Though still resisted, it appears the change is arriving and will be a good one.
Trout study to take stock
Judge says planting fish in lakes could hurt native species.
By Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, May 12, 2007
Since the 1800s, Californians have artificially stocked lakes with non-native rainbow trout to improve recreational fishing. Even the Sierra Club once planted fish.
But the practice could end in some locations after Sacramento Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette this week found evidence of harm to native fish and amphibians. He ordered the state Department of Fish and Game to conduct its first-ever environmental impact study of the program.
About 61 percent of California's 2 million licensed anglers fish for trout, mostly the hatchery-raised rainbow variety. Fish and Game collects about $60 million annually from fishing license sales.
Officials expect to complete the study by fall 2008. The results could end rainbow trout stocking in some California lakes, especially where those fish conflict with native wildlife.
