Don Q's Northern California and Sierra Fishing Report for Oct. 10-17

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 Oct. 10-17.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Big Springs and Hamilton Branch are producing fish. Guides recommend trying naked nightcrawlers at 30-35 feet for early morning angler. Later fisherman use SMD dodger and nightcrawler combos down to 40 feet, expect steady bites.
— Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to report good fishing on most days as this high elevation lake gets early afternoon shade and cool nights. Better bring a jacket.
Late morning through early afternoon has been the best when the insect hatches are on.
The usual worms, Power Bait and small spinners all are effective here though flies generally do best.
Good flies include small bead head olive crystal buggers, zug bugs, prince nymphs, olive soft hackle nymphs, snow cones and just about any fly that has peacock herl in it.
Nymphs that have peacock herl or olive bodies seem to be fishing the best using short quick strips.
For dry flies use stimulators, humpies, hoppers, elk hair caddis, royal trudes, royal coachmen and mosquitoes.
Best colors appear to be yellow with red a close second.
A great setup is to use a # 12 yellow stimulator with a # 16 olive soft hackle dropper a few feet below. Move the dropper up in the water column until you start getting bites on it. Last couple of trips, they were hitting the dropper about 18 inches down early in the morning and as the water heated up, they started to hit it only a foot below the dry.
This lake was recently stocked with rainbow trout.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake:
10-7-12
Yes, we have closed for the season!
Pick up your fishing license before coming to the lake. Fishing season closes Nov. 15. Watch out for photographers; they may be lurking around the next corner on the road. Thank you all for a great season!
Yup, this was our last weekend for the 2012 season.
We got a good jump on the season with boats on the Lake Opening Day – How often does that happen? – Since the Apted’s bought in 1974, this was only the third time in 39 years.
As we had such a dismal winter and the Lake being so low, Southern California Edison decided to take us down to empty once again to do some maintenance to the outflow pipes. But have no fear – if we get somewhere around a 75% winter – we’ll be close to full! All depends on Mom and Dad up above (that would be Mother Nature and God!)
We would like to say a big THANK YOU to the Inyo Register for printing our fishing reports and pictures and all the other area newspapers – Bishop Chamber of Commerce for the new BIG fish program – Department of Fish and Game for all the GREAT stockings this year – Southern California Edison for keeping us up as high and for as long as they could – to all the campground hosts and especially the ‘head cleaners’ who did an outstanding job of keeping everything cleaned and stocked!
Most of all we would like to THANK YOU our customer – we do appreciate you spending your vacations with us!
Kevin Banning of Trabucco Canyon landed a nice 2-1/2 pounder on the tried-and-true Kastmaster.
Joe Almeida of Bishop caught his very first fish ever – when asked what he caught it on his reply – ‘a hook’ – a great answer – you never want to give away your fishing secrets~!
Please remember, even though Lake Sabrina Boat Landing is closed, fishing season does not end until November 15th. The campgrounds are still open as are all of the other resorts – we just don’t have the water to rent boats.
Well this is the 15th week of working on the bridge and, boy, are they gettin’ it done! And onto week 15, and the next 29 foot piling has now become a 45 foot piling – a few difficulties are being had.
hey have some of the concrete abutment installed – sure will look pretty once they get it all stained. They’re still working on how we are to get our 5-wheel past the bridge – fun and games!
THE CYCLE ON THE RED LIGHT TAKES ABOUT 2 – 3 MINUTES – PLEASE BE PATIENT – DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU HAVING TO BACK UP ON THE ROAD.
We’re hearing our first snow may come in this week – finally!
Temps definitely are dropping – finally!
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.
You all stay safe and sound – looking forward to seeing you all next year!
We will re-open at 7:00am on April 27, 2013!

