Doug 'Mac the Naw' Busey's Lake Tahoe and Sierra area fishing report through Dec. 31

Hello fellow anglers, I would like to extend to you a "Fish you a Merry Christmas" wish. The weather outside may be cold and dreary, but for us die hard anglers we are just getting started. Ice fishing will be coming soon as well as the Topaz Lake opening season.

For those looking for that last minute stocking stuffer, allow me to give you some ideas. For the fly fishing angler; a gift card from your local fly shop. For the bait fishing angler; they are easy, a package of weights, some No. 7 or No. 8 snelled hooks or a jar of power bait. I do not recommend night crawlers, unless you want to wrap them and keep them in the fridge, which might be creative.

For the river or stream angler, some Roostertail or Panther Martin spinners. There are many small items that make great stocking staffer's for the avid angler. For that special California angler, a 2015 fishing license. They can be purchased at most sporting good retailers or you can go on line to California Dept of Fish and Wildlife.
Make sure if you do purchase this item to check the date for 2015.

For the Nevada anglers your 2014 license is valid until the end of February 2015. For those who are interested, we are planning our annual ice fishing get together on Red Lake Jan. 11. That is, if the weather cooperates and the lake is safe to venture out on. For now let's check out our local fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE: 
Mackinaw action has been very good. Some good areas have been on the south end of the lake from Ski Run to Camp Richardson. Anglers have been trolling half and half blades followed with a live minnow. A few weeks ago the mac's were in deeper water but they have been coming in closer from 180-190 feet of water. Many limits have been coming in from 2-5 pounds.
Top lining has been fair from the Keys area to Camp Richardson for anglers using an F18TR Rapala.
Don't have a boat, no problem. Tahoe Sportfishing has gift cards for that special angler, you can contact them at 530-542-2880 or go to tahoesportfishing.com.

CAPLES LAKE:
The lake has started to get some thin ice around the edges. Fishing this time of year can be rewarding for big browns and rainbows. The resort will be open for Christmas and through the new year. Do not attempt to venture out on any lake that does not have a confirmed ice layer of 8 inches or more.
For more info call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

RED LAKE:
The lake has some ice forming on it and at this time it is not safe to venture out on. I will keep you updated.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR:
The dirt road is slippery and muddy, use caution. When we do get snow, remember that the paved road is not plowed and can be dangerous. 
The lake was planted last month by the Alpine County Fish Commission. Fishing has been on and off with our recent storms passing through the area.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The lake will open to fishing on January 1, 2015.
The annual Topaz Lodge and Casino Fishing Derby will also commence on that day. The rules for the derby have not changed from last year.

The only thing changing will be the size of the tagged fish that have been planted by the lodge this year.
The water level is still too low to open the boat ramp at the Douglas County Park and the Topaz Lake Marina.
I will have an update for you as we get closer to that day.

For more information on the derby or to make reservations at the lodge call 775-266-3338. More good news is that the winter solstice starts this Sunday. That means each day will start getting longer by 1 minute each day. Good luck on you next fishing adventure.

If you get a photo of your catch you can send it to donquilici@hotmail.com. If you have any questions in our local fishing world call the Naw Line at 775-267-9722. 

To my new friends from Russia/Sacramento who I met at Walmart, I hope your fishing experience was memorable.  Good Fishin and Tight Lines.