Mac the Naw: Chilly water, great fishing ahead in the Sierra this Memorial Day weekend

Hello fellow anglers. Hard to believe we are at Memorial weekend already. The weather this week has been a challenge but it is supposed to change for the better as we head into the long holiday weekend. Although the forecast may be warm and sunny with a chance of thunderstorms, remember the waters flowing in our rivers are just above freezing temperatures and can be dangerous.

The current on the east Carson River was running at 2200 cubic feet second last week. That is enough to force to take out a full sized pickup. Imagine if you wade out to far and get stuck in that current, you may end up in Nevada. Use extra care when fishing in these waters. The only statistic this weekend should be a couple filleted trout on the BBQ. This report will be for the Alpine County and surround waters.

SILVER LAKE:
The lake is thawed. The Kit Carson Lodge is scheduled to open on June 3, 2016. The fishing from shore has been fair. Some anglers have taken their boats out and have been trolling with Rapalas. The rainbow and mackinaw action has been fair to good. For more information call the Kit Carson Lodge at 209-258-8500.

LAKE TAHOE:
Mackinaw action has been excellent as reported earlier this month. Best areas have been Sugar Pine and Dollar Point or by the Cal/Neva area. Anglers have been fishing flashers and a minnow in 120 to 250 feet of water. Average fish has been 1 to 6 pounds. Gene St Denis reported a few from 6 to 21 pounds. The Cave rock boat launch is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the Lake Forest launch is open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Sand Harbor launch is now open.

CAPLES LAKE:
Lake is thawed, but there has been a thin sheet of ice in the early mornings but is usually gone by 7 a.m. The resort will be open on May 27 that will include the general store, lodging, boat rentals and launching facility. The campground is closed and is scheduled to open mid June. Shore anglers have done well by the dam or the spillway area using Powerbait or inflated night crawlers. The area by the Woods Creek area is also productive. Best bet for boaters have been flashers and a night crawler or long lining Rapala's. For more information call the Caples Lake resort at 209-258-8888.

WOODS CREEK:
Closed and is due to open early to mid June.

RED LAKE:
The lake is thawed. There is no camping or boat launch facilities at Red Lake. You can carry in your small boat, canoe or float tube. Shore fishing is available along the shore. Salmon eggs, worms or throwing Kastmaster lures can be productive as well as fly fishing.

BURNSIDE LAKE:
Closed and is scheduled to open late June.

BLUE LAKES:
The road is open 7.5 miles in to the 4th gate from highway 88 to Charity Valley.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The campground is open along with the boat ramp. The have a tent only area and an RV camping area. They do not have hook ups but a dump station is available. The camp area has heated showers and rest rooms for guests only. Fishing has been slow for most anglers.
A few reports have come in from angers using small spinners or spoons. Average size has been 12 to 14 inches. The lake has rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout that can weigh up to 3 to 8 pounds. The water level has come up a coupe feet which may be throwing the bite off. A new addition to the lake is the anglers survey box located by the restrooms by the unimproved launch ramp on the dam side on the lake. Take the time to fill out the questionnaire honestly. This will help to make changes in the lake as reported by anglers. For more information stop by Todd's Bait and Tackle Shop.

CARSON RIVERS EAST CALIFORNIA SIDE:
The river have been running high and wild last week. But with a few cool nights the water has come down to 700 cubic feet per second as of last Wednesday. The water is clear with a little green tint. Alpine County planted the river on Wednesday and the fishing is on. With the amount of fish planted for opening day and this week. Basically you will be fishing a trout farm this weekend. The fish are scattered throughout the river, so there is no need to fish only by the bridges. Powerbait, night crawlers. salmon eggs or small spinners like the Roostertail or Panther Martin's will do well. For more information and to get your picture taken for the next report, stop by the Carson River Resort.

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE:
Waters are running smooth and clear. Alpine County planted the river this week and the fishing will be great. Salmon eggs, Powerbait or drifting a night crawler with a pinch weight in to the holes or right off the edge of a front riffle.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK:
Water is clear and smooth and was also planted this week by Alpine County. Make sure to respect private property when fishing the area. Small spinners work very well in the faster waters. Drifting mice tails through the faster waters is very productive.

SILVER CREEK:
The water was running good with a little stain on it from the run off. Planted by Alpine County this week. Salmon eggs Powerbait and spinners are productive on the river.

CAMPGROUNDS OPEN IN THE ALPINE COUNTY AREA:
Silver Creek, Hope valley, Kit Carson, Markleeville Creek, Hope Valley, Sorensons Resort, Carson River Resort, Grovers Hot Springs.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The water level has come up five feet over the last few weeks. I have not received any reports from shore anglers. Chuck Fields from the Topaz Landing Marina reported that most boat anglers have been doing well with Rapala's or flashers. The marina offers boat launching and mooring as well as boat rentals. For more information call Topaz Landing at 775-266-3550.

Hope to see you on the waters this weekend. If the day and night time temperatures stay low, the rivers will exceed fishing expectations this weekend. If you have a question or a report in our local fishing area, call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. If you have a photo of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. Good fishin' and tight lines.