Don Q's Northern California and Sierra fishing report for week of Oct. 17-24

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. 17-24.

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:
Fishing pressure is lighter but the fishing is still producing good reports from different areas. The best trolling depths have been from 20-45 feet deep. Guides recommend trying naked nightcrawlers for early morning angler. Later fisherman use SMD dodger/nightcrawler combos, expect steady bites.
— Almanor Fishing Adventures

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Bridgeport is starting to pick up again, we've had reports of browns up to 7 pounds and rainbows up to around 5. There has been a few fish being caught from shore so that usually signals a good time to start hunting those browns with some big Rapala type lures!
Trolling has been picking up with Rapalas and needlefish, bait fishing from boats is also picking up with power bait, power eggs and crawlers. 



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.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Very low water levels here as well. The cooler temps have got the fish back on the bite after a period of poor “catching.” Fly fishers will find concentrations of fish near the dam and along the east shoreline drop-offs. Use Loebergs and crystal Leeches #10-12.
Go see Jeffery at the marina and he will give you put in locations & current scoop. He has the hot flies and some good sheep stories to tell you, baaaah!!!

CAPLES LAKE
Caples Lake Resort reported that fishing was good all over the lake for shore anglers and trollers. Limits of planter rainbows were hitting salmon eggs, worms and Kastmaster spoons for the shore anglers at the dam, spillway, and Wood’s Creek. Trollers were doing well on flasher/worm combos and Rapalas at 15 to 20 feet deep.

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: Brenda Foor from Buena Park, CA caught a 2 lb 14 oz with a Power Worm on the North Shore! Matt Coronado from Arcadia, CA caught a 1 lb 12 oz with a Kastmaster on the North Shore! Joe and Johnathan Evanilla from San Dimas, CA caught a stringer with Yellow Power Bait 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 Needle Fish, Thomas Buoyant Perch, Yellow Turbo Power Bait, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Rooster Tail, Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs and Rainbow Nuggets.
Other Locations to Try: "Windy Point" (picnic area south shore), The Inlet, Hangman's Tree, Outlet, Handicap Pier and Convict Creek.
Water Temperature: 54 Degrees.
Weather: Weather conditions are expected to remain in the high 60's to low 70's this week. Expect overnight temperatures to be in the low 30'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 Nightcrawler 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: Fall Fishing Derby starting September 3 to November 15th , $6,000 in resort Prizes! We have 104 derby competitors so far and 70 fish entered into the drawing 14 inches are longer.
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. Convict Lake will be stocked October 25th with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 7:03 am - 7:09 am and Sunset 6:21 pm - 6:13 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. Streamer fishing is the most productive. Wooly buggers and mohair leech 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.
Cold mornings now so no need to show up before 8 am and bite really gets going from 9 to 10.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Daphnia is almost gone and fishing is picking up across the lake.
McGee pretty much done for with a few small fish on the west side.
Fish are now holding in north end, Six Bays, Sandy Point and Leighton.
Bad news is the big fish are spread out so you have to wait between smaller fish to have one come by.
Sandy- mostly small, Six Bays - mostly big but fewer grabs and off and on from day to day.
Leighton - small to medium in shallows like 5 ft and mix of sizes with some big ones out in 10-12 ft.
Fishing from the shore in late afternoon in Six Bays and along Green Banks has also been good.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The lake level is at all time lows, but is finally stabilizing and will begin to go up slowly. The bulk of the fish are holding in the north arm from Sandy Pt. to North Landing. Layton Springs has been consistent on the days the wind blows easterly.
We are still seeing strong midge hatches; however with the cooler weather and lower barometric pressures this will taper off.
Recent guide trips are logging big numbers of small fish that have been recently planted. The big’s are few and far between recently, but what you do see are spectacular.
Streamer fishing is very good and perhaps more consistent than still water nymphing most times.
I have seen upwards of 50 tubes on weekends in the North Arm which has been a “blast from the past” as tubing is not as popular here as it once was.
The algae situation continues to plague other areas of the lake and has shut down McGee Bay and what is left of the Hilton’ s most of the time. Six Bays is a great option from shore as the water stays deep right up to the banks. You do not need a tube to fish here and it will remain this way until the closing on November 15th.
The DFG has put a bunch of small rainbows and Cutty’s in this year. Let’s hope we get a huge winter and the much needed water so they can grow!
My go to rig is an Assassin and a copper or dark tiger or zebra midge in the afternoon, if you see a good chironomid emergence use #18-20 GILLIES for sure. Broken backs are also working very well in the wind.
Stay in 5-8 feet for still water nymphing, the fish will cruise much shallower if you are using streamers.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Blood Midges are hatching in the mornings and that is usually followed up by a Callabaetis hatch.
There is some shoreline fishing and fish are still cruising in the shallows.
Fish are being caught a bunch of different ways so you can start with your favorite technique and go from there.
Blood Midges and Callabaetis Nymphs fished under an indicator in 4-12 feet of water have been producing especially on days when there is a little chop on the water. You can also go “Floater No Cator” style and get similar results. A variety of flies fished with intermediate and type II sinking lines can also be effective.

