Weekend Fishing Report

By Don Quilici
Here's the fishing report for the week of Aug. 24-31. The report covers lakes, rivers and streams in Nevada, Northern California, the Sierra and Southern Oregon.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
This will be a great fall to fish Dobe. Lots of water means lots of food and the wild browns are fat and happy here. The Drifters guide staff all agree that the fish have a larger average this year as well as the numbers being up. 
This is one of the best places to sight cast to rising browns on a private piece of water in the Sierra. We use our drift boats to cover the water efficiently and in comfort. Click here for booking info.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Are you ready for some fishing?
Water Clarity is excellent, and has improved to 15 feet.
Lake levels at 4492.07 still very full, but creeping down.
While surface temps continue to build, 72.5 degrees, they are still below average for this time of year.
Surface temps really depend on how far below the surface your sensor is.
Afternoon winds have been a non-factor this week, so the heat is holding.
The thermocline looks like it starts at about 22 ft. down to 50 ft.
The hot bite has been early, show up late and it’s just the semi Luke warm bite. That last full moon phase changed up the feeding cycles, which should be back on track in a couple more days. With the full moon, the early bite has been best this past entire week.
The best fish sizes, and most hits, came from 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., and after 10 a.m. it slowed down. Full moon feeding opportunities ran into the early morning so the fish were done feeding earlier.
Lots of boats trolling the Big Springs area the past few days, lots of fishing, just not a lot of catching.
The best bite has been the east shore from the Snag to the Dorado, in close or way out, just keep your stuff deep.
Flashers and dodgers are helpful, but even Speedy shiners are doing about the same amount of catching.
Late afternoons and into evening bring out the bait fishermen, and places like Rec. 1, and 2, the Foxfarm, Big Springs, the cove in the back, and the A-frame are still attracting fish and the people that want them.
Crickets and mealworms suspended off the bottom is the best producing presentation for the last two weeks.
Strike Master dodgers and large crawlers have been whacking fish trolled deep, 40 to 55 feet and running slow, 1.5 mph using the a-tractor trailer rig.
Wake and ski boat traffic has slowed down by 70%, most kids are back in school, vacations have finished, returning the lake back to the anglers.
Yesterday there were fishing boats moving with the precision of an organized naval exercise, on line and all turning together.
Lake Almanor got over 200 K fish planted this season, and there are a couple of unconfirmed rumors, from a knowledgeable source, that a additional 100,000 Browns were dumped in last week! Good luck!
— Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures

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

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: Once again, proved wrong! Last weekend didn’t seem to be the last hoorah, cuz this past weekend there was an even bigger hoorah at the Lake – THANK YOU AGAIN and THANKS TO OUR GREAT EMPLOYEES!
The weather was once again perfect! Not sure what’s in-store for us this coming weekend – might be a little moisture till the weekend – then a bit warmer for the weekend – no color showing yet – not even our lonely little Aspen that turns before anything else is showing color. Have no fear we will keep you informed about the color.  
Just about any way you wanted to fish was working and is still working.
At the Inlets, nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Power Worms were bringing in the limits. For those that like to keep on the move flashers and a nightcrawler, or just a Woolly Bugger or just a nightcrawler worked.
Shore fishing with Power Bait, Salmon eggs or nightcrawlers had anglers hopping and drifting about the rock piles with nightcrawlers or Power Bait was bringing in dinner. If you’re not sure how – come on in and ask!
 
