Don Q's Northern California and Sierra fishing report for Sept. 19-25

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of September 19-25.

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

Now the dark moon phase is driving fish deeper with morning bite and into late afternoon. Smoke has cleared and left with “high-mountain clean”. More reports of kings and rainbows than brown trout. Hamilton Branch and Big Springs are getting the best reports for places to be fishing. Clarity is at 10 feet and surface temperatures are resting at 68.5 degrees. 

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. And, watch out for photographers: They may be lurking around the next corner on the road.
And the color is on! – Lots of color showing around the Lake this week – there’s orange by Sabrina Camp and we understand the yellows in the South Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon have started there, too!
You couldn’t have asked for a better week – nice temps in the mid 70s, cool breezes and the views – ahhhhhhhh!
The Lake is going down – Southern California Edison is taking us down to empty once again – a bit more dam work on the outflow structure – the front part of the Lake is scheduled to be empty by November 1, 2012.
Now that doesn’t mean you can’t come up and fish – the season closes November 15th – you’ll just have a bit of a hike ahead of you – but the fishing will be awesome – with all those fish concentrated in the two natural lakes. We’ll be going to our Fall hours this Monday – Sept 17th – the Café will be open this week and then close Monday thru Thursday starting Sept 24th – and will be opened Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing, this week started on the slow side, but by Saturday the catching had picked up. As the Lake is going down, when fishing the Inlets, you need to stay out a bit as the water is very shallow close in – Nightcrawlers, Power Bait and jigs are working near the Inlets.
Trolling the shoreline with Thomas Buoyants, Nightcrawlers or flasher and a Nightcrawler – but remember to WATCH FOR ROCKS with the Lake being so low. Drifting the rockpiles with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
If you’re fishing the shore, use Salmon Eggs, Nightcrawler of Power Bait.
We got a bunch of fish on Thursday from the DFG.
Frazier Park resident, Justen Peltier, picked up a nice 2-3/4 pound Alper using a Red & Gold Thomas Buoyant.
New "Feed our Fish" Program Puts Lunkers in Lakes!
A few months back, the Bishop Chamber launched the new "Feed our Fish" program and it's going remarkably well! The concept is straightforward - we've asked people who believe that trout fishing is important to contribute funds that we use to purchase and plant Alpers Trout. 
 "We hope to keep the program going year-round, stocking Bishop Creek Canyon during the summer and Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Lower Owens River in the winter," explains Tawni Thomson.  "Of course, we'll need some more help from people that believe in the importance of fishing here in the Eastern Sierra and any contribution would be greatly appreciated."
If you would like to become a "Feed our Fish" sponsor - give Tawni a call at (760) 873-8405.
 September is the month of change - Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70’s with lows in the low 40s to high 30s. Don't forget to pack a jacket when you come to the lake. Please 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.
Haven’t heard the Campground schedule yet, but as soon as we do we’ll let you know!
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie and ice cream (until it’s gone), sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa! Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future.


BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: Incredible fall weather, some of the best we’ve seen in the last 7 seasons made for exceptional fishing conditions this week. On top of that, a 2,000 lb stocking of DFG rainbows to 14” and the biggest stocking of Alpers since July was the icing on the cake for fall anglers.
Big fish of the week was caught by Wes Wright o Fullerton, CA with a 4.37 lb 'bow caught trolling a mira shad.
Honorable mention goes to Tyler Smith of the Cast n' Blast club who won their unofficial derby with a solid 3 lb 3 oz toad that bested 45 anglers in the group's 25th trip to the Bishop Creek Canyon.
In total, their group bagged over a dozen Alpers in the 2 to 3lb range on weight-in day with 7 being caught and released prior to their event.
Thomas Bouyants, mini-jigs, trout worms and crickets were the secret to success for these avid anglers.
Fish have spread out since last week with folks scoring easy limits from the dam, rock slide, boiler cove and the island channel although the majority of the trophy fish are coming from the island channel near the buoys.
The trolling bite has definitely picked up with lots of biters for folks trolling various lures at 2 1/2 colors up tight to shore.
Although the lake level is still well below the bottom of the launch ramp, the lake level has remained relatively consistent over the past few weeks. Unless you plan on carrying your boat down to the water, launching your boat is a no-go at South Lake for the rest of the season.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Excellent fishing on the South Fork this week with limits common coming from a variety of spots including Parchers Hole, Willow Camp and Surveyors Meadow and below La Hup picnic area.
The folks fishing bait or a variety of artificial lures were happy this week on rainbows to 14”.
A single salmon egg with a split shot 12” above the hook was best for the bait guys and the holographic rainbow Panther Martin or the baby brown sierra slammer jigs were best for those preferring artificial presentations.
Weir Pond: The bite for fly fishers continues to be excellent with caddis patterns, bead-head nymphs and BWO’s producing best on a good mix of stocker Rainbows and wild Brookies and Browns.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir has still been producing some good fish though it's not automatic. We haven't heard much for good reports from the shore but the boat anglers are getting into some nice fish. Trolling with lead core and small Rapalas, Thomas Bouyants and needlefish has been a good technique, 
and for the bait anglers go with Gulp clusters, power bait and crawlers.
The perch are still pretty active on the troll and there was a 3 lb 8 oz fish caught this week, this fish was just 2 ounces short of a new state record!

