Mac the Naw's Sierra and Lake Tahoe area fishing report for week of July 17 and beyond

Hello fellow anglers, I want to tell you of a place that has over looked by many for years. Many of us pass by as we journey through Hope Valley in Alpine County. Some may view it as a rest stop at Pickett's Junction. In 2001 the All Access Wildlife path was built in partner by the California Fish and Wildlife, Alpine County and the Friends of Hope Valley. It is located at the junction of Highways 88 and 89 in Hope Valley, Calif.

The facility has a small parking area with a kiosk with all information as well as a restroom that is available for people with disabilities. Located behind the restroom is a long concrete path that leads to the edge of the west fork of the Carson River, here you will find two fishing platforms for anglers with disabilities ( wheelchair accessible.

For many years the trees have taken over the path making it difficult for the county to plant trout near the area. recently the Friends of Hope Valley went on a mission to clean and trim the trees to open the access road. On July 12th the Carson River was planted with rainbow trout for the first time in a long time with rainbow trout for anglers with disabilities to enjoy.

The area will be maintained by Sorensons Resort and the Friends of Hope Valley. I am also hoping that the avid angler that has the ability to walk the rivers, will fish away from the area. This will provide fishing for disabled anglers the chance to enjoy fishing the river for a long while.

LAKE TAHOE: Mackinaw action has been very good for early morning risers. Anglers have been fishing the north end of the lake starting in 110 feet of water and moving to 240 feet of water as the sun rises. Flashers and minnows have most productive. Special note, the Cave Rock launch facility will have the south end of the parking area closed until the end of the month, which will cause a little congestion.

On August 1 the launch will be completely closed due to road construction and remodeling of the Cave Rock tunnel for at least 30 to 60 days. Other options for boat launching facilities are available at Lake Forest, Obexers and the Tahoe Keys Marina. Some of the Kokanee have started to show up around the Camp Richardson area.

UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER, TAYLOR CREEK, TROUT CREEK: Fishing has opened for the season. I suggest lures or flies with barbless hooks for this area. A good place to practice catch and release. To help sustain the population of a good fishery in Lake Tahoe.

CAPLES LAKE: The CDFW has planted the lake with catchable rainbow trout. The Eldorado Irrigation District has planted the lake with catchable up to trophy sized rainbows. The EID day use and boat launch is open at 6:30 am, the Caples Lake Marina is open from 8-5 each day. Fishing has been slow but is picking up with the recent fish plants. The lake is a at one foot below capacity. Fishing has been good near the Woods Creek inlet or the dam area for shore anglers. Trollers have been going deeper in the middle of the lake with Rapala's or flashers and worms.

WOODS LAKE: The lake was planted by the CDFW this week with catchable rainbows. No boat access except for inflatables, kayaks or canoes.

RED LAKE: Not many anglers have reported in from the area. The lake definitely has the summer algae bloom going on as is does each year.

BLUE LAKES: The upper and lower lakes were planted by the CDFW last week with catchable rainbows. The road to the area is open for camping, fishing and plenty of day use areas.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The lake is starting to lower a little, with the algae starting to get a little thicker in areas. Last weekend Renee and I were blown off the lake with winds in excess of 30 mph, hence the name "Windian Creek." A fellow angler told me of a 3 pound brown caught on a Rapala last week. The lake has plenty of large fish due to the recent plant by Alpine county Last month.

KINNEY RESERVOIR: A friend and fellow angler told me he ventured to Upper Kinney and caught no fish and received no bites. The main lake by the highway was planted by the CDFW last week with catchable rainbows.
BURNSIDE LAKE; No reports this week.

HIGHLAND LAKE: Fishing for small brook trout has been productive at the far end of the lake with anglers using salmon eggs or small flies with a bobber.

CARSON RIVERS CALIFORNIA SIDE: Both rivers were planted by Alpine County this week. The CDFW planted 800 pounds of catchable rainbows this week. Josh Otto was using green/red power balls and caught some nice rainbows up to 19 inches on the east fork. Renee and I ventured up after being winded off Indian Creek last weekend. We caught 5 rainbows up to 16 inches long using small spinners in the faster moving waters of the east fork. Talked to few anglers that were not so productive.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level is starting to drop. Some anglers have been productive fishing early and deep on the south end. Rapala's have been most productive. Anglers using flashers and worms have been catching a few trolling close to shore in the early morning. After 10 am the water skiers and jet skis start to come out. The Douglas county Park ramp is open for all sized boats as well as the Topaz Lake Marina on the west shore.
PYRAMID LAKE; Closed to trout fishing until October 1st.

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