Don Q's Northern California and Sierra fishing report for August 8-14

Fishing spots in the Sierra, Lake Tahoe, Northern California and Nevada will be the place to be this week as temperatures will send thousands of anglers to dozens of rivers, lakes and streams in the region. Here is the latest fishing report for the week of August 8-14. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen and don't forget your fishing license.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:

Hex hatches have been amazing this year, even now. That event is usually over by mid July, and it’s still going strong.
Pond Smelt fry this year appears to be very healthy as well, huge schools of bait fish are just about everywhere you go. Fish are thick, and active.
The east shore from the Dorado into Lake Cove is another trolling hot spot this past week, lots of fish and very little bait there now.Rocky Point to Goose Island, lots of fish in there feeding off the hex hatch...even Catfish are hitting trolled baits close to the surface.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to report good fishing on most days, but like any water, some days are slower (or better) than others, depending upon whether you are a glass is half empty or glass is half full kind of person. 
The usual worms, Power Bait and small spinners all are effective here.
Good flies include small bead head olive crystal buggers, zug bugs, prince nymphs, olive soft hackle nymphs and just about any fly that has peacock herl in it. While dry flies are working, nymphs that have peacock herl or olive bodies seem to be fishing the best using short quick strips. For dry flies use stimulators, humpies, elk hair caddis and mosquitoes. 
Best colors appear to be yellow or red.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: Pick up your fishing license before coming to the lake. Nice cool breezes, a bit of rain, hail, lightning and thunder-booms were experienced by the many anglers at the Lake over the week.
Those cool breezes were needed over the first of the week as it was darn warm up here when the clouds weren’t around. We had almost a half an inch of rain in less than a half hour last night – sure love watching the lightning!
Not sure how you could improve the fun of just fishing on Lake Sabrina except maybe by improving the catch which happened this week - fishing the inlets was best using Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or jigs.
Need to go a bit deeper (as it’s a smidgen warmer) for the bite on trolling, it’s a bit better if you can get down a bit – you can do this by using leadcore line at 5-6 colors with flashers and a Nightcrawler or Needlefish (pick these up in town).
Drifting with a Nightcrawler or Power Bait.
Shore fishing with Power Bait, Nightcrawlers or a fly and a bubble in the small coves was what was working.
If you’re not sure what to do or how to do it or where to do it – come into the building and ask!
Once again, DFG stocked the Lake on Thursday with another load of Rainbows – thanks!
Bob Phillips of Arcadia knew what was working and where it was working – he landed a beaut of a bow – a 3-1/4 pound Rainbow with a Nightcrawler back at the DingleBerry Inlet – he was helped along by Bill Larew and Gary Long – way to go guys!
Rob and Robbie Hays of Temecula also scored big at the DingleBerry Inlet with a 7-pound stringer – this was there second stringer, the first stringer was so heavy it broke, they had to catch another stringer - I see fish tacos in their future.
Daniel Fernandez of Carson caught a 3 pound Alper on a Shaun’s Smokin’ Jig (I think you can pick those up in town, too.). Wooo – Hooo!
Well this is the 6th week of working on the bridge and this week there was LOTS of progress. Just to recap - the first week - they had roped off the North Lake Hiker parking area at the North Lake road last week – the second week a storage container and forklift were delivered to the roped off area. Now for the 3rd week – we couldn’t figure out what was done on the bridge last week. The 4th week progress report – nothing has progressed as far as we can tell. So now for the 5th week – Rick talked with the project manager and apparently they needed a few more permits, but we hear there’ll be physical progress this coming week! 
So the progress for the 6th week is – we now have not one but two stoplights on the Lake Sabrina Road – and we do ask that you obey the lights – or you may be backing up on the narrow road – with the installation of lots of K-rails on the road to protect the bridge crew.
They also placed huge concrete blocks down in the creek bed. So progress!
We are assured the road will remain open during the season, so do not fret, you will be able to get to the Lake.
KEEPING THIS IN – Believe it or not, most of the skeeters are gone – woo-hoo-but remember if you do use some skeeter juice 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.
Temperatures are on the rise in the high country (I’m sure they’ll be on the rise in the flatlands, too) highs expected to be in the mid to upper 70’s with lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s and a chance of thunder-booms again starting Tuesday.
DON’T FORGET TO PACK A JACKET WHEN YOU COME TO THE LAKE and if there’s a chance of thunderbooms - DON’T FORGET YOUR PONCHOS. 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.
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie and ice cream (until it’s gone), sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa!