Steve, Alex, and Jeremy Guerrero from Placentia along with Adam and Austin Ramsey from Norco caught their trout dinner using Power Bait, nightcrawlers and Trout Traps.
Now the story they tell is they ‘caught limits because of the pie’.
And speaking of pie, the berries from Oregon arrive on Friday – so we’ll be having Marion Blackberry Pie, Logenberry Pie, Boysenberry Pie, RaspBerry Pie, Blueberry Pie and Strawberry – Rhubarb Pie along with Apple Pie, Cherry Pie and Peach Pie – all can be topped with Homemade Vanilla Ice  Cream.  Mouth watering yet????
All the campgrounds in the Bishop Creek Canyon are still open. The only campground to take reservations is Four Jeffery (www.reserveamerica.com and enter Four Jeffrey) all others are first come first serve. There is a full hook-up campground also on the South Lake road, Creekside RV Park.
Take it easy on all the mountain roads, the deer are out in the mornings and evenings and there’s lots of hikers out there – can’t stress this enough!
As I said earlier, a bit warmer this coming week – highs in the mid-70s with lows in the high-40s – doesn’t get better than that! 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.
REMEMBER THAT JACKET – IT TENDS TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 DEGREES COOLER AT THE LAKE.
Now I don’t want to jinx anything, but the skeeter population seems to be diminishing – you can still get into some good pockets of the little critters, but they’re nothing like they were - but still remember when applying bug juice, sunscreen, SANITIZER or any other FU-FU juice, WASH YOUR HANDS! The juice you apply will taint your tackle and bait. You know it tastes yucky, the fish think it tastes yucky, too, although have you ever tasted Power Bait or Worms – to each their own.
We’ve still making HOMEMADE vanilla ice-cream to go with our HOMEMADE pie – we also have sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa during our regular store hours!
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: The lake got hit hard by the summer crowd the weekend of the 14th which made fishing Monday, Tuesday of this week pretty slow compared to the last few weeks. Then the DFG came to rescue with not one, but two stockings in the later half of the week which set the bite back on fire in a big way.
By Friday when the 2nd stocking arrived the fish from Wednesday plant had rolled around to the Rock Slide which pretty much looked like an aquarium with the fish schooled up heavily there.
All three inlets are again holding fish but the Gilbert Glacier inlet is no doubt the best as of right now. Some bruisers were sighted back there but as of this week the big fish are still either not biting or breaking off folks with their drags set too tight.
Keep those drags loose folks, that's the best way to land the big one.
The Rock Slide has a whole bunch of stocker rainbows stacked up on it right now and with the big white boulders now fully submerged, you can see every fish as it swims by - pretty cool stuff.
The dam is also holding a lot of fish but the bite has slowed a bit here now that anglers can fish right off the dam.
A lot of folks out there trolling this week but not very many reports of great success from them.
The folks doing best are either soaking Power Bait or crawlers at the inlets or throwing plastics. Grasshopper mini-jigs, pink mini-jigs, and pink or orange plastic trout worms hare still producing a ton of fish.
When the bite gets tough folks putting on a mealworm or piece of a nightcrawler are still doing good.
SCE has increased creek flows in the South Fork Bishop Creek and they are holding South Lake at just a few inches below the point of spill.
We're not quite sure if they're going to let the lake spill or not but either way, the lake is just about as full as it ever gets and the views are spectacular!
And remember folks, late next week will bring us the highly anticipated arrival of the second half of the Alpers Trophy Trout courtesy of Southern California Edison so the lunkers should be a-plenty for at least a few weeks after that stocking.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Flows have increased quite a bit this last week with South Lake near capacity. This is making some of the holes a little harder to fish than they've been for the last month or so.
Still, plenty of fishable water out there and with a lot of kids going back to school next week, crowds are really going to lighten up. Crickets and worms reported to be doing very well in the stretch of creek below the Weir Pond, both Rainbows and some decent Browns to 11" reported.
Weir Pond: Plenty of fly fishers out there casting dries, Nymphs and streamers and all of them doing pretty well from what the customers are saying.
North Lake: Excellent bite on stocker rainbows for the bait dunkers. The popular flavors like Garlic, Salmon Peach and Chunky cheese doing well.
Thomas Bouyants and Kastmasters also picking off some good fish.
Fly fishers are doing well on just about every color of Woolly Bugger.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir is still producing lots of really nice fish these days.
There's been some action up in the inlet channels but it seems that the best action is still out in the middle.
The fish still seem to be moving around a bit due to the water temperatures remaining moderate (at least compared to the norm for this time of year). There's been a fair number of 3 to 4 pound fish being caught though most are in the 1 to 2 pound range.
Bait fishing and trolling seem to be the best way to go lately.
I haven't heard much about fly fishing lately though it seems like the Midges aren't hatching out in the numbers they usually do this time of year.
The best baits have been crawlers and Power Bait or Gulp Eggs.
For trolling you can go with small Rapalas, excel lures, Thomas Bouyants and Needlefish.
 
