We are excited to announce that we are coordinating a few volunteers to participate in a “fish out” with Nevada Department of Wildlife at Marlette Lake on Sept 14, 2024. We are adding the remaining volunteer spots that NDOW has already largely filled. This is a unique opportunity to assist in the protection and relocation of fish to other lakes while Marlette is dewatered to provide access for a dam renovation project.
You might of heard Travis and I speak of this in our 2024 recording for the State of the Truckee River podcast episode (link here). NDOW is coordinating quite a few volunteers with transportation and our role will be to fill out the remain spots with a few anglers, vehicles and general support on Sept 14.
Marlette Lake a jewel above Lake Tahoe
We want to include as many people that are interested but there is simply limited capacity to what we can do to transport folks to the reservoir with float tubes and water craft. We wanted to have the volunteers and everyone that is interested understand what is happening and what NDOW expects from the effort. The following is a short Q&A that Travis was kind enough to provide that provides more details. If you would like to be involved we are coordinating a few remaining volunteers that will be transported in our rented van. We will be able to transport you and your float tube. This is an all day event with a lunch to be provided.
YOU MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
CALL THE SHOP TO SIGN UP WHILE SPOTS REMAIN.
775-323-3474
What – Marlette Lake Fish Out coordinated by Nevada Dept. of Wildlife
When – September 14, 2024 – 7am – 3:30 pm
Where – Participants to arrive Spooner Lake parking area at 7:00am with departure at 7:30am. Returning approx. 3:30 to Spooner Lake parking area.
How – Transportation to Marlette Lake is restricted to authorized vehicles only. Use of private vehicles will not be permitted. Walking and bicycle access is possible but all coordination is independent. A valid and current NV fishing license must be in possession of every angler participating.
What you need and/or can bring – Valid Nevada fishing license, inflatable floating device (tube, kayak, SUP), landing net, waders if you want them, snacks and a water bottle.
**** we will provide a light lunch and water to refill water bottles ****
Jim, Reno Fly Shop (RFS) – What maintenance is planned at Marlette Lake Dam? What impacts will this have on the water levels? How long will construction activities last?
Travis Hawks, NDOW (NDOW) – The State of Nevada, Public Works Division, is conducting a project to modernize the Marlette Lake Dam by resurfacing the structure, refurbishing the outflow, and installing a modern control system that will more effectively allow operators to control water levels. These dam improvements will benefit the reservoir by improving the ability to control winter time water levels to avoid large draw downs that occur during high precipitation years and lead to prolonged periods of low water in the reservoir. Currently, high precipitation winters pose a risk to the structure and result in dewatering through the winter in order to avoid overtopping. Once installed, the new controls will allow for maintenance of the reservoir at or near max capacity through the winter.
During the project, Marlette Lake will be dewatered by about 20 vertical feet (42’ depth normally to 20’). The project is expected to take place beginning in late spring of 2025 and into summer of 2026 with hopes of beginning to refill by late 2026. The expected recharge of the reservoir could take anywhere from a single winter to multiple years dependent upon winter time precipitation.
RFS – What is a fishout? How will anglers participate?
NDOW – A fishout is simply a term used for different types of events but it generally means utilizing angling methods to remove fish from a body of water. In this context, we are wanting to get as many fish out of the reservoir as we can and move them to other bodies of water where they will be able to survive. Anglers are being asked to come prepared to fish for the day, practice safe fish handling techniques, and work with NDOW/RFS staff to get fish into transport vehicles that will deliver them to other waters.
RFS – Where will fish be relocated to?
NDOW – Where fish caught from Marlette will go is dependent upon species. All Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout will be transported to Spooner Lake (possibly to Tahoe as well) and all Brook Trout will be taken to Hobart Reservoir.
RFS – How will the lake refill and how long will it be until max capacity?
NDOW – Expected recharge is highly dependent on winter time precipitation, the reservoir could refill in a single season (3-5 months over winter) or it may take up to 5 years.
RFS – Will the lake be restocked and managed as before?
NDOW – While the dewatering of the lake is unfortunate and will undoubtedly impact the fishery for multiple years, it offers a unique opportunity to rebuild a fishery that we (NDOW) have a massive data set and understanding of. The fishery will be restocked and managed as a broodstock lake once it refills but more emphasis may be placed on Summit Strain LCT and Tahoe Strain Rainbow Trout. These strains have proven to grow at rapid rates, persist for multiple years in the reservoir, and provide anglers with opportunity at trophy size fish. Brook Trout will also be restocked (by capture and transplant from Hobart) as they have also shown to flourish in the cold-water environment of Marlette Lake.
It should be stated that we don’t know if this project will result in a total eradication of fish from Marlette Lake and the hope is that it doesn’t. This project is an effort to alleviate long term impacts by removing individuals from the reservoir to lessen the biomass in the reservoir when the available habitat and forage is reduced by over 50%
