Hello fellow anglers. I am seriously confused with this weather we are having. I went out to Topaz Lake to do some trolling last week with my friend Arnie Phelan from Carson City. I had on a long sleeve shirt with no Jacket and Arnie wore shorts. It felt like we were fishing in March or April. I have not even had the privilege of shoveling snow this year here in North Minden, Unless you count 1" a month ago. I actually started my tractor just to go down to the mailbox. My better half Renee has stretched out a hose to water some flowers and plants in the yard. We need some rain and a lot more snow up on top, if we want to keep water in our rivers and lakes this year. I am hoping for a good February and a miracle March.  Now there is some good news that you will see in this report. A couple more lakes now have the option of fishing them. But this time of year, it is not your usual type of fishing.

LAKE TAHOE: Talking with my friend and fellow angler Jason Blanchette. Their last trip out they trolled Rapalas early and caught a few mackinaws. Then they switched to Blades and a live minnow (which using live minnows, they have to be caught in the lake. you cannot bring in from another source) They ended up catching 12 mac's with the biggest weighing in at 8lbs. Jason took out 4 anglers from Chico Ca. Paula and Mitch Eparza and Dave and Carol Krawchuk. The 8lb mac was caught by Paula.  What a great trip to Tahoe that was for them. They came up to enjoy some shows and maybe a little skiing and then Take a day for some fishing out on the lake. for more information on a trip with Jason. Go to rubyjeancharters.com or call 775-233-5055.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake now has 10 to 12 inches of ice on it and some anglers have been fishing right out in front of the lodge catching some nice trout. There again, another idea for a trip. Stay at the Caples Lake Resort, ski in the morning and fish in the afternoon. Then enjoy a good meal at the resort after a hard day of playing. For more information go to capleslakeresort.com or call 209-258-8888.

WOODS LAKE: Closed for the season.

RED LAKE: The lake had 6 to 8 inches of ice on it last week. Some anglers were using gold Kastmasters or small spoons for the rainbows and brook trout. Note; The parking area gets a little busy on the weekends with snowmobilers. Make sure you have a way out when you park.

BLUE LAKES: Road closed to vehicles and for day use and snowmobilers, you must have a pass.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: As of last week, the gate from 88 was still closed. I have a message in to Alpine County on when they will be opening it. But I have not heard back from them yet.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level has come up a few feet. There were fish all over the lake. Which we pickup on my scanner. We trolled various Rapalas in f3's f5's and j7's in various patterns with only a few strikes and one to the boat. I spoke with a few other anglers and they had the same luck. Reminder that if you use the park area and boat launch. Stop by the Douglas County Parks dept to purchase your annual pass. Being that I am now a senior and living in Douglas County. My pass cost me $25. I was also honored to get the #1 placard.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: Still has a little snow out there in Hope Valley, but there are a few spots if you don't mind a walk where anglers have caught a few small rainbows. I would still recommend not to fish the Woodfords canyon area, as it is still a little dangerous this time of year getting down to the river. Remember, catch and release this time of year with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The fishing has been decent for most fly anglers. They have been fishing below and above Hangman's Bridge. For lure anglers, I recommend a panther Martin spinner. But remember this time of year. Catch and release with artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks. For a fun laugh, I asked Connie from the Carson River Resort why she has not sent me any pictures of anglers with their fish. She was too smart for me and just said, Duh Doug, you should know why. But she also told me they are having a special for anglers and non anglers. Their winter special is, if you stay for 2 nights in one of their cabins. The second night is half price.  This would also allow you to see the Golden eagle that has been hanging around the area of the resort.
Before I end this report.

I would like to let you know the Support California Wildlife Officers stamp is now available online. They are only $5 and each stamp supports California Wildlife officers and their K-9 units. It helps to fund critical equipment, safety gear, field training and on the ground conservation efforts and to help open more public lands. For more information go to cdfg.com and click on their online portal sales.

I hope to see you on the waters soon. One other note. Always check frozen lakes before venturing out on them. With our crazy weather, conditions can change. If you get a picture of your catch. Send it to [email protected]. Good fishin' and tight lines.