Lahontan Cutthroat?

I hear there is A lake that raise these fish. Has anyone here ever caught one? What are so different between these and there cousins? The lake is named Heenan, but not yet sure were it is. I might put that on my wish list of things to do....Andy

Just looked it up and it is off HW 89 near Markleeville.  There are some SERIOUS restrictions to that lake.  If you want to go, Andy, you'd better get on it, as it is only open from Labor Day through the last Sunday in October - not even a 2-month window.  Oh, and only fishable on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays.  Catch & release, artificial lures, barbless hooks, etc, etc.

Michael

And of course there is always Pyramid.

Michael

Heenan has not "turned on" yet, wait till it gets colder up there..........lots of other nearby lakes to hit in the meantime  (Red, Upper and Lower Blue, Silver, Caples, etc., etc.)

It is supposed to be the only location left for this fish in California. The lake is fed by water that comes from the Nevada side. The fish almost died off, when the water owner started to divert water for other uses a few years ago. I believe float tubes are allowed, not sure about kayaks.

They moved a bunch from Heenan to red lake, and it is non-motorized only, so kayaks are the way to fish it.  We hammer brookies there, and my son caught a limit of LC's this summer and the smalles was 2 pounds.  If you paddle to the back of the lake, and along the south shore, you can pick them up. 

Lahontan Cutthroat thrive in alkali lakes that other trout cannot typically tolerate.  There is a lake in WA that we used to fish for these in.  They didn't fight as well as other trout, nor did they taste as good.  In fact I remember them not tasting very good at all.  But they did grow to a nice size.

-Allen

Roger that on the taste, we smoke ours and they are great that way.

Yes, Heenan allows kayaks. It's a very unique fishery and we're lucky to have the opportunity to catch these guys. They get pretty big---and used to top 50lbs when they were the predominant species in Tahoe....before being over-fished to the brink of extinction (in CA). They're true CA natives. A buddy of mine is planning a trip in 2 weeks. I might try to tag along...we should take the manvan dude!
PK

We will be talking!

It is supposed to be the only location left for this fish in California. The lake is fed by water that comes from the Nevada side. The fish almost died off, when the water owner started to divert water for other uses a few years ago. I believe float tubes are allowed, not sure about kayaks.

Independence Lake (north of Truckee) is the only lake (as opposed to creeks) in CA that has a self sustaining native population of Lahontan cutthroats.  The (current) cutts in Heenan originally came from Independence Lake.

Lahontan Cutthroat thrive in alkali lakes that other trout cannot typically tolerate.  There is a lake in WA that we used to fish for these in.  They didn't fight as well as other trout, nor did they taste as good.  In fact I remember them not tasting very good at all.  But they did grow to a nice size.

-Allen

Lahontans do well in alkaline lakes because other trout do not.  They do not compete well with other trout species.  Prior to the introduction of other trout species, Lahontans did well very well in fresh water as evidenced in Lake Tahoe.

after several tries and directions from Carson River Resort we finally found Heenan yesterday.  windy and cold!  wind whipped two foot waves with white caps in the eastern part of the lake.  we stayed in the western part where the wind was not as bad.  fishfinder showed fish top to bottom everywhere we went on the lake.  had several good hits but nothing stuck.  I WILL be back!  the one lane dirt ramp is steep, rocky, and very little room to turn around especially if you use a trailer.  a 4x4 is a plus on the ramp.  no fees to fish or launch.  not the most lovely lake in the area but the chance to hook a brute is worth the drive!