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (email sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: Despite mostly great weather this week, the bite slowed down a bit, especially over the weekend. Some folks did report excellent fishing while others had no luck at all, even by folks using the same baits.
People were seeing plenty fish at the Dam and the Rock Slide but getting them to chew proved challenging for some.
The most consistent spot on the lake this week was the channel by the island which accounted for several of the big stringers and a few nice fish over 3lbs as well.
The back of the lake getting really and the fish are very skittish.
We will likely have to restrict boat access to the back of the lake within the next week if the water continues to drop at the same rate is has.
The bait n' wait folks did best on Rainbow or Garlic Power Bait fished 3' off the bottom or half a nightcrawler fished 6' under a bobber near shore.
Lure fishing was great for the few days following a DFG plant but slowed down considerably by the end of the week.
Blue/Silver spoons like Thomas Bouyants or Kastmasters were working great for folks fishing from shore by the dam on Saturday.
Red/Gold Thomas and Tasmanian Devils also caught some fish.
No good trolling reports this week...everyone had pretty tough luck on the troll regardless of their trolling depth
Soft plastic baits like trout worms and mini-jigs are accounting for a lot of fish with the baby brookie Sierra Slammer worms, Pink/blue sparkle Sierra Slammer jigs, pearl trout traps and the grasshopper Berkley atomic tubes.
The jig bite mid day has been a bit tough but tipping the jigs with a mealworm entices more strikes when the hot August afternoon slows down the fishing.
The water level dropped a few feet on us this week making the rough shore launch to the left of the public launch ramp mostly inaccessible. For safety reasons we will be closing off access to that stretch of shore this week so unless we get a bunch of rain to bring the lake level up, last weekend was the last for private boaters at South Lake for the season.
Folks with very small craft like kayaks and canoes that can be carried to the water are still welcome to do so but they'll need to make use of the public launch only for loading and unloading.
South Lake Boat Landing plans to keep the fleet of aluminum boats and kayaks in the water through the end of the season. We may have to pull some pontoons out soon but we're playing that by ear.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Fishing was excellent for most early in the week, especially those working the stream moving from pool to pool as opposed to just sitting in one spot for hours. Eggs, worms, power bait and jigs were all reported to be working on pan sized rainbows with a few larger models to 14" mixed in.
Weir Pond: Still excellent early and late on dries, bead-head nymphs and streamers.
Lots of wild browns and brookies mixed in with the DFG rainbows.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Same bat channel, same bat story. Fishing continues to be fair to good here for 7 to 10 inch fish using small spinners, natural baits, Power Bait or small wooly buggers. In mid morning and early evening small dries such as Griffith’s gnats, small elk hair caddis, PMD’s and red quills may be effective if there is a hatch going on. Also, small emerger patterns can also be deadly this time of year. And of course small wooly buggers, crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials seem to work here anytime.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing has been fairly steady at the mouth of the river and just outside the mouth in the ocean.
Anglers trolling anchovies, herring, or spoons seem to be doing the best.
Anglers are reminded to check the regulations, as hook and size restrictions differ between the river and the ocean.  
Cutthroat trout fishing can be good this time of year, both in the estuary or up river. Anglers are reminded to check regulations before heading out, as there are bait restrictions upstream of the estuary.

