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For first time in decades, Kaweah, Kern rivers won’t be stocked with fish; Critics fear state stocking program will lead to extinction of several native species

Posted by: Maven on December 7, 2008 at 7:40 am

From the Visalia Times-Delta:

A back-room deal quietly put a lid on 100 years of California fishing history two weeks ago. As part of a 2006 lawsuit by two environmental groups, the California Department of Fish and Game agreed to stop stocking — or planting — fish in 175 streams, lakes and reservoirs across the state. The interim agreement, which took effect immediately, covers almost 10 percent of the 2,000 waterways the agency stocks, some since early last century.

It includes stretches of the Sacramento, American and Yuba rivers, angler destinations such as Lake Amador and the Truckee River, and locally the Kaweah River and Kern River, one of the state’s most popular trout fisheries. Lake Kaweah and Lake Isabella will still be stocked, as will all privately run trout ponds.

The deal is intended to protect 25 rare native fish and frog species, which some scientists say are threatened by fish stocking, while the department completes a broad study of its stocking program. The study is due to be released in early 2010.

Reaction to the deal from anglers and outfitters, however, has been loud and critical.

The temporary ban will hurt communities dependent on fishing dollars such as Kernville, above Lake Isabella, opponents say. The town on the banks of the Kern River gets much of its summer business from anglers, who come for the dependable trout fishing.

Stop the stocking and that business will go elsewhere, said John Strange, sporting goods manager at James Sierra Gateway Market in Kernville. “I shudder to think at what this will do to us,” Strange said.

Read more of this comprehensive article from the Visalia Times-Delta by clicking here.

December 7, 2008 · Filed Under Water Quality

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