Here is the fishing report for the week through Sept. 21. The report covers Nevada, Northern California, Southern Oregon and the Sierra.
ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Surface temps have been cooling slightly as the days get shorter. This week it’s been 69.6 in the morning, rising to 71.5 afternoons, but the trend is a cooler surface.
The lake is still nearly full, clarity excellent to 13.5 ft. Dark mornings, no moon, and boat traffic is way down.
Late summer weather has been terrific, and is forecasted to be the same for the next week or so.
The Bite gets going early. Pond smelt are abundant this year and fish are after them. White Gitzits jigs have been the hot ticket the past few days near the Snag, big Fish, mostly Browns, up to 4 lbs, and are chasing them right off the bottom working them back aggressively toward the boat. Anchovy tail at the A-Frame, 6 ft. off the bottom, with Pro-Cure Herring super Gel has been the hot ticket producing Salmon all around 18″, but the bigger, 3 and 4 year old Salmon have not been found, or reported for weeks now. Trollers are getting bite from 35 ft. to 55 ft. down all morning; not red hot action, but steady, producing limits for the guys that stay a little longer, with a mix of Rainbows, Browns and an occasional Salmon.
Flashers and dodgers with threaded crawlers pulled slow have been good one day and off the next, same with shiners and needlefish; if one of these applications is not working, change out your gear to the other.
And the best fish have been coming on the early side of the morning from 5:30 am to 7:45 am, and picking up again after 9:30 am.
The Needlefish and Shiners need to be run faster, like 2.4 to 2.8 mph always seems the best speed. The “on anchor bait bite” is a good way to go.
The bigger fish usually come off the suspended baits rather than trolling, especially this time of year and into the fall.
Anchovy tail for Salmon, mealworms/crickets for Browns, Nightcrawlers work for everything! All these suspended offerings will produce strikes.
From late summer, going into the fall season, guys that take their sweet time, and sit on anchor near places like the A-Frame, Snag, Spar Buoy, and Big Springs will get fish, some very large.
You just have to be patient. It’s like Ed Sullivan said, “Don’t rush the monkey, and you’ll get a better show.”
Things to consider, starting this week.
1. Less boat traffic on the lake as we approach fall.
2. Bug hatches have completed their reproduction cycles, so smelt patterns will be the ticket.
3. Pond smelt are really abundant again this year…the fish are Thick “N” Fat already!
4. Surface temps will begin to cool as the days get shorter by 2 minutes every day.
5. Brown Trout pre-spawn activity will begin soon.
6. Close to 300k fish were planted here in the last year.
— Courtesy of Doug Neal
BEAR RIVER RESERVOIR (LOWER), CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted – Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: I do believe Fall is here – and maybe winter in the back-country. A bit of weather in this week and Sunday we woke to NEW SNOW on the peaks.
There are a couple of areas where the trees are lightening up – tried to get a picture, but couldn’t get the colors to pop yet.
Our little bear is still knocking over the gut can up at the cleaning table hoping to get lucky again. Had sightings of the both the Bald Eagle and Osprey today.
The deer are on the move, so keep a sharp eye out when traveling up or down the mountain especially at dawn or dusk!
No photographers out yet, but they are sure to be on the way!
Lots of wildlife in the area right now and more to come!
Whether fishing the Inlets, drifting the rock piles, trolling or shore fishing all are doing GREAT! And whether fishing with nightcrawlers, lures, Power Bait or Salmon eggs all are doing GREAT! Do you all get it – FISHING IS GREAT ~ Lot of Fish ~ Hate to say it, but can’t say what is working best, but the GREAT fishing might also have to do with getting Alpers Thursday and a DFG stocking on Friday.
We did have a few nice Rainbows caught over the weekend – Brice Uyeda of Granada Hills landed a nice 1-1/2 pound trout on a Red and Silver lure. Mother-Son team Barbara and Brian Kroells of San Fernando had what it takes to each land a nice Alper on tube jigs – 2-1/2pounder and 2-3/4pounder – way to go Kroells! Joe Garcia of Temecula landed a beaut – a 3-1/2pound Alper on a nightcrawler.
