Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra fishing report for July 4 holiday weekend

Hello fellow anglers, happy Independence Day to you all. There will be a lot of people out and about this weekend. If you are headed out to do some fishing this weekend, I have the place.  Number one on the list this week is Caples Lake. This is what they offer, bed and breakfast rooms, cabins on the lake, general store, 12-14 foot fishing boat, kayaks or canoe rentals.

And here is the biggest kicker. California Dept Of Fish and Wildlife cleared out their trout hatchery in Sacramento area and planted all 15,000 fish in Caples last week. On top of that, the Eldorado Irrigation District in co-operation to bring Caples Lake back to the fishery it was before the work on the dam.  

They planted 1,800 pounds of trophy sized rainbows a few days ago. Also to let you know,  the water level on the lake is almost full. Bring your boat as they have two launch ramps to utilize at Caples Lake or just find a spot and enjoy a day of shore fishing with friends and family. If you need more info or to make reservations call 209-258-8888.

LAKE TAHOE:
The mackinaw action has slowed a little, Gene reported a 10 pound mac on Tuesday and a few in the 1 to 5 pound range. Anglers have been using flasher blades or a dodger followed behind with a live minnow.
I used a Banjo Minnow one time with special trout juice on it and did very well.

Best mackinaw action has been Tahoe City drop off, Cal/Neva Point.  Flatfish in chrome or white have been doing well. Anglers have started in 120' of water and gone down to 250 feet. Kokanee action has still been good from Camp Richardson to above Taylor Creek.
For more information call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

SILVER LAKE:
The lake level is way up, The boat launch is open with a few areas to shore fish. Warning; they have boat eating rocks in this lake, just as they have in Caples Lake, use caution. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife planted the lake with about 8,000 pounds of rainbow trout.

WOODS CREEK AREA:
Great access to fishing Caples Lake inlet from the rocky shore. Or to hike back to the old bridge and to see the waterfall behind the lake. Located one-half mile east of Caples Lake on Highway 88.

WOODS LAKE:
Located 1.2 miles east of Caples Lake on Highway 88. They offer dry camping and a small lake with rainbow trout. Plenty of day hiking to higher lakes in the area..E.I. Winnemucca and Frog Lakes to fish or just enjoy the wildflowers.

BLUE LAKES:
The road is open to both Upper and Lower Blue Lakes. They offer dry camping at the lake with restrooms available. Rural camping is available at Tamarack and Sunset Lakes.

These are located approx. a few miles before lower Blue Lake on a dirt road turnoff that will be marked.
Blue Lakes were planted by the CDOW recently. Bring mosquito repellent.

RED LAKE:
Also known as Green Lake, due to excess of  the algae bloom in the summer. Three angler reports this week and all said fishing was bad. The lake does hold rainbows brook and cutthroat trout.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The lake has come down about 18 inches and the weeds are getting heavier. The boat launch near the campground is open. They offer tent as well as dry RV camping.
They do have water faucets around the camp area as well as a heated shower for campers use.
The fishing was slow, I fished by the camping area for 2 hours with spinners, spoons and Power Bait with not one hit.

I watched 3 other anglers near the boat launch and not once did I see them jump to their poles.
The lake was planted earlier in this month. I talked to Bob Engelhardt this week, Bob showed me a picture on some beautiful 2 to 4 pound rainbows he caught a couple weeks ago in Indian Creek Reservoir on a secret color of Power Bait that he would not disclose. The lake has plenty of shore fishing areas for all and for those that are quite enough. You can watch the eagles hunt overhead.

CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE:
East Carson flows running good still and the West Fork has slowed down a lot. The CDFW has ended with the last fish plant of the year last week. They planted about 3,000 fish on both rivers.

For the good news, the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission will be planting both rivers this week.
I will give you a hint, they are not all where you would think they would be. Last week Renee and I were fishing some fast water by some willows. We were doing quite well. Renee was using salmon eggs and I a panther martin spinner.

As I looked upstream I saw a large brown dog crossing the water. As it came closer I realized that was no dog, we gathered our gear and moved through the brush a quick as possible as the bear passed right in front of us.
The Carson River offers camping at the Carson River Resort, Markleeville Campground, Grover's Hot Springs, Sorenson's Resort, Wolf Creek Campground.

TROUT CREEK, UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER, TAYLOR CREEK:
As of July 1, 2014 all of these streams have opened for fishing. Remember that these waters hold the life of Lake Tahoe. They are not planted by fish and game, they are planted from the lake to regenerated Lake Tahoe for years to come.

I have learned to practice catch and release with a barbless hook on these waters. There are plenty to catch and fillet from the Carson Rivers and surrounding areas.

HIGHLAND LAKES:
A great place to get away and catch some brook trout. Two lakes located approx 1.5 miles over Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4, watch for sharp left U turn. Go about 5 miles in on a good dirt road and Walla, you suddenly come up on a flat lake with mountaintops surrounding the little lake.
They have dry camping available with Porta Potties on site. Best thing to use came from my friend Kathleen, a clear bubble and a No. 24 Gnat. 

BURNSIDE LAKE:
Located at the intersection of Highway 88 and 89 Hope Valley. The lake is approx 5 miles in on a dirt road. They offer dry rustic camping and rainbow trout. I wish you a safe and happy 4th of July. If you are fishing on Saturday, July 5, you can do so without a license in California for the one day.

Remember that campfires are ONLY allowed in designated campgrounds and in designated campfire rings. If you do have a fire, put it out with water not dirt. stir it and water it again then you know what, stir it one more time and water it one more time. If you are responsible enough to have a fire, then be responsible enough to put it out the right way.

Get a picture of your adventure send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. If you have any questions in our local fishing world, call the NAW Line at 775-267-9722. Good fishing and tight lines.