Don Q's Northern California and Nevada fishing report through Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend will make for near-perfect conditions for fishing in Nevada, Northern California, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams now through the holiday weekend.

ALAMANOR LAKE, 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:
Did we miss a week and this was Memorial Weekend – cuz it was sure busy at the Lake. All the boats out – the café packed — and the weather — indescribable — just a slight breeze on the Lake to keep the bugs (yup, they are here) away - big fluffy white clouds against the bluest of blue skies and the lime-green of the new leaves on the Aspen – I tried, but I know I didn’t do the scenery justice.
The catching picked up this week – fishing the Inlets with Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs (the trout are a’ spawning), Power Bait or Jigs.
Trolling Thomas Buoyants – the Red and Gold variety – or Woolly Buggers. Drifting Nightcrawlers or Power Bait thru the channels.
Shore fishing with Salmon Eggs or Power Bait.
Couple of rumors – the first we’ll squash – the Bubonic Plague is NOT at the Lake or anywhere in the Bishop Creek Canyon – this is confirmed by the Inyo County Health Department and the U.S. Forest Service.
Second, we heard there were two Browns caught at the Lake Friday evening – a 7-pounder and a 9-pounder – no one has seen them – no picture was taken – so we’re calling it FALSE – NO Bubonic Plague – and oh how we wish we could say it – we won’t – no 7-pound or 9-pound Brown – that is unless we see the pictures!
Forest Service campgrounds that are open are – THEY’RE ALL OPEN!
Got stocked by the DFG on Thursday!
Peg Chuchro of Los Angeles caught her first fish at Lake Sabrina along with Tom Budziack of LA – what made Peg’s fish so special – it was the first fish she ever caught. Way to go, Peg!
KEEPING THIS IN - 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 – BIGGER THAN 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 (got it in stock at the Lake) 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.
We’ve gone to summer hours – really easy to remember –
Summer hours:
Sunday through Saturday – 7 am to 7 pm
Café Hours:
Breakfast – 7 am to 11 am
Lunch – 11 am to 4 pm
Homemade Pie and Homemade Ice Cream
7 am to 7 pm (As long as it all hasn’t been eaten)
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie, sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa!
Little did Thomas know what he was in for – he showed up for work at 7 am - we weren’t supposed to open till 8 am – and here they all come – we opened at 7:00am – Thomas had a bit of training – and off we went – he did GREAT! – So introduce yourself – he’s a keeper! He’ll be working the weekends as our server.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake:  
May 20, 2012: The big fish are on the chew at South Lake in a big way including a whopper weighing in at 9 lbs 15 oz caught by Kurt Bachmeyer of Temecula, CA on a Kastmaster. Lots of fish in the 4lb to 7lb range were also caught by a host of other happy anglers.
In addition to the big week of whoppers, action on pan sized DFG and holdover rainbows was also excellent, especially early in the week.
Anglers tossing 1/32 oz mini jigs in a variety of colors with orange, white or pink trout worm trailers seemed to have the best luck among the folks using artificial lures. Thomas Bouyants and Kastmasters are also producing for cast & retrieve lure tossers.
Bait fishing was solid as well with most colors of Power Bait and nightcrawlers working well. Salmon eggs are also working well anywhere water is flowing into the lake.
South Lake is completely ice free and the water is slowly inching up as the spring runoff is here. The concrete launch ramp is still not accessible for private boaters as the water is only a few feet up on the launch and the concrete blocks at the end are still an obstacle for even the smallest boats. Those choosing to try and launch do so at their own risk - boaters in past years have ruined trailers trying to launch at this water level.
The South Lake docks are out and our boats, pontoon boats and kayaks will all be available for the upcoming holiday weekend.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
Creek flows are still pretty high but fishable at most of the popular holes along the stream. DFG has done a great job of stocking this year and anglers are reaping the benefits with lots of pan sized rainbows biting on salmon eggs, worms and small spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The reservoir has really taken off the last 3 or 4 days, great action trolling, bait fishing and fly fishing. Buckeye Bay, Rainbow Point, out in front of the marina as well as down near the dam are areas that are all producing fish.
We've been seeing lots more fish in the 2 to 5 pound range this past week.
For bait you can fish Fire Bait, Power Bait, Power Eggs and crawlers, for trolling go with Rapalas, needlefish and dodgers and crawlers. For flies try 
various midge patterns, Chironomids, callibaetis and small leech patterns. 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Reports are very good from the Bridge as well. 
Jeffery at the marina is saying the inlet near the East Walker inlet, the drop-off near Rainbow Pt. and Buckeye Bay 11-14 feet are all holding good numbers and consistent fishing on the calm days. 
The wind has been a pain here like other areas in the Sierra, and this has kept the boats off the water at times. 
The Chironomid hatches are going off big time here as well and if you still water nymph I suggest you rig pretty much the same as Crowley. 
Crystal emergers, gillies, tigers and zebras. 
The marina store has a new Drifters fly box with all our patterns to fish the Sierra, so stop by and pick up some bugs for here or the East Walker.

