Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra fishing report for late March

Hello fellow anglers, we shot past spring and are now starting summer. This weekend we will be in the 70 degree temps for all surrounding areas. But do not let mother nature fool you, our weather can and will change dramatically this time of year.

So far as I have been keeping a journal, there has always been snow or a heavy frost on the ground on the last Saturday in April, otherwise known as opening day fishing season in California.

Also remember, just because the sun is shining bright and warm. The back country in our more rugged areas still have snow drifts and the ground is still saturated. This can cause comfort with dangerous situations.
For instance, The hike into the Woods Creek area behind Caples Lake. The rocks are cold and damp from the night temperatures, they appear to be dry but in fact are extremely slippery. Take your time on your adventure and be safe when traveling by foot or by vehicle.

SILVER LAKE: 
Completely thawed out. Anglers have been shore fishing with some luck by the parking area by the boat ramp. I have no reports on when the boat launch will be open for the season.

LAKE TAHOE:
Lake Tahoe is the place to be if you are fishing from a boat in northern Nevada. It may be one of the few places you still can launch a boat and catch a fish. Anglers have been reporting good success catching Mackinaw in the 3-5 pound range. Anglers are concentrating in the 150–300 feet with white dodgers and minnows. Kwikfish and broken back lures have also been working, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

CAPLES LAKE:  
On March 21 the lake was completely thawed out. I received a report from Dave Meteer that two brown trout were caught near the spillway that weighed in at 3 and 4 pounds.
Some anglers have been fishing off the dam and catching small rainbows using power bait or night crawlers.
Sam Present from Gardnerville caught a 19-inch rainbow last week.
The resort is open for cabin rentals and they are putting in the docks. They will be opening the boat launch  and the general store to the public in mid April.
The EID/USFS boat ramp will open on May 1, 2015. This is good time of year to fish the Woods Creek area if you don't mind a little hike.
For more information you can call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

RED LAKE:
Renee and I drove by a couple weeks ago to see open water on the north side of the lake and blue areas in the middle of the lake. We could not believe our eyes when we saw people out on the lake ice fishing and walking close to the thinning blue areas. I just ask my fellow anglers to use a little more common sense. It is not worth risking your life to catch a fish. By this weekend most or all of the ice should be off the lake.

CARSON RIVERS CALIFORNIA:
The rivers will open on April 25, 2015 this year. There is a section from Hangmans bridge to the Nevada state line that is open all year to catch and release, artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks.
Sam Present fished from the bridge down about two miles and reported, the water was fast and cold, Sam did not see any fish nor did he catch any fish. but still a great day of fishing.
As of right now the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife has no plants schedule for Alpine County in April.
The Alpine County Fish and Game will be planting the rivers with rainbow trout.
This is due in part to from the donation boxes that are set up around the county and your generous contributions.
The Carson River Resort will be ready for opening day with a few surprises this year. For information or to make reservations call 530-694-2229.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The campground is scheduled to open May 1, 2015. This is done on a first come first serve basis.
The lake level is still up, but the algae is coming in sooner this year. I fished with Renee since your last report. I threw every color of spoons I had, including kastmasters, while Renee tried various colors of power bait. We received no bites or hits. There were many anglers out and did not see or hear any excitement around the lake. But that will not deter me. I know there are big fish in the lake and will be back fishing this weekend.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The lake level has come up from 50 feet on Jan. 1 to 63 feet on March 24. Good news is that the boat ramp in the Douglas County park is open with the small dock in the middle of the ramp.
As for the Topaz Lodge derby. There have been 300 fish brought into the store this year two pounds and larger and only 14 tagged fish brought in. There are still more tagged fish to be caught worth $100 instant cash.
Week 10, 1st and 2nd place winner was Ron Brister with a 3.10 and a 3.9 pound rainbow. Week 11, 1st place was Phil Oren from Flagstaff, Ariz., with a 3.12 pound, 21-inch rainbow followed by 2nd place winner Mike Jenkins from Minden with a 3.12 pound, 20-inch rainbow.
The Topaz Lodge Derby drawing will be on April 13 at 7 p.m. in the main casino, must be present to win. They will be giving away $1000 worth of cash and prizes. For more information call the Topaz Lodge at 209-266-3338.

NDOW FISH PLANTS:
Mitch Pond, Baily Pond.

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 report or a question in our local fishing world call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. Good Fishin and Tight lines.