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Recreation
Can fin-clips identify different trout strains?
Question: With trout season opening soon, I was thinking about how several years ago I ran across a way to identify what strain a Lake Crowley trout was based on which fins were clipped.
Identify as follows: adipose only-Eagle Lake strain, adipose and left ventral-Kamloops (from Junction Reservoir), adipose and right ventral-Coleman, and ventral only-Kamloops or Coleman.
No fin clips would indicate a natural spawn and not from a hatchery. And, what hatchery would these plants have come from? Possibly Hot Creek or maybe Fish Springs?
I have talked to the driver planting catchables in Silver Lake and learned those plants came from the Fish Springs hatchery.
Thanks for any info you can provide. (Ron A.)
Answers: In the mid-1990s, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fisheries biologists applied fin clips to Eastern Sierra trout stocked in Crowley Lake to evaluate their performance, growth, return to creel, etc. The results were very interesting.
According to CDFW Fisheries Program Manager Curtis Milliron who conducted those studies, wild trout were unmarked and at that time both rainbow trout (RT) and browns constituted about 25 percent of the catch of all larger fish caught at Crowley.
They did not substantially supplement the average size class, however. The marked trout came from both Fish Springs (Coleman strain RT and Eagle Lake trout) and from Hot Creek Hatchery (Kamloops strain RT).
Coleman strain fish were found to be caught most often by anglers while trolling, while Kamloops were often associated with nearshore angling. Eagle Lake trout (ELT) were found all over the lake, including feeding on large snails right on the lake bottom.
Additionally, ELT outlived the other strains, and therefore greatly contributed to the “carryover” population, which are fish that do not get caught in the first year after being stocked and return to anglers at a much larger size.
By about 1999, Milliron discontinued the Crowley Lake trout strain studies but thinks some marked fish may have persisted in the lake for another five years, at most.
Today, no similar studies are being conducted, and fin clips to identify the various strains of Eastern Sierra trout are no longer being applied.
But, thanks to the findings of the studies, a management plan for Lake Crowley was created, and the lake continues to draw anglers back year after year as one of the most popular and productive trout lakes in the Eastern Sierra.
How many turkeys in possession?
Question: My buddy and I are going out of town on a three-day turkey hunt. If we both get a turkey each day (total of six) and get stopped by a warden on the way home, will we be legal?
I heard that you can't have more than one bird with you at a time, but the regulation states possession limit is three birds per hunter for the season. I want to make sure we are legal. Otherwise I will have to travel back and forth after each successful day and it’s about a two-hour drive each way.
Thanks for any information you can give me. (Brent M.)
Answer: You do not have to return home after taking a bird on any one day.
The daily bag limit for turkeys during the spring season is one bearded turkey per day and you can take three per season.
You may have three bearded turkeys in your possession as long as you only take one per day.
Spearfishing rockfish and lingcod after dark?
Question: Can rockfish and lingcod be taken by spearfishing after dark? (Brian S.)
Answer: Yes, you may spearfish for rockfish and lingcod at night, except in San Francisco Bay (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 27.56).
Buying skulls from other states
Question: I found someone in Oregon selling a raw coyote skull. I own some flesh-eating dermestid beetles and am interested in buying the skull from them to clean off.
Is it legal to buy raw (uncleaned) skulls from other states if it was obtained legally and not from California?
I know you can't purchase almost any part of California fish and game, but can we bring parts in from other states? (Anonymous)
Answer: Yes, as long as the animal was legally taken in another state and is properly imported with a “Declaration for Entry into California form,” then it can be possessed.
The same goes for most species, but there are some exceptions, such as bears, mountain lions, and fully protected birds and mammals whose parts cannot be legally possessed in California (Fish and Game Code, section 3039).
For a copy of the declaration form, please go to www.dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/entry-declaration.aspx .
Remember that deer and other cervid skulls may not be brought into the state unless special rules are followed to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (see CCR Title 14, section 712).
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
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- Written by: Carrie Wilson
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Speedway celebrated the Easter Weekend with an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids with Eggs and gifts.
Thank you to all the parents for bringing your children to the Easter Egg Hunt, we had a great turn out.
Lakeport Speedway also was able to celebrate Easter with some great racing for the 2014 racing season last Saturday night, April 19, with a great turn out for cars and supporters.
This Saturday night we will be back in action at Ukiah Speedway for two Saturdays in a row of racing, and your chance for the first of many opportunities for our fans, supports and drivers to purchase a ticket to ride in a real NASCAR that was driven By Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the 1996 Dayton 500.
Proceeds will be split into two foundations, half will go to the Special Olympics and the other half will go towards the Kyle Tellstrom Fund for families in need.
