Adventure Number 1,158 - Smith Creek and Surrounding Areas

With summer winding down, and vacation days running short we decided to take yet another off-roading adventure to a place that we have never been: Smith Creek in Lander County.

And being the adventurous types, we decided to take, what I only admitted after our flat tire, could have been one of the most rugged roads that we have been on to this day. So when off-roading, always be prepared!!! Bring plenty of spare tires, lots of ice and of course plenty of frosty cold and canned beverages.



Smith Creek (including inlet and outlet streams in Lander County):
Season is open year around, any hour of the day or night. Limit is 5 trout.

If you have fished Desert Creek in Lyon County... the fishing is very similar. The water is extremely low and sage follows both sides of the banks making it pretty much impossible for casting.

What worked on those 5-8 inch trout: Simple Grasshoppers.

Smith Creek Reservoir
Working our way down the Creek, we were reminded that the Reservoir remains locked with NO FISHING signs clearly posted around the area. It seems that if you want to fish the reservoir, you will need to ask permission from the land owners, Reno Fly Shop or call NDOW for more information.

Fishing, Big Horn Sheep, Scouting, Opening Day Dove and More

Ok, there are so many things to talk about since my last post 30 days ago... subjects such as a 27 inch brown caught near Truckee, a Big Horn Sheep that was simply strolling not but a few yards from the pavement off of Highway 50, Smith Creek and Smith Creek Reservoir, Wall Canyon, Deer Scouting and preparing for opening day of Dove Season.

I'll begin with an update from Wall Canyon Reservoir that came in from Jeff, who just recently took the wife for some Nevada style adventure.


"The wife and I went out to Wall Canyon Reservoir about 3 weeks ago and what a trip. It was 191 miles one way to the dam. We caught rainbows and smallmouth bass and had a great time.

We really went for the crayfish. We set about 4 traps and left them overnight but unfortunately only caught 4 crayfish. I was very disappointed since all I ever heard of Wall Canyon Reservoir was for how big the crayfish were and yet we caught nothing.

Word is that some guys took commercial traps and coolers and caught them all. All in all -- we had a great time."
Thanks Jeff - Carson City

---

Dove Season Opens September 1
To celebrate, I thought I would share a recipe that we've been using for years -- enjoy!

DOVE NUGGETS

• 10-14 Dove
• 1 Egg
• 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
• Garlic Powder
• Sea Salt
• Cracked Pepper
• Fresh Rosemary
• 3 tblsp. Olive Oil
• 2 tsp. Garlic

Split doves down the back and slice 1/4 inch thin strips from each of the bird's breast. Add all spice ingredients to the bread crumbs and then whisk the egg in a seperate bowl. Wet the meat in the egg wash and then lightly toss in the breadcrumb mixture. Put pieces to the side.

Add oil and garlic to a large saute pan on the stove. Get the pan really hot and then place the Dove pieces into the oiled pan. Brown on all sides which should take about 5 minutes. Remove and let rest for 3-5 minutes. They taste just like chicken nuggets so feel free to use your favorite condimant's or dipping sauce or simply eat alone.

Weekend Fishing Fun

Here are a few photos that should get you motivated for Fishing this weekend...
Thanks Paul for these great photographs of the Browns you caught last week!

Fishing for Yellow Stone Native Cutthroat Trout

Fishing Tales from Wayne and Robin in Idaho...
I always enjoy reading his stories and hope that you do as well...



"Hello again from south central Idaho."

Well we miss pyramid lake but here in this small town of Oakley we are surrounded by mountains with small streams and high moutain lakes you can only get to by horse back or hiking.

Our favorite stream is just 15 minutes to the trail head. This is a wild life management area for about two miles. (Big Cotton wood, BCWMA). THE STREAM IS LOADED WITH NATIVE YELLOW STONE CUTTHROAT TROUT.

Robin and I spent a night about 4 miles up surrouned by beaver ponds. This stream has plenty of caddis, mayfly and stone fly. The grass hoppers are coming on strong. The trout seem to like the smaller nymph patterns in size 16 and 18. Most fish are in the 10 to 12 inch range, but often we catch them in the 14 to 16 inch range (there are bigger ones). These fish fight hard. We use 7 and a half FT. 4 wt rods that add to the excitement.


BIG Cottonwood canyon has Elk, big horn sheep, couger, rattlesnake, wild turkey, chuker ect......The trout limit is two fish and suggested single barbless hook (good idea).

By the way, we had trout for supper and breakfast. We added currant berries and butter to the fish, very good -- you should try it. -- Wayne and Robin, Idaho

---

FREE Family Fishing Clinic

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is sponsoring a FREE Family Fishing Clinic on Thursday, July 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This clinic is designed for children and is limited to the first 20 who enroll.

