said.

At Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, no ordinary trout will do

In the Eastern Sierra, they're just trout. But at the handful of private, paid-entry lakes in Southern California, they need special qualities or catchy names to lure the crowds.

At Santa Ana River Lakes in Anaheim and Corona Lake alongside Interstate 15 near Corona, they're called Nebraska tailwalkers, Mt. Lassen Sierra ’bows and ruby red steelhead.

The lakes, which are run by the same concessionaire, are adding bonus plants for this weekend and the Thanksgiving holiday week. The Nebraska tailwalkers stocking will include fish to about 10 pounds and the Mt. Lassen 'bows will include fish perhaps upward of 20 pounds.

The Big Fish Bonanza begins the day after Thanksgiving. Click on the blue link for details, and check out some of the whoppers pouring into Santa Ana River Lakes in the video. If you're a trout angler, it should whet your appetite.

-- Pete Thomas

Video: Fried fish that still breathes -- a delicacy or downright distasteful?

I'm a longtime angler who occasionally kills a fish for dinner, but I would not be able to stomach eating a fish in the manner portrayed by Chinese diners in the accompanying video, which has been a popular draw on YouTube.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as expected, has spoken out against the practice of eating fish from a plate while the fish is still alive and breathing -- which is increasingly common in some parts of the world.

A PETA spokesman called it "disgusting" and added:  "Every decent person should be shocked when anyone mocks or abuses a helpless dying animal."

It's just a carp, some might say. But frying the fish on its side while keeping it alive and breathing when it's placed on the plate seems cruel, and the giddiness of the diners makes it that much more unappetizing. Your thoughts?

-- Pete Thomas

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter please visit @latimesoutposts

Trout plants for Southern California during the week beginning Nov. 16

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Nov. 16 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Hansen Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.  

RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake, Diamond Valley Reservoir and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga Guasti Park Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Yucaipa Lake.  

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

SANTA BARBARA: Cachuma Lake.

VENTURA: Casitas Lake, Piru Lake and Rancho Simi Park Lake.

IMPERIAL: Sunbeam Lake and Weist Lake.

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Fly-angler and fishing show host Diana Rudolph lands near-record permit as cameras roll

Diana Rudolph, co-host for the TV fishing show "Breaking the Surface," almost broke her own world record by catching a permit estimated to be just shy of 25 pounds on 12-pound tippet line.

Rudolph was fly-fishing in the flats off Abaco Island in the Bahamas when she hooked the beautiful permit, one of the most sought-after game fish by fly anglers. “I knew it was very close to my current record, but I let the fish go to live another day,” Rudolph said in a post on The Sportsman Channel website. A crew was in tow filming for an upcoming episode.

It ought to be an entertaining show as Rudolph also completed a grand slam, catching permit, tarpon and bonefish during the same trip.

“Having a camera there filming your every move adds a level of excitement to how we fish,” said Rudolph, referring to the other co-host, conventional angler Kim Bain-Moore. “I hope people can learn from how we fish and see the highs and lows of what we do to help make them more successful when they are on the water.”

Rudolph's record permit, a 24-pound specimen, was caught off Key West, Fla., in 2004.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Diana Rudolph displays permit caught recently in the Bahamas. Credit: The Sportsman Channel

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Nov. 9

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Nov. 9 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Cerritos Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Hollenbeck Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake and Lincoln Park Lake.

ORANGE: Laguna Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake, Perris Lake and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Cucamonga-Guasti Park Lake, Prado Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Silverwood Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Park Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake. 

INYO: Pleasant Valley Reservoir.

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.

Photo credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Irvine Lake trout season opens today

The trout season opens today at Irvine Lake, with more than 20,000 pounds of newly released trout awaiting anglers.

Closed since Monday, the lake has been stocked with rainbows ranging in the 1- to 6-pound range, although there were also a decent number of fish released that weigh from 8 to 12 pounds and also some lunkers weighing in at more than 20-pounds.

For good measure, some brown and steelheads were also added to the waters.

Longtime angler and outdoor writer Steve Carson offers the following trout angling tips:

--Veteran trout chasers at Irvine Lake always recommend using ultra-light line to get their limit. Trollers can get by with 6-pound test line, but most lure casting and bait fishing should be done with nothing heavier than 4-pound test monofilament line. If the fish are acting finicky, or there is heavy pressure from weekend crowds, dropping down to 2-pound test line will often get trout when nothing else will.

