LMV Trout Cronicles Episode 6: I Fought The Law and the Law Won

[ElectroMike]

Went out for a late session yesterday. Knowing that the trout where just stocked I wanted to do some bass fishing hoping bassasorus was hungry. I decided to rent a boat (the wife got me some free boat rentals for Xmas) because it is a lot easier to see fish than sitting on my yak. After getting tired of the bass thing I pulled into the line up of trout fisherman near the kayak launch area by the main swim beach.

Now I have heard that they where enforcing the 15 foot rule this year and I have been aware of these rules but have NEVER seen them enforced. Most everyone fishing in this area was in violation of the rules in some way or the other. The life guard was coming by every 30-40 minutes to give us the “speech” about the 15 foot rules. The fish where definitely biting in this area.

This is the part where I start to get simi-political. I heard that they had A LOT of incidents with swimmers getting hooks in there feet over the summer in the main swim area. Is this true? I don’t know. I am in full agreement that the swim areas need to be a fish free area. I also agree with the rule about no fishing within 15 feet of the private docks. Fish are ALWAYS where you are not supposed to fish.

So why the enforcement of the 15 foot rule now? Is because of the swim area or did some owner of one of those really nice and really expensive lake front homes complain that some fisherman are too close to their dock?

I think that the lake management can make a simple change that will help the situation for everyone. The location of where they are stocking the fish is too close to the main swim beach. I have heard from various sources that they have on occasion stocked fish at other location on the lake in the past. I know that fish will find there way into these areas regardless of the stocking location. I think that they should stock the fish at the dam area. Oh wait a minute if they do that then they might not be as easy to scoop them out if they all die. I have heard people get very heated about this ,what do you think?

[Capt. G]

Mike--the rules at LMV or any other lake for that matter are what they are, rules.
Whether they are currently or when in the past they were enforced is a moot point.
I have friends that live on the lake, with a dock, and when I fish with them, I make sure to keep a good distance (much more than 15 feet) from the restricted areas.
I have been warned once, and the guy was polite and very professional. He said I was getting close to the 15 foot restriction on my drifts, and was I aware of the rule.
I said I was, and I would keep at least 20 feet off the rest of the day so he would not have to come over to me again. How hard is that?
I assume that you are a skilled angler, and can cast well; 15 feet is not going to make that much difference anyway.
If you think you have a valid basis for changing the rules, read your homeowners association bylaws and see what it takes to get you opinion heard, and how to petition for a change of rules on the lake.

Not being a property owner there, I am not telling you what you should do, just suggesting that if everyone, homeowners and guest alike, follow the current rules, it will be better for everyone.

[Gino The Bass]

That lake personally is the biggest fishery mistake i think ive ever seen, next to lake elsinor. putting trout in that lake is rediculous. They change policys and rules on a regular basis. And truthfully the realestate around the lake will always win over the fishermen who fish thier.

my personal best in LMV is a 8lb bass on a beef hotdog. i cant stand that lake.

[One_Leg]

Nobody that owns a boat wants fish hooks in their dock lines, their bimini's, or their upholstery.

[Richaaron]

I fish there quite often and this is the most pressure from the Lifeguards that I have seen. Apparently the home owners were getting tired of finding baits lodged into the side of there docks as well as boat renters tying off to the docks. The pressure from the Lifeguards will eventually subside as soon as the Trout stocks are over.

[BiggestT]

Is the rule that the angler or boat can't get within 15' of a dock, or is it that you can't cast within 15' of a dock?

At LMV if you're bass fishing you basically work the docks. That said, you don't want to be on top of the docks. 15' is like flipping distance.

My best fish out of LMV is a 30 lb blue cat. Best bass is a 5 lber, from under a dock. It's maddening the huge bass that you can see there just calling you. I just never do well at the clear water lakes on the big fish. I see a lot of guys site fishing LMV during the spawn. I've done it from shore, got a few, and found that style of fishing to be a turn off.

[toolman213]

well electro, capt. g has a point, but i think you can start by going to lmv's fishing club meeting and bringing this topic up with them. i am sure they have a valid reason for enforcing there rules. one of which being that fishermen are not the only people using the facilities provided by lmv association and that everyone who pays there association dues should have equal rights within the facilities.
gino the bass your opinion is not supported in your statement. comparing lmv to the cesspool of lake elsinore is retarded. lake elsinore has smelt like a rotting porta-potty for 20 years, and they have done very little to change that. lmv has a full-time biologist and staff to monitor the habitat of the lake. any rules that are changed are to benefit the habitat of the lake, not to ensure your happiness. and honestly i am pretty sure the rules of the lake have not change as much as you think they have.
by the way fishing with a beef hot dog is not permitted on lake mission viejo.

[johnnylite]

Pork Hot dog o.k. ?

[Saluki]

Originally Posted by One_Leg

Nobody that owns a boat wants fish hooks in their dock lines, their bimini's, or their upholstery.

What he said.

[ElectroMike]

Originally Posted by toolman213

well electro, capt. g has a point, but i think you can start by going to lmv's fishing club meeting and bringing this topic up with them. i am sure they have a valid reason for enforcing there rules. one of which being that fishermen are not the only people using the facilities provided by lmv association and that everyone who pays there association dues should have equal rights within the facilities.
gino the bass your opinion is not supported in your statement. comparing lmv to the cesspool of lake elsinore is retarded. lake elsinore has smelt like a rotting porta-potty for 20 years, and they have done very little to change that. lmv has a full-time biologist and staff to monitor the habitat of the lake. any rules that are changed are to benefit the habitat of the lake, not to ensure your happiness. and honestly i am pretty sure the rules of the lake have not change as much as you think they have.
by the way fishing with a beef hot dog is not permitted on lake mission viejo.

I hear you Brian but I have had I all I can eat of the fishing club. I think I will join the yatch club.

[wildcat]

Originally Posted by BiggestT

Is the rule that the angler or boat can't get within 15' of a dock, or is it that you can't cast within 15' of a dock?

At LMV if you're bass fishing you basically work the docks. That said, you don't want to be on top of the docks. 15' is like flipping distance.

My best fish out of LMV is a 30 lb blue cat. Best bass is a 5 lber, from under a dock. It's maddening the huge bass that you can see there just calling you. I just never do well at the clear water lakes on the big fish. I see a lot of guys site fishing LMV during the spawn. I've done it from shore, got a few, and found that style of fishing to be a turn off.

Dude it just takes some time but i have worked some pigs down here in the 15-18 pound class that will make your knees buckle..I have had friends in the past that thought sight fishing was easy...No way..It can be easy but most of the time you are working the fish and trying to get a read on its vibe and the best way to get them to chew...Any just thought I would throw that in for what its worth..

[Headshot]

It is an HOA isnt it? The residents of the HOA will win out always! Thats why I dont even think of fishing that lake, Im not one of the LMV HOA members so I dont even try!
Wish they would stock our lake at the Sun and Sail Club2!