I just got word that per DFG, the back ponds at Shadow Cliffs may open to catch and release barbless hook only fishing as early as September 22, 2011.

We've been through quite a few cycles of excitement and dashed hopes with this but this looks to be the real thing. I will keep you all posted.

My dream has been to be there on the day it reopens to welcome everyone back but it looks like I may miss it due to being at Clear Lake for the FLW. Crossing my fingers either way.

Darnitall. You were supposed to let me catch every frog fish from that pond at least twice before the word got out.

Congratulations--doing your homework and presenting your case to the Commission really paid off in tangible results!

Notice of proposed regulatory actions:
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/2010/7_50b1_5ntc.pdf

Initial statement of reasons for regulatory action:
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/2011/7_50b1_5isor.pdf

Still on track to open September 22, 2011

this is great news, i can't wait to fish there and i would like to thank you for taking the time and effort for making this happen

are the back lakes still reopening on the 22nd?

I have not heard anything to the contrary.

Sent a note just now to confirm 100%

Will post what I learn here.

Guys - unfortunately I can't confirm 100% with DFG that the ponds will be open on Friday. We're in the part of the process where the Office of Administrative Law looks at the proposed reg changes to vet them and make sure they don't conflict with other laws, etc. If you can understand slide 5 in - that's where we are at.

I can't understand that slide but figure it's a well intentioned process that is implemented in as confusing a manner as possible - so as to throw one last wet blanket around your good idea.

Assuming they approve it, it's not clear how the regulation implementation date is established (that's the part where you get to go float tubing at Shadow Cliffs and rail frog fish). I've asked that question directly and was referred to aforementioned slide deck.

What I can see is on the Fish and Game Commission site on the section. Note the last line.

Sport Fishing (Off-year changes)

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2011-0512-02
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2011-0810-03s
Amend Sections 2.10, 7.50, 27.65, 29.80, Title 14, CCR, Sport Fishing

Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF) - May 17, 2011
.....
Section 7.50 - Alameda Creek
(PDF)
(PDF)
.....
Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement (Std 399) (PDF)
Notice of Change of Hearing Date (PDF)
Adoption Date: August 3, 2011
Date Filed with the Office of Administrative Law: August 10, 2011
Final Statement of Reasons, including the Approved Regulatory Language, will be posted here when available.
Office of Administrative Law's decision: pending
Date filed with the Secretary of State: pending
Effective Date of Regulation: pending

PONDS ARE OPEN :) :) :) :) :)

wait so they are really open, like i can go float tube back there now. and are all ponds open?

Yes you can go fishing right now. You have to use barbless hooks and it's catch and release only.

The exact location you can fish is:

Between Bernal Avenue and the Thiessen Street intersection with Vineyard Avenue. Search it up on google maps. Basically the island pond and the main pond.

yes finally thanks rob you are the man. i'll be their sunday

I'm going to try to head over today for 2 hours to fish. Blue bucks bags float tube. Say hello :)

We all owe you a big debt of gratitude for years to come.

Thank you!