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: The fall fishing just keeps on going strong with another week of great weather and yet another massive stocking of approximately 3,000 fish to keep everyone entertained.
The fish are biting near the boat docks, at the dam, the rock slide and the main inlet by the island channel is just plugged with fish.
Lots of trophy fish cruising around this week but getting through the pan sized fish to get to the big guns proved difficult this week.
Fish of the week was a 3 lb 12 oz Rainbow caught with a grasshopper mini-jig by “Fish Story Lori” Carnahan from Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Plastics are working best for the catch n’ release folks with Grasshopper trout traps, Carrot Cake Sierra Slammer jigs and pink or orange trout worms. Lure tossers are scoring plenty of fish as well using Panther Martin or Roostertail spinners, Thomas Buoyant spoons.
The bait dunkers are having no trouble scoring limits from boats or from shore with orange, red, or rainbow Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. With fishing as easy as it is, anglers are encouraged to use barbless hooks or mix it up with artificial presentations to minimize the number of fish killed from releasing gut-hooked…which almost always die after being cut loose.
The lake level is slowly dropping still but the rental fishing boat fleet and kayaks will be available through October 20th, weather permitting.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Plenty of great reports out of the creek this week.
Worms, crickets, salmon eggs and spinners were doing best.
Weir Pond: Not a ton of traffic here this week but those spending some time there did consistently well on the fly, both wet and dry flies.
North Lake: Very crowded over the weekend but mild traffic mid-week.
The majority of reports were good for fly, lure and bait anglers fishing from shore or from a float tube.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
To be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Bridgeport has been a little hit and miss this past week, some days have been good for trolling and other days the bait fishing has been best.
We've had some good reports from bait anglers up in Buckeye Bay in about 4 or 5 feet of water, lots of 1.5 to 3.5 pound fish on power bait and crawlers.
When the trolling is on they've been doing the best with lead-core and small 
Rapalas and needlefish, or blades and crawlers.
Most days they're getting into a bunch of fish, you just need to figure out what they're taking from day to day.

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.

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

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake level is great and surface water temperatures are cooling.
This lake was recently planted and is good for 8 to 10 inch fish using small spinners, natural baits, Power Bait or small woolly buggers.
Fishing has been best first thing in the morning and after the lake is shaded late in the evening, though with the shorter days, anglers will catch fish later in the morning and earlier in the afternoons.
In late morning and early evening small dries such as Griffith’s gnats, small elk hair caddis, PMD’s and red quills can be effective, especially at the south end of the lake near the weed beds.
Also, small emerger patterns can also be deadly this time of year.
Of course small woolly buggers, crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials seem to work here anytime.
Browns are starting to cruise the shorelines and the inlet end in the late evenings and early mornings in low light conditions.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook numbers are building in the estuary and anglers fishing the incoming tide have been faring the best.
The Chetco River ocean terminal fishery begins Oct. 1.
Anglers fishing the Chetco should check the regulations before heading out as there are different regulations between the ocean and river.
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.

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: Arnold Given from Tehachapi, CA caught a 2 lb 5 oz with a Trolling CopCar at the Beach Area!
Kim Ferris from Tehachapi, Calif., caught a 5 lb. 11 oz stringer with a Kastmaster at the Jetty!
Diana and John Comfort from Corona, CA caught a 2 lb 4 oz and a 2 lb 11 oz with mice tails on the South Shore.
Uncle Raz and Grandpa Lopez from Ontario, CA caught a 10 lb 4 oz stringer on the South Shore.
Best Location to Fish: The best locations to fish right now are the middle to east shore, by the Marina, 6 Colors, South Shore, Inlet, Beach Area, Jetty, Lake, North Shore and Convict Creek.
This past week Anglers have had most success with:
Frog Needlefish, 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: 54 Degrees.
Weather: Weather conditions are expected to drop to the low 60's to the mid 50's for the first part of the week, then rising to the mid to high 60's by the end of the week. Expect overnight temperatures to be in the high 20's. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.
Tactics/Bait:
Bait: Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Nightcrawlers, 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 79 derby competitors so far and 50 fish entered into the drawing 14 inches are longer.
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. Convict Lake will be stocked October 9th & 25th with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:57 am - 7:02 am and Sunset 6:31 pm - 6:22 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The lake level continues to drop and could reach its lowest elevation ever.
Fishing is tough.
Woolly buggers and mohair leach patterns are the best bets.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: The LADWP has finally stopped lowering the lake at the lowest point we have seen in over 20 years. Watch out for islands between the marina and McGee Bay. It is also 3 ft deep 100 yds out from Sandy Point.
Water temps are between 52 and 59 in most of the lake and there are plenty of perfect 57F areas.
Algae isn't bad but there is some stringy stuff moving around that will make the fish leave an area if it moves in.
Fishing Conditions: Fair to Good
DAPHNIA IS GOING STRONG AND MAKING FOR ON OR OFF FISHING DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE FROM ONE DAY TO THE OTHER. YOU HAVE GOT TO MOVE IF IT IS SLOW.
Stripping is best but hit all depths as daphnia have fish at all depths sipping the green oatmeal.
McGee pretty much done for with a few small fish on the west side.
Fish are now holding, in about 5-8 feet of water up in Green Banks, Six Bays and Leighton. Bad news is the big fish are spread out so you have to wait between smaller fish to have one come by.
Fair to Good bite under the indicator, but better on the strip.
Get out in that tube!
Fishing from the shore in late afternoon in Six Bays and along Green Banks has been good.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The fishing at Davis has really picked up over the past week.
Jon Baiocchi, local guide helped us out with the report this week.
Blood Midges are hatching in the mornings around 8:30 am and that is usually followed up by a Callabaetis hatch at 11:00 am.
There are numerous ways to approach the fishing at Davis right now. Maybe the most attractive method is chasing big Rainbows in shallow water in the mornings eating Blood Midges on the surface. It is very rare to get this opportunity but it is happening now.
You can still use your boat for transportation to get to a shoreline that is out of or has little wind. The most important thing is to not beat the water.
Have patience and scout for feeding fish and tread lightly.
The other option is to have one of the area guides that are on to this pattern show you the ropes.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trolling is only fair and shore fishing producing but slow bites.
Copper/red head Wee Dick Nite Spoons working best in the morning.
Fire Tiger Needlefish were reported well during the afternoon.