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:  Jessica Kelly from Newport Beach caught a stringer of fish with a Thomas Buoyant at 6 Colors by trolling!
Greg Williams caught a 3 pound 6 oz. with a Frog Needle Fish at the Inlet.
Best Location to Fish: The best locations to fish right now are the 6 Colors, South Shore, Inlet, Beach Area, Jetty, Lake, North Shore and Convict Creek.
This past week Anglers have had most success with: 
Frog Needle Fish, Trout Magnet, Rooster Tail, Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs and Rainbow Nuggets. 
Other Locations to Try:  "Windy Point" (picnic area south shore), The Inlet, Hangman's Tree, Outlet, Handicap Pier and Convict Creek.
Water Temperature: 58 degrees. 
Weather:  Weather conditions are expected to continue to increase this next week.
Expect temperatures to be in the low 80's over the weekend then slightly warmer temperatures are expected for the later part of next week with highs in the mid to upper 80's and lows in the high 40's. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com. 
Tactics/Bait: Bait:  Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Night Crawlers, Power Eggs, Power Worms, Small Spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins. Chunky Cheese Power Bait,Troll with Rapalas, Needlefish,Thomas Buoyant. 
Lures:  Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure
Trolling: Little Cleos, 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 stocked this week.  
Fishing Map: The brochure will be available in the General Store in the next few weeks.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:03 am - 6:08 am and Sunset 7:54 pm - 8:01 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Best fishing is near the inlets like the mouth of the Owens River or McGee Creek. The fish seem to like a Stevie's Wonder gray in 8-10 feet of water.


CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: The lake is getting pretty far down now and continuing to drop.
Water temps on the bottom are getting way, way up there, over ideal 57F about everywhere except in front of tribs.
The algae is not a problem in areas holding fish.
Fishing Conditions: GOOD AS IT GETS.
The lake continues to be excellent day after day.
The north arm has some fish at Leighton Springs and a good number along Green Banks and on the far side as well.
Recent reports also have a good number of fish in Little Hilton, but the real concentration of very large fish is holding in 8-11 ft of water outside the weeds in McGee Bay gobbling major Chironimid hatches.
As this area is beyond the channel, the fish are spread out over a large area in the coldest water possible, which is a toasty 62-64F on the bottom.
The very best spot moves from day to day but everywhere in the bay is producing at least three to six 18"+ fish daily for about everyone out there and some real toads up to 23" and occasional 24-25" Rainbow if you happen to park on today's sweet spot. Browns up to 22" are also in the mix and a Cutthroat or two for the fleet daily.
The bite is starting early, like 6 am. They are full by 9 to 10 so expect to move as the bite slows.
If you want to buck the weeds, go inside and strip in the tube - you will be rewarded as this is where the best temp water is.
The big fish are chasing Tui Chub fry up from the bottom and whacking them on the surface.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.shastacascade.com" www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been slow to fair on the lake.
Some days there are a few damsels swimming around, with a few adults in other areas, but really nothing to get the fish going consistently.
The fish have been four to six feet deep, but haven’t been biting too much.
Using an intermediate line or even a type two line will help.
Coves north of Jenkins Point, south of Camp Five and the North side of Eagle point have been the most active areas.
The fish are moving all day long.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River has continued to produce great results, especially when fishing in the evening. The hatch has begun for 2012 season but still remain light. 
The PMD hatches have been particularly light in the morning hours.
Come prepared with a selection of olive leeches and fish on full sinking line.
Keep in mind, potential delays on 299E around Montgomery Creek.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER NORTH FORK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is fair on the river.
Salmon fishing is improving for anglers fishing plug and roe.
Most of the Outlet Hole will be closed permanently to fishing, but Anglers did get a few bites near Shanghai Rapids.
Kings have averaged about 16 pounds!
Water flows remains at 8400 CFS.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing from boat or shore continues to be good at Frenchman Lake. It has been hot and windy later in the day, so it is best to try your luck early morning or early evening.
The standard bait at Frenchman – Power Bait (rainbow works best) and worms - are still the ticket for catching nice sized rainbows from shore.
Trollers do well going several colors out using flashers and nightcrawlers.
Mario Jaquez from Loyalton caught some nice German Browns at Little Last Chance Creek using rainbow or brown colored floating Rapalas. He said he also has good results with yellow or red Panther Martins.
We would appreciate hearing from any fly fishermen who may have some good tips on where to fish and what is working at Frenchman Lake.
Come on in to the store and share some of your secrets.
How bout it Rob?

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great! Early risers are getting 18” rainbows. A combination of Nightcrawlers, Rainbow Power Bait, and worms has been doing the trick from the shore. The best bites are early morning and late evening when it starts to get cooler. More techniques that have been keeping the fish hooked are Apex lures, and trolling nightcrawlers behind flashers. 