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.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been very productive for both rainbow and tiger trout this past week with most anglers finding best success with pink and orange sparkle power bait. The fish have been in the 10 – 13 inch range with a few larger fish being seen.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow trout action has really taken off this past week with most fish being taken using power bait or nightcrawlers.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Perfect time of year to fish at Fall River! Fishing has been great this week.
Caddis, baetis, and PMDs are all out in the morning and makes for great fly fishing. In the afternoon, fish Leeches and nymphs. The 2 pm breeze makes for some of the best fishing changing the river’s texture and the rainbow’s ability to see anglers. 
Fishing guides and fishing report
Courtesy of The Fly Shop, www.theflyshop.com.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers are reporting good fishing around Thermalito and below.
Bank fishers have had success tossing roe and spinners, while boaters have been back trolling Kwikfish and bouncing eggs.
— Fishing with JD

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fall fishing - some say the best fishing - is in full swing at Frenchman Lake.
Bob Ruff and his daughter Pam from Graeagle came out to the lake on 10/10/12. They had lots of strikes and hooked several nice rainbows using blades and worms at the dam. They went home with 6 fish - average size 18 inches, 1 3/4 lbs.
Roger Baker from Modesto came up to Frenchman Lake last week and caught a 3 ½ lb rainbow that was 22 inches long at Snallygaster. He was using black # 8 woolly buggers.
Sharon Proctor-Hull of Durango, CO spent the day fishing at Turkey Point using worms and chartreuse marshmallows. She caught 15 rainbows and kept 5. The fish were 14 to 16 inches.
The campgrounds closed on October 15th for the season.
Frenchman Campground will remain unlocked for dry camping - no water.
The boat ramps will be available for use until the end of the month.

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

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

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good this week! The Powerhouse # 2 riffle is consistent. Go in the early morning and at sunset. Use cream colored and olive mayfly dries in # 16-# 18. 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. 
Fishing guides and fishing report 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 thesurface. Some mid day baetis activity. 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:
Good in the areas without weeds, but it is pretty skinny down here with about 50 percent of the water un-fishable.
Use # 18-22 para midges or may fly adults late mornings.
The deeper holes will have big numbers of PHD fish that will hit “perfectly” dead drifted, no Under-cator nymphs in the #18-22 range. Stay natural, flash is not good here.
We received a fair amount of moisture from the last storm and a decent bump in flows from Mammoth Creek.
Looks like a fantastic “Indian Summer” type fall on HC is shaping up.

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 10/10. 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. Colder weather means shorter hatches and better fishing in the late morning and mid afternoon. Still mostly Caddis with some Baetis in the mix.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR
The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Colder nights dropped the water temp and bite picked up this past week. The DFG plant will make the fishing much better.