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

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Game on at Eagle Lake! Flat water, Screaming drags, Hot Rainbows!
Do I have your attention now?
As I crested the top of the hill on County road A1 I got my first look at the lake in 2012, and even at that distance you could see a noticeably lower water level. Due to the lower lake level, my 23' Boulton deep V I/O is not launchable on the Spaulding ramp this year, and I knew that going in, so my plan was to utilize the new low water ramp that was opened late last year located just outside the Eagle Lake Marina at the south end of the lake.
I know there has been a lot of negative press concerning water levels, access and specifically the new launch but I found the parking to be fine, the new ramp and turnaround is great and they have installed a very stable dock which makes launching and retrieving your boat a snap.
That said, I am a big supporter of getting more water into the lake, it is a big boost to the lake, the fish and the economy, but for now it is what it is, FISHABLE!!!
Last year, due to a bunch of south wind, I fished more in the south basin of the lake than I had in years, and now those spots will be a shorter boat ride. Up early the next morning to finish getting the boat ready to launch, and the first thing I realize is I'm wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops, not typical fall attire at Eagle Lake but the weather has been sweet.
I splash the boat, load up the guests and we are off towards the east shore.
The lake was like glass, I stopped short of the east shore to get the lines deployed and start our troll, it didn't take long.
Rods started popping off of the releases and the battles were on.
These fish are so hot right now, probably due to the huge abundance of Tui Chub minnows available for them to feast on.
We continued working the east side of the lake for several hours enjoying every minute of the fish, the weather, and the company.
We saw a few small fish but most were in the 2.5 to 3.5 pound range.
We came off the water 3 limits heavier, with all the fish being over the 3 pound mark. Nice solid, beautiful trout that put up some spectacular fights.
This was just the first of several days of outstanding fishing.
I still have dates available if you want to get in on this exciting action.
The next day like the one detailed above could be yours.
Contact me to secure your dates.
I look forward to seeing you on the water.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fall is here but the bass are still acting as if it’s summer. Anglers are catching the fish using night crawlers and lures.
Rainbow trout action continues to be good using small spinners, Power Bait and night crawlers.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Largemouth bass and crappie continue to provide anglers with good fishing. Crappie are taking small jigs or lures, as well as worms. Bass are hitting night crawlers and lures.
Trout action continues to improve with Power Bait and night crawlers catching the fish.

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.
Olive or Black leeches always produce hookups. HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com"
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers are reporting good fishing below the Outlet in the Oroville Wildlife Area throughout the week. Toss Blue Fox and Mepps spinners in silver and blue in the morning then in the afternoon switch to eggs.
— Fish with JD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fall colors are coming out in the area, so take a ride out and enjoy them. Bring your fishing rod along, as the cool nights are causing Frenchman to turn over now and the trout are feeding for winter.
The fish are biting well on worms and flies of various kinds.
Troll with nightcrawlers behind flashers or weighted line.
The deer hunters are here, so there is more traffic at Frenchman now.
They are finding nice bucks around the lake.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The fishing at Frenchman’s is off the charts.
The fish have grown all summer and they are really rambunctious.
There is an awesome Callabaetis hatch mid mornings and there have also been some Blood Midges around. Snail patterns fished on a sink tip or intermediate sink fly line in 4-12 feet of water have been working well. Nymphing with a “DCA” in the same type of water has also been effective. Maholo Nymphs and Midges are a good way to go.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this past week. Best fishing has been in the early AM until about 2 PM and early evening. Results have proven to be good using full sink lines, and flies. Anything with green!
Nice fishing has been reported out of Little Last Chance Creek as well.
— Courtesy of Richard Wiggin

