GSF is teaming up with SWCFFI Conservation in support of their ongoing efforts to help eradicate Carp, bluegill, green sunfish, bass, and catfish from Malibu Creek. This is in preparation for removal of the Rindge Dam, in order to protect the recovery of Southern Steelhead that are native to the creek.
To learn more about this ongoing effort to restore Southern Steelhead habitat in California, follow the link to a
n excellent article providing background on this ongoing effort to remove non-native species from the creek: SWCFFI Conservation project on Malibu Creek
More info is available on Google Drive at:
More documents and info for Malibu Creek Project
Debbie Sharpton, our SWCFFI contact, has secured a spacious, quiet group camp site for us, courtesy of California State Parks, for the dates of Oct 27-29. If you would rather not camp, there are local motels where you could stay. The one Debbie recommends is the Good Nite Inn in Calabasas. Here is a link to their website:
Good Nite Inn Calabasas Malibu
Again, the group campground is large and secluded, and there are miles of creek and a lake. Debbie has offered to support us with creek maps, fish reports, float tube opportunities, and possibly even a BBQ! Debbie plans to recruit some local anglers as well.
I need to know how many people from San Diego GSF will want to participate, so
please register for the event! All are welcome,
you do not need to be a GSF member to join us on this outing.
Feel free to respond to me by email if you are interested and/or have any questions.
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INFO FOR THIS VOLUNTEER EVENT
Frank Vargas, Jr and Debbie Sharpton will be on hand Saturday morning, Oct 28, to give instructions on how to target carp successfully.
Here are some other important items:
1. Entry to Park: 8 am. Please enter at the main gate for Malibu Creek State Park. I will send parking passes to registrants for the event. You need to print it to show on your dash during your stay. If this is a problem please let me know. Please do not share or duplicate. This is a privilege granted to us by State Parks. Drive to the lower parking lot (second lot) where we will meet, near the bathroom building and main trailhead:
Main Gate- Malibu Creek State Park gate:
https://goo.gl/maps/5p9vb5dE6Dt3yZhQ9
Lower Parking Lot:
https://goo.gl/maps/ufzuUpafQDR8KDVj8
Main Trailhead:
https://goo.gl/maps/ocvnNUFjHAz9j5VK7
2. Google Drive and Data Collection: We take data collection very seriously because it's at the heart of our steelhead trout recovery mission. Click on the link below for the Google drive, and once inside, you'll discover detailed instructions on how to fill out the Data Collection Form to contribute your findings to our database shared with CA State Parks. Your observations and input are invaluable to our conservation endeavors and this initiative. Thank you so much!
There are electronic versions of the paper maps you will get in the morning. You can get to them via the first 2 links under Maps or more maps:
Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1utjyffSQJUacA1mOE5C86rpVcXJbRRL_?usp=sharing
We will always keep our website updated. The Google Drive is linked on the website too:
https://sites.google.com/view/malibucreek/home
Data Collection Form (which is also in the Google Drive):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9OqojIUGYQydPpOnzDEFlJOMdKgEWG3qfRBE2H6nRXx_Oqg/viewform
3. Gear and Flies Tips:
Use the gear of your choice - spinning or fly rods. Malibu Creek has pools and runs, some larger and brushier than others. The carp can be quite large, so be prepared with some stronger leader - 3x.
Frank’s advice: “Rod with a fighting butt for carp. I enjoy using a 7’6” 4wt. I would say for leaders to purchase you could get 7” and 9” 3x-4x and tippet to match and lighter. If you go to Fishermen’s Spot there is a variety of Carp flies that work. Bass flies can vary from black, green and brown woolly buggers. Bluegill flies can be your standard nymph flies for trout and include damsel nymphs and anything hung with green. Small and large poppers for both bass and bluegill will work as well. Crawdad patterns work, red and pink San Juan worms, McTage’s trouser worm carp is a go to for carp for me, Maribu carp craw, swimming carp nymphs work. Hope this helps.”
The brush can be full of thistles and nettles. So beware! Long pants and boots are encouraged. Wet wading is fun! Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.
Any questions? Don't hesitate to contact me, including the day of event: 805-338-8278
We sincerely appreciate your support and dedication to the conservation of steelhead trout! Together we can take significant steps towards securing the future of this remarkable species.
For more information check out these links below:
https://caltrout.org/news/malibu-creek-ecosystem-restoration-project-and-rindge-dam-removal-advances
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/malibu-creek-ai-regenerative-farming/steelhead-trout
Thank you for joining the effort to recover southern steelhead trout! Preparing the waters for the eventual removal of Rindge Dam is our goal.
Best,
Debbie Sharpton
Conservation VP SWCFFI
805-338-8278