The quagga mussel situation just got a lot worseâ€¦

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:05 pm

The Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB) has sent a letter to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors asking for the immediate closure of Lake Cachuma to all recreation boats. Here is a link to that letter:

http://www.fishon.ws/CACHUMA_LAKE_COMB.pdf

Although things are not looking very good for us right now, please keep the faith and keep a cool head.

Ron C

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:32 pm

Looks like I may have to trade the Champ in for a bay boat . Castaic , Pyramid and DV are going to get real small .

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:51 pm

Looks like the rest of the state is soon to follow...might be time to move...

D.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:10 pm

Don't tell me these plotical clowns are not against us...look at the writing..."Fishing boats" not boats or water craft....

Does any politian in CA back the angler? The knee jerk reaction seems to be spreading and their focus is only on the fishermen...

We have to fight or we are going to lose the whole state!!!!

D.

Lane · Post by **Lane** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:34 pm

These smaller water districts with limited funds are freaking out right now. There are several things that can be done to control the
populations in infested waters. Developing good decontamination
procedures is critical at this point. Heated power wash stations are
great, but will destroy a boat wrap in a heart beat. With that being
said there are other decontamination methods such as dry heat
that is safe for wrapped boats along with vinegar,etc. We are working with the California Game and Fish on the Catch And Release for the livewells. It is going to take some time to get everything in place, but it will get done.

Oakview, You need to get down here to Texas! Byron V cleaned up
at Choke Canyon today. He caught a 12lber this morning. They are
getting ready to spawn down here, so hurry up already!

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:48 pm

Give me 7 days and I will be in the state...I should be on CHoke Canyon the following weekend...Throwing nothing but swimbaits...the Huddleston, 3:16 Wake bait, and of course the "Split-tail"...

I will find you when I'm in the area...

Thanks for the heads up...

D.

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:50 pm

Lane - You really need to be at the March 4th meeting.

Dave Wilson · Post by **Dave Wilson** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:50 pm

Hey Lane,
Is there any place in Texas where I can be close to bass fishing and surfing? I guess I am spoiled being 6min from surf and 25 min from fishing Casitas.?

Bassin · Post by **Bassin** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:57 pm

Wow, what a coincidence, I just read that the lake is closed to boats (other then rental) due to the ramp being out of comission for a couple of weeks.

This whole thing sucks...its only a matter of time before this domino effect comes up this way....

Bryan

Lane · Post by **Lane** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:58 pm

Yea Dave, South Texas near Corpus Christi. You have the best of
both worlds, UNREAL bass fishing at Choke Canyon, Falcon Lake
and Sugar Lake Mexico! Surfing down at Padre Island. How much
better can it get, plus the cost of living down south is CHEAP!

Oakview, call me on my cell when you get to San Antonio!

Ron, let me see what I can arrange.

Lane · Post by **Lane** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:17 pm

Oakview, Don't forget to bring PLENTY of big plastic lizards and waterdog patterns. Lizards RULE on Choke Canyon, and will produce both size and numbers. Watermelon Candy and any lizard
with red flake will work great.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:18 pm

Yes Lane, You REALLY need to be there.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:35 pm

Thanks Lane, I will give you a call...I can't wait to get out here...this place is running short on water to fish...

I think we all need a break from it...

D.

Lane · Post by **Lane** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:39 pm

Doug, We will do our best to make it for the March 4th meeting.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 11:59 pm

We need all the help we can get...

D.

MikeV · Post by **MikeV** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:26 am

Ron, Is this going to be the response to this problem on every body of water throughout the west? I'm waiting on a brand new 520 DVX and it looks like I won't even be able to get it wet (just my luck). I probably should of took up bowling, much less hassle! The thing is, bass fishing is not only my only vice but my escape.

