Don Q's Fishing Report for the week of May 9

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 May 9, 2012.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:

Sabrina Lake:
Another great week at the Lake — a bit of wind on Thursday and a few snow showers on Saturday – yup, Mother Nature was up to her old tricks — but it was just a wee one – they only lasted for a few minutes and then the sun was back out, but he was not up to full strength yet – it was a tad on the cool side on the Lake this week and weekend.
It has been warm enough for the Lake to come up about 5 feet since Opener and the Department of Fish and Game was able to give us another stocking of some nice-looking fish.
Bryan saw a nice native Rainbow weighing in at about 3 pounds come out this past week. If you catch a nice fish over 3 pounds bring it by the Café – we’d love to see it and take a picture.
The bite has slowed a bit over the week — could be the HUGE full moon we just had or the cold weather system that just came through — all in all — you may have to fish an extra hour or so catch your limit.
Same things are working in the same places – and don’t forget we have boats on the Lake. So it’s nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and red and gold Thomas Buoyants.
Got new furniture for the P1 which made it into the Lake this weekend and is ready to go. As soon as Rick and Bryan get the new furniture installed in the P2 and there’s enough water, that boat will take its first dip of the season. Already getting reservations for the summer – so give us a call – they’ve got a BBQ and Bimini top.
Still haven’t spotted the eagle, but those cruising at the back of the Lake have seen it. Some also spotted a beaver skimming around the Lake.
Bishop Creek Lodge posted the first bear sighting of the season – sure hope they stay on that side of the canyon.
Forest Service campgrounds that are open are - BitterBrush, Bishop Park, Intake II, Four Jeffery and the Forks are all open. Look for Sabrina Camp and Willow Camp to open right before Memorial Day.
Guess it’s that time of year to remind you of a few things – when using BUG JUICE (the skeeter are out and they are BIG) or SANITIZER you need to really wash your hands before fishing - then rub some Salmon Egg juice, worm dirt or Anglers Bros Trout attractant to take that smell off.
Remember your polarized dark glasses and sunscreen — we saw a few anglers that looked a bit like cooked lobster last year. As there still is snow around, the rays from the snow are deadly!
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.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will serve Breakfast (Pie and Ice Cream are always good for Breakfast) from 7:00am to 11:00am and Lunch until 4:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for now.
The store hours are as follows:
Sunday          7:00 to 6:00pm
Monday         8:00 to 6:00pm
Tuesday         8:00 to 6:00pm     
Wednesday     8:00 to 6:00pm
Thursday       8:00 to 6:00pm
Friday           8:00 to 6:00pm
Saturday       7:00 to 7:00pm
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie, sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa! Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Bridgeport has been fishing well from boats this past week and yesterday we had several good reports from shore anglers.
Fish up to 5.5 pounds have been making a showing the past couple days.
Trollers have been using bright colors like flourescent orange and fire tiger for the most success.
Bait anglers have been using Power Bait, Power Eggs and crawlers.
Garlic scents have also been increasing success quite a bit on the Res.
The water temps are pretty uniform across the lake so the fish are scattered a bit but if you keep moving around you'll have greater success. 


CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort reports:
Caples Lake is starting to thaw!
We are predicting that the lake will be thawed by the middle of May. We will be reopening for lodging at the end of May on Memorial Day weekend.

CARSON RIVERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Carson River:
Current flow is 846 CFS. 3,502 rainbow stocked on the 4/25/12.
Fishing is now challenging due to the high flows. 
Fly anglers have been using Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and Olive Micro Mayflies. Spin fisherman, use Blue Fox silver, and black Panther Martins. 

