The year of inspections. That's how the 2008 Trout Season Opener will be known. Fear of the invasion of aquatic pests has caused LADWP and Crowley Fish Camp to conduct boat inspections in search of Quagga or Zebra Mussels.

In other parts of the U.S., these mussels have caused major problems clogging inlets and outlets of waterways, crowding out species of fish, destroying whole ecosystems. California, so far, is mussel free, but that's why many lakes now require boat inspections.

DWP says that they will inspect boats at their Bishop headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm. DWP will do inspections after 3pm with an appointment. Call 873-0409.

Inspections will take place April 23, 24 and 25 from 7am to 7pm at the Bishop Vons/Kmart parking lot at the corner of Main St, Wye Rd and Hwy 6.

Also starting April 23rd, inspections will go on at Crowley Lake's South Landing from 8am to 5pm. April 24th through the fishing season, inspections at South Landing from 7am to 7pm.

Only pre-inspected boats can enter the main gate or launch at Crowley Lake after 7pm April 25th. Pre-inspected boats can use the pre-paid line at the main gate.

So, get ready for a bit of a wait opening day at Crowley. Although the more who get inspected in advance, the faster opening day will be.