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

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208) (www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
Has iced out and fishing from a floatation device is catching some fish. Sinking lines are working the best in and around rocky areas.
Look for the inlet area to fish earlier than it has as well as a few spots around the dams.  Streamers, Streamers and more Streamers when it gets fishable. 

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208) (www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
East Carson River:
Above Hangman’s Bridge the run-off has started but fish can still be caught.  Running heavy nymph rigs can produce fish, with San Juan Worms, Glow Bugs, Copper Johns and Stonefly Nymphs! Also running a streamer during these high water times can produce fish as well.  The stocked sections around the bridges and the Carson River Resort have been fishing well for Rainbows and a great way to wet a line and get warmed up for the season.   The catch and release section below Hangman’s Bridge is a tougher fish at this time but has become more fishable as the flows are dropping below 500 CFS during the day. Not as many stocked fish in this section which is what is making the upper section fishable.
It is crossable in certain areas, carry a wading staff and wade with respect.
 It seems as if we have reached the peak of full run-off and it should be more and more fishable each day. 
Check the flows, check the flows and check the flows!
West Carson River:
The West Carson River Is now open and water is clearing and very fishable.
The river has been stocked, fish are being caught Nymphing: S J worms, Stoneflies and Copper Johns and on Streamers: White, Black buggers, White Muddy Buddies. Fish the sections around the bridges which is where the fish will be congregating after being dumped from a truck! 

