Fishing Report: It's a good time to explore the Walker River State Recreation Area

Hello fellow anglers. I told you in my last report that I was going somewhere new and special. I am here to tell you, it is as close to camping perfection as it gets.

The name of the place is the Walker River State Recreation Area. It is located off of Highway 208 just south of Yerington.

From highway 395, take the 208 turn off and go through Wellington NV. When you get past the Wilson Canyon area take the 208 turn off.

Approximately 4.5 miles will be the Walker River Rd to the east. You will also see a green road sign that directs you to Walker River State Park.

Drive 4.3 miles in on a graded dirt road and look for the giant arch entrance to the Walker River State Recreation Area. The area has 19 spots for RV's, with power and water hookups (Water is available early spring through fall season). There is a separate dump station available.

There are 16 dry campsites for tent camping. They have a limited area for equestrian camping at this time. Each campsite has a canopy and picnic table with a campfire ring. Each area has restroom facilities.

There is a group area in each camp area that can be reserved for larger groups.

Now for a new addition that was just completed at the end of last year: They have 4 cabins available to rent which are fully furnished. A full kitchen, bathroom with a master bedroom and queen sized bunk beds. Each unit has a central heating system along with air conditioning for the later months that are ahead of us. Each unit is finished inside in a knotty pine to give you that rustic cabin feeling. Each unit has a picnic table and a fire ring. They also have a couch that folds out for additional sleeping.

As we entered the area, I noticed things I have not seen in any other park I have been to. There is a book box at the entrance of the RV camp area. Take a book-leave a book. They are also trying out a new system for firewood. There is a trailer on the side of the road that you can leave any extra wood you have not used on your adventure, but also if you need a few extra pieces of wood you can take a few. This system will only work if we all pitch in and donate and keep the cycle going.

The area has a lot to offer for hiking, fishing, bicycling, hunting, nature walks, (Renee and I watched a flock of mountain bluebirds, which is the Nevada State Bird) kayaking and floating for miles. And yes they even have OHV and UTV trails to ride on.

And to top it all off, "A river runs through it". The state of Nevada benefited from an extraordinary opportunity to acquire land to establish a new state park along 28 miles of the East Walker River.

This 12,000 acre acquisition includes several ranch properties that have been largely closed to public access for over 100 years. Today they afford the potential for a variety of public recreation opportunities that no other single Nevada State Park can provide.

The new state park includes four units, including the Pitchfork Ranch, Rafter 7 Ranch, Flying M Ranch and the Nine Mile Ranch. Be prepared for the darkest and the most quiet nights you have heard in years.

Well, except for the beavers making noise up and down the river at night. I would recommend taking a day trip, packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the day use facilities they offer.

Stop in at the visitors center to read about the history of the area and what they have to offer. Or you can call 775-463-1609 and press option 2 for more information.

I know where we will be spending a lot of time camping, exploring and fishing this year. One note, I do not recommend using a GPS to locate the park. It will direct you down a long and dusty road, which will get you there eventually, an hour later than my instructions.

On another note, the fishing is very slow this time of year, but the adventure was memorable.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has approximately 2-3 feet of ice on it. A few anglers have been out fishing with fair success using jigs, night crawlers or salmon eggs by the dam or the spillway area. The Woods Creek area has a lot of snow around it to venture down to.

RED LAKE: The lake has 2 feet of ice on it. The parking area is clear behind the dam. There is two feet of pack snow from the parking area to the lake. The fishing has been slow, but I'm hoping to pick up when we venture up there on Sunday with friends to fish. Remember not to park in front of the snow cannon and to watch the end of the parking area. It has a downward slope and can be slick.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK: Fishing is open to catch and release, artificial lures and flies only with barbless hooks. Access to fishing is available to the lower river in Woodfords.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The river was running good and clear. Open to catch and release with artificial lures and flies only with barbless hooks. Todd Collart was fishing last week, he was using a red body copper jon and caught and released four nice rainbows between 16 to 20 inches. Most of the snow has melted along the banks of the river, but always use caution on your footing. For more information, stop by the Creekside Inn.

CDFW special note and regulation change: Artificial lure is defined as section 1.11 of the CDFW code. Any manufactured or man made non scented/flavored (regardless if scent is added in the manufacturing process or added afterwards) device completed with hooks intended to attract fish. Mice tails are not allowed to be used until open season has begun on specified waters of artificial lures only.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The paved road is clear up until 1/2 mile from the airport. The snow is not plowed in that area and I recommend not to use it. The lake has ice on it, It is unstable right now to ice fish. There are a few open areas along the shore as of this week. I have no reports on the dirt road from Diamond Valley Rd.

BLUE LAKES: The lake is iced over and the road is closed. If you venture back on a snowmobile to ice fish. Make sure you have a seasonal snow pass for the area.

TOPAZ LAKE: The water level has come up and is still rising slowly. Be on the loom out for floating debris. The County ramp is open for launching. There is a no wake zone in all of the ramp and cove area. This is due to the work they are doing in the area of the ramp. I fished with Tom Blotter last week. We trolled Rapalas on most of the lake. We caught and released a dozen nice fat healthy rainbows. The shore anglers have been doing fair. Best areas have been on the California side past the Bug Station. The Topaz Landing Marina is open for boat launching and mooring.
For more information call 775-266-3550.

Good luck on your next adventure. If you get a photo of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org

Hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin' and tight lines.