Nunyo Bizness · Post by **Nunyo Bizness** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:21 am

Roger! on the escape,
My mentor turned me on to real Bass fishing about a year ago. He was even kind enough to fish a team tournament series with me. Now I'm hooked. I don't own a bass boat yet, so I'm at the mercy on my fellow anglers. So, I figure, I need to do every thing I can to help the situation. I fish the FLW region 7 series. Our second of four events got canceled because of the madness going on at Casitas. I support the decision made by Ray L. regarding the matter before us. I think John B., Ray L., Ron C. Scott S., Lane, DougH and many others have gone out of their way to make this a clear and concise issue. As a non-boater now, what can I do to help? I'd be willing to hold pre-inspection wipe down and look overs just out side the gate. If a few non-boaters were willing to show up early and help Ray L. and the rest of the boaters that we fish with (and this would work with most any tournament series) maybe we could help this work out.
Maybe I'm living in a dream world, but this is a right and a love that we are fighting for. Each of us knows what the pursuit of these little green beasties means to us and only us who seek this passion could truly understand.
My dream is to own a bass boat in 4 to 5 years, but at the rate things are going the only fishing in Cali will be the long range out of SD. I will fight for the right to fish. I won't just stand by and watch it all go away and nether should anyone else. Not everyone can spend the time it needs to take, but that is why we should all support the fight the the above mentioned people are doing and try and see what each of us is willing to do for our passion. Being informed is a great asset and there have been some great informative articles on this subject.
Level heads, smart thinking and a driving passion will take us a long way, but not everyone thinks like we do and that is why we need to get the information out and help the TD's out with pre inspections.
Dave, I love the passion you bring to this matter, no matter what anyone may ever suggest, say or imply....keep that passion, it is an inspiration to me and I understand it.

OK, off the soapbox now....blast away.
John Younce

Morris · Post by **Morris** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:00 am

AND YOU GUYS THOUGHT YOU HAD IT BAD AT CASITAS
S.B.C DOSE NOT CARE ITS CLOSED. THANKS RON KEEP UP THE
THE GOOD WORK.

swimbait · Post by **swimbait** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 9:16 am

The flawed logic in that letter is astounding.

Let's see....

"This has resulted in a speed of growth so great that they are now a direct threat to Santa Barbara county."

The rate of mussel growth in another location has no impact on how likely they are to spread by boat, over land, to another location.

"can be come completely incrusted"

I think you meant encrusted Mr. Evans.

"If Lake Cachuma becomes infested, it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually."

What is the basis for this statement? Who has done the analysis?

"They eat so much phytoplankton that the water becomes clear allowing sunlight to increase algal growth"

If the end result of mussel infestation is algal growth, won't that cut down on light penetration? This statement makes no sense.

"Endangered steelhead and bass"

Last time I checked, there are no steelhead in lake Cachuma and no endangered bass. In fact, every fish living in lake Cachuma is non-native and was introduced through fish planting programs.

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:53 pm

close it

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:07 pm

According to the person in charge of the steelhead project at Cachuma there are Steelhead below Bradbury but they have not trapped one in the lake to my knowledge.....I wouldn't know an ocean going rainbow if it walked up and said hey! I'm a steelhead....Kinda like the alleged 2 steelhead that came up the fish ladder at Casitas....How can you tell without taking off a scale and looking under a microscope? Color from some video camera that they were filmed on?..........What's that, 9 million dollars a piece for that fish ladder

The die was cast when these dams were built...a little late to call foul in my opinion.....Totally right about the letter Rob...I hope someone is working to shed light on that travisty.

Rip

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:36 pm

Buy the boat, Mike. Don't give in to them. You've got several outstanding lakes right in your own backyard and the Delta is only about three hours away from you. (It's five hours for me).

1098NHI · Post by **1098NHI** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:18 pm

I just bought a new Z520 a month ago, for a mere $62k out the door, and unfortunately live 16 minutes from Casitas. Drat!
Anyway, the boat is incredible. VX hull with a Z top, deck a mile long and the stability can't be described. You'll love the boat, Mike.
I have been visiting Lopez for the last two weekends, no better bite, but folks are much more friendly up there.
By the way all, $250k gets you a 4 bedroom on Lake Fork, TX, with a dock and boathouse on 3 acres.....heading out there next month to real estate shop.

