Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra end of January fishing report
Submitted by editor on Fri, 01/30/2015 - 12:08pm
Hello fellow anglers, I have to tell you, I have seen some big trout come out of our local area. But Idaho has us beat. On Jan. 8, 2015, Larry Warren was fishing on the Clearwater River in Idaho. Larry was fishing with 6 pound test line and caught a 28 pound rainbow steelhead trout.
Unofficially this is the Idaho state record. I say unofficial, because the trout was released due to state laws protecting endangered species. On this body of water, trout with an intact adipose fin are required to be set free. Now we know why it grew so big. The angler did get a picture and released it back into the river.
If you want to read the story and see this monster trout, go to "Fox News 28 pound trout caught in Idaho."
I know there is a trout almost as big, in the Carson River. I have seen this fish and almost caught this fish last year, while fishing with my good friend Geary Ness. Now if one of usdoes catch this fish this year, you will be the first to see it.
I will photograph this fish and release it back to the river. Now let's check out our local waters.
CAPLES LAKE:
As of last Monday, there was water showing around the rocks and the lake had only 6 inches of ice on it. There were people ice fishing but we were not among them. I talked with Drew from the Caples Lake Resort this week and he does not advise anglers to venture out on the ice. With our April like weather I feel the lake is too unstable to venture out on. I will keep you updated on the conditions.
Or you can contact the resort at 209-258-8888.
RED LAKE:
As of this week the lake was still iced over, but thinning in the middle. Ice anglers were fishing along the dam area close to shore. The edges had about 10 inches of ice on it. Most anglers were using nightcrawlers and were catching 10-12 inch rainbows and cutthroat trout.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
Last Sunday, Renee and I were joined by Geary and Deanna Ness from Minden, Nev. We fished for 5 hours with only a few bites and caught one 13 inch Cutthroat, which was released. I talked to a few other anglers and their luck was about the same. One angler reported a float tuber who fished early that morning and had caught five trout about the same size. The lake is ice free. The campground area is closed until April.
There were more people walking their dogs than there were anglers. We had a great day of fishing with friends. I even thought I heard a bullfrog a few times.
LAKE TAHOE:
A continuing report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows, trolled at depths of 100-300 feet on the west side of the lake near Homewood, Calif.
TOPAZ LAKE:
This past week the lake has been rated as slow. Only 15 fish came into the Topaz General Store to be weighed in. So far this year they have weighed in 108 fish, 2 pounds or bigger and 10 tagged fish.
That means there are still plenty of tagged fish to be caught. To get you caught up on the Topaz Lodge Derby, Week two, 1st place was Jack Amante from Gardnerville with a 4.5 pound rainbow and Dusty McDonald in second place with a 3.4 pound rainbow.
Week three, 1st place went to Ed Adams from Wellington, NV with a 5.9 pound rainbow and second place went to Rand Logsdon from Mammoth Lakes with a 4 pound rainbow.
Week four, Ron Wilson from Wellington, NV came in 1st with a 3.11 pound, 22 inch long and John White from the Bay Area got second for his 3.11 pound, 19 inch rainbow.
For more information on the Topaz Lodge Derby or to make reservations call 775-266-3338.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
If you get a photo of your catch, 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.
