• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Mac the Naw: March brings added daylight, which means more 'fish on' time behind the reel

Hello fellow anglers. It was nice to get a glimpse of spring for a few days. Speaking of spring, next week, Sunday, March 12, is the time we turn our clocks forward one hour for daylight saving time. That, my fellow anglers, will give us that little extra time on the lake. For those anglers that utilize the Douglas County Park at Topaz Lake, here is a little information that may save you some money.

You can purchase an annual pass permit at the Douglas County Parks Department on Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville or from one of the park rangers at Topaz Lake. The pass allows you day use access and the use of the boat launch. Non residents of Douglas County, $100. residents of Douglas County, Nevada, 54 years of age and younger $70, and for the senior residents of Douglas County NV, 55 years of age and older $25. They also have a special price for our veterans which you can contact the parks department for more information. Special note, the pass does not cover camping fees in the park or along the shore in the park area. The Douglas County Parks Department can be reached at 775-782-9835. Now for our local fishing report:

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has a few feet of snow on it with 5 to 8 feet of ice. No reports of angling for the last few weeks.

RED LAKE: I talked with a fellow angler that attempted to ice fish last week. There was 2 feet of snow and they could not drill through the ice. Their auger had a 5 foot bit on it.

LOHONTAN RESERVOIR: I received information from Kris Urquhart, Biologist, Fisheries Division with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The lake is at almost at full capacity. Last year the NDOW planted a couple thousand Wipers in the lake, this year they are planning to stock a couple thousand more. Take note that some fish have been tagged with phone number on it. You are urged to call the number on the tag. The department is also planning on planting Walleye fry and channel catfish this year.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Lake level is still very high. The paved road is closed from the highway 89 side of the lake. The dirt road off Diamond Valley is open but use caution when venturing in, the road can be very muddy as most have experienced.

TOPAZ LAKE DERBY: Week 8, Michelle Schalk from Gardnerville captured 1st place with a 4.5 pound rainbow, 22 inches long. 2nd place went to Jeff Porras from Gardnerville Nv with a 3.14 pound rainbow, 22 inches. I have not recieved winners from week 9 as yet. So far this season two tagged fish have been brought in. Remeber to check your catch before releasing them. That tag is worth $100 cash when brought to the Topaz General store. Also remeber that tagged fish may not always be over two pounds, but are still worth the cash prize.

TOPAZ LAKE: The water level has dropped a foot or so, but the level is still high. Carefull of the the ocassional debris on the lake. shore anglers have been using Gull or various colosr of Powerbait. Most have had better success on the California side past the bug station. Boat anglers have been useing medium or small flasher blades with a half of a night crawler or a number one needlefish behind it. Raplas have also been very productive. For more information call Topaz Landing Marina at 775-266-3550

PYRAMID LAKE: Fishing has been very good for anglers. I spoke to Jerry Dow from Carsion City NV. Jerry fished for a 4 hours last week and released 12 Lohontan Cutthroat trout from the shore. Trollers have been using #1 torpedo spoons. Red with black dots have been most productive.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. If you have a report or question in our local fishing area, call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. See you on the waters, Good fishin' and tight lines.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Reminder: Wednesday, May 15, will be Minimum / Early Release Days for all schools in the Carson City School District. Educators utilize this time for professional learning while students have the remainder of the day off.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.

Are you ready for a unique summer camp experience, designed exclusively for adults? Sierra Nevada Journeys has just the thing! This perfect unwinding weekend awaits you, with no responsibilities other than showing up with your friends.

Join us from August 16 - 18, 2024, for a weekend in the mountains, free from all of those responsibilities.

With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.