California trout anglers are facing several challenges in the form of drought and funding of trout hatcheries. Still, there are many opportunities in 2009.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California gets a lot of its water either from the Colorado River or the California Aqueduct, and to some extent, the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which carries water from the Eastern Sierra. Reservoirs connected to these systems are likely to have better water conditions than those that rely mostly or entirely on local rainfall.

There are exceptions.

• Diamond Valley Lake in Southern California is so low that the public launch ramp was closed. Diamond Valley gets water from both the Colorado River and California aqueducts. Management was concerned that quagga mussel could be introduced into the system.

• San Vicente Reservoir, formerly a star of San Diego's trout-stocking program, is out of action for several years. It closed in late 2008 so a taller dam could be built. It will probably remain closed until 2012.

• Lake Perris in Riverside County was another fine winter trout lake, that won't be a star this year. The lake is open to fishing, but has been drawn down considerably. The dam is being worked on to meet current earthquake safety standards. Fishing will be affected for years.

If you do much reservoir angling for trout in 2009, you will likely come into contact with state mandated boat, float tube and kayak inspections. The state is trying to prevent the dispersion of invasive aquatic species.

In the Eastern Sierra, you will also see plenty of "Do Not Wade" signs on streams to prevent the movement of New Zealand mudsnails. There is plenty of information on how to disinfect waders and wading shoes to prevent these tiny hitchhikers from spreading to non-infected streams. It's a good idea to look into it at www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/mudsnail/.

In San Diego, the city has stopped stocking most of its lakes with trout. Only tiny Lake Murray is getting city-bought fish. But the state continues to stock Otay Reservoir.

Around San Diego County, there are a lot of other opportunities to fish for trout, and anglers should consider Lake Jennings, Lake Cuyamaca, and Morena, along with Dixon and Poway lakes.

"We should be stocking as many as we stocked in 2008," said Mike Giusti, Region 6 lakes biologist. "Because of the funding and requirements of Assembly Bill 7, we are stocking half-pound fish everywhere."

Giusti said there are stocking restrictions because of New Zealand mudsnail or whirling disease. But the rest of the hatchery system is well coordinated. If a hatchery needs fish, they are moving them between hatcheries, he said.

The other big DFG Region in Southern California is Region 5, which includes San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties. Region fisheries chief DeWayne Maxwell said that drought may cause problems on upper Piru Creek in the Lockwood Valley area. Trabuco Creek could be in poor shape, but that most of the trout stocked reservoirs in the area should be good.

EASTERN SIERRA
In the Eastern Sierra, most waters should have adequate flows for a good fishing year. Guides, tackle shop operators and resort owners, said things look good for an action-packed year.

Gary Gunsolly, owner of Brock's Flyfishing in Bishop, said even with lower water levels, the fishing will probably be good with the state's current stocking plan.