The Lassen National Forest will open select campgrounds near prime fishing waters this month for the 2014 fishing season. Forest officials project plenty of camp sites will be available to meet anticipated demand for the opening day of trout season.
Almanor Ranger District campgrounds, including Butte Meadows, Cherry Hill, Alder, Elam and Potato Patch, are set to open on April 23rd, weather permitting. Visitors planning to camp at these locations should be prepared for low nighttime temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s.
All other Almanor Ranger District campgrounds, including Gurnsey Creek and Almanor, are scheduled for opening the weekend of May 16th, as conditions allow, in time for Memorial Day weekend. Updates will be posted on the Forest web site.
Concessionaire campgrounds on the Eagle Lake Ranger District, which include Aspen, Eagle, West Eagle, Merrill, Christie and Crater Lake, are set to open May 15th. The marina store will be open with limited hours and supplies as of May 18th, with full operation and supplies by May 23rd, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
An outdoor stand at the marina will offer hot food, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and breakfast burritos. Information on concessionaire facilities and services is available by calling 530-257-3067 until May 1st; afterward, call 530-825-3454.
Seasonal maintenance of other Eagle Lake Ranger District campgrounds, including Bogard, Goumaz, and Roxie Peconom, as well as day use areas, is scheduled to begin in mid-May.
Forest campgrounds along Hat Creek are scheduled to open by April 26th, with the exception of Big Pine Campground.
Hat Creek Ranger District’s Old Station Visitor Center is set to open on April 26th. The center will be staffed for weekend visitors, Saturday – Sunday, 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. It will begin a summer schedule in mid-June, open five days a week, Friday – Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Monday – Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Visitor Center, located at the junction of Highways 44 and 89, has recently been remodeled. Be sure to stop in and take a peek. The staff can provide helpful sightseeing, fishing, and camping information.
Dispersed camping is allowed in many places on the Forest. However, visitors are reminded to keep their vehicles on existing roadways, as cross-country travel is prohibited. This policy protects sensitive areas and resources, and prevents damage to vehicles. Visitors are also reminded that, for campfires away from developed campgrounds, a California Campfire Permit is required. These permits may be obtained free of charge at any Cal Fire, Bureau of Land Management, or Forest Service office.
The Forest Service encourages anglers to review the 2014-2015 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Handbook for information and possible restrictions. This booklet is available at many fishing supply retail outlets. It is also posted on the web at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/.
For the most current information, please contact the following Forest Service offices;Â Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141;Â Eagle Lake Ranger District (530) 257-4188;Â Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521.
For more information, you may also visit the Lassen National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lassen.
