Trout Stocking Suffers

Trout stocking stuffers

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

By Marek Warszawski / The Fresno Bee


Fresno-area anglers are getting an early Christmas present this year, gift wrapped by the Department of Fish and Game.

Starting Friday, rainbow trout weighing between 4 and 8 pounds apiece will be stocked in the Kings River at several locations below Pine Flat Dam. The river will be stocked for a second time Dec. 26 and every other week through the end of March until 10,000 pounds are planted.
Each stocking will consist of between 200 and 250 trophy-sized trout. The Coleman-strain rainbows, which originate in Northern California, have spent 3 years at the hatchery fattening up on a high-protein diet designed for maximum growth.

"People ask us all year long when we're going to put the big fish in again," said Greg Paape, manager of the San Joaquin Hatchery in Friant. "They always draw a big crowd."
In addition to the jumbo trout plants, Fish and Game is increasing its catchable trout plants in the lower Kings to 500 pounds per week. These fish average a little more than one pound each.
Planting areas include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bridge, Choinumni Park, Winton Park, behind Avocado Lake and Alta Weir.

This is the fourth year of the trophy trout program, which began in 2005 in response to input from anglers regarding trout hatchery operations in California. One of the common themes at those meetings was the desire to catch larger fish at nearby rivers and lakes.
Although they are domesticated and raised in cement runways, the trophy trout manage to retain a few wild characteristics. After a short time in the water, their black spots return and their trademark purple stripe shines brightly.

"They're in the middle of their spawn right now, so they should be extra colorful and some [anglers] are going to be catching fish with eggs in them," Paape said.

Limits are five fish per day regardless of size from Pine Flat Dam downstream to Alta Weir, a distance of about 7 miles. The section between Alta Weir and Highway 180 is a designated catch-and-release zone -- that means no taking fish caught in this area -- and also requires barbless hooks.

In past years, anglers had success with a variety of lures, including Vibrax Blue Fox, Warden's Rooster Tail and Kastmaster Spoons. Fly fishermen also have hooked jumbo trout using a variety of dry flies and nymphs.
One obstacle both anglers and fish will have to contend with this year is low-water levels. Releases from Pine Flat Dam measured 103 cubic feet per second Tuesday, well below levels optimal for fishing.

Three ponds at Woodward Park will be planted for a second time today, providing an even closer-to-home fishing opportunity for families and beginners. These ponds will be stocked with 1-pound trout every other week through April or until it gets too hot for fish.
Fishing licences are required for all anglers ages 16 and older.

The reporter can be reached at marekw@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6218.