--Bait fishing with Carolina-rigged PowerBait or Gulp! Trout Dough is the most common way to catch trout from shore. Under normal to clear conditions, go with a 12- to 18-inch leader, but when rains decrease visibility, leaders from 6 to 8 inches work best. Favored bait colors include chartreuse, rainbow and white.
 
--Trollers usually go for Rapalas, in most cases the smaller the better. Top choices are the Rapala Countdown CD01, CD03, and CD05 in firetiger color, or the Rapala X-Raps in the XR06 size and clown or hot pink colors. When the fish want more movement, the Jointed Rapala J05 and J07 in chartreuse or brown trout colors are the go-to baits.

Gates open at 6 a.m. daily at the privately run, paid-entry lake, where no state fishing license is required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Jenn Ngyuen of Yorba Linda shows off the 15-pound, 4-ounce rainbow she landed near the boat docks at Irvine Lake last year. Credit: Irvine Lake

Fish and Game Q&A: Can I set a loaded shotgun on the hood of my car?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We were hunting doves in Imperial County recently when the game wardens came in asking for inspections. I set my 12-gauge shotgun on the hood of the car, gave the officer my hunting license, and then went back to check the guns to make sure they were unloaded. The officer stopped me and told me not to touch any gun at that point. He then checked the guns and found both my gun on top of the hood and another gun leaning on the front hood were loaded. I was given a ticket for Fish and Game Code Section 2006 ”loaded gun in a vehicle.” I tried to argue that my gun was not “IN” the vehicle but “ON” the vehicle, but the officer declined to argue and said I have to argue in court.

Is this a valid citation? Was the officer in a position not to allow me to have a chance to unload our firearms before his inspection? Do you have any court cases regarding loaded guns on top of the hood/vehicle? I plan to plead not guilty on the charge. (Grace C.)

Answer: The situation you describe did warrant a citation. According to game warden Todd Tognazzini, when a vehicle is upon or along a public roadway, guns placed in or on a vehicle or its attachments may not be loaded.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Nov. 2

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Nov. 2 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, Elizabeth Lake, Puddingstone Lake, Pyramid Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir. 

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake and Huntington Park Lake.

RIVERSIDE: Cahuilla Park Lake and Rancho Jurupa Park Pond.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Glen Helen Park Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Seccombe Park Lake and Yucaipa Lake. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River Section 2.

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Downey Lake, Echo Park Lake, Kenneth Hahn Lake, Hansen Lake, Hollenbeck Lake and Lincoln Park Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake.

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Does color matter when buying outdoor gear?

Does color -- specifically pink -- affect decisions on which equipment hunters and anglers of both genders  purchase?

A survey conducted by Southwick Associates on AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com shows that while color has some importance, quality is key.

Anglers of both sexes preferred black, with 52% of men and 38% of women selecting this color. Sixteen percent of women preferred pink, and 30% overall do not factor color into their purchasing decision. The lowest preferences were reflected in brighter colors such as orange and yellow.

Hunters and target shooters said that the most popular color scheme was camouflage, with 62% of males and 60% of females chiming in with this preference. Other popular colors included black, green and brown, with pink getting 15.4% of women's votes. Again, the lowest preference for both genders included brighter colors -- white, yellow and multicolored. Thirty percent overall did not factor in color when buying firearms and related equipment.

Asked if offering pink outdoor gear is a condescending way to market to women (outside of that offered to promote breast cancer awareness), half the women who took the angler survey believe it is, while 46% of men thought so. Of hunters, 47% of surveyed women find it condescending while 42% of men believe that.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 26

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout or channel catfish throughout the week of Oct. 26 by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

SAN BERNARDINO: Silverwood Lake

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha)

Catfish:

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Lake, Tri-City Park Lake and Yorba Regional Park Lake

Photo: Trout on a stringer. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 19

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 19 by the California Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Castaic Lagoon, and Elizabeth and Pyramid lakes.  

RIVERSIDE: Hemet and Perris lakes.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear and Gregory lakes.  

INYO: Bishop Creek Lower, Owens River Section 2 and Pleasant Valley Reservoir.

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 12

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 12 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Mojave Narrow Regional Park Lake and Silverwood Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, North Lake, Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha).

MONO: Convict Creek, Lee Vining Creek, Mary Lake, Rock Creek (Section II), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes (Mammoth) and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper).

