Southern California Lake Fees

[Dan_Garcia]

Good evening anglers,

 

I am getting ready to PCS back to Camp Pendleton and going to purchase a little Tracker Pro 170. I am out on the east coast and fish with a cousin who has a Triton and we never pay fees to launch a boat or park the truck. I keep hearing there are fees to launch, park, breath, and fish. What are the average fees to go to a lake in SoCal to fish?

[WRB]

About $15-$25 per day, depending where you fish. Closet lakes to Pendleton San Deigo county lakes Hodges and San Vicente, look up thier fees.

Tom

[Dan_Garcia]

Thank you for the information. 

[schplurg]

Dude you have to pay to "launch" a float tube here in the Bay Area. You know, an inner-tube? You have to pay for an inspection (where nobody actually inspects anything), you have to pay to "launch" (drop it in the water) and you have to pay to park.

 

Can't swim, can't touch the water!

 

Oops old thread. Still applies though

Edited October 15, 2019 by J Francho
Profanity removed.

[ryanerb]

I live in the Rupublik of Kalifornia, and it's pretty sad, the $20-$25 I pay every time to go to the lake is definitely a deterrent. It puts a damper on my bass fishing hobby for sure! There's even lakes you have to reserve and pay ticketmaster fees!! https://www.sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/barrett-reservoir#undefined

[Hammer 4]

2 hours ago, ryanerb said:

I live in the Rupublik of Kalifornia, and it's pretty sad, the $20-$25 I pay every time to go to the lake is definitely a deterrent. It puts a damper on my bass fishing hobby for sure! There's even lakes you have to reserve and pay ticketmaster fees!! https://www.sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/barrett-reservoir#undefined

Barrett has always been a pay to fish reservoir..And use to get sold out really fast a long time ago. The fishing is amazing there..30 to 60 bass in 1 day. You also have to be escorted thru the gates, and no private boats, only rentals..

I do agree, having to pay to launch your boat is kind of getting out of hand.

[WRB]

The next generation of California anglers will have auto drive electric vehicles and boats with pay kiosk to enter and exit plus pay by the hour of lake use on a lottery bases.

Enjoy your combustion engines while they are still allowed.

Tom

[TnRiver46]

On 10/15/2019 at 4:40 PM, Hammer 4 said:

Barrett has always been a pay to fish reservoir..And use to get sold out really fast a long time ago. The fishing is amazing there..30 to 60 bass in 1 day. You also have to be escorted thru the gates, and no private boats, only rentals..

I do agree, having to pay to launch your boat is kind of getting out of hand.

I’d pay $30 to catch that many! 

[KJWright88]

Mean lake fees basically pay for the up keep PF the on site facilities... last time I was at Lake Perris I collected 3 garbage bags worth of trash in one single location from the weekend before. Marina guys basically stated they don’t have enough staff to keep up with it sometimes. Plus they were setting up that huge concert.

[ryanerb]

4 hours ago, KJWright88 said:

Mean lake fees basically pay for the up keep PF the on site facilities... last time I was at Lake Perris I collected 3 garbage bags worth of trash in one single location from the weekend before. Marina guys basically stated they don’t have enough staff to keep up with it sometimes. Plus they were setting up that huge concert.

So you're saying your entry fee pays to have people pick up trash?

 

If there wasn't so many DUMB people who littered and left their crap, you're saying we wouldn't have to pay for an entry fee? What a concept... 

 

You're saying that Perris charges an entry fee, but despite the entry fee, they still don't have enough park staff to pick up all the trash? Seems like an ineffective entry fee... or all that money is getting sunk into the state somewhere else...

 

 

[schplurg]

On 10/16/2019 at 10:06 AM, WRB said:

The next generation of California anglers will have auto drive electric vehicles and boats with pay kiosk to enter and exit plus pay by the hour of lake use on a lottery bases.

Enjoy your combustion engines while they are still allowed.

