Don Q's Northern California and Sierra fishing report for week of Aug. 29

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 August 29 to Sept. 4.

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

Sabrina Lake:
Note: Pick up your fishing license before coming to the lake.
Thought someone was taking flash pictures in the backyard – then came the slam, bam, boom, clap of thunder – that’s pretty much what everyone on the mountain and in the valley woke up to early Wednesday morning – then the rain and hail came again – went on for a couple of hours on and off – and then, lo and behold, snow on White Mountain and Mt. Tom and it’s still only August. Don’t see any thunder-boom storms or rain on the horizon, but you never know – a bit more yellow showing in a few different places now – won’t be long till the Lake is ringed in yellow, golds, reds and oranges.
New "Feed our Fish" Program Puts Lunkers in Lakes!
A few months back, the Bishop Chamber launched the new "Feed our Fish" program and it's going remarkably well! The concept is straightforward - we've asked people who believe that trout fishing is important to contribute funds that we use to purchase and plant Alpers Trout.
We've collected close to $1,600 and that's enough to buy a load of lunkers that will be planted in the lakes & streams of Bishop Creek Canyon later the month!  The fish will be nice size - up to 4 pounds each, with many in the 2-3 pound range. 
So far, 18 individuals and businesses have contributed $10 to $250 each.  Many local artists donated beautiful works of art for an auction held during the press reception and proceeds were added to the fish fund.
"We hope to keep the program going year-round, stocking Bishop Creek Canyon during the summer and Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Lower Owens River in the winter," explains Tawni Thomson.  "Of course, we'll need some more help from people that believe in the importance of fishing here in the Eastern Sierra and any contribution would be greatly appreciated."
A big THANK YOU to the Bishop Chamber for putting in the first load of Alpers this week. Not sure if it was the Bishop Chamber load of fish or the Wednesday DFG stocking or the lack of rain or your excellent catching skills, but fishing picked up a bit over the week – the normal stuff is still working – if you can find Garlic Power Bait in your neck of the woods – pick it up – can’t get the stuff up here!
Fishing the Inlets with nightcrawlers, Power Bait(garlic if you can find it) or jigs. Trolling Thomas Buoyants, nightcrawlers or Woolly Buggers.
Drifting the rock piles or shoreline between the two natural lakes with nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
Shore fishing with nightcrawler, Power Bait or Salmon Eggs.
Pretty much sounds like last week and the week before and the week before!
This is the 9th week of working on the bridge and are they gettin’ it done!
Just to recap - the first week - they had roped off the North Lake Hiker parking area at the North Lake road.
The second week a storage container and forklift were delivered to the roped off area.
Now for the 3rd week – we couldn’t figure out what was done on the bridge.
The 4th week progress report – nothing has progressed as far as we can tell.
So now for the 5th week – Rick talked with the project manager and apparently they needed a few more permits, but we hear there’ll be physical progress this coming week! 
So the progress for the 6th week is – we now have not one but two stoplights on the Lake Sabrina Road – and we do ask that you obey the lights – or you may be backing up on the narrow road – with the installation of lots of K-rails on the road to protect the bridge crew. They also placed huge concrete blocks down in the creek bed.
The 7th week brought more changes in the landscape around the bridge – there’s a lot of the dirt & rock to the east of the bridge missing.
During the 8th week, they moved masses amounts of earth and rock and I mean masses. They’ve slowed the water coming out of the Lake as they’re working down in the creek bed by the bridge, so the Lake has actually come up a bit – not much, but we’ll take anything we can get.
And now the 9th week, lots more dirt and rocks have been moved out of the way – they got lucky and hit a natural fracture in the rocks – that will be the new side of the road.
Hopefully, next week we’ll have a picture of what the cement work will look like around the bridge. We’ll keep posting pictures each week to let you know what’s happening.
The cycle on the red light takes about 2 minutes — please be patient — don't want to see you having to back up on the road.
We are assured the road will remain open during the season, so do not fret, you will be able to get to the Lake.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70’s with lows in the low to mid 40s.
Don't forget to pack a jacket when you come to the lake. Please 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.
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie and ice cream (until it’s gone), sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa! 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:
Fish Report 8-26-12.
Much more stable weather this week with mostly sunny conditions and light wind making for a lot of happy anglers....a big stocking from DFG and a dose of Alpers courtesy of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's bureau didn't hurt either.
Fishing on the main lake is still a bit slow but folks are finding tons of fish and wide open action back by the island channel on the east side of the lake.
Fish of the week was a solid 5.07oz Rainbow caught by Natalie Malone of Santa Clarita, CA on a grasshopper mini-jig with a baby-brookie Sierra Slammer trout worm trailer.
Aside from Natalie's big fish on the jig, the fish have really turned onto the plastic trout worms and seem to be preferring them over the jigs.
Lip Ripperz, Berkley and Sierra Slammer trout worms in just about any color split-shotted with an 18" to 24" leader has been extremely productive.
The bait folks are hard pressed to find anything that is working better than half of a nightcrawler fished 5 to 7' below a bobber near the island.
Trolling needlefish at 5 colors produced double limits in 3 hours for some of our boaters this week and after productive hauls at that depth multiple times over the past few weeks using a variety of lures, that is obviously a solid pattern to go with right now.
The boat launch at South Lake is closed for the season - unless you can carry your boat from the end of the public launch down to the water, it is suggested that private boaters head over at Lake Sabrina.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
Fishing has been consistently good for most of the folks willing to work the stream. Don't spend too much time in one spot and you'll do just fine with salmon eggs, crawlers, spinners or power bait.
Weir Pond:
Another week of solid reports from the Weir with both fly fishers and those using spinning gear catching a mix of 'Bows, Browns and Brookies.
Best bite is early morning and late in the evening but folks are having some success all day long.
Intake II:
No Reports but Alpers were stocked on Tuesday.
North Lake:
No Reports but Alpers were stocked on Tuesday.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Water level is getting lower and the mosquitoes are thick at times.
The CDFG has planted upper and lower lakes with pan sized rainbows.
Fishing has been fair to good for those planters, one angler that would like to remain anonymous, but I did see the pictures. Caught 3 rainbows ranging 2 to 3 .5 pounds using a panther martin spinner in the early am of the day.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir has been a little tough this past week though there were some nice fish caught including a 3.5lb brown.
The folks that have been doing well have been either trolling with lead core line and small Rapalas or needlefish or bait fishing out of boats.
Out in the middle between the marina and Rainbow Point seems to be the best area to fish lately.
Power bait, power eggs and crawlers with garlic scent added seems to be the best bet. 


BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Good. Water level down considerably and very warm. Weeds everywhere.
Fishing Conditions:
Decent hatches if you can find the fish.
Inlets are clogged with weeds and very difficult to fish stream channels. Stay outside the weed lines by these cold water sources and you should do well.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Water levels are dropping but fishing has been steady up there.
Last week the CDG planted 6,000 pounds of 1/2 to 1 pound rainbow trout from Nimbus Dam Hatchery.
Next week the E.I.D in partnership with Kirk wood PUD will be planting 3200 pounds of 3 to 5 pound rainbows. Also they will be planting 3000 pounds more trophy rainbows first week of September.
In this last week, Guests Bernie and Dave Rocco from El Sobrante Ca caught their limits of catch able rainbows using blades and a night crawler.
Al Tlumac from Huntington Beach Ca caught a 4 pound 22" mackinaw trolling a needle fish lure. Al was fishing right out in front of the resort.
Shore anglers have had good success using inflated nightcrawlers or power bait in the Woods Creek are or on the dam or by the spillway.
The marina is still open for launching or boat rentals.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing has been fairly steady at the mouth of the river and just outside the mouth in the ocean.
Anglers trolling anchovies, herring, or spoons seem to be doing the best.
Anglers are reminded to check the regulations, as hook and size restrictions differ between the river and the ocean.
Even though the mainstem is closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers can still fish the tributaries flowing into the Chetco River for some excellent cutthroat fishing.
Anglers are reminded to check regulations before heading out, as there are bait restrictions upstream of the estuary.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation.
Pike fishing has also been poor.
There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: 
Matt and Teri Pyles from Corning, Ca caught a one pound 8 oz. with Garlic Power Bait on the South Shore.
Leonis Fletcher from West Hills caught a 14 inch with Rainbow Power Bait on the South Shore! 
Alex Reyes and family from Orange caught a full stringer with Mice Tails at the Inlet.
Best Location to Fish:
The best locations to fish right now are the middle to east shore, 6 colors, South Shore, Inlet, Beach Area, Jetty, Lake, North Shore and Convict Creek.
This past week anglers have had most success with:
Frog Needlefish, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Trout Magnet, Roostertail, Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs and Rainbow Nuggets. 
Other Locations to Try: 
"Windy Point" (picnic area south shore), The Inlet, Hangman's Tree, Outlet, Handicap Pier and Convict Creek.
Water Temperature: 58 Degrees. 
Weather:  Weather conditions are expected to continue to stay in the upper 70's over this weekend then dropping slightly to the mid 70's by the middle of the week. Expect temperatures to continue in the mid 70's with lows in the low 40's. Here is a local site usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.
Tactics/Bait: 
Bait:  Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Night Crawlers, Power Eggs, Power Worms, Small Spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins. Chunky Cheese Power Bait, Troll with Rapalas, Needlefish, Thomas Buoyant. 
Lures:  Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure.
Trolling:  Little Cleos, Dave Davis Night Crawler or Lead Core 4-6 colors, Rapalas, Rebels, Pin Minnows.
Flies: Marvel Fly, Prince, Hares Ear, Lopper Johns, Ant Beatles.
Convict Creek: 
Flies: Strip Streamers
Bait: Eggs, Nightcrawlers and Power Worms
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods).  
Stocking: DFG stocked this week.  
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:20 am - 6:25 am and Sunset 7:34 pm - 7:27 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: The lake continues to drop but at a slower rate.
Water temps on the bottom are getting way, way up there, over ideal 57F about everywhere except in front of tribs.
The algae is not a problem in areas holding fish and very clear in many.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent. The hatches remain strong but the Trout are ON the Perch fry in McGee with big slaps everywhere and especially along weed lines. Now is the time to get in the tube and strip and get your arm straightened out.
The recent plants in the 13"-14" range have reached McGee which makes for lots of action but tests your reflexes as they grab and spit in about two nanoseconds. Larger fish are mixed in typically up to 20".