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Water temps warming up now.
Fishing Conditions: Good to Excellent but mostly smaller fish.
A monster once in a while if you are patient.
Fish all of the inlets and outlets for best results.
This time of year bigger is generally better.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Carson River: Flows are down to 225 CFS. The flows have not dropped too much over the past week. As they start to stabilize the fishing should only get better.
The flows are perfect and the fishing has been awesome.
They have stocked the upper section and they have really spread out. Some fish up to 18 inches or better. There are plenty of wild fish as well.
The water is really getting clear and a stealthy approach is a must going forward. Fishing techniques mirror that of the East Walker except for there is better dry fly fishing in the evenings. Parachute Adams, Light Cahill’s and Elk Hair Caddis are a good way to go in the evenings.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
With the mainstem closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers will find good cutthroat fishing on any of the tributaries entering into the Chetco. 
The South Fork Chetco has some of the best public access and is in a very remote setting.

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.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Clear water everywhere. Lake is still as full as it gets.
North end is crystal clear beyond the weeds last 250 yards to the mouth.
Water temps in channels like 53F and 70F on top so mucho flow down deep. Find the channel, find the fish looking for food served up by flowing stream sub-surface.
Massive weed beds will come to the surface soon.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent if big fish do it for you! The big fish are spread out from the mouth of McGee out to 20 ft of water all along the old channel and big Browns off the channel cruising the massive weed beds looking for fry.
Midging is slow-steady from early to about noon.
If you aren't taking in the grandeur of the Sierra when your indicator goes under every 10-20 mins, you will come home with some 20+ inch fish. If not there when the grab comes, maybe none.
Yearly DFG planting has started and tons of dinks are starting to show up in Little Hilton. Get the kids out there for grab-a-minute action. A big fish here and there.
North end has a bunch of recent stockers that came to visit from the Owens. Some big fish show up occasionally.
Stripping fry patterns is working everywhere.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Crowley Lake
Fishing on the lake is definitely on the upswing. We have been doing well in McGee Bay in 15-16 feet of water with Stevie's Wonder gray/black.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lake is very warm and fishing is slow.
Fish are holding in 8-15ft of water with some action very early in the day and after dark.
— Courtesy of Fly Fish with Don

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
It is really warm at Davis. The lake is pretty shallow even with it being a little higher this year.
Mornings and evenings are really the only time to fish it right now.
Fish are scattered and can be found in a variety of places. They will not stay in the shallows too long in the mornings.
Fishing faster sinking lines in 8-15 feet of water with a Wooly Bugger and a Snail dropper is a good way to start.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Early morning and evening hours are still optimum for the best success. Spinners and lures along with traditional baits like night crawlers, Power Bait or mini marshmallows are all working well.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow trout are still being found in the deep water along the dam. Power Baits and a few night crawlers are the angler's choice. Largemouth bass and crappie are still being caught but are beginning to slow.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon fishing on the Feather has been okay lately, with the majority of fish being caught by anchored vessels just down from the mouth of the Feather, tight to the docks at Verona Marina or up above the falls in Yuba City.
The biggest concentration of fish is holding below the mouth of the Yuba, but there’s quite a bit of angling pressure there and not that many spots to fish, so the action has been sporadic for anglers anchoring up in travel lanes or slow-trolling (upstream) Flatfish.
There are salmon moving through the Oroville Wildlife Area as well, but with water temps as warm as 74 degrees, they are not biting…instead struggling to survive!
— Courtesy of Fishing With JD

