December 21, 2009

The recent early December cold snap in N. California affected the Eagle Lake area and created some anxiety to the Sheriff’s Department when the lighted buoys that PELT purchased for Lassen County became frozen in the lake.  Sgt. Mike Schmidt of the Lassen County Sheriff’s office, and guide, Tim Noxon, were trying to find a solution, when an angler called Tim, needing information about fishing conditions.  Tim provided details, the group arrived at Spalding, trailered their boat to the other end, and ended up having a successful fishing trip. 

A couple of these anglers, SHAWN McARDLE and his dad JOHN, became aware of the buoy problem.  They connected with Tim and Sgt. Schmidt and they all headed out early one afternoon in a 20-ft. North River boat.  The wind had come up, which broke some of the ice and the group was able to rescue all the buoys.  This was not an easy task, braving cold, wind and lots of ice, and their efforts are most appreciated.

SHAWN McARDLE of Sacramento, a volunteer, attended the September 6th fundraiser at Spalding.  CIFFI/PELT owes SHAWN and his father JOHN, a big THANK YOU.

And…none of the buoys that PELT purchased and donated to Lassen County were damaged by the ice and cold so they’re ready to go for next year!

EAGLE LAKE DREDGING IS DONE !

11-05-09 -- Come Enjoy The Best Fishing Of The Year !

Launch Ramp Dredging Ready to GO!!

10-13-09 --

Crews were off for the weekend and break for storm on 10/13/09 ...but ready to go.

Chain link fencing went up around area.

Launch Ramp Dredging Begins !! 10-7-09

The dredging efforts at Spalding Launch Ramp have begun.  The big equipment rolled into town and things are starting to roll.  This will take approximately two weeks – just in time for the major “season” at Eagle Lake.  This is terrific news for the community and everyone is looking forward to an excellent fall fishing time…with plenty of trophy rainbows!  Plan a trip now…no problems launching your boat!

BONUS FISH PLANTS AT EAGLE LAKE

On Monday September 28th  volunteers from the California Inland Fisheries Foundation – PROJECT EAGLE LAKE TROUT lined the shores along Rocky Point  as  Department of Fish and Game personnel prepared to plant over 10,000 pounds of “bonus fish”.  The bonus fish are a result of DFG’s hatchery employees continuing to rear and feed planter-size fish to a larger than normal planting size.  Normally fish weighing one-half to one pound each are planted in the spring and fall of each year.  According to Executive Director, Sep Hendrickson, one truck held 5,000 pounds of fish averaging two pounds plus and the second truck contained an additional 5,000 pounds of fish averaging 3 ½ pounds each.  That’s a huge boost to the lake’s already strong population of trophy sized rainbows. 

Each year DFG personnel plant “bonus fish” as part of the agreement with CIFF –Project Eagle Lake Trout.  PELT pays for all  added hatchery expenses including personnel, food, transportation, medication and more, as their part of the program. Additionally PELT assists the DFG in Fish Rescue efforts and any special needs required for this unique northern California fishery.  Proud supporters and the public watched as all 10,000 pounds of trophy fish entered the water and swam off into their new surroundings.

DFG Truck backing down gravel ramp at Rocky Point

DFG employee releasing the fish.

Truck dumping rainbow trout into the lake at Rocky Point launch area.

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PROJECT EAGLE LAKE TROUT FUNDRAISER

September 6, 2009 - If you weren’t in attendance this year, you’ll certainly want to be next year! It was an amazing Project Eagle Lake Trout Fundraiser, held at Spalding’s Eagle Lake RV Park and Store on Sunday September 6, 2009. The weather was perfect and the Eagle RV PARK was the ideal location for the crowds and exhibits.  More than 425 people shared in the fun, festivities and fundraising.  The local community, visitors, campers, California Inland Fisheries Foundation volunteers and P.E.L.T. steering committee members enjoyed a day of horseshoes, delicious barbecued tri tips and chicken with all the fixings, chocolate caramel cake, plus the huge raffle and auction.

Fishing seminars were provided by: Tim Noxon (Fish Travelers Guide Service), Paul Chappell (SnowBear Guide Service), Steve & Sue Williams (S & S Guide Service), Cliff Spediacci (Hook & Ladder Guide Service), Ron Beck (Flying Eagle Guide Service), and Larry Frack (Fish Camp).
Appreciation plaques were presented to the participating guides for their contribution of guided fishing trips for the raffle and auction. A special award was given to George and Rudy Walker for their past fundraising efforts on behalf of Project Eagle Lake Trout.

25 teams of horseshoe-throwers were narrowed down during the day to the final winners ; JD Leroy and Tony Keller.   A special “kids only” free raffle, including three bicycles, remote control toys, fishing rods, bb guns and more was a huge success with over 75 kids participating.   The absolutely huge main fundraising raffle and auction wrapped up the day with everyone enjoying the experience and vowing to return next year to an even bigger and better event.
Over $12,000 was raised to help continue PELT’s efforts to increase the number and size of fish in the lake and to make a more enjoyable fishing experience for all visitors to the area.  Project Eagle Lake Trout conducts fundraisers twice a year over the 4th of July weekend in Spalding and at the Eagle Lake Marina and then again in the fall on Labor Day weekend.  CIFF-PELT is a 501 c3 (all volunteer) non-profit foundation dedicated to improving angling experiences in CA.

Just part of the crowd at the Porject Eagle Lake Trout Fundraiser

l-r: Garry Erck, President CIFFI, Mike & Kate Arnold, owners of Eagle Lake RV Park & Store, Sep Hendrickson, Executive Director CIFFI/PELT

Kids line up for the FREE kids raffle featuring 3 bicycles and over $500 in prizes

CLICK HERE FOR LOTS MORE PHOTOS !