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:15 pm

1098NHI:
With all the bull going on here I have been seriously considering moving back home myself or maybe Clear Lake. My wife likes the idea of either one.
jb
www.cleananddryboating.com

king commander · Post by **king commander** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:28 pm

Note, County Board of Supervisors will have a Public Meeting in march. Stay tuned there are alternatives to closing the lake. WE need to be responsible here too!

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:56 pm

Please give us as much advanced notice as possible when the meeting is so that we can rally the troops.

Thanks for the heads-up.

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:52 pm

I want to know where is all the damage has taken place from mussels already? I want to see reports?
All I hear is "The Bad"
What is the good?
I want facts! Not a bunch of BS!

Don.

dockboy · Post by **dockboy** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:03 pm

Crying foul is right. The whole Ventura county watershed system was once the last true bastion of steelhead south of Central California. The Sespe sytem alone had a run estimated at around 9,000. That all changed back in the 30s and 40s when the city officials built the dams and diverted most of the water to canals and irrigation. There hasn't been a viable run of southern steelies since the 50s. Even though they are endangered, the steelhead have never been a concern of anybody down here in SoCal because bad water management pretty much destroyed the runs early on. So, Rob is completely right here. The claim about endangered bass and steelhead is bogus. Hell, there were no bass in California till they were introduced in the early 20th century. The idea of that quaggas would endanger fish resources is bogus anyways. Wherever mussels and fish have been together, they have not harmed the fish. Looks at Erie and some other Eastern places. The mussels do not harm the fish; they do indeed change water clarity and some bottom composition, but they do not directly compete for food for bass at a even rate. By the time quaggas or zebras eat a craw, a bass could have eaten dozens. The idea their environmental impact would endanger a almost non-existent species and non-native fish is a false statement of major error. Someone needs to point out exactly how misleading and falsified this letter is to the residents near Cachuma and their water board.

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:30 am

It is all about clogging pipes and turbines. One of our guys just hung a rope off his dock for a week and had 39 mussels on it at lake Pleasant. Haven't heard a peep about washing, scrubbing or closing the lakes. The mussels will soon be in every lake in the west no matter how hard people try to prevent it. The utility companies better spend their money on new technology to scrape them out of the system. Bunch of chicken littles IMO. Wait until summer when a million ski boats try to use the lakes and then the real noise will start. My bet is that the issue will run a short life until every lake has them and the authorities realize they are peeing into the wind. Good luck.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:24 am

are you that stupid dock boy.
Quagga's are a filter feeder.
They filter as much plankton as they can.
This in turn starts to cause the baitfish to starve. Then a collapse of the baitfish followed by all predators.
If you don't know there a total dead zones now in the great lakes.
They believe caused by the zebra and quagga.
Maybe you should do a little more research brfore you write something.
The other factor is the clogging of the pipes.
They will also ruin spawning areas as they love pea gravel and rough sand.

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:33 am

Ray-it was a sherrif that works lake Pleasant. I never said quagga mussels were good for anything. Fact is they are bad but the utility companies don't worry about our fisheries they worry about their equipment and that will take priority over your need to fish. Do you really think all of the measures you are suffering will stop the spread? If so you are the naive one. Have a nice day.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:07 am

I knew they were in Pleasant before they even said anything.
Where do you think they came from.
The Aqueduct that feeds Pleasant from Havasu.
And no I was not bashing you. Just telling some true facts.
If you think the lakes won't close you are wrong.
Some others in Az. are real fools. I have spoken to a few of them.
If you don't think there will be a problem here in Cal. just wait until word get's out that they may close San Carlos or Bartlett. We think water is a big deal here just wait and see what your water boards do down in Az.
I have done more research the past few weeks on this than ever before.
I will also tell you that Bass Boats that go in and out of a lake every day are not the cause. The bonus to help stop the movement is to Clean and Dry and then leave your boat out of the water for 5 days.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:16 am

Another thing too dockboy...most lakes you are referring to are extremely larger then our bodies of water out here in the west.. The mussell will have a serious impact on our little man made reservoirs. Im not an expert on the quagga by any means, but it has damaged lakes that are over 80 miles long. Imagine what it will do to our little cali lakes that are only say 4 miles by 2 miles...we are up sh@t creek without a paddle..as far as stopping them...they have been in the great lakes for over 20 years and they havent came up with a solution yet, at least one that works. Good luck to those who are running up hill, I wish you well. Im all for fighting for lakes to not be closed, but trying to eradicate the quagga doesnt really seem to be a reality at this time.