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Mammoth Mountain signs agreement for summer airline service from LAX

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area has reached agreement with Horizon Air to begin summer airline service to and from Los Angeles and Mammoth Yosemite Airport beginning in April.

The Mammoth Times reports and sources confirm that a deal has been signed and an official announcement will be made as early as next week.

Horizon already provides winter flights on a schedule that has grown from one to four flights per day -- with service from LAX, Seattle, Portland, Ore., and San Jose. Winter flight service is from Dec. 17 through April 11. Summer service will begin April 12.

The ski area helps subsidize the winter flights, and the ski area and Mammoth Lakes will subsidize the single daily summer flight.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A Horizon Air turboprop plane touches down at Mammoth Yosemite Airport during a test run last October. Credit: Peatross/MMSA

Large tuna, bull dorado on tap for anglers at Baja California's East Cape

Louisiana angler Todd Winkler (pictured) is 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and the dorado he caught Sunday in the Sea of Cortez comes up to his nose.

The bull weighed struck a black-and-purple marlin lure and took about 20 minutes to land aboard Vista Sea Sport's Jen Wren in the East Cape region of Baja California.

"We went tuna fishing but the wind blew and they were hard to find so we had to settle for this dorado along with a smaller one and a sailfish," said Mark Rayor, owner of the fishing/diving business.

Fishing in the remote region halfway between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz has been productive, and gorilla-size tuna have been the primary draw.

"Hundred-pound tuna are coming to the beach daily," reports John Ireland, owner of Rancho Leonero Resort. "The 100-pound fish are very powerful; two hours to land on 80-pound test."

A report on Friday from the Van Wormer Resorts reads: "We did see over 400 yellowfin tuna landed this week ranging in size from 15-80 pounds.  Most of the tuna are still to the south near Cabo Pulmo and Los Frailes."

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Todd Winkler displays bull dorado caught Monday aboard the Jen Wren in the Sea of Cortez. Credit: Mark Rayor

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Oct. 5

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Oct. 5 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake and Perris Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork

INYO: Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (South Forks), Diaz Lake, Owens River Section 2, Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Sabrina Lake

MONO: Convict Lake, George Lake, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Mamie Lake, Mary Lake, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Saddlebag Lake, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper)

Photo credit: Stephen Osman/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 28

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 28 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake and Gregory Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II) and Sherwin Creek.

Photo: Trout jump out of the water after bits of feed in a holding pond at the Kern River Hatchery. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Saltwater fish count for Southern California, Sept. 25

Attention anglers: Outposts will attempt to post the daily Southern California saltwater fish count, courtesy of 976-TUNA, each evening. Hope you find it useful:

Daily Wrapup	Boats	Anglers	Fish	Audio
Point Loma	5	113	237 Yellowfin Tuna 9 Albacore Tuna 30 Skipjack_Tuna 41 Yellowtail 26 Dorado 43 Calico Bass 45 Sand Bass 5 Sheephead 12 Whitefish 47 Rockfish 81 Bonito
Fisherman's	3	71	207 Yellowfin Tuna 4 Albacore Tuna 9 Skipjack_Tuna 101 Yellowtail 64 Dorado 12 Calico Bass
H&M Landing	13	245	702 Yellowfin Tuna 17 Albacore Tuna 92 Skipjack_Tuna 228 Yellowtail 201 Dorado 10 Calico Bass 77 Sand Bass 1 Sheephead 18 Rockfish 62 Bonito 4 Sculpin
Seaforth	12	239	1 Bluefin Tuna 413 Yellowfin Tuna 21 Albacore Tuna 53 Skipjack_Tuna 114 Yellowtail 166 Dorado 133 Calico Bass 5 Sand Bass 4 Sheephead 17 Rockfish 123 Bonito
Helgren's Oceanside	2	24	48 Calico Bass 46 Sand Bass 3 Sheephead 12 Rockfish 2 Bonito 1 Cabazon
Dana Wharf	3	72	1 Yellowfin Tuna 38 Calico Bass 24 Sand Bass 4 Sheephead 2 Whitefish 98 Sculpin

National Hunting and Fishing Day -- do you approve of this celebration?

National Hunting and Fishing Day is Saturday and I'll celebrate by stalking trout on the shores of some Eastern Sierra creek. I can't wait.

In the extended-entry field below is President Obama's official proclamation.

The first such proclamation was made in 1972 by President Nixon, who said: "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in inspiring their proper management for the benefit of future generations."

