Fishing Report: Time to prepare for Opening Day of Winter Fishing at Topaz Lake

Hello fellow anglers. An early Merry Fishmas to you all. Just a week away from Christmas and two weeks from (I still call opening day) at Topaz Lake.

January 1 at Topaz was not just a celebration of fishing to begin for me. It is a time when we can all get out and celebrate the New Year and visit with old friends and make some new ones.

It is a rare breed of anglers like us that brave the cold each year to camp, bbq and do some fishing together, in 10 degree weather. I have not missed an opening day in 30 years.

This year I might be a little late getting out there on the 31st, but I will make it there on the first, so save a spot for me over on the east shore.

Now for those that are still looking for that last minute Christmas gift, I have a few ideas.

For those California residents, a new fishing license will be required. You can get one online at CDFW as a gift certificate for that fellow angler. A note on CA licenses, they are good for the calendar year, Jan 1 to Dec 31, but they are moving to a 365 license in the year 2023.

For those Topaz Lake enthusiasts, you can get an annual pass, which is good for boat launching or day use in the Douglas County Park. They are available at the Douglas County Parks Dept in Gardnerville NV.

Want to go bigger? A gift certificate for a fishing trip on Lake Tahoe. Call Tahoe Topliners at 530-721-0593. Want a little more cozier? How about a gift certificate for a night's lodging in a little cabin on the river at the Carson River Resort, Call 530-694-2229.

Don't forget those stocking stuffers like powerbait, pack of fishing hooks no. 8 or no. 7, a spool of Stren fishing line 6 or 8 lb test. A package of egg weights makes a good box stuffer for those anglers that shake packages.

But whatever you do, do not get them any bells to put on their poles, right Steve? Wherever you spend your Christmas and bring in the New Year, be safe, be warm and take your time getting to your destination. It will be cold, there will be delays, and black ice on the road.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake is iced over but is unstable to venture out on yet. The Caples Lake resort is closed for the season.

RED LAKE: The lake is iced over but is not stable yet . I will let you know when we have at least 8 inches of ice to be safe to ice fish.

BLUE LAKES: The first gate is closed until spring.

BURNSIDE LAKE: Road is closed until spring.

CARSON RIVER EAST FOR CALIFORNIA SIDE: Fishing has been slow. Last week they received a few feet of snow. I recommend staying away from the river until the rocks are more visible. For more information stop by the Carson River Resort.

CARSON RIVER NEVADA SIDE: Is open to fishing all year with no gear restrictions. Water levels fluctuate this time of year, so use caution.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campgrounds are closed until 2023 due to the Tamarack Fire. The lake is open to fishing. The paved road off highway 89 is open but has a lot of snow on the road and is not recommended. The dirt road off Diamond Valley is muddy and still has some snow on it. When it is passable, stay to the hill side of the road. There are some drainage runoffs which may be hidden and cause you to go off the road. For more information stop by the Creekside Lodge.

HEENAN LAKE: Closed to fishing for the season.

EBBETTS PASS AND MONITOR PASSES: Closed for the season due to snow.

TOPAZ LAKE: Open now all year to fishing. You can use a California or a Nevada fishing license on Topaz. The lake level has come up about 8 feet, but still has a long way to go. If you venture out on the lake with your boat, be cautious due to all the floating debris as well as some debris right under the surface. The NDOW has planted the lake over the last few months with over 10,000 lbs of catchable rainbow trout. The Topaz Lodge will not be holding their annual fishing derby this year. But they do still have their annual fishing hats. Just bring in your fishing license to the main desk.

WEST WALKER RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Open to catch and release with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks.

EAST WALKER RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Fishing season is closed until the last Saturday in April.

EAST AND WEST FORK WALKER RIVER NEVADA SIDE: Open to fishing all year with no gear restrictions.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. Make sure to wear your sunglasses and sunscreen. Reminder that December 21 is the winter solstice, which means the days will start getting longer by one minute each day.

If you get a picture of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org

I hope to see you at Topaz Lake for the 2022 fishing season to start. Good fishin' and tight lines.