Happy Holidays, fellow anglers!
It feels like old man winter is still on vacation. I can feel the chill, but where’s the snow? We took a little trip around the area to check out a few spots — a nice sunny day at the end of November. On the way home, we stopped in at the Genoa Bar for a couple of root beers, sat around the fire, and chatted with folks. As the sun started going down, I thought, “Wow, is it 4:30 already? Have we really been here that long?”
Turns out it was only a little after 2 p.m. Then I remembered: when you're close to the east side of a mountain, the sun disappears much faster. So when you're out in those deep gullies fishing the rivers, be prepared for lots of shadows and early darkness.

If you’re able to make it to the Parade of Lights in Minden this Saturday night, be sure to cheer on the Kid’s Fishing Derby float. Hope to see you there.

As far as fishing goes, I was hoping to get up to one or two of the higher lakes for some ice fishing by the end of December. This year, I don’t think that’s going to happen — as you’ll see in this report. But, keep reading… Santa did come a little early to one area.

LAKE TAHOE

I checked in with Jason from Ruby Jean Charters today. He reports a decent Mackinaw bite. They were using live minnows behind blades — the fish weren’t hitting any of the lures. The mackinaw action picked up into midday as the sun warmed things up. They also caught a few browns and rainbows up in the shallows off the rocks.
For more info or to book a trip, go to rubyjeancharters.com.

---

TOPAZ LAKE

The bite has been slow in the mornings but picks up as the sun gets higher. Trollers are using flashers and crawlers or various Rapalas. Shore anglers are having the best luck on the south end with salmon peach or chartreuse PowerBait. Inflated crawlers have also been working.
Use caution early in the morning — there’s been a little ice on the lake and at the launch area. Watch your step.

---

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR

Fishing has been hit and miss. The lake gets a layer of ice early in the morning that hangs around the edges most of the day. If you can get past the ice, the fish are there.

---

RED LAKE

You’ll find a little ice forming periodically — not enough to walk on, just enough to disrupt an early morning trip. If you can get out and fish, try salmon eggs under a bobber or cast a gold Kastmaster near the dam.

---

CAPLES LAKE

This one’s disappointing — no ice forming as of this week. Some anglers have done fair on the south end by the spillway or off the dam using Panther Martin spinners or Kastmasters.
Note: The lake is closed to all boat launching until next year.
However, the Caples Lake Lodge and restaurant will be opening on the 18th of this month. I’ll keep you posted on when ice fishing becomes safe this year.

---

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR

Closed for fishing until the last Saturday in April.

---

CARSON RIVER – WEST FORK

Running low and slow. There are still a few productive spots in the canyon and out in the meadow.
Reminder: This time of year is catch-and-release only with artificial lures or flies using barbless hooks.

---

CARSON RIVER – EAST FORK

The river is running well and the fish are biting. And here’s Santa’s early gift: The Alpine County Fish and Game Commission planted 1,500 pounds of 2–5 lb rainbows all along the river. A wonderful boost to the winter fishery!
Remember: catch-and-release only with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks until the last Saturday in April.
If you need a getaway, the Carson River Resort has cabins open year-round. I recommend asking about the river cabin. For info, call 530-694-2229.

---

BLUE LAKES ROAD

Closed for the season.

---

UPPER OWENS RIVER

Above Benton Crossing — barbless flies and lures only, open all year, catch-and-release.
Since September, three runs of big browns and rainbows have come up from Lake Crowley. The latest run had fish stacked in the deeper bends, making them easy targets, with many anglers getting up to six fish in the 18–24" range using Yellow Spot and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs about 6 feet deep under an indicator.
This past week, the fish spread out into 3–4 ft runs for spawning. Nymphs are now working only on stragglers, so switch to Bacon and Eggs (egg pattern with a San Juan Worm) or cast black/olive Woolly Buggers downstream.
There’s been decent caddis and mayfly activity for good midday topwater action on smaller fish.

---

LOWER OWENS – WILD TROUT SECTION

Below Pleasant Valley Campground — barbless flies and lures only, open all year, catch-and-release.
When conditions get rough up top, the Lower becomes the winter grounds — mainly lure fishing, with some fly action. A mid-October trip produced browns and rainbows up to 18". The brush is still thick but should open up as it goes dormant. Panther Martins, Thomas Buoyants, and hook-modified Rapalas are the go-to lures.
Mid-day Mayfly hatches offer great BWO or caddis fly opportunities.

---

SMALLER CREEKS

Most are open year-round or switch to barbless, artificial-only regulations through winter:

• Hot Creek – Barbless flies only

• Rush Creek below Grant Lake – Barbless lures and flies

• Others open with winter regulations: Parker, Walker, Lee Vining, Green Creek, and more.

Important: Always double-check the CDFW regulations for specific waters and sections.

---

Good luck on your next fishing adventure!
Make sure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, and a few snacks. You don’t want to be stuck out there with a mishap in this cold weather. Hope to see you on the water soon.

Good fishin’ and tight lines.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question. a report in our local fishing area or have a photo of your catch, send it to [email protected]. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.