In Obama's version are these words: "If not for America's great hunters and anglers, like President Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold, our nation would not enjoy sound game management; a system of ethical, science-based game laws; and an extensive public lands estate on which to pursue these sports."

The landscape has changed vastly since Roosevelt's time, to be sure. Obama must have known he'd wind up in the cross hairs of critics who don't hunt or fish, and who oppose both pastimes on mere principle.

In an L.A. Times Top of the Ticket blog post, for example, it was pointed out that Obama's proclamation was being issued "on the eve of that special season when so many Americans blast migrating ducks out of the sky and blow large holes in the side of fleeing deer."

The words of an anti-hunter are often harsh. But the truth is, hunters and fishermen are closer to the Earth and place more value on the environment than most of their critics. And they contribute more toward conservation.

Ducks Unlimited, to cite one example, is the world's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. Simply, there would not be nearly as many ducks filling our flyways were it not  for this organization. Trout Unlimited, likewise, has done more to conserve fisheries than any animal rights group that I know of.

As for wildlife management, states accomplish this via hunting, and as of yet nobody has come up with a better means of controlling animal populations -- a necessity in an age when civilization is increasingly encroaching into wilderness.

Hunting and fishing, additionally, are an economic force worth billions annually. Much of the money spent by hunters and anglers is used toward conservation of wildlife and fisheries. National Hunting and Fishing Day is about recognizing these contributions and more; it's about traditions dating to our ancestors.

So I'll venture out Saturday in support. I hope I catch some fish but that will be secondary to the fact that I'll be among the conifers and critters, far from the bustle and grind. That's what fishing means to me.

Here is the president's proclamation:

Alaska's Mt. Redoubt volcano has remained conspicuously quiet

What a beautiful photo of Alaska's Mt. Redoubt volcano, which is restless but not threatening to erupt as it did many times during the spring. 

There was genuine concern after a lengthy series of violent eruptions that Redoubt's tempestuousness would last through the summer and spoil the fishing business on and near the Kenai Peninsula, east of Redoubt across the Cook Inlet.

In fact, with the peak July and August seasons behind, resort and fleet operators can say they dodged a bullet. Redoubt, which in 1989 and 1990 erupted sporadically over a period of seven months, remained on an yellow alert code throughout the summer.

The yellow code means a volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest. An orange code means a major eruption is imminent, suspected or underway but poses a limited hazard to aviation because of insignificant volcanic ash emissions. A red code is used when a major eruption is imminent, underway or suspected with hazardous activity on the ground and in the air.

Presently, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the cautionary advisory remains in effect: "In the unlikely event of a major dome collapse, significant ash production, hot block-and-ash flows and flooding in the Drift River valley could all result."

If Redoubt erupts, Outposts will post the news. Meanwhile, I just wanted to share the image, one of many posted on the observatory website.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A steam plume rises above the cooling lava dome at Mt. Redoubt on Sept. 18, as viewed from near Homer, Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. Credit: Dennis Anderson / Night Trax Photography

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week of Sept. 21

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 21 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle and South forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Leavitt Creek, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections 1 and 2), Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower and Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth and West Walker River (Sections 2 and 3).   

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

                       

Hot Creek Ranch trout fishing 'monumental' as the caddis hatch is on

The summer heat is fading, leaves are beginning to reveal brilliant colors of fall and caddis flies are hatching, which places fly fishermen in some areas of the Eastern Sierra in paradise. 

Chatsworth angler Bennett Mintz provided the accompanying photo of a 20-inch rainbow he raised, hooked, landed, photographed and released while fishing last Saturday at Hot Creek Ranch near Mammoth Lakes.

"This chunky rainbow fell victim to a size 20 Bob Brooks’ Hot Creek caddis [fly] on a 6X tippet," Mintz said via email.

The Hot Creek caddis hatch is occurring between about 9 a.m. and noon, and again from 4 p.m. until dark. That latter period, Mintz said, "is monumental."

