April 29, 2016
EAGLE LAKE Getting Ready to Soar!
The water level continues to rise! Pine Creek, the lake’s major source of water, began running on January 30 and has continued to run non-stop since. Reports of snow pack in higher elevations as well as the continuing wet weather patterns have certainly helped to provide the lake with a positive look. The tules, thriving along the shoreline again, have a definite green cast. Anxious anglers are smiling!
Last year was very successful for fishing, all the way through November. According to Gwen Beck, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 530.825.3398, “Ron’s last client fished on November 15 and 16 and we have no reason to doubt that this year will be the same, or better.” Opening day is May 28 and the anticipation of catching large early-season trophy-sized Eagle Lake strain rainbow trout runs high. The fish have relaxed without pressure since the lake closed the end of December so knowledgeable anglers are anxious to hit this Heritage lake!
The Eagle Lake rainbow trout is one of the hardiest and fastest growing species of trout stocked in California’s waters. The ongoing efforts of the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife in taking eggs from the spawning Eagle Lake fish every spring, ensures that the lake itself plus the many other lakes that get planted, continue to thrive. This process normally takes place with CDFW personnel but sometimes fish get stranded in low-flowing streams around the lake – and local volunteers step into action!
This year, stranded fish were rescued from Merrill Creek. Gwen Beck’s report states, “The situation was dire with the fish in very little water and completely landlocked”. CDFW worked on the project for two days and successfully handled an estimated 1,500 fish. Then the call went out to the volunteers and once again, PELT Steering Committee members, Gwen Beck, Mike and Kate Arnold headed up a crew consisting of Ryan, Garrett and Matthew Erwin, John and Jean Montecelli, Johnny Johnson, Lana Culjis, Dave Dreyer, Tom Garbitt, Karen Birlem, Phil Oliver, Kenny Estes, Steve Alloway and John Sibis who worked with Paul Divine, CDFW Biologist, his sons Keegan and Adin and Karen Martin. This huge effort by local and nearby Susanville folks was instrumental in saving another 1,500 fish. Gwen further reported that the fish were healthy, bright, feisty and some were quite large!
A successful egg-take is anticipated this year. Water levels at this time ensure launching will again be possible at the South End Marina. Should the water rise enough to allow launching at Spalding Tract, the recent extension of the existing ramp by PELT and Spalding Community Services, will make a difference for anglers. Things are looking up!
Project Eagle Lake Trout, a Spalding community based effort to provide support to CDFW in its management of the fishery, receives administrative support from California Inland Fisheries Foundation, a 501 C3 non-profit. A Steering Committee provides recommendations for the purpose of disbursing collected funds from donations and fund raising events. Public support of PELT efforts is very favorable and the July and Labor Day annual events, which raise most of the necessary funding, are well attended. This year, on Saturday, July 2 the great “red, white and blue” family event will take place at the Eagle Lake RV Park and Store in Spalding. Another event, the Seventh Annual Family Fun Fall Fundraising Festival is scheduled at the Park on Saturday, September 3.
Mark your calendars and make plans to support CIFFI/Project Eagle Lake Trout! For more information, www.ciffi.org, 209.810.9603, Eagle Lake RV Park 530.825.3133, Heritage Land 530.825.2131. (photos by Gwen Beck)