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Water level down considerably and very warm. Weeds everywhere.
Water beginning to cool some.
Fishing Conditions: Decent hatches if you can find the fish.
Inlets are clogged with weeds and very difficult to fish stream channels.
Stay outside the weed lines by these cold water sources and you should do well. Probably better off stripping from the tube than midging right now.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Even though the mainstem is closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers can still fish the tributaries flowing into the Chetco River for some excellent cutthroat fishing.
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: Arthur Rodriguez from Victorville, CA caught a 4 lb. with Power Worm on the North Shore! Len Taylor from Canoga Park, CA caught a stringer of fish on the South Shore! Ryan Cavalli from Santa Barbara caught a 9 lb. 6 oz. stringer of fish with Garlic Power Bait on the North Shore. Michelle Kachelhoffer from Bakersfield, CA caught a 2 lb. 15 oz. with Thomas Buoyant Perch at the Inlet.
Best Location to Fish: The best locations to fish right now are the middle to east shore, 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, Thomas Buoyant Perch, Yellow Turbo Power Bait, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Roostertail, 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: 56 Degrees. 
Weather: Conditions are expected to continue to stay in the upper 70's over this weekend then dropping slightly to the mid to low 70's by the middle of the week. Expect temperatures to continue in the mid to low 70's with lows in the low 40's to high 30'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, Nightcrawlers and Power Worms
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods)  
Fall Happenings:
Derby News:  Ambush at the Lake- Fall Fishing Derby starting September 3 to November 15th, $6,000 in resort Prizes! We have 23 derby competitors so far and 18 fish entered into the drawing 14 inches are longer...the odds are looking pretty good! Fly Fishing Faire - September 13-16 - Is this weekend! 
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. 
Convict Lake will be stocked September 11th & 18th, October 9th & 25th with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:39 am - 6:44 am and Sunset 7:03 pm - 6:54 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: The lake continues to drop about 6 inches/day.
Water temps on the bottom are getting colder away from inlets making for good fishing over wider area.
The algae is getting thick on top and moving around with the wind.
Could be a problem with a week or so.
Fishing Conditions: Good. McGee has started to slow but steady with good number of legals available if you hang in there.
You must be in the cold stripe of water from the end of the channel on out to about 8 ft with most consistent grabs in about 4-5 ft.
The recent plants both Rainbows and Cutthroats have reached McGee which makes for lots of action but tests your reflexes as they grab and spit in about two nanoseconds. Larger fish are mixed in typically up to 19".
Get away from the dinks if you want bigger fish.
Strip just outside the channel early.
The north arm has a good number of fish along Green Banks and along Six Bays. Fishing from the shore in late afternoon has been good.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
Water Temp is 68 degrees.  Lake level is 70% full
Bank fishing in the AM Eagle Point / Camp 5 area; afternoon, Grasshopper, Coot Bay and Mallard.  Inflated nightcrawlers, Power bait in Rainbow, Chartreuse, or Sherbert.
Trolling in the AM about 15 feet going to about 24 feet in the afternoon, Wee Dick Night Copper Red Head has been working well.
Fly fishing: Jenkins going north and across the top to Mosquito, Ice Cream Cones, Damsels, Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail, Assorted Nymphs, Woollys in Olive, Rust, Black and Brown. 
Catfishing, at Camp 5 has been good.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Callabaetis and Midges are also hatching at Davis.
The fishing has been pretty good but not great.
Davis is shallower than Frenchman’s and it takes a little longer in the fall for water to cool. Fish are still being caught but they are in a little deeper water.
Woolly buggers and Leaches fished on a faster sinking line in 8-14 feet of water will work as well as Deep Line “DCA” rigs.
Coca Pods are still kind of unchecked at Davis and the fish have soars and scars on them for sure. Hopefully they will continue to clean up in the months to come.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fly fishermen doing well in the Jenkins Point area on live and cinnamon woolly buggers. Trollers were catching some quality fish on needlefish spoons at about 20 feet deep around the island. 

