Saturday is Free Fishing Day in California

As I noted earlier this year, one of California’s two Free Fishing Days will be on Sept. 8. The other Free Fishing Day was way back on July 7. You can fish, all day, without a fishing license on Saturday.
You will be able to fish wherever you like in California, without the need for a fishing license.
However, you will need to abide by the rules and regulations that govern whatever water(s) you will be fishing. So, be sure to obey those rules and regulations. Don’t do something illegal. If you do, and if you get caught, it could be embarrassing and expensive in front of an unsmiling judge.

Most importantly, be advised, that Sept. 8 is NOT a free fishing day in Nevada. So, don’t try to fish without a license in Nevada.
If you would like to try your hand at fishing on that Free Fishing Day in the State of California, and don’t know where to go, here are some last minute Don Q suggestions for nearby locations:

Rivers
The East Carson River (near Markleeville) and
The West Carson River (in Woodfords Canyon and Hope Valley):
Both of them will have been planted with a combination of planter-size rainbow trout by the California Department of Fish and Game and some super-sized rainbows (up to 6-7-8 pounds) by a private fish hatchery in Susanville, which has been contracted to do so, by the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission.
On the East Carson River, the section from Hangman’s Bridge, just out of Markleeville, all the way downstream to the Nevada state line has very special restrictions. Be sure to read, know and follow those regs.
Don’t get caught doing something illegal.

Lakes and Reservoirs
Upper and Lower Blue Lakes:
They are reached by a paved road from S.R. 88 in Hope Valley.
Both lakes have rainbow trout. Shore fishermen usually use inflated nightcrawlers and boaters usually troll with flashers and small lures.

Caples Lake:
It is next to S.R. 88 between Kit Carson Pass and the Kirkwood Ski Resort.
The El Dorado Irrigation District (which controls the water at Caples Lake) has done a nice job, stocking Caples with rainbows (up to 6-7-8 pounds), plus you can also catch brookies, browns, Cutthroat and Mackinaw trout.

Davis Lake:
A large-sized lake in Northern California, located about seven miles north of Portola, via two different paved roads, one of which is Grizzly Road, about four miles east of Portola or West Street in the middle of Portola.
Davis has good fishing from shore, float tubes, canoes or boats for rainbows that can go up to 5-6-7 pounds.
If you like to fish from shore or a float tube, try Camp No. 5 on the west side or way up at the very far north end of the lake.
If you have a boat, troll with lures around the big island or between the big island and the east shore.

Frenchman Reservoir:
It can be reached by a paved road from Chilcoot, which is on S.R. 70, between Hallelujah Junction and Portola.
The reservoir has good shore and boat fishing for rainbow trout.
If you go there, be sure to first stop at Wiggins’ Trading Post in Chilcoot for the latest tips on where to fish and what to use.

Indian Creek Reservoir:
This reservoir is located between Woodfords and Markleeville.
It, too, will have been planted with planter-size and super-size rainbows by both the state and Alpine County.
Fishing is best in the deeper water with artificial flies or lures from a float tube, canoe, inflatable raft or small boat.
If you camp at the BLM campground, be advised that it has hot showers!

Kinney Reservoir:
Near the top of Ebbett’s Pass on S.R. 4.
Kinney is reached by a very narrow and very steep highway that is not recommended for large vehicles or those who are faint of heart.
The reservoir has brook and rainbow trout.
Some of the better shore fishing is across the dam and on the far end.
This lake is prone to being windy in the afternoons.

Red Lake:
Situated at the foot of Kit Carson Pass on S.R. 88.
This lake contains brook, Cutthroat and rainbow trout.
The far end, which is fairly shallow, is a favorite location for fly fishermen in float tubes. Shore fishermen tend to favor nightcrawlers or various colors of Power Bait while fishing from the dam.

Sawmill Pond
In South Lake Tahoe this is a choice location for kids to fish. Sawmill Pond is located near South Lake Tahoe, 2.5 miles west of the Y intersection in South Lake Tahoe, California. There is paved access and a paved parking lot.

Rules and Regulations for Tahoe area fishing
Lake Tahoe tributaries can be fished from July 1-September 30 only. Tributaries are defined as the area from the first lake upstream to 300 feet into Lake Tahoe. Check with California Department of Fish & Game for information on licenses, stocking, and more.

There you have it:
A number of choices for Free Fishing Day on Sept. 08.
Pick one or more, pack a big picnic lunch, load everyone into the family vehicle and then go out and enjoy a day of free fishing.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for South Tahoe Now and www.CarsonNow.org. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com