Doug Busey's fishing report for Lake Tahoe and Carson area waters

Hello fellow anglers: I hope your Thanksgiving was a grand memory. I spent my Thanksgiving day, fishing in the morning and enjoying family the rest of the day.

I do have a special early Christmas present for you all later in this report.
But first I would like to say thank you, to all the anglers that have called the Naw line or have shared their fishing adventures over this last year. I hope I have answered all your questions, and as well you have educated me.

We all like to brag about our fishing adventures.

But some of the stories I have heard would make a Game Warden look at you in a different light. Example: An angler boosted about catching 7 trout in one day and gave them away so he could keep on fishing. First of all, the limit is 5 fish. Second thing, when you catch a fish and give it away, it is still considered part of your daily limit. Only if you catch and successfully release your fish, may you continue to fish.

I enjoyed many days this year where we had 15 fish days.
I also have had to stop fishing early in the day because I had caught and kept my limit before my friends had. That was partial torture right there.

But we must all be accountable for knowing the laws while we fish.

Please keep the stories and reports coming. But think first, would you share this with a Game Warden? 
Both of our states have a tip line when you see people taking fish or game illegally. California is Cal-Tip at 1-800-952-5400. In Nevada call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-992-3030.

We all make mistakes, and we all need education and reminders of these laws.


Now let's check out our local fishing report.


LAKE TAHOE:
Mackinaw action has been rated good to excellent.
Most success has been at Dollar Point or Sugarpine Point.
Anglers have been fishing right on the 150' -200' and the 220 foot mark.
They have been using flashers and  a live minnow.
Chrome Flatfish have been successful in these same areas.
Average fish has been 2 to 6 pounds with a few in the 7 to 9 pound class. December has been a good month for larger fish in shallower water. 
Topliners have been doing fair using a small dodger or a Sidekick in a watermelon pattern, both followed with a half of a nightcrawler.
Keep an eye on your pole as the fish have been hitting light.
Most fish have been just on the lip.
Best areas have been Logan Shoals, Skunk Harbor and Sand Harbor.
Rapalas are also good this time of year.
For more information call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.


CAPLES LAKE:
The resort will open for cabins on December 20th. Just in time for ice fishing.
As of last Wednesday the lake has started to ice up over most of the lake. There were some small areas of open water.
As of right now, stay away and off the lake.
I personally will be looking forward to January to safely ice fish on it.
You can call the Caples Lake Resort to check their message at 209-258-8888.
RED LAKE:
As of last Wednesday the lake was iced over. Not enough to fish on. Here again I will wait until the end of December to venture out on safe ice. I like to have a minimum of 8 to 10 inches before I go out.
will keep you updated on its condition.


CARSON RIVERS:
ALL are closed to fishing with the exception of the East Fork from Hangman's bridge to the Nevada state line. This section has restrictions, catch and release only, artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. This is located on the California side.
On the Nevada side, the Carson River is open to fishing all year long.


INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
Here is your early present. Alpine County Fish Commission has planted the lake this week with 1800 pounds of nice rainbow trout. The lake level has dropped down about 10 feet, which means getting to the dam area is much easier.
Seems that a few anglers have been calling about their success this week.
The two Steve's (Brower and Lightfoot) had a good day of fishing this week. They said they were surprised and delighted that the fishing was back the way it used to be. Lightfoot also asked me why I did not tell him when they were planting. Simple answer, It would not be fair if I told them before I told all anglers. 
Merry Christmas a little early.
A special thank you to Alpine County for another successful year of great fishing......


TOPAZ LAKE:
Fishing season will open January 1st 2014.
I will get you any update on the Topaz Lodge Fishing Derby as I get them......


TROUT PLANTS:
Nevada has planted Baily Pond and Mitch Park Pond this last week. As the year progresses , the NDOW moves its planting to the southern portion of the state.


ROAD CLOSURES:
As of 11/28/2013 all passes are open with no controls. That will change at the end of this week with a cold front that is moving our way. Which will make our high temperatures lower than our now low temps.
In Alpine County, Burnside Road and Blue Lakes Road are closed for the season.
All others are open, but can close in a minute's notice this time of year.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
If you get a picture of your catch send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. Any questions or reports in our local fishing world, call the Naw line at 775-267-9722.

Good Fishin and tight lines..