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Lake has been full this year and the fishing has been good all summer long. Best places to fish are Lunker’s Point, Crystal Point, and Nightcrawler Bay.
Reports of catching Brown trout in Little Last Chance Creek and near Spring Creek Campground.
Early morning still is the best time to fish. If fishing midday, just fish a little deeper than normal.
Shore fishing near the dam has been slow, but if you walk around to the left or the right of the dam, fishermen have been doing well.
Nightcrawlers seem to be doing well, with marshmallows or salmon eggs. Power Bait has been doing okay; colors used are Chartreuse, Rainbow, Sherbet, and Garlic.
Trolling has been good near Big Cove and the east side of the lake, north and south.
Flies being used have been Elk Caddis (olive, yellow, and tan), GB Copper John’s (12), Woolly Bugger (olive or brown), Humpies (yellow and royal), Pheasant Tail, and Crystal Bugger Copper/Brown.
Lures being used include Lil’ Jake Stream-a-Lure (gold with red dots) and Dick Nite Copper Red Head.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Frenchman’s is a much deeper lake than Davis. The water stays a little cooler especially with a little wind to break up the surface temps.
The fly fishing has been really good for the past three weeks or so.
In the mornings fish can be found cruising the shallows searching for Damsels, Callabaetis and Midges. You can even fish to them from the shore.
As the morning wears on they move out into the channels and drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. Stripping snails and Damsels with a sink tip or a type two sinking line has been really effective.
If there is a little chop on the water hanging some nymphs under an indicator about 8-10 feet down is also working well.
The fish in Frenchman’s are really healthy and strong for their size. Most of the fish are in the 13-16 inch range but fight like a fish that is 16-20 inches.

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 36 CFS. Our clients have been doing well Nymphing with FB Pheasant Tails, gray WD-40's, Caddis larva and olive Scuds. Caddis activity is picking up. The lower flows have not hurt the bite.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Grasshoppers in the afternoon rock. Fish small Mayfly and Midge adults for the morning hatches. 
Weeds are an issue now, you gotta stay in the wider channels and shorten the drifts, lengthen the leaders. 
Water conditions remain great for this time of year and will be good throughout September for sure. 
Pretty fun watching the rascals zoom out from under the weeds to whack a large hopper on the top! This is one time where a splashy presentation does not reduce your chances for a grab. 
Keep the drag off your drifts & as little fly line on the water as possible on Hot Creek or you ain’t getting any love friends.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Flows at 54 CFS as of 8/18.
Fishing Conditions: Great. Tricos early in the morning, til about 10am. Caddis Emergers til noon. Hoppers in the afternoon.

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

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant – Gull – June – Silver Lakes and Rush Creek: Rush Creek flow is 90 CFS. The flow continues to lower and fishing is improving. Try Grant Lake near the Rush Creek inlet with Doc's Twin Lake Special, olive Matukas and olive or black Zonkers.



KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Kirman is still doing okay but not what I would call red hot.
Most anglers are getting into at least a few fish for a half day of fishing and the fish are really nice.
The best producers have been Stillwater Nymphs, Seal Buggers, soft hackles, Scud and AP Emergers.
For lures you can go with a small Rapala, Thomas Bouyant or Roostertail.
 
KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are warm near Iron Gate, pushing fish downstream, about 100 miles at least! Flows are 1,050 cfs out of Iron Gate Dam. Expect bigger, faster water down river as accumulated water from feeder streams, still brimming with snow melt, contribute cold, clear water to the Klamath.
The Salmon fishing below the Klamath's largest tributary, Blue Creek, has been fair. Expect a few 1/2 pound steelhead and Jack Salmon.
Look for the fishing to get better as we close in on the end of summer.

LASSEN MEADOW RANCH, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
We are now taking bookings for Lassen Meadows for the fall season.
The Ranch will officially re-open for the fall in September and should fish really well until at least the middle of October.

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Cut anchovies have been catching striped bass along Casino Row and south past the Big Bend of the River State Park.
Swimbaits, crank baits and cut anchovies are catching the fish.
For smallies, work the rocky points and riprap shorelines.

