Sierra fishing report with Mac the Naw: Saturday is opening day of California trout season

Hello fellow anglers. Its time to get ready to do some fishing. The general trout opener in many California counties will commence this Saturday, April 30. Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of 5 trout per day and 10 in possession.

I suggest you check the regulations on the body of water you plan to fish. Regulations differ on season opening and closing dates in some locations, daily limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and gear restrictions.

For more information check your 2016 California Freshwater fishing regulation booklet or you can go to the web at wildlife.ca.gov/regulations, specific to each body of water you fish. For those people that feel they can catch and keep their 5 trout limit in the morning, go back to camp or home, then come back out and catch more fish.

I have another message for you, it is called CAL-TIP. This is a hot line set up by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for honest anglers to report violators, people that are taking over their limit, snagging fish, basically, breaking the rules and regulations set up to protect and serve the avid anglers.

The CAL-TIP number is 800-952-5400. In Alpine County you can also call the Alpine County Sheriff's Office at 530-694-2231, they will take your information and route it to the local game warden in the area. Lets make this a great opening day for all to enjoy. The roads will be full of anglers and campers driving and walking from hole to hole,. Make sure to be attentive to all on the road this weekend. This report will give you the information you need for fishing and camping in the Alpine County area.

SPECIAL NOTE: The streams that lead into Lake Tahoe are all closed to fishing until July 1,2016. Upper Truckee river, Taylor Creek above and below Fallen Leaf Lake, Trout Creek. These are located on the south end of Lake Tahoe.

SILVER LAKE:
The lake is thawing and is recommended to stay off the ice. There is open water around the area of the boat launch and Plasse's Resort. The Kit Carson Resort or Plasse's Resort has not opened for the season.

CAPLES LAKE:
The lake has about 2 feet of ice and 1-3 feet of slush and snow on it. There are many areas around the shore with open water, Fishing the open water along the shore is good this time of year. Please stay off the lake, the ice conditions are very unstable this time of year. There is snow around the shore area, use caution where ever you venture. There are still deep snow drifts that can be dangerous, watch your footing. For more information call the Caples lake resort at 209-258-8888.

WOODS LAKE:
Closed.

RED LAKE:
The lake is thawing quickly, many open areas around the lake. Ice fishing will have to wait until next year.

BLUE LAKES:
The road is open to the second gate. Approx 2.3 mile in from Highway 88.

BURNSIDE LAKE: The road is not open yet for the season.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The campground and boat launch area is scheduled to open on May 6th. The lake has been fishing well. I fished last weekend and caught up to 16 inch cutthroat trout throwing spoons and Powerbait from the shore. I saw a few other anglers having success by the dam. The lake has brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout ranging from 8 inches to 8 pounds.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK ALPINE COUNTY:
The river was planted by Alpine Fish and Game with rainbow trout. The water was running nice as of last Monday. With our cooler temperatures, the run off will be at a minimal and will hold the river real nice for fishing. A special note to anglers, from Hangmans bridge to the Nevada state line is open to catch and release with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. For more information call the Carson River Resort at 530-694-2229. They also provide a general store, ice, propane, fire wood, RV and tent camping.

WEST CARSON RIVER, ALPINE COUNTY:
The water was running a little high last Monday, but should slow down with our cooler temperatures. This portion was also planted last week by Alpine County Fish and Game with trout. For more information call the Creekside lodge at 530-694-2511. They provide lodging and Todd's Bait and Tackle shop.

SILVER CREEK: Trout were planted on April 21.

WOLF CREEK: Road is still closed for the season.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK: Planted with trout.

MONITOR AND EBBETTS PASS: As of April 25, closed.

CAMPGROUNDS OPEN: Turtle Rock, Crystal springs, Markleeville Creek.

CAMPGROUNDS STILL CLOSED:
Kit Carson, Wolf Creek, Silver Creek, Woods Lake, Hope Valley.
The fish plants in Alpine County were funded by the Alpine Fish and Game, Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and the South Tahoe Public Utility District.

Together they have planted 3600 pounds of catchable rainbow trout with some rainbows up to 5 pounds or more. I hope you have a great fishing adventure. If you get a picture of your catch send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. If you have a question or a fishing report in our local fishing area, call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. I hope to see you on the rivers. Good Fishin' and tight lines.