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 38 CFS.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Still getting some good reports from Kirman with cutts up to 22 or 23 inches and brooks up to around 18 being reported.
Bugger and leech patterns still seem to be the best things going, haven't heard much about scud patterns but they should also be ok.
Lure anglers can go with Vibrax lures or Thomas Bouyants.



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers on the Lower Klamath near Happy Camp are reporting good fishing. Steelhead fishing has been good. Steelhead fishing near Iron Gate Dam should start to pick up by the end of the month. For best results fish the lower river, near Blue Creek. The best water is accessed by boat.
Try clown-eggs or micro spawns in yellow or pink for single-handed fly rod fishing.

Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (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:
The Lewiston generally has good reports, however this week they have been sparse. Rainbows 12-20” should be expected to be found in deep waters. Two of the best techniques to always use on Lewiston are nymphing or stripping Buggers and leeches.

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:
It was a busy weekend at the Lake. There were tournaments out of Callville Bay as well as CAST (Catch A Special Thrill), an event for disabled and disadvantaged kids, with an abundance of fish being caught by all.
With the cooler water, the bigger stripers are coming in.
Best times to make a trip out are between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Anglers are getting mostly topwater action using A/C plugs and spinners.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing for catfish has been very active out of Cottonwood Cove. One lucky angler caught a seven and a half pound catfish while using anchovies.
Out at Willow Beach stripers are still hitting strong with many over 10 pounds. A/C plugs are the lure of choice.
Trout fishing just keeps getting better as the weather cools. Anglers report success using Power bait, spinners and little jakes.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is as good as it gets for Lake Oroville.
Reaction baits are working great, but spinner baits don’t seem to be doing the trick. Anything with Red or Green flakes has been working well.
a top water bite in the shadows during the morning and evening hours.
Large Mouth Bass are about 35 feet down.
Coho Salmon are tough to find lately.
Surface temperatures are sitting at 72 degrees and the lake is dropping daily. The lake is 123 feet from full.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow is up to 101 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 330 CFS. Hopefully the lowering flow is the beginning a continuing trend.

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 10/10 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 to the monument closed as of October 1st. Still 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 35 CFS as of 10/10.
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 10/10 flows are 37 CFS above Grant Lake and 40 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 back up to 410 CFS as of 10/10.
Fishing conditions: What a tease. Flows are back up over 400 again. But still hearing the fishing is good if you can find the slower water.
Sporadic crane fly hatch in the Am, with small tricos and caddis early as well. Small mayflies in the afternoon til about 4.
Keep a watchful eye for ticks and tuck your pants into your socks.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Lower: Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Flows are dropping steadily below the dam at Pleasant Valley in the wild trout section. 200 cfs or less is ideal here & it will not be long before you see this release. Water clarity is very good and the fish have long since adjusted to the higher releases that have seemingly never ended this year.
You will encounter strong morning caddis activity along with a great Trico mayfly emergence late morning. Trico’s are tiny- # 20 and less, the fall caddis are fun to fish, use # 16 with a light brown to olive body. Very light colored wings on the caddis.
Heavily weighted tandem nymph rigs using flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, olive crystal caddis, and tiger midges #16-2o are good choices.
The LO also has an abundance of small chubs, suckers, & mosquito fish holding in the slack and dead water along the tulle’s. These small baitfish are the reason we do so well fishing streamers this time of year with a sinking tip line and using a technique called the “dip & strip.”
Fishing this method from a drift boat is the best way to access the LO, however one can also position at the top of a run or pool while wading & accomplish the same thing under the right conditions and flows.
The water temps have cooled a bunch and the fish are getting more active.
I have had some great floats recently with big numbers of rainbows and browns- a few trophy sized fish on the chew daily.
Hot flies are Agent Orange, Crystal Leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s # 8-12.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir is also dropping and power generation is becoming less frequent. There can be some awesome fishing in the inlet section this time of year with this condition.
I like a dry dropper bead head combo using Assassin bird’s nest or tiger midges as the nymph, a high vis mayfly, stimulator, or caddis adult is a good choice for the dry fly/indicator.
Upper:
As forecast, the LADWP has begun siphoning water out of Grant Lake (which is very full) into Crowley through the Rush Creek diversion. Flows have almost doubled in the last couple of days and are over 100cfs.
Numbers of 9-12 inch rainbows are currently very high on the UO and nymphing or streamer fishing is the best way to get into them.
Tandem nymph rigs using San Juan worms, imitation eggs, crystal midges, bird’s nest, or flashback PT’s are all working in the deeper pools and along the cut banks. With the increased flows you will need additional weight to get your flies down.
The bigs are also starting to show up in numbers with this turn of cooler weather- look for some trophy browns to start hitting more frequently. Warmer afternoons the hoppers are out and if you can bounce them off the banks you may get into some big fish that look for these terrestrial’s to hit the water on warm windy days.
As the flows go up you may have some poor water conditions with weed and debris floating by making nymphing or streamer fishing difficult at times.
I can’t tell you where they will top out at, my guess will be another week or so of increases with a high of 150 CFS.
This is good long term news as it will put more water in the UO channel and provide a better pathway for the fish to migrate upstream. It will also gouge the channel out near the lake for next season.
The section downstream from the Benton Bridge to the NEW DFG REGULATION SIGN located about 1/2 mile above Crowley Lake is now closed to ALL anglers.
You may fish down from this sign to Crowley, and upstream from the Benton Bridge with special regulations (no bait or barbed hooks).

