Hello fellow anglers. I am happy to say, the winter solstice has come and gone. Meaning, each day now will become one minute longer of day light. But as we all know, that does not mean it will get any warmer real soon. Down here in the Minden valley, we has experienced and average of 7 to 10 degree mornings. Most would think that the higher lakes would be frozen and iced over. I received a report from fellow angler Josh Otto last week. As Josh told me, Caples lake had high winds and was down right cold and had waves blowing across the lake. Josh then ventured to check out Silver lake up above Kirkwood Ski Resort and maybe get in some ice fishing. The lake was still ice free at that time. Upon his return down highway 88, he stopped at Red lake. There was people ice skating and ice fishing. The lake at that time had 5 inches of ice on it. Remember that this time early in the season, the lake is still a little unstable and the ice farther out in the lake is much thinner. Josh said he ice fished  for awhile and caught  five small brown trout. he was jigging a silver kastmaster lure. With the weather inversion we have between the Carson valley and the higher lakes in our area. We actually get lower temperatures down in the valley with more freezing temperatures. A word to the wise. Many of our local ponds in the valley have some ice covering them. I recommend to stay off of them  for your own safety. We are planning an ice fishing get together at Red lake around the second week of January. All are invited to come join and learn the art and fun of ice fishing. Many come to just watch and enjoy the scenery. How many people can say, they have walked on water? We can. As we venture to the higher country, remember that some of our road ways may not see the sun until the spring time. This can make for very slippery roads. Take a little extra time to get to your destination. For instance, the paved road into Indian Creek reservoir has many areas of ice and snow covering many areas of the road up to the airport.

 Slow down and enjoy the day, you will catch just as many fish if you get there a few minutes latter. I will see all who dares the frigid temperatures at Topaz lake on opening day. I found out that I was truly blessed, when a co-worker asked me to change schedules with him for that day, That works for me. I will have a special report for Topaz Lake next week. Seems Santa has given Topaz Lake a present this year.  If you have a photo of your catch, send it to dprice@recordcourier.com. Have a question or report in our local fishing area, call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. Good fishin' tight lines and a Merry Fishmas to all.