Come on out for your chance to be a part of history and support two wonderful causes.
The Saturday, April 26 line will consist of Bombers, Modifieds, Jammers, Pro-4's, Outlaws and Bandoleros.
Congratulations to all our trophy winners last Saturday night at Lakeport Speedway. Racing action this last Saturday night was filled with Bandoleros, Mini Stocks, Extreme Outlaws, Jr and Pro Jammers, and Bombers results are below for up to top five finishes:
Bandoleros
- Fast time: Dylan Washburn with 14.724
- Heat race: winner, Dylan Washburn; second, Kera Tellstrom; third, Kylei Keown
- Main event: winner, Dylan Washburn; second, Kera Tellstrom, third, Kylei Keown
Mini Stocks
- Fast time: James Stillman with 14.018
- Heat race: winner, Richard Knight; second, James Stillman; third, Mike Peterson Jr.; fourth, Roy Ingalls Jr.; fifth, Mike Peterson Sr.
- Main event: winner, James Stillman; second, Richard Knight; third, Mike Peterson; fourth, Roy Ingalls Jr.; fifth, Ashley Aceves
Extreme Outlaws
- Fast time: Shelby Helm with 12.784 for the first 2014 track record
- First heat race: winner, Sean Sweeny; second, Kevin Brackett; third, Thomas Wright; fourth, Jackson Long; fifth, Shelby Helm
- Main event: winner, Jackson Long; second, Thomas Wright; third, Shelby Helm, fourth, Sean Sweeney; fifth, Kevin Brackett
Jr Jammers
- Fast time: Adrianna Strugnell with 15.696
- Heat race: winner, David Rank; second, Kyle Moore; third, Adrianna Strugnell; fourth, Jordan Crouch; fifth, Justin Stanley
- Main event: winner Kyle Moore; second, Justin Stanley; third, Adrianna Strugnell; fourth, Chris Bieghle; fifth, Jordan Crouch
Pro Jammers
- Fast time: Scott Strugnell with 15.175
- Heat race 1: winner, David Rogers; second, Holly Ingalls; third, Gene Odell Sr.; fourth, Jorre Whitney; fifth, Michelle Odell
- Heat race 2: winner, Scott Strugnell; second, Amanda Smith; third, Alan Perry; fourth, Chance Smith; fifth, Nancy Bettrncourt
- Main event: winner, Scott Strugnell; second, Chance Smith; third, Alan Perry; fourth, Amanda Smith; fifth, Nancy Bettencourt
Bombers
- Fast time: Eddie Klein with 14.052
- First heat race: winner, Tim Buzzer Jr.; second, Evan Smith; third, George Abella; fourth, Doug Moll; fifth, Jason Hunter
- Second heat race: winner, Bob Cook; second, Joey Brackett; third, Bo Robertson; fourth, Ron Duke Sr.; fifth, Gino Buchignani
- Main event: winner, Gino Buchignani; second, Eddie Klein; third, Kevin Coburn; fourth, Bo Robertson; fifth, Joey Brackett
Memorial Day is coming upon us if you are looking for a way to spend your weekend come on down to our open show at Lakeport Speedway May 24 and 25 for racing action that will end with Lakeport Speedway's famous boat races.
And mark your calendars for some Fourth of July Fireworks, racing and family excitement. “Blast from the Past” will feature a combination of two nights of racing at two different tracks, Friday, July 4, at Ukiah Speedway and Saturday, July 5, at Lakeport Speedway where you will get to enjoy and experience fireworks and racing both nights.
Be sure to come on out and join us as we support your local drivers as they compete for the 2014 Ukiah/Lakeport Championships.
For more information please visit our Web site at www.ukiahspeedway.com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukiahspeedway or www.facebook.com/lakeportspeedway .
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- Written by: Amanda Pardini
NORTH COAST, Calif. – The combined swim team made of swimmers from Kelseyville High School and Clear Lake High School competed in a double-dual meet on Thursday, April 10, against Sonoma High School and New Technology High School.
The girls team beat New Tech but lost to Sonoma by just two points.
“This was the closest the girls have ever come to beating Sonoma – one of the strongest teams in our league. If we weren’t missing two of our swimmers we would have won both meets. The girls are proving to be a team to watch this season,” according to coach Agustin Merodio.
The boys, swimming with only four swimmers, lost to both New Tech and Sonoma.
“We have struggled to field a full team every week. If we weren’t traveling every week, and had had the opportunity to compete at home, we would have a better record. It is hard to travel every week. Our hope is that the Westshore Pool will be available next year so that we can once again compete on our home turf,” Merodio added.