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

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500)
(www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good in the morning hours through about 12:00 pm, and then again until sunset.
You can get the fishes attention using buggers or leeches. Mercer’s Missing Link, Classic Elk Hair Caddis in an olive or tan, will produce good fishing.
The Power House #2 Riffle offers the most consistent fishing on Hat Creek at this time of the summer.
Nymphing with #18 Copper Johns, #18-20 Black Zebra Midges and WD-40s should produce the hook ups.
Keep in mind, potential delays on 299 West of Montgomery Creek.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season is closed until the Friday before Labor Day.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is currently at 10 CFS. Trico's in the a.m. Caddis hatch is strong from around noon on. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. Good PMD hatch and little yellow stones beginning to show.
Nymph fishing remains the most productive. WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 20 CFS as of 8/2.
Water is very clear and low when compared to this time last year.
Weeds everywhere. Only a few pockets of deeper water here and there.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Still a decent Trico hatch around 7-9am, with some small mayflies mixed in later in the morning.
Hopper dropper rig is the way to go with a small emerger or pheasant tail.
Slap big hoppers on the far bank around mid-day when hatches slow down.
Nymphing is getting tougher as the weeds grow in and the water drops.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is slow to fair here due to the heat but in the early morning, anglers are having a little success. 
Anglers are catching 10 to 14 inch fish, with an occasional 16 to 18 inch trout thrown in for good measure. 
The water level is dropping but still in fairly good shape. 
The usual natural baits, Power Bait, spinners and natural colored nymphs should all work. Hare’s ears, PT’s, damsel fly nymphs and prince nymphs are good choices for this lake.

INYO COUNTY, CALIF:
Baker Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Big Pine Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Bishop Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Georges Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Goodale Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Independence Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lake Sabrina: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lone Pine Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
North Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Rock Creek Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Shepard Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
South Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Taboose Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Gam

JAKE'S / BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This water is very weedy and anglers with float tubes or small boats have a definite advantage. Fishing from shore is difficult due to the weeds, though bass anglers report good luck fishing from shore using weedless rigs.  However, they are still losing a lot of gear. 
Trout fishing is slow, but bass fishing is good. 
Soft plastics in dark colors, spinner baits and buzz baits are all productive, especially in late afternoon early evening. For trout, anglers should try spinners, the usual natural baits, Power Baits and streamers.  For fly rodders, hare’s ears, damsel fly nymphs, zug bugs, sheep creek specials and olive wooly buggers are all worth a try.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org" 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 lower at 7 CFS and fishing is tougher. Try a Royal Wullf, Royal Coachman or a stimulator. Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.
The flow in Rush Creek is up to 66 CFS.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The steelhead fishing way down near Klamath Glen has turned on.
Expect to find chrome in the 4lb class with some going over 5lbs.
Smaller King Salmon are in as well.
The fishing can be great one day, then nothing the next.
A lot of smaller 6-12in rainbows chasing these big flies. 
As the weather warms up expect to find bigger rainbows moving up into the Iron Gate region of the Klamath.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Get ready for fishing near sunset when most of the fish are out.
Stripping Buggers, Leeches or Damsel Fly Nymphs under a type two sinking line will produce good results.
Productive techniques have been retrieving Pheasant Tail Nymphs, or Mercer’s Gidget.
You will want to come prepared with ant patterns in case the carpenter ants are out. Another good technique is suspending # 22 Red Zebra Midge or Gidgets under a treated piece of poly yarn.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

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:
George has been the better lake for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on a sink tip or full sink line  with a hares ear trailer.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions: Water is still clear. Lower than last year, and certainly warmer.
Fishing conditions: Not much changing here from week to week.
Water warming some. Fish are more active.
Look for fish cruising in shallow warmer water.

