CIFFI is in its 25th year, and significant changes dictate the Foundation’s direction and efforts. The important thing is, CIFFI continues to stand strong and committed to its original goal of improving angling opportunities for the anglers of California, in a cooperative effort with California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
First, CIFFI altered its method of communication. Nearly everyone now utilizes the computer and internet, which makes communication simpler, quicker and more efficient. It is a simple process to go to www.ciffi.org to find out what projects are in process or are completed, plus photos are posted on a timely basis. Also, questions can be sent in on line and responses are immediate. A great improvement to the Newsletter which was costly to mail.
2015 brought the drought to the forefront. After four years of insufficient water, CDFW and CIFFI addressed traditional partnership activities. Hatchery production was hampered and fish plants of trout, kokanee and landlocked salmon were greatly reduced. New endeavors were curtailed and CIFFI was streamlined to facilitate efficient use of its funding. CIFFI stands fiscally sound to meet its obligations and to assist CDFW as worthy projects develop. Hopefully, 2016 will be the start of a return to normal.
In 2015, hazardous water levels were a concern and fishing derbies were cancelled. After 25 years, traditional derbies are no longer the source of income they once were. As CIFFI explored alternate sources of funding, strong support surfaced. In 2016 CIFFI will present its first BIG Berryessa Derby, on July 23rd!! Look for BIG payouts, specials, great food & more! Details are being worked out – add your email address to the list at the ISE Show or online to get the updates. If you think you can catch fish…here’s your chance to PROVE IT!!
Even though 2015 was bleak, CIFFI prevailed! The CDFW Kokanee Program received its CIFFI commitment. Folks complained about the size of the fish they were catching but the reduced size of aquariums is a major factor. The smaller the lake, the smaller the fish…it’s a fact! CIFFI receives tremendous support from the Bass fishing community – bass fishermen are catching enormous bass…because they’re feeding on kokanee!
The Berryessa Trout Pen Program is a success and more large trout were caught in Berryessa in 2015. Volunteers cleaned the pens in December and recently 750 pounds of healthy trout were put into the pens by CDFW and volunteers. These fish will be fed, acclimated to lake conditions, grow and be released the end of April. Plan on catching some great trout again in 2016! Even though kokanee plants were reduced in 2015, Berryessa received over 25,000, plus a plant of over 32,000 landlocked chinook salmon!
CIFFI provides administrative support as the parent organization to Project Eagle Lake Trout. In 2015, two fund-raising events took place at the Lake and response was again very favorable regardless of low water levels. When it was decided to not plant the traditional Bonus Fish, the Steering Committee which administers PELT funds, made the decision to work with the Spalding Community and invest dollars into launch improvement instead. The extension, completed in September, will enable anglers to launch without difficulty or experience the hazardous conditions of a too-short launch ramp, causing damage to boat trailers and vehicles.
California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Inc., is a volunteer operated, tax deductible 501 C3 non-profit foundation, dedicated to the enhancement of freshwater angling opportunities. It is a success story in cooperative fishery management which started with Project Kokanee and now provides assistance to many other projects. Support was provided to a variety of endeavors, including but not limited to, “Kids Catch a Smile” Day, fish food for Pen Projects, volunteer aid to CDFW in the kokanee egg-take endeavor, volunteer aid to CDFW Berryessa fish plant and release, support of Tahoe Heritage Foundation, and more.
In addition to membership dues, CIFFI relies on its partnerships with sponsors, donors and other conservation-oriented groups to help sustain programs and projects. Two general membership “Blast” meetings are held annually, in 2016 on May 18 and December 21 and the Annual Dinner is November 5. Public support plays an important role and is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