He suggests anglers use a size 18 or 20 gray or tan elk-hair caddis, Schroeder caddis, parachute or other popular pattern.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A 20-inch rainbow was no match for Chatsworth angler Bennet J. Mintz. Credit: Bennett J. Mintz

Saltwater fish count for Southern California, Sept. 14

Attention anglers: Outposts will attempt to post the daily Southern California saltwater fish count, courtesy of 976-TUNA, each evening. Hope you find it useful:

Daily Wrapup	Boats	Anglers	Fish	Audio
Point Loma	7	191	677 Yellowfin Tuna 2 Albacore Tuna 11 Skipjack_Tuna 77 Yellowtail 200 Dorado 37 Calico Bass 4 Barracuda 4 Rockfish 4 Bonito 8 Lingcod
Fisherman's	4	66	260 Yellowfin Tuna 2 Albacore Tuna 80 Yellowtail 119 Dorado
H&M Landing	8	164	502 Yellowfin Tuna 6 Skipjack_Tuna 127 Yellowtail 131 Dorado 1 Sand Bass 2 Sheephead 30 Rockfish 2 Sculpin 1 Perch
Seaforth	9	216	718 Yellowfin Tuna 6 Albacore Tuna 33 Skipjack_Tuna 104 Yellowtail 146 Dorado 8 Calico Bass 9 Barracuda 1 Whitefish 1 Rockfish 34 Bonito
Mission Bay	1	20	8 Yellowfin Tuna 1 Skipjack_Tuna 3 Yellowtail 6 Dorado
Helgren's Oceanside	3	48	12 Yellowfin Tuna 1 Yellowtail 7 Dorado 29 Calico Bass 19 Sand Bass 2 Barracuda 1 Sheephead 1 Bonito

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 14

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 14 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Gregory Lake.

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek and Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper).   

Photo: The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery in Independence, which was closed last year after a mudslide, reopened recently to visitors, though it will not be raising trout. Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Today is a free fishing day in California

Today is the second of two annual free fishing days in California.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day, allowing citizens to fish all public waters in the state, both saltwater and freshwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, the department's interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Seth Carper of Yucca Valley holds a trout he caught in Lake Arrowhead. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Sept. 8

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Sept. 8 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake 

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3)

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Camping increases in popularity, in part because of recession

I've noticed during recent travels to the Eastern Sierra that more people seem to be utilizing campgrounds. I've also seen more Cruise America RVs on the roads.

Now it's official. More people are camping, in tents and RVs. Why? Because more people are trying to save money by enjoying  a simpler existence.

The Outdoor Foundation, in partnership with the Coleman Co., have released a report stating there was a 7.4% increase in RV, car and backyard camping in 2008.

"In today's economy, people are returning to simpler lifestyles -- the 'less is more' ethic," said Christine Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation. "Reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up. Camping provides fun, affordable opportunities for families to enjoy time together."

Among the "Special Report  on Camping's" key findings:

-- 33.7 million Americans participated in car and backyard camping in 2008, an increase of 7.4% over the previous year.

-- 16.5 million Americans went RV camping in 2008, compared to 16.2 million in 2007.

-- Camping participants made more than 597-million outings in 2008, averaging 14 camping days per participant.

-- 56% of campers were male and one-third of them were between the ages of 25 and 44, and most campers have a household income of $50,000 to $74,999.

Unfortunately, during my recent travels in pursuit of wary trout in creeks that happen to be close to campgrounds, I've noticed a drawback to all of this: a lack of solitude.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A recreational vehicle at Yosemite Falls in 2007. Credit: Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 31

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 31 by the Department of Fish and Game:

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake and Gregory Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Is it legal to release fish I've had on a stringer or in a floating basket?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I do a lot of shore angling and occasionally catch a few fish that I intend to keep. By the time I’m leaving the lake, though, if I’ve only caught a couple of fish, I don’t always want to take the time to clean them and would prefer to just let them go. Is it legal to release them into the same waters where they were caught if they are still in good health, even if they have been on a stringer or in a floating fish basket for a few hours? Thanks. (Ralph, Riverbank)

Answer: Fish and Game law does not prohibit this practice, but it is not recommended because it can be hard on the fish and they won’t always survive. While putting fish on a stringer may help to keep the fish alive and fresh longer, they are still being put under stress and their gills often damaged. When gills are damaged, especially with trout, fish will still often die even if they appear to be fine when released.

Keep in mind that fish that are released immediately have the best chances of survival. The best thing would be for you to decide at the time you catch your fish whether to keep or release them, and then keep only those you intend to take home and utilize. A fish that has spent time on your stringer or in your floating basket may swim away when you let it go, but there is no guarantee that it will survive. The sooner you can release any fish that you do not want to keep, the more likely it will survive to be caught by another angler on another day.

