Attention all fishing enthusiasts! The winter chill is upon us, but it seems Old Man Winter is taking his sweet time. As we ventured out to explore the Carson area, we were greeted by a sunny November day, a rare sight this time of year.
Our journey led us to the Genoa Bar, where we warmed up by the fire, chatting with locals. It was then that we realized the sun's early descent, a reminder of the unique challenges of fishing near mountains.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Lew Souder, a local resident, had an extraordinary day at Wild Horse Reservoir. After an unsuccessful fishing trip, he decided to try his luck hunting and bagged a magnificent big horn sheep. But that's not all - Souder returned to the reservoir and landed a hefty 9.5-pound rainbow trout, making it a day to remember for all the right reasons!
Let's dive into the latest fishing reports from various spots around the region:
- Lake Tahoe: Jason from Ruby Jean Charters reports a decent bite for Mackinaw. They've been using live minnows behind blades, with the mackinaw action picking up as the sun rises and warms the water.
- Topaz Lake: The morning bite is slow, but it improves as the sun gets higher. Trollers are using flashers and crawlers, while shore anglers are having success with Powerbait in salmon peach or chartreuse.
- Indian Creek Reservoir: Fishing has been hit or miss, with ice forming early in the morning and lingering along the edges. If you can venture past the ice, the fish are waiting.
- Red Lake: A thin layer of ice periodically covers the lake, enough to disrupt early morning fishing trips. Try salmon eggs off a bobber or a gold Kastmaster by the dam.
- Caples Lake: Disappointingly, there's no ice formation yet. Anglers have had some success at the south end by the spillway or off the dam. Panther Martin spinners and Kastmasters have been productive. Note that boat launching is closed until next year, but the Caples Lake Lodge and restaurant will open on the 18th.
- Bridgeport Reservoir: The lake is closed for fishing until late April.
- Carson River West Fork: The river is running low and slow, but there are still spots in the canyon and meadow holding fish. Remember, it's catch and release with artificial lures or flies only, and barbless hooks are required.
- Carson River East Fork: The river is in excellent condition, and the fish are biting! The Alpine County Fish and Game Commission recently planted 1500 pounds of 2-5 pound rainbows, a wonderful gift to promote winter fishing. Catch and release with artificial lures or flies and barbless hooks until late April. The Carson River Resort offers cabins for rent all season, a perfect getaway.
- Blue Lakes Road: Closed for the season.
- Upper Owens River: Above Benton Crossing, it's barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. Since September, there have been big fish runs of Browns and Rainbows, with the latest run concentrating in the deepest bends. Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs under an indicator about 6' deep have been effective.
- Lower Owen Wild Trout Section: Below Pleasant Valley Campground, it's barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year. This area becomes a winter fishing haven due to its fall-like conditions. We had a successful trip in mid-October, landing good-sized Browns and Rainbows.
- Smaller Creeks: Most local creeks are open all year or beyond the general season closing, with barbless flies and lures only, catch and release. Hot Creek and Rush Creek below Grant Lake are open all year with barbless flies only. Others like Parker, Walker, Lee Vining, and Green Creeks also switch to barbless flies and lures only until the general season re-opens in late April.
Remember to check the CDFW Regulations for specific water sections and their openings. Stay safe, and happy fishing! Send your catch photos to editor@carsonnow.org, and we'll see you on the waters soon!
