Don Q's Fishing Report for week of April 11-17

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California, Lake Tahoe, the Sierra and Southern Oregon. This report is for the week of April 11-17, 2012.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Bishop area is closed.
 
BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road to Blue Lakes is closed for the winter.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The fishing season for Bridgeport Reservoir is closed.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
John Voss reported 18 inches of ice and many anglers have been out fishing.
With our ever changing temperatures always use caution on frozen bodies of water. For more info call the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

CARSON RIVERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Carson River:
Current flow is 72 CFS. 3,498 rainbow stocked on the 3/21/12.
Fishing has been good in the Gardnerville area especially good in the upper river near the broken dam area. 
Fly anglers using Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and Olive Micro Mayflies.
Spin fishermen, use Blue Fox silver, and black Panther Martins. 

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River: The fishing season for the East Carson River is closed upstream from Hangman’s Bridge.
West Carson River: The fishing season for the West Carson River is closed.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
East Carson River: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
West Carson River: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Higher flows this week should make for some good steelhead fishing once the river drops. This time of year anglers can expect a mix of spawned out and fresh fish. Anglers should always check the flows before heading out and try to fish when river levels are dropping.
ODFW is conducting a steelhead angler creel on the Chetco this year.
At times, these projects may interfere with an anglers fishing. 
Please be courteous to all ODFW personnel and volunteers.

CONVICT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Convict Lake is closed.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Crowley Lake is closed.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
Boat dock at Lightning Tree is in the water ready to use.
The boat dock at Honker Cove is in.
Watch for ice in the mornings on the ramp.
Fly fishing this weekend was great for some and slow for others.
Reports of greater than 15 caught, but also only 1 or 2. Bite is very soft.
Bank fishing, Turbo Power Bait in Rainbow was hot at Mallard Cove.
Also Salmon eggs, Power Bait in red or pink and nightcrawlers.
No reports on trolling.
Fish are moving up the streams to spawn.
The streams are closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Keith Kerrigan of Sierra Anglers Guide Service (530-414-1374) (www.sierraanglersfishing.com) reports:
With some ice and a lot of wind not to much fishing going on.
The bite will come on next month I hope.
I am taking clients out on Donner from Mid May till June.
Book your trip now, the dates are filling up fast.
Please let the Big Macks GO (fish over 10 pounds). If we don't your KIDS wont have the chance that you have to catch one of these big fish that have been in the lake for 40 years.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Fall River is closed.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Feather River is closed.

FREMONT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Fremont Lake is closed.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
The boat docks are now in the water, and the roads are clear around the lake.
Early morning there may be ice patches on the road, so be careful!
Peter Afanasief stopped in to let us know that he caught his limit of rainbow trout last Sunday and Monday near the boat ramp (didn’t say which one), using orange and green Power Bait.
Bob Parry of Chilcoot caught his limit at Frenchmen’s boat landing using Rainbow Power Bait.
Fish were 15 to 18 inches long, weighing 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each.
Tommy D. of Reno, Nev., and friend caught their limits at Ship’s Cove (to the left of the dam), using Rainbow Glitter Power Bait.
The weather is getting better, and the fishing is getting even better.
The streams open up on April 28th.
The campgrounds are not open as of yet.

HAGAN PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Hat Creek is closed.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Heenan Lake is closed.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for Hobart Reservoir is closed.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Hoover Wilderness Area is closed.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 10 CFS. The BWO hatch is  in full swing. Barrs Emerger and Midge pupa sub-surface  and CDC Baetis  or Para Adams  on the surface. The caddis are starting to become more plentiful.
Brooks Hot Creek Caddis, CDC Caddis.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reported:
Fishing has been fair when the wind is not blowing. Friend Steve Lightfoot and I ventured out 2 weeks ago to find 30 mph winds and white caps. We angled the truck towards the lake threw out our lines and enjoyed sandwiches and  good old time reminiscing about when we fished there without wind, as we watched our poles from the comfort of the front seat.
The lake is scheduled to be planted in the next few weeks but I do not have a set date as of yet. I contacted a spokes person from the campground last week. As of right now they do not have a scheduled date to open. Will keep you updated.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
The fishing season for the June Lake Loop is closed.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Kirman Lake is closed.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has picked up with the warmer weather.
Wipers have been active near Beach One area and near the river inflow.
Walleye have been working the same areas on windy days.
Lahontan is full and very cold.
Best method jigging and conventional lures.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Mammoth Lakes Basin is closed.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK CALIF:
The fishing season for Markleeville Creek is closed.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
The fishing season for Marlette Lake is closed.