For the girls, taking home first place honors were Sarah Merodio in the 200 Freestyle, Lauren Rudnick in the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly, Shannon Fronsman in the 100 Freestyle, Allison Hanson in the 500 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, and Liz Fricker in the 100 Breaststroke.
The relay team of Liz Fricker, Sarah Merodio, Lauren Rudnick and Allison Hanson won both the 200 Medley Relay as well as the 400 Freestyle Relay.
“Championships are in less than a month and I’m looking forward to seeing how well this relay team can do,” Merodio said.
For the boys, Diego Tejeda continued to show his strength by finishing first in both the 200 Freestyle and the 100 Freestyle events.
Tim Peterson finished first in the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 Freestyle, and the relay team of Eric Miller, Tim Peterson, Diego Tejeda and Andres Tejeda finished first in the 200 Freestyle Relay and the 400 Freestyle Relay.
The team has a bye this week but will be back in the water for a double-dual against St. Helena High and Analy High the following week.
The team also would like to mention that they are teaming up with the Kelseyville Lions Club to host a Pancake Breakfast on May 11 at the Kelseyville Lions Club. Given that it will be Mother’s Day, all moms will get a carnation at the breakfast.
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- Written by: Jennifer Hanson
Why no abalone diving/picking before 8 a.m.?
Question: Why are abalone divers and pickers now required to wait until 8 a.m. to begin?
Can divers still go spear fishing at the normal legal start time or take early morning photos, then switch over to abalone diving at 8 a.m.? (Anonymous)
Answer: The new 8 a.m. start time is an abalone conservation measure.
It reduces the number of low-tide days people will be able to take abalone by rock picking (searching amongst rocks for abalone at low tide). During the spring, many low tides occur much earlier than 8 a.m.
This regulation change originated from the concerns of wardens who were witnessing large numbers of fishermen coming each and every low tide and taking large numbers of abalone. People were removing numerous undersized abalone while trying to find legal ones.
Because undersized abalone often do not survive being removed and returned, they are likely to die. Thus, the impact on the fishery when this happens is probably much greater than the estimated legal catch (over 200,000 abalone annually in recent years).
Some people were also using the dim light before dawn to hide illegal activities. Wardens believe a later start time will ease their biggest concerns, and the Fish and Game Commission decided to choose that option.
Divers wanting to go out before 8 a.m. to spearfish or do underwater photography can do this as long as they don't have the means of taking abalone or are searching for abalone before the official state time. If their activities appear to a warden to be taking or searching for abalone before 8 a.m., then they can be cited.
How to stop people who are not obeying the rules?
Question: I was watching two boys catch a lot of trout (at least 40) and they were handling these fish after landing them in the dirt. They would pick and choose which ones to keep and throw back the small ones, most of which soon died.
I was appalled by their lack of respect and sportsmanship, and when I approached their father his reply was, “Who are you to say how many we have? We don’t have a full basket!”
The last time I needed to call law enforcement to this county park they couldn’t find the park until after the offenders had left.
How can we stop these types of people from ruining the opportunities for others? (Gerry)
Answer: The best thing you can do is to record as much information about the location, situation and descriptions of people and the vehicle(s) they are driving (including make, model, color and license plate number).
Provide all of this information at your earliest convenience to our CalTIP hotline at 1-888-334-CalTIP(2258). Leave a message if need be, with contact information, and a warden will receive this information.
If officers are in the area when you call, they will come. If they are not able to arrive in time to catch the people who are breaking the laws, they will be aware of the situation and looking for the offenders the next time around.
Problems with crows and ravens – depredation permit an option?
Question: Why is there such a limited season on hunting crows? I suspect they are covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but they are a nuisance species.
I run into a number of landowners who have problems with crows with regards to crop damage, etc. Many of these landowners say that based on size, they also have ravens which are also damaging.
I know there is a crow hunting season, but what about ravens? I also know “corvids” are very problematic predators for song birds and marbled murrelets on the coast.
Can landowners get a depredation permit for either species, and if so, where? (Patrick R., Santa Rosa)
Answer: You just missed the hunting season for American crows, which runs from Dec. 7 through April 9. Ravens cannot be hunted.
The regulations allow for landowners to destroy (shoot) crows that are damaging farm fields or other crops (CCR Title 14, section 472(d)).
Lifetime license holder moves out of state
Question: If, while a California resident, I purchase either a lifetime fishing or hunting license, will that license still be valid if I subsequently establish residency in another state? (Greg L., Mission Viejo)
Answer: Yes. You must be a resident to purchase the license, but after it is purchased, it will be valid for use in California for the rest of your life, regardless of where you reside.
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
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- Written by: CARRIE WILSON