Pine Creek Area

Pine Creek is the only natural spawning area for the Eagle Lake rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii aquilarum. Spawning takes place in April and May. Due to the lowering of the level of Eagle Lake and the uncertainty of the Pine Creek flow, survival of the trout has been assured by establishing a trapping station and spawning facilities at the mouth of the creek, and by maintaining a brood stock at the Crystal Lake Hatchery near Burney. This trout is the only one capable of living in this highly alkaline lake. It has been successfully introduced into other lakes in the northeastern part of the State.

Much of the surrounding area is Jeffrey pine forest, with some grasslands.

Ospreys, Pandion haliaetus, are not uncommon in the vicinity, and the endangered Southern bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, is an occasional visitor.

Near the mouth of the creek is a series of Indian ruins, circular stone shelters.

Integrity: The trapping and spawning facilities have materially reduced the natural spawning in the creek.

Use: Research, educational

Ref: Wales, J. H., 1969. Trout of California. California Dept. of Fish & Game, Sacramento, Calif.

February 1975