Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra fishing report: Alpine lakes icing over

Hello fellow anglers, winter doesn't officially begin until Dec. 21 but with our recent weather, I'm getting ready for ice fishing season.

With 8 degree mornings, the higher lakes are now beginning to freeze over. I prefer to wait until a lake has a minimum of 8 to 10 inches of ice on it before I venture out, even though statistics and various websites may say different.

As of Nov. 29, Caples Lake, Red Lake and Silver Lake only had a very thin layer forming on them. Better to be safe and enjoy a trip than to risk the chance of falling though thin ice. Last year Renee and I saw 3 anglers fishing on Indian Creek reservoir with only 3 inches of ice on it, and only 50 feet from where they were fishing was open water. We just need to use common sense. A 3 pound rainbow is not worth hypothermia or the loss of life. I will keep you informed of ice conditions as we get closer into the season.

As the year comes to an end it brings anglers closer to the opening day of Topaz Lake fishing season, which will open New Year's Day 2016. The water level as of Tuesday, Dec. 1 was high enough to open the Douglas County boat ramp for opening day.

I will get more information on the depth and how large of boats can be safely launch in your next report. The Topaz Marina at this time will not be open Jan. 1 due to not enough water in the marina area. That can change quickly with more rain and snow.

With the Topaz opener brings the annual Topaz Lodge Fishing Derby. This year Topaz Lodge has planted more tagged fish than ever before including some rather large rainbows. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has planted over 12,000 pounds of rainbow trout in just the last couple months.

Weather permitting, Jan. 1, 2016 should be a great fishing experience. Topaz Lodge will be awarding a $100 cash prize for every tagged trout brought into the general store to be weighed, which will also get you $10 free slot play and 10 entries into the drawing.

For any trout 2 pounds and larger weighed in at the general store, anglers will receive $5 free slot play and 5 entries into the drawing. Each week Topaz Lodge will award $50 cash for the largest trout weighed in for each week of the derby. The second largest fish weighed in each week will be awarded $25 in free slot play.

The Topaz Lodge Derby will run from Jan. 1 to April 17. All anglers must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the derby as the Topaz Lodge and Casino are the sole sponsor of this event. For more information on the derby or to make reservations call Topaz Lodge at 775-266-3338. Here's the latest report.

CAPLES LAKE:
The lake has a thin layer of ice forming, recommended to stay off the ice right now. The Lodge has a couple cabins open right now and plans to be fully open on December 18th. For more information call the Caples lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

RED LAKE
Ice is forming on the lake. Recommended to stay off the lake. I am planning the annual ice fishing get together during the first week in January. Weather and ice conditions pending.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The lake level is still up and the weed population is way down. With donations from the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, South Tahoe Public Utility District and the Alpine Fish Commission, The lake was recently planted with 1,800 pounds of rainbow trout.

I would use caution using the paved road off of Highway 89. Some of the road will not see the sun light until spring. On the other hand, the dirt road off Diamond Valley can get slippery and muddy. Use caution going to and from the lake, the cell service is spotty in the area and that would be a 3 mile hike out either way if you got stuck. For anglers new to the area, the Creekside Lodge is located in Markleeville, Calif. They are centrally located to fishing, Grovers Hot Springs and the local ski resorts. You can do all of these activities in one day. For more information call the Creekside Lodge at 530-694-2511.

RIVERS AND STREAMS IN ALPINE COUNTY:
Closed for the season until April 2016. With the exception of the east Carson River from Hangmans Bridge to the Nevada Stateline. This section is open all year to catch and release fishing. Which means a zero limit. Artificial lures and flies only with a barbless hook.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Opens Jan. 1. Be safe and your next fishing adventure. Make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you will be coming back, do not adventure onto any back roads this time of year, always carry sunscreen, water, and lip balm that can be used on your jacket zipper to make it work smoother as well as your lips, to make them work smoother, keep your gas tank full and your cell phone charged.

If you have a picture of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. If you have a question or a fishing report in our local area, call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. See you on the waters or the ice in January. Good Fishin and tight lines.