Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments Parks Bureau and Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Game have built a partnership to protect the natural resources and public safety. Since the Sheriff’s Department took over the Law Enforcement duties of the 177 County Parks, Golf Courses Wildlife Sanctuary’s and Lakes the bond between the two agencies has grown. It was a natural fit from the beginning, enforcing the laws, educating the public and exchanging information.
The two agencies work together at Apollo Park, Castaic Lake, Pyramid Lake and Puddingstone Lake. The Wardens will work on the shore or get into the Sheriff’s boats and patrol the lakes with the Deputies checking for fishing and boating violations. The Fish and Game Code states that all anglers must have their fishing license in their possession at all times when fishing. They must purchase a special stamp if they desire to fish with an additional pole. The licenses and enhancements can be purchased at many fish and tackle shops. There are limits to the minimum size and the amount of fish that you can keep. Anglers are responsible for knowing all the size and limit restrictions when fishing.
Complaints were received at one of the lakes of anglers knowing when the lake was stocked and over fishing on those dates. They would use too many poles and take coolers filled with their limit of fish to their vehicles. Some of the Deputies worked the operation posing as fishermen while the Fish and Game Wardens patrolled normally. A few citations were issued that day but the message was sent to the public that over fishing was not going to be tolerated. There have been little to no complaints since that time.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Fish and Game continue to serve the people of Los Angeles County providing a safe and family environment for all who visit the County Lakes.
