May 6, 2011

All is well at Eagle Lake!  Pine Creek, plus several other feeder creeks, are running and will continue to do so for quite some time, especially with the warmer weather.  It appears that boaters will experience no problems launching at any of the boat ramps.  The egg-taking trap is now closed till next year and DFG Biologist Paul Divine is optimistic that anglers will enjoy catching healthy, strong and beautiful Eagle Lake Trout. Volunteer Karen Martin with Paul & Sep, holds bags of egg samples which she uses giving seminars at schools in the area.  Put Eagle Lake on your "destination" list this year...and prepare to have an excellent time!

April 30, 2011

It has been an excellent spring at Spalding Tract, Eagle Lake.  Pine Creek ran well during the spawn/egg-taking process and the Department of Fish & Game is pleased with the results.  According to Paul Divine, Biologist, “The hatchery is done taking eggs as of Thursday, April 21st.  Approximately 2.3 million eggs were taken.  The fish are still coming but the water is warmer now and this will signal the end of the run.  The trap remains open and fish are being returned to the lake.” 

DFG will continue to truck tagged spawners up to Hwy.44 and Bogard.  The creek continues to flow relatively high, but did drop some this past week.  As the weather warms, it is anticipated that heavy flows will continue in May.

Mother Nature took great care of Eagle Lake this year and the results will be forthcoming.  The lake continues to rise and launching will not be a problem for the many anglers who come to the lake in search of trophy Eagle Lake Rainbows.  Opening of the lake is on Memorial Day Saturday!   Project Eagle Lake Trout, directed by the Steering Committee, has plans for bigger and better fundraising events in 2011.  The dates are July 2nd and September 3rd.  Make your plans to attend, make your reservations early and prepare to enjoy this close-to-home Heritage Lake.

April 22, 2011

Thanks to Gwen Beck (Flying Eagle Guide Service) and Shirley Spediacci (Hook and Ladder Guide Service), here are current photos of Eagle Lake.   The water continues to flow and the lake level is rising rapidly.  Inside the trap, Karen Martin and a vast number of volunteers sort fish for the hatchery people to spawn.  As Gwen said, “So many people love this fishery and aren’t afraid to get out and work”!  Approximately 2 million eggs have been harvested.

Photos of weir repairs at Merrill Creek are also attached.  It had blown out from debris and high water levels and actually broke the center.  Volunteers for this effort were Len Griswold, Orval Stokes, Ron & Gwen Beck, Larry Doss and family: Brandon, Linda, Heather, Kylee & Taylor, Cliff Spediacci, Vern Hart and Kenny. It’s going to be a very exciting year! 

April 7, 2011

Paul Divine, DFG Biologist at Eagle Lake reports that this year’s snow pack is the highest recorded in the Pine Creek surveys (begun ten years ago) conducted by the US Forest Service.  Stephens Meadow had over 70 inches of snow…157% of 10-year average, Pine Creek Valley had 40 inches…202% of average.  Silver Lake and Norvell Flat have been surveyed for 50+ years and averaged 159% and 181% of the average.

He states there are lots of fish in Pine Creek.  Early in the week he counted 240 ripe females and 480 males who had entered the trap.  Crystal Lake Hatchery personnel are actively spawning fish…with assistance from many volunteers.  Trap workers and stream rescue folks are:  Karen Martin, Griz Grizwold, his 80-year old friend Orville, Ron & Gwen Beck, Cliff & Shirley Spediacci, Mike Arnold, Vern Hart, Kenny, Josh, Sean Collins, John Boring, James Watts, Brandon Doss, Amber Verduzco, JD and Tammy LeRoy.  Gwen measured a 22.2 inch female, weighing 4-1/2 lbs….how big will she be by October?

FYI…rescue efforts take place at various streams - when the water flows, the fish attempt to  go up to spawn.  Weirs are installed to halt their progress but their instinct is to GO. They work their way around the weirs and then physical labor is required to net the fish and haul them back down to the lake’s edge.

The efforts go on…millions of eggs will be harvested.  These will eventually be fish planted into many of California’s lakes and reservoirs.  If you have the opportunity, go to Spalding and see the egg-take for yourself.  It’s a fascinating event and well worth your time.  For accommodations…Heritage Land eaglelakeheritage.com or Eagle Lake RV Park & Store – eaglelakeandrv.com.

April 5, 2011

The water flowing through Pine Creek has increased in intensity and the fish are beginning to show at the trap.  Water is flowing all around the lake, in many stream areas that have not run in years.   The news is good and the earlier optimistic outlook on lake levels were probably on the modest side!