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

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500)
(www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is starting to pick up. Go in the early morning and at sunset. Rainbows have been eating # 16-18 cadis in the AM hours. When the sun is low rising fish can be found in the flats below the Powerhouse.
Leeches and or Swinging Buggers almost always get attention any time of day. Elk Hair caddis in tan or olive sizes #16- # 18 are good to use.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 4 CFS but fishing is still good.
CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface.
Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.


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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 15 CFS as of 10/3.
Water is at mid-winter flows right now.
Still extensive weedbeds around.
We need a long period of cold weather to kill them all off.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Fishing Caddis dries on the surface, with a small brown mayfly dropper is working well.
No crowds and active fish chomping flies on the surface.
What more could you ask for?

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is very low, approaching minimum pool and fishing is slow, but should start picking up, especially at the inlet end.
Early morning is your best bet, with what little bite there is being done by around 9:00 or 9:30 am.
The usual natural baits, Power Bait, spinners and natural colored nymphs should all work.
Hare’s ears, PT’s, damselfly nymphs and prince nymphs are good choices for this lake. Fish black or olive woolly buggers on a full sink line near the corners of the dam and on a sink tip line where the stream enters the lake.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This water level is low and is very weedy.
Anglers with float tubes or small boats have a definite advantage.
No recent report on fishing but trout fishing should be picking up while bass fishing is probably slowing down with the best time for bass being in the late afternoon or early evening.
Soft plastics in dark colors, spinner baits and buzz baits are all productive, especially in late afternoon early evening.
For trout, anglers should try spinners, the usual natural baits, Power Baits and streamers.
For fly rodders, hare’s ears, damsel fly nymphs, zug bugs, sheep creek specials and olive wooly buggers on a sink tip line from a float tube are all worth a try.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant Lake - Gull Lake - June Lake - Silver Lake - Rush Creek
Try Silver Lake with black or purple woolly buggers on sink tip or full sink lines. Try Rush Creek with a Royal Wullf, Royal Coachman or a stimulator. Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.
The flow in Rush Creek is 37cfs

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
We've had some really good news from Kirman this week!
We've received several reports from up there and they've all been good! Sounds like it's key to get there as early as you can in the morning for the am bite, most of the anglers we spoke to said it's shutting down before 9am and all the fun is earlier than that.
Streamers and leech patterns have been working for the fly anglers, seal buggers, mini leeches, soft hackles, stillwater nymphs, matukas.
Spin anglers have been doing well with Panther Martins, Thomas Bouyants and Vibrax lures.
Brookies up to 20 inches and cutts up to 27 inches reported this week.



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers on the Klamath near Klamath Glen are reporting good fishing.
The cool water from the Trinity has been making fishing better.
Salmon fishing is also doing well.
For best results, head to the lower river near Blue Creek.
Steelhead season should be a great one on the Klamath (October- March).
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Fishing has slowed but anglers are still getting a few bites.
Reports are that the big ones are getting away right at the shoreline though one lucky angler reeled in a five-pound fish near Bullhead Park.
The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery is scheduled to begin its seasonal stocking program in the second week of October.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good on Lewiston Lake this week.
Most of the action is going to be found in the morning, then it starts to slow down again during the afternoon.
Lewiston is great for fly fishing. Rainbows 12-20” should be expected to be found. Two of the best techniques to always use on Lewiston are nymphing or stripping Buggers and leeches.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
George has been the better lake for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on a sink tip or full sink line with a hares ear trailer.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions:
Water is still clear. Cooling now with overnight lows in the upper 30s
These lakes are lower than they've been in a long time.
Fishing conditions:
Fishing is great now at all times of the day.
Look for fish at inlets and outlets feeding actively!

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding lots of top-water action as stripers feed on gizzard and threadfin shad. Success has come to anglers using a variety of techniques from trolling in the Boulder Basin to shore fishing in coves near Temple Bar. Striped bass are hitting on spinners, A/C plugs and shad jigs. There have also been many largemouth bass caught in the Kingman Wash area.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Near Cottonwood Cove shoreline anglers have brought in both catfish and largemouth bass while using anchovies.
Willow Beach is still offering up a good day’s fishing with many stripers over ten pounds being caught.
A/C Plugs are credited with catching many of the larger fish.

