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The Log • May 6 - 19, 2016 • 45 Kicking off the season with forktails
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Boating will return to fi shing waterway before Memorial Day Weekend.
By Parimal M. Rohit
HEMET — California’s historic drought conditions appear to be easing up as rising water levels at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet means the local boat launch ramp will be reopening later this month. The Metropolitan Water District announced on April 26 the boat launch ramp at Diamond Valley Lake will re- open in mid-May, more than one year after launching was suspended due to low water levels. Boat launching will offi cially begin
on May 18, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, according to Metropolitan Water District staff. “With Metropolitan making its fi rst
signifi cant water deliveries into the lake in more than three years, Diamond Valley Lake near Hemet in southwest Riverside County is scheduled to reopen to boat launching on May 18,” an offi cial statement from the district stated. “Boat launches were suspended in April 2015 as water levels receded to
record lows, dropping below the lake’s launch ramp.” Rising lake levels at Diamond Valley Lake has coincided with other water agencies requesting the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to ease drought-induced restrictions. “Water agencies statewide are continuing to implement the unprec- edented mandatory, emergency water use restrictions although drought conditions have been substantially alleviated by this winter’s welcome precipitation and snowpack,” David Bolland, a special projects manager with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), wrote in an April 14 letter to SWRCB. “ACWA believes it is time to end the
State Water Board’s mandatory water use restrictions statewide,” Bolland later wrote in his letter. Metropolitan Water District’s Board
of Directors Chair Randy Record said Diamond Valley Lake is a valuable asset for local anglers and boaters. “We’re keenly aware of what
Diamond Valley Lake means to the surrounding region, which was fi rst impacted by the recession and then by drought,” Record said in a statement. “Improved supply conditions, particu-
Excel Long Range Sportfi shing returned to the water after spend- ing a few months in the boatyard. The trip, which launched just ahead of the Day at the Docks event on April 17, netted 130 yellowtail as of April 16, including this one reeled in by a young angler. San Diego’s 2016 fi shing season is offi cially underway.
Southern California fi shing news Diamond Valley Lake to re-open boat launch
larly in Northern California, have helped loosen the drought’s grip and allowed us to reintroduce boat- ing and fi shing on the lake.” The water
district shut down Diamond Valley Lake’s boat launch ramp in April 2015 after lake levels reportedly dropped about 115 vertical feet. District offi cials used the dropped water level to extend three lanes of the 11-lane launch ramp. “In late March, Metropolitan began making water deliveries to help replenish storage and raise lake levels,” Metropolitan Water District staff stated. “By the middle of May water levels are expected to rise suffi ciently to safely allow boat launches on the extended ramp. Once the lake reopens to launch- ing, all boats — powerboats, fi shing boats, sailboats, rowboats, kayaks, canoes and certain types of catama- rans—and respective engines must pass inspection and be registered. All boats also must be inspected for
Trolling for catches and records at Santa Ana River Lakes
Catfi sh were the catch of the day for anglers at local watering hole. By Parimal M. Rohit
ANAHEIM — Several anglers hit the jackpot at Santa Ana River Lakes in Anaheim on April 18, with one record catch and a few others reeling in multiple fi sh. Rich Kizzee (pictured) made it to Santa Ana River
Lakes from Los Angeles and caught two catfi sh: a 23-pounder (which he released) and a 10-pound, 7-ouncer. The lighter catfi sh was caught using chicken livers. Kizzee made both catches in Catfi sh Lake. Fullerton resident Justine Chevalier (also pictured) reeled in six catfi sh, using shrimp, while on a fl oat tube.
The catfi sh totaled 34 pounds and were all caught near “The Road.”
Also catching catfi sh was Morris Suliff of Garden Grove. He reeled in fi ve catfi sh, all weighing in at 33 pounds, 8 ounces. The largest catch, a 12-pounder, was caught while trolling in Big Lake with a silver needlefi sh. Catfi sh were not the only
species reeled in last month. Long Beach’s Kyle Gracey reeled in a 12-pound trout at the lake’s boat dock; he used white Drew Customs bait.
The boat launch ramp at Diamond Valley Lake will re-open on May 18. Rising water levels has made the lake primed for boating and fi shing activities again.
quagga mussels.” District staff recommends anglers and boaters bring their respective vessels to the lake for inspection and registration between 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 7, 8, 14 and 15.
Anglers and boaters could also have their vessels inspected at Lake Skinner Recreation Area (37701 Warren Road, Temecula, Calif.); boats launched at Lake Skinner must be dry for seven consecutive days before launching at Diamond Valley Lake. More information about the boat
launch re-opening or reservations can be found online at
dvmarina.com or by calling the marina offi ce at 951-926- 7201 or 800-590-LAKE.
Santa Ana River Lakes
Santa Ana River Lakes Diamond Valley Lake photo
Excel Sportfi shing photo
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