Hello fellow anglers, and a very Merry Fishmas to you all. This report will be brief as we may finally get some much needed precipitation in the area. Plus it is the holiday season. I myself will be taking a couple weeks off to visit with friends and family, but still do a little fishing in between. But I will be back reporting the first week of January 2026. This time of year is a time of giving and being careful. The roads may be wet or icy and we are trying to get to family a little too fast. Slow down and make sure you get to your destination. Speaking of being safe. I have seen a few videos and pictures out there of people walking on frozen ponds and lakes. Right now is not a good time to do that. The higher lakes are just starting to ice over, and yes there may be ice around the shore area. But it is not safe to venture out on. Especially if you can still see some open water. Just a little breeze can start a ripple effect and break up that ice quickly. Some ponds in the area are also not safe. The water temps are cold enough to freeze, but with our strange 50 to 60 degree day time temps. The ground around the ponds are still not cold enough to keep a stable ice layer.I personally wait until there is at least 8 or more inches of ice, before I venture out to go ice fishing.  I want to read about you holding up a nice fish, Then to read about a tragedy, that someone had fallen through the ice.But now on the brighter side of the holidays. What to get that special angler for Christmas? Here are a few ideas for stocking stuffers. A spool of Stren 8lb clear blue line, ---  Then it goes to a couple panther Martin Spinners.

One other thing you can do this year. Make a pledge to become a volunteer at the Lampe Park Kids fishing derby. Or better yet, become a sponsor of the event. You can get all the info you need by going to the website at dcnvkidsfishingderby.org. To see the look on those kids having the time of their life with family is priceless. There are so many perks when you either volunteer, make a donation or become a sponsor. I will give full details in a future report. For now, here is your local fishing report.

LAKE TAHOE: The fishing has still been good for mackinaws and rainbows. When the weather holds out. Another gift idea. Go to rubyjeancharters.com and buy a gift certificate for that special angler, or anglers in your life. Jason can take out parties of 2 to 6 people. Another great stocking stuffer.

CAPLES LAKE: The ice is starting to form on parts of the lake. Please stay off the ice until it gets 6 to 8 inches in the middle. Which I will keep you up to date. The Caple Lake Resort will be opening the restaurant and lodging this weekend. 

RED LAKE: The lake has ice on it and a few anglers tried to go ice fishing last week. They quickly realized the ice was not stable and got off the lake quickly.

BLUE LAKES,SCHEIDER COW CAMP, POOR BOY, HIGHLAND LAKE,BURNSIDE LAKE, SUNSET LAKE, WOODS LAKE, TAMARACK LAKE: The roads are closed for the season.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The lake is closed to fishing until the last Saturday in April.

TOPAZ LAKE: I took one of my old coworkers Jeff Jeffress from TRE fishing with me this week. We started at 9:30 and fished until 3. The early morning bite was very good for 1.75 to 2.0lb rainbows. We got 6 fish to the boat and lost one that was much bigger. We also caught a very nice small mouth bass about 2-3 lbs. All fish were released with the exception of 3 rainbows. Top lining the shallows was very productive with an F5 hot steel pattern. We also caught a couple on a J7 perch color. We trailed them approx 100 to 150 feet behind us. I spoke with another angler that was also having fair luck. For those that like to fish Topaz Lake by boat. The Douglas County Parks dept has an annual pass you can purchase, which covers entry and launching and shore fishing on the east side in the cove. But it does not cover tent or RV camping. Now if you are a Douglas county resident, they do have special pricing. I spoke with the Parks dept today and they are expecting the tags to be in next week. Call ahead to make sure they have arrived. They are located in Gardnerville on Waterloo Lane.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER: The river has been fishing fair for these big rainbows Alpine County put in a few weeks ago. They have now spread out and you will have to do some walking. But well worth the walk. Remember, artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks and zero limit. The Carson River Resort is open for cabin rentals throughout the year. There again, another gift idea. Call the resort at 209-258-8888 and talk with Connie or Phil. Or check out their website at carsonriverresort.com. But a word of advice. Plan way ahead if you want to reserve the river cabin.

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER: Fishing has been nonexistent. The water is low and fishing in the canyon this time of year is miserably cold.

I have spoken with my friend Knot, down in the June lake mammoth area. He said most anglers have been hunkering down for the upcoming storm and not much to report on this week. I hope to see you on the waters soon. If the weather holds out. I will be on Topaz Lake on January 1st. It's a new years tradition even after they opened the lake to all year fishing. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to [email protected]. I hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin' and tight lines. Merry Fishmas!