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
West Carson River:
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:
Closed until trout opener on May 26.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: 
The Inlet was a very popular place this week! Elizabeth Sperber from Los Angeles and the Drake family caught several good size rainbows there!
We also had Gary McCormick who caught 2 1.5 pound rainbow trout at the back corner! They all had success with Power Bait and Night Crawlers.
Derby News:
Round-up at the Lake Fishing Derby started Sunday, April 30th for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes! We have 46 Registered Anglers and 30 Fish Registered 14" or longer. That is unbelievable odds so far!
Weather:
The weather for this next week will start off with sunny skies and highs in the low 70's with lows in the 30's. By the end of the week temperatures will lower to the mid 60's with the lows in the 30's. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com. 
Tactics/Bait:
This past week Anglers have had most success with nightcrawlers, chunky cheese gulp, and garlic or salmon peach Power Bait. 
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:
Power Bait, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Thomas Bouyants, Green Woolly Bugger and White Mini Jig. Trolling with down riggers 3 to 6 colors or 20 to 50 feet is a depth range to try.
Stocking:
DFG stocked prior to opener. We will also be stocking 150 pounds of 2-3 pound Rainbow Trout this week! 
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:36 am - 5:39 am and Sunset 8:03 pm - 8:07 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Leighton Springs or Sandy Point are the places to be.
Try Stevie's Wonder black or Stevie's M-80 in 12-15 feet of water.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
It has been many years since I have used the word “excellent” for Crowley. 
I had three long time clients recently and we lost count at 50  in a gale of wind!  The word epic was tossed around, but not quite designated yet.
By September when these fish gain another couple inches and add more weight on average you may see this label for Crowley once again. 
I have been guiding Crowley nearly everyday this month and it appears that Crowley is back and we will have a tremendous season here. 
Some of our long time clients have returned to fish here and they all agree that Crowley is once again an amazing and consistent fishery. 
The brown counts are incredible and growth rates look to be nearly off the charts due to the mild winter.
The Chironomid hatches are spectacular and you can expect grabs while still water Nymphing on your first casts in most areas of the lake. 
Sandy Pt. & Layton Springs have been the most popular and consistent areas, rig up for 11-15 feet. 
The fish move deeper as the sun climbs especially if there is no wind. 
Fish a midge emerger pattern for your upper, and a larva pattern like a crystal tiger or zebra midge as the lower beneath your Under-Cator. 
Twin emergers like the Drifters “Gillie” have been deadly on the high pressure days. You may also fish these pupa imitations higher off the bottom as the fish are looking up in the water column for the emerging insects. 
I have had good “catching” weather permitting…just about everywhere including McGee Bay, Sometimes Bay, the Hilton’s, and Green Banks.
The water clarity is as good as I have ever seen this year and visibility is nearly 10 feet!  Not exactly the Caribbean but damn good for Crowley.  Some algae buds are showing as water temps near that  mid 60 degree mark.
I believe we will have relatively mild turnovers this year due to less nitrates from shoreline run-off (cow dung).
The weeds are also starting to grow around the 10-11 foot range so make sure you locate a clear spot of bottom to suspend your flies over.
There are some jumbo sized Sacramento Perch starting to spot up on their shoreline Redd’s this week also. They fight like a wet gym sock, but if you ever wanted to eat a fish out of Crowley they are delicious.
I have updated the Drifters fly box in the Fish Camp tackle store and Crowley Lake Deli with new patterns to fish all of the Sierra.  Both locations are selling the fantastic “Under-Cator” strike indicator now as well.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email info@renoflyshop.com):
Davis is starting to come alive. There are still not too many weed beds to speak of but the bugs are out in force. Midges are hatching in the mornings and there have been a few Callabaetis and Damsel sightings.
Right now your best bet is to stick with Blood Midges and Chironomids.
There should be some big changes over the next couple of weeks and the Damsel hatch is right around the corner.
Davis is still recovering from the poisoning 5 years ago but it is getting a little better every year.

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

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

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports: Fly fishing on the north end of the lake is still excellent.
15" Rainbows and under are coming out of Salmon Egg Shoals.
Use wet flies such as bead head, midges and mosquitoes.
Trollers are using green frog-type lures such as Kastmaster or Needlefish.
Panther Martin yellow with black spots are also working well.
Gary of Graeagle, Calif., and friends, Ralph, Ron and Bill of Lincoln Hills, Calif., caught limits of 14" to 16" Rainbows and Browns while casting out of a boat using mid-size flashers and nightcrawlers. They were fishing near Frenchman Campground and the boat ramp this afternoon.
We also had a report of 2 fishermen trolling using Needlefish and small spoons between 3-5 colors deep, all over the lake. They caught their limits between sunrise and 10 am.
Bank fishing with all baits has been good also.
The campgrounds are all open now. Happy Memorial Day!

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):
The fishing continues to be good at Frenchman’s.
Midges have been hatching in the mornings followed by a Callabaetis hatch around 10:30 am or so.
Fish are being caught on a variety of methods. Griffith’s Gnats, Callabaetis Emergers and Loco Ants have all been catching fish on the surface.
Truckee River Outfitters Guide Rob Anderson had a great day with client Dick Seevers on Monday sight fishing to rising fish on a Loco Ant pattern. “Floater No Cator” rigs and Indicator rigs with Maholo Nymphs and Midges are also working well. Fish can be caught in shallow water in the mornings and then “Deep Line Nymphing” later in the day.

