Fishing report: Anglers reel in rainbows as high-country lakes stay open

John Zielinski from Walnut Creek with a 6.09lb rainbow from East Carson River.
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Hello fellow anglers. Renee and I have been out exploring the back area of Alpine County, Calif. We parked our trailer for a week at the Carson River Resort. We were the only anglers there; I forgot it was deer season. The resort and campground were one big deer camp full of the nicest people and their families. The first few days we walked the river and caught and released many nice rainbows up to 1.5 pounds.

On Saturday, we put fishing on hold to participate in the Carson River Resort Cleanup. We started up on the high bridge and worked our way back to the resort. I am very happy to say we only halfway filled three bags of trash. We hiked down to the river and up on the roadway. The reason I am happy is because this is an annual event, and to pick up that little trash in a 4-mile stretch is going in the right direction. Thank you to Phil Elfstrom, owner of the Carson River Resort, for putting on this annual event.

I said earlier that we were the only anglers — I was wrong. One of the hunters in the campground deer camp caught a nice 4-pound rainbow during the day using one salmon egg and a split shot. Still waiting for that picture.

Since we got back, the temperatures have started to drop a little. I fished with TJ Stewart at Topaz Lake just a week ago, and we brought our warm gear with us. The temps did rise enough that we could take off the jackets by 11 or so. We trolled that whole lake and threw almost everything we could at them. I could see large schools on my depth finder but could not get them to bite until the last hour we were there.

I have to admit, TJ did reel in the first three or four fish, and I lost a nice one. He politely said to me, we can’t leave until I at least catch one. That was nice of him to say, but I told him I was the one showing him where to catch fish. It didn’t matter if I caught one; I was the guide. We both laughed, and then I caught one or two. A good trip. But I did forget one thing in my arsenal — the F5 Rapala hot steel. Next time we’ll have it covered.

Now for your local fishing report.

CAPLES LAKE: The fishing has been very good for shore anglers and trollers. As a note, the Caples Lake Resort will be closing on Oct. 12. If you want to launch your boat, the GID day-use and launch area is still open. This is a good time of year to go deep by the drop-off in front of the resort or by the Woods Creek area for browns and mackinaw. The resort will open back up for lodging on Dec. 18. For more information, go to capleslakeresort.com.

SILVER LAKE: I have not received any reports this week, and I have not had the chance to get up there. Again, this is a great time of year to target the big mackinaw and browns.

BLUE LAKES: The road is still open but could close anytime with the weather that might be upon us soon. The lake was planted a couple of weeks ago by CDFW. I would highly recommend bringing your warmest outerwear. The temps up there have been getting into the high 20s at night.

RED LAKE: The green has gone away, and the shore fishing has been good to fair for average rainbows. The best area has been right by the dam. If this weather keeps up, we might be ice fishing before you know it.

HEENAN LAKE: Located on top of Monitor Pass on Highway 89. The lake is open now until Nov. 30. The fishing has been good, but there are a few rules to abide by: artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks, zero limit, all catch and release. They do allow boats and float tubes on the lake, but no gasoline motors. Electric trolling motors are allowed. It is a small lake, so I would not take any boat larger than an 8- to 12-foot aluminum. Or you can shore fish, but remember that all fish must be released unharmed.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The road is open to the lake. Fishing may be tough with all the huge weed beds still on the lake as of last week. I spoke with BLM in regard to the campground area. They are working on getting it back up and running, but with the damage caused by the Tamarack Fire, it may be another year or so. All of the plumbing and electrical lines have to be rerun, which takes time and money.

For those interested, the Alpine County Forest Health Community Working Group is conducting a project at the campground area this Saturday. They are looking for volunteers to help replant trees in the day-use area. The trees were provided by the Sugar Pine Foundation. For more information, contact Neil Mortimer at awg@gmail.com or call 530-694-2327.

PYRAMID LAKE: The lake is open for the season for very large cutthroat trout. The season started on Oct. 1 and will run through June 30. I would recommend going to the Pyramid Lake website to make sure you understand all of the rules before fishing — no bait can be used, and there is a size limit. Keepers are 17 to 20 inches or over 24 inches. You can keep two in the smaller slot limit or one smaller and one over 24. Barbless hooks and several other rules apply. The reason for the strict rules is to protect the species from overfishing, and if you have never fished the lake, I would advise you to go try it. The fishing is phenomenal.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The marina is closed for the season due to low water. For those who want to launch, you will have to use the bathtub located down by the dam. It is a primitive dirt road launch, but it works. The fishing this time of year for those 2- to 8-pound rainbows is worth the trip. If you get down there, check out the Bridgeport Marina and say hello to Chase. Get some information for next spring, or go to their website at bridgeportmarina.com.

NEVADA FISH STOCKING: Recently, the NDOW has planted a few places in our local area — Sparks Marina, Mitch Pond, Mountain View Pond No. 2, Baily Pond, Walker River East and West forks, and Seeman Pond.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you get a photo of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org

I hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishing and tight lines.

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