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.
West Carson River:
Planted the week of May 06 by 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:
Closed until trout opener on May 26.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Crowds were fairly light on the lake for opening day.
Fish seem to be spread out over the entire lake  and fishing was productive in all areas. Try Stevie's Wonder gray in 12-15 feet of water.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Eagle Lake is closed.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) recently stocked both rainbow trout and tiger trout. The tiger trout bite has been good, with fish averaging between 12 and 14 inches.
The fish are biting on just about any traditional trout bait including spinners, lures, Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
Best action for the tiger trout is with a gold or silver lure.
There was an 18-inch rainbow reported this week.
The north end is producing bass, averaging about two to three pounds.
Anglers also have caught some German brown trout.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The rainbow bite is the best along the base of the dam using Power Bait or gold and silver lures.
Crappie are starting to bite and the bass action has been improving.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Heenan Lake is closed.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 27 CFS.  The increase in water flow has slowed the Mayfly hatch but Nymph fishing is still good.
Scuds, FB Pheasant Tails and small Hares Ears.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Not fun to fish in strong winds-which there have been plenty of this week. 
Flows are good now, however when it gets warm Mammoth Creek will swell and can cause HC to get stained and off color with some debris messing up your drifts. This will be the trend throughout most of May and into early June when it gets warm at elevation. 
Look for ideal conditions to set up after this, say late June early July-ish. 
Fall will be tough here. 
Midges are best along with the last generations of the twin tailed Baetis Mayflies or Blue Winged Olives, BWO’s which get smaller as they end their seasonal cycle.  # 18-20 currently.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

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:
Try Silver Lake with black or purple Woolly Buggers on sink tip or full sink lines. Rush Creek is very high at 188 CFS.

JUNE LAKE, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by 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:
We've had a couple reports from Kirman this week, it sounds like most anglers are getting into 5 or 6 fish per day, mostly in the 14 to 17 inch range 
with a few going over 17 inches.
Fly anglers using Scud, Seal Buggers, Stillwater Nymphs and Buggers.
Spin anglers using Thomas Bouyants, Vibrax lures and Roostertails. 



LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Lahontan wipers and walleye starting to turn on at the Churchill beaches.

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:  
Cut baits have yielded good action for stripe
Rainbow trout fishing is good but the catching has been slow; lures and Power Bait may generate bites.
Smallmouth bass are beginning to show.

LEE VINING CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

LITTLE WALKER RIVER, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The road is now open.
Twin Lakes is open but the other lakes are still ice bound.
Fishing on Twin is slow due to the very cold water.

MAMMOTH CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
The fishing season for Marlette Lake is still closed.

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough:
Fishing is excellent. 
The bass have been showing up in good numbers and size.
A new water record bass at Hinkson Slough has been caught two weeks ago.
Get your bass gear ready this spring for the largemouth fishing at Hinkson and North Pond things should be going off.
Top water baits and spinner baits have been effective for bass. 
The trout have been feeding regularly in the evening almost every day on the surface. Large pre emerging Midge patterns have had the best results.
Anglers using Sheep Creeks and Midge patterns and Parachute Adams.
Rainbows are averaging in 12-13 inch range some in 18 inch range.
Water is clear and vegetation is not up.
Attention Anglers Tagged Fish 
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is conducting a growth and catch rate study and has tagged 4,000 fish that were planted during 2010 and 2011 into Hinkson! If you catch one of these tagged fish please report the tag number and fish size to the phone number on the tag, or fill out a drop box form in the box below.
A certificate of appreciation which includes fish species, strain, age, size at stocking, and date of stocking will be sent back to the successful angler if a name and address are included.
Additional info…
Red tag= BelAir strain from Colorado,
Yellow tag= Tahoe strain from Marlette Lake
Blue tag= Eagle Lake strain from California,
White tag= Cutbow from Marlette Lake (rainbow X cutthroat)
Look closely next to the dorsal fin of each fish you catch, sometimes tags are hard to see and some anglers are not noticing them.
TIP- A pencil and paper (like the ones in the drop box next to this sign) in your fly vest will help.

MAGEE CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 6 by California Department of Fish and Game.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Shad are moving into the shallows and the striped bass won’t be far behind.
Anglers have been catching stripers in the Vegas Wash area with cut anchovies or by jigging.
Temple Bar is still receiving reports of good striper action.
Smallies and largemouth bass are hitting plastics and jigs near Echo Bay.
Murky water conditions have made sight fishing difficult, but anglers have found success by targeting inundated brush or rocky points.