Like I said before there is definitely a nip in the air – we had rain on and off all day Sunday and temps were in the mid-40s not sure what the lows will be, but you can check www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
REMEMBER THAT JACKET – IT TENDS TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 DEGREES COOLER AT THE LAKE.
Thought I’d leave the info about last week’s pictures in the report:
Don’t think we’ve ever seen so many people up at the Lake and so many fishing from the dam – good thing it was still plum full so it made it a bit easier to reel in those limits.
And limits there were thanks to the Department of Fish and Game – unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for you all at the Lake this weekend) the DFG fish stocking truck had a bit of a problem in the Lake Sabrina parking lot – with the fish in the truck a bit longer than normal. DFG driver Dave made the decision to dump the rest of his load at the Lake 2,400 pounds of fish – then with some of the fish a bit stressed, Dave waded chest-high into the chilly waters of Lake Sabrina to revive many of the jittery fish – and those fish had reason to be jittery as Bob and Wendy Hildelrand of Pasadena took limits home both days using nightcrawlers.
And the Comins Family of West Hills also took home limits both days using the threaded nightcrawler method – Good Job – Marla, Alan and Brandon.
With all the fish being caught and leaned at the fish table, we had a small bear come in for some easy pickins – it knocked over the bucket and had himself a picnic – luckily, Bryan had emptied the can in the early evening.
All the campgrounds in the Bishop Creek Canyon are still open. The only campground to take reservations is Four Jeffery (www.reserveamerica.com and enter Four Jeffrey) all others are first come first serve. There is a full hook-up campground also on the South Lake road, Creekside RV Park.
Take it easy on all the mountain roads, the deer are out in the mornings and evenings and there’s lots of hikers out there – can’t stress this enough!
I think this cool weather probably will do in the rest of the skeeters this season – but just remember when applying bug juice, sunscreen, SANITIZER or any other FU-FU juice, WASH YOUR HANDS! The juice you apply will taint your tackle and bait. You know it tastes yucky, the fish think it tastes yucky, too, although have you ever tasted Power Bait or Worms – to each their own.
We’ve still making HOMEMADE vanilla ice-cream to go with our HOMEMADE pie – we also have sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa during our regular store hours!
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Upper Blue Lake: It will 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:
The Reservoir is still fishing pretty well, mainly from boats or tubes. Trolling has been good with Needlefish, Ex-Cel lures, Thomas Buoyant and small Rapalas. Bait fishing with crawlers, Power Bait and Gulp Eggs has also been pretty good.
Haven’t had too many reports from fly anglers but if I was going to give flies a try I’d probably go with streamers like Hornbergs, Seal Buggers and Matukas with a soft hackle or AP Emerger dropper.
We also had one report from shore fishing down near the dam, they caught only one fish all day, but it was a 4.5lb brown, as the weather cools that program should keep getting better!
CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
With the mainstem closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers will find good cutthroat fishing on any of the tributaries entering into the Chetco.
The South Fork Chetco has some of the best public access and is in a very remote setting.
Temporary regulations in effect beginning Aug. 1, 2011:
Mainstem Chetco River upstream of BPA powerline crossing at river mile 2.2 is closed to all angling including trout through Nov. 4, 2011.
Tributaries to the Chetco River remain open for trout through Oct. 31, 2011 as per Southwest Zone Regulations.
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, CALIF:
Jen Heintzelman of Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlakeresort.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: Trisha Sanchez from Pico Rivera, California brought in a 3 lb. 4 oz. on Salmon Peach Power Bait from the South Shore.
Weather:
Daytime highs still in the mid 70s…a bit warmer later in the week and evening lows in the mid 40’s. Slight chance of afternoon storms Sunday and Monday and mainly sunny the rest of the week. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.