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:
Fishing has been great!
Bird’s Nest, Poopah, and Psuedo May’s are catching rainbows. Rainbows have been eating small dark #16 nypmhs. A good time to fish is near sunset. Good angling techniques on the river are short line and high-stick.
Fishing guides and fishing report. Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
So far the fly fishing reports have been as expected.
After a very warm summer and early fall the water is still very warm. This usually keeps fish in a little deeper water as is the case now.
The boaters are catching a bunch of fish in 20-40 feet of water trolling.
As for fly fishermen, the best reports have been coming from Pontoon Boats and Float Tubes. There are schools of Tui Chubs schooled up on various beaches and there are some Cuttys around them.
Fast sinking lines and Minnow Patterns are your best bet.
There are some locals fishing the lake. We have our die hards like anywhere else. If you can find some Float Tubers with Nevada license Plates you are on the right track.
Reports of a 20 Pound Cutthroat caught over the weekend might make the drive worthwhile.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great again this week.
Anglers are catching big rainbows in the mornings.
King Salmon are laying eggs.
Try orange colored egg patterns and #18 Olive Pt Nymphs.
This time of the year offers big rainbows and perfect fly fishing conditions.
Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd.
Look for lots of boats downstream of Anderson. Courtesy of The Fly Shop. Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing: Lower Sacramento River fishing report, in Redding, CA is as follows; 
As of October 15, 2012, water flow is currently 6,600 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. High- Stick and low line angling techniques seem to be affective on the Lower Sac River. Try using #14 cinnamon poopah, #18 black zebra midge.
— 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon: As of October 15, 2012. Water flows are at 6,600 CFS. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fantastic. Limits and near 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 so far of the season 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.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Once again, very low water and we are going elsewhere.
The logging trucks are really moving the fallen trees out of here so be prepared to wait a while if you decide to drive in.

