The inside scoop on Oso Reservoir (Long)

[Brian D.]

I made contact with the folks at Oso Reservoir. They are willing to let people in and fish the lake who will commit to donating time and in doing small jobs. These jobs range from cleaning up an area, moving debris, or helping cut weeds. Because of manpower limitations, they will not setup any membership-type arrangements. Several liability waivers will need to be signed to fish the lake. I believe this is a one-time event. The facility is used every weekend by boy scouts-- that is their primary focus.

First impressions: Three trailers now replace the old "club house" which was tore down -it was so bad that it was not fit to be a crack house. Legal electric and cable lines have been buried and are waiting to be turned on. The old management pirated power from the nursery and never paid them. The BBQ grill area has been patched up and actually looks nice. The concrete pool/pond has been filled in and made into a campfire area. Various construction and clean up activities are happening every day. The ranger lives on the premises. Operating hours are 7:30 - 4:30 pm M-F. Weekends, gates are open for the boy scouts. Boat trailer parking is better than in the past due to all the old junk boats being removed. My guess is about 20 boats can fit in the area above the main ramp. More space is available back towards the nursery. Most of the available flat level areas have a layer of mulch/wood chips where the kids setup the tents.

Lake conditions: I did not get a chance to fish the lake. From the Ranger's reports the LM bass have rebounded somewhat. A 4 lb. bass now looks like a true 4 lber - not like the Ethiopian bass of the past. The lake is full now but fluctuates on a weekly basis by a few feet. The dock still needs improvement. Only one 30 ft. section extends out into the lake. The ramp is still mediocre, but is better than the dirt ramp.

I believe someone has bought/donated 400 lbs of tilapia and placed them in the lake. If you recall about 1 1/2 year ago SOCB helped catch fish to be transported to Laguna Nigel Lake. There was a reciprocal trade agreement of bass for bluegill. That trade hasn't happened yet. The lake is close to turning over. An ugly algae bloom is all over the lake which is a normal occurrence at Oso. It's pea green to light blue. The bubblers near the dam are still working.

Donations: The boy scouts are looking for key skill sets to help get things operational... carpenters, contractors, electricians, etc. They are building a battery charging station by the ramp. They need battery chargers, 12v batteries, and tiller style trolling motors. Not quite sure if they need fishing tackle, but it probably won't hurt. If you have an abundance of cash and need a tax write-off, they'll take money as well.

What can we do? Initially, I proposed an exclusive tournament with some or all the proceeds to go to Oso Lake. Perhaps limited to 30 boats? Fish from 6 - till 2 pm with a BBQ to follow. Maybe we can get a local tourney organization and bass club to help run it? National Bass West and South Orange County Bassmasters? Maybe December? Of course all of this is proposed, but if there is good feedback, the Boy Scouts will be very receptive to get onboard with this kind of event.

This would be a huge feather in the ball cap of all Socalif fishermen by helping a budding fishery in our own backyard not to mention make things better for the boy scouts. This is an opportunity to help something that is good for all of us. If you can help in whatever capacity, whether is rolling up your sleeves, construction help, donating supplies, or technical talent, it will help a very worthy, local and visible cause. I'll be in touch with the ranger again this week.

Thoughts + Input = appreciation

[Otay Michael]

I can get some of the guys down here in San Diego to donate older fishing gear. Let me know if there are any certain items needed over others.

I also have a bunch of line, some lures and a couple of poles donated to the servicemen in Korea that never got picked up for shipment - I'd like to donate that for this cause now too.

On another note, if someone has a nicer rod or reel, or combo, that they would like to sell instead of donate (that's understandable) I'm looking to increase the quality of my personal gear and would trade art for it, giving you twice the value of what you would ask in cash. Go to my website and click on the order page to see what's available (hint - hint- you'd get a lot of bonus points with the wife!!!). PM me with any ideas or questions. I'm looking to get a swimbait rod and reel- something I don't have yet, and anything else of semi-good quality.

[Allantek]

I've spent many days on Lake Oso in the Past. Brian, Count me in on helping.

[Brian D.]

I you're itchin to help clean up just ask for Robert the Ranger and he'll put you to work with one of his many projects. Not sure if you'll get a chance to fish, but it doesn't hurt to ask. If you go during the weekend, he'll be busy with the boys scouts.