Sierra area fishing report: Cold water, great fishing expected for Memorial Day weekend

Hello fellow anglers. Memorial Day is here, and people will be out enjoying a beautiful weekend forecast. We deserve to have three days in a row of warm weather. We all need to slow down a little and take your time getting to your destination.

Now even though the temperatures will be nice and warm. Many of our lakes and streams are still frigid from the snow melt. A sad reminder, 55 year old Todd Anderson from Sparks lost his life at Topaz Lake last weekend retrieving a buoy. Possibly due to cold water temperatures.

This time of year with the snow melt, water temps can be in the low 40's to 60 degrees. You may be a strong swimmer, but our bodies react differently to drastic temperature changes. Please use caution and always carry a life jacket when boating. Most of all, keep an eye on your surroundings for safety reasons as well as others around you that may need help.

Here's the holiday weekend report:

SILVER LAKE ALPINE COUNTY: The lake has thawed out. The boat ramp is open, but I do not have any reports on how the fishing is. I will be going up next week to update that report.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has thawed out 85% as of last Wednesday. The Caples Lake Resort is opening for the season May 24th. The general store and boat lunch will be in operation and they also have boat rentals available. This time of year is a good time to fish by the dam or Woods Creek area.

Watch your footing if you venture down to Woods Creek. There were a few snow drifts along the lake that could be a little tricky. Casting a Thomas Buoyant or a sinking Rapala should get you some action. Inflated nightcrawlers are also productive along the dam or spillway area. For more information, stop by the Caples Lake Resort.

WOODS LAKE: Road closed.

RED LAKE: The lake is thawed as of this week. I would recommend a 1/8 oz Kastmaster or toss some salmon eggs from the dam area.

BLUE LAKES: As of last Wednesday the road was still closed to the first gate.

BURNSIDE LAKE: As of last Wednesday the road was still closed.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: I received this information from the BLM office in Regards to the campground area. The BLM, Sierra Front Field Office announces the Indian Creek Campground in Alpine County will remain closed until further notice.

“The Campground closure is due to damages caused by the 2021 Tamarack Fire, and significant flooding in 2022,” said Jonathan Palma, Acting Sierra Front Field Manager. “The campground will remain fully closed to public access until further notice.” In July of 2021, the Tamarack Fire burned through Indian Creek Campground and destroyed the RV /tent main loop, group camp site and restroom.

"Wildfire impacts to site facilities, hazardous materials abatement, and risks associated with wildfire-affected 'hazard' trees necessitated this closure. In August of 2022, the area received heavy rains that flooded the campground, resulting in significant sediment loading and debris fields in the campground, compounding the BLM's timeframe for re-opening the facilities. The site will remain closed to the public, including vehicles, while staff work on public safety and infrastructure restoration tasks.

"Hazard tree falling within the campground concluded in March, with over 80 truckloads of timber being removed. With the different contractors using the day use area for storage and staging, no date has been set to open the day use area to the public at this time. The BLM appreciates your patience and your cooperation in staying out of the campground during the closure. Because a re-opening date may extend well into the future, camping reservations are not available at this time."

The fishing has been very productive. This may be due to the CDFW planting the lake this week with 800 lbs of rainbow trout. The weeds are starting to get thick. But that can work to your advantage. Target the areas in between the weeds and adjust your height on your leader. I have used anywhere from a 12 to 48 inch leader. Salmon peach or green powerbait is most productive. But inflating a night crawler with scent, is a close second. Both roads are open.

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The river was running up to 300 cfm this week and may climb with warmer weather. Fishing has been challenging for most anglers. The Hope Valley area has been most productive with night crawlers or salmon eggs.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: As of last Wednesday the river was running at 1300 CFM, which is a little higher than opening day. With our warming weather, it may get up to 1600 CFM. Stay out of the river due to currents and water temps.

A few anglers have done well with nightcrawlers in the deeper pools from 1.5 to 4 lbs. I checked in with Alpine F&G, and they have no fish plants this week due to high waters. The CDFW is scheduled to plant the river with catchable rainbows this weekend. For more information or to get a photo with your catch for the Naw report, stop by the Carson River Resort.

Monitor and Ebbetts passes are open for travelers.

HIGHLAND LAKES: Road closed at Highway 4.

NEVADA FISH PLANTS: Mitch Pond, Mountain View Pond #2, Seeman Pond, Baily Pond, Davis Creek Pond, Wilson Common Pond, West Walker River, East Walker River, Marilyn's Pond, Battle Born Pond.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. A reminder about the Lampe Park Kids Fishing Day on June 1-2. Make sure to get your kids signed up, and we are still looking for volunteers for both days. To register the kiddies or to sign up to volunteer, you can go to dcnvkidsfishingderby.org for all the registration forms and information you need. I will see you there.

Now if you get a photo of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Hope to see you on the waters soon, and have a memorable weekend. Good fishin' and tight lines.