Tom

 

Or move away from Cali like I'm doing early next year. This place has gotten ridiculous in just about every way. I'd move just for better fishing and lakes alone. Love the state, hate the idiots running it.

 

Not all states, if any, charge as much, and some don't have fees at all so I disagree that they need the fees for upkeep (addressing another poster here). California just likes to waste our tax dollars on other things.

 

I mean where does the money go? Almost last in education, first in homelessness, highest in poverty, poor electrical grid, poor/corrupt water management, sanctuary state, gas prices, insane taxes.

 

Why am I still here? Oh yeah, I'm leaving!

[KJWright88]

On 10/19/2019 at 2:55 PM, ryanerb said:

So you're saying your entry fee pays to have people pick up trash?

 

If there wasn't so many DUMB people who littered and left their crap, you're saying we wouldn't have to pay for an entry fee? What a concept... 

 

You're saying that Perris charges an entry fee, but despite the entry fee, they still don't have enough park staff to pick up all the trash? Seems like an ineffective entry fee... or all that money is getting sunk into the state somewhere else...

 

 

No I’m saying your fees go for funding park staff, maintenance of lake facilities used by the public, restocking the lake, infrastructure improvements, and probably assist in funding projects like the one that sunk a bunch of new structures into the lake. 
 

We ain’t talking a naturally occurring lake. With anything that’s totally man made comes maintenance.

 

As far as where the fee allocation. I can only speak from the perspective of the agency that employees me. But our fees go to an overall state fund. From there those fees are allocated to projects based on priority. I’d say if you have a major problem, then reach out to California Parks and Recreation and ask them where your fee money is allocated. Linked the contact information below.

 

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23110

[schplurg]

I'd love to see a state by state fee comparison, then cross reference that with the overall management of the water bodies. Who has the best facilities, cleanest etc.

 

Ours should be right up at the top because we probably pay the most, but that is not the case.

 

I'm looking online at Florida boat ramp fees and many of them have none at all.

 

I'm actually very interested in this. I'd love a rundown of various launch and lake use fees from posters in other states.

 

And don't tell me "They pay for it in their taxes then" because Cali has the highest taxes around. We pay out of both ends here...

 

You don't use it? You still have to pay taxes.

You want to use it too? You have to pay a fee as well. 

For everything.

 

And yes this stuff makes me angry, I'm sorry if it shows. This state is one big rip-off.

 

To all: How much do you pay to launch and fish, and where?

[MN Fisher]

25 minutes ago, schplurg said:

To all: How much do you pay to launch and fish, and where?

No ramp fees in Minnesota at all. A portion of taxes, license fees (fishing and boat registration) and lottery earnings go to the DNR for maintenance of ramps as well as pay for personnel to man the ramps for 'invasive species' and regulations checks.

[WRB]

Without ramp fees you are luanching in public waterways without security. Luanch your boat, park your vehicle and trailer and leave in the boat to go fishing. Who is watching your vehicle?

Tom

[Scott F]

8 minutes ago, WRB said:

Without ramp fees you are luanching in public waterways without security. Luanch your boat, park your vehicle and trailer and leave in the boat to go fishing. Who is watching your vehicle?

Tom

There are over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota. There should be a guard on every boat launch? Crime at boat launches in Minnesota and Wisconsin for that matter, happens, but it is not at all common. In 30 plus years of launching my boat on dozens of lakes all over both states, I’ve never witnessed anybody’s truck or trailer bothered. 

[MN Fisher]

7 hours ago, Scott F said:

There are over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota. There should be a guard on every boat launch?

Add to that, some lakes have multiple launch points - Minnetonka has 10 public ramps, Mille Lacs has 11, Leech has 8. So if you can only assign 1 enforcement officer to each lake...which ramp do they watch?

[Russ E]

Of the few lakes around here that charge a fee or require an annual permit to launch, some of the money goes to stocking catfish and trout. I beleive the rest is used to upkeep the lakes.