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:29 am

Can you tell me that other than keeping a boat dry for five days there is any way of preventing a microscopic larvae from hitching a ride from one lake to another? Do you think they take advantage of ducks, herons etc. for a ride? There is no way on earth that draconian measures other than locking down a lake will prevent the spread. Maybe our Game and Fish department is just too dumb to realize that they can stop the spread but I doubt it. We have boats in Pleasant one day and some other lake the next. I leave mine out for five days because I own a business but not many people do that. Good luck with your struggle and hope it works for you.

DeltaBound · Post by **DeltaBound** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:42 am

California comunnists at there best. They take your money and give you nothing in return. This is more a political ploy to take revenues then what it has to do with the Mussels. BULL****

good read....

http://www.lvrj.com/news/15502852.html

how the hell does keeping boats off the water fix this problem?

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:25 am

Unfortunately keeping boats off the water will not reduce the number of unwelcome visitors already there..The big question is, will keeping boats off the water reduce the spread of these visitors..Notice I said reduce, not prevent..Personally, I do not have the answers..Just the fact there is a potential problem is enough to cause concern..A whole lot of people are going to bat for the fishing community in regards to this situation..We need to support their efforts..I don't own a boat, but the thought of anyone losing the priviledge of fishing or recreating on any of our waters is something I do not look forward to..There is a lot to be learned yet on how to best deal with the problem..What is most needed now is a concerted effort to find solutions, be they temporary or permanent..These solutions need to be the type to cause the least amount of inconvienience and damage..

mac

mac

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:27 am

because you have a large population of pleasure boaters who do not regularly clean there boat. It only takes one bad apple to spoil it for the rest of us. It's going to spread and we are the scapegoat.

fishinman · Post by **fishinman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:29 am

there is one thing you are all forgeting "NATURE (WILL) FIND A WAY" mankind can inact all kinds of solutions but... for example try to eradicate weeds from your lawn! Rip it all out and install high quailty sod but within a given period the weeds will appear. I think this is where we need to go, we as BASS fisherman are only a tiny, minscule part of the problem. MAINTANENCE IS THE ONLY ANSWER NOT ERADICATION!These mussels sound or act like water bound rouches they cannot be eradacated! Who or what is the question that we need to answer so that we can employ or deploy (it) to the correct officials that actually create the impact of these rulings that close us out of our waters the answers or a resonable solution to this problematic situation that can satisfy both affected parties! We must have a stable water policy because without we would have no population here in socal. All are water is imported!
No freshwater fishing inthe United States anymore Well that's just plain crazy.

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:50 pm

Ray L. wrote: If you don't know there a total dead zones now in the great lakes.
They believe caused by the zebra and quagga.

Sorry Ray but that is not fact at all. They don't know why there is a dead zone yet. You can believe all you want. I just want facts.

Don.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:08 am

Don if you don't believe it .....
Shoot me an e mail and I will give you a few links that may open your eyes.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:36 pm

Cool out dock boy...
I have been dealing with this for a long while.
No reason to jump down my throat in a p.m.
This is getting a little old and I am over this whole issue but I am still dealing with it and fighting these lakes until the bitter end.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:38 pm

That's a bad attitude Ray. We need to ban you.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:20 pm

OK OK .... I am sorry.... Long day....
Love you bro.....

2short · Post by **2short** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:49 pm

keep up the good work ray. i just hope that it's not to late to stop the wave that is about to hit the lakes in socal. the water broads for all lakes have all the power to close the lake or keep it open. we just have to give them the right reason to keep it open..