Question: How are points on deer antlers determined? I would assume a forked horn buck has two points on the forked side and one point for the spike side, but I see in the harvest data most bucks taken have only two points total. (Steven J.)

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 24

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 24 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).                           

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Anglers off Baja's East Cape encountering marlin, sailfish and much more

The following is a detailed recap of fishing off Baja California's East Cape region -- from tranquil Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort -- courtesy of veteran outdoors writer and occasional Outposts contributor Steve Carson:

Earlier this month saw anglers focusing strictly on the “money fish” while competing in the East Cape version of the high-dollar Bisbee's tournament. The past week has seen local streets go quiet again, and the availability of almost all of the area’s fish species makes choosing which to pursue somewhat difficult.

On the billfish front, striped marlin and sailfish were present in equal numbers, with sailfish most abundant off the Punta Arena lighthouse, and stripers up offshore from Punta Pescadero. Daryl Brauckman, 14, of Austin, Texas, caught his first-ever sailfish on a dead ballyhoo aboard the Tres Hermanos out of Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort.

“Catching my first sailfish was very exciting,” recalled Brauckman. “I was a little worried that I was missing the beginning of ninth-grade football practice when we came down here, but it’s great to get a different view of things.”

Few roosterfish had been seen for the previous two weeks, but this writer caught and released five of the wily pez gallos up to about 20 pounds on live bait right at Buena Vista aboard the resort's panga, Mosca.

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 17

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 17 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE:Hemet Lake

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake and Gregory Lake 

SAN DIEGO:Cuyamaca Lake

INYO:Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO:Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3)   

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 10

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug.10 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II,  Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, North Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning Aug. 3

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of Aug. 3 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake and Green Valley Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).

Photo: Rainbow trout being prepared for pan frying. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: What's the best bass for stocking a private pond?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We want to purchase some bass and bluegill for our four-acre pond in Northern California. We plan to use catch-and-release techniques to teach our kids how to fish. What would be the best kind of bass to buy? I assume largemouth bass and/or spotted bass would work best. Please advise me as to which type to buy and where to get them. Thanks very much. (Andrew)

Answer: The best bass for a small pond are going to be either the Northern or Florida strain of largemouth bass. According to Associate Fisheries Biologist Jay Rowan, the Northern strain are generally easier to catch and can grow to very large sizes in a pond environment. The Florida strain are a little more difficult to catch but are thought to have the genetic potential to grow to larger sizes than their northern cousins. Growth rates and maximum size of the fish are dependent on the stocking density, food supplies and water temperatures.

Since this is a relatively small pond in Northern California, Rowan suggests you start out with Northern strain bass for several years to see how they do. In your pond, the Northern strain fish should get a longer growing season because they will be less affected by cooler spring and fall temperatures than the Florida strain would be. And because of the longer growing season, you may also actually wind up with larger fish than if you went with the Florida strain from the start. In addition, the Northern strain bass are not quite as wily as the Florida strain, so the kids should catch more fish.

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 27

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of July 27 by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Photo: Jeff Winter of Van Nuys fishes for trout in hopes of dinner as the sun sets over Lower Pine Creek Lake. Credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Great white shark caught off La Jolla by fly fisherman

A great white shark about 6 feet long and 150 pounds was caught by a fly fisherman off La Jolla last week.

It's believed to be the first great white taken off the California coast using a fly rod and reel.

Jeff Patterson, director of sales for reel manufacturer Abel Automatics, was testing company products about five miles offshore when the white shark hit.

"The grab was instantaneous, and the shark cooperated with a quick left turn to allow the proper hook set," said Patterson.

The fight lasted about 25 minutes. Patterson thought it was a mako shark until he got it close enough to the boat and skipper Conway Bowman identified it as a great white. 

It is not legal in California to take great white sharks, which have been protected in all state waters since Jan. 1, 1994.

"Anglers cannot target great whites, and if caught accidentally while fishing for something else you have to immediately release them," Department of Fish and Game marine biologist Carrie Wilson said.

Patterson released the shark after taking the picture shown here.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo courtesy of Jeff Patterson

Note: To follow this blog on Twitter, visit @latimesoutposts.com

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra for week of July 20

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked with rainbow trout throughout the week of July 20 by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE: Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Gregory Lake and Lytle Creek (Middle & North Forks). 

INYO: Lone Pine Creek and Owens River (below Tinnemaha). 