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout has been good, with most fish being taken with green Power Bait and nightcrawlers. 
A blue-green algae bloom has settled into the lake, but should dissipate when weather conditions cool down.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bass, crappie and rainbow trout are all hitting nightcrawlers. The worms have been a more productive option than commercially prepared baits.
Fly fishers have found success for rainbows while fishing the stream between Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The entire 9 miles above the confluence river has been fishing well this week. Anglers are finding a small dry fly window in the early AM hours, then nymphing on the swing or under indicators should conjure up more than a few rainbows through the rest of the day.
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. 

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River has dropped down to 5,000 CFS, and fishing has become fair.
Most reports concentrated just below the Outlet hole outside the restricted area using Blue Fox #5 spinners, and eggs.
Reports of bright Salmon are increasing around Shanghai Bend with trollers and jiggers as they move upstream for anglers fishing plug and roe. Steelhead reports near Low Flow section on dead-drifted nymphs under indicators, drifter nightcrawlers, and Glo-bugs. 

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
09/17/12
Nice sized fish are still being caught at Frenchman Lake. The evenings and early mornings are much cooler now and fishing has been very good.
20 inch rainbows are being caught near the dam using nightcrawlers and/or power bait (rainbow glitter and white glitter are working well).
The campgrounds will be open until October 15th, so come up to Frenchman and enjoy the lake when it’s not so crowded.
If you are not into fishing, Frenchman Lake is still a great place to hike, swim, or just come up for a picnic and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Our last few guide trips to Frenchman’s have been outstanding.
Lots of grabs, healthy fish and great weather have been the scene lately.
The fish are larger than they were in the spring and still full of energy.
Callabaetis and Midges are hatching daily and fish are being caught on a variety of techniques.
In the mornings when the wind is not blowing fish are taking Loco Ants and Parachute Adams on the surface.
Snail patterns fished with sink tip lines are always a good bet and Nymphs and Midges fished either “Floater No Cator” or “DCA” style are keeping anglers rods bent all day.
If you need to catch fish right now Frenchman’s is going to be hard to beat.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has also been great for people using blue or rainbow power bait. Trollers have been outscoring shore fishermen by wide margin.
Trollers running flasher/worm combos and needlefish 25-30 feet deep out from boat ramp. 

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been picking up, especially during mid day. After around 1:00 pm the fishing starts to slow down but expect the fishing to improve over the next few weeks.
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.
Bring any dry fly in # 19, cream colored.
Have a few # 18 Light Cahills on standby.
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. 

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 16 CFS as of 9/12.
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. Not much of a change here over last week except I found frost on my car this morning, so if you want to fish hoppers, don't wait much longer as it's not getting any warmer.
Lots of scuds in the water right now.
Still some Tricos early, although this may vary depending on how cold the night before is. With Caddis mid-day along with some Baetis.

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

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
We haven't talked to anyone whose fished Kirman this week but with the cooler night time temps the weeds should have quit growing and the water temps should have come down a bit. This usually means that we're going to 
start seeing some really good fishing up there over this next month or two.


KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers will be happy to know that the Lower Klamath has a lot of good reports coming out. More adult Salmon have been coming out of the mouth of the river which keeps the fishing improving.
Recommendations for Blue Creek to expect to find good Steelheads, and Chinook! Spinners and Cast masters are doing the trick.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Laughlin lagoon has been productive this week with large (close to state record) bluegill taking nightcrawlers. According to Rusty at Riviera Marina, one young angler hauled in a bluegill weighing in at 3.68 pounds and measuring 15 7/8 inches while fishing with her mother. 
Striper action has also picked up near Big Bend and below Davis Dam with fish ranging in size from three to five pounds.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston Lake has provided good fishing with perfect water conditions.
Great alternative when Trinity River fishing gets rough.
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.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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. Cooling now with overnight lows in the upper 30s
Lake Mary is 3 feet from its high point, and will continue to drop.
Fishing conditions: Fishing is great now at all times of the day.
Look for fish at inlets and outlets feeding actively!

