Q-Tip: Hobart Reservoir

Hobart Reservoir, a small, high-mountain, trout lake located in Washoe County in the Sierra Nevada between Carson City and Lake Tahoe, will open to fishing for the 2003 fishing season on May 1.

Also opening will be its tributaries and Franktown Creek downstream from the reservoir to "Red House."

HOW TO GET THERE:

Weather and road conditions permitting, you can drive on a very rough, four-wheel-drive dirt road from Ash Canyon, on the west side of Carson City, to a chain across that dirt road.

The chain marks the boundary of the Nevada State Parks System vehicle-prohibited area. You are not allowed to drive any type of vehicle (including ATV's) beyond that barrier.

From the chain, you will have about a one-mile, downhill hike to the small reservoir.

However, be advised, that it's a one-mile, UPHILL hike on the return trip to your vehicle.

WHERE TO FISH:

Best from a float tube or a small, inflatable raft, but you can also easily fish from the banks of the reservoir.

HOW TO FISH:

Best to fish in the very early morning hours or the very late afternoon hours.

WHAT YOU'LL CATCH:

Eastern brook, cutthroat, rainbow or bowcutt (a hybrid crossbreed between a male rainbow trout and a female cutthroat trout).

The largest trout entered in the Nevada Trophy Fish Record Book for Hobart Reservoir is a 2-pound, 2-ounce cutthroat, although it is acknowledged that much larger trout have been taken from there.

Many years ago, when the reservoir was first re-opened to fishing, it contained a excellent population of large Eastern brook trout, up to five pounds. Unfortunately, those large brookies are no longer there due to poaching activities in those days.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS:

The fishing hours are from one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset.

The limit is five trout.

Only one of the trout may be longer than 14 inches.

Restricted to only artificial flies or lures, with a single barbless hook.

SPECIAL NOTE:

The 2003 season is open through Sept. 30.

You must possess a valid Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp.

No overnight camping is permitted.

You might also encounter an occasional black bear in that general area.

For information, call the Fisheries Bureau of the Nevada Division of Wildlife at 688-1500 during regular business hours.