Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra fishing report: Bring camera for Kokanee at Taylor Creek

Hello fellow anglers, fall is officially here. Renee and I just returned from fishing the delta for a week,
When we went over Carson Pass on Highway 88 at 3 p.m., the temperature was only 42 degrees. That is a definite change of seasons and also the time of year when some lakes open and others close for the year.

This time of year has two special events going on. The fall colors around the Alpine County area and along Emerald Bay Road on the south end of Lake Tahoe. With our three year drought, most of the aspens has lost many of their leaves, but there are still some spectacular colors to be seen in our local area.

If you get a chance, take a trip to Taylor Creek to see the spawning of the Kokanee Salmon. Taylor Creek is located 1/2 mile north of Camp Richardson on Emerald Bay Road. Remember that all the rivers and streams leading into Lake Tahoe are closed to fishing for the year, so leave your pole at home and bring your camera. This Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, is the annual Fall Fish Festival. See the video below. Go here for more information. As for fishing, here is your local report.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife has planted the Cave Rock area recently.
This my friends is a big trout magnet. Shore anglers as well as boaters have been doing well for mackinaw and a few browns. With the weather cooling down, anglers have also had success top linning Rapalas from The Tahoe Keys are to Emerald Bay.

CAPLES LAKE:
The water level is about 12 feet down from the high water line. The Caples lake marina and boat launch is scheduled to open until November. The Eldorado boat ramp is open at this time, but can close at any time.
George Osbourne from Apple Hill, Calif., was trolling flashers and a crawler in the middle of the lake at caught a nice stringer of rainbow trout. George's largest trout was 3 pounds. Brandon Burrell from Elk Grove, Calif., was fly fishing on the dam and caught a nice 6 pound rainbow. For more information call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

RED LAKE:
I have had a couple good reports from anglers catching some pan sized rainbows. One angler was using a gold Kastmaster lure while the other caught his on an inflated nightcrawler.

SILVER LAKE:
The water level is way down and I would not recommend to launch your boat. Unless you have a small aluminum boat a canoe or kayak.
Shore fishing is still accessible if you walk south of from the parking area.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed to fishing until January 1, 2016.

PYRAMID LAKE:  
Fishing has opened for the season as of Oct. 1. This lake has special fishing regulations on size limit as well as artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks. You are not required to have a Nevada fishing license, but you must obtain a tribal permit to fish Pyramid Lake. Check rules and regulations before you start fishing.
Special note, leave the light weight trout pole at home. here you can expect to catch 20 pound cutthroat trout.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The water level is up and the weeds are getting better. With our cooler weather the weeds are starting to dissipate. The campground and boat launch are open, but are scheduled to close on October 12th. Nightcrawlers or power bait have been the most productive. I fished last week for an hour or so, I received many hits but caught no fish. Still a great time fishing.

CARSON RIVERS CALIFORNIA SIDE:  
The water level on the west fork is down to a small trickle. Some anglers have caught some rainbows, but you will have to hike to find them. The east fork is flowing slower but still very fishable. Reports of a 3 and 5 pound trout  last week, with many small ones.

Due to the low water this year, the Alpine County Fish and Game will not be planting trout for the rest of this season. There are a lot of factors that have gone into their decision, water flow as well as water temperatures play a large roll to ensure  a healthy sustainable fishery. The season will close on Nov. 15, so we have plenty of time and there are still many fish to be caught. For more information call the Creekside Lodge at 530-694-2511.

BLUE LAKES: 
The water level is way down and the fishing has been reported as very slow. The campground is open. But can close this time of year at any time due to weather.

ALPINE LAKE:
Located on highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass. The Alpine County fish and Game has planted the lake with 1800 pounds of catchable and trophy sized rainbows.
If you have never driven over highway 4 over Ebbetts pass. My advice is to give yourself a little extra time, there is a seven mile stretch where they followed a snake when they built the road and is narrow in areas. Drive with caution and take your time.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a photo of your catch send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. If you have a question or a fishing report for our local area call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. Good fish'n and tight lines.