Don Q's Northern California and Sierra fishing report for week of May 30

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This fishing report is for the week of May 30 to June 5, 2012.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:

Conditions could not be better here. 
The callibaetis and midge hatches have been excellent and the wild browns are very aggressively taking adults on the surface.  Sight fishing to rising wild brown’s from a drift boat is a blast.  If you want to fish private water in a beautiful setting give us a call. It is going off here right now.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake:
Memorial Weekend
Our prayers and thoughts are with all service men and women who have fallen and those who continue to fight for our freedoms – We thank you!
Hope you all had a GREAT Long Ears Weekend – heard it was an awesome concert, an unbelievable parade powered all by the Long Ears, and lots of arts and crafts at the city park. Fun times were had by all!
The fun times will continue in a couple of weeks with the California High School State Rodeo Finals, once again, being held in Bishop June 11 to June 16 at the Tri-County Fairgrounds.
The High School Rodeo offers amazing scholarship opportunities, family bonding, the chance to travel throughout the state, the ability to create unforgettable friendships and once in a lifetime memories.
Home to nine districts of High School Rodeo, California has approximately 600 members that compete in rodeo events. The kids that participate in this rodeo are some of the nicest, most polite kids you will ever meet – so if you happen to be in Bishop that weekend – stop by the Fairgrounds for a few events and support them.
Now to the catching – trolling slowed a bit over the week, but fishing the Inlets with baits – nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs or Woolly Buggers picked up. Drifting over the shoreline between the two natural lakes were producing some nice limits. If you’re shore fishing, try and get away from the launch ramp area as this is where a lot of people like to fish.
Mom Nature was having a bit of fun, also, bringing a few four letter words to mind – w-i-n-d & s-n-o-w – lots of fun for the weekend.
We had s-n-o-w Friday and Saturday along with the w-i-n-d – Sunday was a beautiful day. Despite the weather – lots of people enjoyed the Lake over the holiday weekend.
Forest Service campgrounds that are open are – THEY’RE ALL OPEN!
Got stocked by the DFG on Monday and will continue to stock each week till the end of the season!
KEEPING THIS IN - Guess it’s that time of year to remind you of a few things – when using BUG JUICE (the skeeter are out and they are BIG – BIGGER THAN BIG) or SANITIZER you need to really wash your hands before fishing - then rub some Salmon Egg juice, worm dirt or Anglers Bros Trout attractant (got it in stock at the Lake) to take that smell off.
Remember your polarized dark glasses and sunscreen – we saw a few anglers that looked a bit like cooked lobster last year. As there still is snow around, the rays from the snow are deadly!
You can check www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
We’ve gone to summer hours – really easy to remember –
SUMMER HOURS
Sunday thru Saturday – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Café Hours
Breakfast – 7:00 am to 11:00 am
Lunch – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Homemade Pie and Homemade Ice Cream
7:00 am to 7:00 pm (But when the pie is gone for the day – it’s gone )
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie, sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa!
Little did Thomas know what he was in for – he showed up for work at 7:00 am - we weren’t supposed to open till 8:00 am – and here they all come – we opened at 7:00 am – Thomas had a bit of training – and off we went – he did GREAT! – so introduce yourself – he’s a keeper! He’ll be working the weekends as our server.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake:  
The weather was all over the place this week with windy days, warm days where the crew was in flip flops and shorts and then snow over the weekend.
Fishing was exceptional for most anglers when the wind wasn’t blowing with fish biting just about everywhere on the lake.
Best fish counts came from the Rock Slide, the Long Lake inlet and the dam.
Lots of big fish in the 3 to 5lb range are still coming out with the big fish of the week weighing in at an even 5lbs caught by Mike Martinez from Moreno Valley on a pumpkin pepper mini-jig at Boiler Cove.
The top producing artificial lures, especially for the trophy fish, were mini-jigs with bright colors like fluorescent pink and orange working best. Natural colors like cricket or grasshopper tipped with an orange trout worm trailer is also a great tactic.
The best metal lure hands down is the red/gold Thomas Bouyant in the 1/6oz size with lots of cookie-cutter 3/4lb rainbows falling for lures on a fast retrieve. Spinners like Roostertails and Panther Martins are also working well following DFG stockings.
Bait anglers are doing best on Rainbow Garlic or the fluorescent orange power bait fished off the bottom with a 2 to 3ft leader. Inflated crawlers or nightcrawlers fished 4ft under a bobber is also producing limits.
Trolling remains very slow…not sure why but just about everyone out there trolling is struggling.
Small boats can now safely launch at the lake but private boaters should still use caution to prevent any damage to their boat or trailer.
There is a $5 voluntary launch fee to help with Alpers stocking.
Due to limited available parking there is designated trailer parking at the lower lot and private boaters are required to disconnect their trailers there.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
Reports from the creek are all over the place with some anglers getting skunked and others reporting wide open fishing. One thing that everyone is consistently saying is that the creek is stuffed with fish and almost every hole has fish. 2 pound test leader with a single salmon egg on a mosquito hook has been the ticket for the more wary stream trout.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The reservoir has fished great this past week, with the exception of a couple windy days when it was difficult to get out on the water. 
The bait anglers have probably been doing the best and most consistent. Trolling has been fairly productive with needlefish, small rapalas and dodgers and crawlers.
For bait you can go with power bait and inflated crawlers.
Fly anglers have been having some success stripping streamers and hanging midges from an indicator.


BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Fish’N is good here as well. Water conditions are great with a nice lake level and lots of open water to fish. 
You must locate clean bottom that is free of pond weed and grass. 
13-15 feet is best right now, look at the drop-off by Rainbow Pt. and work the weed lines towards Buckeye Bay. 
The east shoreline near the marina and around the inlet to the Walker are also hot spots. You will have to work deeper water in these areas so streamers may be a better choice if you are tubing. Use a full sinking line with Loebergs and punk perch. 
The chironomids are also prevalent at the Bridge and using the same technique as you would at Crowley will get you into fish here as well. 
Look for Callibaetis to show up in numbers soon. These are large still water mayflies that are a large part of the trout’s diet and are best imitated with flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest patterns, and our Killa-baetis pattern. 
They can be bought at the marina tackle store on the lake. 
These can be fished further off the bottom as the nymphs are swimmers and do not have a pupal stage. 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Great. Full to the brim. Clear and getting warmer everyday.
Fishing Conditions:
Great. Fish are spread out until the weeds start to grow in.
 
COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation. Pike fishing has also been poor. There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week:
Robert Berry from Mira Loma caught a 4 lb. 13 oz. Rainbow Trout with a Night Crawler on the South Shore!
We also had Gary Taylor from Mission Viejo who caught a 4 lb. rainbow trout at the Inlet by using Red Thomas Bouyant.
Kevin Martin from Sun City also had some luck on the South Shore Inlet with a 4 lb. Rainbow Trout by using a Panther Martin.
Best Location to Fish:
The best locations to fish right now are the South Shore and the Inlet.  
Other Locations to Try:
"Windy Point" (picnic area south shore), North Shore, Hangman's Tree, Outlet, Handicap Pier and Convict Creek.
Derby News: 
Round-up at the Lake Fishing Derby started Sunday, April 30th for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes! We have 49 Registered Anglers and 39 Fish Registered 14" or longer. That is unbelievable odds so far!
Weather:
The weather for this next week will start off with cooler temperatures with highs in the 40's-50's for Saturday into Sunday morning with lows in the upper 20's-30's. By the end of the week temperatures will return to the mid 70's with the lows in the 40's. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com. 
Tactics/Bait:
This past week Anglers have had most success with: 
Bait: Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Power Worms, Pink Power Eggs, Inflated Night Crawlers, Power Bait types that work best "Garlic, Salmon Peach or Rainbow." Red & Gold Thomas Buoyants (this particular colors works better usually than others).
Lures: Hot Shots Lip Ripperz, Thomas Bouants, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure
Trolling: Dave Davis Night Crawler or Lead Core 4-6 colors, Rapalas, Rebels, Pin Minnows
Flies: Marvel Fly, Prince, Hares Ear, Lopper Johns, Ant Beatles
Convict Creek: 
Flies: Strip Streamers
Bait: Eggs, Night Crawlers and Power Worms
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods)  
Stocking:
DFG will be stocking this week. We also stocked 150 pounds of 2-3 pound Rainbow Trout on May 23rd.
Next scheduled stocking June 7, 150 lbs of rainbow trout. 
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:37 am - 5:39 am and Sunset 8:10 pm - 8:11 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Leighton Springs or Sandy Point are the places to be.
Try Stevie's Wonder black or Stevie's M-80 in 12-15 feet of water.
High winds have hampered fishing the last two days but the forecast is for improving conditions

