Lakes in Trouble

I read with interest your article featured on the front page of your Sports section July 26 titled “The Home of the Big Bass.” However, I find there are some serious problems with San Diego lakes that were not addressed and should be.

You mention that Otay Lake was nearly full; but as of this writing, that lake is down so low that serious consideration is being given to closing the lake to private boats because of the inadequacy of the launch ramp at the current water level.

El Capitan Lake is down 81 feet from capacity and 35 feet from last year, while Lake Sutherland is down 60 feet from capacity and 22 feet from last year.

Lake Hodges, which next to Otay is the most popular lake in San Diego County, has a water level that is so low that private boats have been unable to launch since June 30.

The article is correct that San Diego bass fishing in the last few years has been some of the best in the world--and per acre-foot of water has been the most written about--however, we are in danger of losing this resource because no agency is concerned with the water levels for recreational purposes.

At Lake Hodges, it is my understanding that the City of San Diego is selling water to two local water districts for irrigation purposes at the price of $20 per acre-foot. That sale of water is critical because, as the water leaves the reservoir, there is no way to replace it except for rain.

The loss is having a severe impact both on bass habitat and on the ability of recreation users to launch their boats. This sale of water is especially appalling when one understands that the City of San Diego purchases water at a price greater than $200 per acre-foot.

Your article also pointed out the bumper sticker reading “Catch and Release Means Better Bassin” and credited same to the city.

It should be noted that those bumper stickers were prepared and distributed by the San Diego Council of Bass Clubs and additional signs have been posted at all lakes to that effect. By joint resolution, 19 organized bass fishing clubs in San Diego County have adopted the policy of releasing fish to protect the resource.

The gist of your article is correct. That is, San Diego has had, in the past, some of the best bass fishing lakes in the world. However, the public should be aware that we are quickly losing this recreational asset, as well as many other recreational opportunities at the lakes, due to the low priority the city gives recreational use of its lakes. It is important that this situation be remedied and the public voice their views to city officials to try to ensure that this extraordinary resource isn’t lost.

L. KEVIN MINEO

San Diego