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 10/10. Very clear and cold.
Fishing conditions: Fair. Flows are extremely low right 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) (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.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and 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) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent on Shasta Lake for Rainbows and Kings.
Kings are being caught from the surface to 40 ft deep.
The Bridge Bay area has also been producing good size Rainbows
Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller

LAKE TAHOE
Mackinaw fishing was good all over the lake with the fish in spawning mode and showing aggressive behavior protecting their nests. Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Topliners reports quick limits while jigging for macks running 3 to 6 pounds at South Shore and Meeks Bay. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing reports limits of macks to 8 pounds in two hours on Sunday for clients from Lincoln trolling 150 to 300 feet deep off in Agate Bay.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair this week. Kings Salmon are 80-100 feet down while Rainbows are sitting about 60 feet down.
Some angler’s report catching Rainbows using minnow imitating bait. Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River Conditions have been great and some anglers report good, for some it has been slow. It should be a good season on the Trinity River.
About a million Salmon smolts were released on the 5th.
Try fishing faster shallow water to avoid those tiny fish from beating the other to the bite.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The flows on the Truckee remain excellent from the Town of Truckee down through Reno. The water has finally cooled off and the fishing has been very good. Normal fall conditions are taking shape for sure.
The upper stretches down through the Glenshire area are low and very clear.
This is a great time of year to fish the river between Tahoe City and Truckee. The fish in this stretch are a little smaller but they are all wild. When the water gets this low they tend to pool up in deeper water and are easier to find. The river in this area fishes much more like a small mountain stream. Lots of pocket water and many boulders.
Dry Dropper set-ups are the way to go. Use smaller attractor dries like Royal Wolf’s and Stimulators. This is Baetis time of year so size 18-20 Baetis nymphs are a good bet for the dropper.
The river is still flowing close to normal from Boca Bridge through Reno. It is very clear however and a much more stealthy approach is a must.
The fish have backed off the faster water some and are really spread out.
Brown trout are very active and starting to get into spawn mode. There have been some really nice fish caught in the past couple of weeks.
Nymphs fished either with an indicator or High Sticking “floater No Cator” style has been working well.
Really good dead drifts are a must with these water conditions.
Baby Crayfish, Stoneflies and October Caddis are good Point flies right now and any fly that imitates a Baetis Mayfly (like a Pheasant Tail) is a good option for a dropper.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 146 CFS, Boca Bridge 432 CFS, Farad 456 CFS and Reno 346 CFS.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows have been 47 CFS for a few weeks now. These flows are actually a little higher than the long term average for this time of year. Even though 47 CFS is really low it has helped the Kokanee and Brown Trout move upstream some. The bad news is it could drop to 30 CFS any time.
There has been a pretty good Baetis hatch, especially on cloudy days like today. Conditions are tough for sure but there are some new fish in the river.
A few really important things to remember about fishing the Little Truckee this time of year are, be very stealthy and take a slower approach. Do a lot more observing and a lot less casting. 10 casts will catch more fish than 100 casts in lower water. (This is a good lesson for any small stream) Stay out of the water as much as possible.
Brown Trout are staging to spawn and the future of the fishery depends on them being successful. Wading through the “Reds” can really take its toll on the habitat. The Little Truckee is a special place and we should do everything we can to preserve it.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins have been a bit tough this past week or so, most anglers are reporting a couple fish but they're having to work pretty hard for them.
We have had a couple reports of a couple large browns that have been hooked and lost though so this should mean that it's time to start gunning for those double-digit fish!
Trolling with large stick baits like Trophy Sticks, Rapalas and the like is the best way to go after the big boys!



TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: Water temperature is at 50 degrees.
Between the wind, cooler temps, light snow mixed with rain this past week, fishing was less then desireable.
But, by the week-end, fishing and weather improved.
We saw both still fishing and trolling produce full strings of good size trout.
15 year old, Reyna Rosalez caught her first fish using a rainbow Power Bait while fishing from the shore.
Reyna caught a 2 1/2 rainbow. She lives in Rancho Cucamoda, Calif.
Fish and Game planted another 900 pounds on October 8th.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
A typical storm over the crest of the Sierra put down 4” of snow at Little Virginia, cooling down the air and the weather has started to warm up again. 
DFG stocked on Wednesday just before the storm hit with a very nice load of trout spicing up the action for all the anglers wanting to get that last trip in for the season.
Aspens are at their peak around 8100 feet, and slowly turning from lemon and lime into rusty golds. Should be fully colored in 2 days.

