By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Yuba Reservoir will be drained this summer so that the
dam can be strengthened.
Jeff Rassmussen, Park Ranger, said the state park will
not be open for the work period which will run from
mid-August to October. However, he said, the reservoir
should accommodate boaters and fishers for most of the
summer.
"Plans are that the reservoir will be drained by Aug. 15,
the project completed, and it will be filled back up again
in October," said Rassmussen. "The irrigation company wants
to fill the reservoir as quickly and as much as we do."
The lake will be usable until July 4, it is almost
certain, he said.
Meanwhile, said Rassmussen, there is still water to boat
on and the fishing will be unmatched. The Division of State
Parks, in anticipation of the reservoir being drained, is
allowing fishermen to catch more than the usual limit.
"We don't want the fish to lay on the floor of the
drained reservoir and rot," he said. "For that reason, we
have lifted restrictions and have doubled the limits."
He said, until August, there would be plenty of water for
boating, other water sports and fishing.
"It level of the water has dropped 5-feet," he said. "The
news is going around that, because of the drought, there is
not water at Yuba. We still have water and 8-miles of lake
still gives plenty of water to boat and play on."
Yuba has been in the top five in national rankings for
the good walleye fishing. "We are hoping the walleye will
rebound once the water level returns."
The average walleye is 18 to 22 inches long and is
approximately 3 to 4 pounds.
There are yellow perch, northern pike, bass, and some
trout, available.
Those who want carp can just net them out as the water
level gets lower. Even though some fishermen think it would
improve the lake to get ride of the carp, that will never
been possible. The population grows quickly and rebuilds.
"We will never be able to get rid of the carp."
"The walleye and perch eat each other," said Rassmussen.
"But winter ice-fishing has produced some football sized
perch."
Plans are to face the dam with rip-rap and to put a berm
up so that the dam meets the current codes for safety.
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