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

Hello fellow anglers, I would like to say to all the firefighters on the Washington fire, Thank you for saving Markleeville and the outlying community of Alpine County.

On Sunday I took a drive up to the Wolf Creek area. The fire hit and missed all along the east fork of the Carson River. Most of the river area was untouched by the fire, although there were a few areas that had burned down to the river's edge.

The Wolf Creek area was hit hard, but the Silver Creek campground survived. As of Wednesday they have opened Monitor and Ebbetts Pass. I do warn you ahead of time to bring  some tissues, as you view what a forest fire can do to our lands and our wildlife.

Which brings a reminder of why campfires are only allowed in designated camp areas. Yes, this fire was started by lightening, but it started as a small smothering ember smaller than a campfire and grew to 17,000 acres.
We only need to use common sense whenever we are outdoors.

A tossed cigarette, a broken bottle, driving over dry grasses with our vehicles can start a fire just as easy. 
Our lands are for every ones use, and it is our job to protect it as we enjoy it. 

Last year we went to Indian Creek Campground, the spot we stayed in had been vacant for 2 days. I gathered some pine cones for a campfire that evening, placed them in the cleaned campfire ring for use later that evening.
As I came back 15 minutes later, Renee asked me why did I start the campfire so early in the day. I replied I had not, and where were the pine cones I had gathered. They had self ignited with embers that had been laying in the fire ring from 2 days ago. Lesson learned; never use dirt on a campfire, always douse with water until it is completely out, and then put some more water on it.

But, I am here to say Alpine County is fully open and ready for a great 4th of July weekend. So let's all enjoy and get ready for some awesome fishing. Here is your fishing report for our local area.

LAKE TAHOE:
Mackinaw action has been good. Tahoe Sportfishing has been bringing in limits of average sized mac's from 3-7 pounds. Best areas have been on the north shore off the Tahoe shelf. Some Kokanee have been coming in around the Camp Richardson area. For more information call 530-541-5448.

TAYLOR CREEK, UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER, TROUT CREEK:
Opened up for fishing on July 1st.
I as a rule practice catch and release when fishing these areas. They are not stocked by the state, they are the natural fish resource for future of lake Tahoe.
Use  Roostertail and leave the salmon eggs and worms at home.

CAPLES LAKE:  
The water level is one foot from being full.
The fishing has been great from a boat as well as from shore.
Ken Salvi caught a 5 pound mackinaw trolling flashers and a nightcrawler by the dam. Matt Nolan was using a jig by the dam and caught a 5 pound rainbow. Anglers have been doing well off shore by Woods Creek and the spillway area. Six year old  Caitlynn Shaw caught a 5 pound rainbow with green Power bait. 
The Caples Lake Marina and General Store is open for launching and rental boats.
For more information call 209-258-8888.

WOODS LAKE:
Campground is open and the lake was planted  a couple weeks ago by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

BLUE LAKES:
Both lakes have been planted recently with rainbow trout. The campground is open and will fill up quickly.

BURNSIDE LAKE:
Planted recently with rainbow trout. 

WEST CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE:
Water level is getting low. California Fish and Wildlife planted this week, also will Alpine County Fish and Game.
Most anglers have been using salmon eggs through the Woodfords Canyon area.
For more information call the Creekside Inn Lodge at 530-694-2511.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE:
The flow are still good and the water has cleared up. The California Fish and Wildlife is scheduled to plant this week as will the Alpine County Fish and Game.
Salmon eggs or salmon peach Power bait has been productive. Small spinners have also been working well.
For more information call the Carson River Resort at 530-694-2229.
If you stop by with your catch, ask them to take your photo for the Carson River resort book of fame.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK, SILVER CREEK:
Water levels have been very low, but for those that are willing to get wet and walk a little. There are still some nice fish in these areas.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The campground is scheduled to be reopened on Thursday at 10am.
The California Fish and Wildlife planted the lake with rainbow trout. Alpine County has also planted the lake with one half pound to 6 pound rainbow trout.

Weeds have taken over the west shore of the lake and are moving to the east side.
Power bait has been very productive for those that use a three foot leader on sliding weight. Fly fishing has become very productive using a olive wooly bugger right under the surface of the water and over the weedy areas.

I hope you have a safe and memorable weekend. I will be around most areas this weekend fishing with friends, I hope to see you on the waters. If you get a photo of your catch send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. If you have any questions in our local fishing area call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. Good Fishin and Tight lines.