In a cooperative effort with the Forest Service, the parking lot at the trap has been graveled.   The PELT Steering Committee approved funding to purchase the gravel and on Thursday, March 31, two Forest Service guys made several trips from Susanville to Spalding, delivering a total of 57 tons.  Volunteers Larry and Brandon Doss and their tractor, took over and leveled for the better part of two days.  A big THANK YOU to them…and to CLIFF & SHIRLEY SPEDIACCI, who spearheaded the project. 

The huge holes and the mud are gone…the parking lot is safe – for the volunteers working the trap, and for visitors who check out the operation regularly.  Working with Gary Helpingstine of the Forest Service limited the cost to PELT and made for a successful cooperative effort in the community.

Sept. 29, 2010

PAUL DIVINE, DFG Biologist, Lassen & Modoc County, reported that “Freeze Branding” of 20,000 Eagle Lake trout at Crystal Lake Hatchery took place September 21 and 22, 2010.  PELT funded $250 to cover cost of lodging and food expenses for two volunteers for one night, eliminating the need for travel twice to the site.

Paul states, “Freeze branding is an important part of the stocking program at Eagle Lake because it provides information on the trout population of the lake.  By recording the freeze brand marks during spawning and creel surveys,  growth rates and population size can be estimated, year-class performance by release group (see which plantings from various years and from the two hatcheries have the best survival and health) and harvest rates can be evaluated.  This information provides the basis of determining if the proper number of fish and size of fish are being stocked into Eagle Lake and if the goals of the current management are being met.  This information will allow DFG to be adaptive in the stocking program, stocking the appropriate numbers for the existing conditions.”

Paul provided the photos attached.  The first picture shows volunteers, JOHN BORING, LEN GRISWOLD, and DFG guys MONTY CURRIER, SAM PLEMONS, and STEVE BAUMGARTNER.

Sept. 21, 2010

The BONUS FISH were planted by Dept of Fish & Game on September 21, 2010 at Rocky Point.  These are fish that Project Eagle Lake Trout provides funding for food, allowing them to stay in the hatcheries longer, getting bigger.  Some very nice sized Eagle Lake trout headed for deeper water!

Sept. 5, 2010

The P.E.L.T. Steering Committee recently presented five lighted buoys to the Lassen County Sheriffs Dept. DEAN GROUDON, Sheriff-elect and Deputy FRANK MARTIN were on hand to accept the donation.  These buoys add to the existing five on Eagle Lake to indicate points and shallow spots, making the boating/fishing experience safer and more enjoyable.

PROJECT EAGLE LAKE TROUT…Festival, September 5, 2010.

More than 400 folks gathered in Spalding Tract at Eagle Lake, at Arnold’s RV Park and Store, to participate in fun, festivities and fundraising.  Project Eagle Lake Trout (P.E.L.T.), a branch of California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Inc., a non-profit foundation, was formed to enhance the fishing experience at Eagle Lake. 

Local community residents, visitors, campers, CIFFI volunteers and P.E.L.T. steering committee members came together to enjoy a great day.  A horseshoe tournament, conducted by Tim and Maribeth Noxon started the festivities…winners were Bob Harp and Casey Burton.  The casting competitions for children and adults, led by Gary and Judy Davis, Ron Beck, Dave and Margie Meserve, created a lot of excitement, and dollars, for P.E.L.T.  The adult winners were Brandon Doss, Michelle Sager and Matt Williamson.  A fabulous BBQ of tri-tips and chicken, with all the fixings prepared by the Arnold clan, plus strawberry pizza and luscious chocolate cake was enjoyed by all.

The event began as Tim Noxon led the 200-member kazoo band in the Star Spangled Banner, and Chris Gallagher, General Manager, Spalding Community Service District, sang God Bless America.  The Sheriff’s Dept. was presented with five lighted buoys to add to the existing ones, to enhance safety on the lake.  Professional guides at Eagle Lake: Cliff Spediacci (Hook and Ladder Guide Service), Paul Chappell (Snowbear GS), Tim Noxon (Fish Traveler GS), Jerry McMillen (Eagle Eye GS), Ron Beck (Flying Eagle GS) held seminars and were presented with plaques of appreciation.  Gwen Beck was presented with a special award as Volunteer of the Year 2010 for her efforts.  The free children’s raffle, with over $700 worth of bikes and toys, sent all 57 youths home with a prize.  The General Raffle and Auction, with professional auctioneer Dennis Hudson, was the highlight of the afternoon.   The funds raised will continue to enhance efforts for good fishing at Eagle Lake.

P.E.L.T./CIFFI thanks those who participated…both at the July 4th event, and this Labor Day event.  Put these dates on your calendar for 2011…your presence will be appreciated and your efforts go to a very worthy cause.  Eagle Lake is a Heritage Lake and it is important that it is supported and maintained.

More Photos of the event by Jim Thompson Photography

The Crowd !

The Guides....

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Pine Creek.. 1st Flow 2010  -  Installation of Weirs on Merrill Creek

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!