Doug 'Mack the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe area and Sierra fishing report

Hello fellow anglers, the weather is getting warmer and the fishing is heating up. Memorial weekend is only a week away and we have some exciting things coming up.

To kick off the season right, we have to start with the 25th Annual Kid's Fishing Derby at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This will be on May 31 and June 1, 2014. The derby is open for all kids age 3-12 years old. Tickets are free however you must pre-register to receive a free session ticket. Sign ups are available every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walgreen's in Gardnerville and at Accolades Trophies at 1532 Highway 395 #10 during regular business hours.

Also note there will also be a special session on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for special needs anglers. I would like to invite all to come out and support the Kid's Fishing Derby, even if you are not an angler or do not have kids attending the event.

There will be raffle tickets and commemorative derby hats and shirts available to purchase. All proceeds go back into the derby for next year. Grand prizes this year (but are not limited to) a 2 seater go-cart, a $300 gift card from Sportsmans Warehouse and a Traeger Pellet Grill.

For anyone needing further information on the derby or would like to make a donation or become a local sponsor call  please contact Steve Hamilton at 775-782-0742 or sctahamiton@aol.com. For information on the derby call Heather Gertsch at 775-684-9018 or Bobbi Folden at 775-781-5325.

This event is dependent upon the generosity of volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help set up, tear down, register, river help, fish cleaning, and much more. If you would like to give  your time to this event you can pick up a volunteer form at the Douglas County Parks and Rec Dept and mail it in. Or you can stop by Accolades Trophies or Walgreen's every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on being a volunteer call Guy Martin at 775-284-1121 or KFDVolunteers@aol.com.
I will be on hand giving my time to help our kids and to support this great event on Sunday, I will be the one with the big mouth.

This derby is known as the largest organized free kids fishing derby west of the Rockies. Hope to see you there.
Now for those of you who will be camping and fishing over Memorial weekend, here is the latest report on what areas are open for camping and this week's fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE: 
Mackinaw action has been good in the following areas: Logan Shoals to Cave Rock, Cal/Neva Point and Tahoe City. Most anglers have been trolling flasher blades with a live minnow 18 inches trailing behind it, or a dodger and a live minnow 12 inches trailing behind it. Top lining has been reported as slow right now. For more information call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

SILVER LAKE:
The lake is thawed and the ramp is open. The day use is closed due to some parking lot work, but is scheduled to be open by Memorial weekend.
I saw photos of an angler who caught two mackinaw trout over 10 pounds. They were trolling AC plugs on down riggers.
The campground is scheduled to open for Memorial weekend.

CAPLES LAKE:
The resort, general store and marina are scheduled to open today, they are open from 8-5 every day. The lake is at 54' right now and rising each day.
Last Tuesday the CDFG planted 12,745 three inch German brown trout.
This means the mackinaw action will be very good or they will be stuffed full of small trout.
The Caples Lake campground is scheduled to open for Memorial weekend along with the EID public launch ramp.
For more info call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

WOODS LAKE:
As of today the road is closed.

BLUE LAKES:
As of today the road is only open to the 2nd gate. The county is not sure if they will be able to open for Memorial at this time.

BURNSIDE LAKE:
Road is closed.

RED LAKE:
The lake is thawed and fishing is fair for rainbow and some brook trout. Shore anglers have been using salmon eggs or inflated night crawlers. Some success has been on small spinners or Kastmasters.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK, CALIF:
The CDFG planted the river this week and the Alpine County Fish and game will be planting next week.
Anglers have been doing well with salmon eggs. Fly anglers have been throwing copper Johns or prince nymphs with good success.
For more information call Todd's Bait and Supplies at 530-694-1900. They also offer burgers, hot dogs with dine in or take out service. And as the season progresses, so will the menu.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK, CALIF:
The CDFG has planted the river this week and will plant next week. the Alpine County Fish and Game will plant next week for Memorial weekend. The river is still muddy but very fishable.
I fished with long time friend Vern Souza from Eldorado Hills, Calif. It did take us all day but we caught some nice rainbows. Vern threw salmon eggs and powerbait and  caught four 14 inch rainbows and one 2 pound rainbow. I was throwing a Panther Martin 1/4 ounce spinner and caught three 14 inch rainbows and two rainbows in the 3 pound class. We released a few smaller ones.

I talked with one angler who was using night crawlers and caught a nice limit. All anglers I spoke with have been catching fish.

The Carson River Resort is open for tent camping on the river, RV camping with full hookups and cabin rentals.
The general store is open for food and tackle, fishing licenses and propane. To make reservations call the Carson River Resort 530-694-2229.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
Fishing has been fair for shore anglers using salmon peach or rainbow power bait. Thomas Buoyant spoons have also been productive.
The campground is open for tent camping right on the lake or RV  dry camping behind the  dam. They also have a heated bathroom with showers.
The lake has an unimproved boat launch and a concrete ramp near the campground area. The campground is on a first come basis. 

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK: 
The campground is open right on the river. Fishing has been good to fair. Salmon eggs have been most productive. The CDFG scheduled to plant next week.

SILVER CREEK:
Running muddy due to run off. Alpine County Fish and Game will be planting next week along with CDFG.
Anglers have been using salmon eggs or power bait in the deeper holes. Which means anywhere you find slack water deeper than eight inches and not white. Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
If you have a question in our fishing world call the Naw-Line at 775-267-9722. Have a photo of your catch, send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. Hope to see you on the waters.
Good fishin and tight lines.