MONO COUNTY, CALIF:
Robinson Creek: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Rush Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Silver Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Trumble Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Twin Lake, Lower:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Twin Lake, Upper:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Virginia Lake, Lower:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Virginia Lake, Upper:
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.
Fishing for bottom fish opened back up to all depths again starting Oct. 1.
Boat anglers may no longer retain Cabazon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms. Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep Cabazon.
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 until Oct. 31 in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Same as last week. Current water flow is 64 CFS.
Fishing is good. Fox's Caddis Poopah, Brooks Hot Creek caddis San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Recent stockings have improved the fishing here.
No more bait fishing from the monument to the lake.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is currently 403 CFS. We are still waiting for flows to drop.

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 10/3 the flows are steady at 64 CFS.
Tons of Mud Snails so clean your gear before you wade somewhere else!
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Section below the bridge closed as of October 1st.
Sticking to the usual fare, worms, eggs and pheasant tails under the indicator in the slow deep water with plenty of weight.
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 38 CFS as of 10/3.
Fishing conditions: Good. Not seeing very many fish in the mosquito flats area.
Better to hike the trail a bit and fish the lakes along the way instead.
Just be aware that the days are getting shorter so don't wait too long to hike out otherwise you'll be doing it in the dark.
Rush Creek Water conditions:
Fair. As of 10/3 flows are 37 CFS above Grant Lake and 38 CFS Below.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Hearing that the afternoon session above 395 is quite good.
Fishing small Caddis dries with a small dropper.
Lower Owens River Water conditions:
Fair. Flows down to 354 CFS as of 10/3.
Fishing conditions:
Flows steadily dropping. Might be good now, check back later in the week for more information.
Keep a watchful eye for ticks and tuck your pants into your socks.

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:
There are no more closures on the Pit!
Lake Britton (Pit #3) and Pit #4 have been fishing great! Prepare for Insect hatches that include Insonychia, and #16 tan and black Caddis. Pale Evening Duns will also start to come off near sunset.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Pyramid opened with a bang. If you like to troll in 20-40 feet of water that is. We are experiencing a very warm fall and the water temps at Pyramid are still very warm. This has kept fish out of the shallows for sure.
There are tons of Tui Chubs schooled up along various beaches but the Trout are not there yet. As the water temps continue to cool we should see more fish in and around the schools of bait.
Your best bet for fly fishing right now is to fish deep off some type of boat or on one of the many beaches that have steep drop-offs.

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bass fishing is starting to slow down with the cold nights and shorter days, though anglers are still catching some fish and the keeper ratio is still around eight to ten fish caught for each keeper.
With the recent ten degree drop in daytime highs and nights dipping close to freezing, this will end very soon.
While water levels are still okay, weed growth has been good this summer and anglers will find that in some areas, their motors aren’t as effective as their paddles.
Most anglers are using dark colored soft plastics with a weedless setup for bass, pitching their presentation directly into the tules. You may lose some gear, but you will definitely catch more and bigger fish. If you are getting a lot of short hits (hitting the tail but not getting hooked) cut a couple of inches off of the front of your plastic bait so that the hook is closer to the tail.
The still evenings are still making for some great popper action for bass right as the mountain shadows are hitting the water.
Fishing for trout is picking up as anglers report catching trout in the Fingers area of the collection ditch. Remember the collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.
Launching from the Narciss boat ramp is almost impossible due to the weedy conditions though it can be done if you pull the motor out of the water and paddle.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this week especially in the afternoons and evenings. 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 October 8, 2012, water flow is currently 6, 500 CFS.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding to Anderson is great. 
Catching Rainbows from Redding to Anderson. 10 to 20 fish days now.
Late afternoons have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
Temps are cooling , in the 80's, very pleasant on the water.
It is always about 10 degrees cooler on the river.
South Redding and Anderson area of the Sacramento River has been producing many trout with a few steelhead.
With the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now.
Sucker Spawn # 14, Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, 
Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's # 18 are working well also. 
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:
Good reports are coming in for Upper Sac.
Rainbows are biting the hatching baetis in the early AM hours.
Water conditions are clear and low, which makes for good wading.
Fish deep and concentrate on fast, bubbly, choppy water.
Use a stronger tippet 2x-3x for # 6-# 10 and 4x for # 16-# 18. HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com"
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
The Sac has been fishing well and guide HYPERLINK "http://www.thesportfisher.com" JD Richey just got home from the Trinity on Friday and got back on the fish starting on Saturday.
He’s been trolling downstream with Kwikfish wrapped with sardine fillets and says that the fishing in the Sac Metro area has been solid during his first weekend back. The kings are nice and bright and he’s already had a few in the mid-20 pound class in the first couple days.
Upriver, Grimes has been slow but the Hamilton City to Red Bluff zone is fishing well with eggs and plugs for mostly dark fish.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
As of October 8, 2012. Water flows are at 6,500 CFS 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fantastic. Limits of salmon daily. Afternoon trips also available now. 
This week has produced many large salmon, 18 to 41 pounds, great size salmon. Larger salmon will continue to be produced as we move in October, November, and December.
The BIG fish of week was with Pro Guide Kenny with a 41 pounder on October 4, 2012, Balls Ferry Area. 
Anderson area is excellent for trout as well as salmon.
This is prime time fishing!
Bouncing roe and back trolling FLATFISH LURES. 
Lures have been producing the largest King Salmon. 
Call us today to schedule your trip.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows bottomed out at 8 CFS as of 10/3. Very clear and cold.
Fishing conditions:
Fair. Flows are extremely low now with the fish stacked in deeper pools.
You can still fish, but it's getting quite technical at this point.

