Fishing Derby returns to Lampe Park in June

Hello fellow anglers. 

I have some good news to share with you. To start off, the Lampe Park Kids fishing days will be June 4-5. 

Yes, I am excited to see we are getting back to a sense of normal. I will have a special report when all of the information is available for registration, and for those who would like to donate to this great event. 

Next, we have free fishing days coming up to mark your calendars. Nevada will be on June 11 while California will be on July 2 and Sept. 3. 

For the third piece of free information. 

The 2022 National Parks days are April 16, Aug. 4, Sept. 24 and Nov. 11. 

These days will have free admission to all U.S. national parks. 

Just another reason to get out and enjoy our great outdoors. Right now, the weather is headed for summer temps for a few days. But please be careful around rivers and streams. 

Even though our daytime temperatures will be in the mid to high 70s, the snow melt will start to happen a little earlier than expected. That means these waters will be very frigid and the flows will fluctuate. 

If you fish the rivers, stay on the shore and always be aware of your surroundings. I have also seen a few lizards cruising around the property this week, so that means the rattlesnakes could be out as well. 

Just enjoy and be safe when you venture outdoors.

SILVER LAKE: Recommend to stay off the lake at this time of year, because the ice will come off very fast. Once the temps mix with the winds, it can melt the ice in days.

CAPLES LAKE: Also recommended to stay off the ice. I like to wait for the shorelines to open up. Then start throwing a small jig or float a night crawler off the edge of the ice. This is when the big fish come into feed. The Caples Lake resort is now taking reservations for the 2022 season. You can call 209-258-8888 or check out their website at reservations@capleslakeresort.com.

REDLAKE: Ice conditions are unstable. I recommend waiting until the lake has iced off.

BLUE LAKES: The road is only open to the first gate. Will keep you informed as the season progresses.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK: The flows are fluctuating daily with the snow melt. Fishing is still very slow. Catch and release only with barbless lures and flies until April 30.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK: The flows are fluctuating daily; the clarity is also changing on a daily basis. Fishing has been fair for average rainbows using small spinners, while fly anglers have been using a red copper jon. Catch and release only with barbless lure or flies until April 30. The Carson River resort is open for cabin and RV camping. As many know, they had a devastating wildfire that destroyed a lot of the area. But with the expertise of the firefighters, the resort was saved. But as I was talking with Phil last week, bad luck has come once again. The wood stove flue in the general store caught the roof of the general store on fire. It was quickly extinguished, but not before destroying a main portion of the roof. We need to send some love and support in that direction this year. To make reservations call 530-694-2229.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The roads are open. The lake level is good, and the fishing has been good to fair for small rainbows. This is not to say you will not catch only small fish. I have caught some of my biggest rainbows and cutthroat trout out of this lake. This time of year, floating a night crawler can be very successful. For those that use powerbait, if you’re not getting any bites, change up your colors. I have had good green mornings, then shut down real quick. Change over to salmon peach and the bite is on. For fly anglers, throw a black or chartreuse wooly bugger. For more information, stop by the Creekside Lodge in Markleeville.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake has leveled off from going up or down over the last week. Shore anglers are doing fair with Green or yellow powerbait on the California side. Trollers have been doing well with Rapalas or flashers. The Douglas County Park is open for launching, day use and camping. The Topaz Landing Marina is open for launching and boat mooring.

NDOW FISH PLANTS: The Nevada Department of Wildlife has been planting many of the local urban ponds over the last couple weeks. Sparks Marina, Paradise Pond, Baily Pond, Wilson Common Pond, Seeman Pond, Mitch Pond, Ranchos Pond and the west fork of the Walker River.

WALKER RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA: Located out of Yerington off Alt 95 is open for day use, tent camping, RV camping, Equestrian camping, Bike riding and recreational vehicles. The fishing is slow this time of year. But the area has access from the Pitchfork Ranch to the Rosaschi Ranch. That is over 20 miles of fun, and this weekend you will be in the sun.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. I hope to see you on the waters soon. I should be on Topaz this weekend trolling a few Raplas with fishing partner Tom Blotter. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to sports@receordcourier.com. Good fishin’ and tight lines.