Hello fellow anglers. Well my wish came true. We are getting a little moisture in the mountains and the valleys, finally. But I have to admit, I did enjoy a lot of winter fishing due to the clear days we had. Now before we get to your report, a couple of very important items have come to my attention. As many of us know, when we go boating in certain lakes it requires a boat inspection.
This is to keep our lakes, such as Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, pure and not contaminated by what’s on the bottom of someone’s vessels. When you leave the lake, they tag your boat and trailer with a tag. If you decide to go back fishing another day, you need not have to get an inspection. But it seems that two anglers tried to cheat the system by reattaching the tag after boating in other waters.
They got caught when they tried to launch their boat in Lake Tahoe at Obexer’s Marina in Homewood, Calif. And I am very proud to say, they got caught. My “Naw” hat is off to the people at this Obexer’s Boat Company for paying attention to detail. It cost them a $5,000 fine. If they would have just paid the $25 to $30 inspection fee, they would be a lot happier today.
Now for the second item I would like to share with you, which is on a much happier note — the 2026 Annual Kids Free Fishing Derby at Lampe Park. The great success of the 2025 derby was due largely to the outstanding support Last year we received from this community and derby sponsors. The 2025 derby participation was around 1,200 children, ages 3 to 12, with their families.
Children that participate in the derby are provided with everything they need to have a fun fishing experience, free of charge. There are three ways for you to participate: (1) Cash donations, (2) Raffle prizes and (3) Business banners. One hundred percent (100%) of your donation will be used to purchase fish, bait, tackle, infrastructure, prizes and supplies for the kids.
The Kids’ Fishing Derby, Inc., is a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada, is exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Derby are tax deductible. Our Tax I.D. Number is 88-0283825. Please reach out to us if you would consider joining the committee to help plan and execute the Derby year-round.
We also need volunteers on Derby days. See volunteer positions at www.dcnvkidsfishingderby.org. To volunteer, email us at dckfdvolunteers@gmail.com. In closing, we want to say “THANK YOU” for supporting the Kids’ Fishing Derby. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to working with you to keep this event the biggest and the best, free kids’ fishing derby in the Western states.
Please feel free to contact a Board or Committee member if you have any questions. In addition, I can be reached at (775) 781-9922. Our fundraising/sponsorship chairman, Tom Zogorski, can be reached at (775) 781-4754 or tomzgolf@earthlink.net. Many anglers think that catching a nice big fish is the best experience they have ever had. Somewhat true, until you volunteer at the kids fishing derby. To see a 5 year old catch their first fish, is a memory you will never forget. To see the families and kids having their best moment is priceless. I hope to see you at the derby this year.
Here’s this week’s report:
LAKE TAHOE: Fishing has been very good for casting the rocky areas for rainbows. Jigging has been good for decent mackinaws ranging three to five pounds. Best areas have been on the south west side of the lake from Camp Richardson to Emerald Bay. Some anglers have also had good success on the north end of the lake. Jason Blanchette sent me a few pictures of his catches of rainbows ranging from four to six pounds. For more information go to rubyjeancharters.com or call 775-233-5055.
CAPLES LAKE: I had the pleasure of fishing with long-time friend Joe Garcia and his troupe of boys from South Lake Tahoe. It started off a little slow. Renee (my better half) and I went out deep for the big ones for an hour or so, with no luck. So we moved in closer to about 10 to 15 feet of water and caught a few small rainbow and a brown. It was a beautiful day and I can’t wait to do it again.
At that time, the ice was about 10 to 12 inches thick out in front of the lodge. I saw some other anglers down by the spillway and also by the public boat ramp. We also got to watch an ice hockey game be played right behind us. As a note, parking is free along the highway. But if you are not a guest at the resort, they do have a parking day use fee. The resort and restaurant are open for cabin rentals and good food. Best of both worlds, ski in the morning and ice fish in the afternoon. For more information go to capleslakeresort.com or call 209-258-8888.
RED LAKE: The fishing has been slow for rainbows and brook trout. Some anglers have caught a couple using salmon eggs or power eggs. My best action has been with a small gold Kastmaster with some smelly juice on it.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The only way to get to the lake is the back way off of Airport Road and up the dirt road. Use caution, it’s quite a bumpy ride going in. I fished with long-time friend Dana Judd last week. One angler had caught two nice rainbows when we arrived. We talked to another angler that brought his small Jon boat. I recommend not to take anything larger than that up there. A canoe or float tube would be perfect. Dana and I fished for three to four hours with only a couple hits. The boat angler claimed he had caught seven and lost five fish. I did see him real in one fish. The lake level is up and the water is pretty clear, with a few weeds here and there.
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: No reports of anyone fishing the river the last couple of weeks.
EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The fishing has been very good for good sized rainbows. Remember it is catch and release with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks. If you want to take a picture, keep the fish in the water in a net. Do not handle the fish as it will remove the protective coating they have on their body. Plus the regulations state to release unharmed and alive. The Carson River Resort is open all year long for cabin rentals, and for those with a little gumption. They have a tent right on the river. If you plan on wanting to stay, I would make reservations quickly, as they do fill up fast. For more information go to carsonriverresort.com or call 530-694-2229.
OWENS RIVER AREAS: I talked with my friend Scott this week he said he fished Upper Owens two days last week from Benton Crossing upstream about two miles using a Yellow Spot nymph and an Olive Wooly Bugger getting zilch. Snow conditions were OK since it receded some back from the banks and packed down by other anglers. We’ll see what this week’s storms bring and how much snow falls out there and how it affects the access. In years past there has been a good big rainbow run up from Crowley starting in late February and lasting through March. I’ll be out there if it’s accessible starting sometime next week.
LAHONTAN RESERVOIR: I was told they put the boat docks in last week, but the lake is still low.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. I hope to see you on the waters soon. If you get a picture of your catch. Send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Good fishin” and tight lines.
