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Bridgeport
Fisheries Enhancement Program
Management Plan Summary
History: The Program was started by long time guide Frank Killen in 2003. The
original plan was to solicit donations from his clients and others for
the purchase of Alpers trout to be planted in Bridgeport Reservoir. Frank
was successful in raising funds and requested that the new Committee
continue this effort. The Program developed into fund raising efforts
that can be designated for the hatchery or the purchase of quality fish,
allowing previous donors a choice with their contributions.
Tomato bin: Through research the Committee decided that the greatest need for our
local fisheries was to enhance the German Brown Trout population. We
met and discussed raising browns with Todd O’Banion of the Great Basin
Hatchery in Nevada. Todd donated the tomato bin, tanks, and other equipment
to get us started. We designed and built the Paradise Shores Trout Project
for the purpose of raising subcatchable browns for the East Walker River
and the Reservoir. Fisheries biologist Mike Morrison joined Mr. O’Banion
as consultants to our Program in 2004.
Goals: The Plan calls for the
planting of 50,000 browns split between the East Walker and Bridgeport
Reservoir annually. The facility can be used to grow-out other species
after the browns are stocked. We will raise as many trout each year that
our facilities and budget allows.
Moving Forward: Once we have established
the Paradise Shores Project, we will target new locations to install
tomato bins. The new Projects will be managed by the land owner as a
volunteer with funding and supervision provided by the Program.
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