Hello fellow anglers. It is that time of year again when we use the "Hoot Owl" method of fishing on our rivers and streams.
Due to low waters and excessive heat in many areas, it is recommended to fish only in the early morning or late evenings.
This will reduce the stress on the fish during the heating of the day. Which in turn, allows one to properly catch and release fish in a safer manner.
Last week Renee and I took a four day trip to Alpine County. We set up a base camp at the Carson River Resort.
We fished the river the first two days, between the small rain storms that came in unfortunately the fishing was very slow.
I caught a couple small trout on a silver and black Panther Martin, while Renee tried various colors of power eggs and powerbait with only a few hits.
We decided to take a trip up to Highland Lakes up over highway 4. If you have not driven highway 4, I recommend a very slow speed. When driving west from the Wolf Creek area, the road is extremely windy and has several blind corners.
After you start to climb up to Ebbett's Pass, the first thing you will notice is, the center line disappears and you have a narrower road. Within a few miles you will gain 2000 feet of elevation. When you reach the top you will be at 8730 ft. with a grand view on both sides of the mountain.
Approximately 2 miles over the top will be a left turn to Highland Lakes. You can sometimes miss the turn if you're not paying attention. CalTrans now has it marked with a sign that was put up higher on the roadway; the other sign kept getting hit by the snow plows I guess.
Now that you're on Highland Lakes road, the road is paved for the first mil and a half, then turns to dirt. Four wheel drive is not necessary if you take it slow. As you venture in, you will pass a couple small camping areas along a small stream. On this road are eight overflow streams that were dry except for one which only had a splash of water in it. Just enough to get your tires wet.
Approximately 5 miles in you will come to a ranch; please slow down from 20 mph to 5 mph when crossing the property. You will also see free ranged cows all through the area, or you can just listen for all the bells that are ringing in the forest.
Another mile or so past the ranch you will come up to Lower Highland lake. The lake is approximately 1/4 of a mile long and is sometimes good fishing for small brook trout.
Now one thing I did not say in the beginning: when we left The Carson resort, the temperature was in the low 90's. When we reached Highland Lakes, the temperature was in the low 60's. Make sure to bring a sweatshirt if you're a little sensitive to climate change.
There is a small campground area between the lower and upper lake with a permanent structure for bathroom needs. It is a primitive campground and it is highly recommended to bring some rope to put your food stuff up in a tree overnight. The bear population is abundant in the area at certain times of the year.
We fished for a couple hours when the thunder clouds started to roll in. With the bite being slow to nil, we ventured back out.
On one steep downhill area, we came upon a truck with an 8 horse trailer coming up. I backed up the hill and gave him the lead way he needed to proceed. We drove back to our base camp to unwind and venture out to fish the Carson River that evening.
Hitting various spots with no luck, we ventured back to camp. The next day, which was a week ago last Wednesday.
We decided to take our time packing up to venture back home. We left at about 1:30 p.m., arrived home at 2:30 p.m. and unpacked and turned on the news to see that highway 89 north of Markleeville had been closed due to an extreme rain storm that hit the area right after we left.
All I could think of is: How many disasters can those poor people of Markleeville endure? First it was COVID, then the Tamarack fire and now a torrential rainstorm. This is a town of local small owned businesses that survive each year from tourists and local dollars. If you have not been to the tiny town of Markleeville, I encourage everyone, as soon as highway 89 is open. Take a day trip or an overnighter to explore the area. Have lunch at the many sandwich shops and restaurants. Stop in at the Cutthroat Saloon to wet your whistle, and check out the general store. While you're there, stop at the Chamber of Commerce to get all the information on the history of Markleeville CA.
This may sound like a big-small town, but if you have a good arm, you could throw a baseball from one end to the other.
As for your fishing report this week:
I'm going to switch it up to a report I received from Scott Champion way down south in the June lakes area.
The State trout stockings during July in all four Loop lakes have improved the fishing tremendously. Even though these fish are a bit smallish, say 6” to 9”, there’s plenty of them. Reminds me of 20 - 30 years ago when you went out and were pretty much guaranteed of getting your limit of pan size Rainbows. There’s still a shot at getting into some bigger fish especially at Silver Lake where the Resort continues to put in bigger Desert Springs Rainbows every few weeks.