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

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

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at HYPERLINK "mailto:outdooradventures@sacriver.com" outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and HYPERLINK "http://www.sacriverguide.com" www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. We are catching mostly Rainbow Trout on the surface and also about 40 feet deep.
The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies. 
The Bridge Bay area around the buoys have been producing some nice size Rainbow trout, also.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.shastacascade.com" www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent on Shasta Lake for Rainbows and Kings.
Kings are being caught at 100-140 ft. using Apex’s or rolled shad.
Rainbows are being caught 60- 80 ft. using Apex’s.
Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water temperatures have dropped into the low 60’s though there are still lots of algae and weeds throughout the water column making fishing difficult.
Trout fishing picking up and is fair to good with most trout report being caught in the coves on the east side of the lake and along the buoy line at the south end of the lake.
Fishing for bass, wipers and catfish is good.
All three species of fish are being caught by boaters along the ledge on the west side of the lake north of Jet Ski Beach.
Last week an angler caught an eleven pound catfish and followed that up this week with a four and a half pound largemouth bass off of Jet Ski Beach. He used worms for both fish.
Wipers are being caught north of the no-wake buoy line at the south end of the lake using chartreuse Clouser minnows, brown crystal or seal buggers, and believe it or not, chironimid patterns.
The cove at the main boat ramp is fair to good for trout and bass.
Jet Ski Beach is fair for trout.
Trolling along the face of the dam, as well as along the ledge north of Jet Ski Beach and then across towards the boat ramp has produced fish.
Fishing below the dam is slow with poor flows and heavy weeds.
For wipers, brightly colored streamers, spoons and crank baits in chartreuse, orange, and black/white/silver combinations can all be effective.
Black bass are hanging off of structure in about 15 feet of water coming into the shallows for food as the water warms up.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:\
Fishing has been slow this week. Some angler’s report catching Rainbows in Stewart Fork at 60 ft using minnow imitating bate.
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
On October 5th many Salmon Smolts will be released into the River. Sometimes the small fish actually cause the fishing reports to be only fair due to the fact they love to eat the flies and beat the bigger fish to them. Conditions are great! Flows are back to the normal 450 CFS this week and there are no scheduled changes at this time.
Good and poor reports on Steelhead have been coming in.
For better results use 8-9wt rods for Salmon and 5-6 wt rods for Steelheads.
Courtesy The Fly Shop

