The Editor’s Note

California’s king salmon runs could be in jeopardy with the White House’s announcement to divert vital Delta water to farmers, potentially leaving fish in further peril. (HARRY MORSE/CDFW)

February was not a good month to be a Central California fish. First, President Donald Trump held a reelection rally in Bakersfield, where he assured the farmers on hand his water allocation plan would benefit them (environmentalists think that would in turn be devastating to native Chinook salmon, Delta smelt and other native species).

“As we face the unprecedented threat of a climate emergency, now is the time to strengthen our planet’s biodiversity, not destroy it,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a press release announcing plans to file suit over the water plan. “California won’t silently spectate as the Trump Administration adopts scientificallychallenged biological opinions that push species to extinction and harm our natural resources and waterways.”

Then, when the California Fish and Game Commission met in Sacramento, a controversial proposal to lift protections on striped bass was voted through, much to the chagrin of many Northern California fishing guides.

“Well, the (commission), despite the outpouring of public support for striped bass, appears to be ready to side with the water districts to our south and rule against managing striped bass (a public trust resource) in the interest of the public,” longtime and respected guide JD Richey (thesportfisher.com) posted on Facebook.

I was chatting about water with one of my closest friends – we met as college students at Fresno State – whose family owns a San Joaquin Valley farm that produces almonds, pistachios and tomatoes. So I understand what’s at stake in California’s water wars. But that doesn’t mean we – anglers, guides, conservationists, etc. – are happy about what’s going on either. Oh, and barring a deluge of storms this month and next, the state will show signs of droughtlike conditions this rainy season.

“While periods of dry conditions are expected in California, climate change has made them more unpredictable and extreme, which is why we must always use the water we have wisely,” Sean de Guzman, California Department of Water Resources chief of snow surveys and water supply forecasting, said in a press release.

The bottom line is the fish need us – sportsmen and -women of California – to do what we can for them in these contentious times. –Chris Cocoles