Doug Busey fishing report for Carson, Douglas and Alpine County area rivers, lakes and streams

Hello fellow anglers, Time is running short if you plan on fishing the rivers in Alpine County.
November 15, 2013 is the last day to fish on any of the rivers in California, with the exception of a few that will remain open to catch and release.

In our local area, the east fork of the Carson River from Hangman's Bridge to the Nevada state line is on that list.
Check your CDFW regulation book for other tributaries that will remain open. All of the lakes in Inyo and Mono Counties will also close on November 15th. 

The days are much shorter now that we have changed our clocks back. That only means that you will have to start your day earlier. As of last Wednesday there were no road closures on our mountain passes. That can change quickly as we progress further into the season.

As for our local back roads, Blue Lakes Road is closed at the 4th gate, which is approx. 7.4 miles in from Highway 88. All others have remained open as of last Wednesday.

Always be prepared when traveling in the back country. You may get a flat tire and have to spend some time out there. Are you prepared for sub freezing temps at night? Do you have enough water, food or a warm blanket?
How about enough fuel to keep your vehicle running if you get stuck.
All good things to think about this time of year.

Last is the most important thing of all. Who have you told where you are going, and when you will return? Just keep it simple and safe. This time of year the fishing slows down for many, but it never stops.
Here is what's going on in our local area:


LAKE TAHOE:
Fishing has been fair for anglers fishing the Tahoe City Shelf. Many have been getting a few Mackinaw in the 2 to 5 pound class. They have been trolling blades with minnows in 150 to 220 feet of water.

Some anglers have been top lining Rapalas in the Logan Shoals area, and from Camp Richardson to Emerald Bay. Those anglers have reported a few rainbow trout up to 17 inches. If you have the line for it. The Cal/Neva Point is always good for small Mackinaws up to 6 pounds. but you will be fishing in 150 to 300 feet of water.
For more info call Blue Ribbon Charters at 530-544-6552.


SILVER LAKE:
Report last week that the E.I.D boat ramp had opened. The water level is down and would recommend only small boats. This was reported by John Voss of Caples Lake Resort. 


CAPLES LAKE:
Both boat launches are closed for the season.
The resort is closed only for a short time as they are transitioning into winter mode. Shore fishing is good this time of year for large browns and rainbows. Rapala lures or inflated nightcrawlers are my choice. The spillway area or the dam area is your best bet. For more info call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888. 
WOODS LAKE:
The road is open as of this week.
Fishing for small rainbows has been rated fair to slow.


RED LAKE:
Due to the location of this lake (in a valley between two mountain ranges), I would recommend fishing in the afternoon as mornings and evenings get downright cold this time of year.
Some anglers have reported small brookies and rainbow trout. They were using salmon eggs.


CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY:
The CDFW and Alpine County Fish Commission put in their last load of trout a week ago. The  fly anglers have been doing well throwing a Copper Jon or a Pheasant Tail fly. Bait anglers have done well with salmon eggs or small nightcrawlers. The fish have spread out over the river and you might have to do a little walking.
You have until November 15th to get your line wet.

For more information call the Carson River Resort at 530-694-2229. In talking with Chad this week he reminded me they are open all year for cabin rentals, but this year they will be keeping their RV area open as well.
There are places close by you can fish all year long.


NEVADA RIVERS:
In Nevada the Carson River and the Walker River are open all year. The NDOW planted the west fork of the Walker River recently.


TAYLOR CREEK, TROUT CREEK, UPPER TRUCKEE RIVER:
All on the south end of Lake Tahoe are closed to fishing until July 1, 2014.
TOPAZ LAKE:
The lake is closed until January 1, 2014. As of this week, the NDOW has planted over 12,000 pounds of rainbow trout.
I will keep you informed on the Topaz Lodge and Casino Derby when I get the complete information.


INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The fishing has been fair. One angler told me a fish story I have not heard for awhile. Jim told me his son and a friend fished two weeks ago using inflated nightcrawlers and caught two limits of fish all over 4 pounds.
I heard from the two Steve's. They told me they did fair for a couple rainbows up to 1.5 pounds.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure.

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