Also, the June Lake Loop Trout Stocking Fund is due to plant bigs soon. The afternoon thunderstorms we’re getting this week have cooled things down a bit and a change from hot weather every day does help the fishing.
We should get into that warmer summer weather pattern after this week so let’s put to rest the rumor that goes around every summer, ”Don’t waste your time fishing during the middle of the day.” FOOEY! Just fish deeper! We fish all day and catch fish all day doing this.
Weather: The afternoon t-storms mentioned look to be around into the weekend then decreasing in probability. Temps in the afternoons have been dropping to the low 60s and like today it’s 55 at 5 o’clock. As the storms became a memory, temps should get back up into the high 70s to mid 80s during the day and mid 50s at night. Real nice for August don’t ya think?
June lake loop: Mostly been fishing Gull Lake so far this season for a couple of reasons. That’s just the way the guide tripping has worked out and since it’s the smallest lake there’s more fish per cubic yard. Just do the math! So here’s the scoop on the loop. After those State stockings we’ve been having 30 to 40 fish days out there. Last trip 13 year old Katharine (pictured) got her first fish ever. Thar ya go, her "Sierra Moment!" She ended up bringing in 19, slaying her dad who got 12. And that was including an hour and a half lunch break. I’m sure she won’t let him forget it.
All floating baits we used were working including Mice Tails, Garlic Pinch Crawlers, Powerbait, and a nightcrawler on a bobber. This seems to be working better the past two years and is a personal favorite especially with kids onboard since they enjoy watching that bobber go down. Hey, who doesn’t, including myself.
June Lake: June is fishing just about as well as Gull for similar size fish with the same baits. For me the most consistent part of the lake is the south end and is usually a good place to be if the wind kicks up.
Silver Lake: Since I haven’t fished it since early June it’s best to check out Andrew’s report on the Silver Lake Resort website. Here’s a local’s tip: The Cafe there has the best breakfast in the entire region; the sausage gravy is outta this world! For lunch try that French Dip. Sometimes a bit of a wait but worth it.
Grant Lake: We don’t fish Grant much unless it’s full and this year it’s quite low, which means higher water temps. Most of what I hear comes from Dan of Dan’s Guide Service and for him the fishing has slowed the last few weeks. That may change due to the recent weather and a state stocking for the first time this year last week.
Rush Creek: According to the CDFW website no fish have been put in this year. Because of that and over fishing for what may be there, I’d avoid Rush Creek. If you’re itching to give it a go, try throwing lures like a Thomas Buoyant red and gold or Panther Martins black, yellow dot or yellow, red dot. Keep moving and cover a lot of water trying to draw what, if anything is there out from the undercuts or overhanging willows.
Upper Owens River: Mainly fishing the Longears area and it has improved a bit versus a few weeks ago but still not what it has been this time of year compared to two or three years ago primarily because of lower water levels. The flow has been at about 50cfs since late April and I’m used to seeing it at 70 to 80. That being said, we have been getting a decent amount of fish up to 12” each trip out and there’s definitely more but smaller fish lately. Seems like more Browns above the corrals with more Rainbows below. Keeping things simple is, as always, the best bet has been fishing an EC Caddis downstream like a wet fly and covering up to a mile of water. Have not seen but a handful of grasshoppers each day when in past years, you’d kick up hundreds while walking through the grass this time of year. Little worrisome as it may be a slow hopper season with few big fish moving up from Lake Crowley. Nevertheless, have been having some success chucking terrestrials like Amazon Ants, Chernobyl Ants, and a stonefly pattern named Trina’s Dog Puke. Had to try some just because of the name and it turns out nabbed one of my biggest Browns ever a couple years ago on one. We’ll see how things unfold there as Fall approaches and whether or not LADWP increases the flow.
