High Country Trout Anglers

COGDILL BILL

Anyone who spends time fishing the High Sierras should be aware of an effort going on in the California State Legislature to ensure funding for the hatchery program. The Department of Fish and game has had funding problems with the hatcheries for several years, and the current state budget crisis is not helping the situation.

Assemblyman Dave Cogdill, (R-Modesto) has introduced a bill that will require a certain percentage of YOUR license fees to go directly to the hatcheries instead of the "general fund". To find out about the bill please check the Inyo County website at http://www.stormsource.org/ab2280/. If you agree with the premise PLEASE take a few minutes to fill out the email form in support. Your help is important to keep the hatcheries going.

GOVERNOR NAMES NEW RESOURCES SECRETARY

The selection of Mike Chrisman as the new California Resources Secretary by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger gives us some hope that there will be a new direction to the management of the state Department of Fish and Game.

Chrisman brings strong credentials to the post, having served most recently as Vice President of the California Fish and Game Commission and previously as Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and deputy secretary for operations and legislation in the Resources Agency. As Secretary he will oversee the California Departments of Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Water Resources, among others.

Historically California leaders viewed out recreation lands as places for people. Unfortunately we feel that people have frequently taken second place to unjustified concerns over species management and environmental tinkering.

Chrisman has established himself as an advocate of hunting and fishing and has been supported by sportsman’s groups in his appointment. We hope he is visible and responsive to the outdoor recreation needs of the public first.

The founding principle of the U.S. Forest Service was to maintain the land as a source of sustained yield. Over the years, this concept has been nudged to the back by preservationists who seem to have little concern for the needs of people. It is our hope that Gov. Schwarzenegger will bring balance back to the management of our natural resources. Mike Chrisman my be just the right balance.

Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Michael Chrisman Resources Secretary 11/21/03

SACRAMENTO

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced he will appoint Michael Chrisman as Secretary of Resources.

"Michael's vast experience and high level of expertise in environmental resource management and environmental issues is invaluable to my Administration," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I look forward to working with such a well qualified individual on issues as important as the use of the vast resources of this state."

Since 1996 Chrisman has served as the region manager for Southern California Edison. Prior to joining Southern California Edison, he served as the undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture and as deputy secretary for Operations/Legislation for the California Resources agency. He was appointed president of the California Fish and Game Commission by Governor Pete Wilson and serves as the Chairman of the Board of both the Great Valley Center and the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks Foundation. Chrisman is the past president of the Agricultural Leadership Associates, a former member of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control and past director of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Chrisman is also former advisor to the Assembly Republican Caucus on agriculture, water and environmental issues and served as chief of staff to then-Assemblyman Bill Jones. He also oversees a family farming operation in Tulare county, a role he has filled since 1966.

"It is an honor to be asked to serve in Governor Schwarzenegger's administration," said Chrisman. "I look forward using my experience in resource management, environmental policy and agriculture to serve the people of California."

Chrisman, 59, holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension Education and a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy/Plant Science from the University of Arizona. Chrisman's appointment requires Senate confirmation. He is a Republican.

ISSUES TO WATCH

The California Fish and Game Commission has issued a statement of proposed regulation changes for 2004-2006 that will affect trout fishing in the Eastern High Sierras. Here are the regulations to watch.

Sections 7.00 and 7.50 Open Fishing Season in Inyo County
At the request of the County Board of Supervisors, the Commission has proposed extending the trout season for an additional two weeks to Nov. 15 for all lakes and streams in Inyo County. Historically the season has closed on Oct. 31. The commission said this is being proposed so that Inyo County will have the same fishing dates as neighboring Mono County that extended the season two years ago. The Commission statement says it would promote the tourist-oriented economy and have no detrimental affects on the fishery.

There are concerns, however, that extending the season is not drawing any significant additional tourist traffic, and more importantly, could be seriously damaging the Brown trout fishery. Late fall is when the Browns move into the creeks to spawn and they are being caught in far greater numbers than during the regular season. In some areas, tackle shop owners have reported more Browns caught during the two week extended season than during the entire season. If the extended season is adopted, it should include a zero limit on stream-caught Browns.

Section 7.50 Upper Owens River Fishing Regulations
The Commission has proposed eliminating the “catch-and-release” restrictions on trout taken in the 21-mile section of the Owens River from U.S. 395 south to the Benton Bridge Road crossing. This area has been restricted to a two-trout daily bag limit and a maximum size limit of 16 inches, taken only with artificial lures and barbless hooks. The commission feels this is too restrictive and is proposing opening that portion of the river to a five-trout daily limit with no size limit or tackle restrictions. Local fishing experts fear this may destroy efforts to re-establish a good trout population there by allowing spawning fish to be taken.