Fishing is good until about 11:00 am then they are gorged and it slows considerably. The big fish 20"+ move in daily about 11:30 to noon if the wind holds off especially along weed lines
The north arm has a good number of fish along Green Banks over the channel and on the far side as well.
Lots of recent plants for the kids in Little Hilton and Crooked Creek.
If the wind lays down by 4 pm the evening session can be good as well.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF: email info@renoflyshop.com:
Here is an actual report from one of our good clients.
I just got back from fishing Davis Lake.
Figure it might be a rare report for you this time of year.
Nice and quiet up there, hardly anyone fishing.
I spent about 8 hours at Jenkins, 1-9.
The fishing was a little slow till about 7ish, just a few hesitant bumps before then. About 7 started picking up fish on midge pupae (#12, black), fishing deepest. 20’. Was giving a III Unisink a 60 count.
About sunset started getting a pretty steady mixed Callabaetis and Blood Midge hatch going with some pretty steady but not frequent rises.
I had no trouble picking up fish on a dry line and midge pupae. Things got real interesting but harder to fish about 8, as a heavy Trico hatch kicked in, unfortunately my skills have faded enough it was hard to take advantage of.
Generally throughout the afternoon had sporadic blood midge hatching, and saw a few damsels swimming and a ton of Callabaetis spinners.
This is the type of information we use every week in our reports. Based on this anglers experience I would say fish in the mornings and evenings. Fishing breakaway “DCA” set-ups in deep water would be awesome as well as “Floater No Cator” and sinking lines.
Big Maholo Midges in black or wine colors.
Have some Callabaetis nymphs and dries ready in the mornings, those spinners had to hatch sometime.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
It was a busy and very productive week for those fishing at Frenchman Lake this week.
On 08/22/12 Joe Baker from Reno caught his limit using flashers and worms by the boat ramp between 10 am and noon.
Hans Mulgraber of Chilcoot caught his limit of 15 to 19 inch rainbows while boat fishing 25 to 30 ft deep using gold/sliver Needlefish with downriggers.
Scott Christianson and Scott Terry from Reno each caught good sized fish - a German brown while stream fishing with a Roostertail and a 2 lb. rainbow at the dam with nightcrawlers.
Kyle Chisum and Salvador Perez from Reno caught 2 17" rainbows at the dam using rainbow power bait.
Doug Ouellette, a fly fishing guide, recommends using a red midge and going about 14 ft. deep.
On 08/26/12, Troy Dament from Reno caught 3 German Browns while fly fishing with bead heads below the dam in Little Last Chance Creek.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):
The Davis report can be applied here as well.
There is a Callabaetis hatch although there is not much surface activity until the evenings. Other than that the two stillwaters can be fished about the same way right now.
The fish are a little smaller at Frenchman’s but they are cleaner and usually a few more of them.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 17 CFS as of 8/22.
Water is very clear and low when compared to this time last year.
Weeds everywhere. Only a few pockets of deeper water here and there.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Tricos early. Catch the spinner fall around 7-8am.
Some Baetis mixed in later in the morning. Lots of scuds in the weeds too.
Fishing slows to a crawl by mid-day, but picks up in the later afternoon.
Don't forget about BWOs if it's overcast or it looks like it's about to rain.
Plenty of Caddis, but they fish at this point have seen so many of them they're not as interested. Fish big hoppers on the far bank in the afternoons with a mayfly nymph dropper.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Water levels are still dropping and the water temperatures are rising.
Fishing has picked up a little due to the recent plant of pan sized rainbows put in by the CDFG.
Best areas to fish have been in the middle of the dam or by the campground.
Warning, if you decide to camp at Indian Creek due to the idiots that had to feed the bears a few weeks ago. More bears have been coming into the camp areas right at dusk. Make sure that you put all food stuffs in the bear box early before sundown. Roll up all windows in your vehicle and leave nothing on the floor or seats that would resemble food.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