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: Best fishing at Lake Mary along the west side.
Black or purple crystal buggers on full sink lines with a slow retrieve the most successful technique recently.
Twin Lakes is also picking up. Try a California mosquito with a size 20 black/silver Zebra Midge as a dropper.

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: Great.
Fishing conditions: Great. Stripping streamers working best with a Nymph trailer.
Try fishing some stimulators and callibaetis dries at the inlets, you're almost always going to see rising fish there now.

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Good reports from Twin Lake Mammoth. Still water nymphing with tigers or zebras and callibaetis patterns working very well near the falls.
Silver has also been hot using the still water nymphing technique near the inlet and along the drop-offs. 
Frank and Eric Carlsen (veteran drifters) told me they out fished the “darkside” 10-1 recently. Zebras whacked them here.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding shad throughout the lake, but the action for striped bass has slowed. This may be due to the abundant food source.
Stripers are boiling so anglers are fishing for the top-water bite, though some boaters are finding success trolling with shad imitations.
The shad have moved off shore, so anglers working from the bank are having a tough time finding stripers.
The water elevation has come up another foot in the past week to 1,110 as of Sunday. Rising water means more cover for largemouth bass and new places to find fish.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery plants rainbow trout at Willow Beach each Friday.
Fluorocarbon leaders will give anglers an edge in the clear water.
Salmon eggs, Power Bait and variety of spinners or lures will catch the fish. The list of productive hardware includes Panther Martin, Mepps, Roostertail, Super Duper and the Little Jake.
Early morning and late afternoon hours generally are most productive.
For large stripers, work the river south of Willow Beach to Monkey Hole with trout imitations. Think hatchery-size trout and you should be in the right size range.
Further south, look for catfish and panfish in the shallow coves and bays.
For whisker fish, go with stink baits, nightcrawlers, and shrimp or hot dog chunks. Fish them on the bottom.
Panfish will hit very small lures, meal worms or little red worms.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational ocean Chinook fishing is open.
This last week in the Coos Bay area anglers were fishing in 40 feet down in 400 feet of water to catch Chinook.
Single point, barbless hooks must be used in this fishery.
The selective ocean Coho fishery closed on August 13.
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 20 fathoms in order to reduce catch and release mortality on yelloweye rockfish.
Anglers are reporting good catches of bottomfish when weather is favorable.
However, anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain cabezon because the quota of 15.8 metric tons will have been met.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 152 CFS. Elk hair Caddis or stimulators on the surface. Caddis pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and WD-40's under the surface.
Cover lots of water and keep moving as the fish are scattered.
Make sure you have your bug repellent.
Fishing has been better below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 403 CFS. No change here. Flows are up and fishing is still tough. Little yellow stones, Z-Caddis, Prince Nymphs and WD-40's. 


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions: Great. As of 8/18 flows are at 146 CFS above the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing Conditions: Great. Flows are up as they are diverting water from the Mono Basin south to Crowley.
BWO and Trico’s early, followed by Caddis and Baetis later. Fish dries in the riffles, and Nymphs near deep bank runs.
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: Excellent. Getting reports of stinging nettles. Wear pants! Take water along as it is very hot these days.
Lower Owens River water conditions: Good, Flows are at 407CFS as of Aug. 18.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows have been a little high but stable for the past 2 weeks.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF: 

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens: Excellent conditions currently. The section upstream from the Benton Bridge has some larger fish holding in the Long Years area and above the confluence of Hot Creek. 
Most are small wild fish here that are eager to hit BWO’s or Caddis and hopper patterns. 
The numbers (stockers) are to be found in the stretches below the campground and downstream from the bridge. Nymphing has been best here using PT’s, Tiger or Zebra Midges and SJ Worms.  We are still a ways off from the fall migration but it should be a good one this season.
Lower Owens River: Still tough to wade and cross in the wild trout section. The flows have been holding around the 400 CFS level for a prolonged period of time so the fish have had adequate time to adapt.
Early mornings are a must this time of year or then again in the late afternoons due to the heat. Caddis and PMD’s for your dries and Nymphs. # 16-18.
Once again, proper weighting is crucial for Nymphing.

