Don Q's Northern California and Sierra Fishing Report

Here is this week's fishing report covering rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Oct. 31 through Nov. 6.

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

Fishing is great near Prattville. Fish 20 ft - 42 ft down, there are large concentrations of fish there.
Due to cooler surface temperatures fish are starting to move back to shallower waters.
Techniques that work varies from day to day so be prepared to switch it up.
If the dodger isn’t working try a naked crawler.
— Almanor Fishing Adventures

BIG SPRINGS RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed the last day in February, 2013.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing in the estuary continues to be hit-and-miss depending on the weather. The chinook run is just beginning and will only get better in early to mid-November.

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:
Dennis Burns from La Jolla, CA caught a 3 lb 5 oz with NightCrawlers at the Inlet! Allison and Kyle Winkelman from San Dimas, CA caught a 2 lb 7 oz and 2 lb 2 oz with a Power Worm at the Outlet! Curtis Richardson from Castaic, CA caught a l lb 9 oz with a Thomas Bouyant Red/Gold at the Inlet. Jonathan Martinez from Moreno Valley, CA caught a 3 lb 10 oz with Green/Black Jig 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, Green/Black Jig, Thomas Buoyant Perch, Yellow Turbo Power Bait, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Roostertail, Red/Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs, 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:
52 Degrees.
Weather:
Expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 60's for the first part of the week then dropping to the high 50's by the end the week. Overnight temperatures will 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, Night Crawlers, Power Eggs, Power Worms, Small Spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins. Chunky Cheese Power Bait, Troll with Rapalas, Needlefish, Thomas Buoyant.
Lures:
Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure.
Trolling:
Little Cleos, Dave Davis Night Crawler or Lead Core 4-6 colors, Rapalas, Rebels, Pin Minnows.
Flies:
Marvel Fly, Prince, Hares Ear, Lopper Johns, Ant Beatles.
Convict Creek:
Flies:
Strip Streamers.
Bait:
Eggs, Nightcrawlers and Power Worms.
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods)
Fall Happenings:
Derby News: Ambush at the Lake- Fall Fishing Derby starting September 3 to November 15th , $6,000 in resort Prizes! We have 144 derby competitors so far and 96 fish entered into the drawing 14 inches are longer.
Stocking: DFG stocked this week.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 7:17 am - 7:23 am and Sunset 6:04 pm - 5:56 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Marina closes Wed Oct.31.
Fishing is slow due to the extremely low water level.
Dark streamers on full sink lines is the best bet.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
For boaters trolling has been good with copper/red head Wee Dick Nites and red-dot frog Needlefish. Best results at 5 ft deep around the island.
Fly fishing has improved for float tubers using intermediate sinkers in the Fairview, Mosquito Slough, and Freeman Creek areas.
Try fishing near Mallard Point and Eagle Point for shore fishing.
Just watch out for those weeds around Eagle’s Point.
— Western Outdoor News

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Trout fishing has been consistent for rainbows in the 11- to 13-inch range.
Anglers have reeled in a few tiger trout reaching the 15-inch mark.
Success has come using Power Bait, nightcrawlers and mini-marshmallows.
The reservoir is full and spilling over into Echo Canyon, which will improve fishing at Echo Canyon Reservoir.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have been catching rainbow trout while fishing off the dam with Power Bait or night crawlers.
Not much action has been reported for bass and crappie.
Now’s a good time to get the fishing in as all the facilities will be running just until about the end of the month.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been getting some good reports and others are coming in fair.
There are plenty of Rainbows which is allowing all anglers to dry fly fish in the morning, nymph under indicators, or strip during the afternoon.
Fish the swing with fast sinking Poly Leaders.
To start off any day swing #16 Pheasant Tail nymphs trailing #18-20 black Zebra Midges or WD-40’s.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers are reporting that salmon fishing has slowed a little.
Steelhead fishing has been very good!
For Fly fishing try dead-drifting nymphs under indicators.
Biggest problem right now on Feather River is avoiding Salmon in the low flow section of the river.
— Western Outdoor News

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
The fishing at Frenchman Lake is good.
They are catching nice sized rainbows averaging 12 to 16 inches.
A fisherman from Reno caught 5 fish on power bait with garlic scent off Crystal Point in 2 hours a few days ago. The fish were 12 to 16 inches each.
Fall is always a great time for bank or boat fishing at the lake.
The docks are still in until Wednesday, October 31st, but remember - Frenchman Lake is open year-round for fishing.
The streams are open until November 15th.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2013.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500)
(www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Nothing new this week, fishing is still good!
The Powerhouse # 2 riffle is a good fishing spot. Anglers are reporting hook-ups using # 18-# 20 black or brown midges or mayfly patterns.
Sunset is when the October Caddis is most active.
The 2012 season on Hat Creek closes November 15th.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 6 CFS. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. Some mid day baetis activity. Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

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 47 CFS.



