Hello fellow anglers. I’m not sure if you may have noticed, but it is getting darker earlier now. Actually it is 1 minute each day until we reach the winter solstice, which is approximately on the 21st of December.
But then again, it brings cooler temps, which cools the waters, which brings on a better bite. Now before we get to our local fishing report, I must make a correction that was brought to my attention by a fellow angler, Terry Cuyler of Gardnerville. I was incorrect stating the Blue Lakes had only a primitive campground area. The lake has a well defined camping area for both tent and RVers.
They have bathroom facilities, running water with a picnic table at each spot and a camp host to help you with any questions you may have. The road from Highway 88 to the lower lake is approximately 8 to 10 miles in on a dirt road.
But, the road is clean and well defined, with a few washboard areas here and there. I wanted to correct my error in mislabeling the camping area in my last report, and thank Terry for pointing that out to me. I never want to deter anyone from enjoying our local back lakes and rivers because of the words I have used. This report is a little smaller because I was ill for a short time and had not been out as much as I usually try to do.
LAKE TAHOE: The kokanee bite is one down on the south end of the lake. Many anglers have been getting their limit of 12-inchers. The Mack bit has done well as well near the Camp Richardson area and by the Taylor Creek area. Mainly because they are chasing the schools of kokanee. I would throw out a rubber or a spider jig right in the middle of the schools. For more info call Jason at 775-233-5055 or go to Rubyjeancharters.com.
TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level has continued to drop, which makes the fishing just a little better in my book. There are a few spots that are hard to fish with high waters. Most trollers have done well with silver or black or perch F3 or F5 Rapalas toplining. The old standby flashers have done well with a threaded half a night crawler. The shore action has been hit and miss. Three or four fish one day and one the next. Inflated crawlers or salmon peach or sherbet Powerbait with an 18-inch leader.
CAPLES LAKE: The CDFW just planted the lake recently with catchable rainbow trout. The fishing has been good due to the cooler temps. Trolling flashers and a crawler or a Thomas Buoyant spoon has been productive. Remember to use a very small snap swivel with a spoon or your line will get twisted. Now that the temps have cooled down. The Mackinaw fishing should start to pick up. Make a note that the resort will be closing on 10/11 to prepare for the winter season. You will have to use the public ramp to launch. For more info call the Caple Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.
RED LAKE: The lake is still green. But a few anglers have picked up some small brookies with spinners or using salmon eggs. I myself will be waiting for ice fishing this December. Which all will be invited to join.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The lake is still a little green. Not many reports coming out and I have not been able to get up there. But I will be up there next week to give a full on-the-spot report. Right now both roads are open to the lake.
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The CDFW planted some catchable rainbows over the last couple weeks. The water level is still low but very fishable. When fishing the Hope Valley area, you need to sneak up to the deeper holes out in the valley. The fish are easily spooked. I would recommend either fly fishing or using a micro pinch weight with a half a crawler or one salmon egg. Best areas to fish are still down in Woodfords canyon areas with the deeper holes.
EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The CDFW recently planted the river with pan-sized rainbows recently and the Alpine County F&G planted some nice rainbows as well. Mike Dirks caught a nice 3.5-pound rainbow this week. Fishing has been doing well for both fly anglers using a Cooper Jon (my favorite) or spin casters using Panther Martin spinners. For more info go to https://carsonriverresorts.com or call 530-694-2229.
BLUE LAKES: Fishing has been doing good to fair. The CDFW planted the lake back a couple weeks ago. Most anglers have had best luck on inflated crawlers or salmon peach Powerbait. I would highly recommend their camping area, as I will be doing in a couple weeks. Maybe I will see you up there.
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The lake has finally reached the point that the marina had to pull the docks out of the water. But as many anglers know, you can shore launch down by the dam. But beware, the sand can be a little soft . Now also as a note, you must have an inspection sticker on your boat before you launch. If not, it will cost you a hefty fine.
NDOW LOCAL FISH PLANTS: Baily Pond, Wilson Common Pond, Marilyn’s Pond, Mitch Pond, Mountain View Pond #2 and Seeman Pond.
GULL AND JUNE LAKES: The Labor Day weekend trips on both lakes were tough going due to high winds. Friday on Gull, no fish and bailed after about three hours and on Saturday we were able to fish longer getting only five. At June on Sunday, once we found a spot to keep the boat stable and not drifting in the wind, we brought in seven Rainbows up to 16 inches. At both lakes we are using the usual suspects bait wise (see previous report) and had some success tossing a red and gold Thomas Buoyant. We’ll be back out on both lakes later this week hoping for less wind and better fishing.
UPPER OWENS RIVER ABOVE BENTON CROSSING: For most of the summer the flow here (the flow changes depending on how much water LADWP is sending from Grant Lake) has been in the mid 50 cfs range increasing to 66 cfs a few days ago. We like the flow in the 80 to 100 cfs range. Looking back to last year, which is an iffy proposition but we’re hanging our fishing hat on it, with the coming of fall and lasting into early November the big (20-inch and up) Brown and Rainbow fishing was the best in the past 10 to 12 years. As we head there each upcoming trip we are hopeful for a repeat this year and an increase in that flow. Flies we have been using and will continue to use include Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, Midges, Olive and Black Wooly Buggers, E.C. Caddis and Stimulators, and adding Egg Patterns and San Juan Worms to the mix.
BACKCOUNTRY: We have not fished our two favorite spots, Mine Creek at Tioga Pass and Rock Creek at Little Lakes Valley, much lately. This season we’ve seen fewer fish overall but still getting 20 to 30 small Brooks at Mine Creek and about the same at Rock Creek along with a few Browns and Rainbows using primarily Caddis and Black Ant patterns. At Mine Creek many of the Brooks will be migrating from the lakes into the creek to spawn as October approaches.
TENAYA AND TIOGA LAKES: Having never fished either lake we jumped in the truck one recent day to check ‘em out, driving west on the Highway 120 toward Yosemite we went past Tioga Lake before the Park entrance and made it to Tenaya going through Tuolumne Meadows on the way. Oops! Upon arrival, along with Mango the dog, we see signs everywhere including a big electric road work type sign flashing “No Paws Off Pavement” warning that no dogs are allowed on trails and beaches so to avoid what could be a federal offense we headed back to Tioga Lake. While shore fishing there we caught a couple Rainbows using Kastmasters and Panther Martins then switched to scented floating baits like we use at Gull and June Lakes also getting Rainbows one after another up to 16 inches, keeping a couple and releasing the rest.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. I hope to see you on the waters soon. Renee and I will be out next week exploring and fishing all the lakes and rivers in Alpine County. If you get a picture of your catch. Send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Until then, Good fishin’ and tight lines.
