Okay, so it hasn't snowed, the resorts aren't open until who-knows-when and you're itching to get outdoors to commune with nature - how about fishing?

Even though California rivers and streams became off-limits only yesterday, Nevada, in the words of Angler's Edge co-owner Liz Weirauch, "never closes."

Weirauch, along with her husband Don, have owned the Gardnerville-based fly fishing business since last January and she said the fishing is great even in the winter months.

"Of course it's my business, but I would highly recommend that instead of people sitting around moping about not being able to ski or snowboard, that they get out and fish," Weirauch said. "You get the outdoors, the exercise and the fresh air.

"Plus, you can even catch dinner."

Weinrauch said while the California fishing season in streams and rivers has ended, lakes in the Golden State stay open all year.

"There are several lakes in Alpine County that still offer good fishing and after they freeze over, people can still ice fish," Weinrauch said. "And Nevada always offers great fishing spots, including a few spots like Pyramid Lake that are just opening. Lake Tahoe (features) the mackinaw (who) are coming closer to the surface."

Fisherman Joe Wright of Fremont, Calif. doesn't mind the absence of snow and said he is looking forward to getting out on the lake.

"Well, I don't ski so it doesn't bother me," said Wright, a part-time resident of Crystal Bay. "This is the best time to fish... it's more comfortable for me to not have to deal with snow and real cold weather."

Jarrod Beer, a guide and instructor for Tahoe Flyfishing Outfitters on the South Shore, said that he's had several more fishing inquiries than usual for this time of year.

"I guess there are a lot of people coming up who want to engage in some kind of recreation, so they look into fishing," Beer said. "If somebody comes in here looking to fish and has no equipment, we can rent or sell them everything they need, including the license."

South Lake Tahoe resident and snowboarder Michael Buck said he may consider fishing while he waits.

"I really am going nuts with no snow, but maybe fishing is a way for me to at least have something to do outdoors," Buck said. "You can only tune your skis so much."

Angler's Edge can be reached at (775) 782-4734; Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters can be reached at (530) 541-8208.



Jack Carrerow can be reached at (775) 831-4666 ext. 119 or at jcarrerow@tahoebonanza.com