Trout plant @ Lake Mendocino

"REGIONAL: DFG to plant fish in Lake Mendocino for the first time.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will begin planting rainbow trout in Lake Mendocino for the first time this February.

Approximately 15,000 pounds of trout will be put into the lake throughout the winter and early spring, giving anglers an opportunity to enjoy one of the state’s most popular activities.

“There are very few trout fishing opportunities in Mendocino County,” said DFG Environmental Scientist Scott Harris. “We are pleased that we can add Lake Mendocino to the annual allotment list as a winter trout fishery.”

This is the first time that Lake Mendocino has been stocked by DFG. Historically, only the Mill Creek ponds east of Talmage have been stocked during winter and early winter months in Mendocino County.

The triploids will be put in the lake several times during the winter and early spring, the agency said.

To ensure there is a constant supply of fish in the upper East Branch Russian River area, fish will be planted in the East Branch Russian River in Potter Valley from late April to October.

The planted fish are between a half and three-quarter pounds each and are raised at the Darrah Springs Hatchery in Paynes Creek.

Other popular fish species inhabiting the lake include large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish and black crappie."

Cool.

So the stripers are pretty much gone I'm guessing?

That's interesting.

That's interesting.

No kidding.

Doesn't the water get pretty warm in the summer months?  Planters aren't smart enough to swim up the river for fresh, cool water.

They re not put in there to survive. Just to be caught. If they don't get caught before the water warms they will most likely die. Some will survive.

I read a thread in another forum where a guy claims that trout were planted once in Mendo a long time ago. He says that in the summer after the plant he saw a lot of dead trout floating or washed up. I wouldn't be surprised to see that after fishing Mendo in the summer with as high of water temperatures as I've seen on the surface and as low as the water level has been......but you're right Rob......and this also might help the black or striped bass if they continue to plant. jim

I grew up in Ukiah and fished Mendo lots in the 80s and 90s. I've never heard of trout in Mendo, the closest being about 1/2 mile from the channel. Cold Creek is regularly stocked by fish n game and is a fun fishery for trout and smallmouth.

With the lowering of the water levels at Mendo is think that would be a waste of trout. But I'd like to see Dfg do this and help bring recreational fishing back to Mendo. Worse case scenario the landlocked striper population will have another food source. 
And with those trout plants I hope Diamond Jims will get some added business. They used to be the best one stop fishing store and guns n ammo back on the day. With great sandwiches and cold ass beer!

Hope this works out for the lake. I will always have a soft spot for that place. I guess it's the same for each of yours fishing grounds you grew up on and learned to fish on.

Matt

Also the east branch of the Russian is Cold Creek. Shoulda explained that. 

DF&G should manage Mendo as a warm water fishery and plant Stripers.

DF&G should manage Mendo as a warm water fishery and plant Stripers.

And wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more crappie 

Who needs those little bastards?  

DF&G should manage Mendo as a warm water fishery and plant Stripers.

And wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more crappie 

Hey Matt it's not diamond Jim's anymore it burned down a few years ago and Jim retired selling to another guy who jacked up all the prices, place went to crap.

Dad says when he worked for LP they used to stock stripers and chad in the lake to give back to the community since they had so many sawmills close to the lake. Too bad their not around anymore.

But trout in the lake is a death sentence for them but still a good idea In my opinion

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk because I'm one of the cool kids.

I wonder what the status is of the Striped Bass Association that Sean W. used to be associated with.  I've only fished in the lake a couple of times, but my son Joey caught a 14lb striper there, one of his first fish on a yak.  I'd rather bring back that fishery.