MONO: Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mary Lake, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo: The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery in Independence, which was closed last year after a mudslide, reopened recently to visitors, though it will not be raising trout. Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 13

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of July 13 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

RIVERSIDE: Fulmor Lake, Hemet Lake and Strawberry Creek.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork. 

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake and Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Shepherd Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo: Trout jump out of the water after bits of feed in a holding pond at the Kern River Hatchery. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Costa Rica is happiest, greenest place on earth, survey says

Costa Rica is for many outdoors enthusiasts the most magnificent place on earth. The Central American nation is blessed with good surf. It teems with more than 800 bird species. Its fishing fleets ply waters that abound with sailfish and tarpon. Its eco-lodges are watched over by tall green trees and monkeys.

Its volcanoes are sights to behold and with this in mind we share an image captured recently by Zach Smith of Arenal.net, a website promoting tourism to and around Costa Rica's spectacular Arenal Volcano.

Now Costa holds another distinction: happiest and greenest place on earth.

A survey by the New Economics Foundation, a British think tank, made the determination after looking at 143 countries that are home to 99% of the world's population and using an equation weighing life expectancy and happiness against environmental impact.

Costa Rica, whose rich biodiversity is breathtaking, emerged just ahead of the Dominican Republic and well above the United States with its 114th ranking. Australia was third.

The survey found that Costa Ricans, with their pura vida or "pure life" outlook, have a life expectancy of 78.5 years, and 85% of those interviewed said they were happy. That combined with the nation's tiny ecological footprint helped place it atop the Happy Planet Index.

The happy part is somewhat surprising as I've been there many times and witnessed poverty and know that lots of women and even girls there are drawn to prostitution, which sadly is also a primary tourist attraction for some. 

As sociologist Andrea Fonseca said in an Agence France-Presse story about the survey, Costa Rica's rise to the top of the happy list "has a lot to do with social imagination." Not that there's anything wrong with that.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Credit: Zach Smith

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning July 6

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of July 6 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lakes Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).  

Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

Hikers, campers, anglers this weekend are cautioned to be bear aware

Southern California hikers, campers and anglers will flock to local mountains and the Sierra Nevada during the first holiday weekend of summer. They ought to know that bears are no longer hibernating and many are hungry. So here are some tips for those bound for the forests and streams:

--Do not intentionally feed bears and do not leave garbage strewn about.

--Enjoy your favorite pastime in groups (this should not be a problem on the busy weekend).

--Keep the kids in sight at all times, and keep pets on a leash.

--Try not to get caught between a female bear and her cubs.

--If you encounter a bear and it does not see you, stay calm and continue facing it while slowly backing away. True, this is easier said than done.

--If a bear does spot you or strolls into your camp, yell and make other loud noises and bang pots or pans together. Black bears do not like confusing unfamiliar noises.

--Do not run from a bear unless it's dangerously close. Running can trigger an attack response and no human can outrun a bear. 

--If a bear attacks fight back with whatever means you can muster. This doesn't work against larger and far more powerful grizzlies, but there are no grizzlies in California.

Lastly, do not let any of this spoil your mood or prevent you from visiting the woods. Your chances of seeing a bear might be fair, but your chances of getting injured by one are extremely slim. Happy Fourth and stay safe!

--Pete Thomas

Photo: A black bear hunts for fish along Taylor Creek near South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Credit: Associated Press

California free fishing day this Saturday

The first of two annual free fishing days in California will be this Saturday, July 4.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day and citizens will be allowed to fish all public waters in the state, both freshwater and saltwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, DFG interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

The second free day this year will be Labor Day, Sept. 7.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Auguste Ackerman reaches for the mackerel he caught on a fishing trip off Catalina Island. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Trout plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 29

 

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 29 with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek and Jackson Lake. 

ORANGE: Trabuco Creek.

RIVERSIDE: Fulmor Lake and Hemet Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Green Valley Lake, Gregory Lake, Jenks Lake, Lytle Creek (Middle & North Forks), Miller Canyon Creek, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork.

SAN DIEGO: Cuyamaca Lake and Doane Pond.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker Lake, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Photo credit: Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 22

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 22 with rainbow trout or channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

Trout:

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek,  Independence Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Shepherds Creek, South Lake, Symms Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mamie Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Saddlebag Creek, Saddlebag Lake, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Trumble Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).   

Catfish:

LOS ANGELES: Cerritos Park Lake, Downey Lake, El Dorado Park Lake, Ford Park Lake, La Mirada Lake, Legg Lake, Peck Road Park Lake, Puddingstone Lake and Santa Fe Reservoir.