SIGNUP TODAY: 688-1559

After you sign up for some family fun, be sure to check out all of the other Fishing Clinics coming up: Fishing Carp, Fly Fishing Still Water, Fly Fishing Moving Water and much more...

More Information
Family fishing clinic is geared for entry level anglers. We will demonstrate basic hook and line setup.

WHEN:
Thursday July 12, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Marilyn’s Pond, 18350 Mount Rose Highway

SIGN-UPS:
Registration is required. For more information call the Department of Wildlife at 688-1559.

BRING:
You will need your own fishing rod. If you do not have a fishing rod NDOW can provide one. The spinning rods are limited to the first requests. Children twelve and older are required to have a license.

SIGNUP TODAY: 688-1559

---

6.5 Pounds of Rainbow Trout: South Fork Reservoir

We went fishing at South Fork Reservoir for the first time this weekend and within 15 minutes of trolling a Kastmaster ...my fiance's pole bent over and caught this beautiful 6.5 pound rainbow.

-- Randy H.

---

FREE Fly Fishing Clinic... Yes, I Said FREE

I completely forgot to tell you how great the Fly Fishing Class was for the girls a few months back. The class was taught by Richard Dickerson, a local Nevadan, who wrote and published a book called NEVADA Angler's Guide -- Fish Tails in The Sagebrush. It was a great class taught by an even better instructor.

So if you missed out on that class, which you had to pay for by the way... be sure to take advantage of the next Fly Fishing Class offered by the Nevada Department of Wildife. It's a three day FREE... yes, I said FREE class that takes place in the beautiful city of Verdi.

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (775) 688-1559


NDOW sponsors Introduction to Fly Fishing Clinic
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is sponsoring a FREE three-day Introduction to Fly Fishing clinic, starting on Friday, July 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and continuing Saturday July 7, and Sunday, July 8, from 8:00 a.m. to noon each day. This clinic is designed for entry level anglers and is limited to the first 20 who enroll. Participants must attend all three days of this clinic.

WHAT: Class is geared for entry level fly anglers. We will demonstrate techniques for fishing moving water and still water.

WHEN:

• Friday July 6, 2007, starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday July 7, 2007, starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at noon.
• Sunday July 8, 2007, starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at noon.

WHERE: Verdi at the Verdi Community Library and Wildlife Education Center,
270 Bridge Street. (Building is adjacent to the Verdi Elementary School grounds.)

SIGN-UPS: Pre-registration is required. For more information call the Department of Wildlife at (775) 688-1559.

AGES: Minimum 10 years of age.

BRING: Participants are requested to provide their own tackle. A limited number of rods are available for use by those who do not have their own fishing equipment. Note: A fishing license is required for those 12 years of age and older.

Fishing is Good at WildHorse Reservoir

J.R., Thanks so much for the Fishing Report out of Wildhorse this last week!

"I fished Wildhorse north of Elko on 6/15/07. Caught my first Tiger Trout and several nice Rainbows including a 20" fatty!!! Also got a bucket full of White Bass and several perch."

"I was fishing from shore with gold Kastmaster and white mini jigs." -- J.R.D

---

Help Support Nevada's Fishing - Purchase a License

I met with Nevada Department of Wildlife's Marketing Coordinator last week to talk about how Fish The West could partner with NDOW in helping to increase the visibility into what a great state Nevada is for its Fishing.

Of course, we said we would do anything we could to help spread the word... So, periodically FTW will begin to post angling press releases and angling information direct from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

HOW TO FISH IN NEVADA

Something that every angler should have in his or her library is the FREE How to Fish in Nevada - An Experts Guide to Fishing in the Silver State Guide. This is one of the best all encompassing FREE Guides developed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife's Team of biologists and angler experts.

The content covers everything from:

• Basic fishing knots with renderings
• Stillwater angling techniques
• Fishing by boat techniques
• Fishing from shore techniques
• Flowing water techniques
• Equipment
• Flies that work
• Bait that works
• Carp
• Catfish
• Bass
• Tilapia
• Trout
• Walleye
• Yellow Perch
• Sunfish

Support NEVADA and purchase a Nevada Fishing License Today! Pick up your FREE Guide at the Nevada Deaprtment of Wildlife's offices or call (775) 688-1500 for more information.

FREE FISHING - SATURDAY, JUNE 9

The Sparks Marina is the place to go this Saturday... Why, you ask?

Well, it's FREE FISHING ALL DAY FOR KIDS!


Saturday, June 9
Sparks Marina, Reno

When: Saturday June 9, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. Lunch, drinks and coffee in the morning will be provided.

Where: Sparks Marina, South Shore 300 Howard Drive, Please call (775) 353-2385 for more information.

Signups: Register at Sparks Marina on the day of the event.

Ages: Children of all ages. Parent or guardian must accompany all children.