MONO COUNTY, CALIF:
Silver Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Trumble Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Twin Lakes Upper: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Twin Lakes Lower: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Twin Lakes Mammoth: 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.
Virginia Lake Upper: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Virginia Lake Lower: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
West Walker River: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean.
Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms.
Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep cabezon. 
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish.
There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).
The Near Shore halibut season is now closed from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.  The next All-depth halibut season is August 3 and 4.  Recreational chinook salmon is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. Fishing for chinook salmon has been slow.
The selective coho season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border closed on July 31. The non-selective coho season will begin on Sept. 1.
Sport anglers in the Coos Bay area after tuna are still finding consistent fishing at about 20-25 miles off shore.
There have been a few reports of a couple tuna caught 10 miles off shore.  

OROVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Lake has dropped about 16 inches a day, around 77 degrees.
The action is steady at Lake Oroville for bass, up to 3 pounds, 30-35 feet using jigs, shaky head, dart head and drop shot worms. 
Great top water bites from dusk to 10PM.
Catfish being caught around 5-7 pounds.
Coho salmon are down 55-90 feet, rock cropping, secondary to main body points, nice fish caught around 3-4 lbs., 2 to 3 fish to the rod.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current water flow is 64 CFS. The water here has cleared some and fishing is good. Lot's of caddis and PMD's. Fox's Caddis Poopah, Brooks Hot Creek caddis San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Recent stockings have improved the fishing here.
No more bait fishing from the monument to the lake.
Lower Owens River:
The flow 151 CFS. Fishing is great. Not much surface action. Try nymphing with WD40's, pheasant tails and hares ears.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River water conditions: Good. As of 8/2 the flows are steady at 63 CFS.
Great flows, and with the temps in the 80s-90s it's perfect for wet wading!
Fishing Conditions: Good. Don't forget to pinch your barbs below the fishing monument, as regulations changed yesterday.
Water down below the bridge is dirty, but the fish are hiding in the deep water where you definitely can't see them!
Strong Caddis hatch in the late afternoon and early evening if the wind isn't blowing. Hopper Dropper rigs are working best way up above the Hot Creek confluence, and dredging the bottom of the deep end pools is working down below the campground closer to the lake.
Water is low and clear above the Hot Creek confluence, and the fish can be spooky. Trico Hatch early, with some PMD's and midges as well.
Flows and weather are perfect for wet wading.
Be advised I saw plenty of mud snails hanging on my pants the other day when I got off the water so clean your gear and help prevent the spread of this invasive species.
Owens River Gorge water conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP.
Fishing Conditions: Not much changing here week to week. Be stealthy as the water is gin clear and the fish can definitely see you coming.
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes (and tics).
Rock Creek: Water conditions:
Great. Flows are at 31 CFS as of 8/2.
Fishing conditions: Great! Better to hike in a little bit to get away from everybody else.
Or go way down below the lake and fish below the campgrounds.
Big and bright usually does the trick here
Rush Creek water conditions: Fair. As of 8/2 flows are up to 67 CFS above Grant Lake and at 33 CFS Below. Water temps in the upper 60's above Grant Lake and even warmer down below 395.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows are on the increase as DWP moves water around. This is good as it mixes things up a bit so you don't have to be as stealthy when approaching your fish.
Fish are very spooky down below the lake, but if you avoid scaring the fish, they're eating Caddis and small hoppers late in the afternoon.
Lower Owens River water conditions: Great! Flows at 125 CFS as of 8/2.
Fishing conditions: With the flows down even more now, to pretty much mid winter levels it's not going to get any better than this.
Keep a watchful eye for ticks and tuck your pants into your socks.
Fishing is best in the early morning before it really starts getting hot.

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:
Expect great fishing is to continue all summer long on the Pit!
Great water is coming out of Lake Britton Dam, all the way to Big Bend.
The rainbows are munching # 14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and # 6-8 Pat Rubber Legs, plan on wet wading and casting nymphs about 10 feet out into the pockets, riffles, glides.
It’s highly recommended to bring a wading staff and a PDF (Personal Floatation Device) too.
Keep in mind, potential delays on 299E around Montgomery Creek.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed to Lahontan Cutthroat Trout fishing until Oct. 01.