Photo credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can fish be moved from one body of water to another?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I ran into a bunch of guys recently who love to bass-fish and so have been moving bass into the rivers. They think it's OK but I think not because bass eat trout and salmon fry. They say the water is too warm during the summer for trout. Is there anything we can do if we know they are taking a bunch of bass to the rivers to dump? Who do I contact if I know where and when it will be done next? (Anonymous)

Answer: Transporting and relocating live finfish from one body of water to another in California can cause serious environmental problems and is a serious offense punishable by fines and even jail time. If you have knowledge of this activity, you should immediately call our toll-free CalTIP line ([888] DFG-CALTIP, or [888] 334-2258) and provide specific details, including suspect and vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers and locations of where the fish are being caught and dropped off.

Aside from the fact that the transported fish may not adapt well to their new surroundings or even die, they can potentially disrupt the balance of existing species through increased predation, competition for limited food sources, disease and parasites.

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 15

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 15 with rainbow trout or channel catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

LOS ANGELES: Bouquet Canyon Creek, Castaic Lagoon and Pyramid Lake. 

VENTURA: Piru Lake.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, North Lake, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Pleasant Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Symms Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Buckeye Creek, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, George Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Little Walker River, Lundy Lake, Mammoth Creek, Mary Lake, McGee Creek, Mill Creek, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Twin Lakes Mammoth, Virginia Creek, and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Catfish:

ORANGE: Carr Park Lake, Centennial Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Lake, Greer Park Lake, Huntington Park Lake, Laguna Lake, Mile Square Park Lake, Ralph Clark Regional Lake, Tri-City Park Lake and Yorba Regional Park Lake.

Photo: A trout jumps out of a pool at the Mt. Whitney fish hatchery near Independence in this 2007 photo. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times

Trout and catfish plants for Southern California and Eastern Sierra during the week beginning June 8

The following is a list of Southern California and Eastern Sierra waters, listed by county, that will be stocked throughout the week of June 8 with rainbow trout or catfish by the Department of Fish and Game:

RIVERSIDE: Fulmor Lake, Hemet Lake and Strawberry Creek. 

SAN BERNARDINO: Big Bear Lake, Jenks Lake, Mojave Narrows Regional Park Lake, Santa Ana River and Santa Ana River South Fork.

INYO: Baker Creek, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek Intake II, Bishop Creek Lower, Bishop Creek (Middle & South Forks), Cottonwood Creek, Georges Creek, Goodale Creek, Independence Creek, Lone Pine Creek, Owens River (below Tinnemaha), Owens River (Section 2), Rock Creek Lake, Sabrina Lake, Sheperds Creek, South Lake, Symms Creek, Taboose Creek, Tinnemaha Creek and Tuttle Creek.

MONO: Bridgeport Reservoir, Convict Creek, Convict Lake, Deadman Creek, Ellery Lake, Glass Creek, Grant Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Lee Vining Creek South Fork, Little Walker River, Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, North Lake, Owens River (Section 3), Robinson Creek, Rock Creek (Sections I & II), Rush Creek, Sherwin Creek, Silver Lake, Tioga Lake, Twin Lake Bridgeport (Lower & Upper), Virginia Lake (Lower & Upper) and West Walker River (Sections 2 & 3).    

Catfish:

SAN DIEGO: Chollas Lake, Lindo Lake and Murray Lake.     

Photo: With the Sierra Nevada range providing a dramatic background, a young angler tries his luck in Convict Lake. Credit: Brian VanderBrug/Los Angeles Times

Alaska's Mt. Redoubt volcano a beautiful sight for anglers--so far

Fishing season has begun in Alaska and anglers visiting the Kenai Peninsula will want to tote cameras regardless of how well the salmon and halibut are cooperating.

That's because Mt. Redoubt volcano is erupting in a mild manner--for the time being--and generating spectacular imagery. The accompanying photo was taken May 26 by Dennis Josefczyk, from the peninsula, which is about 50 miles east of the volcano, across the Cook Inlet.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory reports low seismic activity and as long as that remains the case travel disruptions should be minimal or nonexistent. However, Redoubt's mood could change instantaneously so visitors are encouraged to check the AVO website and consult their airline carriers in the days leading to their departure date.

Good fishing everyone. Hope you enjoy the show.

-- Pete Thomas