Fishing Report: Fish plants are abundant, just in time for Free Admission to Nevada State Parks

Hello fellow anglers. Just got back from Oregon a few weeks ago and the world’s getting a little crazy. It's now fall, and it feels like we missed out on most of summer, between COVID-19 and wildfires, we might have to start doing some praying to get back to some sense of normalcy. We encountered 7 wildfires on our journey.

To start out a great weekend, all Nevada State Parks will be open to the public for free admission on this Saturday September 26th. A great way to get out and explore Nevada heritage and do some fishing.

As we move ahead, many of our National Forests are starting to open back up to the public starting on Friday the 25th of September.

This would include many parts of the Alpine and El Dorado Counties. I would suggest checking online to CDFW then search under "news feed" which will give you access to a list of all lands that are open and which are still closed. If you are caught in a closed area, you can be ticketed and will cost a pretty penny.

One very important rule to remember, NO campfires or charcoal grills allowed in any of our forest areas in California or Nevada. This includes designated camping areas public or private. Propane grills are allowed for cooking purposes, so bring a few lanterns with you if you are planning to do some camping.

On another note, Nevada has started to stock some of our urban ponds again. The weather is cooling off and the water temperatures are coming down. This allows the NDOW to plant trout safely without injury or harm.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake level has dropped, and the boat ramp as of this week was still open. The CDFW has scheduled a plant of catchable trout this week. Fishing has been picking up due to lower water temps. Trollers have done well with Rapalas, kastmasters or a flasher and a worm. Shore anglers have been doing fair with inflated crawlers or throwing spinners or kastmasters. For more information stop by the Caples Lake Resort.

RED LAKE: Fishing has been fair to slow. Salmon eggs or scented night crawlers have been most productive.

BLUE LAKES: The area has recently been opened back up. The lake level is low and the fishing has been good in the morning and evening hours. The CDFW has a scheduled plant of catchable trout next week. No campfires!

BURNSIDE LAKE: The area has opened up to the public as of this week. Fishing has been slow, but the area is worth the slow drive in. No campfires!

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Fishing has been slow due to low water flows for the time of year. Take a hike through the Woodfords Canyon area (town of Woodfords to highway 89 jct). There are still a lot of big fish in those hard to access pools and faster moving waters. Nightcrawler, salmon eggs or a mouse tail has been productive.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: The water temps have come down and the flows are running good. Alpine County has scheduled a plant of 1800 lbs of 2-3 lb rainbows this week. Don't be surprised if you get into a 4 or 7 lb trout. Small spinners or salmon eggs are most productive. Powerbait or a small nightcrawler has been working in the deeper holes. Fly anglers have been doing well with leeches or copper johns. For more information stop by the Creekside Lodge.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Camp area is still closed for the season. Day use is open. The lake has plenty of weeds around the lake. Use a longer leader on your powerbait to float up off the bottom. Thomas Buoyant spoons are productive on the surface in the morning or evening, fish them right over top of the weed beds. No campfires!

HEENAN LAKE: The lake was open, then it closed due to wildfires in the area. It is scheduled to open this Friday morning. Catch and release, artificial lures or flies only, with barbless hooks. No gas motors allowed on the lake. float tubes or carry down boats only. You can use an electric trolling motor. Open only Fri-Sunday through the last Sunday in October.

TOPAZ LAKE: Water level is down. Fishing is doing very well due to the NDOW planting 3800 trout last week. Trollers have done well with just trolling black and silver Roostertail lures. Blades and a crawler have also been productive. Shore anglers have been using power bait with a short leader. Beware of the smoke that may creep back in this weekend. NO campfires anywhere!

NDOW FISH PLANTS: Baily Pond, Mitch Pond. Wilson Common Pond, Marilyn's Pond, Topaz Lake. Marlette Lake.

JUNE LAKE AREA REPORT: The area is still closed to the public due to the National Forest closures.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org . I hope to see you on the waters. Don't forget to use social Fish-dan-cing while enjoying the outdoors. Good fishin' and tight lines.