Hello fellow fishermen and a very good fish to you all. In just over a week, 2022 will end and we hope that the new year will bring us health and well-being.
All I want for Christmas this year is a good pack of snow to fill our lakes and streams so we can all gather at our favorite fishing holes. Most of these fishing holes are buried in snow or have an ice cover.
But one in particular is still very much open to fishing all year round.
That would be Topaz Lake off Highway 395 on the California-Nevada border where the Sierra Nevada meets the high desert. The reservoir occupies a topographic low point in a closed basin, which once contained a small natural lake known as Alkali Lake.
The Walker River Irrigation District developed Topaz Lake by building a canal to divert water from the West Fork of the Walker River in California into this closed basin; then the water returned to the river through a tunnel on the Nevada side. It is now known as the channel. Water storage began in 1921.
Douglas County Park on the north/east side is where the water goes underground through the canal and back into the West Walker River. Over the years, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has stocked several species of trout into the lake, and yet some have migrated from the Walker River diversion. Not only is the lake home to a variety of trout, but they also have largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Such a diverse fishery has attracted anglers from all over to fish with many different styles of fishing. Now that the lake is open year-round for fishing, we’ve lost a big celebration that used to be called opening day on January 1st every year. Hundreds of thousands would descend on the lake to bring in the new year with stories of the past year.
I remember waiting in line with coffee/hot chocolate to launch your ship to descend into chaos to troll in 10 directions. Barbecues lined the shore and the festivities lasted for a couple of days.
Last year there were a dozen boats on the lake and only a few campers dotting the shore. Hopefully this year, we can bring back the celebration of bringing in the new year camping with friends and meeting new ones on January 1st. Some things we need to remember. Anglers may fish Topaz Lake with a valid California or Nevada fishing license. The only public boat ramp that will be open this year is at Douglas County Park.
Now, if you are a serious angler and use the park year-round, here are some options for park fees. Day Use $5, Boat Launch $10, RV Hookup $40, RV/Tent Dry Camp $30 Inside Park, Primitive Camping Along East Shore $20 per day. For those fishermen who enjoy the park and fishing.
They have a season pass that covers day use and boat launch. Non-resident of Douglas County, Nevada $100, Douglas County residence $70, Douglas County seniors 60 and older $25. Disabled Veterans $0.
You can visit the iron gate upon arrival or make reservations online at the Douglas County Parks Department or stop by their office to get your annual pass. The office is located at 1325 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville across from Lampe Park. Or call 775-782-9835.
Higher lakes such as Caples Lake and Red Lake have 6 to 10 inches of ice now with snow covering the ice. Use caution when ice fishing. The small urban ponds in our valleys only have a thin layer of ice, Stay out of the ponds. Make sure your fishing license is current and valid for either home state.
Dress and pack for your next fishing adventure. Hope to see you on the water soon. I wish you all a Happy New Year. Good fishing and tight lines.