Safety key to a fun day on the water

Hello fellow anglers. I just got back from an exhilarating weekend on Bridgeport Reservoir fishing with fellow angler Tom Blotter. We would have returned this weekend if the weather was not changing to winter. To me, fishing is like drinking 10 cups of coffee. When the bite is on and the fish are as big as we experienced, it is a natural high. We fished for two days and caught mostly brown trout, with a few rainbows in between. All trout were in the 17-26 inch class. Rapalas was the ticket on this trip. The funny thing is, we caught the majority of our fish the day after the full moon. One thing I noticed was the water temperature. It fluctuated 42-48 degrees. This reminded me of how dangerous it would be if someone were to fall overboard. And, were we prepared? The answer is yes. I have completed the Nevada boaters safety course and have picked up a few extra tips along the way from fellow anglers. When I fish with a new angler on my boat, the first thing I point out is the location of life jackets and fire extinguisher, and that I have a horn on the boat. It is important that all that travel with you know this important information. State boating laws state, you must have a life jacket that is properly sized for all passengers on board. Persons 13 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket when under way, unless in an enclosed area. Persons 16 years of age and younger, cannot use an inflatable PFD ( personal floating device). Boats that are 16-40 feet long, must have a throwable PDF on board. I also have a throwable life line that is attached to my boat. One never knows what can happen while enjoying a perfectly beautiful day. We get distracted by fishing or personal conversation. You may be doing everything right, but when someone else is not, you may pay the price for their mistake. I was at Topaz Lake with friends a month ago and noticed all were wearing PFDs while on the water in small vessels or enjoying their stand up paddle boards. I particularly noticed that not only humans had their PFD’s, but Dale and Eileen Nichols had one for their dog Luke. In Nevada, all persons operating a boat powered by a motor over 15 hp on interstate waters and who were born on or after January 1, 1983, must take and pass a boaters education course that is approved by the NDOW. I highly recommend all boaters to take a safety course. These courses are available to take online. In Nevada, go to the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s website. Let’s all be safe as we enjoy the waters, not just for ourselves, but for all around you.

CAPLES LAKE: The resort has closed for the season. The EID boat ramp and day use area will be closing this week. Fishing has been fair along the dam area for anglers using night crawlers or throwing spinners or Casting rapalas.

RED LAKE: Stay away from the lake for now. Blue green algae has caused a high alert for all.

BLUE LAKES: as of this week the road was open. With weather coming in, the road will close at any time.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Day use and campgrounds are closed. The blue green algae is rated at a warning level. Not many reports over the last few weeks. If you keep any fish, make sure you clean and rinse your fillets off at home and not at the lake.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The level is very low and fishing has been slow. The last day to fish this season will be Nov. 15.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The water level is good and the river has received the last fish plant of the season last week. Use a little patience and throw a couple salmon eggs into the deeper pools. There are still plenty of trout in the 3- to 6-pound class waiting for a final meal. The last day to fish this year will be Nov. 15.

HEANAN LAKE: Closed until next year.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake is closed to fishing until Jan. 1. The NDOW has planted the lake with 10,000 pounds of trout within the last couple months. The Topaz Lodge fishing derby will not take place. But they will be giving away the 2021 Topaz Lodge fishing hats.

NDOW FISH PLANTS: This will be the last plant of the season. East Walker river, baily Pond, Wilson Common Pond, Mitch Pond.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. remember that California fishing season closes on Nov. 16. Check your regulations for certain waters that will remain open for catch and release. If you have a picture of your catch, send it to sports@recordcourier.com. Hope to see you on opening day at Topaz lake. Good fishin’ and tight lines.