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 is down a bit to 30 CFS.  Caddis hatch is starting to develop. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. Nymph fishing remains the most productive. WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and scuds.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) ( www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
There is some run-off and off colored water on the warmer days here. 
The wind has been an issue as well, but on the nicer days you will see good mayfly and midge activity. Higher flows should not deter you from fishing on Hot Creek, and in many instances they are beneficial to extending drifts over the weed beds. 
There are a  staggering amount of fish that hide or hold in and along the thick weeds in HC and under lower flows these fish can be nearly impossible to reach or make a nice drift over. 
Dry dropper combos using a hi-vis para mayfly and a bead head midge, caddis, or mayfly nymph can be effective under conditions like these.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530) -541-8208 (www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
The fishing has taken off lately with numerous big fish caught and released. 
Buggers in Black, Olive and or Brown have been working well. 
The Blood Midges are working as well and look for fish taking them off of the surface! 
Full sinking lines from a float tube have produced the best results. 
Fish a bugger followed by a Blood Midge Nymph.
There are some rising fish on calm evenings.
The wind report out of Minden will give you an idea of the winds at ICR. The Calibaetis will start to show soon as well as Damsels. 
Should be fun for awhile until the fish get taken out. 

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 now down to 80 cfs. 
Try a Royal Wulff, Royal Coachman or a stimulator.
Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760) 932-7707 (www.kenssport.com) reports:
We had some good reports from Kirman this week, sounds like most anglers are getting into 5 to 10 fish per day on a variety of lures and flies. 
Small leech patterns, scud and midges are doing well for flies, and for lures you can use Kastmasters, rooster tails and vibrax lures.
Lots of fish in the 12 to 14 inch range with some showing in the 16 to 19 inch range. 


MCGEE CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Fun stuff here this year. I will say that the bigs are not as prevalent, and the lack of cutthroats is very apparent-however there are a pile of catchable rainbows staged up and holding in the pools on McGee and Convict Creeks.
The spring migration is nearing the end and well past peak, however there are still good numbers to be found for another week or so. 
Water conditions are great and clarity remains very good. 
The wind will shut you down so choose your day according to the weather. 
The trek down to the quality water is considerable but well worth the effort. 
SJ worms, roe patterns, flashback PT’s or crystal midges will all get looks. 
Approach is important so you don’t spook them. Stay off the redds please- focus on the fish in the pools, not the actively spawning rainbows. 

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
All the lakes are now ice free. The water is still very cold and no stocking has been  done. Twin Lakes has been the best bet for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on  a sink tip or full sink line.

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

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fishing for surfperch continues to be very good on the beaches near Bandon.
Anglers have also picked up a few redtail surfperch on the beaches near Coos Bay. Sand shrimp has been the best bait to use but sand worms can also work. 
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 30 fathoms.
Anglers can now retain Cabezon.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish, of which no more than 1 may be a Cabezon from April 1 through September 30. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain the Near shore halibut season begins May 1.  The next All depth halibut weekend is May 17- 19.
Recreational Chinook salmon season is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
A few Chinook have been caught in the ocean south of Coos Bay.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River:
This is updated 5-21-12. 
Flows up to 460 CFS below PV Reservoir. Bishop Creek which confluxes with the LO is also at 100 CFS-also running high. 
Conditions are poor here for both drifting and wade fishing, I suggest going up the hill and fish other moving waters listed in this report.
Upper Owens River:
Flows are stable here and about double winter or fall release rates.  Water conditions can really suck here this time of year, however this has not been the case thus far. 
Numbers are decent for smaller fish in the open waters sections. 
Note that the UO remains closed to ALL fishers from the Benton Bridge downstream to the fishing monument about 1/2 mile up from Crowley Lake until May 26th. Way more fish in this section, although they are on average about 11-14 inches with only a few bigs in the mix. 
Nymphing with SJ worms and roe patterns, flashback PT’s, and olive crystal caddis will get you takes. 
Access is very good to all the open sections this spring although the wind has shut down the UO many times since the opener.  If you see the “dust devils” while driving in-you might as well hang a U-turn and go elsewhere.  Streamer fishing using a medium sinking tip line can also be fun on the UO this time of year and will keep you on the water if it is windy.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current water flow is 125 CFS.  Water temp 44.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  458 CFS.
At this flow fishing opportunities are limited