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 good reports from Kirman this week.
It sounds like the lake is a bit weedy but fishing pretty well. Early morning seems to be the best time to be up there lately.
Seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, matukas, soft hackles, ap emergers and scud patterns have all been doing well.
 

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions: Water is still clear.
Lake Mary is 3 feet from its high point, and will continue to drop.
Fishing conditions: Not much changing here from week to week.
Water warming some. Fish are more active.
Look for fish cruising in shallow warmer water.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean.
Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms.
Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep cabezon. 
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25). 
Fishing for rockfish has been very good near Coos Bay and Bandon. 
The Near Shore halibut season is now closed from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. The next All-depth halibut days are August 17 and 18.   
Recreational chinook salmon is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
Fishing for chinook salmon has been good near Brooking but slow near Bandon and Coos Bay.
The selective coho season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border closed on July 31. The non-selective coho season will begin on Sept. 1.
High winds and slightly bigger swells are keeping most tuna anglers at the boat ramps. Last reports from tuna anglers in the Coos Bay and Winchester Bay area were finding a few tuna within 20 miles but the most consistent fishing is at about 30 miles off shore.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River water conditions: Good. As of 8/22 the flows are steady at 63 CFS.
Great flows, and with the temps in the 80s-90s it's perfect for wet wading!
Tons of Mud Snails so clean your gear before you wade somewhere else!
Recently planted just above the bridge and down by the monument.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Not as many big fish being pulled out below the bridge.
Bait guys taking 5 fish each day can have a dramatic effect on fishing down below the bridge.
Still plenty of smaller fish to be had.
Nymphing with attractors and a fair ammount of weight is the way to go.
Hopper Dropper rigs are working best way up above the Hot Creek confluence, and dredging the bottom of the deep end pools is working down below the campground closer to the lake.
Water is low and mostly clear above the Hot Creek confluence, and the fish can be spooky.
Trico Hatch early, with some PMD's and midges as well.
Owens River Gorge water conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP. Flows were bumped up briefly for repair work for the power plant.
Fishing Conditions: Not much changing here week to week. Be stealthy as the water is gin clear and the fish can definitely see you coming.
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes (and tics).
Rock Creek water conditions: Good. Flows are at 32 CFS as of 8/22.
Recent rains have cooled the water some, making for some better fishing!
Fishing conditions: Good. Better to hike in a little bit to get away from everybody else.
Or go way down below the lake and fish below the campgrounds.
Big and bright usually does the trick here.
Rush Creek water conditions: Fair. As of 8/22 flows are down to 24 CFS above Grant Lake and at 50 CFS Below. Water temps in the upper 60's above Grant Lake and even warmer down below 395.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Getting reports of good fishing to be had down below 395, but it's very technical fishing. Lots of bushwacking, wading up to your chest and very wary fish.
If you can get to the productive holes without scaring every fish away and make an excellent presentation without snagging your fly on overhanging brush, you will be rewarded.
Mainly fishing small hoppers and caddis in the late afternoon as the sun goes behind the mountains.
Lower Owens River water conditions:
Poor. Flows at 533 CFS as of 8/22.
Fishing conditions:
Flows back over 500 CFS. It was fun while it lasted though.
Keep a watchful eye for ticks and tuck your pants into your socks.
Fishing is best in the early morning before it really starts getting hot.