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This week a few lucky anglers did well while jigging spinners off the bottom in 60 – 100 feet of water within the Boulder Basin, one striper weighed in at approximately 12 pounds.  
With fall quickly approaching striper action should continue to improve. 
Largemouth and smallmouth bass action has been good in the Echo Bay area of the Overton Arm.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass continue to provide good action in the Cottonwood Cove area from both the shoreline and boats. 
Willow Beach has seen a number of large stripers brought in. One lucky angler reeled in a six-pounder on an A.C. Plug.
Monsoonal weather continues to make things unsettled in the lake and boaters and shore fishermen should be careful.

MONO COUNTY, CALIF:
Buckeye Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Convict Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Convict Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Grant Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Gull Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
June Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lee Vining Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Little Walker River:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lundy Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mammoth Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mary Lake:
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). 
Fishing for rockfish has been very good near Coos Bay and Bandon. 
Recreational chinook salmon is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. Fishing for chinook salmon has been good near Brooking but slow near Bandon and Coos Bay.
The non-selective coho season opened on Sept. 1 and ocean anglers were catching coho in the Coos Bay and Winchester Bay areas this past weekend.
As of Sept. 4 anglers had harvested an estimated 5,684 coho in the ocean. Check with the ODFW website before Sept. 13 to see how much of the 11,800 fish quota is left.

OROVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
As boating traffic during slows, evening bites tends to pick up. Anglers have felt more comfortable fishing in the evening and good results are coming out of it. Increased water releases are said to keep water temperatures lower than normal bring bites a bit closer to the surface. 


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 9/12 the flows are steady at 64 CFS.
Tons of Mud Snails so clean your gear before you wade somewhere else!
Recently planted just above the bridge and down by the monument.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Water should be starting to cool now with the cold nights we've been having. Only a matter of time before the ranchers take their cows home with them and the water clears up a little.
The fish are wising up to the big attractor flies, and it's become necessary to start fishing some more realistic patterns.
Still in larger sizes, but not as flashy as we've been using.
Hopper Dropper rigs are working best way up above the Hot Creek confluence where the water is clearer and dredging the bottom of the deep end pools is working down below the campground closer to the lake.
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.
Water was gin clear prior to the elevated flows.
Slightly off color, but not for long.
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes. (and ticks)
Nettles should be gone after the first cold snap. Shouldn't be long now.
Rock Creek: Water conditions:
Good. Flows are at 31 CFS as of 9/12.
Wear bug spray! Recent rains in the high country have replenished small ponds for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Fishing conditions: Good. Better to hike in a little bit to get away from everybody else.
Some of the lakes along the trail are fishing very well in the early evening at inlets and outlets.
Mostly small fish, but they've seen a lot of flies this summer.
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 9/12 flows are 36 CFS above Grant Lake and 43 CFS Below.
Water temps in the upper 60's above Grant Lake and even warmer down below 395.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Getting reports of good fishing to be had down below 395, but it's very technical fishing.
Lots of bushwacking, wading up to your chest and very wary fish.
If you can get to the productive holes without scaring every fish away and make an excellent presentation without snagging your fly on overhanging brush, you will be rewarded.
Mainly fishing small hoppers and caddis in the late afternoon as the sun goes behind the mountains.
Lower Owens River Water conditions: Poor. Flows down to 481CFS as of 9/12.
Fishing conditions: Only a matter of time now...
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 from Lake Britton Dam, all the way to Big Bend.
September rarely disappoints anglers on the Pit thanks to hatches of Isonychia. There's a sparse caddis hatch mid day that gets the fish going.
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.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this week and all day has been a good time to go. This time of the year offers big rainbows and perfect fly fishing conditions.
Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd.
Fish deep! Use a #14-16 Brown or Olive Micro Mayfly, and #14 copper beaded birds nest for good results.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing: As of September 16, 2012, water flow is currently 8, 000 CFS.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding to Anderson is excellent.
Fantastic fishing for Rainbows.
 Catching wild rainbows Redding to Anderson. 20 to 35 fish days now. Fishing has been very productive. The last few late afternoons and evenings have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
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,  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, California and Anderson, California fly fishing
 for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trout fishing continues to be good. The best fishing reported late in the day into sunset hours. Near sunset the caddis hatch can produce a flurry of top water feeding rainbows.
Fish deep and concentrate on fast, bubbly, choppy water. Best flies are going to be most anything that is #16-18 and dark brown or black. Think flies like midges, black micro mayflies, and pseudo mays.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
KINGS THROUGHOUT
The Sac has fish in it from top to bottom now.
The bite up high has been a little off the past several days, despite the fact that there are loads of fish stacked in the middle reaches above Road 48.
They are on a strange kind of bite, though.
Down lower, Knights Landing has had some good moments as fish push through and guys fishing above the state park on anchor with plugs have been seeing some nice fish. Verona has also been hot and then sometimes cold but generally pretty consistent.
The fish have been grabbing spinners and plugs for the gang anchored right on the color line next to the marina.
Some trollers have also been getting fish from there down to I-5 on spinners.
Around Sacramento, the Discovery Park, Garcia Bend and Freeport areas have also had their days when pulses of kings move through.
Isleton has also been ht recently but the fish move through there quickly and the bite can turn off and on again quickly.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon: As of  September 16, 2012.  Water flows are at 8,000 CFS. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fantastic. Hooking and landing 8 to 16 fish a day. This week has produced many large salmon, 18 to 30 pounds, great size salmon. Larger salmon will continue to be produced as we move in October, November, and December. 
Our boats have been catching limits and we are running small groups of anglers for better success. 
This is prime time fishing! 
Bouncing roe and back trolling FLATFISH LURES.
We have caught over 450 fish in our boats since the opening of salmon season. Fish are moving North daily.
We will be heading up river soon. One of our boats today, Saturday, landed 8 fish by 10 AM in the Balls Ferry Area.
Lures have been producing the largest King Salmon. 
Call us today to schedule your trip. 
Check back often or Give us call at 1-800-670-4448.  

