Fishing friends, George Fini and Phil Graham, of Shingletown, visited Eagle Lake a week ago and got their limits easily. The four fish they brought home weighed 22 pounds with the largest going about six. The lake was perfectly flat.

A week later on November 14, Graham posed with another day's catch at Eagle Lake.

This is good news! A trip to the "Jewel of Lassen County," can now cost some big bucks what with the price of gas over $3 a gallon. It's nice to know the big ones might be waiting. I have been skunked there too often or found the fish to be quite small at other times. However, I often schedule my trips in mid-summer or at times when on a family outing in bluebird weather. It takes more skill and knowledge of the lake and fish habits to be successful then.

The best time to catch larger fish is between now and the time the lake closes on December 31. In other words, be prepared to fish in some blustery, downright cold weather and use care. Snow and ice on both roads and boat ramps can make driving and launching perilous, but those who do their homework and persevere catch really big trout. For the latest info on how to catch some fat ones go to www.eaglelakefishing.info. I do. One tip there recently was this: If you think you're going to encounter rough weather, plan to fish from shore. That is very good advice. Two of my fishing pals did just that last year and caught their limits from the bank easily in what amounted to surf. Don't take unnecessary changes in a boat!