Hello fellow anglers. Oh my goodness, a lot of things are going on this next week. The California fishing season opener. On April 25th is where many rivers will change from artificial lures and flies with barbless hooks to allowing bait fishing with barbed hooks, as well as many lakes that have been closed since last October reopening to fishing—be sure to check your regulations for these changes. And to add on to that, a new rule that just came out from the CDFG in regards to the lakes and rivers in Inyo and Mono Counties. As it reads in the information that I just received this week.

ATTENTION ANGLERS: NEW FISHING LAWS IN EFFECT!

As we get ready for summer, whether you’ll be hitting the water on a ski boat, trolling for trout, or enjoying a sunset cruise, new watercraft laws are now in effect to protect the Eastern Sierra from invasive Golden Mussels. If it’s trailered and touches the water, it needs an inspection!

ALL CRAFT INCLUDED: From fishing boats and high-performance ski boats to pontoon boats and personal watercraft.

MANDATORY STOP: It is now LAW to visit a Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination (WID) station before you head to the ramp.

STICKER REQUIRED: An official Eastern Sierra Mussel Sticker must be displayed on your vessel before you touch the water.

EVERYTHING—including SUPs, Kayaks, and Float Tubes—must be Clean, Drained, and Dry prior to arrival.

For more information, go to EasternSierraWID.com.

Now the only issue I have found with this new law is where is the inspection station in the Bridgeport area? I have asked the CDFG, with no call back. I talked to Ken's Sporting Goods in Bridgeport, and Chase at the Bridgeport Marina and nobody can answer where this inspection station will be. They were both kept in the dark as well. I did get an email back from EasternSierraWID.com that stated: Bridgeport location, hours to be confirmed, but expected 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 3 PM opening the week of April 20th through October. Hopefully they come up soon with a location so that no angler gets in trouble at Twin Lakes or Bridgeport Reservoir.

Now in Bishop there are two inspection stations. One at Vons Market and the other at 620 South Main Street. I am sorry to bring you this news now, but they only released the info within the last couple weeks. I feel very strong on the mission they are doing, but the CDFG needs to give us anglers ample warning and at least a few months of a heads up—not a week before the big opening day for this type of information. I would recommend you keep an eye on their website, and hopefully they will have a location in the Bridgeport area soon.

Now as you read, this new law only pertains to Inyo and Mono County waters at this time.

But now on a better note. The county and the CDFG have planted various sizes of rainbow trout in 7 different waters down south. For the Alpine County area, the county is scheduled to plant on Friday the 24th. Plus they planted the river after the closure from last year. The CDFG is also planting trout in various waters, which you will read in your report.

I myself will be out fishing various spots along the Sierras for a few days. Let’s just hope the weather holds good enough for us. I have been called a diehard angler. I have fished in a snowstorm and rain on opening days in the past.

Before we get to your reports, I want to remind anyone that if you would like to be a volunteer at the Lampe Park Kids Fishing Day this year, you can email Danny Lozano at [email protected]. We are always looking for volunteers—you will have fun and make great memories. Plus they will feed you for your work. If you would like to become a sponsor or make a donation, you can email Tom Zogorski at [email protected]. And remember, they are a non-profit organization for tax purposes.

LAKE TAHOE: Mackinaw fishing has picked up, with action throughout the morning in 50 to 100 feet of water. Anglers have been trolling flashers and a live minnow on the northwest side of the lake. Talking with Jason, they caught 12 nice macs and a couple rainbows. For more information go to rubyjeancharters.com or call 775-233-5055.

TOPAZ LAKE: The fishing has picked up when you can get out. The day before my last report, I think NDOW read it because they planted almost 4,000 rainbow trout. Now there is a boat inspector at the ramp before you enter. There was no charge for the inspection. Here also, NDOW is concerned about our waters—make sure you say hello to him for me. Most anglers have been trolling Rapalas or a small set of flasher blades with a nightcrawler. Shore anglers have been using inflated crawlers or PowerBait in yellow or rainbow colors.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake is thawed, but the resort and public boat launches are not open yet. They usually open around mid to late May. Shore fishing has been doing well—small spinners off the dam or PowerBait by the spillway. They did receive a little snow during the last storm, so watch your footing along the shore. The resort is closed for a few more weeks for renovations and seasonal prep.

WOODS LAKE, TAMARACK LAKE, WOLF CREEK, SUNSET LAKES, BURNSIDE LAKE: The roads are still closed as of this week.

RED LAKE: Fishing has been slow. Some anglers have caught a couple brookies or rainbows with a small gold Kastmaster, but bait fishing has been slow. Most anglers are using nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. A little trick is to use half a crawler and tip the hook with one salmon egg.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The gate is open on the paved side now. I fished it last week and tried lures and PowerBait without a single hit, but I got there later in the afternoon. I recommend early mornings for better fishing—or should I say, catching!

BLUE LAKES: The gate is now open to the third gate as of this week. The fourth gate usually opens in mid-June, depending on weather.

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER (ALPINE COUNTY): The river is running high and clear. The CDFG is scheduled to plant catchable rainbow trout this week. I personally like to throw a small black and yellow Thomas Buoyant across the stream, working my way downstream. No word yet if Alpine County will plant for the opener. For more information, stop in at Creekside Lodge in Markleeville and ask for Todd.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER (ALPINE COUNTY): The CDFG is scheduled to plant this week, and the county is planning a plant on Friday, though it’s not set in stone. They did plant after last season’s closure with nice 1–3 lb rainbows. The river is running well and fishing should be good. If you plan to stay or camp, call Carson River Resort ASAP—they fill up fast. The resort offers RV and tent camping right on the river, a fully stocked general store, fishing gear, and cabins for rent. For more information call 530-258-8888 or visit carsonriverresorts.com.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK (ALPINE COUNTY): A small creek running through Markleeville. The CDFG is scheduled to plant this week. The town has a general store and the Cutthroat Tavern to swap fishing stories.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The lake is full and the marina has its docks in the water ready for opening day. The county has planted good-sized and even trophy rainbow trout. Or as they call it down there—Fishmas season. I cannot report on current fishing since it has been closed since last season. The marina will offer launching, boat rentals, RV and tent camping, plus tent cabins. I personally like long-lining Rapalas for larger rainbows. For more information go to bridgeportreservoir.com or call 760-932-7001.

I wish you a great time and the best of luck on opening day. I hope to see you on the water. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to [email protected].

Good fishin’ and tight lines 🎣