Coming September 6, 2009 ... Come and enjoy a great TriTip/Chicken BBQ, Horsehoe Tournament, Fishing Seminars with local Eagle Lake fishing guides.. lots of food and fun for the entire family!

See Flyer

July 4 & 5, 2009

The first of two annual fund raising activities was held over the July 4th weekend. Members from the community, visiting travelers & campers, CIFFI Board Members and P.E.L.T. Steering Committee members were all present during this fun filled weekend.

Saturday's activities included the Annual Spaulding 4th of July Parade and a horseshoe tournament for adults and kids. Hotdogs and hamburgers and strawberry/blueberry shortcake was also available making it a very festive, patriotic affair. There was even a great ka-zoo band who played the National Anthem lead by local fishing guide and musician Tim Noxon. Hosting this event was Kate and Mike Arnold of Eagle Lake RV Park.

The activities continued on Sunday starting with a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Spaulding Volunteer Fire Department and concluded at the Eagle Lake Marina with Sep's Pro Fishing guides giving very informative mini seminars about how to fish Eagle Lake.

Many raffle prizes were won including a total of 6 bicycles over the 2 day event.

The weekends events grossed $6,600 for the continued efforts of Project Eagle Lake Trout.

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event very successful.

Next event will be over Memorial Day weekend, September 5 & 6, 2009. Plan on joining in on the fun!!

Project Eagle Lake Trout – update

Department of Fish and Game delivered the first load of “bonus” fish, 2,050 lbs., to Eagle Lake’s Rocky Point on Wednesday May 20, 2009. On Thursday, May 21, the balance, 3,500 lbs., were planted.  Paul Divine, DFG Biologist, chose Rocky Point as the plant site this year to provide security for the new fish – the pelicans were nowhere to be seen and the shoreline was better than a cement launch.  The fish were healthy and active and swam away;  any that hesitated, were urged on by onlookers.  DFG’s Jim Hooten handled the plants and managed to get the truck stuck into the soft shoreline, until volunteers moved rocks to fix the problem.

On Thursday, May 21, a meeting with Department of Boating and Waterways, Steve Maritano and two  engineers, was held at the Spalding Launch Ramp.  Attendees included guides Tim Noxon, Larry Frack, Gwen and Ron Beck, Cliff and Shirley Spediacci, RV Park owner Mike Arnold, Merle Lay, Spalding Community District, DFG Biologist Paul Divine, District 1, Senior Biologist Randy Bentin, plus many concerned residents of Spalding.  The purpose was to evaluate the launch facility because water levels are down at the lake.  Dredging out a high spot off the launch ramp would greatly assist anglers as they continue to launch during the rest of the year.

Planting of the fish at Spaulding
Meeting with Department of Boating and Waterways at Spalding launch ramp, evaluating dredging needs. Senior Biologist, Region 1, Randy Bentin (4th photo)
	Spaulding Fire Department Pancake Breakfast 1. Jerry Neil, Shirley Spediacci 2. Cliff Spediacci 3. Breakfast goers
Busy day at the launch.

P.E.L.T. Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

P.E.L.T. Fundraiser A Huge Success

Labor Day Weekend: August 30-31, 2008

After a week of scorching temps, Mother Nature relented and cooled things down just in time for the Annual Project Eagle Lake Trout (PELT) fundraiser held at Eagle Lake over the Labor Day weekend.

A Saturday morning horseshoe tournament started of the weekend festivities with over 15 teams going for the gold and $300.  The Horseshoe Tourney mustered over $600 to add to the fundraiser. Sunday afternoon a crowd of over 300 came out in support of CIFFI and the Eagle Lake fishery. A fabulous Rib BBQ with all the fixings was prepared and donated by George and Rudy Walker from the Eagle Lake General Store which was also the setting for the event. Many great adult and kids raffle prizes were donated by local residents and businesses as well as many items for the live auction.

Local guides Tim Noxon of FishTravelers Guide Service, Paul Chappell of SnowBear Guide Service, S&S Guide Service, and Ron and Gwen Beck of Flying Eagle Guide Service gave informative talks about fishing and rigging for Eagle Lake Trout to the attendees.

CIFFI presented two members of the Lassen County Sheriff's Office with one of five floating, lighted bouys to assist in the safety of all boaters on the lake.

CIFFI members Wendy Carrington (Fishcharmer.com Web Design), Dennis & Dana Harvel, Christian and Becky Cole (AnglerBoys), Shirley and Cliff Spediacci, Dana & Leo Van Sistine (Sep's ProFishing), CIFFI President Garry Erck, Ray Erck, Gary Pilkington and Sep and Marilyn Hendrickson (Sep's Outdoors) were all on hand working in various capacities at the event.

Local committee members Ron & Gwen Beck (Flying Eagle Guide Service), Val & Randy Aubrey, Karen Martin, "Griz" Griswold, Tim & Maribeth Noxon (Fish Traveler Guide Service), S & S Guide Service, Paul Chappell (SnowBear Guide Service), Bob Aguilar, George & Rudy Walker (Eagle Lake General Store), and Mike & Kate Arnold (Eagle Lake RV Park) were all presented Plaques of Appreciation for their relentless work in the planning of this event.

With very little expenses, the event will net over $10,000 towards the continued enhancement of the Eagle Lake Fishery and planting of trophy sized fish.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and especially all of you who came out in support of PELT, we couldn't have done it without you!