Hello fellow anglers! A lot of things are going on this next week with the California fishing season opener.
On April 25th, many rivers will change from artificial lures and flies with barbless hooks to allowing bait fishing with barbed hooks, and many lakes that have been closed since last October will open to fishing. Be sure to check your local regulations for these changes.
To add to the excitement, a new rule was just released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFG) regarding lakes and rivers in Inyo and Mono Counties.
ATTENTION ANGLERS: NEW FISHING LAWS IN EFFECT! As we get ready for summer, new watercraft laws are now in effect to protect the Eastern Sierra from invasive Golden Mussels. If your watercraft is trailered and touches the water, it needs an inspection. This includes all craft, from fishing and high-performance ski boats to pontoon boats and personal watercraft.
It is now mandatory law to visit a Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination (WID) station before you head to the ramp. An official Eastern Sierra Mussel Sticker must be displayed on your vessel before you touch the water, and everything—including SUPs, kayaks, and float tubes—must be clean, drained, and dry prior to your arrival.
Currently, there is some confusion regarding the locations of the inspection stations in the Bridgeport area, as the information was only released within the last couple of weeks. However, an email from EasternSierraWID.com stated that a Bridgeport location is expected to be open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., beginning the week of April 20th through October. In Bishop, there are two confirmed inspection stations: one at Vons Market and the other at 620 South Main Street. Please keep an eye on EasternSierraWID.com for updates so you don’t get in trouble at Twin Lakes or Bridgeport Reservoir.
On a brighter note, Alpine County and the CDFG have planted various sizes of rainbow trout in seven different waters down south. Alpine County is scheduled to plant on Friday, April 24th, and they have also stocked the river following last year’s closure.
For those looking to get involved in the community, the Lampe Park Kids’ Fishing Day is looking for volunteers. You can email Danny Lozano at DCKFDVolunteers@gmail.com to help out, make great memories, and get fed for your work! To become a sponsor or make a donation, you can email Tom Zogorski at tomzgolf@earthlink.net. Please remember that they are a non-profit organization for tax purposes.
Here are your local area reports:
LAKE TAHOE: Mackinaw fishing has picked up with action throughout the morning in 50 to 100 feet of water. Anglers have been trolling flashers and a live minnow on the northwest side of the lake. Jason reported catching 12 nice mackinaw and a couple of rainbows. For more information, go to rubyjeancharters.com or call 775-233-5055.
TOPAZ LAKE: Fishing has picked up when you can get out on the water. The NDOW recently planted almost 4,000 rainbow trout. There is now a boat inspector at the ramp before you enter, but there is no charge for the inspection. Most anglers have been trolling Rapalas or a small set of flasher blades with a nightcrawler. Shore anglers have been using inflated crawlers or PowerBait in yellow or rainbow colors.
CAPLES LAKE: The lake is thawed, but the resort and the public boat launches are not open yet; they usually open around the middle to end of May. Shore fishing has been doing well using small spinners off the dam or PowerBait by the spillway. The area received a little snow during the last storm, so watch your footing along the shore. Note that the resort is closed for a few more weeks for renovations and seasonal preparation.
WOODS LAKE, TAMARACK LAKE, WOLF CREEK, SUNSET LAKES, BURNSIDE LAKE: The roads to these areas are still closed as of this week.
RED LAKE: Fishing has been slow. Some anglers have caught a couple of brookies or rainbows with a small gold Kastmaster, but bait fishing has been slow. Most anglers are using nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. One helpful trick is to use half a crawler and tip the hook with one salmon egg.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The gate is now open on the paved side. A recent late-afternoon trip using lures and PowerBait yielded no hits, so early mornings are highly recommended for better catching.
BLUE LAKES: The gate is now open to the third gate as of this week. The fourth gate usually opens in mid-June, depending on the weather.
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The river is running high and clear, and the CDFG is scheduled to plant it this week with catchable rainbow trout. A great technique is throwing a small black and yellow Thomas Buoyant across the stream and working your way downstream. There are no reports yet on whether Alpine County will be planting for the opener. For more information, stop in at the Creekside Lodge in Markleeville and ask for Todd.
EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The CDFG is scheduled to plant the river this week, and the county is tentatively scheduled to plant on Friday. They previously planted the river just after the closure last season with nice one-to-three-pound rainbows. The river is running well, and fishing should be good. If you’re planning on staying or camping, call the Carson River Resort ASAP, as they fill up fast (530-258-8888 or carsonriverresort.com). The resort offers RV and tent camping right on the river, along with a fully stocked general store, fishing gear, and cabins for rent.
MARKLEEVILLE CREEK ALPINE COUNTY: This is a small creek that runs through the town of Markleeville, and the CDFG is scheduled to plant it this week. The town has a general store and the Cutthroat Tavern, where you can tell all your fishing stories.
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The lake is full, and the marina has its docks in the water ready for opening day. The county has planted good-sized rainbows, as well as trophy-sized trout, for the opening of the season—locally known as “Fishmas.” The lake has been closed since last season, so current fishing conditions are unknown. The marina will offer launching, boat rentals, RV and tent camping, and tent cabins. Long-lining Rapalas is highly recommended as a ticket to catching larger rainbows. For more information, go to bridgeportmarina.com or call 760-932-7001.
I wish you a great time and the best of luck on the opening day of the fishing season. I hope to see you on the waters! If you get a picture of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Good fishin’ and tight lines!
Photo caption: Three generations of Wagners: Sy, Pops, Cameron and their two sons fishing Lake Tahoe on the Ruby Jean Charter boat.