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

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 nightcrawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water color is good and the fishing has been fair to good.
Expect to contend with higher, faster water.
Anglers fishing heavy SSG split shot under large indicators are doing best.
The fish are starting to approve of the Isonychia Nymph, a dark Nymph about a # 10 that hatches at night, long after legal trout fishing ends. So, the rainbows will still key on imitations during the day!
Best flies are going to be # 6-8 Pat's brown rubber legs, # 10-12 black A.P.s, # 12-16 Prince Nymphs.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Closed to cutthroat trout fishing from through September 30.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
SALMON GO RED HOT AT HAMILTON CITY!!
The big news here is the salmon bite went koo-koo on Saturday near Hamilton City and everybody limited.
In fact boats had as many as 11 apiece!
Dragging, back-bouncing and running plugs: it didn’t seem to matter.
Now, it appears that this school is moving fast as it was providing the boys down at Colusa some good action shortly before, so this could peter out as the fish move on towards the Barge Hole. Or, they may hang around for awhile…we’ll know more in the next few days!

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
River flows are currently 11,250 cfs.
The fly fishing on the Sac continues to be good. Sometimes fair.
Expect the conditions and the fishing to stay reliably "good”, at the very least, through September!
Water conditions are just right, green in color and about 10 feet of visibility.
Everybody seems to be getting into rainbows. Better anglers will get better results. For now, the Lower Sacramento offers nothing less than a productive experience. Anglers with a good hook-set are doing best! Expect rainbow trout in the 16" range and a few smaller. Bigger rainbows going 20"-25" are in the mix for some anglers. You have to fish the Sac to have a chance at one or two! They fight hard!
Dry fly fishing using Cutter's E/C Caddis can happen in the early evening!
See the dry fly list to the right for the hot top water patterns at sunset!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Current river flows near Lake Shasta are 357 cfs. At those flows, river conditions are excellent!
The fishing continues to be best in the morning through early afternoon and later near sunset.
Water conditions are unusually cold (and clear) in the lower river thanks to continued snow melt!
Look for rising rainbow trout in the tail outs of select runs around 10:00 AM. # 16 Elk Hair Caddis can be, should be a good fly for tail out risers! Try a Dave's hopper and a # 18 red Copper John. The hopper-dropper fly rig has been working well in the shallow, slower sections in between deep pools and swift water! The Nymphing is good as always. Fishing Nymphs like # 16-18 Gordon's Amber Wing Prince, Fox's Black Micro Poopah, # 18-20 Zebra Midge, # 8 Brown Rubber Legs, # 16 Brown Micro Mayfly, and Burk's # 8-14 Bottom Rollers should get you into fish.
This river is a great choice and should continue to produce good reports through September!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SALMON LAKE (LOWER), CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

SAN JOAQUIN, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Flows are down to reasonable levels, and the waters starting to warm.
Be careful, there are still a lot of places that aren't wadable.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Fishing is great in the morning, til about noon. Things pick back up in the evening til dark. Serious dry action at dusk. Mostly Mayflies.

SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The San Joaquin River is dropping and fishing is getting better. 
My favorite rig here is an orange stimulator with a bead head Pheasant Tail dropper. Fishing is still good at Sotcher Lake with olive Matukas and olive or black Twin Lakes Specials.


SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Beautiful down here this time of year. The wild flowers are really stunning. 
Still running high but very fishable with increasing opportunities to hit the tailouts and slower riffle water. 
September should be amazing for dry fly if the weather holds.
Dry/ dropper bead head combos work great near the campgrounds, while I suggest you fish Caddis or Mayfly patterns # 14-16 for the wild trout that smack them immediately after a well laid out cast. Terrestrials like ants, beetles, and grasshoppers also get aggressive takes here.
The drift boat sections have picked up nicely since the debris and weed issue has diminished. The bite can slow mid-day during the summer, however we are just beginning to start drifting and the runs are all fresh with water that has not been hit for almost two months. The higher flows once stabilized are not an issue for drifting this time of year as the water is warm and the fish will charge out of the holes and undercuts to grab a streamer pattern. 
Loebergs, Punk Perch, and crystal Vanderleeches are good choices. 
The Drifters guides bring along 4 wts. with floating lines in the event we get a shot at some afternoon Caddis or morning Mayfly emergences. Nymphing from the drift boats with high water is not as productive as the "dip & strip" technique we perfected utilizing streamers and heavy sinking tip lines. 
We will have access to ALL 20 miles of river this fall/winter due to above average release rates and I am looking forward to a very productive fall and winter season. Hope you can drift with us soon.
 
SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

SMITH CREEK RANCH, LANDER COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Smith Creek will also re-open for the fall season in September. There was a ton of water in the Desatoya’s this year and this fall should be awesome. There will be plenty of cool water for the fish.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing for stripers in the tidewater area is fair.
The Smith is now open for trout from May 28 through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

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

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
Gene is gone with his son Eric on his annual backpack trip into the back country of the High Sierra Mountains near Mt. Whitney.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Bob McCulloch of Carson City reported that he and his grandchildren trolled there last week and did not catch any fish.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Keep this in mind: Flows on the Trinity will increase! The Bureau of Reclamation will provide high flow releases out of Lewiston dam for the Hoopa tribe and the ceremonial navigation of the Trinity River by tribal members in hand made dug-out canoes.
Starting August 28th, flows will increase, topping out at 2,650 CFS! Flows of 450 CFSwill return September 1st.
Will this high water event bring in steelhead? Today, releases out of Lewiston Dam are 450 CFS, affording reasonable wade appropriate conditions, however, good judgement is required for a safe experience.
The salmon fishing has been good!
Fly Shop guide Ross Wilkerson has been fishing on the Trinity and getting into some of the big Kings around Lewiston. They are very big fish on a fly rod! We recommend a day on the Trinity River with Ross in order to best experience this unique fly fishing episode that is part of the summer season on the Trinity. Fly fishing for rainbows and browns can be great in the mornings and late afternoons in the "fly only" stretch of the Trinity from Lewiston Dam down to the "Old Bridge", Lewiston , CA.
Anglers can find fish suspending Nymphs under indicators, or occasionally connecting to rising fish in the tail-outs and smooth water in between riffles and runs by swinging Nymphs or drifting dries.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop
 
TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The Truckee is in great shape from Lake Tahoe all the way through Reno. Flows have stabilized and the fishing overall has been fantastic.
California: The Water master has turned down the flows out of Boca, Donner and Prosser Reservoirs and more water is coming out of Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is the only Reservoir out of the 4 that the water comes off the top. What this means is the water in the Truckee is warmer overall. This enhances the need to fish in the mornings and evenings.
Dead Drifting Crawfish patterns and golden Stoneflies with a smaller dropper like a Caddis or a Little Yellow Stone for Nymphing is a good way to go. Use enough weight to get your flies down to the fish. You should start to see some fish in faster water where there is more oxygen. There are still some Caddis and Little Yellow Stones hatching in the evenings as well.
Nevada: The flows are about normal for this time of year.
NDOW is stocking all the parks every two weeks or so and the fishing has been great. There have been some big wild Browns and Rainbows caught along with the thousands of planted Rainbows over the past few weeks. Nymphing in the mornings before the tubers get going has been working well. Try a smaller Stonefly with a Prince Nymph dropper.
There have been some sporadic Caddis hatches in the evenings but it is very short right at dark.
Flows on the Truckee:
Truckee 273 CFS,
Boca Bridge 552 CFS,
Farad 613 CFS,
Mogul 460 CFS,
Reno 509 CFS.

TWIN LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake – Lower Twin Lake – Robinson Creek: The Twins are producing lots of decent fish on bait and trolling. Power Bait and crawlers are good as well as trolling blades/crawlers or small Rapalas.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are fishing great these days as well. The usual suspects for flies, bait and lures will all produce. These include Seal Buggers, soft hackles, beetles, ants and Matukas for flies, Power Bait, crawlers and Gulp Eggs for bait and Kastmasters and Hot Shots for lures.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Virginia Lakes is awesome this time of year and is enjoying a consistent bite recently. Streamers will get you a shot at the larger fish and still water Nymphing will put you in the numbers. The Copper Tigers and Emergers work better here for Nymphing.
 
WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season.
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:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River: Flows are currently at 379 CFS. This has been changing a bunch over the past few weeks mostly due to irrigation. The flows can be very inconsistent in the summer for that reason.
The fishing has been pretty good however.
Tossing around a big ugly dry fly in the slower water and seems of the main current is a hoot this time of year. You can either do it with a dropper or just a dry. Stoneflies and Hoppers are the best bet. Nymphing with Caddis and Midges is a nice way to follow it up.
At 373 there are not too many places to cross and it can look very inviting to do so. Be careful trying to cross. As long as the flows stay in the 350 area the water should stay cool enough to fish all day.

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 has been fluctuating up and down a little bit this past week, but not enough to slow down the fishing at all. The temps are good and the flows have been in the 290 to 350cfs range for the most part.
Caddis Nymphs and small Midges have been the best producers, but we have had a few good reports on streamers and dries.
The dry action is typically taking place early in the morning with Trico's or in the evening with small Caddis dries.
The streamer action has been late in the evening with Zuddlers or double bunnies or sometimes during the day with dead-drift crawfish.
For Caddis Nymphs you can use Buckskin Caddis, Fox's Poopah, Weirs Caddis, Swimming Caddis and for Midges you can go with any number of small Midges including rainbow warriors, GT Emergers, Ice Nymphs, silver streak, WD-40, Disco Midge, Copper John and Flashback Emergers.
We've also had some really good reports from the Rosachi section in Nevada, Stonefly Nymphs and dry/dropper rigs have been very successful as well as most of the patterns that have been good on the Cali side.
West Walker River: The West is also fishing very well with the lower flows we're having up there. Panther Martins and Roostertails, crawlers and eggs are all doing well. Also dry/dropper rigs for fly anglers or straight Nymphing.
Sceirine Ranch: The Sceirine has been fishing very well also, there's lots of 20+ inch fish being caught down there each day. Stones, Birds Nests, PT's and the like have been good, as well as dry/dropper rigs with a big chubby Chernobyl or Madam-X on top and a Nymph on the dropper.
Hunewill Pond: We haven't had any reports from the pond this week, will pass on info as we get it in.
 
WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River: The EW is pretty fun right now despite above average flows.
This river can fish well even up to 400 CFS if you use enough weight this time of year. 
Example: I had high confidence that a number of fish were holding in a 30 foot section in a popular stretch of the Miracle Mile. A handful of well-placed casts and drifts from my client Jim Chase got NO LOVE. I added additional weight, lengthened the depth below the Under-cator and we went back to work. First drift with the additional weight-bendo!  Same flies, same drift, more weight did the trick.
Seeing some good opportunities to fish small Mayfly and Para-Midge patterns in the foam as well. 
The finicky finned veterans of the EW will hit those small dries if you can handle fishing the tiny adults in the soft water eddies along the shoreline. 
Use a larger high-vis Mayfly pattern 2-3 feet above your point fly to help you locate position and assist with mending. 
Afternoon Caddis always fun after the sun goes behind the hills. 
Good reports from several clients fishing the sundowner recently.
PT’s and broken back Midges in the # 16-20 range are good choices for Nymphing with, or without an Under-cator. 
Copper and dark zebra broken backs are truly deadly here, you should try them. Grasshoppers are abundant as well, so when the flows drop some use a hopper & a bead head dropper to cover both layers of the water column.
Some sections have significant weed along the bottom and it can be frustrating to keep your flies clean. 
Don’t get complacent and not clean/check them between presentations.
 
WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  Good. Flows at 340 CFS as of 8/18.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows pretty stable in the mid 300s

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Most recent flow 309 CFS. The river has been up and down this last week but fishing well.
Try red or black Midge pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and Prince Nymphs.