Fishing

Fishing has always been a popular activity for visitors to Plumas-Eureka State Park.

Jamison Creek, which is easily accessible throughout the Park, is regularly planted by the Department of Fish and Game. The mix of planted fish and wild fish attracts fishermen of all ages and abilities. Many people do not realize that the two lakes within the Park also have histories as adequate fisheries. Eureka Lake has long supported trout, expecially Brook Trout. The lake has relied on planting over the years to maintain populations because of poor spawning conditions, although that has not occurred for many decades so populations are currently very low.

Madora Lake has also supported trout. In the early 1990's a heavy freeze killed many Brown Trout that measured over twenty inches in length. There is no record of formal planting of Madora, and it is believed that the trout, mostly Browns came down the "ditch". It will be interesting to see if the present "pipe" system will allow for such migartions.

The PESP Association recently contacted Fish and Game about the possibility of getting a Planting Permit for Madora Lake and Eureka Lake. PESPA was told that the Department is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Report for the planting of all small Alpine lakes in California. This EIR is studying the role that planted trout may have on the disappearance of the native Yellow-Legged Frog from these lakes. Until this issue is settled, no new permits are being issued. The PESP Association will continue to monitor this situation as the EIR goes forward.