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Mac the Naw: Ken Hembree Classic coming to Topaz Lake in April

Doug Busey
Special to the Tribune

Hello fellow anglers; rain is falling in the valleys and snow in the mountains. So far, the month of March is being good to us. We need all the water Mother Nature will give us.

Hopefully a lot of that water will flow into Topaz Lake, because on April 9-10 the Hook Line and Sinker, Ken Hembree Classic, fishing tournament will be held there. In past years, the tournament has been held at Pyramid Lake but this year they are coming to Topaz. That means a lot of boats on a small lake, and they will need as much water as possible to float them all.

The tournament is in honor Ken Hembree, a tournament founder who embodied the spirit of the outdoors. He lost a two-year battle with cancer in 2006.



The tournament will run for two days and the entry fee is $65 for each angler, which includes a commemorative hat. You can sign up in Carson City at Michael’s Cycle Works, in Reno at Sierra RV Super Center, Sportsman’s Warehouse or Cumulus Media, in Sparks at the The Flag Store, or at the Topaz Lodge.

If you attend, I would plan to get there early as there is limited space for parking and camping. Topaz Marina and the Douglas County ramp will be open for boat launching. If you plan to stay at the Topaz Lodge, I would suggest you call now before it is to late. The Lodge also has an RV campground located by the general store.



As in most tournaments, all anglers on your boat must be registered for the tournament, and all California and Nevada fishing regulations will be adhered to.

LAKE TAHOE: When the weather cooperates, mackinaw action has been good. Average fish has been 2 to 6 pounds with a few in the 7-to-14-pound class.

The Cal/Neva area has still been the most productive. Anglers have been fishing 120 to 240 feet of water with chrome or silver Flatfish while some have used flashers with a live minnow. Make sure you get your presentation right on the bottom. For more information call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

TOPAZ LAKE: The annual derby is still going strong. The week 9 winner was Lucas Cunningham from Reno, who caught a 4.11-pound rainbow. Week 10’s winner was Greg Rondy, a friend that never invites me to fish with him, catching a 5.5-pound rainbow.

I fished here with my friend Tom a couple weeks ago and the fishing seemed to get better the more the wind blew. Shore fishing has picked up for anglers using nightcrawlers or various colors of Powerbait. A little hint: the bigger fish are not always in the deeper waters. For more information call Topaz Lodge at 775-266-3888.

CAPLES LAKE: Last report was 4 to 5 feet of ice and 18 inches to 3 feet of snow on top of the ice. No fishing reports have come in for two weeks.

RED LAKE: Last report was 5 feet of ice with 2 to 3 feet of snow on top. Reports from anglers last week said the fishing was slow, and those caught were small rainbows.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Planted by California Deaprtment of Fish and Wildlife last week. The paved road is open and the gate is unlocked.

A few anglers have been using garlic or rainbow Powerbait off the unimproved ramp and have caught limits of 10-to-13-inch trout. The water level has come up a couple feet and the path around to the dam is not recommended.

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


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