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

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (Email info@renoflyshop.com):
The water is starting to get pretty warm.
As the spawn starts to peter out and water continues to warm the fish will start to head back out into deeper water for the summer.
This has been one of, if not the strangest years in a long time at Pyramid.
It seems to have ended before it ever got going.
There are still some fish being caught from shore but there are not too many fish cruising the shallows.
The best days are when the wind is blowing into the beach you are on creating some disturbance in the surf. This tends to bring in fish to feed.
Cloud cover, first light and last light are starting to get more important as the water warms up and the sun gets higher in the sky.
Nymphing with Maholo Midges and Nymphs continues to be a great way to catch some fish at Pyramid.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
The Lake is up 5 feet and in most normal areas it’s hard to reach the Shelf, Water temps are in the low to mid 50 degrees.
Some fish are cruising the shoreline in pre-spawn. Look to cloudy and windy days for the better fishing and look for the deeper water to find fish. Stripping buggers in black, white and olive, Also beetles have been getting fish on the beaches. Indicator fishing flies in the size 8 to 14 range running between 8 to 10 ft. down.
Fish early or fish late or look for the wind to come up for best fishing!

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

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
Red is fishing okay with periods of bite during the day and better without a gale force wind. An intermediate line with a Woolly Bugger and small nymph trailer is your best bet. You can also do slow wind drifts with an indicator on Red and be productive. 

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
The shad bite is still very strong at places like Freeport, Miller Park, Verona and on up the line to Colusa. Expect to see them soon up near Red Bluff!
Chartreuse and champagne darts, flies and grubs are the tickets.
Striper fishing is holding in there, though with water temperatures nearing 70 degrees, the fish are spawning and headed out now. Still, there are plenty of fish throughout the system.
Guide Richey fished from Rio Vista to above Sacramento this week, chasing the bass and reported finding some massive schools. He had a few days of 70+ fish but says the action is generally a little less hectic than that.
He’s been fishing live minnows, cut sardines, topwater and spoons. Up at Colusa and Tisdale, the fish are still around but it’s definitely slowing down.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND OCEAN, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
SALMON REALLY GOOD!
Well, salmon fishing started really showing signs of life outside the Gate recently. On Sunday, the boats ran north to Point Reyes and absolutely smoked the kings, which had a really nice average size.
Bodega boats have also been doing well straight off the head and the Tomales gang is getting fish straight off the bar.
Down south, the fishing remains solid out of Pillar Point as well.
The wind has been a factor and the krill got spread around by it but overall, it looks like the ocean from San Luis Obispo to the Oregon border is loaded with kings!
Inside the bay, the halibut are getting going — especially now that there is live bait available.
Bass are also showing on the flats at Berkley and Southampton.
The tides and winds have been a bit unfriendly this week, but things are calming down.

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

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

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
Silver is clear of ice and fishing similarly to Caples.
Fish from a boat or floatation device and cast toward shore with slow retrieves of streamers and small nymphs. 

SPOONER LAKE, NEV:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208) www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
The Lake is thawed and there are numerous fish in the lake! 
Water is cold but the fishing should get better as the temps come up. 
Leeches, Buggers, Blood Midges and Worms will work the best! 
Float tubing is the way to go.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530) 544-6552 (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 150-240 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Warm air temperatures and snow melt over the past week has the river rising and falling about 100-150 CFS daily. The flows are not too bad and the river is fishable but it is a little high. It looks really good but be careful wading.
Due to the lack of snowpack and bigger run-off the river is still pretty clean. It does start to get a little off color in the afternoons but it will not be long until it starts to level out and take on its summer form.
The Caddis hatch is in its early stages on the lower river and will start to make its way upstream over the next month or so.
Little Yellow Stones are usually not too far behind.
This should be a great next few weeks to fish the Truckee. It has been a while since the early Caddis hatch has coincided with post run-off conditions. We should be in for some great evening rise conditions very soon if not right now.
Look for non-windy afternoons and cloudy days.
Nymphing with a Stonefly and a smaller dropper during the day has been working well. With the higher flows look to the edges of the river out of the main current for some fishy lies.
Streamers fished on a short sink tip line can also be effective.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 440 CFS, Boca Bridge 707 CFS, Farad 708 CFS and Reno 600 CFS. These flows are changing every few hours so keep an eye on them.

