| Mission Statement: To enhance Bridgeport area trout fisheries through non-profit means for the purpose of preservation while providing an improved angling experience for future generations. Started in 2003 by long time fishing guide Frank Killen, the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Program has evolved from soliciting donations to purchase Alpers trout for planting in the Bridgeport Reservoir to enhancing the local trout populations by developing a community fish hatchery. Our first facility was constructed in 2005 at Paradise Shores RV Park. After completing mandatory testing and proving that the system is disease free, we have been able to raise beautiful, healthy trout in a modified tomato bin using re-circulating well water. The second facility was constructed in 2006 at the Virginia Creek Settlement. This facility was also found to be disease free in early 2007 and has allowed our program to increase our capacity to raise trout. This is a flow-through system that gets pure spring water from an Artesian well that will allow us to grow fish year round. We currently have the capacity to grow 20,000 fish annually to a catchable size for release in many local waters. Our goals, of course, are to keep our trout right here in the Bridgeport area. All of our local waters can now benefit from trout rearing efforts that are supported by non-profit donations that we receive through fund-raising efforts such as fishing tournaments and letter writing campaigns. As funds become available we will continue to expand this program to improve capacity and to purchase fish to directly plant in Bridgeport area waters. We purchase small fry (500 fish per pound), and our volunteers raise and care for these trout in our tomato bins over a two year period, releasing the fish as they outgrow the system. The long term plan is to enhance the local fisheries and improve the angler experience in Bridgeport area waters. We have many to thank for our current success: California Department of Fish and Game, Tim Hansen - High Sierra Brine Shrimp Company, California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Mono County Fisheries Commission, Mono County Tourism and Film Commission, BakeMark, US Foodservice, Bonanza Produce, Gary Cino - Gull Lake Marina, Scott Freeman, Todd & Ally Sceirine - Sceirine Ranch, Andrew Sears, Circle H Guest Ranch, Western Outdoor News, Fishpond, RIO, Smith Optics, Outcast Sporting Gear, Umpqua Feather Merchants, Ken's Sporting Goods, Will Clayton, Sorensen's Resort, Outdoor Specialty Produts, Simms Fishing Products, Paul Madsen, Kent Rianda, Dr. Wade Yoshi - Troutfitter, Pape Group of Sacramento, Capital Air and Tool of Sacramento, Ditch Witch of Sacramento, Starbucks, Sierra Drifters Guide Service, Larry Carpenter, Pure Fishing, Cabela's, Sierra Custom Rods, Mattel, Todd Marumoto, Berkeley, Casa Michaela, Paradise Shores, Virginia Creek Settlement, Sierra Signs, and all of our other great donors and volunteers. |
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| SPECIAL EVENT Come join the Fishin' Mission Foundation for a fun-filled Western Evening full of music, BBQ, good friends and fish stories!! Sept. 4, 2010 - 6:00pm at the Bridgeport Barns & Terrace. Proceeds to benefit the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation |
| Click the links below to find out more about this fun-filled evening!! |