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This past Wednesday’s motor boat opener was a success as most anglers caught plenty of bass with anglers catching a keeper for every six to eight fish caught. Many of the keepers were in the 11 to 12 inch range. 
Many anglers report having had 50 fish afternoons. However, anglers should be aware that it has been quite windy on many of the afternoons.
Fishing for trout is slow, but anglers should fish the deeper ponds like the Ski Pond as the trout hold on the cooler springheads to escape the warmer water temperatures.
Most anglers are using dark colored soft plastics with a weedless setup, pitching their presentation directly into the tules. You may lose a few worms, but you will definitely catch more and bigger fish.
When the sun is out, blue six inch twist tails with flash in them are working, while once the sun hits the water black twist tails with a chartreuse tail seems to work better. However, some anglers were having good luck with just about anything and having an “ugly lure” fishing contest.  Sounds fun! 
Damsel and dragon fly hatches are going on and both nymph and adult presentations should be effective for fly rodders.
Remember the collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed. Boats with gas powered motors up to 10hp are allowed on the lake.  Launching from the Narciss boat ramp is difficult due to weedy conditions.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There has been great fishing on the river this week, and it will continue to impress in August! Dry fly fishing is also good until it gets dark. Best action occurs in the afternoons going into early evening.
The lower river, below Anderson, Calif., seems to fish best all day and then taper near sunset.
There is a slight dry-fly caddis window between 8:30-9:00 PM. 
The fish are staying healthy and aggressive with all of the PMD’s and amazing Mayflies on the water.
Anglers have reported fish anywhere from 16-20 inches!
Fish deep, with extra long leaders at a length of 9 feet.
This River will not disappoint!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Insect hatches have died down but good fishing continues.
Fishing in the shaded areas in the early morning and near sunset will produce the best results.
Fishing has been great with reports of 14-16 inch Rainbows.
The water conditions are great for wet wading and good fishing can be found along the 35 mile length of the Upper Sacramento.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
SALMON UP AND DOWN
The salmon fishing is by no means red hot yet, but there are signs of life!
Up around Hamilton City, it’s generally still spotty (that will improve soon!). The best reports this past week came from Discovery Park where on Thursday a big batch of chrome rolled through. 
Down below, it’s still a fish here, a fish there at Isleton.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of August 4, 2012.
Sacramento River salmon fishing is good.  
Boats averaging 3 to 6 fish per boats. Limits for August 1st,  the famous Barge Hole area on the Sacramento River, out of Anderson, Calif. 
Bouncing roe through out the day is the best bet, roe has producing the most fish. Most of the fish ranging 15 and 25 pounds. 
Fishing Corning area are producing the most fish.
More salmon are on their way up river. 
Catching salmon early mornings and throughout the day.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at (email) outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and (website) www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Lower Sacramento River fishing report, in Redding, Calif., is as follows; 
As of August 4, 2012, water flow is currently 14,500 CFS. 
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding to Anderson is excellent.
Fantastic fishing for Rainbows. Catching wild rainbows Redding to Anderson. 20 to 30 fish days now.
Fishing has been very productive, yesterday late day into evening was fantastic. Beautiful Rainbows !
The Posse ground area of the Sacramento River has been producing lots of trout, with the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now. Bonneyview Bridge to Balls Ferry.
Flies working best now are Sucker Spawn #14, Pheasant Tail# 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's #18, Black Silvies #16, Egg patterns, and Brown Micro May flies.
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.
Daily drifting Redding, Calif., and Anderson, California fly fishing for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions: Fair. Flows down to 34 CFS as of 8/2.
Temps in the low 60's and super clear.
Fishing conditions: Good. There are several closed campgrounds down there and trespassing in a closed area will get you an expensive citation. So stay out of all closed campgrounds and areas.
Fish are getting more selective now, so fishing with caddis and midge patterns are getting better results than attractors. Time to match the hatch!
Not much in the way of stocked fish. All I've been catching have been wild fish and holdovers.
I guess the stocking truck hasn't made it's way in there yet.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing is even tougher as the water flow continues to lower. Para Adams, stimulators and ants.
Sotcher and Starkweather Lakes have been slow.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at (email) outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and (website) www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Shasta Lake guided fishing- Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta 
RED HOT Fishing- Lake Shasta fishing is awesome, LIMITS !!!.
King Salmon fishing on Lake Shasta has been off the hook. 
We are catching many of our Kings trolling, around 60 to 100 feet deep.
As water warms up, fish are going down deep. 
The Dry Creek area and Little Bone area has been the best.
We are catching Rainbows first thing in the morning on the surface from 5:30 to 8 in the morning, as water warms, rainbows are going down to around 30 to 40 feet deep, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
The Bridge Bay area around the buoys have been producing some nice size Rainbow trout.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent, especially King salmon by trolling, approximately 60-100 ft. deep. Areas to highlight for great fishing are Little Bone and Dry Creek where Rainbow trout are being caught between 5:30am until 8am, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.  
Excellent numbers on bass fishing with anglers using top water bait, the trout bite has been good with using pretty much any type of trolling gear, sling blades and wiggle Hoochies. At the Bridge Bay area around the buoys, you’ll find nice size Rainbow trout.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The warmer temps and lower water conditions are producing massive amounts of weeds and algae and pushing trout into deeper water just like most of the other area reservoirs.
Trout fishing is slow and bass fishing is fair to good.  
Fishing shallow (four to ten feet) for trout is effective only at dawn.
Using a fish finder or a thermometer, anglers should look for thermoclines, those abrupt changes in water temperature for fish. Often trout will hold in the cooler water just below the warmer water looking for aquatic insects.  The weed mats found at the south end of the lake are providing cover for trout and bass and fishing above or along the edges of these has been effective for trout in the early morning hours and effective for bass during the day. 
Damsels are out in force and both the nymph and adult patterns are working for fly rodders, though the nymph stage is definitely producing more fish.
The cove at the main boat ramp is fair for trout and bass.
Some wipers were recently caught off the ledge just northeast of Jet Ski Beach by trollers. 
Jet Ski Beach has seen just a few trout caught, using Power Bait or worms but mostly during the early morning hours. 
Fishing below the dam is slowing down as water flows diminish and the weed growth increases. With the low flows, fish are stacked in the outlet side below the dam. Pools in the river further downstream are also providing fair to good fishing. 
For wipers, brightly colored streamers, spoons and crankbaits in chartreuse, orange, and black/white/silver combinations can all be effective.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
Fishing has been great.
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 LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is fairly slow right now.
The trout bite is very good up around Stewart Fort.
The trout are keying on drifting worms right below the surface.
Kokanee are around 40-60 feet deep, but they are very small.
Trout are running along the shore line within the top 20 feet and have been seen anywhere from 12 inches, to 15 inches.
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service
 
