Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra fishing report: fish biting as weather cools
Hello fellow anglers, the weather has cooled down a little and the fishing has started to pick up around the area. Last weekend I took a trip early Saturday morning up to the East Carson River above Markleeville.
The mornings are cold, but warmed up about 7:30.
I fished a few long stretches of the river I have never fished before. I tip my hat to the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission. I just picked these spots at random because of the way they looked, Like something out of Field and Stream magazine.
With the fishing glasses I use, I can see virtually every rock and crevice. I saw no fish, until I threw out a silver Panther Martin spinner and the river came alive with rainbow trout. I caught and released many trout all about the 12-14 inch range. I had my excitement and decided to head home about 10 am. I decided to visit some friends that were staying at Indian Creek Campground, and what do I see as I rounded the last corner before the lake? Mrs. Naw had come up to visit our friends and was just leaving the campground area.
I told her of my adventure and decided to join me for a couple hours of fishing. We tried a few other areas and caught and released a few more trout. (good thing I packed an extra pole and her vest that morning).
I also discovered that using a red and white rubber mini jig was just as effective on the trout and easier to release them safely.
For those venturing up to the Carson River this weekend, don't worry about if the bridges or areas close to the road are packed with fellow anglers.
That river is flowing with fish, you just need to walk a little more and enjoy what you are doing.
I have fished many areas of the river this year I have never fished in the past and have had better success. Now let's check out our other local waters.
LAKE TAHOE:
The Kokanee action has been red hot in the early morning. Tahoe Sportfishing has reported limits for all their clients using a kernel of corn near the Camp Richardson area. One angler reeled in a 17.2 pound mackinaw on the Hopper V last week. They were using flashers and a live minnow in the Tahoe Keys area.
Daniel Leal from Knoxville TN caught a 29 inch 10 pound mackinaw in 185 feet of water near the Camp Richardson area. Captain's Bobby and Zach have been fishing the west and south end of the lake with great success. For more information call Tahoe Sportfishing at 530-541-5448.
CAPLES LAKE:
The water level is at 6 feet below high water line. Fishing has picked up with the cooler nights.
Alex Patz from Oakland reeled in a nice 3 pound rainbow trolling flashers and a worm behind his kayak, while Jason and Cole Taira caught a 4 pound brown fishing with a worm off of one of the resorts rental boats. Kaiden Tapiey caught a 3 pound rainbow trolling wedding ring. The Caples Lake Resort is open 8-5 seven days a week until November, when they shut down to get ready for winter conditions. For more information call The Caples lake Resort at 209-258-8888.
They offer boat and canoe rentals, a general store and cabin rentals as well as boat launching facilities.
SILVER LAKE:
No reports from anglers recently. The Eldorado Irrigation District will start increasing the the water flow in September. Use caution if take your boat on the lake. They have prop eating rocks when the water get low.
EAST CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA:
Fishing has been good throughout the river.
two-1/2-year-old Danika Wilson from Reno was fishing with friends and family from Minden and caught her 1st 2nd and 3rd ever fish. She did have help from her friend Cassie Guy from Minden Nv. Whom was taught by her mom, a local fishing legend Deanna Ness from Minden Nv. That is what family is all about.
I spoke to many anglers last weekend that had great success using Power bait or salmon eggs.
I personally will be getting more mini jigs to use. For more information call the Carson River resort at 530-694-2229.
WEST CARSON RIVER:
The water flows are down and the fishing has been slow. There are plenty of fish in the river if you don't mind a little walk through the Woodfords Canyon area. Last week an angler that would like to remain anonymous caught a 3.5 pound rainbow using salmon eggs in this same area.
For more information call the Creekside Lodge in Markleeville at 530-694-2511. They have fishing information as well as comfortable accommodations for the all anglers.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The water level is up and they have been letting some water in the lake.
The weeds are horrific, but for the more serious angler. This lake holds 2 to 8 pound rainbow trout.
Fly anglers have done well in the evenings using wooly buggers. The campground and boat ramp is open. For shore anglers I recommend fishing by the dam area. Also change up your tactics by using a 3-4 foot leader on a sliding weight. That will get you Power bait to float higher above the weedy bottom. Last week on a Saturday morning we saw only four campers in the campground.
BLUE LAKES:
The campground is open and the water level is getting lower. The fishing has been rated as very slow.
WOODS LAKE:
Campground is open with no fishing reports. This area has a lot to offer for the camper and hiker. Just above the lake you can hike to Winnemucca Lake and Frog lake. I recommend you not to forget your camera. The views are breathtaking up in this area.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a photo of your catch, you can stop by the Carson River Resort or send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. If you have a question in our local fishing world, call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. Good Fishin and tight lines.
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