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Currently, Water is at 450 CFS. For Steelhead fishing, we are focusing on late October and November, 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, Calif., fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The Truckee is in great shape from Tahoe City all the way through Reno.
The upper stretch is low but it can fish really well at lower levels. This stretch has more small wild Rainbows and Browns that can get podded up in the bigger pools in the fall.
Most of the larger tributaries of the Truckee like Donner Lake, Prosser and Boca Reservoirs are donating water pretty evenly right now.
Overall the flows are down from this summer.
There have been a few October Caddis sightings and tons of smaller mayflies throughout the day.
Nymphing either with an indicator or “Floater No Cator” style high sticking has been really effective. There are still some fish in faster water where an indicator can hinder a good drift. Both techniques should be in your arsenal to most effectively fish the Truckee River any time of year.
October Caddis patterns are a good choice for a lead fly and droppers can be a variety of mayfly patterns in sizes 14-18.
The Brown Trout are really starting to get active and the next month or so should be awesome.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows have been 45 CFS for a solid month. On the bright side it is better than 30 CFS J.
There are plenty of fish in the river but they are tough to catch and very spooky. The warmer than average September has slowed down the normal fall changes. The leaves are starting to turn and the nights are starting to cool down for sure.
Fall Baetis are starting to hatch mid day and it will not be long until the Browns move up stream for their yearly spawn.
If you are going to the Little Truckee take all your Baetis nymphs and dries, your midges and some 6X and 7X tippet.
Wear natural colored clothing and leave the bright hats at home.
Try to stay out of the water as much as possible.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins are doing very well for nice fish in the 1 to 2 pound range. 
Trolling near the inlets with needlefish and small Rapalas has been good, as well as bait fishing with power bait, power eggs and crawlers.
As the water gets cooler and cooler the fishing should just keep getting better and better up there!


VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
The cooling down is in the air and the weather with a small system is heading our way on Thursday and supposed to lay down snow at the upper elevations. I don’t count someone else's chickens until they hatch.
Bait for the week:
Nightcrawlers, Fire Eggs (salmon eggs with garlic and glitter) mouse tails, power worms, Gulp pinch worms, power bait (garlic yellow, salmon peach and Garlic sage), and chunky cheese.
Lures for the week:
Mini jigs, small Kastmasters and red/gold Hot Shots.
Flies for the week:
Black Woolly buggers, Olive buggers, fur body ants, blue damsels, and hoppers. Dries working were small Grey Hackle Peacock, BH soft hackle yellow, and olive elk hair caddis #18.
Tubers are mostly using marabou olive and black buggers deep and 2 fly-rig using with a small caddis emerger (Zug Bug, PT nymph Prince or the such 
Backcountry Fishing 
Blue Lake has been doing well on black fur body ants and Griffith’s Gnat, and small female Adams on the east end of the lake and along the north shore as it tapers toward the east, also small Kastmasters.
Of course the old style small Red Devil always works well on the south side casting over the shelf.
Cooney Lake picked up the last few days using small spinners, small dry flies (Mosquitoes, black elk hair caddis, black ants sizes 16-18, Adams parachute size 16 and #18. 
Frog’s should probably hit it early am or very late evening now that the traffic on the trail-side has tapered off.
Summit Lake has seen lot of action try inflated crawlers, small dries if the air temp is warm, if cooler, use lures (gold Kastmasters, Colorado spinners).
Big fish for the week:
John Ponder of San Diego 3 lb 4 oz and 3 lb 7 oz Alpers on a fly Oct 1st, Little Virginia (LV)
Henry Murillo of Carpenteria, 3 lb alper on a fly and released on shore, 10.2.12, LV
Ella Schugt of Irvine, 2 lb 5 oz alper on a fly, 10.3.12, LV
Chris Osgood of Rialto, 2 lb 2 oz Alper on Salmon Peach with trout dip, 10.4.12, LV
Ken Yamanka, 3lb 6oz on a power worm out of Little Virginia

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) ( www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are fishing well, fly anglers are using seal buggers, woolly buggers, soft hackles, stillwater nymphs, zug bugs and princes.
Bait anglers are having success with power bait, power eggs and crawlers. Lure anglers are going with Kastmasters, Hot Shots and Thomas Bouyants.


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) (email info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River:
Flows are 79 CFS. They have been fluctuating a bit but it has actually helped. When the flows go up and down only 10-25 CFS it does not spook the fish too bad and they actually can get more active. This coupled with cooler nights in the area has had a positive impact on the fishing.
Hoppers are out in force enjoying their last days before they draw the freeze card and disappear until the next summer. The flows are perfect for Hopper Dropper set-ups and the fish have been looking up a bit more recently. Nymphing has also been outstanding either “DCA” style or “Floater No Cator” Commonly referred to as High Sticking.
Caddis, Baetis and Midges in sizes 16-20 have been working well for all nymph rigs.
Look for the flows to drop below 50 CFS before long which is normal going into the winter months as irrigation season ends.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River:
The East is running at 90 CFS today and is still fishing pretty well.
The weather is starting to change and mornings are much colder than they have been. This has made it not quite so necessary to be on the water super early in the morning, 9am or so is when those fish are starting to get active as opposed to 7 or 8am.
We're still using mainly small midges and some caddis nymphs though the streamer action is on the rise.
Patterns to try include rainbow warriors, silver streaks, buckskin caddis, Fox's poopah, black beauty, copper john, pheasant tail, hare's ear, moal leech, zuddler, zonker, sculpzilla and dead drift crayfish. 
West Walker River:
The West is also fishing well, the water is low and clear so you really need to be sneaky on those fish so as not to spook them.
Small spinners, crawlers and eggs have all been doing well.
Fly anglers are starting to do better with small buggers and small nymphs like princes and copper johns.
Later in the afternoon when it's hot out the hoppers are still active so you can go with some topwater stuff during that time.

