Mac the Naw: March brings added daylight, which means more 'fish on' time behind the reel

Hello fellow anglers. It was nice to get a glimpse of spring for a few days. Speaking of spring, next week, Sunday, March 12, is the time we turn our clocks forward one hour for daylight saving time. That, my fellow anglers, will give us that little extra time on the lake. For those anglers that utilize the Douglas County Park at Topaz Lake, here is a little information that may save you some money.

You can purchase an annual pass permit at the Douglas County Parks Department on Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville or from one of the park rangers at Topaz Lake. The pass allows you day use access and the use of the boat launch. Non residents of Douglas County, $100. residents of Douglas County, Nevada, 54 years of age and younger $70, and for the senior residents of Douglas County NV, 55 years of age and older $25. They also have a special price for our veterans which you can contact the parks department for more information. Special note, the pass does not cover camping fees in the park or along the shore in the park area. The Douglas County Parks Department can be reached at 775-782-9835. Now for our local fishing report:

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has a few feet of snow on it with 5 to 8 feet of ice. No reports of angling for the last few weeks.

RED LAKE: I talked with a fellow angler that attempted to ice fish last week. There was 2 feet of snow and they could not drill through the ice. Their auger had a 5 foot bit on it.

LOHONTAN RESERVOIR: I received information from Kris Urquhart, Biologist, Fisheries Division with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The lake is at almost at full capacity. Last year the NDOW planted a couple thousand Wipers in the lake, this year they are planning to stock a couple thousand more. Take note that some fish have been tagged with phone number on it. You are urged to call the number on the tag. The department is also planning on planting Walleye fry and channel catfish this year.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Lake level is still very high. The paved road is closed from the highway 89 side of the lake. The dirt road off Diamond Valley is open but use caution when venturing in, the road can be very muddy as most have experienced.

TOPAZ LAKE DERBY: Week 8, Michelle Schalk from Gardnerville captured 1st place with a 4.5 pound rainbow, 22 inches long. 2nd place went to Jeff Porras from Gardnerville Nv with a 3.14 pound rainbow, 22 inches. I have not recieved winners from week 9 as yet. So far this season two tagged fish have been brought in. Remeber to check your catch before releasing them. That tag is worth $100 cash when brought to the Topaz General store. Also remeber that tagged fish may not always be over two pounds, but are still worth the cash prize.

TOPAZ LAKE: The water level has dropped a foot or so, but the level is still high. Carefull of the the ocassional debris on the lake. shore anglers have been using Gull or various colosr of Powerbait. Most have had better success on the California side past the bug station. Boat anglers have been useing medium or small flasher blades with a half of a night crawler or a number one needlefish behind it. Raplas have also been very productive. For more information call Topaz Landing Marina at 775-266-3550

PYRAMID LAKE: Fishing has been very good for anglers. I spoke to Jerry Dow from Carsion City NV. Jerry fished for a 4 hours last week and released 12 Lohontan Cutthroat trout from the shore. Trollers have been using #1 torpedo spoons. Red with black dots have been most productive.

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