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at (email) outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and (website) www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 4, 2012.
Water is dropping daily. Currently, Water is at 450 CFS by July 31, 2012
We are fishing the Trinity River for Chinook King Salmon.
Salmon fishing is fair due to the dropping water. The river is very low. 
Due to low water flows, we are moving to Sacramento River for salmon fishing. Please call ahead.  
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions are good for boating or wading with great reports on the river.
Reports of big trout, medium steelhead, and “Big ‘ol King Salmon” are the main topic of chatter.
Flows are expected to decrease within the next month. Flows of the river are at a comfortable 450 CFS.
A boat can place you on some of the flat stretches between Lewiston and Pigeon Point were big brown trout can be found!
Schools of Salmon have been spotted at Willow Creek and Burnt Ranch.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: The winner of our July 28th thru August 5th fishing derby is 12 year old Harley Spangnolo. Harley is from Northridge, Calif., and she caught a 2 pound, 3 ounce rainbow trout using rainbow glitter Power bait. Harley was fishing on shore off the break water. Her prize is $150.00 in cash.
Alpers stocked the upper twin lake on 7/23 with 3 pound brown trout,  25 in all.  They again stocked last week.
DFG continues to stock weekly with 900 pounds, mostly rainbow trout.
Limits are being caught early morning and late afternoon.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (Email vir@qnet.com) report:
Another week of great weather with breezy afternoons to pick up the 
catching. Alpers hit the lakes Thursday and then another load of trout from DFG on Monday. Fishing has been great. It did slow up a bit due to the heat, and Saturday brought in a deluge of thunder and lightning washing a lot of food into all the water around north Mono County making it harder to entice the trout with your offerings.
Bait for the week: Crawlers, salmon eggs, power worms, and mouse-tails.
Lures for the week: Blue/silver Bouyants and lots of small silver and gold Kastmasters, and also small red/gold hot shots and mini jigs.
Flies for the week: Olive Twin lake Special, two fly rigs with bird's next and small WD40.
Dries working were small mosquitoes, grey hackle yellow and olive elk hair caddis, Cowdung and parachute adams.
Big fish for the week: 
Ryan Dietz age 12 of Running Springs, 2lb 3oz Alper on power bait, 7.30.12
Bryce Grant of Glendora, 2lb 1oz Alper on a crawler, Big Virginia, 7.30.12
D Balzano of Whittier, 2lb Alper on yellow power bait, 7.31.12 Big Virginia
Chuck Stevens of Long Beach, 2lb 6oz Alper on power bait, 8.3.12