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough:
Fishing is excellent. Float tubers are still having the best luck over shore anglers. There has been an evening Baetis hatch almost every day. Anglers have been using Sheep Creeks and Midge patterns and Parachute Adams.
Catch rates are still high. Rainbows are averaging in 12-13 inch range some in 18 inch range.
Water is clear and vegetation is not up.
Attention Anglers Tagged Fish 
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is conducting a growth and catch rate study and has tagged 4,000 fish that were planted during 2010 and 2011.
If you catch one of these tagged fish please report the tag number and fish size to the phone number on the tag, or fill out a drop box form in the box below. A certificate of appreciation which includes fish species, strain, age, size at stocking, and date of stocking will be sent back to the successful angler if a name and address are included.
Additional info…
Red tag = BelAir strain from Colorado,
Yellow tag = Tahoe strain from Marlette Lake,
Blue tag = Eagle Lake strain from California,
White tag = Cutbow from Marlette Lake (rainbow X cutthroat)
Look closely next to the dorsal fin of each fish you catch, sometimes tags are hard to see and some anglers are not noticing them.
TIP- A pencil and paper in your fly vest will help.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Anglers have picked up a few redtail surfperch on the beaches near Coos Bay and large ocean swells has made fishing for surfperch a little difficult recently. When the swells have been smaller anglers have picked up a few redtail surfperch on the beaches near Coos Bay and Bandon. Sand shrimp or sand worms are a very good bait to use when fishing for surfperch. 
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 30 fathoms.
Anglers can now retain 1 Cabezon per day. Fishing from shore near the rock outcroppings can be very good this time of the year for catching rockfish.
Be careful of slippery footing and sneaker waves. 

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current water flow is 76cfs.
Fishing is closed below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
The river upstream is open to fishing all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is picking up. The water is clearing and the current temp is 46.
Try standard Nymph patterns like Pheasant Tails or Hares Ears. 
Not much on the surface. Cover lots of water. 
Some reports of larger lake fish in the river.
Lower Owens River:
We estimate the flow to be around 220 or so.
We fished the Lower O on Easter Sunday. The hatch was non existent and the fish took  the day off.
Midge pupa like Stevie's Wonder in the am then Caddis around noon.
X-Caddis, CDC Caddis, E/C Caddis.

PINE VALLEY COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Pine Valley Complex is closed.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

POORE AND SECRET LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Poore and Secret Lakes is closed.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775-476-0555) (www.fishpyramid.com) reports:
Fishing has been slow but it is picking up, slightly.
The water is still cold: 42 degrees.
Nowhere is the fishing hot and causing big crowds.
Pelican Beach might be picking up a little.
Guys are happy nowadays getting 3-4 fish for the whole day.
There have been some 7-8 pounders and up to 12 pounds, but those fish are few and far between, right now.

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Two anglers were fishing last week and did very good for brook trout.
They were using nightcrawlers or Salmon eggs. Said the lake had 2 feet of ice on it but had a lot of slush in spots. Again, here comes the caution message!!!  I have invited Tribune Sports editor Joe Proudman to join me for a day of fishing Red lake as well as Indian Creek Res on Monday. Will give you a report on how we did.

ROOSEVELT AND LANE LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Roosevelt and Lane Lakes is closed.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been very slow.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND OCEAN, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
GOOD SALMON OPENER!!
Well, the much-anticipated ocean salmon opener was largely a success!
The weather gods cooperated and so did the fish.
Boats from Shelter Cove to Monterey caught fish, with the best action. Outside the Gate, S Buoy produced as well as down towards Half Moon off Pillar Point. Trolling seemed to be the way to go in 250-350 feet of water.
Most of the kings were on the smaller side –6 to 8 pounds — but things definitely look encouraging at this early stage of the game!

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Keith Kerrigan of Sierra Anglers Guide Service (530-414-1374) (www.sierraanglersfishing.com) reports:
We did get out this last week on Shasta Lake.
We fished the McCloud Arm one day and the Pit Arm another day.
The McCloud is full of Browns and Rainbows right now. The rain has brought them in to feed on Shad. Try trolling Shad patterns, Artic Fox flies in rust, white and black...the black too.
Trolling at 35 feet for Rainbows out from shore has been good when you see bait. The Browns are in tight to shore, look for a rock shoreline and work it hard. Rolling Shad is best for the Browns. Right now up the Pit Arm the rainbows are on a plankton bite.
We were running Orange Artic Fox flies and rust colored grubs.
Nice fish up the Pit.

SILVER CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Silver Creek is closed.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelheads are now spread throughout the system.
Although most of the angling opportunity will be catch and release, a few hatchery fish have been reported.
Only an adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested.
Striped bass have been caught recently in the basin particularly near the head of tide. Fishing will improve as the water clears and drops.

SPARKS MARINA, SPARKS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Trout fishing from the shore has been very good.
Try using Power Bait off the bottom or nightcrawlers below a bobber.
Fish are suspended from 7-12 feet.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Keith Kerrigan of Sierra Anglers Guide Service (530-414-1374) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.sierraanglersfishing.com" www.sierraanglersfishing.com) reports:
I heard you can get into Stampede. Try jigging late in the day and trolling in the morning using black and white.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
2012 continues to produce great Mackinaw fishing.
Limits have been easy and the fish are running of 4 to 8 pounds with some breaking into the double digits.
Best method is still minnow dodger set up in 150 to 200 ft.
Fishing has been good in Sand Harbor area and Cave Rock.
Weather has been changing quick take caution. 