TRUCKEE RIVERS:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
Truckee River (California) Fishing Report:
Flows on the Truckee are above 256 CFS near the town of Truckee and 640+ CFS below Boca Bridge. May 21, 2012
Open above the 267 Bridge. 
Should fish well with low flows coming out of Tahoe but watch out for the Run-Off which will blow everything below Squaw Creek. 
June is a better month for this section of river.
Year round section below 267. 
Fishing has been OK over the past few weeks with Stones, Baetis and Midges should continue to fish with a heavy nymph rig until Run-Off kicks in full gear which may have already happened?  Streamers have taken a few fish.  Skwala and Golden Nymphs are all over and the fish are on them.  
Truckee River (Nevada) Fishing Report:
Flows on the Truckee in Nevada are 600-700+ CFS.
The fishing has slowed but fish can still be caught using high water tactics as long as the flows don’t go crazy. 
Stones, Baetis, Caddis have been getting fish.
Look for the fish to mover closer to the banks with the higher flows.  Streamer fishing has been getting fish but you’re looking for a few grabs and those grab could be big!
Golden Stone Nymphs, Baetis Nymphs. Big Black or White Streamers are always worth trying for the big eat!
Flows are still good for floating

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows are 301 CFS. They have gone from 230 CFS from last week and have been holding at the new level for 5 days now.
This makes the Little Truckee really fun to fish if you know it well.
Fish do not have to stay in the deeper pools as much and they get really spread out. New holding areas are created from the higher flows and fish can be caught in places that are too shallow to fish at lower levels.
Nymphing with a Dry as an indicator is a good way to start.
At 300 CFS streamer fishing is also worth a try.
There is not much in the way of a hatch right now but the PMD’s and Green Drakes are not too far off.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
We are coming into the best part of the season for the LT. 
The Midges and Caddis are going as well. Caddis have been coming off mid-day, keep a look out for the March Browns to fill in any day now if not already working.  Midge, Baetis, and Caddis Nymphs and Emergers are working great. 
Sight casting for eating fish can be a lot of fun!  
Please try and stay away from the spawning fish and out of their Redds and watch for crowds.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins are still producing lots and lots of fish in the 1 to 3 pound range from the shore or boats or tubes.
Trolling has been good with dodgers/crawlers as well as Rapalas and Thomas Bouyants. Bait fishing with power bait and crawlers has also been good. Fly anglers are pulling streamers like Matukas and seal buggers and doing well. 


VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias have all been fishing well this past week. Fly anglers are using small leech patterns, Matukas, buggers, princes and soft hackles. Bait folks are having success with power bait, power eggs and crawlers, and for lures try Kastmasters, vibrax and Thomas Bouyants. 


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

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows are 130 CFS. They are starting to creep up with irrigation season in full swing. The warmer air temps. over the past few days has the farmers calling for water. The flows are still absolutely perfect but they are starting to go up. The East Walker fishes the best when the flows do not change much. It is not so much about the size of the flow but more about it being consistent. It is worth doing for sure but keep an eye on the flows and check them right before you go.
Nymphing with Caddis, Stoneflies, Midges and just about any size 16-18 bead head nymphs are worth a try. Dry dropper set-ups can also be effective.
Make sure as the flows go up to fish the edges and the slower water out of the main current. Be stealthy when approaching holes and runs and look for fish hanging out in the edges out of the faster water.