I am not sure if this is statewide or nationwide, but the army corps of engineers no longer charges a lauch  fee on the one major reservoir I frequent occasionally.

[WRB]

SoCal lakes are small public reserviors operated by the city they are located in. Most have 1 gated entry point with a ramp and often a private concessionaire operating the marina boat rental fleet. You pay to eneter the lakes Marina area a fee for both the tow vehicle and boat trailer. A few lakes may have 2 launching sites. Because our lakes have extreme fluctuations over 50 feet of depth year to year most the ramps are very long or in multiple areas to prevent trailers backing off the ends. 

Security is provided by the city as part of the entry fees. The more remote a luanch area is the more theft can occur. 

Northern California lakes are big compared to SoCal and most have gated entry areas and fee's similar to SoCal. The exception is the Delta area, too many areas to gaurd and theft is a major problem, unless to use a private gated Marina.

Tom

 

[RB 77]

On 10/27/2019 at 9:22 AM, WRB said:

SoCal lakes are small public reserviors operated by the city they are located in. Most have 1 gated entry point with a ramp and often a private concessionaire operating the marina boat rental fleet. You pay to eneter the lakes Marina area a fee for both the tow vehicle and boat trailer. A few lakes may have 2 launching sites. Because our lakes have extreme fluctuations over 50 feet of depth year to year most the ramps are very long or in multiple areas to prevent trailers backing off the ends. 

Security is provided by the city as part of the entry fees. The more remote a luanch area is the more theft can occur. 

Northern California lakes are big compared to SoCal and most have gated entry areas and fee's similar to SoCal. The exception is the Delta area, too many areas to gaurd and theft is a major problem, unless to use a private gated Marina.

Tom

 

 

 

This. For example, at the largest reservoir in So. Cal. the ramp is over 800 feet long. No, that is not a typo.

[ryanerb]

I won't name the lake, but the lake in CA with the biggest spotted bass has a public launch with no fee. Imagine that. I just about peed my pants I was so excited the day I launched my boat at that lake. Too bad I live at least 6 hours away.... It had a nice paved ramp, etc. It's obviously sponsored by someone, whether the state, department of waterways, the county, or someone. As mentioned in a previous post, other states use the 'other' fees we get charged to maintain the ramps, etc. CA just hits you all along the way, with no breaks. 

 

I do like the idea that some of the fees go towards stocking the lake. Obviously not all fee payers are fisherman, so not all the money can go towards stocking. Sadly, all my lakes I pay fees at don't do any stocking, so the money is going elsewhere. Like you said, I'm free to contact my local parks and rec department who is collecting the fees to see where they go. I'm sure they go somewhere, whether or not I agree with where they go is another question. 

 

It all goes back to the basic principle of getting taxed in too many ways. CA has income tax, and sales tax. You pay when you make money, then pay AGAIN to spend the money. Interesting concept. But we live in america, I guess it's the price you pay. 

 

As for security, I've never see any security officers, but maybe that's lopped into the local 'park rangers' who are staffed doing various projects, but I'm not sure security patrol is the high one on the list... I'd probably rather take my chances of break ins compared to paying 30 dollars per day to go to my local lake. 

 

Just my .02 cents, rambling on...

[WRB]

To answer the reply requires getting into state politics by liberal controlled state government. We have extremely high cost of living, the reason few working people can afford to retire here.

Parking security is availble where you pay to park, just no liability for not keeping your vehicle safe and secure.

The Delta has earned a reputation for stolen boats, boat trailers and breaking into parked vehicles more then any other fishing destination in CA.

Hunting in CA is similar to fishing except more restricted and the crazies have guns, parking is the least of your worries.

I am a native Californian and remember when it was rare when anything was stolen. The population is 4x larger then in the 50's (10 million vs 40 million), with more people comes more bad people. The problem today is bad dishonest people are replacing good honest people.

