Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra area fishing report May 19 and beyond
Hello fellow anglers, I wanted to give you a small report on the higher lakes in the Alpine County area. Although down in the valley the temperatures have been in the low 40's to mid 70 degrees. The higher lakes are still in winter, spring mode. Temperatures are in the low 30's and not rising until after mid day and may only hold a mid 60 degree temperature for an hour or so. Be prepared when you travel to the higher elevations.
SILVER LAKE: The lake has thawed and the fishing has been productive for small rainbows and mackinaw trout. Some anglers have ventured out with their small boats.
CAPLES LAKE: The lake is 90 percent thawed and the Caples Lake Resort will open on May 27th. The general store, boat launch along with boat and kayak rentals will be available. Spring fishing is a great time of year to get up there and fish for the browns. Drew Meteer, the general manager of Caples Lake Resort was fishing in 8 feet of water and caught a 2.5 pound rainbow on bubble gum garlic power eggs.
RED LAKE: The lake has thawed and is only accessible by the dam to vehicles. The dirt road on the north side of the lake is not safe to drive on. Spring fishing can be very productive, you want to fish the lake before the algae bloom begins in mid June.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground and boat launch facility is open. The fishing last week was very non productive for many anglers. I ventured up with Renee and our friends Geary and Deanna Ness. We tried every color of Powerbait we had, night crawlers, and some lures. Renee had three bites and caught one, Geary had one bite, I got a big bite and then realized another angler had caught my line. We saw 10 other anglers and not one had had any success. Except for a couple kayakers that fished the inlet for the spawning cutthroat trout. I highly recommend if you catch on of those spawning cutthroat to release it. Spawned fish are not a very good meal. This may be a negative report, but I tell it like it is. This week could be different. That is why it's called fishing and not catching.
LAKE TAHOE: Increased water levels at Lake Tahoe have allowed for the opening of the boat ramp at Sand Harbor. For now, only boats under 14 feet will be able to launch. “The park is pleased to be able to launch smaller boats for now, and we expect that the lake will continue to rise to accommodate larger boats soon,” said Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Supervisor Jay Howard.
Boaters are required to have their powered watercraft inspected and/or sealed prior to arriving at the ramp. For more information on the Invasive Species Program and inspection locations, visit tahoeboatinspections.com.
The boat ramp is open Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cost to launch is $20 per vehicle.
Nevada State Parks urges visitors to enjoy a safe boating season by observing water safety practices. Always wear a life jacket, be aware that high altitudes may cause you to tire more quickly and remember that cold water will take your breath away. When swimming, be sure to enter water slowly to allow your body time to acclimate to cold temperatures.
Sand Harbor State Park is located 3 miles south of Incline Village on Highway 28.
I will have a full report for you next Friday for you Memorial weekend. Have any questions in our local fishing area call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. If you have a picture of your catch, sent it to jeff@carsonnow.org. Good Fishin' and tight lines.
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