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:17 pm

Hey Ray it's all good buddy. I have read lots and watched videos. It still just sounds like extra work (more jobs) with these things. Other then that THE SKY IS FALLING and KILLER BEES ARE HERE! Run for your life and close your doors.
If you did not know Rob from Calfishing.com is posting a little bit also. Here are some of the lakes that have been affected in some way to date if some of you did not know. Hope you don't mind me posting Rob. I think you will have to go to Calfishing to read the press release or letters.

By Rob Belloni February 9, 2008

Last updated: 2/9/08 - 12:10am

The latest news on quagga and zebra mussel issues in California...

--------------------------------
February 9, 2008 - No mussels are found in Calero Reservoir

Article (sfgate.com) | Map of Calero Reservoir

--------------------------------
February 4, 2008 - Private boats banned on Lake Wohlford. This includes boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders, anchors, and other equipment that contacts the water.

Press Release | Map of Lake Wohlford

--------------------------------
February 2008 - Lake Pardee implements inspections and quarantines. Any boats from Santa Clara county, southern California, and outside of California will not be allowed on the lake.

Press Release | Map of Pardee

--------------------------------
February 2008 - Camanche Lake implements inspections and questionnaires

Camanche Recreation Website | Map of Camanche

--------------------------------
February 2008 - San Pablo Dam implements inspections and closes the lake 3 days a week, with shortened hours on open days in response to mussel concerns

Press Release | Map of San Pablo Dam

--------------------------------
February 1, 2008 - Lake Casitas implements strict inspection policy for all boats entering the lake. Live bait transported from outside the lake is banned.

Inspection Checklist | Map of Lake Casitas

--------------------------------
January 23, 2008 - Charles Evans, President of the Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board sends a letter to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors requesting a minimum 6-month closure of Lake Cachuma

Letter | Map of Lake Cachuma

--------------------------------
January 16, 2008 - San Justo Reservoir closed to all boating due to zebra mussels.

Press Release | Map San Justo Reservoir

--------------------------------
January 9, 2008 - Lake Cuyamaca bans all private boats

Lake Info Page | Map of Cuyamaca

--------------------------------
January 2008 - Lake Poway bans float tubes, private motors and anchors, fish finders, live bait, live bait containers, and floating catch baskets.

Press Release | Map of Lake Poway

--------------------------------
December 2008 - Diamond Valley Lake establishes inspection procedures.

Lake Info Page | Map of Diamond Valley Lake

--------------------------------
Locations where quagga mussels have been identified:

Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
Lake Havasu
Gene Wash
Copper Basin
Lake Mathews
San Vicente Reservoir
Lake Murray
Lower Otay
Dixon Lake
Lake Skinner

Locations where zebra mussels have been identified:

San Justo Reservoir

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:32 pm

close em

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 5:56 am

Hey Don,
Tell him to put Lake Pleasant on his list.
They have it and if he needs any links for stories tell him to just ask me and I will send him one or 5....

Rob Hernandez · Post by **Rob Hernandez** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:51 am

So, what lakes have the mussel around here? This does'nt look good for us here in So.Cal but then again, remember back when the Ole bitty Feinstein passed some bill to make it a real B--T--D for the offroad/motox guys to ride. Well in the past couple years they have seem to overcome it because I've seen dirt bikes everywhere.

The other thing too is weve all been fishing these lakes for how many years and all of a sudden they're so scared! Uhhhh...... did the Quagga Mussel just come to earth? You know so many things now a days is such a joke, like they water district and whoever else wanted to reduce the amount of water some cities could use like Long Beach but then you got ship mates powerwashing with "FRESH WATER" all the glass railing on a cruise ship on a rainy day! Now that makes a lot of FRIGGIN Sense huh.

COME ON AMERICA GET A FRIGGIN GRIP ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER MORE,

QUAGGA MUSSEL VS. Letting Millions of gallons of "NEEDED" water go down the streams to waste and so on!

Well I'm sure this will come full circle!

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:41 pm

im more concerned with gas prices then quagga's...

If he was rocksteady he would have came with the c notes ready.

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:04 pm

I haven't taken the time to commit on this thread, however it's interestng to read it.
March 5th, you will be wondering why did those board members decide to close lake Casitas? We can argue they can't, it will cost them too much revenue, at the end of the day, they will.
Tom

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