Heenan Lake to close for 1999

Heenan Lake in California will close to 1999 fishing on Sunday.

To reach the lake, drive south from Carson City to Woodfords, Calif., via a combination of U.S. 395, Nevada S.R. 88 and California S.R. 88. At Woodfords, take California S.R. 4 and S.R. 89 to Markleeville.

Drive through Markleeville to the Monitor Pass Junction. At that junction, take S.R. 89 east toward Topaz Lake.

Heenan Lake will be on your right, about seven miles from the junction.

If you're interested in fishing there, you should preferably fish from a float tube, inflatable raft, canoe or small boat.

Fly fishermen should try Antron Caterpillars, Leeches, Prince Nymphs, Woolly Buggers, Zug Bugs, etc.

Spincasters should try Mepps, Kastmasters, Panther-Martins, TOR-P-DO's, etc.

You'll catch only Lahontan cutthroat trout.

You must wear your California fishing license where it is readily visible above the waist.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: The limit is zero fish. This is a "catch and release" lake. You can only use artificial flies or lures, with barbless hooks, and the fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset. You must park outside the locked gate and gasoline boat motors are not permitted on the lake.

Heenan Lake will be closed to fishing until the Friday before Labor Day, 2000.

Anglers are encouraged to practice "airless" catch and release, which keeps the trout in the water, at all times, while trying to release it.

For information, call the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce at (916) 694-2478 during regular business hours.