Tactics/Bait: The big ones are starting to come in as the weather gets cooler.
Power Bait of many kinds and inflated nightcrawlers are the best baits to use this week and the South Shore seems to be the most productive area to fish. If trolling go 6 or 7 colors.
Fish are being caught all around the lake this week.
Locations to try are the Inlet, Outlet, North Shore, South Shore, Creek, Jetty, Handicap Pier and Hangman’s Tree.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
TroutKrilla, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Thomas Buoyant, green Woolly Bugger, White Mini Jig and Power Bait.
Stocking: DFG has stocked again this week.
Sunrise – Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:33 am – 6:38 am and Sunset 7:13 pm – 7:04 pm.
Derbies: The Eastern Sierra Second Summer Derby will be starting September 7 to November 15th with $4,462 prizes at Convict Lake and $35,702 in the overall competition.
You can win a 14′ Fully Equipped Gregor Boat and more!
CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Thing’s have taken a nose dive here. Fishing is very slow and the algae has returned. Most of the fish being caught are the small, recently planted rainbows. Try 18-20 feet of water with Stevie’s Wonder gray/black or Stevie’s M-80 or an olive Matuka or Zonker on a full sink line.
EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The trout are still in the south basin but a few more are starting to stir.
The shallow rock piles and ledges from the south side of Pelican Pt to Shrimp Island had more fish showing up, mostly all flipping rocks on the gravel bars and ledges feeding on scuds, shrimp, leeches and snails…and still in close proximity to 35/40 ft of water.
The Lake had a new group of fish move in off the south side of Pelican Pt in the last few days, these mostly in the two pound range while the larger 2 ½ to 3 pounders moved further towards the buoy line, but that is now two groups of trout moving north.
Fishermen hit Wildcat Pt & Lake of the Woods, letting lines out in deeper water before heading into the ledges and working the shallow humps & bumps. The fish they caught were either tight into the shoreline where minnows were being balled up or at 6 ft deep on the second ledge off Lake of the Woods. Dark brown and florescent orange trolling flies drew the strikes & fish in that location and the double jointed Sure Catch Red-dog lure has been the #1 lure on Eagle this season.
More bait balls of tui chub minnows are showing up, watch the water and keep an eye on your depth finder for clouds of baitfish passing under the boat and finally the “tui chub” minnow trolling fly pattern was hammered…that is the first day the minnow ruled.
The deep water of the south basin is slow to drop in temperature and generally stays clearer than the shallow water along the shoreline, but in the coming weeks, reports say fishermen are going to see some changes. The water temps are not quite low enough to keep fish in feeding shallow very long, but it won’t be long now. So, when you begin having a tough time getting a bite or locating more than a handful of trout in the deep water, you might consider hitting shallower water where I have found them even up till noon. Most running slip bobbers along the west side are fishing deeper, still in the 25 to 30 feet zone.
The south side of Pelican Pt has been fishing well for the last three weeks, but it has been a matter of timing for the most part & it has been fishing different every day. Not quite predictable just yet, but it’s coming…quickly. Also something to note, fishermen have not caught a trout under 2.5 pounds in tight or shallow.
The Springs to Eagles Nest has provided bait and trollers at various depths; some even finding a fairly good bite early in 12 feet of water before the trout move back out, but these fish are moving around now too.
There are still scattered pods of trout, some foraging in shallow similar to the west side, but they don’t seem to stay in close as long before moving out to the water deeper than 35 feet. These fish have a tendency to move into Agate Beach off Black Mountain and move out to forage the eastern and southern side of Miners Pt rock pile out in the middle of the lake. The most dependable slip bobber depth seems to be at 25 feet deep one day, 28 feet the next and up to 38 feet deep on a hot calm day after 9 a.m.
— Courtesy of Val Aubrey
EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Weeds are making things difficult for shore anglers and will until the weather turns cooler and water temperatures drop.