Tom

 

 

[NorcalBassin]

Melones went to a daily fee a few years ago with the selling point to local anglers and pleasure boaters being that all the money would go right back into the lake and infrastructure. Now there are only two gated entrances to launch after a 3rd and very convenient one was closed (couldn't be "staffed" to ensure people were actually paying the fees). There is probably less park staff present now than there was before the fees started, the cleaning station seems to always be out of order (not that I use it but a lot do or would), the main bathrooms are closed and have not worked for months, we're still down a dock at the ramp (just recently fixed/replaced the second one), and the roof on the 600 +/- sq ft building housing the bathrooms (that aren't working) stayed 50% finished for a year or more.  

 

I've probably averaged 20+ trips/yr to the lake the past 10 years and can definitely say the fees have not helped (vs pre-fees). However, I get the impression the state pulled most of the funding they used to provide the lake and things would be considerably worse without the fees. Melones is still on the cheap side of fees, but our other local lakes are as much as $25-30/day depending on the time of year and price many people out of fishing them regularly.

 

In addition to the Delta, Clear Lake is also surrounded by free launches that are often part of a community park. Some of the smaller ones are definitely on the shady side, but I've been very fortunate to never experience any issues (knock on wood). I grew up next to the Delta and don't even consider launching at the secluded free spots due to the risk of what will/will not be waiting for me when I get back.

[ryanerb]

On 11/22/2019 at 9:06 PM, NorcalBassin said:

Melones went to a daily fee a few years ago with the selling point to local anglers and pleasure boaters being that all the money would go right back into the lake and infrastructure. Now there are only two gated entrances to launch after a 3rd and very convenient one was closed (couldn't be "staffed" to ensure people were actually paying the fees). There is probably less park staff present now than there was before the fees started, the cleaning station seems to always be out of order (not that I use it but a lot do or would), the main bathrooms are closed and have not worked for months, we're still down a dock at the ramp (just recently fixed/replaced the second one), and the roof on the 600 +/- sq ft building housing the bathrooms (that aren't working) stayed 50% finished for a year or more.  

 

I've probably averaged 20+ trips/yr to the lake the past 10 years and can definitely say the fees have not helped (vs pre-fees). However, I get the impression the state pulled most of the funding they used to provide the lake and things would be considerably worse without the fees.

Thanks for sharing this. Like you said, maybe it would have been worse, but really sad the fees haven't helped much! Worth contacting your local gov that is now controlling the lake. 

 

Thanks for adding your input!

 

I agree, the 25-30 dollar entry fee to fish definitely would price a lot of guys out of fishing them. I thought offshore marlin fishing was an expensive sport, I guess bass fishing is turning into that too (*sarcasm) (even if you only burn 2 gallons of gas on the small boats), just because the entry fees. It definitely helps going with a friend to split the charge. 

[WRB]

California has wonderful year around weather allowing sporting activities like fishing a year around choice, both fresh and salt water. Enter California management of fishing starting with annual high fishing license cost that isn't year to date of purchase but Jan 1st to Dec 31 regardless when purchased.It's over a decade a promise to change year to date of purchase that hasn't happened. Hunting and fishing licenses fee no longer go toward hunting and fishery manament, they go into the general fund to run government.

Trout hatcheries have been closed across the state from lack of funding for example. 

State operated parks and recreation (lakes and streams) rely on the States budget, 

City parks and rec rely on city, county and state budgets with fishing being very low priority. 

The DFW or DFG whatever it's called today was managed by career Employees working their way up the chain of command, no longer the directors are political appointees without wildlife manament skills.

We come to the parking fee's, if the state doesn't have funding to manage the lake they only collect a fee, then your safety is compromised. Complain and you risk closing the faculty for public use. 

Socal lakes I fish are managed by the city or county and employ county life gaurds and or local security, the parks and rec manage the facilty rest rooms, docks, camp grounds etc.

The big issue now is quagga mussel clean & drt policy prevents going to more then 1 lakes without a 30 day quarantine period, you lose a month of fishing.

There is more to the high cost of living in California and parking fees.

Tom