Folsom Speed Limit

[Multispecies]

Fished Folsom the last couple days. As tedious as it is to have to run so slow it was great to not get forced off the lake by wakeboarders or hear their blaring music. The fishing is pretty good good as well.
The only people flagrantly speeding were in bass boats. I saw 3 or 4 idle out past the 5mph buoy and go on plane early morning. Maybe not wot but plenty fast. In the afternoon another boat came across the main body wot all the way to the 5 mph buoys. With so few boats on the water it is very evident who is doing this. Bass fishermen complain so much about about other watercraft and have an opportunity here to enjoy the lake and show we are responsible users of the waterways. Well, we are blowing it.

[Calistar]

I drove out to the lake today just to see the water level for myself and man that lake is low.

However, it was pretty interesting to see spots that I have fished a hundred times and notice subtile dropoffs, isolated rock piles, and stumps that no doubt held fish (but I missed by 20-30 feet ).

I was there for about an hour mid morning and only saw one boat the entire time...and it was doing 5mph across the lake. I also saw the warden/ranger parked up in the parking lot overseeing everything.

For a labor day, the lake was amazingly empty (people wise). Mostly bike riders and maybe a couple of kayakers. I can't even imagine how much revenue is being lost by the lake drain and 5mph speed limit. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in entry and launch fees at least.

[Multispecies]

Yea, It concerns me that with so few boaters- 30-40 boats today that they may decide to not deal with boaters and not have to staff/maintain for that. Especially if the few out there need monitoring.

[Farres]

I fished it Friday and Saturday and didn't see a single boat doing more than an idle. Almost every boat on the lake was a bassboat--probably 30 total for both days. It's only a 25 minute idle from Brown's to the peninsula....

[Ray Vanacore]

My boss at Browns is going to talk to the head ranger about that very thing and tell them why put a limit on the lake and not enforce it . I got a lot of complaints Sat and Sunday about boaters violating the speed limit. But then you will always have a few that think the rules apply to everyone but them.
Ray Vaancore

[brambo0311]

I fished the hole stretch of the dam yesterday all the way to beals point. I was the only boat within 4 miles, and I nailed a few good fish too. and about 40 7" bass. Wish I new how to put the picture on here.[/img][/url]

[NaCl]

Our government is going into a dangerous place more and more these days. They are eroding public freedom in the faulty assumption that they need to protect us from ourselves. That speed limit is intended to protect OURSELVES from hazards of boating on a lake with obstructions. That's a load of BS!

How about they put up a sign at each ramp warning boaters that unseen obstructions DO exist and that boaters should avoid areas that they don't know for sure are safe? And, then remind the public that they are "BOATING AT YOUR OWN RISK!"

We're all adults and don't need babysitters. The stinking government should not be in the business of "protecting" us from every little danger in the world. I'm far more afraid of big government than shallow rocks! Its no different with national security. My wife (age withheld but she's clearly over 40) recently flew from Sac to LA. She was taken out of line at the airport for a "pat down" search in the name of security. Of course, the told this middle aged woman from Kansas that she was "randomly" selected to avoid the appearance of profiling...more BS born out of the government's politically correct foolishness!

Trust me, if you think this stuff is okay, then you'll love it when the DFG tells you all fishing in the delta is suspended because it's the only way to ban poachers! That's it government...stop all fishing in order to stop the cheats! Now, that's government reasoning for you!

If you agree that Folsom is the worst managed lake in Northern California, then write to, email or call your congressional representatives. Tell them how the local lake management under the Bureau of Reclamation is anti-fishing, anit-boating and, by their actions, not acting in the best interests of the general public.

.....NaCl

[Barry Watson]

During the last low water era I was stopped for exceeding the 5mph limit on Folsom. A blue light special pulled me over as I was coming back from Outhouse Cove. He asked me, " Well Mr. Watson, don't you know there is a speed limit on this lake? I replied, yes and I was observing it until I saw all those water skiers speeding around in the main lake pool by the dam. He said, oh that. Sac State has a water ski club or class up there and they can speed. Naturally I started to lose it while my pard was tugging on my arm saying, shut up, shut up. But, he is black so probably thought he was in for a one way trip to jail. Anyway, they decided it was only natural on my part to assume the speed limit was off since there were so many skiers up the lake and decided not to cite me.

Sounds like Dean and I vote for the same folks. LOL

LIke Nacl's wife, mine has two new knees and tells the airport screeners first hand that she needs a hand wand. Every friggin time they treat her like some sort of criminal and go over her with multiple pat downs.

See, they would classify me as a No Respect for Authority Guy.

Well, I wonder why ( and no direspect to you that do a hard job the correct way, including my son in law.)

[ash]

Dean,

I absolutly agree with you! I have been ranting on this exact same topic as soon as I heard about the restrictions. I will write my congressperson and let them know exactly how i feel toward this situation.

[Mark Hiser]

Dang it Dean, there you go again ranting about people being adults, and taking responsibility for their own actions. Haven't you been listening to OUR media and ELECTED OFFICIALS? We are too stupid to take care of ourselves, thats why they MUST act on our behalf. Just think, if they didn't have that flashing " DON"T WALK" sign at the crosswalks, how many of those same folks we might not have to deal with. Damn signs Now quit making sense and get away from the keyboard before you strain a wrist!!!