Backcountry day hike lakes: My two go to locations, Mine Creek in Tioga Pass and Upper Rock Creek in Little Lakes Valley, were fishing great until getting shut out of these spots by the thunderstorms. No fun getting up there and having to dodge lightning bolts or being pelted by dime sized hail, so I’ll wait till it calms down. Up until then it had been 20 to 40 fish days of mostly small but a whole lotta fun Brookies. Best flies like usual are Caddis Flies and Black Ants. The backcountry go-to for fly fishing along with small lures and a fly and bubble set up with your spin rig. Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
I hope to see you on the waters. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org
Good fishin" and tight lines.
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Happy Friday Carson City! Let's take a look at what is happening throughout the region this weekend!
Darryl Fisher, a Dayton, Nev. resident and founder of Carson City, Nev.-based nonprofit Dream Flights, was awarded the Ford Oval of Honor Thursday night, July 29, 2022, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum, Vandalia, Ohio.
He was among four recipients, including ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel Colleen Ryan, ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel Cassie Barlow, and ret. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Richard V. Reynolds.
Thank you to all our local businesses who supported the Thursday Nite Cruisers this past season (May 5 to July 28).
We can’t thank you enough for making this year fun at all our locations and giving us so many wonderful raffle prizes.
Hello fellow anglers. It is that time of year again when we use the "Hoot Owl" method of fishing on our rivers and streams.
Due to low waters and excessive heat in many areas, it is recommended to fish only in the early morning or late evenings.
This will reduce the stress on the fish during the heating of the day. Which in turn, allows one to properly catch and release fish in a safer manner.
Last week Renee and I took a four day trip to Alpine County. We set up a base camp at the Carson River Resort.
Family members, student athletes, coaches, teachers, administrators and thoughtful members of the community gathered in Carson City surrounding the Carson High School Football Field last night for a candlelight vigil to honor and remember CHS Freshman Football Coach John March.
Congratulations to ComputerCorps TechCamp Charlie 2022 Graduating Class!
After two fun filled educational weeks, the kids from TechCamp Charlie 2k22 are ready to graduate today, Friday, August 12th.
Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol Division is looking for witnesses to a a fatal crash that happened Thursday morning on US-395 southbound near Lemmon Drive in Washoe County.
Reno-based NVO Construction, a disruptive startup revolutionizing the home construction industry, announced it has hired industry veteran Aaron West to serve as its first Chief Strategy Officer. West joins NVO after serving as CEO of the Nevada Builders Alliance for nearly a decade; he will join the fast-growing start-up company to help expand their business footprint in Nevada, California and beyond.
Morgan Golden overcame tremendous odds to earn a degree at Western Nevada College, then transfer to a four-year university. She was raised by a hard-working single parent, Holly Morrow, and she is the first in her family to attend college.
One-way traffic and travel delays will be in place Aug. 15-19 on State Route 338 in Lyon County as the Nevada Department of Transportation resurfaces the highway.
Carson City Public Works, in conjunction with the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department and the Carson Water Subconservancy District are hosting the High Water Mark Unveiling Ceremony and Disaster Preparedness Festival today, Thursday August 11, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m.
A Carson City judge has blocked Reno attorney and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Joey Gilbert’s effort to re-do the 2022 primary election, finding that “no competent evidence” was presented that would warrant the extraordinary changes Gilbert sought.
With just three concerts remaining, the Levitt AMP Carson City Music Series returns Saturday, August 13 with Grammy-nominated blues artist Danielle Nicole headlining the Change Companies stage at the Brewery Arts Center. Opening for Danielle Nicole is the Buddy Emmer Band.
A 22-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery after he allegedly threw a bottle of malt liquor, hitting his girlfriend in the head, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.
Carson Tahoe Health announces the retirement of Alan Garrett, President & Chief Executive Officer. The pandemic proved to be a pivotal time in healthcare. It paved the way for great community collaboration, and encouraged individuals, as well as organizations, to gain perspective on their priorities. Many industries spanning far beyond healthcare, have been affected by what is being referred to as "The Great Resignation."
Happy Thursday Carson City! Are you enjoying the beautiful weather? I know I am, but you know who would enjoy it most? A lovely cat in need of a comfy sunbeam.
Even though the calendar says summer, the holiday season is nearly four months away, which means V&T Railway in Carson City will be firing up its Polar Express Train for another unforgettable adventure for families.
