Mac the Naw: Don't let the spring-like temperatures fool you, local waters remain frigid

Hello fellow anglers, it feels like spring time outside. We are having a strange and different weather pattern from last year are we not? But a reminder here that it is still winter. The weather temperatures outside may be comfortable, but the water temperatures are very frigid.

Use caution around all bodies of water. I was reminded last week while fishing with a friend. It was a day that made you want to put on shorts. Only a foot away was hypothermia if one of us had fallen over accidentally. A very special device that I had forgotten about was a throw bag. This is a small life saving device that is tethered to your boat can be quickly thrown to any one that has fallen into the water.

They are small and can be tucked into any corner of any water craft. A life jacket is key, but many of us do not wear them at all times. I myself will be adding one to my boat before my next trip. For only a few dollars, it could be the difference in life or death. especially this time of year when we are mostly wearing thermals and heavy clothing. think of it as a life insurance policy you can use for anyone. Now lets check out our local fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE: Fishing has been very good for mackinaws in the Cal/Neva drop off area over to Tahoe City. Flashers and minnows have been most productive, also some anglers have been using a No. 5 or 7 floating black and silver Rapala behind their blades. I do not recommend to use a Rapala behind a dodger, as the action may cause extreme entanglement. Top lining for rainbows and browns has been very slow from the reports I have received.

CAPLES LAKE: The area has received a foot of new snow over the last storm. Much of it blows off the lake. The ice conditions as of last week were 12 inches with a 6 inches of snow. I have not received any fishing reports.

RED LAKE: The last report was 10 inches of ice with a few inches of snow on top, this was two weeks ago. Last reports were that fishing was good for small rainbows and browns. I am planning to venture up this weekend to check out the conditions and will have an up to date report for you.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The lake level has gone down a little. Most angler shave been doing well with green Powerbait or inflated night crawlers. Both the dirt road off Diamond Valley and the paved road off Highway 89 is open with no controls. I do recommend slowing down a little on the paved road. With any precipitation, the road gets icy in a few areas.

TOPAZ LAKE DERBY RESULTS: Week 3, first place was Linda Stockton from Yerington with a 6.6 pound, 25-inch rainbow. Second place was Ed Zile with a 6.5 pound, 23-inch rainbow. Week 4, First place went to Danney Wallis from Wellington, Nev., with a 7.9 pound, 26 1/2-inch rainbow. Second place was Jeremy Ritter from Gardnerville, Nev., with a 6.7 pound, 3-inch rainbow. To date there has been 172 fish weighed in over 2 pounds. There has been 16 tagged fish brought in so far this season. For more information call the Topaz Lodge at 775-266-3338.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level is still high, but has come down about a foot over the last couple weeks. The shore anglers have been catching the larger fish with green garlic powerbait or night crawlers. I have been fishing with fellow angler and friend Tom Blotter from Minden, Nev.

We have been all over the lake in various depths. We have been averaging 30 to 40 fish a trip with only one or two over the 2 pound range on each trip. Trollers have been using blades and a night crawler or Rapalas lures. With the water going down slowly, there is a little more room for shore anglers.

The Topaz Landing Marina is open for boat launching and mooring. If you do not have a boat, they offer rentals. For more information call Chuck Fields at 775-266-3550.

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