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions: Poor. Flows bottomed out at 20 CFS as of 9/12. Very clear and cold.
Fishing conditions: Fair. With the flows this low, fish are concentrated in deep pools.
Better to nymph early in the morning and then switch to small dries after the sun hits the water. Fishing dries in the shallow riffles.
Mainly nymphing with small stones, caddis and mayfly patterns.
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 its way in there yet.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at 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. 
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. We are catching many of our Kings trolling, around 60 to 100 feet 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 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:
King salmons have been on fire also trolling, 120 ft. deep. Up the Sacramento Arm is getting great reports for adult shad keeping lake busy. Dry Creek and near Dam has been proving to have plenty of Bass and Salmon. Anglers using top water bait, trolling gear, sling blades and wiggle Hoochies. At the Bridge Bay area around the buoys, you’ll find nice size Rainbow trout at about 100ft. 

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Trout fishing will close starting Sept.16. Fall chinook will start entering the Smith as summer winds down and fall occurs.

LAKE TAHOE:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
We launched in Tahoe City at the Lake Forest ramp at 5:30 AM.
We headed out to start trolling for Mackinaw.
We found good results early landing 5 and releasing three of them. Our clients wanted to Catch and Release today, however, two of the fish were bleeding so we kept them. The two we kept were around the 4 to 5 pound range. The three we released were closer to 2 pounds.
About 8:00 AM we picked up and took a quick break, we decided to try a little jigging. We set up and landed 4 right off the bat and missed a handful of others. These fish were all around the 1 to 2 pound range and were all released. We decided to call it a day.
I stopped by the farmers market in Tahoe City to spend some time with fellow guide and friend Bryan Roccucci before heading home.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Becoming the go-to place for those big Kings! Reports fall within body of the lake at about 70 feet deep. Bite is slow but worth the wait.
Bass fishing is doing well off all the points in 15-20 feet of water using Pro-Worms in a blue/black pattern and deep diving plugs in the shad patterns. 