Sceirine Ranch: The ranch is also fishing very well, mostly the same patterns as on the California side. They've also been picking up some fish on dark lords and 
prince nymphs. The streamer action has been very good on the ranch too.
Hunewill Pond:
 The pond has fished excellent this past week. We've had several clients out there and they've all done very well. 3X tippets are the norm out there as these fish are very tough! Seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, soft hackles and AP emergers are still the best bets on the pond.
If you're looking for a great, quiet spot to have all to yourselves, give us a call and reserve a spot on the pond!

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
East Walker River 
Water flow has been up and down and is currently 90 CFS. Fishing is good. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs, Copper John's and Prince Nymphs.


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  
Fair. Flows down considerably to 88 CFS as of 10/3.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Getting reports of decent fishing, but the water is quite dirty with algae from the lake.
With the res as low as it is the flows are now down to the double digits and will probably remain that way as the ranchers in Nevada no longer need as much water.
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 (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Daytime highs here are only in the 60’s and overnight lows have been in the low 30’s and occasionally dipping into the 20’s.
This is starting to kill the algae and the water should soon start to get clearer.
The cooler conditions have the trout moving into shallower water so shore fishing in the vicinity of the state park has been good with many anglers reporting limits using either Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
Fly fishermen report good fishing in three to five feet of water using gold ribbed hare’s ears or chironomids catching fish averaging around 20 inches.
Fly rodders should also be using mayfly imitators, damsel fly nymphs, wooly buggers and leech patterns.
The state park boat ramp is still usable, though the dock is no longer in the water. However, the small ramp in the Hendricks Arm is at the end of the concrete and launching here is not advised.
Wiper fishing continues to be good with anglers catching fish around the island off of the state park boat ramp, along the rock face south of the boat ramp and a few near the bridge in the Hendricks Arm.
Minnow imitations, such as crank baits or rapalas that are black over silver or white, or perch imitators seem to be the best.
Fly rodders should use Clousers with a flashy body in chartreuse, pink, or a combination of the two colors.
The outflow of the dam has slowed to between 30 and 40 CFS, which is good news helping to stabilize the lake level.
This is also making for good fishing conditions in the tailwater below Wild Horse Dam. This is great nymphing water, though large terrestrial patterns should also be effective when the sun is on the water.
Bass anglers are having luck either drop shotting or with crank baits, both fished off of points and structure.

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.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is not much more than 10 percent full and the fish are stacked up on each other. Fishing is fair to good for catfish in the 12 to 16 inch class and fair to good for bass and crappie, though most bass and crappie are a little small to keep.
In spite of the lowering water conditions, biologists are still asking anglers to continue to release any bass or crappie they may catch in the hopes that they will survive the winter. If we get some snow over the winter to recharge the reservoir, next summer should start to produce keeper sized bass and crappie for anglers. If not, NDOW will probably salvage the fish and send them to another, more stable reservoir.
Most of the catfish appear to be taken between dusk and dawn using nightcrawlers, shrimp or stinkbaits.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is low but clarity is good and fishing for bass has been fair to good for numbers but just fair for size.
However, there are lots of weeds along the shoreline making access at many parts of the lake difficult. Boats or float tubes will have an advantage.
The boat ramp is still usable for small boats.
Water is starting to cool down here and trout fishing should start picking up.
Anglers will probably have their best luck in the canyon by the dam in the early morning and late evening.
The bass bite is still fair to good and anglers are reporting good luck using soft plastic baits.
Damsels are not hatching, but damsel nymphs can still be effective as can gold ribbed hare’s ears (mayfly nymph).
Larger presentations have been also been productive so try natural baits (worms/Power Bait), spinners and large natural colored flies like woolly buggers and leech patterns which are working for both bass and trout.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing is good. Anglers are catching Kokanee between 11-15 in. and some are starting to turn for spawning.
Go 40-60 ft and use Apex’s and wiggle Hoochies for best results!
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service

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