SMUD and CDFW stock trout in El Dorado County reservoirs

 

For the second consecutive year, SMUD, in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is stocking three Sierra reservoirs with rainbow trout. The stocking will run through August with at least 25,000 pounds of fish stocked into Union Valley, Ice House and Loon Lake reservoirs in El Dorado County.

“The amount of fish stocked can number as high as 50,000 pounds in a given year, depending on matched stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Darold Perry, SMUD’s supervisor for hydro license implementation. The effort helps SMUD meet conditions of operating its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the Upper American River Project (UARP). “We started this project last year, and we’ll be doing it annually,” said Perry. 

SMUD was awarded a new 50-year FERC license in 2014 to continue operating the UARP, which provides nearly 700 megawatts of low-cost, clean, non-carbon-emitting hydro power, enough to provide about 15 percent of SMUD’s energy capacity during an average year. 

The effort is intended to increase angling opportunities for the general public. Surveys conducted in the recreation area show fishing to be the top reason people visit. It is another aspect of SMUD’s proactive efforts to improve the quality of life in El Dorado County. “It will also increase prey opportunities for nesting eagles, osprey and other wildlife,” noted Perry, who is a biologist by training.

On average, the stocked trout will be one to two pounds each, and in a few years could be potential trophy fish.

“SMUD is a valued partner and we look forward to continuing our shared goal of stocking some of the most pristine lakes of the Sierra with rainbow trout,” said CDFW Environmental Program Manager Kevin Thomas. “I frequently fish at Ice House Reservoir and look forward to one day catching some of those trophy trout.”

Union Valley will get the largest number of fish as it’s the largest of the three reservoirs, and Ice House and Loon Lake will get lesser amounts. Mount Lassen Trout Farms of Payne’s Creek has been contracted to deliver and stock additional fish. The company also stocks SMUD’s Rancho Seco Lake, which annually hosts a very popular trout derby.

Fishing licenses are available for purchase from more than 1,400 license agents throughout the state and can also be obtained online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing.

For information regarding current UARP reservoir and stream release conditions, please visit smud.org and the Community and Recreational Areas Web pages.