Mark Hiser

[Dewayne]

It's our own fault. I remember a post earlier this year from a bass fisherman at DVL where the angler hit a pole damaging his boat. He felt he was owed compensation to get the boat repaired because the hazzard was unmarked. Several people encouraged him to contact the lake management.

We all need to accept responsibility for our actions and quit placing blame on others.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I was thinking about this over the weekend. While I agree with you 100% Dean, I had a thought this weekend as to why. You know with most collisions there are pollutants spilled either on the highway or the water way.
We know how powerful the tree hugger's lobby is. I'm sure they are probably behind this as well.
I hate that I have to protect myself on this website, but to all you treee huggers-I'm all for conservation of our resources. I want all the fury creatures that frolic and swim to be here for many generations to come. I just don't believe in the strong arm extremism that you use and our Liberal Lefties have fallen for !
If anyone has a link to the powers that be I'd appreciate it.

[Hipster]

You what I find really interesting!!!

I recall fishing a tournament in December of 2001 and the water level was lower than the 397 it is today. We did not have 5 mph

Scott should remember this Gene and I won!!!

Date / Time RES ELEFEET

12/01/2001 380.14
12/02/2001 380.94
12/03/2001 382.52
12/04/2001 383.03
12/05/2001 383.19
12/06/2001 383.46
12/07/2001 383.59
12/08/2001 383.62
12/09/2001 383.56
12/10/2001 383.61
12/11/2001 383.48
12/12/2001 383.42
12/13/2001 383.67
12/14/2001 384.12
12/15/2001 384.40
12/16/2001 384.46
12/17/2001 384.64
12/18/2001 385.07
12/19/2001 385.51
12/20/2001 386.18
12/21/2001 386.81
12/22/2001 387.33
12/23/2001 388.08
12/24/2001 388.47
12/25/2001 388.47
12/26/2001 388.61
12/27/2001 388.83
12/28/2001 389.66
12/29/2001 390.39
12/30/2001 391.35
12/31/2001 393.42

[kb]

Guys the ranger to talk with at Folsom Lake State Park is Michael Gross and his number is (916) 988-0205. Let him know how we all feel about this protective 5 mph speed limit on Folsom. The FBL has been forced to cancel until further notice and the Future Pro will have to move his final event to another lake.

Mark you are right they have never put a 5 mph limit on the lake when it was at this level or even much lower. I remember in the 80's launching over at Beal's they had a 5 mph on the lake.

With the heart of the summer boating season behind us they need to let lake users in the fall use the lake. We can also run into problems with our outboards with extended idle times.

I can assure you guys that I will support the raising of the speed limit on Folsom so the anglers can use the entire lake on my radio show.

Let them know how we feel!
Kent Brown

[Barry Watson]

Just a thought. The sudden speed limit might be a way to divert limited law enforcement resources to other areas, especially over the Labor Day Weekend.. They know the lake lice will be gone with 5 mph and the users will be limited to fisherman. Hmmmm Might be when the lower ramps come up and they have time to mark the hazards it might get upped again.

[kb]

I have just gotten off the phone with Michael Gross at Folsom Lake State Park and he told he there is no plan to lift the 5 mph speed limit until we get spring runoff no way no how.

He told me that they have in fact put a 5 mph speed limit on Folsom when it has gotten to this level. I beg to differ with him but I am pretty sure I have spent more time there than he has. He is new to Folsom.

The State Parks is concerned with public safety due to the unmarked islands coming out of the water. I guess that we don't "boat at your own risk" on that lake any longer. Will this open them up in the future when the lake starts dropping at any time of the year.

I am one that would like to see State Parks run that lake like a real business and stop finding ways to chase the paying public off of it. Maybe if some of these state employees got laid off until the water came back up or they could find ways to get more folks out to that lake they might have a different perspective.

The next steps may be the chamber of commerce or visitors bureau in Folsom, Granite Bay and Folsom. Maybe Senator John Doolittle or maybe every time we are out there and idleing around at 5 mph and someone runs by they get a few phone calls.

I told him that extended idle periods on our outboards can damage them and he said "Oh I beg to differ with you the bass guys just like to drive fast".

Well I for one feel so much safer now that the California State Parks is saving us!!!!

Kent Brown

[Bass Moniker]

I just went to Granite Bay to ask when I could launch at the low ramp. The girl at the kiosk sayed it was going to closed for the season. When I asked why she replied : My boss said its a hassle to deal with the low ramp:
I have seen the water level much lower than this and have never seen 5 mph. When there is debree floating I can understand a speed limit.
I agree with Dean on abuse of goverment intervention. I bought a season pass to launch three minutes from my house. Do you suppose they will give me a pro rated refund ?

[Calistar]

kb wrote:

The FBL has been forced to cancel until further notice

Well, yes and no, instead of holding our openning day tournament on Folsom, we will hold the event on Lake Oroville instead (Sunday, Sept 16th!).