UPDATE: The suspect in the theft of a stolen wallet and cell phone, Anthony Adcock, has admitted to the crime and turned some of the property over to Carson City Sheriff's Office detectives. The case will be submitted to the Carson City District Attorney's Office for an arrest warrant for grand larceny. *** The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a man who stole a wallet and a cell phone from a local business located in the 1900 block of N. Carson Street.
With the first day of school (K-12) fast approaching, Monday, August 15, Carson City School District wants all students and parents to be aware of some important back-to-school information that will impact students and families.
CARSON CITY – The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles will end most walk-in services and switch to an appointment-only business model starting Monday, August 15.
We are gearing up for the upcoming November 8, 2022, General Election. Early Voting begins October 22 and runs through November 4, 2022 (closed on Sundays).
The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol is partnering with other participating Nevada law enforcement agencies in the Joining Forces program and is urging pedestrians and drivers to be aware of each other and to share the road responsibly.
The Northern Nevada Dream Center’s 4th annual Back To School Bash is happening Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 6 pm. In partnership with Lifepoint Church and Shine A Jesus Church, the Bash will be held at Fuji Park at 601 Old Clear Creek Road in Carson City.
The Carson Tahoe Care Center is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Nevada Day Board of Directors announced Tuesday the Grand Marshal for the 2022 “Carnivál on the Comstock” Nevada Day Parade. The first female justice on the Nevada Supreme Court, Miriam Shearing, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2022 parade.
MARKLEEVILLE, Calif. — When rain fell over the Tamarack Fire burn scar last week, causing the mud to flow down roads and hills, it did much more than wash out SR-89, the main artery between Markleeville and the rest of Alpine County.
It took with it the hopes to finally have a disaster-free summer where businesses could end their busy season on a positive note.
Through Sept. 8, the Nevada Department of Transportation is inviting the public to comment on planned transportation projects and improvements as outlined in the Annual Work Program and annual update of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
What a wonderful event and great turnout for the Nevada Artists Association “Summer Show” reception and awards presentation held at Nevada Artists Association in Carson City.
Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada in Carson City is asking for input from the public on a community needs assessment survey. Survey responses will help the museum better serve the community and move forward after recent events led to its subsequent closure.
A 25-year-old man was arrested August 7 for suspicion of domestic battery, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.
The next Carson City School District School Board meeting will take place tonight, Tuesday August 9 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Robert ‘Bob’ Crowell Board Room within the Carson City Community Center.
Items up for discussion at the school board include volunteer program changes, staffing level information, and more.
The search continues for missing 16-year-old Kiely Rodni who was last seen near the Prosser Family Campground in Truckee at a party early Saturday, August 6, 2022. The Placer County Sheriff's Office considers her disappearance an abduction case. A $50,000 reward is being offered by the Rodni family. Also, a website, www.findkiely.com has been established by family and friends to aid in the search.
Sand Harbor State Park will be closed Tuesday, August 16 for the Lake Tahoe Summit from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the closure, only those attending the summit may enter the park.
Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties hosts its August meeting on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 9am, with an option to attend either in-person or via Zoom (connection details below). Those who choose the in-person option can attend at the Silver Springs Community Center’s Lahontan Meeting room at 2945 Fort Churchill Street, Silver Springs (the community center is located on the left side of the Silver Springs Senior Center building).
More than 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. That averages about 1 in 9 people. Depending on genetics and health conditions, a person may have a greater risk of developing some kinds of dementia, or memory loss. While there is no cure, there have been studies that show key lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of having dementia.
USGS and the Nevada Seismological Laboratory confirm that a 4.4 magnitude earthquake happened at 1:44 p.m. Monday afternoon approximately 8 miles southeast of Topaz Lake in Mono County and east of Coleville.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a home invasion that happened late Monday morning in Yerington in which the homeowner reportedly shot and killed an intruder.
Do you recreate at Lahontan State Recreation Area? What type of activities do you engage in? If you had a magic wand, what would you like to see at Lahontan?
Students are returning to classrooms with additional resources this year. The State of Nevada has invested $75 million for free school meals in Nevada schools operating the National School Lunch Program to continue pandemic recovery and ensure students have food to eat by providing free school breakfast and lunch. NSLP is administered through the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
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