Outdoors with Don Q: Free Fishing Day in California on Saturday

CARSON CITY, Nev. — As I noted earlier this year, one of California’s two Free Fishing Days will be over the Labor Day holiday weekend on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The other Free Fishing Day was back on July 2. You can fish, all day, without a fishing license.
You will be able to fish wherever you like in California, without the need for a fishing license. However, you will need to abide by the rules and regulations that govern whatever water(s) you will be fishing.
So, be sure to obey those rules and regulations. Don’t do something illegal. If you do, and if you get caught, it could be very expensive.
Most importantly, be advised, that Sept. 3 is NOT a free fishing day in Nevada. So, don’t try to fish without a license in Nevada.
If you would like to try your hand at fishing on that Free Fishing Day in the State of California, and don’t know where to go, here are some last minute Don Q suggestions for nearby locations:

Rivers
The East Carson River (near Markleeville) and The West Carson River (in Woodfords Canyon and Hope Valley):
Both of them will have been planted with a combination of planter-size rainbow trout by the California Department of Fish and Game and some super-sized rainbows (up to 6-7-8 pounds) by a private fish hatchery in Susanville, which has been contracted to do so, by the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission.
On the East Carson River, you need to know that the section from Hangman’s Bridge, just out of Markleeville, all the way downstream to the Nevada state line has very special restrictions. Be sure to read, know and follow those regs. Don’t get caught doing something illegal.

Lakes and Reservoirs
Upper and Lower Blue Lakes: They are reached by a paved road from S.R. 88 in Hope Valley.
Both lakes have rainbow trout. Shore fishermen usually use inflated nightcrawlers and boaters usually troll with flashers and small lures.
Weather permitting you could find this area crowded with fishermen, campers, hikers, bicyclists, camp trailers, fifth wheelers, etc.
Caples Lake: It is next to S.R. 88 between Kit Carson Pass and the Kirkwood Ski Resort.
The El Dorado Irrigation District (which controls the water at Caples Lake) has done a great job, stocking Caples with lots of very nice rainbow trout (up to 6-7-8 pounds), plus you can also catch brookies, browns, Cutthroat and even Mackinaw trout.
Davis Lake: A large-sized lake in Northern California, located about seven miles north of Portola, via two different paved roads, one of which is Grizzly Road, about four miles east of Portola or West Street in the middle of Portola.
Davis has good fishing from shore, float tubes, canoes or boats for rainbows that can go up to 5-6-7 pounds.
If you like to fish from shore or a float tube, try Camp No. 5 on the west side or way up at the very far north end of the lake.
If you have a boat, troll with lures around the big island or between the big island and the east shore.
Frenchman Reservoir: It can be reached by a paved road from Chilcoot, which is on S.R. 70, between Hallelujah Junction and Portola.
The reservoir has good shore and boat fishing for rainbow trout.
If you go there, be sure to first stop at Wiggins’ Trading Post in Chilcoot for the latest tips on where to fish and what to use.
Indian Creek Reservoir: This reservoir is located between Woodfords and Markleeville.
It, too, will have been planted with planter-size and super-size rainbows by both the state and Alpine County.
Fishing is best in the deeper water with artificial flies or lures from a float tube, canoe, inflatable raft or small boat.
If you camp at the BLM campground, be advised that it has hot showers!
Kinney Reservoir: Near the top of Ebbett’s Pass on S.R. 4.
Kinney is reached by a very narrow and very steep highway that is not recommended for large vehicles or those who are faint of heart.
The reservoir has brook and rainbow trout.
Some of the better shore fishing is across the dam and on the far end.
This lake is prone to being windy in the afternoons.
Red Lake: Situated at the foot of Kit Carson Pass on S.R. 88.
This lake contains brook, Cutthroat and rainbow trout.
The far end, which is fairly shallow, is a favorite location for fly fishermen in float tubes.
Shore fishermen tend to favor nightcrawlers or various colors of Power Bait while fishing from the dam.
There you have it: A number of choices for Free Fishing Day on Sept. 3.
Pick one or more, pack a big picnic lunch, load everyone into the family vehicle and then go out and enjoy a day of free fishing.
Have fun and good luck to everyone.

Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can’t tell you some of the best locations to fish on either the East or West Carson Rivers.
If he grins and says, “Fish downstream from any of the bridges on those two rivers, as those bridges are the preferred locations for planting fish from planter trucks,” he has seen those trucks in action.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor Editor for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com