Fish the pockets of open water.
Rainbow trout will take various Power Bait flavors as well as nightcrawlers or worms combined with mini marshmallows.
Early morning and evening hours are the most productive.
ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishermen are finding the water level to be seasonably low, but they can still catch stocked rainbow trout and some crappie. Look for the fish along the dam where the water is deepest.
Effective baits include Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Great! The fly fishing on Fall River has been very good.
Crowds are light during the week.
After a so-so spring and summer, Fall River has finally decided to produce the quality fishing it is known for.
For best results, fish #16 Brown Micro Mays, # 16-18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs or # 16-18 Black Zebra Midge.
Look for rainbow trout holding in bucket like depressions between weeds. Although fish can be found rising in the AM hours, they are tough to catch on dries. Try a # 20 Trico spinner to get the grab off the surface. Nymphs are definitely working best as of today.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop
FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon, steelhead push upriver as water cools on Feather River.
King salmon have been present in the upper stretches of the Feather near the hatchery and throughout the Low flow by the thousands for weeks now and last week’s continued drop in water temperatures, since the completed repairs to the powerhouse at Oroville dam has fresh fish starting to move upriver from the Sacramento River.
Last week reports from anglers coming into Huntington’s were a bit more encouraging then the previous weeks with three different angler parties reporting decent action on salmon and steelhead.
Frank Terry of Gridley reported catching five Kings in three trips on the Feather since Labor day last week while fishing near Gridley with K-15 and K-16 Kwikfish with a sardine wrap on the anchor in the early mornings. Terry’s big fish was a bright 28-pound male.
On Tuesday last week an unnamed angler said he hooked three kings while drifting roe and a fish pill on the Feather in the Oroville W A.
Mike Tripp of Thermalito reported that on last Saturday after scratching for two fish on a morning trip to the Sac below Woodson’s Bridge, he and a friend made an afternoon trip to the Feather and they took two big hen salmon of 28 and 30 pounds on Kwikfish with a sardine wrap at about 230pm in the Oroville W.A., fishing just below the closure line around the long island.
Tripp also noted that the water below the Afterbay Outlet has definitely cooled off and was 63 degrees that afternoon on Saturday last week.
This writer fished the high flow below the outlet to Palm Ave last week in the middle of the day and had three takedowns and hooked just one small Jack that shook off before it got to the boat.
Fishermen did see an increased number of bright kings rolling mostly in the lower end of the wildlife Area.
Steelhead fishing on the Feather has been good and anglers are catching anywhere from two to five fish on their outings, with most of the fish weighing two to three pounds, with an occasional larger adult to eight pounds now showing Fly anglers are matching the hatches with Caddis or Mayfly patterns. The egg pattern bite is starting to take off now and this writer hooked three adult steelhead while fly-fishing with egg and Nymph patterns in the low flow last week.
Bait casters are using roe, singles eggs, Glo-Bugs with scent added, nightcrawlers, Berkley Gulp, eggs, or the 3’trout worms on light line for steelhead to four pounds.
One successful angler, Scott Harper of Austin, Texas caught and released three adult steelhead to six pounds last week while drifting ‘crawlers and a bead below the 162.bridge in the Low flow.
The water in the low flow is very clear with about twelve feet of visibility with the temperature now ranging from 56 to 6i1degrees; so the fishing has been best from legal fishing time to about ten a.m.
— Courtesy of Craig Bentley
FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing has been good all week.
Several reports of catching limits of rainbow trout and catfish.
The north end of the lake is still very good for shore fishing and trolling.
Lunkers Point is good through the channel for catfish and crawdads. Nightcrawler Bay has been good for rainbow trout.
Most fishermen have been using nightcrawlers or Power Bait (Chartreuse, Salmon Peach, and Rainbow).
Trolling has been good in the north end, but also around the dam, and just east of the dam.
