Outdoors with Don Q: Nevada Free Fishing Day on June 11

Here’s an advance notice of something very special in the Outdoor world that will occur in just 10 days:
Draw a great big red circle around the date of Saturday, June 11 on your calendar and then plan to have a fun-filled day in the Great Outdoors.

June 11 is Nevada’s Free Fishing Day for the year 2011. On that day, you can fish anywhere you want, and not need a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Trout Stamp or a Nevada Second Rod Stamp.
However, you will need to abide by whatever the rules and regulations are for whatever water(s) you will fish on that special day. So, have fun, but don’t do anything dumb or it could be an expensive experience, if you’re caught by the “Friendly Old Game Warden.”

And, here is a special tip: If you would like to fish on June 11, be advised that the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will have planted many thousands of rainbow trout in our Western Nevada waters.

Here are a number of fishing destinations that you might want to try on that magical date of June 11:

The main Carson River, just east of Carson City:
It will have been planted by NDOW with lots of rainbow trout.
Your best bet for catching those planters will be to fish downstream from any of the bridges from where those trout will have been planted.

The East Carson River just south of Gardnerville:
A good spot to fish for planter rainbows is that section of the river just downstream from the old broken dam. That dam is on your right-hand side as you begin to drive uphill on U.S. 395, just past the federal fish hatchery.

Davis Creek Pond in Washoe Valley’s Davis Creek Park:
It is located north of Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley, and is a popular fishing spot for families with small children and youngsters.
Plus, as a bonus, you don’t have to travel very far from Carson City.
This is an “Urban Pond” with a limit of three game fish.

Hobart Reservoir, between Carson City and Lake Tahoe:
Be aware that it has special fishing regulations.
Hobart is reached by a steep, dirt road in Ash Canyon and a one-mile hike downhill to the reservoir. Remember that it will be a one mile uphill hike when you return to your parked vehicle.

Lahontan Reservoir:
A large reservoir, about 40-45 miles east of Carson City, via U.S.50.
It offers good fishing from shore or a boat for all kinds of warm-water fish.
If you have a boat, launch from the north shore boat ramp, travel across to the far shoreline and troll toward “The Narrows” with a small Kastmaster or Panther/Martin lure for the countless White Bass in that area.

Lake Tahoe:
If you’ve got some extra money, hire one of the lake’s many sport fishing guides and spend the day trying to catch Mackinaw (Lake) trout.

You could get lucky and catch a Mackinaw in the 15+ pound class.
We always fish with Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbon Charters. Call him at (530-544-6552) or go to website www.blueribbonfishing.com.

Martin Slough:
It is in Gardnerville, just a short distance past Sharkey’s Casino.
This is an “Urban Pond” with a limit of three game fish.

Sparks Marina along I-80 in Sparks:
This is another one of those urban waters frequently stocked by NDOW, which attracts lots of youngsters and old timers. This is an “Urban Pond” with a limit of three game fish.

Spooner Lake at Spooner Summit on U.S. 50:
The season is open year round, one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset. The limit is five trout.
This is a nice trout fishery a short driving distance from Carson City.
Topaz Lake on U.S. 395 at the Nevada-California Stateline:
Fishing can be equally good from shore, a boat or a float tube.
You’ll catch mostly rainbow trout, but Topaz also has brown trout and tiger trout, plus you might get lucky and catch an occasional bass.

Truckee River in Washoe County:
The limit is two trout and 10 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than five can be black bass.
There are special regulations for the area from Crystal Springs Park in Verdi upstream to the California state line.

Virginia Lake in Reno:
There will be lots of ducks and geese on the shore and in the water. If you fish here, watch out for the duck and goose poop, which is everywhere.
This is an “Urban Pond” with a limit of three game fish.

Wilson Common Pond, south of Bowers Mansion:
It is located east of the old U.S. 395 highway in Washoe Valley.
This is another popular fishing spot for old timers and families with small children and youngsters, plus it is also close to home, if the kids get fussy.
This is an “Urban Pond” with a limit of three game fish.

Finally:
Be advised that the State of California DOES NOT have a Free Fishing Day on the same date as Nevada.
California has not one, but two Free Fishing Days.
In 2011, they will be on July 04 (Fourth of July) and Sept. 05 (Labor Day).

Also, be advised:
June 11 is NOT a Free Fishing Day at Pyramid Lake, as that lake in on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation.
June 11 is NOT a Free Fishing Day at Weber Reservoir as that reservoir is on the Schurz Indian Reservation.

Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can’t tell you where we will be on June 11.
If he grins and says, “Don, Elaine and her Mom will be out of town at the Quilici Cabin near Davis Lake, California,” he might be one of the guests invited to spend the weekend with them.