Where to 4x4, camp and fish around Tahoe Spring 2013

Brothers and sisters,

My buddies (non-ncka) and I are looking at putting together a 4x4 camping/fishing expedition in Tahoe next spring.  I know a few places to go and trail, but not really the ins and outs of camping and stringing together a few lakes in a row over the course of 7-10 days.  I've been searching the forum and have found threads that are very helpful, as well as off-road forums.  However, I thought I would reach out to you experts on here that have done it before for some advice and perhaps even some tricks n tips.  Just now starting the planning stages so completely open to any and all suggestions, wise ass'd and otherwise.  And hell,  I wouldn't mind opening up and suggesting a big ole' hookup for anyone and everyone.  As my buddies and I say, the more the merrier.

Thanky 

Send 4x4yak a pm, he knows the rubicon and areas around hell hole pretty well.

Hardcore wheeling or dusty gravel road wheeling?

Bowman Lake, Starting at Jackson Meadows lake, tons of amazing lakes and trails up there.

Over 40 4x4 routes in the Tahoe area were closed last year, so be sure that the route you travel is open. The Rubicon currently has a couple feet of snow on it.

Hardcore wheeling or dusty gravel road wheeling?

Looking for something in between.  Some of the guys have serious rigs and want at least a little challenge.  I have a taco dbl longbed which is stock at this point, but will get some new shoes and steel over xmas (santa's being nice this year).  In general thinking about 2-3 lakes linked by some decent trails that mini coopers can't run.   

Go to White Rock Lake.... it's alittle more challenging than fire trails, but not to extreme where you would need a hardcore wheeler....

Also check out the "Tacoma World - Northern California" section... they are always having runs of this sort....

Over 40 4x4 routes in the Tahoe area were closed last year, so be sure that the route you travel is open. The Rubicon currently has a couple feet of snow on it.

I believe the closures were in the El Dorado Natl Forrest, not the Tahoe.... Also the Stanislaus Natl has some open runs too...

Hardcore wheeling or dusty gravel road wheeling?

Looking for something in between.  Some of the guys have serious rigs and want at least a little challenge.  I have a taco dbl longbed which is stock at this point, but will get some new shoes and steel over xmas (santa's being nice this year).  In general thinking about 2-3 lakes linked by some decent trails that mini coopers can't run.   

Highway 88.  Red Lake to Lost Lakes to Upper Blue Lakes.  This area is around 8k in elevation so depending on snow levels you may not be able to get through until July.  Mosquitos can be a bother early in the season too. 

Spring is kind of tough as a lot of roads are not yet open. Too wet from snow run off and they don't want the roads getting huge ruts in them.

For the last two years the passes haven't been open before July. 

Monitor Pass over to Nevada has some of the greatest OHV and stream fishing I've ever done.  Many hot springs to soak in along the way too.  Sometimes it's hard to tell if you're in Nevada or California.  Stop in Markleeville for the maps.  Used to be you could wheel from Burnside Lake near Picket Junction over to Grover Hot Springs but my guess is those trails are closed by court order.  That's in Alpine county but not sure.  The sheriff over there can be a real ball buster. 

North to Truckee and over to Sierra City and the Gold Lakes Basin area.  There's lots of lakes, streams and trails.  Check out Wild Plum for camping and be sure to have dinner in Sierra City at the Mexican restaurant.  Head West on hwy 49 along the Yuba river for more good fishing and more dirt roads leading north.  Bring a gold pan.  If the fish aren't biting, you may find some color instead.

Crystal Basin area; Ice House, Union Valley and Loon Lake with many smaller reservoirs like Camino, Junction, Gerle mixed up in there.  It's West of Tahoe and Loon is the trail head for the Rubicon.  If you can make the first 3 miles or so of the Rubicon in to Spider Lake, then to Buck Island Lake, you then hike in to Upper Buck, Rockbound and Rubicon Reservoirs within the Desolation Wilderness.