Bridgeport Fisheries Enhancement Program
2007 Review and 2008 Update

Mission Statement To restore a brown trout fishery through non-profit means for the purpose of preservation while providing an improved angling experience for future generations.

Our yearly fish raising goals were once again exceeded with some new and exciting upgrades to our capabilities. The success of our 2007 season was due in large part to tremendous support from private donations, grants from the Gary Cino Family Foundation, the California Inland Fisheries Foundation, and the tireless volunteer efforts of our own Foundation members.

We are very pleased to announce the completion of our Trout Transport Trailer. This easily towed, fully equipped fish hauler is capable of moving more than 500 pounds of fish to any of our Bridgeport area fisheries. We are also able to travel good distances to pick up our new batch of fingerlings, saving money on delivery while ensuring a safe, disease free environment as they travel to our two certified clean facilities. Our Paradise Shores Project operated by Eric and Michelle Gehrung is being upgraded in 2008 to increase trout growing capacity.

The impressive new Virginia Creek Settlement project has proven to be a dependable artesian well water facility with low maintenance and extremely high growth rates. The potential for this facility will allow our trout output to triple as we plan to add two new bins in 2008. Our bold experiment in which we raised both rainbows and browns through this past winter was a surprising success. Jimmy and Brinn Little were able to raise over 400 browns in one bin while losing only one fish. These trout are being stocked into our local waters in trophy sizes. They were also able to grow over 2,000 rainbows through the winter while losing less than 5% of the fish. The majority of these trout are being planted in the 6 to 10 inch size before April 26th.

Our 2007 stocking totals included an August stocking from Paradise Shores of 250 browns in the 10-12 inch range, then another stocking of 650 browns in early October that were between 12-14 inches. Our Virginia Creek facility has been designed to grow fish year round, but also chipped in with trout stockings in early November of 250 browns in the 12-14 inch range and another 125 browns in late November. These late season plants were designed to allow the browns to grow through the winter in our local waters to provide serious rod-bending action after the April 26th season opener.

Plans for 2008 include receiving over twenty thousand (20,000) baby browns in mid- April that will be split between our two facilities. With our proven success, we expect our most prolific season of brown trout stocking.

Thank you for your continued support

Skip Baker, Program Chairman
Eric & Michelle Gehrung, Paradise Shores
Jimmy and Brinn Little, Virginia Creek Settlement
Raymond Robles, Event Director

Please see: Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Program Management Plan Summary

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