Mac the Naw: April 16 -- Countdown to 2009 season ends next week

Hello fellow anglers.

We only have one more week until the 2009 season will be in full cast.

The season begins April 25 and runs through Nov. 15.

Alpine County Fish and Game Commission along with the Alpine Chamber of Commerce will be planting lakes, rivers and streams this spring, summer and fall, despite published reports to the contrary due to the endangered Yellow-legged frog " which I personally in my 45 years of fishing, hiking and exploring the area have never seen.

County officials have assured that the fish plants will take place throughout the season. The Alpine County Fish and Game Commission has a current valid permit to plant in all waters of Alpine County.

Rainbows, browns, and brookies will be plentiful in the beautiful waters of all of Alpine County, from Markleeville and Woodfords to Hope Valley and Bear Valley.

There are over 60 area waters that await the most avid angler.

Fishing licenses and supplies are available at the following locations: Carson River Resort, Woodfords station, Caples Lake Resort, Kirkwood General store, Markleeville General store, Sorenson's and Hope Valley Resorts.

Caples Lake Resort and Kit Carson Lodge will offer boat rentals and launching facilities. In Bear Valley, visit the Bear Valley Cross Country for licenses and supplies, also the Bear Valley Sports Shop and Bear Valley General store.

The moto for Alpine County this year is "2,000 fish per mile and you."

With the weather conditions that look as though they will cooperate this year, opening day should be one to remember.

In talking with Todd at the Carson River Resort, he said he has kept an eye on the rivers, the evening temperatures have still been low to keep the snow pack from blowing out the river. But we still have a week to go, and mother nature hopefully will treat us good this year.

Now to give you an idea of what to expect on the east and west forks of the Carson rivers, Marleeville Creek and Silver Creek: On April 8, the west Carson was planted with 1,800 pounds. On April 11, the East Fork of the Carson River was planted with 1,800 pounds.

This past week the East and West Fork of the Carson rivers, Markleeville Creek and Silver Creek received 3,600 pounds of rainbow trout.

Now for the kicker, the week of opening day they will plant another 3,600 pounds in these rivers and creeks.

This year a little added bonus, You will not have to worry about getting to the bridges first just to get a spot to fish.

American Trout and Salmon Hatcheries have a new hose extension they will be using for planting. This will enable them to get to the whole river system and not just where bridges and places to pull off the road and plant. This kind of commitment will continue thoughout the fishing season this year in Alpine County.

Now as a reminder this year, California free fishing days are July 4 and Sept. 7. If you need any information about Alpine County fishing you have three options. Stop by the visitors center in Markleeville located at 3 Webster Street, call the Carson River Resort at (877) 694-2229 or you can call the Naw line at 267-9722.

Any one of us will help you to enjoy the California openers this year.

If you happen to be around the Carson River Resort on the opener, stop by and let me take a picture of your catch and join in the camaraderie that all anglers enjoy.

Hope to see you there.

Now just a little report for Lake Tahoe " Last Sunday the lake was picture perfect with only a hint of a slight breeze. Renee and I joined our good friend, Gene St. Denis, and his son Eric for a little fishing. I have to say though, I can not stress enough on how much a knowledgeable guide can really make a difference in a day on the water. We fished for five hours, had many short hits, a few shakers and kept four mackinaws. And as you can see from the picture, Eric beat us all with the largest fish.

For more info call Blue Ribbon Charters at 530-544-6552.

SPECIAL NOTE: Although April 25 is called the California openers, remember that all waters leading into Lake Tahoe (i.e. Trout Creek, Taylor Creek and the Upper Truckee River all located on the south end of the Lake) are closed until July 1.

Good luck on your next outing. If you have a photo of your catch you can send it to jcrandall@recordcourier.com or drop it off at The Record-Courier. If you have any questions in our local fishing world you can call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. Good fishin' and tight lines.

Good fishin' and tight lines.