Bait for the week: Nightcrawlers, and mainly mouse tails, power baits have been the best bait for the week.

Lures for the week: Mini jigs, small Kastmasters and anything you want to try.

Flies for the week: Black Woolly buggers, Olive buggers, with a few dries working, but they were inconsistent. Best flies 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.

Backcountry Fishing: 
Blue Cooney and the Frogs Lakes have slowed down except for the warm afternoon window that has been doing well on small female Adams and crawlers and a few small lures like Super Dupers, Mepps 00 in silver.

Big fish for the week:
 Pete Escalona of Hemet and brother-in-law John Serda of Delano caught 2 lb 9 oz, 3 lb 1 oz, 3 lb 2oz and 2 lb 5 oz Alpers on jigs October 8, LV*
John Brown of Riverside, 2 lb 5 oz Alper on a Red/gold Bouyant 10.7.12
Preston Duggan of Temecula, 3 lb 2oz of power worm 10.9.12

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are still fishing well with power eggs, power bait, crawlers, kastmasters, bouyants, and rooster tails. Fly anglers are using seal buggers, wooly buggers, soft hackles, zug bugs and prince nymphs.

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 down to 33 CFS. Ouch! Irrigation season is over and expect the flows to remain low for the winter.
As the water cools the fish tend to really spread out so they do not have to compete as much for food. Cover a lot of water and fish the deeper pools. Small nymphs like Baetis and Midges in size 18-20 are the way to go. Don’t be afraid to also use some weight to help get these flies down.
Approach your spots from downstream and take your time. Tread lightly and enjoy how beautiful it is on the East Walker this time of year.

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 down to 33 CFS today, it's starting to get into winter type conditions. The fishing has been pretty good though!
The streamer action is getting better and better, both dead-drifting them and stripping them. 
The dry fly action is slow but the nymphing is still good.
Patterns to go with include zuddlers, moal leeches, sculpzilla, dead drift crayfish, JJ special, buggers, rainbow warrior, silver streak, san juan worm, flashback emerger, black beauty, wd-40 and copper john.
The Rosachi section is also doing well on the Nevada side with many of the same patterns.

West Walker River: The West is still fishing pretty well, the water is low and clear so you need to be in stealth mode while fishing up there. Try to sneak in on the deeper pools where those fish are hanging out.
Drift an egg or crawler through the pockets, or run a small spinner through the same areas.
Fly anglers should be able to do well with a prince nymph, or copper john dropped from a small bugger or leech pattern.

Sceirine Ranch: The ranch is fishing excellent as well, one of the keys to fishing with these lower flows both on the Cali and Nevada side is to focus more on the deeper sections where there are more fish hanging out.
Hunewill Pond: The pond is still fishing excellent and the weeds are definitely going away for the season. Streamers like seal buggers and stillwater nymphs with a soft hackle or ap emerger dropper are still the best bet.
Lots of fish in the 15 to 2o inch range with a few over 20.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River: Flows are down to winter levels already, and they will continue to fall unfortunately. The cooler weather has brought much better water conditions with a more consistent bite. Most of the fish will be stacked in the deeper pools below the dam. Due to the low water levels you will not see the mega mayfly and caddis hatches this fall, but I would still have a good selection of #18-20 BWO or Trico adults handy.
I like smaller bird’s nest and PT’s this time of year while nymphing.
With short water there are limited sections to fish a streamer, however if you get a deep pool do not forsake an opportunity to chuck a bait fish imitation for a shot at a trophy brown.


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Water flow has been up and down and has dropped to 33 CFS. Fishing is tough. 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 42 CFS as of 10/10.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows are now down in the 40s. 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.

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 fishing is good. Anglers are catching Kokanees 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