John Nathan Cobb the preeminent fishery scientist of the Pacific Northwest for nearly 40 years. Thompson had offices in the College of Fisheries where, since 1925, he was Director of the International Fisheries Commission (now International Pacific Halibut Commission) charged with the management of, and research on, the Pacific halibut, "Hippoglossus stenolepis", fishery. A Ph.D. from Stanford University, Thompson was appointed Research Professor and Director of the new department on a part-time basis, as he remained Director of the International Fisheries Commission. He remained Director of the School until 1947 when he resigned to establish and head the UW's new Fisheries Research Institute.
Pine Flat Lake irrigation and groundwater recharge, recreation, and with the completion in 1984 of the Jeff L. Taylor Pine Flat Power Plant, generation of 165 MW hydroelectric power. The lake is a popular regional tourist destination for water-based recreation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District manages the land around the lake and offers several recreation areas and wildlife management areas. The following recreation and wildlife areas help lake visitors experience Pine Flat Lake: The fisheries are managed and stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, common fish species include: large and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, king