Mac the Naw: Fall fishing arrives at Lake Tahoe and Sierra along with plenty of color changes

Hello fellow anglers, the weather has cooled and fall has shown its face. The aspens in the Hope Valley area have started to show their true colors. Days are shorter and the water temperatures have cooled considerably. Which means the fish will start to feed again.

A time when lakes will open and some will close for the season, while others will close soon. As many know, the Carson River in Hope Valley will close to fishing on Nov. 15. But the rivers in the South Tahoe basin have already closed for the season. Always check your regulations where ever you venture out to fish or read your local fishing reports.

LAKE TAHOE: The fishing was a little slow with the full moon. Anglers have been getting 3-10 fish per trip. Gene St Denis reported he has been catching mackinaw in the 3 to 6 pound class. he has also caught a few rainbows in the 4 to 5 pound class. The fish have been healthy and fat. Best areas have been the Tahoe shelf or Camp Richardson. The bigger macs are chasing the schools of kokanee salmon that are getting ready to come up Taylor Creek and the surrounding tributaries. For more information call Blue ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

TAYLOR CREEK, UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER, TROUT CREEK: All streams and tributaries that lead into Lake Tahoe are closed to fishing until July 1, 2019.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake level is down but both boat ramps are still open for a couple more weeks. Last week Darrel Swaine from Los Angeles caught a 4 pound rainbow off the shore with Powerbait. Trollers have done very good with Rapalas or flashers and a worm. The CDFW planted the lake last week with catchable rainbow trout. This will trigger the browns and the mackinaws to start feeding. The resort will be open until the second week of October, weather permitting. For more information stop by the Caples Lake Resort.

BLUE LAKES: Fishing has been reported as good, which may be due to the recent fish plant by CDFW this week. They reportedly planted both the upper and lower lake. Fish while you can, this time of year due to ever changing weather, the road can close at any time.

RED LAKE: Fishing has picked up a little with out cooler weather. Small rainbows and a couple cutthroats have been reported by shore anglers.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: Fishing has been a little slow due to low water. If you do a little walking in the area between Woodfords and Sorenson's Resort, there are a few holes that are holding some of those 2-5 pound trout. Fish those in between areas of 3 to 4 inch ripple waters. Use a small silver/black spinner through there. You will be amazed what is in the shallows. For more information stop by the Carson River Resort.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: The river is running good and is holding some big fish in its grips. Last week Tad Kitada from Grass Valley, Calif., caught a 5 and a 6 pound rainbow using a black wooly bugger and a red cooper ion. Alpine County planted the river last week with 2 to 10 pound rainbows. The rivers will be open until Nov. 15, 2018. For more information, stop by the Creekside Lodge.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground will be open until Oct. 8. The fishing has been fair, but should pickup soon with our cooler day time temps. This also means the weeds will be turning over and clearing up the lake. Fishing is open all year round and is rated best during the fall and winter time.

HEENAN LAKE: Open for fishing on Friday through Sundays only. Artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks. This catch and release lake is open only September and October and has Lohontan cutthroat trout ranging 1 to 8 pounds. with the average fishing in the 2 to 4 lb class. Small carry down boats, canoes or float tubes are allowed. No gasoline motors. Shore fishing is also allowed, but would recommend to walk to the east side of the lake to avoid the weeds.

TOPAZ LAKE: Fishing has been a little slow. The very early morning bite has been most productive. The water level has come down 15 feet. Last day to fish is Sept. 30, and will remain closed until January 1,2019.

PYRAMID LAKE: Opening day is October 1st. Do not have a fishing report for obvious reasons. You can check online for regulations and to get your fishing and boating permits. There are very special rules that anglers need to abide by when fishing Pyramid lake.

NDOW STOCKING REPORT: This for the last two weeks. Pitchfork Pond, Marilyns Pond, Mitch Pond, Baily Pond, Wilson Common Pond, Wall Canyon Reservoir, Sparks Marina and Lake Tahoe at Cave Rock

CARSON RIVER NEVADA SIDE: Please note the Nevada side of the Carson River is open all year to fishing. the water level is low but a few anglers have caught some small rainbows off the broken dam using salmon eggs and a split shot.

Good luck on your next adventure. Hope to see you on the waters. If you have a picture of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. If you have a question or a fishing report for our local area, call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. Leave a message and I will call you when I get off the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.