Hello fellow anglers. I would like to start by telling you about a friend of mine.

I started writing this column in 1992. I had many sources of information from local law enforcement to departments of fish and game in the two states that I wrote about. The most influential and most informative was Dave Zellmer from the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission. Dave kept me informed from fish plants to concerns that needed to be passed along to fellow anglers in regards to our local lakes and streams. I was privileged to volunteer with him at the children’s fishing derby at Indian Creek Reservoir, which he has done for many years. He has given so much of himself to help others in the Alpine County community. I returned home from my trip to find that David Zellmer passed away on Sept. 16. And right now, Alpine County has a large void in its heart. I know I have one in mine. Dave was a friend and a fellow angler. We will miss you deeply.

There will be a memorial and a celebration of Dave Zellmer’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct 19. It will be held at the Woodford Fire Station on Highway 89. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Woodford Volunteer Fire Department Association at 60 Diamond Valley Rd. in Woodfords Calif., in David’s name. This day I will gladly hang up my pole to spend time with you.

In other news in our fishing world… you might want to check ahead of time before you set out to camp or fish. Government shutdowns are impacting anglers. The Caples Lake and Silver Lake boat launches are closed. The Caples Resort Launch is open to small aluminum boats or kayaks. Woods Creek and the Caples Lake campground are on 48 hour notice. They are only accepting overnight campers for now. When or if they get the notification, they will shut down immediately. Indian Creek Campground and launch ramp is also closed. You can use the unimproved launch ramp on the other side of the lake for small boats.

An angler came into see me at work the other day. He told me his friends were fishing from a boat at Frenchman’s Reservoir when they were approached by individuals who told them they must get off of the lake because the ramp and campgrounds were closing immediately. Markleeville campground has been closed for a couple of weeks due to the end of the season. If you plan on camping before the end of the year, I suggest calling ahead. Both the Best Land Management and the US Forest service offices are closed. Do not rely on the web for information of closures as most are not updated. There are many places in our local area that you can go to camp and fish, but you might want to leave the boat at home on the next trip.

On a happier note, I met Art Garza from Carson City while volunteering last Saturday with the Lowe’s Hero Project at Baily Pond. He was fishing Baily Pond and caught a nice 3.5-pound rainbow trout. And yes, there are more in there.

See you on the waters. Good Fishin’ and tight lines.