REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Johnathan Oliver Skinner, Director of Community Services Date:October 28, 2025
Subject:Agreement with Imperial Catfish for Catfish Stocking Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Contractor Service Agreement with Imperial Catfish for catfish stocking in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 per year for three years, with two one-year extension options in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
Background
Year after year, the number of anglers who venture to Lake Elsinore for fishing increases. The City of Lake Elsinore has implemented an aggressive fish stocking program with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, and the very popular Wiper. Our great partner, Golden State Bait, is able to supply the lake with all the variety of fish species, all of standard sizes. In recent years, we researched other fisheries with larger Catfish to entice anglers to the Annual Dream Extreme Fishing Derby and the “Just 4 Kids” Fishing Derby. Imperial Catfish, from the Imperial Valley, California, met the need. In a recent stocking of catfish, we received the general 1-3 lb. sizes, but they were able to supply sizes up to 20 lbs. Imperial Catfish is also an approved fishery by the California Fish and Wildlife. The selected fish help balance the ecology of the lake and encourages recreational sports fishing year-round.
Discussion
The City has continued the process of identifying Golden State Bait, Inc. as our primary supplier that can meet the approved species needs for Lake Elsinore. With the addition of Imperial Catfish, it will only enhance fishing into the future.
Fiscal Impact
The annual purchase shall not exceed $30,000.00 and is budgeted in the Annual Launch Pointe Budget.
Agreement with Imperial Catfish
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Agreement
Exhibit A - Scope of Work
Community Services