Hobart Reservoir to open but access is restricted

By Don Quilici

Location: Hobart Reservoir is a small high-mountain lake, which is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Carson City and Lake Tahoe.

It will open to fishing for the 2005 fishing season on May 1 and will remain open through Sept. 30.

How to get there: Normally, you can drive on the dirt road in Ash Canyon, on the west side of Carson City, to a chain across the road.

That chain marks the boundary of the Nevada State Parks System vehicle-prohibited area.

From the barrier chain, it's about a one-mile, downhill hike to the small reservoir.

However, be advised, that it's a one-mile, uphill hike on the return trip to your vehicle.

SPECIAL NOTE: Vehicle access via the Ash Canyon road is restricted, this year, due to the logging work which is associated with the rehabilitation of that area from the damage caused by last year's Waterfall Fire.

The general public is also requested not to be in that area on foot because of the logging activities.

During this period of time, access to Hobart Reservoir is much longer, but possible, by foot, bicycle or horseback on the vehicle-restricted roads at Lakeview or Spooner Summit.

How to fish: Best from a float tube or a small, inflatable raft.

When to fish: Best results are in the very early morning hours or the very late afternoon hours.

What you will catch: Eastern brook, cutthroat, rainbow or bowcutt trout. A bowcutt is a hybrid crossbreed between a male rainbow trout and a female cutthroat trout.

Special Regulations: The fishing hours are one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset.

The limit is five trout, only one of which may be longer than 14 inches.

Fishing is restricted to only artificial flies or lures, with a single barbless hook.

Miscellaneous:

1. You must possess a valid Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp.

2. No overnight camping is permitted.

3. Be sure to keep an eye out for the numerous black bear in this area.

For information: Call the Fisheries Division of the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 688-1500 during regular business hours.