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
The lake is very high and holding for now. Water temps and weed growth subsurface are about a month ahead of schedule. Water is still very clear with a hint of green tint if you hold your head just right.
Fishing Conditions:
Excellent. Midge hatches remain strong.
There are fish at Sandy Point along with a fleet of boats to match.
Leighton Springs (100 yards away from the Alligator Wall), Green Banks Bay and McGee are also producing.
This year is shaping up nicely!

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to find good action for stocked rainbow and tiger trout.
Largemouth bass also have been taking baits, primarily along the weed beds.
For trout good bait options include prepared baits such as Power Bait, a variety of lures or small spinners and flies.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers heading north for the holiday weekend should find good action for crappie and largemouth bass.
Crappie have been biting on jigs fished below a bobber.
Trout have been hitting Power Bait, night crawlers, flies and spinners.

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

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is down a bit to 28 CFS.  Caddis hatch is starting to develop.
CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. Nymph fishing remains the most productive. WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and scuds.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Water conditions are good with flows up a tad making extended drifts possible over the weeds. Under current conditions you can fish sections that are not hammered when flows are lower. 
Many fish hide along, and under the thick weed. Identify these lanes by just observing the water for a while without casting. The fish will vacillate in and out of their holds and you can make a much better presentation by spotting them before just blind casting and spooking them. 
Windy weather towards the end of May kept many off the water.
As it warms look for the caddis to become prevalent, and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) mayflies to be the flies de’jour.  #18-22 PT’s and olive midges work well while nymphing or fishing under a dry as your indicator.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Great. Flows at 45 CFS as of 5/2.
Fishing Conditions:
Good to Excellent 
Back to the usual routine. Midges early, followed by Caddis from about mid-morning on. Takes have been very subtle, so try and use the smallest and most sensitive indicator you can use and try to shorten your drifts.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Try Silver Lake with black or purple woolly buggers on sink tip or full sink lines.  Rush Creek is now down to 60 CFS and fishing is picking up.
Try a Royal Wullf, Royal Coachman or a stimulator. Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Rush Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Kirman has been fishing pretty well this past week with lots of 
nice 15" to 18" fish being caught, both cutts and brookies.
It seems as thought the lure anglers have been doing better than the fly anglers, but just by a little bit. 
Lures to try include rooster tails, kastmasters and jakes spin-a-lures.
For flies try mini leeches, seal buggers and scud.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steady releases out of Iron Gate Dam have contributed to the Klamath being one of the better options over the past week. The fishing has been fair to good. Basically, anglers are into steelhead one day, and none the next.
Should be a great place to fish this weekend!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Anglers are finding improved fishing for striped bass as well as catfish.
Deep holes are holding rainbow trout.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston has been fishing fair to good!
Sporadic insect hatches can produce surface feeding fish along the west side of the lake. Look for hatches of Callibaetis and small olive #18-20 baetis.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIF

Twin Lakes:
To be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
All the lakes are now ice free.
The water is still very cold and no stocking has been done.
Twin Lakes has been the best bet for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on a sink tip or full sink line.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions:
Clear and Cold. All the lakes in the basin are now fishable.
Fishing conditions:
Bundle up, as the water is cold.
Full sink line is required. Get your fly down to where the fish are.

