The first net full of fish was tossed into Carson City's newly completed urban fishing pond Friday by local conservation activist C.K. Baily, and fishing opens at 7 a.m. today with 1,000 rainbow trout.
Baily was instrumental in getting the idea of an urban fishing pond off the ground more than 10 years ago.
Most of the fish stocked by the Nevada Department of Wildlife range in size from
6-10 inches, said Carson City Park Planner Vern Krahn, but as an added surprise for some lucky angler, a nearly
5-pound trout nicknamed "Ralphie" is also lurking in the depths.
NDOW's game warden will be around all weekend checking anglers for fishing licenses and enforcing the three-fish limit, Krahn said.
In addition, Carson City Parks and Recreation Department's park rangers will be around to enforce the city's pond rules and regulations - especially those pertaining to no fish cleaned in the pond and clean up after yourselves.
The following fish pond regulations are now in effect.
• The hours of this facility are dawn to dusk daily. It is closed to the public all other times.
• No swimming in the pond or entering the water from the fishing pier is allowed.
• Wading is allowed only from the south beach area and only while fishing.
• No rafts, boats, float tubes or any other types of flotation devices are allowed.
• No dogs, except service dogs, horses or any livestock are allowed.
• No glass containers are allowed.
• No cleaning of fish is allowed in the pond. The city asks that any fish caught be cleaned off-site. If dead fish or fish entrails are present, please seal tightly in a plastic bag and dispose of them in the designated waste receptacles on-site.
• No littering is allowed and will be strictly enforced. Any persons observed littering will be cited. No exceptions.
• Nevada Department of Wildlife Fishing Regulations apply to this facility. Adhere to NDOW catch limits and all other state fishing regulations at this facility. Anyone fishing must have in their possession a valid Nevada Fishing License with a Trout Stamp.
• No motorized or non-motorized model boats are allowed. This facility is for fishing only.
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations will result in a misdemeanor citation, loss of privileges to use the facility or both.
To report violations or other concerns, call the Parks and Recreation Department office during normal business hours Monday through Friday at 887-2262
To report violations after hours and on weekends, call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency dispatch at 887-2008.
The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department also is looking for a name for the one-acre pond.
A detailed letter with reasons for the nomination must be received no later than 5 p.m. Sept. 24.
They may be hand-delivered or mailed to 3303 Butti Way, Building #9, Carson City, Nevada, 89701.
All proposals will be presented to the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission at their regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5, in the Sierra Room of the community center. All citizens who submit proposals are encouraged to attend.
The commission will submit a final recommendation to the Carson City Board of Supervisors for approval and adoption.