San Carlos Lake has grown to become an excellent fishery. After the restocking program initiated 4 years ago, the fish population has grown in both numbers and size. But in order to maintain such a growing fishery, we need to continue catch and release fishing. Without catch and release fishing, our lake's fish population will dwindle to a mere nothing. It is a vital part of fish survival. We must also never transfer fish that will lead to the spread of disease throughout the population. As in the past, whole fish populations can easily be destroyed. All fisherman, please follow these guidelines to ensure a excellent fishery for years to come:
                • Catch and Release Fishing
                  1. Bring in fish as quickly as possible
                  2. Take fish out of water only if necessary
                  3. Take care when removing hook
                  4. If hook is swallowed or deeply embedded, cut line as close to hook as possible (Fish have strong digestive acids that can dissolve steel rather quickly)
                  5. Gently place fish back in water
The San Carlos Lake Association board would like to insure that the quality of the lake for all activities is maintained at the highest standard possible at the lowest cost possible. We believe that the fisherman and their activities have the largest impact on the lake. If each one of us that fishes the lake follows simple guidelines and instruct our children and guests to follow these guidelines not only will we as fisherman enjoy the lake, but the boaters, sailors and onlookers will as well.

The 10 fishing commandments

 
    1. Always exaggerate the size of the fish you catch. Follow Dave's formula for fish tales: Exaggerated fish size=$invested in fishing equipment*hours spent on water/(2*actual fish size).
    2. The lake is not here to fill your freezer. Take only what you need. Currently bluegill are in abundance so please take those first. A 1.5 lb bass costs $10. Please release them gently.
    3. Never use live minnows. The chance of releasing minnows into the lake is great. These minnows may grow up to be undesirable fish that may carry diseases and parasites. So unless you are a marine biologist do not release any type of minnows into the lake.
    4. Do not introduce any foreign species into the lake. Our lake is a delicate ecosystem who's homeostasis must not be disturbed. Please do not release the family goldfish into the lake. In 1992 we spent $10,000 to rid the lake of the multitudes of foreign undesirable fish introduced illegally. These fish were diseased and parasite ridden and in the end were to blame for the deaths of numerous trophy fish. If you have a favorite species of fish please contact and board member and we will discuss stocking this species.
    5. Enjoy the lake! Take a child fishing whether it be your own, a grandchild or a niece or nephew. Please take the time out to teach a child how to fish. They will always remember the special times they had on San Carlos Lake.
    6. Take notice of size and condition of the fish population. Keep board members informed of any abnormalities found on fish for these may be signs of disease that can spread through the lake. Action on the part of the fisherman can save our lake's fish population.
    7. Recognize the quality of water. If you see signs of pollution: monofilament line, old rusty hooks, aluminum cans; please pick them up. These can be dangerous to swimmers and boaters that share the lake. If you lose a lure, please take the time out to retrieve it. Respect your neighbors docks and beaches. Do not leave treble hooks and monofilament line where some young child or pet can become entangled in your discard.
    8. Help monitor the natural reproduction in the lake. Don't disturb spawning grounds and always release prespawn fish. Take time to notice the type of minnows in the lake, i.e. bass, bluegill, catfish. Pass the information on. We need input here on the lake board to keep the lake natural.
    9. Try to keep all pesticides and herbicides as far from the lakefront as possible. Read the label on the container before spraying your backyard. These chemicals may be harmful to the lake. Remember, some people enjoy eating fish out of our lake.
    10. Please remove any known unwanted species from the lake. Contact a lake board member to find out what species fish belong in the lake. Currently, the lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Several sterile grass carp have been added to reduce weed problems.  Unfortunately white crappie, rock bass, and even a goldfish have been spotted in the lake. Please remove these unwanted species.