Hello fellow anglers; I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I can tell you that I got all I asked for. There was on the ground, though it was meager, and now I’m wishing for the temperatures to cool down; this way we can all go ice fishing soon. As for right now, the higher lakes are just getting iced over. Caples Lake only has about four days of ice on it and Red Lake has an inch or so over it. Do not attempt to venture out until we get at least 8 inches of solid ice. Although the edges of the lake may have 6 to 8 inches, the farther out you venture the ice only gets thinner. A couple more weeks of cold temperatures and a few more mountain snows equals more stability. I will have an article on Friday, Jan. 9 to give you up-to-date ice conditions. This will tell if we will have our ice fishing get-together on Red Lake on Sunday, Jan. 11.

Before we get to ice fishing, we have Topaz Lake opening the 2015 fishing season as well as the annual Topaz Lake Fishing Derby. The lake conditions are low but very fishable — this means there will be more room to shore fish. For those anglers who will be taking their boats down, the Douglas County ramp and Topaz Marina will not be open for launching. Those with small boats can shore launch in various places — bring your waders as that water is cold and many parts of the lake are shallow along the edge; you will be getting wet depending on your launching skills. Last year the Topaz RV Park allowed anglers to launch at their facility; I have checked with the park, but have not received any word back so far and would recommend calling ahead to see if they will be open.

Topaz Lodge has planted a large amount of tagged fish in the lake. Each tagged trout is worth $100 cash along with $10 free slot play and 10 entries into the drawing. Each trout weighing 2 pounds and larger will receive $5 in free slot play and 10 entries into the drawing. At the end of each week, the heaviest trout will be awarded $50 cash and the second-heaviest trout will receive $25 in free slot play. At the end of the derby a drawing will be held April 12 at 7 p.m. at the lodge for $1,000 in cash and prizes; must be present to win.

The only requirement for entering the derby is you must be at least 21 years of age, as the event is sponsored by Topaz Lodge and Casino. Where else can you get paid to fish and have a good time? For more information or to make reservations, call Topaz Lodge at (775) 266-3338.

Unfortunately the Naw has to work this year for opening day, but I plan to get there by the weekend. Please have a safe and a Happy Naw Year. And a word to the wise: you can get a DUI while operating a boat and it carries the same penalties as if you were behind the wheel of a vehicle.

If you get a picture of you catch send it to dprice@recordcourier.com. If you have any questions in our local fishing world call the Naw Line at (775) 267-9722. Good fishin’ and tight lines.