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Mac the Naw: Don’t let Mother Nature fool you

Doug Busey
Special to the Tribune

Hello fellow anglers; we shot past spring and are now starting summer as this weekend will have 70-degree temperatures in the surrounding areas. But do not let Mother Nature fool you, our weather can and will change dramatically this time of year. For as long as I have been keeping a journal, there has always been snow or a heavy frost on the ground on the last Saturday in April, otherwise known as opening day fishing season in California.

Also remember that just because the sun is shining, bright and warm, the backcountry in our more rugged areas will still have snowdrifts and the ground is still saturated. This can cause comfort in dangerous situations. For instance, on the hike into the Woods Creek area behind Caples Lake the rocks are cold and damp from the night temperatures and appear to be dry — but in fact are extremely slippery. Take your time on your adventure and be safe when traveling by foot or vehicle.

SILVER LAKE: Completely thawed out. Anglers have been shore fishing with some luck by the parking area by the boat ramp. I have no reports on when the boat launch will be open for the season.



CAPLES LAKE: On March 21, the lake was completely thawed out. I received a report from Dave Meteer that two brown trout were caught near the spillway that weighed in at 3 and 4 pounds. Some anglers have been fishing off the dam and catching small rainbows using PowerBait or nightcrawlers; Sam Present from Gardnerville caught a 19-inch rainbow last week. The resort is open for cabin rentals and they are putting in the docks. They will be opening the boat launch and general store to the public in mid-April. The EID/USFS boat ramp will open May 1. This is good time of year to fish the Woods Creek area if you don’t mind a little hike. For more info, call Caples Lake Resort at (209) 258-8888.

RED LAKE: Renee and I drove by a couple weeks ago, and saw open water on the north side of the lake along with blue areas in the middle of the lake. We could not believe our eyes when we saw people out on the lake ice fishing and walking close to the thinning blue areas. I just ask my fellow anglers to use a little more common sense; it is not worth risking your life to catch a fish. By this weekend, most or all of the ice should be off the lake.



CARSON RIVER (CALIFORNIA): The river will open April 25. There is a section from Hangman’s Bridge to the Nevada state line that is open all year for catch and release with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. Present fished from the bridge down about two miles and reported the water was fast and cold — he did not see any fish nor catch any fish, but still had a great day of fishing. As of right now California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has no plants scheduled for Alpine County in April. Alpine County Fish and Game will be planting the rivers with rainbow trout, due in part to the donation boxes set up around the county and your generous contributions. Carson River Resort will be ready for opening day with a few surprises this year; for info or to make reservations call (530) 694-2229.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground is scheduled to open May 1 and is done on a first-come, first-served basis. The lake level is still up, but algae is coming in sooner this year. I fished here with Renee since your last report — I threw every color of spoons I had, including Kastmasters, while Renee tried various colors of PowerBait. We received no bites or hits, and there were many anglers out and we did not see or hear any excitement around the lake. But that will not deter me. I know there are big fish in the lake and will be back fishing this weekend.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level has come up from 50 feet on Jan. 1 to 63 feet on March 24. The good news is that the boat ramp in the Douglas County park is open with the small dock in the middle of the ramp. As for the Topaz Lodge Derby, there have been 300 fish brought into the store this year 2 pounds and larger and only 14 tagged fish brought in. There are still more tagged fish to be caught worth $100 instant cash. In week 10, first- and second-place winner was Ron Brister with a 3.10-pound and a 3.9-pound rainbow. In week 11, first place went to Phil Oren from Flagstaff, Ariz. with a 3.12-pound, 21-inch rainbow followed by second-place finisher Mike Jenkins from Minden, Nev. with a 3.12-pound, 20-inch rainbow. The Topaz Lodge Derby drawing will be on April 13 at 7 p.m. in the main casino, and entrants must be present to win — Topaz Lodge will be giving away $1,000 worth of cash and prizes. For more info, call Topaz Lodge at (209) 266-3338.

NDOW FISH PLANTS: Mitch Pond, Baily Pond.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a photo of your catch, send it to dprice@recordcourier.com. If you have a report or a question in our local fishing world, call the Naw Line at (775) 267-9722. Good fishin’ and tight lines.


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