Different lures such as Kastmaster, Mepps (silver), and Rocky Mountain (various colors and sizes). Other lures being used are Dick Nite, Roostertails, and Tasmanian Devils.
FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good all week. There have been several reports of catching limits of rainbow trout and catfish. The north end of the lake is still very good for shore fishing and trolling. Lunkers’ Point is good through the channel for catfish and crawdads. Nightcrawler Bay has been good for rainbow trout.
Most fishermen have been using nightcrawlers or Power Bait (Chartreuse, Salmon Peach, and Rainbow).
Trolling has been good in the north end, but also around the dam, and just east of the dam. Different lures such as Kastmaster, Mepps (silver), and Rocky Mountain (various colors and sizes). Other lures being used are Dick Nite, Rooster Tails, and Tasmanian Devils.
— Courtesy Wiggins Trading Post
HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com) reports:
At Wild Hat Creek nymphing was best with fishermen doing okay on the stretch just below the powerhouse.
Good results with PT’s, Copper Johns. Callibaetis cripples working, with a few PMD’s picking up fish.
At Upper Hat Creek crawler fishermen seem to be having the best luck, but Roostertails and other spinners can result in some decent fish.
Salmon eggs and berkley power eggs also working.
— Courtesy of Vaughn’s Sporting Goods & Fly Shop
HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 27 CFS. Nymph fishing is the best bet right now. Try small WD-40’s Miracle Nymphs and Pheasant Tails. Some surface action with hopper patterns.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant – Gull – June – Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Rush Creek flow is 51CFS. Fishing is good with hoppers black ants and humpies. Try Grant Lake near the Rush Creek inlet with Doc’s Twin Lake Special, olive Matukas and olive or black Zonkers.
KIRKWOOD LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Haven’t been getting too many reports from Kirman lately, the few we have had have just been okay. Just a few fish per angler, mainly on streamers like Seal Buggers and Matukas. Again, as the weather cools Kirman should keep getting more and more lively.
LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Trout stocking activities won’t begin along this stretch of the Colorado River for another month but anglers are still catching a few rainbows. These fish are carry-over trout from prior plants. Striped bass and smallmouth bass can be caught from Davis dam south to the Avi.
LOON LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
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:
Try George Lake with a black Doc’s Twin Lake Special with a Hares Ear or Prince Nymph trailer.
LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers found good fishing for striped bass over the long holiday weekend. The bite has been on during the daytime as well as after dark.
During the daytime, anglers have been throwing top-water hardware into striper boils scattered from the Vegas Wash area into the open basin. Jigging also has been catching line sides.
Boulder Harbor has been very productive, both inside and outside of the harbor. Most fish are on the small side at about 1.5 to 2 pounds.
Catfish have been hitting baits from Callville to the narrows.
Fishing has been slow to fair in the Overton Arm.
LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Willow Beach is still kicking out large striped bass. The most recent list includes a pair of 15-pounders along with fish weighing in at 19, 25 and 27-pounds. Fishermen are fooling them primarily with AC Plugs, though a Spro or LA Slider will also catch fish.
Anglers fishing out of Cottonwood Cove are catching stripers and catfish. Zachary Trudeau reeled in a 27-inch, 13-pound striped bass while fishing off the back of a houseboat. Cut anchovies and sardines are catching the fish. Catfish are biting on night crawlers.
For bluegill and green sunfish work the shallows near cover. Meal worms or red worms suspended below a bobber will generally catch these fish. So will small spinners like a Panther Martin or a Mepps.
OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational ocean Chinook fishing is open.
Single point, barbless hooks must be used in this fishery. The non-selective ocean Coho fishery starts on Sept. 1 and will continue through Sept. 10. There is a daily bag limit of two salmon per day.
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 20 fathoms in order to reduce catch and release mortality on yelloweye rockfish. Anglers are reporting good catches of bottomfish when weather is favorable. However, anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain Cabezon because the quota of 15.8 metric tons will have been met.
OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 196 CFS. On the surface try Chernobyl ants and hoppers. Caddis pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and WD-40’s under the surface.
Fishing is picking up above the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 410 CFS. A bit too high to fish right now.
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:
Releases are around 340 CFS and water has finally cleared.
Fishermen doing best with black stones, Copper John’s in red, Birds Nest in larger sizes fished on the bottom.
Good reports from the few fishermen braving the increased flows.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL OF SLIPPERY ROCKS!!!
Beginning in September there will again be road work and improvements along the Pit River. Road closures of up to 12 hours are possible between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm. Road will be open over Columbus Day weekend and Veterans Day weekend.
— Courtesy of Vaughn’s Sporting Goods & Fly Shop
PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Closed to cutthroat trout fishing from July 01 through September 30.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
GOOD SALMON & ROCKFISH
Salmon fishing continues to generally be good for trollers and moochers outside the Gate when the weather cooperates.
This time of year, the fish move through quickly so it’s really hard to base your trip on the reports. One day is slow and then the next can be hot, so you just have to get out and go!
The best action has been at the Great Divide, the Middlegrounds, the Channel Buoys and Duxbury Reef.
There are some jumbo kings being caught, like the 44 pounder a client of our pal Jay Lopes of Right Hook Sportfishing caught. There are also lots of barely legal footballs out there as well.
Rockfishing also remains good on the local reefs and out at the islands.
Inside the bay, the halibut and bass bites have slowed, but there are still fish around if you are willing to work.
SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The San Joaquin River is fishing great. My favorite rig here is an orange stimulator with a bead head Pheasant Tail dropper. Fishing is still good at Scotcher Lake with olive Matukas and olive or black Twin Lakes Specials
SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing for stripers in the tidewater area is fair. The Smith is now open for trout from May 28 through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections. Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.
TWIN LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake – Lower Twin Lake – Robinson Creek:
The Twins are doing well bait fishing from shore or boats and fly fishing near the inlets in tubes or kayaks. Crawlers, Power Bait and Power Eggs have been doing good and for flies you can use Matukas, Seal Buggers, mini leeches, soft hackles and AP Emergers.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are fishing great these days as well. The usual suspects for flies, bait and lures will all produce. These include Seal Buggers, soft hackles, beetles, ants and Matukas for flies, Power Bait, crawlers and Gulp Eggs for bait and Kastmasters and Hot Shots for lures.
WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season.
Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.
WALKER RIVERS, 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 about 350 CFS right now and has still been fishing pretty well. It’s mainly been a Nymphing thing with Caddis Nymphs and small Midge patterns mostly doing the trick.
One of the keys down there right now is to switch up your bugs often.
We’ve been getting a couple good reports (though just here and there) on streamers and dries, but it’s mainly been Nymphs.
Some of the patterns that have been working include: WD-40, Zebra Midge, Flashback Emerger, silver streak, micro Mayfly, San Juan Worm, Fox Poopah, La Fontaine’s Caddis pupa, 3-wire Caddis, Weir’s Caddis.
Haven’t heard from the Rosachi lately, but will let you know when we do!
West Walker River:
The West is producing lots of nice fish these days.
You can use spinners and spoons if you want to fish lures, for bait go with eggs and crawlers and for flies you can be successful with hoppers, beetles, ants, Princes, soft hackles, stimulators, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears.
Sceirine Ranch:
The Sceirine has been fishing well lately though I expect it to get even better when the flows come down a bit more.
There’s some really nice fish hanging out on the ranch right now and they don’t tend to be quite as wary as the fish on the California side.
Successful patterns include 3-wire Caddis, Fox’s Poopah, Birds Nest, San Juan Worm, Flashback Emergers.
There’s been some good reports from the ranch on dry/dropper rigs as well.
WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Most recent flow 349 CFS. Fishing is getting tougher here.
Try red or black Midge pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and Prince Nymphs.