On February 14, Ron Theobald caught his limit of trout in the south end of the Lafayette Reservoir. Photo provided

Over 20,700 pounds of trout have been "planted" this season at the Lafayette Reservoir, with 1,000 pounds of that delivered in the last couple of weeks. From October through June a large truck backs up to the edge of the dam and fish are delivered through a hose. Local birds enjoy deliveries as much as those that fish.

"Deliveries from Fish and Game average three -quarters to two pounds, which is catchable," said EBMUD Ranger II Andie Leandro, "Mt. Lassen (a delivery service) delivers one and a half to two-pound fish - sometimes up to seven or eight pounds."

On February 14, Ron Theobald (pictured above) caught his limit of trout in the south end of the lake, the perfect gift for a fisherman on Valentine's Day. He had to duke it out with American White Pelicans who were shadowing him. Not only were the pelicans a distraction, but there have been reports of river otters nibbling on caught fish.

Theobald is a former professional baseball player with the Brewers, Twins and Cubs - now retired. He's been fishing since he was 13, and now at 67 goes out almost every day. "It's a good place to meet people, kind of like a senior citizens club." He suggests going out in the early morning or evening and trolling for rainbow trout - "delicious."

Ranger Leandro recommends fishing from a boat in the south end of the lake due to the fresh clean runoff; fishing from the shore is best at Harry's Cove behind the EBMUD office.

To truly experience the call of the wild in our semi-rural enclave, boats can be rented for $15/hour. Seniors get a deal - those 62 and over receive half-off on boat rentals. A daily fishing access permit is required and costs $4, which covers the cost of stocking the reservoir. A California fishing license is also required, and can easily be obtained online, and printed out at home. One day, two day, year- long and for the true fisherperson, a lifetime license can be obtained. Go to the Department of Fish and Game website at www.dfg.ca.gov for more information.

It's not too early to start practicing for the Outdoor Sportsmen's Coalition of California annual fishing derby that will take place at the Lafayette Reservoir on Saturday, April 16. For more information on recreation at the Reservoir call (925) 284-9669.