Sure wish I knew a local radio host who worked for KHTK 1140 (Saturdays 5am to 6am) that would be willing to help us get the word out

Oh, and I agree with ya kb...this restriction thing is ridicules, and we need to start contacting those in charge of the water situation to let them know how we feel about it.

[Brian]

kb wrote:

The FBL has been forced to cancel until further notice

Well, yes and no, instead of holding our openning day tournament on Folsom, we will hold the event on Lake Oroville instead (Sunday, Sept 16th!).

Sure wish I knew a local radio host who worked for KHTK 1140 (Saturdays 5am to 6am) that would be willing to help us get the word out

Oh, and I agree with ya kb...this restriction thing is ridicules, and we need to start contacting those in charge of the water situation to let them know how we feel about it.

Hey Greg, From what I understand, This event will be a non point event. It this still so? And if it is, are there going to be any point events this year on a body of water other than Folsom?

[Mark Hiser]

KB, you have the perfect venue for bringing this issue to the forefront, and I believe would also be a pretty good speaker to represent the masses. Your point about a lay-off is right on. What do we need the employees for if they have nothing to do? In this day of wasteful govt. spending, I'm sure that somebody in the states capitol could use this as a launching pad to revamp a system that is serving less and dictating more. Remember the incident at Oroville when basically one dude was deciding what it would cost to launch and park? Seems like $28.00 or something. The Chamber of Commerce and a few local folks took it to a higher level and he isn't here anymore, perhaps this guy needs to learn a little more about how some things should work and why. You got my vote, make em famous for something ridiculous and maybe they will see the light

Mark Hiser

[kazk]

Boating at your own risk was posted at Castaic when those Two "Professional" speedboat drivers took their boat out and flipped it doing about 80+ if I remember correctly. Their family sued the county and now the strict enforcement of the speed limit is really tight. So even if you have the sign posted the lake management will still be held liable for any accidents on the lake. Protecting us from ourselves sounds good until something happens to US and we sue the responsible party, namely the lake management. I can see both points but put yousrself in their shoes would you be willing to risk all on a sign.

Chris Koda

[MIKE TREMONT]

Well the government for lack of a better word has plenty of lawyers that can handle a lawsuit. from what I understand you don't stand a chance against any government suit.
I won't bore you with my dealings with the Parks Dept. I will say that the job they did for me was sub par by every professional that read my case. I'm being real nice here. The attitude sounds similar to this new gentleman, which leads me to believe they are on a holier than thou pedestal up on top and has trickled down to the local level.
This is our lake, all of ours. I listen to probably way to much conservative talk radio. We have to take country back gents, or it's going to get so much worse.
The young men that are and have fought for the freedom of all in this country are being betrayed by actions such as this. If some loon can preach hate and detest of country cause it's their legal right. Then I as a legal tax paying veteran of this country can run my boat at wot at my own risk, as long as I'm not risking others.
Good luck with that pro ration bass moniker.

[biteme]

Well I guess Im only one of the few that like the new limit. Ill be fishing Folsom next week for the first time in about six months!

[Calistar]

Hey Brian...

Hey Greg, From what I understand, This event will be a non point event. It this still so? And if it is, are there going to be any point events this year on a body of water other than Folsom?

Stay tuned for more details. Scott will be releasing more info as it comes available (on this forum, and with greater detail on our website). Hope to see you out at Oroville, Bri...I know the word is getting out up there in Oroville that the Folsom Sticks are on their way!

See ya,

[brambo0311]

I actually like the speed limit reduction out there. I posted a picture on picture site. I fished the dam on labor day, I was the only fishing from the dam to granite bay. I actually pulled 20# off of the dam wall. 42 fish in 4 hours on rip baits all dinks but 2. And 2 limits of keepers on jigs and sinkos. Not haveing a drunk wake board boat cap size my ***.. Priceless..

[Cesar L]

Im in for Oroville, what time is the check in?

[Calistar]

NJ, glad to have you aboard.

Scott will be posting more info about the Oroville tournament in the coming days. Check-in will probably begin between 4:30 and 5am. Looks like we are really starting to pick up some interest for this tournament. Lots of guys are interested in getting back into the tournament scene after a long summer and the fishing on Oroville should be good. Plus this is the first opportunity for many of the Oroville/Chico/Yuba City guys to get a look at a FBL event.

Keep a close eye on the website http://www.folsombassleague.com as we will be posting updates shortly.

Remember there is never a membership fee or late fee in the FBL.

[biteme]

Odds are Ill be entering this one also.

[Colebass]

to your show! Let's see how they handle when they get some pressure!

You right KB, we need to be heard, so make this happen!

Maybe invite some state parks and rec folks. Then we can ralley some folks to call and keep the lines hot for you while they are on the air.

DC

[MIKE TREMONT]

This is what amazes me about this site. This speed restriction whether you like it or not is wrong. You guys heard that when the lake reaches an elevation of 375', That they thinking of shutting the whole lake down. that's only a few away at the present release rate. Should be great out there then. Do you think they will let the kayakers/float tuber's slide.
Man there is more concern around here when a wake board boat passes most of you guys a mile away.
Totally amazed and let down again.