Q-Tip: Fish Stampede Reservoir

Here is what you need to know:

To reach the reservoir:

Take U.S. 395 north to Reno. In Reno, take I-80 west toward Truckee, Calif. A few miles east of Truckee, take the Boca Reservoir/Stampede Reservoir Exit.

Stampede is located seven miles north of Boca Reservoir.

This will be about a 1-1.25 hour drive from Carson City.

Where to fish:

Currently the best success is taking place in the area between the boat ramp and the island.

How to fish:

Troll with downriggers at a depth of about 35-50 feet deep.

Use a small, gold-colored Sepps flasher blade with a "Lollipop" Murph's Kokanee bug, about 10-12 inches behind the flasher. Be sure to tip your hook with a kernel of white corn.

What you'll catch:

Kokanee salmon in the 15-18 inch class. The Kokanee is the landlocked version of the sockeye salmon.

Fishing Regulations:

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

The limit is five fish.

Fishing Tip:

Kokanee salmon are very sensitive to sunlight, and as the sun comes up, they retreat to deeper, darker water.

So, be sure to be on the water at first light (Sunrise is currently at 5:30 a.m.).

Weather Note:

The wind normally begins to blow at Stampede Reservoir at about 10-10:30 a.m., which coincides with the movement of the salmon to the deeper, darker water.

Special Tip: Use downriggers rather than trolling with long lines behind your boat, due to the concentration of many boats all trolling in a very small area.

For information, Call sport fishing guide Dick Murphy of "Fishing With Father Murphy" at (888) 852-2680.