Fishing report: Sierra rivers and lake levels drop, anglers should stay away from algae blooms
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/08/2022 - 3:03pm
Hello fellow anglers. I usually start off with, this time of year, how pleasant the weather has been and how things have cooled off. But there was no escaping the heat during the past week, no matter where you were.
When it is 90 degrees in the high Sierra, it is time to give the fish a break. But now I can say, it is going to cool off a little by next week and it is time to get out and do some fall fishing.
For those getting out to get in a few camping trips before the cold sets in. Remember that there are no campfires or charcoal barbecues allowed outside of a designated campground.
This time of year is the major fire season. With all the dry fuels just waiting to ignite, we need to be extra mindful of where you are at and what you are doing. If you are towing a boat or a camp trailer, double or triple wrap your chains. If you smoke, do it inside of your vehicle or in a secured cleared area. Let's try and give our firefighters a break this year. A few changes coming up in your fishing report.
CAPLES LAKE: The water level is going down each day. The resort will have boat rentals available, but launching may only be available at the EID day use area.The fishing is still slow, a few browns and Macs have been shown up by the dam, Woods Creek, and off Bruno point. Small rapalas, needlefish, flashers and worms, and power bait off the bottom have been the recent methods for success. The campground will stay open as long as they can. The resort will be open until October 15th as of right now. For more information, stop by the Caples Lake Resort.
RED LAKE: The fishing has been slow. There have been no reports of algae growth on the lake as of this date. Best areas for fishing have been off the dam or just to the south of the dam.
BLUE LAKES: The water level is low. But a few reports of some decent sized rainbows have been coming in. Anglers have been using salmon eggs of powerbait. The restoration project on Faith Meadows adjacent to Highway 88 and Blue Lakes road has closed a few of the camp sites in the area.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground is still closed. The lake has been deemed as a danger level for toxic algae. Do not have any contact with the water. Which means no swimming, float tubing, wading for people or pets. Fishing will have to wait until winter.
TOPAZ LAKE: The water level has dropped about a foot since the first of the month. Fishing has been fair for anglers going deep for trout. Many anglers have been using down riggers or lead line with a needlefish or a small rapalas. The smallmouth bass have been hugging the hard rocky bottoms and the deeper structures, while the largemouth have been mainly off the large rock areas, like the wall ( which used to be called the S turn) or the rocks outcrop by the Douglas County ramp or by the Topaz marina. Plastic crawpaws or 4-inch worms in chartreuse or watermelon pattern are my go to baits. No word yet, if the Topaz Lodge will be holding a fishing derby next year.
CARSON RIVER EAST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The water level is low and the fishing has been slow. Alpine county or the CDFW has not planted the river recently. There have been a few anglers using salmon eggs or mini nightcrawlers catching some small 7-12 inch rainbows.The Carson River resort is open for RV, tent camping all year long. They also have several cabins available. For more info stop by the Carson River Resort.
CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The water level in Picketts Junction is low and the temperatures have risen. Best areas have been from Woodfords upstream through the canyon. Alpine County and CDFW have no recent fish plants.
WALKER RIVER WEST FORK: The river is still running good and clear. The fishing has slowed down a little. I spoke to TJ Stewart from Minden last week. He was fishing south of the town of Walker and caught and released a few nice rainbows and kept only one in the 3.5 pound range.
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: As of last week the water level was low and the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board has issued a danger level for Blue Green algae. They are asking for anglers and boaters to stay off the lake at this time. The tests were conducted at the dam and to the north of the RV park. They are also testing the East Fork of the Walker River for any toxins. For right now, I recommend staying off of both waterways.
HEENAN LAKE: The lake is open for fishing during the months of September and October. There are restrictions of catch and release with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. Be prepared to catch a Lahonton Cutthroat trout anywhere from 12 to 20 inches long.
PYRAMID LAKE: Season opens on October 1st. I recommend going to the Pyramid Lake website to get all the fishing regulations. You can also purchase your permit.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. Keep cool and hydrated while out enjoying the great outdoors. Reminder of the Lampe ParkKids fishing derby meeting on September 21 at 6pm at Lampe Park. They are looking for anyone that wishes to be a volunteer for the 2022 kids fishing derby. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines