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.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed to Lahontan Cutthroat Trout fishing until Oct. 01.

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas Count reports:
Water level is low and the water is stained. Fishing has been slow to nil.
I have only heard of two fishing being caught in the last three weeks.
But it is a beautiful place to fish and relax.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of August 27, 2012, water flow is currently 11,000 CFS, decreasing 10,500 CFS by Wednesday. 
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding to Anderson is excellent.
Fantastic fishing for Rainbows.
Catching wild rainbows Redding to Anderson. 20 to 30 fish days now. Fishing has been very productive. The last few late afternoons and evenings have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
The Posse ground area of the Sacramento River has been producing lots of trout, with the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now.
Bonneyview Bridge to Balls Ferry.
Flies working best now are Sucker Spawn #14, Pheasant Tail# 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's #18, Black Silvies #16,
Egg patterns, and Brown Micro May flies.
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.  
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California fly fishing for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of August 27, 2012.  Water flows are at 11,000 CFS.
Sacramento River salmon fishing is awesome. Salmon fishing is going great and getting better every day. 
Limits very common now.  6 to 12 salmon a day, per boat.
Weather is cooling off and fishing is really starting to heat up.
Bouncing roe and back trolling FLATFISH LURES. 
Most of the fish ranging in size from 15 and 35 lbs.. 
Catching fish throughout the day. Call us today to schedule your trip. 

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows at 40 CFS as of 8/22.Temps in the low 60's and super clear.
Recent rainfall has extended our season down here.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Soda Springs campground is still closed and trespassing in a closed area will get you an expensive citation. So stay out of all closed campgrounds and areas.
Fish are getting more selective now, so fishing with caddis and midge patterns are getting better results than attractors. Time to match the hatch!
Not much in the way of stocked fish.
All I've been catching have been wild fish and holdovers.
I guess the stocking truck hasn't made it's way in there yet.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Lake Shasta fishing is awesome, LIMITS !!!.
King Salmon fishing on Lake Shasta has been off the hook.
We are catching many of our Kings trolling, around 60 to 100 feet deep. As water warms up, fish are going down deep. 
The Dry Creek area and Little Bone area has been the best.
We are catching Rainbows first thing in the morning on the surface from 5:30 to 8 in the morning, as water warms, rainbows are going down to around 30 to 40 feet deep, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
The Bridge Bay area around the buoys have been producing some nice size Rainbow trout.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Fishing has been good for boaters or tubers casting lures towards the shore. Trollers doing well using blades and a 1/2 a worm or a needle fish lure. Shore fishing has been fair,

LAKE TAHOE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Mackinaw action has been off the hook, by that I mean very good.
In talking to few anglers, they have been catching 10 to 20 fish a day. Average size has been 1 to 6 pounds with a few in the 6 to 12 pound class. The west shore has been the most productive area.
Anglers have been fishing 120 to 180 fete of water right on the bottom.
They have been using apex lures or blades and a live minnow.
Topliners had to work hard for a few rainbows in the 1 to 3 pound class.
The kokanee action has been good off of Camp Richardson. The fish have been out in 800 to 1000 feet of water suspended in 80 to 120 feet. Average kokanee so far has been 6 to 14 inches. Not a big fish in size, but a good fish in taste.
Some anglers have been getting rainbows from the Cave Rock launch from the rocks. Using worms or power bait, with the average 1 to 3 pounds.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Lake level is low, in talking with Chuck Fields from Topaz landing marina. Chuck has removed all rental boats for the season due to low waters.
The launch is still open for public use.
The bar will remain closed for the season.
Fishing has been slow for shore anglers. I spoke to two anglers that were fishing by the campground using lead core line in 30 feet of water with 3 colors out. They caught several rainbows in the 1 to 3 pound class. They were using Rapala lures or blades and a night crawler.
The thermocline has gone way down in the lake and the fish are deep if you want to fish Topaz. Many anglers have been fishing right down the middle only 5 feet off the bottom.
As a reminder, on September 8th at 1 pm there will be a celebration of life for Linda Fields at the Marina.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 26, 2012. Currently, Water is at 1000 CFS.
We are fishing the Trinity River for Chinook King Salmon. 
Salmon fishing is fair due to water level changing.
Due to water flows, up and down flows, we are moving to Sacramento River for salmon fishing. Please call ahead.  
For Steelhead fishing, we are focusing on October, water flows should be lower and great time to start getting into steelhead with the fly rod. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA, fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email: info@renoflyshop.com):
The flows on the River spiked last week due to numerous thunderstorms.
What it has done is given the river a shot of cold water and stirred things up a bit after some very consistent flows over the past couple of months.
It has really helped the fishing over the same time period.
The river is in great shape. Flows have been very consistent. Most of the water in the Truckee is coming directly from Lake Tahoe.
This usually makes the water a little warmer in the system and it has kept the water temps up a bit.  Fish seemed to have moved into faster water due to the water temperatures.
“High Sticking” in pocket water has been a ton of fun and been producing over the past few weeks, especially on the California side.
The type of water that the fish are in right now is tougher to wade for sure.
Look for some areas that you would not like to be in and fish there. The larger runs and pools just don’t have as much food and oxygen right now.
Crayfish are molting and there are still a few Stoneflies around. Dead drifting these patterns with a smaller dropper and some added weight has been really effective. You can do it with an indicator but in faster water the indicator can also pull your flies out of holding areas too quickly. That is where High Sticking “Floater No Cator” style has really made a difference with better anglers.
Look for conditions to get even better over the next few weeks as temperatures start to cool and kids go back to school.
Don’t forget your wading staff.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email info@renoflyshop.com):
Or should we say “The Little Tuffy River.”
Flows are 62 CFS and they have been in that range for the past week or so. Lower flows and the usual summer fishing pressure has made fishing really difficult. Fish can still be caught but it takes a high skill set or a little luck.
There is still a light PMD hatch in the middle of the day and lots of smaller bugs in the mornings.
Dry dropper set ups with light tippet in the 6X range is the way to go. Use a Dry fly big enough to float your dropper but not to obnoxious. A Parachute Adams in size 12 is a good example. For your dropper try Chronomids, Baetis and PMD’s in sizes 16-20.
Stay away from flies with too much flash as well.
Natural colored clothing and hats are also a good idea.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.kenssport.com" www.kenssport.com) reports:
We've had some really good reports from the Twins this week.
Both the Upper and Lower seem to be fishing pretty well.
Bait anglers are using power bait and crawlers either from the shore or boats.
Trollers are using blades and crawlers or spoons like needlefish or Thomas Bouyants. Fly anglers are stripping streamers like matukas, wooly buggers and seal buggers. 


TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
Fishing at the Upper Twin Lakes was exceptional this past week.  The cooler weather and cooler water temperature (62) combined for great fishing.
Full stringers with larger fish started coming in around mid-week. 
We saw our largest fish caught so far this season. On Wednesday, August 22, a 7 pound, 3 ounce brown was caught by Bryan Marshall, with assistance from Whitney Boetel.  Both are from Villa Park, Calif. 
Bryan was using a rainbow Power Bait and caught his fish from shore.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (email vir@qnet.com) report:
This past week started with clouds with only one day of rain and 
clearing on Tuesday.
Alpers hit the lakes Wednesday and DFG on Tuesday.
Fishing has been "game on" but in deeper water trout are holding around 12-15 feet and starting to move closer to the surface providing great action.
Sunny and clear through next Thursday is the prediction.

Bait for the week:
Crawlers, power worms, Gulp Worms, power bait (garlic yellow, salmon peach and chartreuse glitter), Zeke's yellow, salmon eggs, and mouse-tails (pink/white or white/pink).

Lures for the week:
Red/gold Bouyants Blue/silver Bouyants and small gold Kastmasters, and also small gold Thunderbolts and mini jigs.

Flies for the week:
Black Woolly Buggers over Grey Hackle Peacock, flying ants, blue damsels, tentwing caddis, cowdungs and hoppers (small with rubber legs). Dries working were small mosquitoes, grey hackle peacock, olive elk hair caddis, and parachute Adams.
Big fish for the week:
Al Varelas of Huntington Beach, 2 lb 3 oz Alper on power worm, 8.22.12, 
Little Virginia
Nick Varelas of Huntington Beach, 3 lb 2 oz Alper on power worm, 
8.22.12, Little Virginia.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are still fishing great.
Thomas Bouyants, Hot Shots and Kastmasters are hitting it for the lure anglers. Bait anglers are doing well with Gulp clusters, power bait and mini crawlers. Fly anglers are using seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, wooly buggers, matukas, soft hackles and some dries like mosquitoes and royal wulffs in the evenings. 


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):
East Walker River:
Flows are 101 CFS. Flows on the E.W. have been outstanding this summer.
We are really looking forward to a great fall season on the East Walker. There has been some really good fishing over the last week.
We have had a bunch of cloudy days which have cooled the water some, sparked some hatches and really gotten the fish going.  
Nymphing with Caddis and Midges has been the most productive way to go for sure. You can do it one of three ways. Either Dry-Dropper, with an indicator or High Sticking “Floater No Cator” style.
There are plenty of Hoppers about and big ugly dries will turn the occasional fish as well.

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 river is down to 69 CFS today, the fishing is still hanging in there pretty good. The fish are still feisty and seem to be plenty healthy. We've been getting some cooler night time temperatures and some cloud cover most 
days which is helping keep the water temps down.
Most of the action has been with nymphs lately though there has been a little bit of dry action here and there. 
Small midge patterns like silver streaks, rainbow warrior, disco midges, 
flashback emergers and copper johns have been doing well.
Also caddis nymphs like fox's poopah, buckskin caddis and LaFontaines deep sparkle pupa have been doing well.
The Rosachi section on the Nevada side has also been producing very well for the few anglers who have been going down there lately. 
West Walker River:
The water quality on the West is back to normal since the thunderstorms stopped. Fishing has been good this week as well.
The river is low so you'll need to focus on the deeper pools where the fish are hanging out.
Eggs and crawlers doing well, also small Panther Martins and Roostertails. 
Fly anglers are doing well with humpies, hoppers, stimulators, copper johns and prince nymphs. 
Sceirine Ranch:
The Sceirine: Has been fishing excellent this past week, lots of fish being caught down there each day.
There are plenty of fish in the 20 to 22 inch range being landed as well.
Silver streaks, San Juan worms, copper johns, dark lords, prince nymphs and flashback emergers have all been doing well. 
Hunewill Pond:
The H-Pond has fished excellent the past few days as well. 
The pond is pretty weedy but if you kick around a bit to find the parts that
have been mowed you'll find the fish.
Stripping seal buggers, and stillwater nymphs with a soft hackle or ap emerger trailer has been the trick.
Also we've been fishing 1X and 2X tippets to help battle the weeds, the fish don't seem to be leader shy at all. 


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River water conditions:  
Fair to Good. Flows variable on a daily basis – 110 CFS as of 8/22.
Water temps in the high 60's, so fish early as not to stress out the fish in the warmer water.
Fishing Conditions:
Fair. Fishing is good til around 10am, then it tapers off considerably. Hearing the fish are strong and healthy despite water coming out of the dam at just under 70 degrees.
Fishing mostly big hopper and attractor flies on the far banks and in the fast water early in the morning til about 10.
Trico spinners early in the morning. Not as strong as it was though.
Not really worth fishing mid-day right now.

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.

— The fishing report is compiled each week by South Tahoe Now and www.CarsonNow.org Outdoor editor Don Quilici. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.