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Mac the Naw: Fishing season opens this month

Doug Busey

Hello fellow anglers, I want to ask each and everyone who reads this to do me a favor. For the last few weeks while driving around our local area I have noticed vehicles that have a brake light or a turn signal that is not working. I saw a motorcycle come up behind me the other night and when it passed me, I found out it was a dodge pickup truck. One of the head lights were out. Do a safety check on your own vehicle. Save your self a ticket or an accident.

We are coming up on a special time of year once again. Opening day fishing season will be on Saturday, April 28, 2012. This is when the majority of rivers, streams and lakes in California open for the year. But always check your state regulations for the areas that do not open until later in the year. All streams and rivers leading into Lake Tahoe will not open until July 1st of this year.

The opening season includes lakes in the Inyo and Mono counties. I spoke to Steve Marti from Lower Twin lakes this week. He said that the snow was minimal and the lake has such a thin layer of ice on it that goes away each day. They plan on opening this year on time and are looking forward to a longer season. To get more information on lodging and fishing call them at (760) 932-7751, best make your reservations soon.



The Carson River Resort located just out of Markleeville on Highway 89 is open all year, but reservations are recommended after the rivers open up. Last year the biggest rainbow I reported on was 12.5 pounds and I saw many more in the three to six pound class caught. As Todd Sondero from the resort will say, there is about a thousand fish per mile on the east and west fork of the Carson River. This is due to the donations that are received from anglers like yourself to allow the Alpine County Fish Commission to keep these waters planted with trophy fish all season long.

Renee and I will be on the East Carson this year with rod and camera in hand. New this year in the Naw Report, is information that include both upper and lower Twin Lakes.



Now lets check out our local area.

LAKE TAHOE: Mackinaw action has been good. Most fish have been in the two to six pound class with a couple up to 10 pounds. Best areas have been Cal/Neva or Dollar Points. Fishing 150 to 250 feet of water. Flashers or a dodger followed with a minnow has been most productive. Toplinning for browns and rainbows has been off and on. For more info or if you are looking for a charter, call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at (530) 544-6552.

CAPLES LAKE: John Voss reported 18 inches of ice and many anglers have been out fishing. With our ever changing temperatures always use caution on frozen bodies of water. For more info call the Caples lake Resort at (209) 258-8888.

RED LAKE: Two anglers were fishing last week and did very good for brook trout. They were using night crawlers and salmon eggs. Said the lake had two feet of ice on it but had a lot of slush in spots. Again, be cautious on the ice. I have invited Tribune Sports editor Joe Proudman to join me for a day of fishing Red lake as well as Indian Creek Res on Monday. Will give you a report on how we did.

UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER, TROUT CREEK, TAYLOR CREEK: All on the south end of Lake Tahoe will open for fishing on July 1 2012.

INDIAN CREEK RES: Fishing has been fair when the wind is not blowing. Friend Steve Lightfoot and I ventured out two weeks ago to find 30 mph winds and white caps. We angled the truck towards the lake threw out our lines and enjoyed sandwiches and good old time reminiscing about when we fished there without wind, as we watched our poles from the comfort of the front seat. The lake is scheduled to be planted in the next few weeks but I do not have a set date as of yet. I contacted a spokes person from the campground last week. As of right now they do not have a scheduled date to open. Will keep you updated.

TOPAZ LAKE: Again the wind as well as gas prices have kept most anglers away. The derby comes to a close on April 15th and the drawing will be held in the Topaz Casino. Results for week 13: First place, Joe Simplico from Topaz Lake with 2.15 pounds, 19 inches long. Second place, Bruce Squires from Corona Ca with 2.15 pounds 17 inches long. Joe won by two inches in a case of a tie. Week 14: First place, Ryan Terry from Fernly with 2.8 pounds. Second place, Gary Nelson from Holbrook, Nev. with 2.6 pounds. There has been a total of 112 tags caught so far this year. For more info call the Topaz Lodge at 775-266-3338.

PYRAMID LAKE: Report from Don Quilici of Carson City: Fishing has been extremely slow.

NEVADA LOCAL FISH PLANTS: By counties: Washoe- Truckee River, Davis Creek, Wilson Common pond. Lyon – West Walker river. Douglas – East Carson River and upper East Carson River.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a photo of your catch send it to jproundman@tahoedailytribune.com. If you have a question or a report in our local area call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. See you on the waters. Good fishin and tight lines.


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