Hello fellow anglers. Fishing has been a little-slow this opening day. We all know that mother nature can bring us some crazy weather, which it did. If it was not raining, it was snowing in most areas. Even down here in the Carson valley, it snowed for 8 hrs on Saturday. But not much was sticking. I took a drive up and over Carson Pass  to Silver Lake last week, then I took a drive down to the West Walker River just south of Walker CA. From there I went up and over Monitor pass and down through Markleeville and Woodfords. I must tell you, Alpine County is a beautiful place to get out and enjoy the scenery. But I saw only a couple anglers out fishing. You will understand when you read your fishing report for this week.

But on a happier note. A reminder about the kids fishing derby coming up on June 7th and 8th. They are asking for anyone that would like to volunteer either both days or one day. You are welcome and sincerely needed. To be a volunteer, you don't even have to like fishing. Many of the positions you won't even have to touch a fish. All you need is a big heart and love to help our kids. Also a reminder that this is not just a kids day, It is a family day.  If you would like to become a volunteer or a donor. It takes 300 throughout the week and weekend to make the event a success. Volunteers that are 13+ are welcome and encouraged to sign up - we will sign off any community service hours needed for students or young adults. Volunteers must attend one volunteer training meeting to be assigned a job at the Derby.   Check out the website at dcnvkidsfishingderby.org. Or on Facebook@DouglasCountyNVKidsFishingDerby. You can also hit us up on instagram @dcnvkidsfishingderby.  

This is definitely a day to put on your calendar.  All kids ages 3 to 12 are welcome. There is a special needs section as well as a preschool section. But they must register in person. You can do that by going to AJ Stoves located in the Meadowdale Center Parking lot Gardnerville NV. Their hours are Saturdays 10 to 1pm and Mon-Fri 9 to 5. I hope to see you there. Before I get to your report. I want to say, Dont forget to buy your raffle tickets. They will be calling names all weekend long. And check out some of the things you could walk away with for spending a couple bucks and helping a good cause..Grand prizes this year include. A 2 Night, 1 Day Boat Rental at Twin Lakes Resort in Bridgeport, A 4 person chartered Fishing trip from Tahoe Sport Fishing, A $300 Target Gift Card. The raffle ticket itself includes $5 off a meal at Grill Next Door in Gardnerville. And the list goes on.

SILVER LAKE:  The ice is thinning and has open water near the boat ramp and on the west side of the lake. I would give it a couple more weeks before the lake is accessible to fishing.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has some open water near the spillway and by the Woods Creek area. There was no open water by the dam. But please, stay off of the ice. It is unstable and thinning fast. The Caples Lake Resort is looking to be in full operation for boat launching, rentals and dining by Memorial weekend. For more information go to capleslakeresort.com.

RED LAKE:  The back side of the lake was all open water. The ice is dangerous and please stay off. The lake usually only takes a week or so to fully thaw out. That is when the shore fishing should be good.

WOODS LAKE-WOODS CREEK: Road closed.

BLUE LAKES-SUNSET LAKES-TAMARACK LAKE: The road is closed at the first gate as of this week.

BURNSIDE LAKE: Road closed.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: In the Picketts Jct area, the river was running high but clear. Down in the Woodfords canyon area, the river is moving fast and muddy. The Alpine County Fish and Game planted the river recently.

CARSON RIVER EAST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The river was running a little high, but very fishable. I have not received any report back this week. I, myself, missed the opening day festivities this year. Not because of the weather. I fish in all kinds of weather. But this year I had vehicle issues. Which I hope gets sorted out this week. 

The Alpine County Fish and Game planted the river with 1800 lbs in December, and just planted the river recently with catchable trout as well as a few that might shock you. The Carson River resort is open for camping, cabin rentals and RV full hookups. I would call ahead to reserve a spot quickly. They fill up fats this time of year.

WOLF CREEK: The road is open partially up highway 4. The river was running fast and a little muddy in some areas. Recently planted with trout by Alpine County Fish and Game.

WEST FORK WALKER RIVER:  From south of the town of Walker down stream. The river is running way too fast to fish. I would let the waters calm down before getting too close to that river. It is a dangerous level of injury if you slip.

TOPAZ LAKE: The lake level is rising very slowly. Fishing has been fair for those that don't give up too quickly. I recommend changing up your presentation. Colors and size does matter when fish are finicky. Some anglers have been shore fishing down past the bug station with powerbait or inflated nightcrawlers. Even in shore fishing. When fishing a floating bait. Start off with 12 inches off the bottom, then go to 18 or 24 inches. Some times when the fish are not feeding on the bottom. You need to bring your bait to their level. I have gone as far as 3 to 4 feet when needed. The boat ramp is open with all docks in the water.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. We will all pray for better weather. But not too far away, we will be praying for rain because it's too darn hot out. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to sports@recordcourier.com. Hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin' and tight lines.