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:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Current water flow is 188 CFS.  The Trico hatch has slowed. 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.


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River water conditions:   Good. Flows variable on a daily basis – 154 CFS as of 8/2.
Water temps in the high 60's, so fish early as not to stress out the fish in the warmer water.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Fishing mostly big hopper and attractor flies on the far banks and in the fast water early in the morning til about 10.
Not really worth fishing mid-day right now.
Caddis and some BWO patterns in the late afternoons until dark.

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.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Afternoon water temperatures are in the mid 70’s, which combined with lots of algae and dropping levels, have trout headed to deeper cooler water. 
However, fishing here has been relatively good compared to most other lakes for trout. 
Trout fishing is fair to good for 12 to 15-inch  fish, with  a few pushing 20 inches, wiper fishing is fair and fishing for bass is good.  
Trollers are having their best luck using downriggers to get the presentation down around 15 to 20 feet using cowbells tipped with worms and having fair to good luck for trout at the south end of the lake.
For trout, dark panther martins with gold spoons are also working. 
Wipers are still being caught at the south end of the lake using minnow imitations, such as crankbaits or rapalas and some wipers are showing up near the mouth of the canyon. 
Light colors or perch imitators seem to be the best.
The island at the state park boat ramp is barely covered with water, though it will probably start appearing sometime this weekend, while prop rock is already showing, so please be careful. 
With the warm surface water temperatures anglers should fish very early morning for trout. 
Fly rodders should be using mayfly imitators, damsel fly nymphs, leech patterns and chironomids first thing in the morning.  Otherwise fly fishing is difficult because it is hard to get your presentation down to where the fish are during the day. 
The rock face south of the state park boat ramp and the beach just north of the boat ramp are producing a few trout and an occasional wiper for anglers. Bass anglers are having good luck with soft plastics fished drop shot style or crank baits, both fished off of points and structure

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Very little change here as the water level continues to drop and this water is only about one third full due to irrigation down-stream.
There is concern that the stocking of bass and crappie that has taken place over the past few years may be for naught if the lake drops too far. 
Fishing is fair for catfish in the 12 to 16 inch class and fair to good for bass and crappie, though most bass and crappie are a little small to keep. 
In spite of the lowering water conditions, biologists are still  asking anglers to continue to release any bass or crappie they may catch in the hopes that they will survive the winter. 
Surface water temperatures are rising quickly and the water is becoming turbid.  If water conditions don’t get too bad this summer, next summer should start to produce keeper sized bass and crappie for anglers.
Most of the catfish appear to be taken between dusk and dawn using nightcrawlers, shrimp or stinkbaits.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is dropping and is around five to six feet below capacity. 
Except in the shallows, weed and algae growth are minimal and water clarity is good. With water going out of the dam, trout are holding on the north shore in the canyon by the dam enjoying the current created by the outflow. 
Anglers will probably have their best luck early morning and late evening.
The bass bite is on and anglers are reporting good luck using soft plastic baits as well as crank baits.
Like the other Elko Co. reservoirs, damsels are everywhere, so fly rodders should start with those. 
Larger presentations have been working so try natural baits (worms/Power Bait), spinners and large natural colored flies like wooly buggers, damsel fly nymphs and leech patterns. Blue copper Johns appear to be the best nymph lately though the usual assortment of smaller nymph patterns, like those recommended for South Fork, should be tried as well.

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