Fish Report for 5-15-2025
Doug Busey Eastern Sierra Fishing Report

by Doug Busey
5-15-2025
Website
Hello fellow anglers. I cannot remember when the weather was so funky. But I do know one thing. Since my semi-retirement, I work only on Thursdays and Fridays. Those are the days to plan a fishing trip. Seems like almost all of my days off are filled with either rain, snow or high winds. This week we encountered winds of up to 81 mph through the Minden Valley area. Instead of packing or planning for a trip. I was cutting up limbs and a tree that had split in two. But I have been able to sneak out for a day trip here and there. I shouldn't say this. But, I may be planning a trip to Bridgeport Reservoir next week. I just hope mother nature doesn't read my reports.
Reminder to check out the Lampe Park kids Fishing derby in June. There is still time to get registered. Go to dcnvkidsfishingderby.org to see where to sign up, donate or volunteer.
LAKE TAHOE: Fishing has been good to fair. Jason has been catching limits of mackinaws and a few browns. Best areas have been from Cave rock to the north for browns and mac's. Mainly because the NDOW recently planted the lake a week ago with catchable rainbows. Other areas have been off the Camp Richardson shelf with J plugs or Rapalas. For more information or to set up a charter on the lake. Go to j3banchette@yahoo.com or call 775-233-5055.
CAPLES LAKE: The lake has started to thaw. For those that like to throw some spinners or toss a nightcrawler. Now is the time to get out there for shore fishing. The resort is scheduled to open for the season just before Memorial weekend. They will have boat launching and rentals available. For more information go to capleslakeresort.com
SILVER LAKE: Located above Kirkwood off highway 88. The lake has thawed, but the ramp was still closed as of this week. But it should be open any day. A great fishery for Mackinaws and rainbows.
WOODS LAKE-BURNSIDE LAKE- HIGHLAND LAKE- SUNSET LAKES- TAMARACK LAKE: As of this week, the roads are still closed.
BLUE LAKES: The road is now open to the 3rd gate. With our slightly warming temps. The road should be open soon. Will keep you updated.
WEST CARSON RIVER ALPINE COUNTY: The river is running clear and a little high. Fishing in the Hope Valley area has been productive with a pinch weight and a half a crawler. Or using a Panther Martin spinner. Silver and blk or silver and yellow are my go to colors.
TOPAZ LAKE: When you can get out without the "W". Fishing has been good. Most have been using flashers and worms. I prefer to use small Cowbells, gold and silver. They are smaller and less drag for a better fight. Rapalas have been productive on top and down deep. Keep changing patterns and sizes to find the most productive for that day.
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR: The fishing has been on fire the last couple weeks. Rainbows from 2 to 6 lbs have been coming out. Many anglers have boated over to Rainbow Point to bait fish with nightcrawlers. Other anglers have been trolling Rapalas or Thomas Buoyant spoons for the larger fish. The Marina is open for camping, boat rentals and launching. They also have custom tents set up right on the lake for rent. For more information go to bridgeportreservoir.com.
JUNE LAKE AREA REPORT: Since the previous update we’ve fished Gull Lake and the Upper Owens River both with great results while dodging some small storms passing through the area. It looks like the upcoming weather is similar in that there are periods of nice, sunny days with a day or two of t-storms, rain and snow, and wind in between. Typical May weather for here. We’re looking forward to getting into some backcountry fishing possibly late this month or early June. What with the below normal snowfall in the Central Sierra Spring run-off should not be a problem. Please refer to the previous update and ways and means below.
Upper owens: The Cutthroats have shown up in good numbers beginning last week fishing them four days and will get back at it the rest of this week. We’re catching 20” to 24” using Wooly Buggers, small black and purple leeches, Yellow Spot nymphs, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Zebra Midges. Based on past history the run can last for up to three weeks ebbing and flowing as the Cutts come and go.
Gull lake: We were out on Gull on the 1st with a great group catching and successfully reviving and releasing 40 including a 5 and 6 pounder. All baits we employed as listed in the ways and means below worked with the Garlic Pinch Crawlers taking the lead as the day progressed. CDFW is stocking every two weeks with “add ons” (by Mono Co., The Monster Trout Fund, and Gull Lake Marina) occurring before Opener and Holiday weekends.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. I hope to see you on the waters soon, and the sun shines a little more. If you get a picture of your catch. Send it to sports@recordcourier.com. Good fishin' and tight lines.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question. a report in our local fishing area or have a photo of your catch, send it to nevada@fishreports.com. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.
Photos
More Reports
Carson Now Reports
for Thursday, May 1stSilver Lake: The ice is thinning and has open water
Caples Lake: The lake has some open water near the spillway and by the Woods Creek area
Red Lake: The back side of the lake was all open water
West Carson River (CA): In the Picketts Jct area, the river was running high but clear
East Carson River (CA): The river was running a little high, but very fishable
West Walker River (CA): The river is running way too fast to fish
Topaz Lake: The lake level is rising very slowly
Carson Now Reports
for Thursday, April 10thLake Tahoe: The fishing has picked up over the last couple weeks
Caples Lake: The lake still has a good foot or two of ice on it
Silver Lake: The lake should be thawing out soon
Woods Lake: As of this week. The road and campground is still closed.
Blue Lake Lower: The road as of this week is still closed at the first gate
Burnside Lake: As of this week the road is still closed
Indian Creek Reservoir: Fishing has been slow and the lake is starting to get a little green
East Carson River (CA): The river is running good and clear
West Carson River (CA): The river is running low but very fishable
Topaz Lake: The lake has been fishing well midmorning to afternoons
Bridgeport Reservoir: The lake level is up and the fishing will commence on April 26th

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