Low water levels hamper Topaz Lake fishing

New Year’s Day usually brings throngs of anglers to Topaz Lake for the opening day of fishing season.

But this year’s season opener is being hampered by low water levels that have left the lake’s two boat ramps high and dry. The region is entering a third year of drought.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife reports that a few smaller boats made it onto the water Wednesday, but most people hoping to start the new year by landing a big trout have had to cast their lines from shore.

Topaz Lake straddles the Nevada-California line south of Gardnerville and is fed by the West Walker River. Fishing is closed each year for three months, from October through December, and reopens on Jan. 1.