Catch of the day, German browns, Mackinaw and more

Here you have it, 10 specially, hand-picked, Don Q suggestions on where to fish in this general area. Pick one or more and enjoy one of America’s most popular sports — fishing.

The Top-10 fishing locations in this general area are:

<b>1. East Carson River</b>: Alongside of California State Route 4 and 89, just out of Markleeville. It is a restricted section from Hangman’s Bridge downstream for serious fly fishermen or spincasters. It’s a “Catch and Release” area, which contains large rainbow or German brown trout. Only artificial flies or lures may be used. Best fishing is the early morning or late afternoon hours.

<b>2. Davis Creek Pond</b>: At Washoe County’s Davis Creek Park, located just north of Bower’s Mansion in Washoe Valley. This pond is stocked on a regular basis with rainbow trout by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and is a great place to take your youngsters for a day of fishing. Plus, as a double bonus, it’s close to home and a great place for a family picnic.

<b>3. Hobart Reservoir</b>: Situated in the mountains between Carson City and Lake Tahoe for a combination of some tough fourwheel driving on a dirt road and a one-mile hike to reach it. The lake has excellent fishing in the early or late hours from either a float tube or inflatable raft. This small lake has special restrictions, so be sure to read up on your rules and regulations.

<b>4. Kirman (aka Carmen) Lake</b>: For serious hikers. It’s about a three-mile hike from California State Route 108 (The Sonora Pass Highway). This High Sierra lake contains eye-popping Eastern brook trout. Minimum size limit is 16 inches, with brookies up to 5 pounds, not uncommon. Only artificial flies or lures may be used. This is a popular location for fly fishermen in float tubes.

<b>5. Pyramid Lake</b>: Which is about 30 miles north of Reno/Sparks is world famous for its Lahontan cutthroat trout fishing. You can be equally successful fishing from shore, in chest waders or from a boat. You’ll be on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation and will need a Tribal fishing permit. You do not need a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Trout Stamp.

<b>6. Red Lake</b>: At the foot of Kit Carson Pass on California State Route 88 offers great fishing either through the ice in the winter

or during the hot months. It has eastern brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. At an elevation of 8,000 feet in spectacular scenery, it is well worth the drive, even if you don’t fish. And, don’t forget to take a picnic lunch, camera and plenty of film.

<b>7. Lake Tahoe</b>: On the Nevada/California stateline is famous for its Mackinaw (Lake) trout fishing. The best success is from boats, specially equipped to fish in super deep water, anywhere down to about 550 feet deep. The lake record is a 37- pound trophy caught way back in the 1970’s, however, trophy-sized “Macks” in the 20-pound class are not uncommon.

<b>8. Truckee River</b>: Can be excellent for rainbow or German brown trout, right in the heart of downtown Reno. It, also, is stocked on a regular basis by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Even better fishing can be found as you travel upstream toward the California stateline. Be advised that the river has special restrictions from Crystal Peak Park in Verdi to the stateline.

<b>9. Walker Lake</b>: Just north of Hawthorne also contains Lahontan cutthroat trout. At this large desert lake, the limit is five trout in possession. Some of the best fishing is along the highway side at Sand Point, Rocky Point, Sportsman’s Beach, “The Cliff,” and the southern end of the lake. The best months to fish at Walker Lake are in November and March.

<b>10 . East Walker River</b>: In a remote section known as “The Elbow” for large rainbow and German brown trout. The Elbow is about 5-6 miles from Nevada State Route 338, between Wellington and Bridgeport, Calif. One area is restricted to only “Catch and Release” fishing with artificial flies or lures. Be advised to keep a sharp eye out for rattlesnakes in this general area.