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

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for smallmouth and largemouth bass in most areas. The fish are hitting on crankbaits and plastics.
The Temple Bar is area is providing good action for striped bass as well as the largemouth and smallmouth variety. The stripers are on the small side but the numbers are big.
Bluegill and sunfish are showing up as well.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The striper bite has picked back up at Willow Beach.
According to Kristen, who works at the marina store, the best action is taking place from between mile markers 45 and 53. 
Anglers have weighed in fish from eight to 25 pounds.
Lures such as the AC Plug, Spro and LA Slider are generally productive, but anglers also have caught fish with anchovies.
Trout anglers can find good action following the weekly fish plants.  Largemouth and smallmouth bass have kept anglers busy from Cottonwood Cove south toward Katherine Landing. Plastics and jigs are taking the fish.

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

MCGEE CREEK AND UPPER OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Both locations are seeing decreasing numbers of spawning fish as they migrate back into Crowley. Water conditions continue to be very good with excellent clarity. 
Long Valley has been plagued by wind the last week of May and pressure has been light in both areas during this time.
The Upper Owens is now open to fishing in all sections. 
The water upstream from the Benton Bridge remains barbless artificial, while the “dark side” gets a whack at the fish down from the bridge now damn it. This area will be planted throughout the summer. 
Fishing has been mixed with McGee better than the Upper Owens overall. 
You will see better “catching” as the weather improves in June on the Upper Owens.  Dry dropper combos with #14-16 mayfly adults (use a hi-vis parachute) as the upper, and flashback PT’s or birds nest as the dropper nymph work well. 
Midge nymph patterns are also good choices in the smaller sizes.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River:
Flows went to 460 CFS and pretty much shut down good wade fishing in the wild trout section.  I was hoping they would stabilize at 400 CFS but the LADWP opened the valves even more a few days ago. 
It is tough to get your nymphs down at this release, and crossing or positioning can be difficult with this much water coming out of PV Reservoir while wading. 
Drifting has been also poor, however if flows continue to hold or drop a little fishing can be very good in the lower sections, fishing with streamers. 
Heavy sinking tip lines are a must, and you need to concentrate your efforts on the softest water and slower runs along the tulle’s and willows. 
The larger pools are very deep currently with too much water coming over the drop-offs and entries to effectively get your streamers down to the fish. 
Look to fish much different water and sections than you would in the winter under lower flow rates. 
I believe early fall will be awesome this year on the LO. Flows will begin to back off or peak by mid-summer and in years like this we start to run drift trips earlier with good opportunities for dry fly action.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current water flow is 126 CFS.  Water temp 44. The river is a bit clearer but fishing is still poor. Most of the larger lake fish have gone back to the lake but a few hold overs remain. San Juan worms and egg patterns. 
Lower Owens River:
Current flow is 457 cfs.
At this flow fishing is tough and wading is dangerous.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions:
Good to Fair. As of 5/25 the flows at 124 CFS. Road is open all the way up.
Fishing Conditions:
Fair. Water has cleared, but the fishing hasn't improved.
We expect things to pick up soon.
Owens River Gorge Water conditions:
Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP. Water is clear and cold.
Fishing Conditions:
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes. Might be a nice retreat this weekend when it cools down up here, the gorge should be warmer.
Lower Owens River Water Conditions:
Poor. Flows at 452 CFS as of 5/25.
Fishing Conditions:
Poor. Recent increases in flows have put a damper on fish and bug activity.
Flows are now up to the point where it's going to be dangerous to wade.
Water skiing with rope tied to tree remains good.
 
PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish.
Mealworms or night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Tough conditions on the Pit River.
Look for your best chances along Pit # 3.
Pit # 4 and #5 will be too high and off color this weekend.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
River color is perfect all the way down to Anderson. River conditions are low at 3,360 cubic feet per second. Great conditions for wade fishing!
The fishing has been excellent the past couple days!
A few reports of good dry fly fishing after 12:30 p.m.
Best nymphs have been orange and yellow egg patterns. # 6-8 Pat's Rubber Legs and just about any dark colored nymph in # 16 like a Pheasant Tail Nymph, Dark Lord, Eng Thing.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Tough conditions! Fishermen may be able to find a couple rainbow trout up in Dunsmuir, near Lake Siskiyou, but the rest of the river is too high and blown out. Stay tuned for more information next week.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 150-240 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions in and around Lewiston have been good!
Mid day insect hatches have put the brown trout on the surface.
A few anglers have been out catching fish on dry flies.
An adult steelhead or two has been caught on dry flies this week. So, there are a few fresh fish in the Trinity which is amazing for this late in the season, but sometimes the steelhead keep coming into April in better years, this being one of them. 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins are fishing excellent. Lots of nice fish in the 1 to 2 pound 
range are being caught from boats and from shore.
Shore anglers are throwing lures like rapalas, kastmasters and thomas bouyants and for bait they're using power bait, crawlers and power eggs.
Trollers have been using rapalas, needlefish and blade/crawler rigs.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Upper Twin Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lower Twin Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are still on fire!
Shore and tube fishing up there has been excellent.
Bait anglers are using Fire Bait, Power Bait, crawlers and Power Eggs.
Lure anglers are throwing Jakes, Thomas Bouyants, Kastmasters and 
Panther Martins.
Fly anglers are using seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, princes, soft hackles, mini leeches and matukas.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Lower Virginia Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Upper Virginia Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Virginia Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.


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, 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 East is flowing at 110cfs today and has been holding in that neighborhood for a while.
The fishing has been excellent this past week with lots of fish in the high teens and low twenties showing up.
Nymphing has been the best method lately though there have been some good reports on dries and a couple on streamers.
With the exception of a couple days the weather has been great and that has been helping the caddis to become more active.
Patterns working include: wd-40, zebra midge, flashback emerger, buckskin caddis, z-wing caddis, rainbow warrior, gt emerger, fox poopah.
The Rosachi has been doing pretty well also, try a dead drift crayfish or conehead zuddler down there in addition to the Cali flies.

West Walker River:
The West is still doing great, lots of fish on spinners and bait as well as some flies. The hoppers still haven't got going too much but when they do the dry fly fishing should pick up as well.
For now go with princes, pheasant tails and small buggers near the bottom and for lures try Mepps, Panther Martins and Rooster Tails.
The flows have been fluctuating a bit but it hasn't been too high to fish at all this season.

Sceirine Ranch:
The Ranch has been fishing well also this past week, you can go with any of the flies mentioned above and do well. Also there has been a bit more dry/dropper action on the ranch than on the Cali side, try a chubby chernobyl or madam-x with a caddis nymph or midge dropper.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flows are well below historical averages and are currently at 110 CFS. 
They will begin to go up soon, however you will not see the huge releases experienced last year. The summer months will be rough on the fish on the EW if flows remain low, so get your licks in early and give them a break when the water gets warm and green in August. 
Midges and Mayflies are going off currently, decent dry fly action late mornings on the calmer days.
It has been very windy during the end of May, consequently pressure has been lighter than normal. 
June will bring out good caddis activity so bring some elk hair caddis adult patterns #14-18 along for sure. 
Olive colored crystal caddis and midge larva, or emerger patterns work well here for nymphing this time of year.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flow continues to bounce up and down and is currently at 110 CFS.
No change in the fishing here.
Hatch consists of midges mayflys and crane flys. Nymphing is good with WD-40's, zebra midges, baetis emergers and buckskin nymphs. If the "miracle mile" is packed as it has been fishing is good down river as well.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Water Conditions:  
Great. Flows at 110 CFS as of 5/25.
Fishing Conditions:
Excellent! Flows have been pretty consistent the past two weeks, between 100 and 120 CFS. The constant flows are usually pretty good for the fishing as fish get in a routine and tend to hold in the same places.
The water is still fairly clear compared to what it usually is.
Same fare, Midges and Caddis with a mayfly here and there.
Not hearing much in the way of streamer activity.

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.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK:
Saddlebag Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Saddlebag Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Tioga Lake:
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 CarsonNow.org. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com