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

Hello fellow anglers, Renee and I have been on a fishing adventure across California. We spent most of last week on a friend's boat located near the San Joaquin river, just out of Rio Vista.

We must have caught over two dozen Striped bass each. None of them over 15-inches long, except for one. We had just switched over from striper fishing to cat fishing. All was calm and peaceful, when all of a sudden my reel started to sing. I held on for almost an hour of line stripping and a constant battle with a fish I had still not seen yet. Using a medium action rod and reel with 8 lb Stren line, I continued the fight.

At this point I was only praying to at least see what was on the other end before it broke me off. Renee and I worked as a team, maneuvering the pole as I handed it off to her, to pass it around a piling and through anchor lines. By now it had become dark and Renee was guiding me by flashlight. My first glimpse of the fish I thought I had hooked a sturgeon.

Upon the next passing I saw it was not a sturgeon. As the fish swan a few slow laps back and forth, past the bow of the boat, I finally reached the net into the water and we landed a 36" long, 20 lb Striped bass. We had more fun in that one hour than we did almost the entire trip.

Fellow anglers I have to tell you, that is the reason I love to fish.  Just to have a moment like that. Now, back at home and fishing, let's check out our local fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE:  
Mackinaw action has been good. Best areas have been Cal/Neva and Sugar Pine Point. Average size has been 1-6 lbs with a few in the 7-12 lb range. Anglers have been using flashers and live minnow right on the bottom. Top lining has been fair. Best areas have been Deadman's Point and Eagle Point and Sand Harbor has also been productive. Anglers have been catching rainbows1-3 lbs trolling Rapalas.
For more info call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

SILVER LAKE:  
The water level has dropped. As of last week the ramp was still open for small boats.
Use caution when fishing this lake from a boat. There are many submerged rocks  that can eat the bottom of your hull if you are not paying attention.

CAPLES LAKE:
The water level is about 10 feet from being full. Still plenty of water to launch your boat at the marina or the public launch. With our cooler temperatures, fishing has picked up  for boaters as well as shore anglers.
Flashers followed by a 1/2  worm has been productive from the resort to the spillway area. Rapalas  have worked well near Woods Creek area. Shore anglers have done well on the dam with nightcrawlers.
The resort will be open until October 20th for cabin and boat rentals. For more information call the Caples Lake resort at 209-258-8888.

BLUE LAKES:
The water level has dropped considerably, the campground is still open. Some anglers have reported a few small rainbows using salmon eggs or night crawlers.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY:  
The river is now down to creek size. Anglers have been fishing mainly in the canyon area above Woodfords. The Alpine County Fish Commission has planted a few fish this week. Due to low water conditions  most of the fish will be planted on the East Carson. For more info stop by Todd's Bait and Tackle for a few fishing tips, and a great burger.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER:  
The water level is low but very fishable. Look for those long stretches of ripples, throw a small white roostertail across it and you will not believe what it will produce. The Alpine County Fish Commission has planted the river with over 1000 lbs of 2-6 pound rainbows this week. 
For more info call The Carson River Resort at 530-694-2229.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:  
The water level is down and the weed count is up. Not many reports from the lake over the last few weeks. Anglers are missing a great opportunity. The weeds are your friend, you just have to adapt to fish in them.
As of last week the campground is still open and should remain open through October depending on weather change.

Maybe I will see you up there this weekend. Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
Remember, we are now in fall, 'tis the season of falling night time temperatures. Dress accordingly when you venture out. If you get a photo of your catch send it to donquilici@hotmail.com.

If you have a question in our local fishing area call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. Good fishin and tight lines.