Fishing report: Early fall fishing underway at Topaz Lake, along Carson River and in the Sierra
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 5:51pm
Hello fellow anglers. You can tell when fall has officially arrived. The sun is going down sooner, and it's time to put the heater in the boat. I have been on a little adventure over the last couple weeks fishing in our area.
I started off fishing at Topaz lake, and the fishing was slow. I trolled for six hours throwing as much hardware as I could. Meaning trying different lures, flies and changing color patterns and depths. I had one good hit, but unfortunately I had a short distance release. The next adventure was four days at the Carson River Resort.
Renee and I set up base camp with full hook ups and right across the street from the East Carson River. As a note, the resort offers tent camping on the river, or cabin rentals. Over the next few days went in multiple directions. We fished Wolf Creek with no luck.
Tried Silver Creek without luck and moved down to the East Carson. I did release a few small rainbows and lost a very large rainbow. Renee did catch a nice 2 pound rainbow. As we were getting ready to leave one of our fishing spots. A large truck pulled up and said, "we would like to make your fishing day a little better." It was a plant truck from the California Department of Wildlife.
They asked if we could help them plant the river. We obliged them by putting in four net fulls of catchable rainbow trout into where we had been fishing. The rainbow trout we stocked were 8 to 10 inches with a few smaller ones mixed in. It was a privilege and decided to leave and let the fish acclimate into the river without giving them a sore mouth.
That night we stayed up and listened to the quiet and the enjoyment of the stars around a campfire. As we stared at the sky, we saw something we had never seen before. It was not a UFO or a UAP, but we watched in awe as a trail of 35 or more lights trailed across the sky. Which we found out later was Starlink satellites orbiting the earth.
For those not familiar, you can look up Starlink search to find the times you can view them in the sky in your area. The next stop was Bridgeport Reservoir for five days.
We traveled down 208 to Wellington and took Highway 338 to get to the lake, and came back down Highway 395. I highly recommend the trip through Wellington and Smith Valley if you have never been that way. We stayed at the Bridgeport Marina where we set up camp, with full hookups on lake front property. They also offer dry camping, tent camping or tent cabin rentals. The weather was chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon. We trolled for a few days with no hits.
I talked with a couple anglers that had good luck with pinched nightcrawlers and Powerbait fishing by where Buckeye Creek comes into the lake. The trout they caught were in the 10 to 13 inch length, perfect for a barbecue or pan fry. But I was not interested, I was looking for the bigger browns and rainbows and continued trolling. I did not get the big one, but we had a great time.
And by now, we had StarLink tracker on speed dial and watched it a couple more evenings. Now I would be remiss, if I did not say a big thank you to my friend Geary Ness for trailering my boat down to the lake for us. Especially when he was not able to stay and enjoy the trip with us this time. Now back home and planning the next adventure. We can't decide on another local trip, or go over the hill to New Hogans or Pardee Lake.
Now for your local report. Please take note that the opening and closing dates of some of these areas may change. If the government does not reach an agreement on Sept. 30, all Forest Service and national campgrounds will close temporarily, or for the season.
SILVER LAKE HIGHWAY 88: Many anglers have been fishing the dam area with powerbait or salmon eggs. Fishing has been slow for most anglers. The lake level is at 67% and will continue to go down. The ramp is open with about 15 feet of water over it right now.
CAPLES LAKE: The lake level is still at 90% capacity and is scheduled to remain high into the fall season. The EID ramp is scheduled to close on October 31st or the first snow fly. I have not heard from the resort on their schedule for the season. The CDFW planted the lake last week with catchable rainbow trout. The Woods Creek area has been doing well for fly anglers and trollers. With the cooler weather, the browns and the mackinaw start to get more active. Shore anglers have been using inflated nightcrawlers by the dam.
KIRKWOOD LAKE: I talked with a friend from the Forest Service and he reported good fishing on the lake this week. The lake is located 1/4 mile west past Kirkwood Ski Resort.
WOODS LAKE: The CDFW planted the lake last week with catchable rainbow trout. The day use and camping access area will close on Oct 31st or when the first snow flies.
RED LAKE: I have not fished the lake lately, and have had no reports from the lake in over three weeks. I personally will wait and hope we are able to do some ice fishing this winter. Last year the lake had over 10 feet of snow and was not accessible.
BLUE LAKES: The road is open to lower and the upper lake. Remember that there is only one way in and out of the area, and they may get snow this weekend. Be prepared if you venture in. The lake level has dropped and the fishing has been fair for anglers using salmon eggs or power bait.
HIGHLAND LAKES: The road is open to the lake right now but can close at any time due to snow. The lake has small brook trout. Most anglers either use flys or salmon eggs on the campground end of the lake.
BURNSIDE LAKE: The CDFW planted the lake recently with catchable rainbow trout. Remember that there is one way in and out of the lake. Be prepared for occasional snow possible this weekend.
CARSON RIVER EAST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The river is running at 120 CFM this week. The water is clear but still running fast for this time of year. The fishing has been fair for anglers using night crawlers or throwing #4 Panther Martin spinners. Ruthie Menor and Asley Rivas took a trip up a week ago and camped at the Carson River resort without the boys (as they said) and did very well. Ruthie caught a 3.7 pound rainbow and Ashley caught a nice 5.5 lb rainbow . Both were using night crawlers. CDFW plated the river 2 weeks ago with 500 lbs of catchable rainbow trout. For more information or to have your picture taken. Stop by the Carson River Resort, they are open all year long.
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The river is running at 35 CFM. The CFDW planted the river 2 weeks ago with 500 lbs of catchable rainbow trout. Anglers in the Hope Valley area have done well drifting salmon eggs with a small pinch weight. In the Woodfords Canyon area. Anglers have been using half a night crawler or salmon eggs. For more information, stop by the Creekside Lodge.
TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level has been going down and the Douglas County camp staff has been trying to keep up with raising and lowering the docks at the bait ramp. The NDOW planted the lake this week with 5000 lbs of catchable rainbow trout. Shore anglers have been using powerbait or inflated nightcrawlers. Trollers have had best action with small flashers and a half of a nightcrawler. Some trollers have been using spinners or Thomas Bouyants. reminder to use a bearing snap swivel if you troll lures or you will end up with line twist.
NDOW RECENT FISH PLANTS: Seeman Pond, Baily Pond, Mitch Pond, Mountain View Pond and Topaz Lake.
Good luck on your next adventure. If you get a photo of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin' and tight lines.