MILL CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Willow Beach striper action remained slow this past week. Stripers from four to 16 pounds have been reportedly been caught near mile markers 51 and 52. The fish have been hitting Magic Baits, Rago Baits, and gold spoons. AC Plugs and other trout imitations are also productive.
Cottonwood Cove stripers have been slow this week.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass action is still good, with the bass taking plastics and jigs. Catfish action is improving with fish averaging two pounds near Cottonwood.

MOLYBDENITE CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River:
The flows are beginning to trend upwards after a lengthy period of stability this spring.  They are currently at 300 CFS immediately below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir and creeping upward. 
Bishop Creek is on the rise and is a main tributary to the Lower Owens. 
The LADWP real time link is back and running, you can check this on the resources page of my website for updates. 
The wind and rising flows have been a negative factor at times on the LO but overall we have enjoyed a great spring with good fishing most days from the drift boats. 
Loebergs and Spruce-A-Bu streamers have been the go to flies recently, although Two Bug Doug likes to use a purple and black Rickard’s seal bugger when looking for big fish. 
Wading the wild trout section is getting near the “ain’t worth it” levels and you need to be careful crossing in most sections now. 
There have been some decent hatches of Ephemerella infrequens , commonly called Pale Morning Duns or PMD’s. These tri tailed, yellowish Mayflies are a favorite snack for the wild trout and will emerge late mornings throughout the remainder of May and June on the LO.
They have not begun to hatch on Hot Creek or the Upper Owens in significant numbers yet. 
The nymphs are classified as “spiny crawlers” and cling to the submerged branches and rocks that are prevalent on the LO.  
Flashback PT’s and Bird’s Nest patterns are good choices for the Nymphs # 14-18. There are some caddis adults showing on the warmer days and the fish are clobbering the adults in the soft water pockets during the hatches. 
Use our Crystal Olive Caddis and larva patterns # 16-20 for Nymphs, they will also imitate a rock worm. Rock worms are an important food source for the wild trout and are very prevalent in the Owens. You can see them clinging onto submerged dead willow branches near the banks.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current water flow is 126 CFS.  Water temp 43.
The river is still murky and fishing is poor.
The section below the monument has some larger lake fish and is under the same regulations as Crowley Lake.
San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Lower Owens River:
The gauge is now working and the flow is 353. 
At this flow fishing opportunities are limited.


PINE VALLEY COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Pine Valley Complex is closed.

ROBINSON CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been very slow.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
2012 continues to produce great Mackinaw fishing and great weather.
The time to fish is now.
Limits have been easy and the fish are running of 4 to 8 pounds with some breaking into the double digits.
Best method is still minnow dodger set up in 150 to 200 ft.
Fishing has been good in Sand Harbor area and Cave Rock.
Weather has been changing quick, take caution. 

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Mackinaw fishing has been a little bit slow but it is picking up.
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 250-280 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Recently stocked rainbows as of 4/26/2012. 
The fishing continues to be good with mild weather and no personal watercraft or recreational boaters to compete with. 
Topaz smallmouth are biting along the Northern shore.
Bank anglers have been doing well for trout with Power Bait in an array of colors and even nightcrawlers have been producing action.
For boat angler the best method is still trolling either Needlefish or Repalas in 5’ to 10’ feet of water.  

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 837 CFS.
Fishing is beginning to slow down with the runoff. For the upcoming months ahead the river will be a challenge.
Skwala Stones are showing up in good numbers so break out that golden stone for some searching in high water.
The Baetis hatch continues to show up in the evening or in overcast days, try blue wing olive or dunn.
Spin fishermen are still having luck with eggs, Power Bait, gold Kastmasters, black and yellow Panther Martin, and jointed Rapalas.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Upper Twin Lake:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.
Lower Twin Lake:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins have been fishing great this past week.
Lots and lots of fish in the 1/2 pound to 1 1/2 pound range. Haven't heard of any huge fish lately, but there's definitely plenty of fish to be caught. They've been doing well trolling with blades and crawlers, Rapalas, Thomas Bouyants and Kastmasters and also bait fishing with crawlers, Power Bait and Power Eggs. 


UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (www.virginialakesresort.com) reports:
Morning started with anglers getting up at daybreak to fish Big and Little Virginia. People were just happy to be here and excited that the fish were biting. Bait used was worms, Power Worms, jigs and most anglers had already caught their limits by 8 am and a whole new group had arrived on Big. A few were using salmon eggs on both lakes.
Trumble Lake ice around the entire edge of the lake and the edge is very black and very thin with some water showing.
The center also looks unsafe.
Little Virginia has 3 sections of water showing, 1 on the west side which is the normal inlet and another which is just overflow from the heavy melt down the creek. And the outlet is showing a lot more water. My boat dock area is getting thin and has some water on top the ice and it's just a matter of heat and the dock will be very slushy.
Big Virginia has about 30 inches of ice or less, and Little Virginia has about 18 inches.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760-932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
We've heard that the ice in the Virginias is getting a bit thin and pretty slushy on top. If you head up there I would recommend being extremely cautious if you venture out on the ice.
I think that in a week or so, maybe less there should be some open water to start fishing either from the shore or tubes. 

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.

VIRGINIA CREEK, CALIF:
Planted the week of May 06 by California Department of Fish and Game.

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
(East Walker River – West Walker River):
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker River:
East Walker Flow is at 128 CFS.
Fishing has been good.
Anglers reported excellent fishing when the flows where consistent.  Nymphing with small Bead Head Nymphs in Baetis, Caddis and Midge patterns has been working well. Streamers are very effective at this flow when swinging them through the pool drops.

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 EW is running at 87 CFS today, pretty low compared to the last couple years for the first week in May, but it's a great flow to fish.
We're starting to see some Caddis coming off the last couple days so things
are looking up in that regard. I'm expecting / hoping for a good dry fly season on the river with the lower flows we're going to have this year.
The fishing this past week has been pretty good overall, though there have been some tough patches here and there.
Nymphing has still been the best method. We haven't had much for streamer or dry fly reports lately.
Patterns to try include Rainbow Warrior, Silver Streak, Flashback Emerger, WD-40, Disco Midge, soft Emerger, lite brite Prince, GT Emerger and flashback PT.
Rosachi Ranch:
The Rosachi is also fishing pretty good these days, it seems that a lot of fish have moved back in to this section after winter, following the warmer water. 
West Walker River:
The West is still fishing well, haven't heard much about fly fishing yet but the spin anglers are doing great with Panther Martins, Roostertails, Mepps, eggs and crawlers. 
Sceirine Ranch:
The Ranch has been fishing very well this past week, lots of action on Nymphs and dry/dropper rigs.
It's been getting booked up a few days in advance, especially on the weekends so call ahead if you want to head down there.
Chubby Chernobyl, Madam-X, Dark Lord, WD-40, Rainbow Warrior, 
Flashback Emerger and Disco Midges have been working well on the ranch.


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Still mighty fine. Flows are surprisingly low at just over 100 CFS, I have a link on the resources page to the EW release also. 
The cooler weather here and windy conditions have kept pressure lighter than normal for opening week and reports are good for those Nymphing the prime holes and runs with smaller mayfly and midge patterns. 
As it warms look for increased Caddis and PMD activity.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flows have been up and down and are currently 106 CFS.
The river is fishing pretty well.
Nymph fishing is good with Midge emerger patterns.
On the surface most small dry flies (20-22) will work as the fish are actively feeding on Midges. Some improving Baetis activity around mid day.
Huge crowds have descended on the river and courtesy and etiquette are a thing of the past. Please allow your fellow anglers room to fish.
If someone is fishing in the spot you wanted find some where else.
Forcing your way in with in half a cast of another angler is not acceptable.

WASHOE LAKE, 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.