Gardnerville residents Chris and Pam Rubio went deep sea fishing at Cabo last summer.
Hello fellow anglers.
I am getting around better, and I can now cast a line. But I think I’ll wait for better weather. Cold weather doesn’t bother me or deter me from going fishing, but 40-60 mph winds do. Now with this time inside and at home, there are a few things we can do to get ready for fall-winter fishing. Now for those who have stored their boat for a while. Do not forget to put a fuel stabilizer in your tank, I prefer STA-BIL. And if you have the means, run it through your motor a little. This will prevent gum and rust build up and stabilize your fuel until you’re ready for your next trip. Other things you can do is, change your line on your rods and organize your tackle box or vest. Over a long season of fishing, we sometimes get a little disorganized. Now for those that are planning to get out after this weather front passes. Please note a few things this time of year. Always tell someone where you are going and when you should return. Pack plenty of water and a few snacks. Throw a blanket in the back of your vehicle and wear warm clothing. We never know when something may go wrong. A flat tire or stuck on a muddy road. Always be prepared for the worst thing to happen, and when it doesn’t, you’re still okay.
Plan ahead of your journey, because many back roads are starting to close, and some already have. Do not rely on a website to tell you where you can and cannot go. Some websites take a few days to update. Just use common sense and picture the road ahead of you, and what it would look like this time of year. I want everyone to enjoy the outdoors and make it home safely.
LAKE TAHOE: This time of year brings in the larger rainbows and lake trout. The Ski Run area to Emerald Bay in 25-35 feet of water has been productive using big rap baits. Some anglers have gone deeper off the Tahoe City shelf using a dodger and a live minnow. For more information contact Tahoe Sport fishing.
CAPLES LAKE: Good time of year to get the bigger browns from the shore. When the weather is decent enough to fish. Throwing Rapalas either sinkers or floaters works well around the dam area. For bait anglers, use a nightcrawler and test the waters. try throwing closer to shore and work your way out deeper to see where they are feeding. The Caples Lake Resort is scheduled to open on Dec. 12. I myself can’t wait to do some ice fishing a little later in the season. Last year our biggest fish caught was a 10-pound mackinaw. For more information call the Caples Lake Resort.
WOODS LAKE: Campground is closed for the season.
RED LAKE: No reports from anglers. Most, like myself, are waiting for some ice fishing.
BLUE LAKES: As of this week. The road is only open to the second gate.
BURNSIDE: The road is open as of this week. But will be closing down starting next week. I would recommend staying out of the area. With the road the way it is and our recent weather. It could result in getting stuck.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The road is open on both ends. I would use caution on both entrances. The paved road could be icy, and the dirt road could be a little slick and muddy. Fishing has been slow to fair for anglers using power bait by the dam. Some have done better throwing Thomas Buoyant spoons along the shore. If you have never used a TB spoon. Here is a helpful technique. Throw far, hold your rod tip up and reel slow. They will not work properly if you reel too fast. As you will see how they work on your retrieve, they are meant to sway back and forth along the top 2 feet of the water. I would also recommend a small stainless barrel snap swivel so as not to twist up your line.
TWIN LAKES- BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: closed for the season until April
WEST WALKER RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Open to fishing for catch and release only with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks
WEST WALKER RIVER NEVADA SIDE: Open to fishing all year for lures, flys and bait anglers.
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: Artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks and zero limit. The river is running good but have not had any reports lately.
EAST FORK CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: Artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks and zero limit. Fishing has been fair for anglers throwing small panther Martin spinners or fly anglers using midges or an egg pattern. For more information call the Carson River Resort as they are open all year for cabin rentals and fishing accessories.
TOPAZ LAKE: The lake is open all year long now, for those that have not heard. Fishing is excellent in the winter months. I troll with an F3 or an F5 Rapala in a hot steel or gold and black pattern. I also use a lead line with a 30-foot leader of 8-pound clear blue Stren line with a small snap on the end, without a swivel. This way I can control my fishing depths and can get into the shallower areas without snagging up. And can go deeper quicker and smoother. The lake level has been rising slowly but is still down about 7-8 feet as compared to last year. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has planted about 8,000 pounds of catchable trout so far this fall, and is scheduled to plant more by the end of December.
As this weather pattern moves out and the weather is a little more fishable, I will be including more areas to get out and fish. I hope to see you on the waters soon. If you have a picture of your catch. Send it to sports@recordcourier.com. Be safe on all your adventures and be careful of the river flows as they fluctuate this time of year, and not to mention, it’s down right cold.
Good fishin’ and tight lines.