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
East Walker River:
California section: 
The Miracle Mile is still fishing well with Midges and Baetis below and above the surface. Caddis Nymphs are starting to move around and the fish are starting to look for them. Some of the more fun days have been fishing dries! The Caddis adults should start popping any day. Each day, anglers are seeing more and more around. Occasionally the fish will take a Stone Nymph up high but mostly once you get below the bridge in the pocket water sections. 
Big Stone Dries have been working as well but once again down lower in the pocket water sections. Where it was fishing in the first one-quarter mile most of the winter the fish have now spread out and the whole river is holding fish.  Get away from the crowds and fish roadside spots all through California.  Streamer fishing is also picking up with the water temperatures increasing.  Dead drift or with action and white tends to be a good color.

Nevada section: 
The Rosachi Ranch section has been very fishable for a few weeks now and should continue to fish well into the spring. It looks like the flows will stay down for most of May which bodes well for Nevada fishing. 
The Skwala Stones have slowed way down.
Nymphs and streamers are your best bets on the Rasachi right now.
The Baetis hatches have been filled in on the cloudy days especially and the fish have been eating them well throughout the middle of the day. 
And always finish your day with a bit of Streamer fishing!

West Walker River:
California sections:
The California sections along Highway 395 have fished well for the opener as well as the sections above the highway. 
Lots of fish have been planted which makes for a good time for those that like an easier fishery! 
Flows are getting lower and the fishing is improving daily. 
Try Buggers, Eggs and brightly colored Streamers!
Nevada sections:
The Nevada sections can be fun and stay open all year. 
Try the Hoye Canyon section above Wellington or the Wilson Canyon section below Smith Valley. 
Look for warmer, cloudy days for a good Caddis hatch! 
Another fun fishery is the Tube below Topaz Lake which can hold some pretty nice fish as well as stockers from NDOW. There is a lot of water in this section right now and clarity is off, wait for them to drop the flows out of Topaz.  

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 flows on the EW are 108 CFS today. 
We're still getting mostly good reports from the river, lots of action on Nymphs and dries, and only a couple decent reports on streamers.
The upper mile has been great though a bit crowded at times; the section between the bridge and Murphy's Pond is also fishing excellent and typically a little less crowded.
The Rosachi section has had some good reports and some slow reports, it seems to change up a bit day to day. 
Fly patterns to try include: zebra midge, wd-40, silver streak, flashback emerger, gt emerger, disco midge, fox's Poopah, deep sparkle pupa, 3-wire caddis, z-wing caddis, outrigger caddis, ext. body bwo, para Adams. 
West Walker River:
The West is still doing great, lots of fish on spinners and bait as well as some flies. The hoppers haven't got going too much yet but when they do the dry fly fishing should pick up as well. For now go with princes, pheasant tails and small buggers near the bottom and for lures try Mepps, Panther Martins and Roostertails.

Sceirine Ranch:
The Ranch is still fishing very well, lots of nice fish are being caught on dry/dropper rigs, some streamers and nymphs.
For streamers go with Zuddlers and Moal leeches, for dry/dropper and nymphs try madam x, stimulator, chubby Chernobyl, dark lord, fox Poopah, flashback emerger and 3 wire caddis.



WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River:
The flows are slowly moving up and are currently around 120 CFS.  Nice for this time of year and fishing has been good all along the Cal section. 
I suggest you venture downstream below the “miracle mile” and cover the less trafficked water. 
At current flows and water temps the fish will spread out and re-locate from the deep holes and runs immediately below the dam. 
Try Nymphing with # 18-20 crystal caddis larva or emerger patterns. 
A flashback PT or Assassin bird’s nest will also work well until you see the mayflies come off near mid-day. 
BWO or PMD adult’s # 16-18 will get you looks on the top. Para midges are not the easiest adult dry fly to fish, however they are deadly for the more selective wild fish that have seen a few presentations in their time. 
Guide tip: You may not get big numbers if you fish a crayfish imitation right on the bottom in the larger pools here, however what you will hook will be worth the effort. The bigs on the EW eat crayfish and if it is a trophy you want stick to the mini lobsters and have some patience.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flow continues to bounce up and down and is currently at 108 CFS.
Hatch consists of midges, mayflies and crane flies.
Nymphing is good with WD-40's, zebra midges, Baetis emergers and buckskin nymphs.
If the " miracle mile" is packed fishing is also good down river. 


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.

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