METROPOLITAN OFFERS ANNUAL PASSES FOR YEAR-ROUND FISHING AT DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE

Other 2004 promotions cover frequent boat rentals, weekday senior rates, Wednesday discounts

Like major amusement parks and ski resorts, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California now offers annual passes for Diamond Valley Lake, the Southland’s newest and largest freshwater attraction near Hemet in southwest Riverside County.

Anglers will be able to drop a line any day of the year the lake is open to the public with a $225 annual pass. Available exclusively at the lake’s East Marina store, the pass covers all entrance/parking and boat launch fees at the lake for a year. Separate annual passes for entrance/parking and boat launches are available for $125 and $100, respectively.

In addition to annual passes in 2004, Metropolitan is offering special promotions for frequent boat renters, weekday boat rental discounts for seniors, hourly boat rates and Wednesday rental price cuts.

“These annual passes offer a terrific value for any angler looking to make the most of the premier fishery at Diamond Valley,” said Debra Man, Metropolitan’s chief operating officer. “All of our promotions will enhance the opportunities for people to come out and sample what the lake offers.”

Under a 2004 fee structure for Diamond Valley Lake introduced by Metropolitan, the district maintains a $7 entrance fee per vehicle and a $6 launch fee for visitors who bring boats.

Visitors who purchase annual passes will be issued the appropriate stickers for their vehicles and boats, which must be displayed.

Other carried over rates include a $5 reservation fee and a $3-per-person fishing access fee, whether visitors are fishing from a boat or the shore. Fishing access fees are used to help maintain the lake’s world-class fishery. Most recently, the access fees paid for the first major plant of “catchable” trout at the lake.

New in 2004, eight-person pontoon boats and bass boats can be rented by the hour. The hourly rate for pontoon boats is $50, with bass boat fees set at $40 per hour. Rental fees are $85 per half day for bass boats and $110 per half day for pontoon boats. Full-day rentals are available for $110 for bass boats and $145 for pontoon boats. All renters will be assessed the entrance, reservations and fishing access fees, and will be required to pay a $100 deposit (credit card only) at the time of use.

Among the other 2004 rental promotions at the lake, Metropolitan will offer a frequent renter card, giving those who rent boats six times the seventh rental free. In addition, seniors (62 and older) will be given 25 percent off annual fees and rentals Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. On Wednesday, all rentals will be 50 percent off.

Although reservations are no longer required for entry to the lake, they are recommended. Boat rental reservations, however, are required.

Reservations can be made by calling (800) 590-LAKE or online at www.dvmarina.com. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours before the selected date of arrival and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Reservation, entrance and boat launch fees must be paid at the time the reservation is placed. Bookings must be done via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). Other information about Diamond Valley Lake can be found at www.dvlake.com.