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good this week! There is a good mixture of half pounders, some adults, and occasionally a King or two.
To access the best water, try fishing from a boat.
Clown-eggs and micro spawns in yellow and pink seem to be the best flies to use; while Shrimp pink eggs have been getting the Steelhead.

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

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Trout fishing has picked up significantly with recent fish plants by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery.
Anglers are catching limits along the river.
Don’t forget to push down those barbs on your hooks for an easier time with catch and release.
Nightcrawlers, Jakes Spin-a-lures, or Panther Martins in yellow or gold colorations are working well.
Schools of striped bass have been spotted and a few over four pounds have been taken on anchovies.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Lewiston has been fishing fair to good.
Afternoon brings good Midge Hatches. Good techniques to try is suspending #22 red zebra midges or Gidgets under a treated piece of poly yarn.
Best fishing has been reported by anglers using boats.
— 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.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2013.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the weather changing, anglers have experienced a slowdown in the fishing action. The opportunity for stripers may still avail itself while fishing top-water baits or jigging in the Kingman and Vegas Wash areas.
Some anglers are still catching catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
It has been fairly quiet at Cottonwood Cove. The cooling weather and high wind gusts seem to be deterring fishermen. The temperature of the water has cooled considerably and is now in the 70’s.
Launch ramps will close temporarily beginning Oct. 29 due to low water levels but are expected to reopen Nov. 8.
Trout fishing remains good at Willow Beach despite the lower water, just be ready to trek through the mud.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing for Dungeness crabs in the ocean is closed from Oct. 16 – Nov. 30.
Fishing for bottom fish opened back up to all depths again starting Oct. 1. Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms.
Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep cabezon.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).Fishing for rockfish has been very good near Coos Bay and Bandon.
Recreational chinook salmon is open 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:
 Water flow is up to 1602 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.
Section from the bridge to the monument is now closed.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow has dropped to 201 CFS. Fishing is good . Solid baetis hatch starting around noon. Barr's emerger, flashback pheasant tails, juju baetis.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing is good in the West Branch of the lake. Anglers report bass between 12” to 14”. Try fishing in the early morning at 35 ft dep.
Dart-head Senko is best for catching bigger fish.
The prism shad Roboworm drop-shot seems to be producing smaller fish.
— Western Outdoor News

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good! There has been a good October Caddis this year which is drawing Rainbows to the edges of the river where they can look for the emerging adults. Fishing is consistent all day and there are always a few fish feeding at the surface near sunset.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great and so has conditions. Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd, which brings a lot of boating traffic.
Fish deep, with your leader’s length between 7.5- 8.5’ to the split shot.
Egg patterns in orange and salmon-egg and #18 Pheasant Tail Nymph are good choices on the Lower Sacramento. 

Courtesy of The Fly Shop. Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing:
As of October 29, 2012, water flow is currently 6,500 CFS.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding is great.
Catching Rainbows from Redding 20 fish days now. 
Afternoons have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
South Redding and Anderson area of the Sacramento River has been producing steelhead also.
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:
October Caddis are still good. Fly fishing has been good on the entire Upper Sacramento River. There is a decent BWO hatch mid-day due to cooler daytime temps.
A good technique for rainbows is to fish deep, in the rocks. High- Stick and low line angling techniques seem to be affective on the Lower Sac River.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
KING FISHING STILL GOING DOWN LOW.
The Sac has been pumping out decent scores of kings lately down in the Sacramento Metro area and down to Vierra’s near Isleton.
These late running kings are hitting spinners and FlatFish.
Upstream, the bite has been slow in the Ord Bend/Hamilton City/Woodson Bridge area as they are currently in-between the Fall and Late Fall runs.
Look for some chrome dandies to show up there in November!

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 29, 2012. Water flows are at 6,500 CFS. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is good. We got some much needed rain this week, this will bring up more salmon to the area.
The boats have been bringing in 4 to 6 salmon a day now.
Quite a few of the fish have been 25 pounds plus, also another 41 pounder.
Larger salmon will continue to be produced as we move in November, and December. This is prime time fishing! More big salmon to come.
November and December are known months on the Sacramento River to produce big salmon.
The 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/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
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.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fall chinook will start entering the Smith as the rains start occurring. No harvest of wild coho is allowed in the Smith River basin.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is slow for King Salmon on Trinity. Try fishing 60’-150’deep.
Kokanee fishing is fair and they are at about 60’-100’ deep.
Trout are at the surface. Try fishing with apexes and humdingers.
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
With rain in the forecast it can add color to the water, improving the conditions. Trinity River has been fishing good for some, slow for others.
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.

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

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Water flow has been up and down and is now 67 CFS.
Fishing is good but not easy. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs,copper John's and Prince nymphs

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.

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