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Flows are up to 850 CFS from the normal 450 CFS to produce cooler water to the survival of the Salmon.
Steelhead fishing will start to improve in October.
Water flows should be low enough to get to the Steelhead with a fly rod.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
September 14, 2012. 
Currently, Water is at 900 CFS. 
Salmon fishing is fair due to water level changing. Due to water flows, up and down flows, we are moving to Sacramento River for salmon fishing.
Please call ahead.
For Steelhead fishing, we are focusing on October, water flows should be lower and great time to start getting into steelhead with the fly rod. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Although nighttime air temperatures have been way cooler the last couple of weeks around the town of Truckee, daytime temperatures have still been very warm. This has kept the water temps up and slowed the normal fall changes to the fishing.
The flows have been cut way back out of Lake Tahoe and most of the water in the system is coming from Boca Reservoir. This has really changed the dynamics of the upper river down through the Glenshire stretch. The flows around the town of Truckee have gone from 350 CFS to 160 CFS.
In short the upper stretch of the Truckee is low and clear.
The good news is that the wading is easier, the same number of fish are in way less water and probably easier to find.
This would be a great time to do some Hopper Dropper fishing for sure.
The stretch below the confluence of the Little Truckee River is still flowing strong at 488 CFS. Nothing has changed here much over the past couple of weeks. The water is still a little warm and really clear.
Mornings and evenings are still the best time to fish.
The fall hatches and normal changes to the river have not really gotten started yet. Nymphing either with an indicator or High Sticking “Floater No Cator” style has been the way to go.
Use a little bit lighter tippet like 4X to 5X for sure. Small Stoneflies with an even smaller dropper in the 16 to 18 range should do the trick.
The Nevada side has been fishing well.
The water is still warm but it is starting to cool.
The tubers are all but gone and the fish are starting to get the river back to themselves.
It will not be long until the Brown Trout start to get active doing their normal fall routine.
The only down side is the water is getting really low and clear.
This has made it a little tougher to fish for sure.
Nymphing “Floater No Cator” style has been really effective using a long leader and a couple of Bead Head nymphs. Stones are always a good bet with a smaller dropper like a Pheasant Tail.
There have been some really nice fish caught just before dark lately as the sun gets off the water.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Or should we say the Very Little Truckee River.
As expected the Little Truckee has been cut way back. It is flowing at 45CFS. This is normal for mid September, especially after a low water year.
Water storage season has begun for Stampede Reservoir so look for the Little Truckee to remain low for a while.
As far as the fishing goes, use 6X and 7 X tippets, long leaders and break out your best camouflage.
Try to approach an area from downstream and spend plenty of time observing an area.
We are in between our major two hatches right now but the Fall Baetis hatch could start any time.
Look for fish in a little faster water. The slower the water the harder it gets to make a good presentation and fool the fish.
Use a dry fly for an indicator and something really small and not too flashy underneath. Black Midges and Baetis in 18-22 are a good way to go.
If you tie your own flies try to put as much weight in your flies as possible and try not to use a split shot too close to your flies.
Look for Baetis to start hatching as the weather continues to cool.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins have been starting to pick up a bit this week, we've had some good reports come in from both lakes.
We heard of fish up to around 3.5 pounds.
Bait fishing has been good from the shore with power bait, power eggs and crawlers. From boats they've been doing well with Rapalas, needlefish and 
Thomas Bouyants. Early morning and late evening have been the best times to be out there, it's been a little tough during mid-day.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: Another great week of fishing, several rainbows at 3 pounds were brought in.  Some were caught off shore, others from boats.
Trolling with Wooly Buggers also worked well this past week.
We also saw some browns come in.
Fish and Game planted 900 pounds on September 14th.
Water temperature is a cool 60 degrees.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
This week was clear with only a few high clouds during the week. 
Alpers hit the lakes Thursday and Fishing was game ON. 
Prediction through Tuesday is clear, 
Bait for the week: Crawlers, mouse tails, power worms, Gulp Worms, power bait (garlic yellow, salmon peach and chartreuse glitter), salmon eggs, and cheese.
Lures for the week: 
Perch Kastmaster, Small gold Kastmasters, and also small red/gold hot shots and mini jigs.
Flies for the week: 
Hornberg’s, Black Wooly buggers, Olive/black buggers, fur body ants, blue damsels, and hoppers (small with rubber legs).  Dries working were small mosquitoes, Tentwing Caddis, olive elk hair caddis, and parachute Adams. 
Tubers are mostly using marabou olive and black buggers and some using them with a small caddis emerger.  Two fly rigs are getting more popular.  Also the black Rickard’s seal bugger, the AP emerger, and Callibaetis size 10 in olive and black.

