Mac the Naw: Kids fishing event Saturday in Carson City, next month in Gardnerville and Tahoe

Hello fellow anglers, I can't tell you how exciting this time of year is. Many of the local rivers have opened for fishing, the higher lakes are thawing and local kids fishing events are taking shape.

The first event is this Saturday, May 5, at Fuji Park in Carson City. The Carson City Lions Club will hold its annual Kids Fishing Day at Baily Pond from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event provides for fishing, learning opportunities, Gyotaku fish painting, archery and more. The Nevada Department of Wildlife will be at the event along with volunteers to help. Poles will be provided for kids who can't bring their own. Bait and tackle will also be provided. Children ages 12 and over need to bring their fishing license.

The first 100 kids, ages 12 and under, will receive a free brown bag lunch and a chance to win prizes. Nosh Food Truck will be on site with food available to purchase.

Next up will be the Lampe Park Kids Derby in Douglas County on June 2-3. This derby is open to young anglers ages 3-12. You will need to preregister for the free event, you can do this in the Walgreen's parking lot on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. You may also register at Acolades Trophies, Engraving & Gifts in Gardnerville, Monday though Friday during regular business hours.

Sign ups for volunteers will also be taken at both locations. Registration forms may be obtained by calling Heather Gertsch at 775-684-9018-heather_gertsch@yahoo.com. Volunteers can contact Laura Lonero at 775-430-0592- lauralnr1@gmail.com.

If you would like to become a sponsor you can contact Steve Hamilton at 775-392-3579 or email him at KFDvolunteers@aol.com. Now on June 2 there will be the Sawmill Ponds Kids derby located in South Lake Tahoe, 2.5 miles west of the "Y" on the corner of Lake Tahoe Blvd and Sawmill Road. This derby is open to young anglers 14 years of age and younger.

There is no preregistration required for the event and will run from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information call Victor Babbitt at the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters at 530-541-8208. What a way to spend a weekend with the kids. You can go to Sawmill Pond on Saturday and preregister to fish Lampe Park on Sunday.

Both of these events are oriented to introduce the sport of fishing and bringing families together to enjoy the great outdoors. Speaking of outdoors. Many of us will be starting to get out and do some camping in our surrounding areas.

Remember that you need to obtain a California campfire permit. You can get one at the visitors center in Alpine County, Calif. Permits are valid until the end of the 2018 calender year.

One last thing to make a note of, this time of year is when snakes are starting to come out. I am talking about rattlesnakes. They are not just seen at lower lying areas, they are in the East Carson River area all the way up past Highway 4 Wolf Creek area. Don't let altitude fool you, always be aware of the area around you. Now for a look at our local fishing area.

LAKE TAHOE: The mackinaw bite has made for very good fishing in the Cal Neva, Carnelian Bay areas. Lines going down 150 to 240 feet of water has been most productive. Average size has been 2 to 6 pounds. For those new to the area, all motorized watercraft require an inspection for AIS prior to launching into Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and Donner lakes.

This is to prevent invasive species like the quagga mussels and the New Zealand mudsnails from entering our lakes. Always remember to clean, drain and dry your vessel every time you leave a body of water.

The inspection stations will be at highway 89 and 50 in Myers and at Highway 89, off Alpine Meadows Road north of Tahoe City. They will also be at the junction of Highway 50 and 28 in Douglas County. For more fishing information call Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters at 530-544-6552.

SILVER LAKE: The lake is 80 percent thawed as of May 1.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake was 75 percent thawed as of May 1. The ice will come off quickly now and the resort is trying to be ready by mid May. For more information call 209-258-8888.

BLUE LAKES: The road is open to Faith Valley That would be 4.5 miles into the third gate.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground and improved boat ramp is scheduled to open on May 4. The water level is up and the fishing has picked up. One family of three caught three fish each which included a 24-inch cutthroat trout. The California Department of Wildlife planted 600 pounds of catchable rainbow trout this week.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK CALIFORNIA SIDE: The fishing has been good in the Hope Valley area. A report of a lady angler that caught a 9.5 pound rainbow over the weekend.

The Woodfords canyon area has some very fast moving waters right now. I would stay between Sorensons Resort and Blue Lakes Road area. Alpine County Fish Commission funded by the South Tahoe Public Utility District has planted 800 pounds of 1 to 10 pound rainbow trout last week. The CDFW planted 800 pounds of catchable rainbows. For more information stop by the Creekside Lodge in Markleeville.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Fishing over the weekend was slow. Mainly due to low water temperatures. There were a few rainbows brought in ranging 2 to 4 pounds. Most were caught on lures with a few on salmon eggs. The water is running good with a slight green tint to it.

CDFW planted catchable trout on the East Fork as well. Don't forget to stop by the Carson River resort to have your picture taken for the Naw hall of fame as well as the resorts book of fame. For more information stop by the Carson River Resort located on the east fork of the Carson River.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question in our local fishing area call the Naw line at 775-267-9722. Have photo of your catch, send it to jeff@carsonnow.org. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.