OUTPOST.

Byline: Daily News and Wire Services

Fishing-ban proposal: Area anglers recently got the chance to sound off about a proposal to ban commercial harvesting and sport-fishing around 23 percent of the shoreline of six Channel Islands - San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel.

Last week's meeting of the Ventura County Fish and Game Commission in Oxnard focused on the issue, which was initiated by a group of scientists and anglers in an attempt to stem declining fishing stocks around the islands.

The proposed closures, dubbed ``no take'' zones, require legislative approval. The commission has no such authority, so any decision will have to be made by a higher source. Outpost will keep an eye on any developments.

Orange County going dry? The inevitable is scheduled to happen this summer at Santa Ana River Lakes. The plug is going to be pulled.

Usually, the Orange County Water District drains the lakes annually to clean the bottom to allow water to percolate into the ground-water supply. OCWD hasn't drained the lakes for two years but plans to do so this year.

The lakes will probably be drained July 1 and closed for cleaning and construction until late fall or early winter, said Allan Flowers, the OCWD forebay operations manager.

Meanwhile, Corona's Outdoor Safaris International is scheduled Feb. 1 to transfer ownership of the concession at Santa Ana River Lakes (and Corona Lake) back to Doug Elliott and Bill Andrews, the former owners who sold the concession to OSI in 1986.

The longest Elliott and Andrews could have Santa Ana River Lakes open before it is shut down is five months, making the business transaction a curious one considering the timing. Details surrounding the deal remain undisclosed by both sides.

Tie one on: Sierra Pacific Flyfishers will sponsor a five-week course beginning Jan. 28 in which students will learn to tie wet and dry flies made of fur and feathers, including nymph and streamer patterns.

The course will be taught by award-winning fly-tier Steve Fernandez.

Sierra Pacific Flyfishers membership dues are $40 annually, and membership is required to participate in the class. Sessions will be held at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Senior Citizens Center, 5040 Van Nuys Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Information: [phone].

Cyclists take heed: The projected completion date of the re-alignment of the Tapia Spur Trail connecting Tapia Park and Malibu Creek State Park - which was recently profiled in the Daily News - will be no sooner than late February, according to state park officials, who also warned that the path will be closed to all users during construction.

Alpine combined: The Superfly Slopestyle ski and snowboard competition comes to Bear Mountain on Saturday, using a terrain-style course for both skiers and snowboarders to showcase their best skills. The International Free Skiing Association has sanctioned the event, in which skiers and snowboarders compete together on the same course - not against each other, but in tandem as they challenge other teams.

Snowboarders and skiers of all ages may participate in the open competition. Amateur and professionals will compete together in designated categories. Entry is $45 per event for amateurs and $75 for professionals.

Registration takes place from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday at the Big Bear Lake resort. Competition commences at 10 a.m. Information: [phone].