Show All Answers

1. What types of wildlife can be found at Elk Grove Park Lake?

The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, which includes birds, fish and reptiles.

2. Where does the water in Elk Grove Park Lake come from?

The lake is primarily filled using non-potable well water, irrigation, and rain run off.

3. Is a fishing license required to fish at Elk Grove Park?

A valid California fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

4. Are the Department of California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations enforced at Elk Grove Park?

Yes.  Enforcement is provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at their discretion.

5. Where do the fish in Elk Grove Park Lake come from?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) stocks the lake with catchable size trout between November and February, and catchable size catfish between June and September.  The District does not stock the lake.

6. Is there a fishing season at Elk Grove Park Lake?

With the exception of the fishing moratorium, fishing at the lake is open year-round during regular park hours.

7. Has the District taken steps to protect wildlife?

Prior to imposing the moratorium, District staff implemented multiple steps to help protect wildlife.  Staff increased lake shoreline clean-up, concrete trash receptacles with lids (to keep wildlife out and trash in) were added near the lake; with the help of CDFW, eight fishing line recycling containers were built and installed around the lake; volunteers have piloted a duck and geese feeding educational program; and the District is working with the CDFW to provide regulatory patrol at the lake after fish plants.  These wildlife protecting practices have been beneficial, but have not achieved the sustainable results needed to protect lake wildlife.

8. What are some of the challenges wildlife face at Elk Grove Park Lake?

The biggest challenges the ducks and geese face at Elk Grove Park Lake are injuries/death caused from fishing litter and impacts of improper diet and over feeding.  Fishing line, hooks and lures can cause grave injury to wildlife – from embedded hooks, loss of limb from being entwined in fishing line and even death.  Improper diet can cause nutritional problems and unnatural over feeding can cause unsustainable populations of wildlife.

9. What ideas is the District discussing to help protect lake wildlife at Elk Grove Park?

The District is considering fishing restrictions, fishing regulations, fishing education, and a wildlife feeding educational program.