Bring: Participants are urged to bring their own rods and reels. Some equipment is available for loan to those without.

---

Changes Eyed for Pyramid Lake Fishing: RGJ

"The Pyramid Lake Indian Tribe is proposing wide ranging fishing regulation changes that will significantly impact angler participation at Pyramid in the years to come." - RGJ

Here are just a few regulation changes that they are currently in talks about:

• Single Barbless Hooks
• Prohibited Use of Downriggers
• March 16 - May 15 Closed to Fishing
• $99.00 Annual Fishing and Boating Permits

To read more information about this proposal or to leave comments - please click here for the full article from the RGJ.

---

One of the Best Memorial Day Weekends Ever

Fishing at Squaw Creek Reservoir was by far plentiful this Memorial Day Weekend, and if you weren't there, you might have been the only one. For such a small desert reservoir, our traditional Memorial Day Weekend trip turned out to be one of the busiest we've ever seen in the past 7 years.

We all arrived Friday afternoon, only to find more than 40 campers and trailers pre-parked to join in the festivities of the three day holiday weekend..and what a weekend it was.

Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday late afternoon turned into some of the Best Fishing that this reservoir has ever produced for us. Smooth waters, warm temperatures, and out of the four of us that fished from a tube, we all caught an accumulative total of 85 fish -- and yes, all but 7 tasty morsels were caught and released.

Sinking line was the line of choice and the number one fly that caught the most fish in a row, was nothing more than a simple Bead Head Prince Nymph.

For more information on Squaw Creek Reservoir -- click here.

For more photographs of this last weekend -- click here.

We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!
Kristy and Andy

---

Who Says There's No Fishing in Nevada

Groves Lake and Kingston Creek, Nevada


Regulations:
Open year around, any time of the day or night. Limit is 5 trout.

Biologist Forecast for 2007:
Fishing should be good for stocked and carry over rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout that drifts down from the stream. The lake and the stream lie in a narrow, beautiful canyon. For more photos, Click Here.

Stay tuned for more information about Groves Lake and Kingston Creek.... Have a Great Memorial Weekend -- we're outta here!

---

2007 Big Game Quotas

I know this is a BLOG about fishing and I should be talking about where to go fishing for Memorial Weekend but I just ran across this interesting information from the Nevada Department of Wildlife's website that I thought all Big Game Hunters would be interested in....

"The following is a summary of the 2007 Big Game Quotas set at the Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting, May 11-12, 2007 in Reno, Nevada." -- NDOW.org

• Total tag allocations across all hunts increased 11% from 2006.
• Resident Mule Deer Buck Rifle tags are up 11 % from 9,229 tags in 2006 to 10,290 tags in 2007.
• Resident Antlerless Mule Deer Rifle tags increased from 65 in 2006 to 440 in 2007. Amounts to 577% increase.
• Resident Bull Elk Rifle tags are up 4 % from 751 in 2006 to 778 in 2007.
• Resident Cow Elk Rifle Tags are up 73% from 840 in 2006 to 1,454 in 2007.
• Resident Bighorn Sheep (Desert, California and Rocky Mountain) tags are up 11% from 175 in 2006 to 195 in 2007.
• Resident Antelope Rifle Buck tags are up 6% from 1,644 in 2006 to 1,743 in 2007.

---

Flying Over Pyramid, Fishing Oregon and Idaho

We're still here... we've just not had an opportunity to get out and get some fishing in; luckily some of my fellow fisherman and friends have had the opportunity to enjoy some adventures... such as flying over Pyramid Lake for the first time, or catching some amazing fish in Idaho and Oregon... All I can say is that we are looking forward to Memorial Weekend to finally get some fishing in!

One more thing...NDOW has stocked several bodies of Water in Northern Nevada -- so check them all out!

Flight Over Pyramid
If you've been to Pyramid Lake from the ground -- there's nothing more exciting than seeing it from the air. These photographs were taken just last week... AMAZING! More Photos

Flying Over Pyramid Lake, Nevada -- Thanks Andy


Fishing in Oregon is Stupendous
These pictures are all from the Deschutes river in central Oregon. The Deschutes River and its tributaries historically supported a wide variety of native resident and anadromous fish. Summer steelhead, spring chinook, fall Chinook, bull trout, redband trout, Pacific lamprey and sockeye salmon are among the fish that historically spawned in the Deschutes Basin.
-- Thanks Isaac


Fishing in Idaho has been stupendous as well.
-- Thanks Wayne!

---

SMACK! Fishing at Pyramid gets a Little Too Close for Some of Us

I had to send everyone this photograph of a local area fisherman who takes a little more affection towards his Catch of the Day than most of us would. Thanks Brian for this great photo of you and your prize possesion from Pyramid Lake.

---