Backcountry Fishing 
Blue Lake has been doing well on small mosquitoes, black fur body ants and Griffith’s Gnat, tentwing caddis, all on the east end of the lake, also small silver Kastmasters. Of course the old style Super Duper Gold with red head always works well as does the small Red Devil on the south side casting over the shelf.
Cooney Lake has been fishing well with small gold lures, and Mosquitoes, para black gnats, black ants sizes 16-18, Adams parachute size 16 and 18.
A few nice brookies have been hitting small black fur body ants.  
Frog’s have been slow due to the heavy trail traffic, so wait until later in the fall when the Brookies are eager and the cooler weather arrives.
Summit Lake has been doing well on Super Duper’s early and late at the southwest end of the lake and the entire south shore with nightcrawlers, but the best are mosquitoes.  
See you on the water! Carolyn

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are doing well still both tubing and from shore. 
We've also had some very good reports from Trumbull Lake as well.
Power bait, Fire Bait, Power eggs and crawlers are doing well, Kastmasters and Thomas Bouyant are doing well also. For flies seal buggers, soft hackles, ap emergers, mosquitos and gnats. 


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

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River: Flows are 126 CFS. The water is still pretty warm and looking at the forecast it could stay that way for another week or so.
Mornings and evenings are still the best time to go.
Fish are looking up at hopper patterns and starting to get pretty active.
The flows are perfect right now for wading, Dry Dropper, Nymphing etc.
This is a great time to be on the East Walker.
A great way to approach the river right now is to take two rods; one with a Hopper and one with a couple of nymphs either under an indicator or “Floater No Cator” style.
Make a few casts into shallow water around the main current and seams with the Hopper and then go back through with your nymph rig.
The fishing should only get better as the weather cools and if the flows stay in the area they are in now.

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:
September 16, 2012
East Walker River: The East is running at 146 CFS today and is still fishing pretty well.
Mostly nymphing still though there has still been a little dry action here and 
there and also we've had a couple good reports on streamers. Patterns that have been effective include rainbow warrior, copper john, flashback emerger, zebra midge, buckskin caddis, BH swimming caddis, wooly bugger, dead drift crayfish, elk hair caddis, para adams and E/C caddis.
The water temps are in the mid to high 60's depending on the time of day, the fish are happy and healthy and as the season moves on I expect the fishing to just keep getting better.
The Rosachi section in Nevada is also fishing very well, mostly the same patterns as in Cali, plus there's been some good dry/dropper reports. 
West Walker River: The West is fishing pretty well for those who are putting themselves in stealth mode. The water is low and clear and it's necessary to get sneaky and creep in on those fish without spooking them.
Eggs and crawlers are doing well, also panther martins and roostertails.
Fly anglers are using dry/dropper rigs or going to the bottom with small buggers and attractor nymphs like princes and pheasant tails. 

Sceirine Ranch: The ranch is fishing excellent as well, the water is a couple degrees cooler down on the ranch and there's some very nice rainbows and browns being landed down there.
Silver streaks, san juan worms, dead drift crayfish, copper johns, dark lords and flashback emergers have all been doing well. 
Hunewill Pond: The pond has been excellent this week, we had clients out there two days this past week and all did very well.
The weeds seem to have quit growing and are resting a foot or two below the surface. Reports from yesterday said that fish were cruising all over the pond feeding mostly on small midges and the anglers were able to site fish to them with small buggers and soft hackles and had an excellent morning.
If you're interested in booking a trip to the pond just give us a call, we also have guides available who can help make sure you get on some fish out there if you're interested!



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 – 126 CFS as of 9/12. Water temps coming down now finally with temps in the 20s and 30s at night.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Great rusty spinner fall early which is over by 9.
Then nymphing small mayfly patterns until about noon.
Try some terrestrials from mid-day until the evening when there are some sporadic Caddis hatching.

WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" 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.

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers.
The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. 
Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. 
Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Kokanee Bite is pretty good with limits around 40-60 feet down, on either side of Hwy 299. Look for steady day using Apexs in UV pink and watermelon on behind Sling Blade in 30-45 feet.
Best bite once the sun goes down and the bugs come out. 

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