LAKE TAHOE:
Keith Kerrigan of Sierra Anglers Guide Service (530-414-1374) (www.sierraanglersfishing.com) reports:
The bite just keeps getting better. Get out and troll the Tavern Hole area and you will get your Macks. Stay in 140 feet or less. Some nice Big Mackinaws have been caught on the shelf out in front of the coast guard station.
REMEMBER TO STAY 1,000 FEET FROM ANY STREAM ENTERING THE LAKE. BIG FINE IF YOU’RE CAUGHT.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Mackinaw fishing continues to be good when we can get out.
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 250-280 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The fishing continues to be good with mild weather.
Bank anglers have been doing well with Power Bait in an array of colors and even night crawlers have been producing action.
For boat angler the best method is still trolling either Needlefish or Rapalas. 

TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Again the wind as well as gas prices have kept most anglers away.
The derby comes to a close as of April 15th and the drawing will be held in the Topaz Casino. Results for week # 13, 1st place Joe Simplico from Topaz Lake with 2.15lbs 19 inches long. 2nd place Bruce Squires from Corona Ca with 2.15 lbs 17 inches long. Joe won by 2 inches in a case of a tie.
Week # 14 - 1st place Ryan Terry or Terry Ryan from Fernley Nv with 2,8 lbs, 2nd place Gary Nelson from Holbrook Nv with 2.6 lbs.
Ther has been a total of 112 tags caught so far this year.
For more info call the Topaz Lodge at 775-266-3338.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 525 cfs.
Fishing is beginning to slow down with the runoff. For the upcoming months ahead the river will be a challenge.
Skwala Stones are showing up in good numbers so break out that golden stone for some searching in high water.
The Baetis hatch continues to show up in the evening or in overcast days, try blue wing olive or Dunn.
Spin fishermen are still having luck with eggs, Power Bait, gold Kastmasters, black and yellow Panther Martin, and jointed Rapalas.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Twin Lakes is closed.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Virginia Lakes is closed.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lake since 2009. Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
(East Walker River – West Walker River):
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker River:
East Walker Flow is at 40 CFS. Fishing has been good.
Anglers reported excellent catch rates for the last couple of weeks some fish ranging in the 18 to 20 inch range. 
Streamers have been very effective lately as well as large Zebra Midge patterns. Be on the lookout, any day we should have a Skwala hatch.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River:
The flows are still fluctuating a little bit this past week which is normal for this time of year. Fortunately it hasn't hindered the fishing at all!
Nymphing has still been the main technique but there have been some good reports on dries as well.
On the topic of dries, some days there have been stretches that lasted several hours when the surface action was good, then other days it will only last for small stretches of time like 15 or 20 minutes.
You just need to watch the water and see how the fish are behaving and if they stay on top for a while go after them.
Some patterns that have been working include: Drowned Trico, Blue Dun, blue wing Olive, Para Adams, WD-40, Zebra Midge Flashback Emerger, Rainbow Warrior, Silver Streak, Ice Nymph.
I have had a couple reports from the Rosachi this week and unfortunately 
they were not very good. Things seem to be much better on the California side as opposed to the Rosachi right now. 
West Walker River: Closed.
Sceirine Ranch:
We've had a couple clients on the Sceirine this week and they seemed to have pretty good days. There are a lot more fish holding on the Sceirine than on the Rosachi right now.
The best reports we had from the Sceirine have been with Nymphs like Micro Stones, WD-40's, Pheasant Tails and Birds Nests.
Hunewill Pond: Closed.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
East Walker River:
The East Walker River is fishing well in both California and Nevada.
Fishing has been good and all different offerings have been getting bites, dries, Nymphs, streamers.
Plenty of browns and rainbows to keep you busy.
Current flows 63 CFS in California and slightly higher in Nevada.
At current flows and warming water temps, we are seeing a mix of winter and spring hatches. Midges and Mayflies up high and some Stoneflies when you get further down river.
Our guide trips have done very well lately. We guide both California and Nevada including Sceirine Ranch private water.
With warming weather the next couple of months should fish very well.
This is a great time of year to take a guided trip. You can book through the website or call our shop at (530) 541-8208.
It’s time to get out and do some fishing, the guys in the shop will hook you up with the right gear and flies.
We are still on winter hours 10am to 5pm closed Weds and Sun.
We will be changing to summer hours and seven days a week soon. 
Let’s go fishing!

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flows jumped up last week and are currently 95 CFS.
The river is fishing pretty well. Nymph fishing is good with Midge Emerger patterns. On the surface most small dry flies (20-22) will work as the fish are actively feeding on midges. Some improving Baetis activity around mid-day.


WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for South Tahoe Now and www.CarsonNow.org. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com