Fishing Report: Plants Continue throughout region, reminder to be Fire Safe and Fire Aware

Hello fellow anglers. I always prayed I would never have to experience what I did this last week.

Wednesday afternoon, we saw smoke coming from the hills behind our home. We have seen it a few times over the years, but it was far away, and never thought it would come close to our home.

I received a severe warning text of a wildfire in Jacks Valley at 5:06 pm. At 5:34 I received an extreme text, informing of evacuations and where to go if needed.

The smoke was getting closer and heavier at this time. Renee and I quickly packed our to-go bags, and gathered important documents. Never thought we would really have to go.

Then at about 7pm the power went out to the area. We had been listening to the scanner to keep us updated on what was going on. The scanner informed us that NV Energy had de-energized the power in the area to avoid any further threat.

By this time we had noticed the smoke was less and less and thought they had a handle on the fire. At approximately 7:30, a Carson City Sheriff officer knocked on the door recommending we evacuate the area. He told us that the wind had shifted a few times and gave us information on evacuation centers that were available.

We started to load a few more items in the truck to get ready in case we had to go. Within a half hour or so, two other officers came to our door strongly recommending we evacuate the area. We gathered a couple more items and left, hoping we would have a place to come home to.

With the expertise from all the firefighters and law enforcement, everyone in the area had a place to come home to. Thank you to all our firefighters and law enforcement that kept us safe on this day.

The best way we can repay them, is to be alert whatever you are doing outside, whether you are camping or just working in your own backyard.

Be fire safe. The season has just begun and we are in for a long, dry summer. A personal thank you to Tom and Shelly Blotter for offering us a place to stay, and the Carson Valley Inn for giving evacuees a place to go for a special rate.

We have a great community and we come together in times like these. This is why we live here.

Now to the fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE: The mackinaw fishing has been good to fair for angler fishing the north shore shelves of Carnelian Point. The rock pile off Logan Shoals has been productive. The boat inspection stations are open in Meyers and at the Highway 28 and Highway 50 intersection at Spooner summit. Check the website to get hours of operation.

SILVER LAKE: The lake was scheduled to be planted this week. The water level is still up and the ramp and day use area is open. Fishing has been good to fair in the area by the ramp.

CAPLES LAKE: The water level is low for this time of year. The EID boat launch and day use area is open. Fishing has been on and off. I have had reports of limits for 2 days and then only catching a couple. The CDFW planted the lake with catchable rainbows last week. The Caples Lake Resort is now fully open for cabin, boat and kayak rentals. For more information, stop by the Caples Lake Resort.

WOODS LAKE: Fishing has been slow. The campground is open.

RED LAKE: I checked with California Water Quality, and at this time the blue green algae was rated at none. The fishing has been fair for rainbows and a few brook trout. Kastmasters have been the most productive lure to throw. while salmon eggs or nightcrawlers have been best for bottom fishing.

BLUE LAKES: The CDFW has planted both the upper and lower lake this week with rainbow trout. The Campground is open and the fishing has been rated good.

KINNEY RESERVOIR: Located on top of Ebbetts pass on Highway 4. Recently planted with rainbow trout by the CDFW.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground area is still closed due to renovations. The lake level is down a little and the fishing has been fair. The lake was planted with rainbow trout by the CDFW a few weeks ago. I checked with the California Water Quality department this week on the blue green algae and the advisory level was rated at None. For more information, stop by the Creekside Lodge.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The water level is low but the fishing has been good for many areas. The CDFW is scheduled to plant the river this week. Alpine County is planning a fish plant for the 4th of July weekend.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The CDFW planted the river with catchable rainbow trout this week. Alpine County is planning a fish plant for the 4th of July weekend. Fishing has been good for those that don't mind some walking. Tanner Daly, only 10 years old from Alturas, Calif. caught a nice 3.5 lb cutthroat trout. Kendall Blades from Sacramento, Calif. caught a nice 5 lb rainbow trout. For more information stop by the Carson River Resort.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK: Planted by the CDFW with catchable rainbow trout. Fishing has been good to fair. Take a little walk in the river, but make sure to respect private property to get to the river.

NDOW: This Saturday June 12th is free fishing day for all of Nevada. A fishing license is not required. But all regulations for various waters must be adhered to. Some areas may be catch and release or have bait or limit restrictions. The NDOW has planted many of the urban ponds along with the east and west fork of the Walker Rivers.

If you like to fish rivers, I would suggest either the elbow or Wilson Canyon area.

Hope to see you on the waters soon. Good luck on your next fishing adventure.

Please remember the famous words of Smokey the Bear: "Only you can prevent forest fires".

If you snap a photo of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org

Good fishin' and tight lines.