Reserve Saturday, June 10, as that date is going to be a very special day in Nevada and California.
June 10 is going to be that one special day when you can FISH FREE in both states. Yep! It's going to be Free Fishing Day, 2006.
Nevada has one Free Fishing Day and this year, it is June 10.
California has two free Fishing Days for 2006: June 10 and again on Sept. 23.
So, if would like to go fishing and not have to purchase a fishing license, here is some information:
SOME FISHING TIPS:
No. 1: Be advised that if you do go fishing, no matter where you fish, you will need to abide by the rules and regulations that govern that particular water.
So, don't do something stupid or illegal. Because if you do and if you get cited and fined, your name will appear on this Outdoors page.
No. 2: Remember that if you are fishing any of the nearby streams or rivers, more chances than not, they will have been stocked with many thousands of planter-sized rainbow trout. That stocking will have been done by the Nev. Dept. of Wildlife, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, Alpine County, Alper's Fish Hatchery, etc.
No. 3: Also remember that when those rainbow trout are planted, more chances than not, they will be planted from a bridge over those streams and rivers. So, if you would like to fish at one of those locations, be sure to fish DOWNSTREAM from a bridge to increase your chances of being successful.
No. 4: Your best bet for catching those planters will be bright-colored Power Bait (orange, Chartreuse or Captain America) or nightcrawlers (AKA worms).
SOME FISHING LOCATIONS:
Davis Creek Pond at Davis Creek Park: Located just north of Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley. A great location to take youngsters.
Plus when you get done fishing, the park is a great location for a picnic lunch (barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs) for the gang.
Wilson Common Pond: Located south of Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley. Look for William Brent Road and drive to the Gazebo. Another great location for youngsters. Don't be surprised at the weed growth in this pond, but it offers good fishing.
Carson River east of Carson City: Remember the tip about fishing downstream from bridges. One great spot is downstream from the old abandoned bridge. Don't be surprised if someone in your group ties into a large Carp. Those carp love worms.
Indian Creek Reservoir: Located between Woodfords and Markleeville, Calif. It will be stocked with some eye-popping trout, courtesy of Alpine County and a private fish hatchery in Susanville. If you catch one of those big trout, stop in at the Woodfords General Store to have your photo taken by Dave Kirby.
Bridgeport Reservoir: Just out of Bridgeport, Calif., about 85 miles from Carson City, via U.S. 395, but it contains some monster rainbow and brown trout.
From shore: Use Power Bait or an inflated nightcrawler. From a boat: Troll with a small Rapala lure, in shallow water or in front of the dam.
Upper and Lower Twin Lakes: They are about 15 miles west of Bridgeport. You can catch some very impressive rainbows or browns (up to 25 pounds!) at either location, but most probably, your catch will be planter-sized.
Fish from shore on the back side of Lower Twin or the front side of Upper Twin. Use bait.
Green Creek: South of Bridgeport via U.S. 395 and a dirt road. Good fishing for small rainbows and brookies. However, that road is very bumpy and the creek is notorious for swarms of mosquitoes. So, don't say that you weren't warned.
East Carson River, Calif. It is along S.R. 4 and S.R. 89, just out of Markleeville. This river has special restrictions from Hangman's Bridge, all the way downstream to the Nevada stateline. However, upstream from that bridge, regular fishing rules apply. Take your big catch to the Carson River Resort to get it photographed.
West Carson River, Calif. From Woodfords all the way up and into Hope Valley, along S.R. 88 and S.R. 89. Remember my tip about fishing downstream from bridges. Seek out the bigger and deeper holes and drop Power Bait or a worm into the water. Then, take your fish to the Woodfords General Store to have your photo taken.
Topaz Lake: Along U.S. 395 on the Nevada/California stateline. This is one place where you can fish in both states on the same day! Try the north end or the far south end, if fishing from shore with bait. If you have a boat, try the far south end, where the West Walker River enters the lake.
Finally: Have an enjoyable outing in the Great Outdoors on Free Fishing Day. June 10: Plan on it!
-- Bet Your favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you where Don Q plans to be fishing on June 10.
If he grins and says, "Don and some of his cronies might be fishing at Wildhorse Reservoir," he could be one of them.
-- Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.