Fishing Report: Camping, Sierra waters finally opening following record winter; be fire smart
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 9:16am
Hello fellow anglers. This report is usually one I do in April or May of each year. Campgrounds and lakes are finally opening in the eastern sierras, and the fish plants have begun.
Also note in this report that there are still some areas that have not opened up due to snow and muddy terrain.
Wherever you travel, a brief reminder about fire restrictions.
Campfires and charcoal bbq's are only allowed in designated campgrounds. Campgrounds have a name attached to it and most have a camp host, this does not mean next to a river or lake, or just a nice pullout area on one of our back roads with a makeshift rock fire ring.
You can be fined up to $10K and spend time in jail. You would also be on the hook, for any fire suppression needed if your campfire got out of hand. There are also smoking restrictions for each county you venture to. They can range from no smoking out of a vehicle, to smoking only in a designated spot with 3-5 feet of clearance surrounding you. Many of our campgrounds have had to close due to wildfires. This does not benefit any of us. We all need to be fire aware. Now here is your spring fishing report in August.
CAPLES LAKE: The lake level is up and the resort is open along with the EID day use facility. I fished last week with Renee for 4 hours all around the lake trolling. We picked up a small rainbow and a 17 inch brown trout. The CDFW is scheduled to plant the lake with catchable rainbow trout. I spoke to a couple shore anglers this week and they reported the bite to be slow as well. For more information stop by the Caples Lake Resort.
WOODS LAKE: The gates have opened and hikers and anglers have been enjoying the area. The CDFW is scheduled to plant this week with catchable rainbow trout.
BLUE LAKES: The road is open to the lower lake, but is closed to the upper lake. The CDFW is scheduled to plant the lake with catchable rainbow trout.
SUNSET AND TAMARACK LAKES: The road is now open to both lakes. Drive slow and stay on designated roads. There is still snow back in the area and some areas are still muddy.
RED LAKE: The lake level is up and the fishing has been spotty. Not many angler reports this week. I ventured by last week and there were no anglers on the lake.
BURNSIDE LAKE: The road is now open with a few restrictions. Stay on designated roads. No fish plants are scheduled this week.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The lake is rated at a warning level for blue green algae. NO SWIMMING. Stay away from algae and scum in the water. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Fish need to be filleted in fresh water before freezing or consuming. The campground is closed for the season due to the Tamarack fire.
HIGHLAND LAKES: The road is open only about a mile into the Bloomfield Campground area.
SCHNEIDER COWCAMP, WOLF CREEK, LOOPE ROAD: All still closed due to fire and landslide issues.
ALPINE LAKE, MOSQUITO UPPER AND LOWER LAKES: Open and are scheduled to be planted by the CDFW with catchable rainbow trout.
CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The river is running clear and has leveled out at 350 CFS. The CDFW has recently planted the river with catchable rainbow trout. Fishing has been fair out in Hope Valley. Better fishing has been in the canyon and the Woodfords area.
EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The CDFW has planted the river with catchable rainbow trout. Alpine County Fish and Game has just planted 1800 lbs of rainbow trout. Chris and Brittany McRae from Gardnerville fished last week with their daughters Madeline and Emily. They caught some nice rainbows ranging from 2 to 4 lbs. The river has calmed down to 500 CFS and has cleared a bit. The resort is open for tent and RV camping. For more information, stop by the Carson River Resort.
SILVER CREEK: The river is running good and the fishing has been good for anglers using powerbait or Salmon eggs. Small spinners have also been productive. For more info, stop by the Creekside Lodge.
MARKLEEVILLE CREEK: The river is running perfectly and clear. The CDFW has planted the river this week. There is some construction on the bridge in Markleeville, which equals a one way zone with a signal light.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a photo of your catch send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org. Hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin' and tight lines.
