Q-Tip: Fish at the 'Elbow' area

This week's Q-tip is a suggestion to fish the "Elbow" area of the East Walker River in Nevada.

This area is frequently mentioned in the Outdoor Page fishing reports and many people have asked where it is located.

So, if you are one of those folks, here is what you need to know to fish at the Elbow:

HOW TO GET THERE: Take U.S. 395 south from Carson City for about 35 miles to Holbrook Junction, just north of Topaz Lake. At Holbrook Junction, take Nevada S.R. 208 east to Wellington. At Wellington, take Nevada S.R. 338 south toward Bridgeport, Calif. Just a few miles past the Sweetwater Summit highway sign, look for a dirt road on your left with a sign indicating the mileage (38 miles) to Hawthorne.

Take that dirt road for about 3-4 miles to the "Elbow" area. This is the area where the East Walker River is adjacent to the road.

This trip will be a one-way driving time of about two hours.

WHERE TO FISH: Anywhere you desire in those areas open to fishing, with your best bet being those areas of the river that are adjacent to the road.

Be careful not to wander into any of the areas that are posted and closed to fishing.

HOW TO FISH: You best bet is to use chest waders to be able to wade across the river.

If you're a bait fisherman, use Power Bait or nightcrawlers on the bottom.

If you're a spincaster, use small, black blade Panther-Martin, small gold Kastmaster or small, Fire Tiger crocodile lures.

If you're a fly fisherman, use an olive-colored bird's nest, a Fred's Caddis, a pheasant tail, a Prince Nymph or a Zug Bug artificial fly.

WHAT YOU'LL CATCH: German brown and rainbow trout, some of which can weigh up to about five pounds.

This area is routinely stocked by the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: You need a Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp.

SPECIAL NOTE: Watch for mule deer, coyotes and even an occasional pronghorn antelope in this general area.

FOR INFORMATION: Call Bob Tompkins at the Gun and Tackle Store in Hawthorne at 702-945-3266 or the Nevada Division of Wildlife, Region No. 1 Office in Fallon at 702-423-3171 or the Sierra Fly Shoppe in Carson City at 841-FISH.