Welcome to Uncle Paul's Pond

Private Friendly Fishing

Sean caught this trout on March 19, 2010.

Paul's story: Seven years ago I had finally convinced my wife that I needed a sports car for my mid-life crisis. After looking at a real pretty 911 convertible, she said, " If we're going to spend this much, you might as well go look at the Mercedes tomorrow." The next day I came home and told her it was only $25,000 down and $1800 month for 5 years. She shook her head and said,

"Why don't you buy five acres and build the pond you've always wanted; land appreciates and cars depreciate." So I went looking...on a hot August day I called on an ad for 12 acres of river bottom near Victorville. We went to look at it and buried the rear axle of our truck in soft sand! While waiting the 2 hours for the tow truck, we went hiking in the "river bottom" and found a huge beaver pond! I told the wife, "That's what I'll do to the 12 acres." We bought the land, dug 5 ft. down, and hit water! Uncle Paul's Pond was born. We really started digging 5 years ago, and have been making it bigger and deeper ever since. At almost 2 acres, and 12 ft. deep, I think we're done. Our first stocking was 4 1/2 years ago with 1 to 2 1/2 pound large mouth Bass. Catfish up to 10 pounds were added right after.

Trout came 6 months later. Not really sure when the Blue Gill arrived, but we have a really healthy supply. The pond has been stocked with over 1,900 adult fish. The pond has always been a catch and release pond--although some adult fish have been, and will continue to be, eaten for occasional Boy Scout Fishing merit badges. The fish have been breeding very well. Many more Bass and Catfish join in very year.

Pond Records so far are:

• Rainbow Trout 9 lb. 4 oz.
• Large mouth Bass 10 lb. 1 oz.
• Blue Gill 1 lb. 3 oz.
• Catfish 21 lb. 6 oz.

Our desire is for a day-use fishing pond that is a pleasure to be at--limited to 120 family memberships a year. No one day will ever be very busy. We hope to have our building permit for permanent restrooms approved soon (plans were submitted Nov 2009). We have portable outhouses until they're built. Hours are sun-up 'til sun-down. The cost for a membership is $750.00 annually(After Apr. 15, cost goes to $750.00). This family membership includes you, your spouse, and any children under 18 also. You may bring a guest for a fee, but no charge for guests 8 and under! (The reason we chose over "8" years old: our large mouth Bass record is held by an 8 year-old Cub Scout!) We have had as many as 105 people fish at one time. Everyone caught something and had a great time.

We hope this can be a enjoyable and stress free place for you and your family to spend some great days.

Picnic tables and BBQ are available, and a rowboat and kayak are free to use. No swimming allowed because there are no lifeguards. Young children need to be supervised. (Yes, there is a legal agreement you must sign, written by our lawyer--sorry).

We allow Boy Scout Troops to camp once or twice a month. If you belong to one, let us know. We have had 6 Pro Anglers, and 3 wannabes, out for a 2 hour contest. 316 fish were caught and released. Everyone had a great time, as you can imagine!

If you're an inexperienced fisherman, I suggest night crawlers, chicken livers, or mackerel. You will catch a lot of fish. If you know what you're doing, I don't need to suggest to you what works. I have a friend who is an ex-Pro fisherman who always uses artificials, and we do small bets for 1st, most, and biggest...using night crawlers, chicken liver and mackerel, I have never lost. You know now, I'm not a great fisherman. My personal best timed period was 8 large mouth Bass in 10 minutes. Best weights for me are 6 lb. for Bass; 7 1/2 lb. for Trout; and 10 lb. for Catfish. I hold the record for largest Blue Gill (anyone can get lucky!).

My worst 4 hours of fishing on the Pond was 6 fish of assorted sizes. My best--I lost count.

I hope you enjoy our Pond. Please help keep it clean. Please be courteous (loud music and alcohol consumption are strongly discouraged).

I'm trying this idea for one year. If the situation works out well, I'll keep it going. If not, I close it down and only use it for myself. I prefer to fish with other people for braggin' rights. If I caught a new pond record, and no one saw it...what a waste.

Our idea is that every member will be assigned a membership number with a picture i.d. We will have a (optional) calendar on the web site to help you schedule. That way people will get an idea what days to plan for. Our foreman will be checking your picture i.d.'s.