Today I participated in a meeting with EBPARKS, CA DFG, Alameda Creek Alliance, Bass-n-Tubes club (John Lake), and Northern CA Federation of Flyfishers. DFG representation included the local biologist, sr. regional biologist, and some of the main steelhead resource mgrs for the state.

The good news is that all of the parties present agreed that allowing fishing in the back ponds at Shadow Cliffs was OK by them. The exact details of what this will look like are still to be worked out and agreed on. These details will be things like the exact wording of the regs, and the exact area where an exception from the general Alameda Creek fishing closure will be in effect. The important thing is that I believe we will be successful in getting the ponds back open.

This does not mean that the work is done here! There are still many procedural barriers to cross. The exact process is a bit gray but will likely involve having each of the groups involved in the Alameda Creek watershed send letters to the commission indicating their support for keeping the back ponds open for fishing. This may take some time, as will the Commission reg change process in general. You guys have my promise that I will follow through on it until those ponds are open again.

Some interesting side issues arose from this meeting including the fact that the way Alameda Creek is being managed (no fishing whatsoever) does not agree with the DFG's overall state management plans for steelhead. This is a side issue, and not one that I will personally persue, but I am glad to have helped highlight the issue because our state resources should be managed in a consistent fashion.

The important lesson for all of us as anglers is that there is opportunity to effect change in fishing laws and regulations. We should not feel shut out from this process. We should not sit on the sidelines and complain. We should take time to get informed, understand the system and rules that govern what we are interested in and then get involved. I am no different than any of you reading this. The folks who got the creek shut down from fishing are no different either. Neither of us have special powers or ability to make law. But we are fortunate to live in a country and a state where individual citizens can get involved int he process.

Several people deserve thanks for their help on this. Pete Alexander at EBPARKS set up the meeting today and facilitated. He did not have to do this, but he did. George Neillands who is the Region 3 Sr. Fisheries Supervisor took the time to talk with me about this and the trout stocking issue in advance of the meeting. Krissy Adkinson who is the regional biologist also took time from her day to listen to my concerns and then followed up by visiting the site. All of these people could have just ignored my voicemails and emails, but they didn't.

Remember, this is not done yet. But there is a message of hope here to rally around. I hope you guys who have kids will take them to the ponds and teach them to float tube when they are ready. You know I'll be there with Derek :)

Thanks for all the hard work Rob

FIT

I've never fished there, but it must be a cool place I'm sure. Keep the ball rolling. Was the fishing good there when you where allowed to fish it?
Rich

Wow, that is great news Rob! Thanks for getting all this set up so quickly, and thanks to Lake for attending this meeting to represent BnT.
Float tubers all over the bay area owe you guys a debt of gratitude for your efforts.

I will be on those ponds with Ryan just as soon as possible :7

MT

Very impressive Rob!!! Way to jump through the hurdles quickly and efficiently as possible. :-)

Rob,I just want to say THANK YOU! Those little ponds are my favorite place to fish the kb.Thanks to John also I know you guys work and taking the time to go to these meeting takes you away from making some$.I wish I could've helped but with my limited income right now I need to work when ever I can.
anytime you want to meet up back there just shoot me an email.
Swampy

Hey Rob,

I want to say a million thanks for all the time and effort! The back ponds are where I learned to catch bass and to catch bass from a float tube. It is great to learn to tube there... no boat traffic, minimum shore anglers and no tide. You can get a lot of confidence being a beginner.

Needless to say that the confidence progressed into the VV cadillac and bigger waters, but first and foremost, tournament bass fishing with BnT.

I also introduced my 14 year old son to the back ponds. He sure loves that dropshot pattern (I don't know why). Now he goes and shows his friends how to bass fish.

If the back ponds were closed back in the day, I wouldn't have had the chance to do all of this. Lets keep it open so fathers can have a chance to teach their sons.

Just wanted to throw you a bone Rob...


Gil

Right on Rob. Good job and thanks for all the effort. I have never been to these ponds but might have to make my way out there soon. I can no longer fish any of the ponds around where I live in the kickboat anymore. I learned to flip and pitch in my local ponds. So thanks again for all the time and effort.

I hope you grace us with your presence this year at a tourny or at an open.

Was wondering if its still possible to fish the back ponds...
Any updated info

As of March 1st it has been closed. Everything is in the works to have it re-opened. Stay tuned to the forum as to when it re-opens. Were expecting months not days before things really start to happen