Don Q's Fishing Report for the week of Sept. 5-11

Here is this week's fishing report for Northern California, Nevada, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra-area rivers, lakes and streams. Fall colors are around the corner for the Sierra and Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy the fishing while the weather is still good and don't forget to pack your sunscreen and fishing license. This report is for the week of Sept. 5-11.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:

Went out to Dobe a week ago and was very happy to see conditions very good even though it was really hot late morning. 
The wild browns are definitely larger this season averaging 12 inches.
With the cooler weather I am looking forward to some fine dry fly fishing in September, I suggest a half day and would not recommend this trip for novices. This is private water, please contact us for booking info.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: Pick up your fishing license before coming to the lake.
Wow, can you believe it – September – hopefully we have enough water to get thru another month – yup, it’s going down fast. It is what it is, but hey, there’s lots less area for those fish to hide in.
Bit more color showing around the Lake not sure how fast the colors will come this year, but we’ll keep you informed around our next of the woods.
I think we may be getting close to that nip in the air you get when you know fall is right around the corner. It’s chillier and lots darker when we’re getting up in the morning – so I know it’s not too far away.
Now might also be the time to start the warning to watch out for photographers – had a charter bus up in the parking lot this weekend – just stay alert for them and deer – they’re on the move, too.
And now to fishing, Gary Billings of Redlands, landed a 4-pound Alper using a Nightcrawler. Isaiah Rivera (5 years old) of Whittier caught his very first fish ever at Lake Sabrina this Labor Day Weekend – he then went on to catch a limit with Yellow and Green Power Bait and provide a fish dinner for his family – Great Job, Isaiah!
We got another load of DFG fish on Wednesday and they’ll continue to stock as long as they can get to the water.
And to catch those fish along with the load of Alpers the Bishop Chamber put in you might try using Nightcrawlers, Power Bait 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, but you all know that’s what works in Lake Sabrina.
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 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."
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.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Jeffery at the marina has pulled the boat docks due to low water levels, but can still launch rentals from the beach. He reports fishing is picking up for trollers and still fishers, but remains slow for fly fishers at this time. 
As the surface temps cool, we see the fish concentrated towards the dam and public launch ramp making it easy for tubers to hit those big fall browns. 
The marina has a fly box with streamers, dries, nymphs & Under-cators that will work on the Bridge or the EW. 
Go give him a BAAAH for me and he will show you his new water well with all the water you could want for the RV Park!

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.

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:  Christine Seymour from Albuquerque, NM caught a 2lb. 8oz. with Power Bait on the Lake!
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, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Roostertail, Red/Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs and 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:  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 that is usually quite accurate  www.mammothweather.com. 
Tactics/Bait:  Bait:  Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Night Crawlers, Power Eggs, Power Worms, Small Spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins. Chunky Cheese Power Bait, Troll with Rapalas, Needlefish, Thomas Buoyant. 
Lures:  Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure
Trolling: Little Cleos, Dave Davis Night Crawler or Lead Core 4-6 colors, Rapalas, Rebels, Pin Minnows
Flies: Marvel Fly, Prince, Hares Ear, Lopper Johns, Ant Beatles
Convict Creek: 
Flies: Strip Streamers
Bait: Eggs, Night Crawlers and Power Worms
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods)  
Fall Happenings: Derby News: Ambush at the Lake - Fall Fishing Derby starting September 3 to November 15th , $6,000 in resort Prizes! Fall Lodging Specials; Fishing Faire - September 13-16
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. 
Convict Lake will be stocked with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch courtesy of the County of Mono for the Labor Day Holiday.    
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:27 am - 6:32 am and Sunset 7:24 pm - 7:15 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing has picked up some in the North end.
Numerous 20+ inch fish being landed. 
Try 8-10 feet of water with Stevie's M=80 or Stevie's Wonder gray/black.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The lake is beginning to turn green with a moderate algae bloom taking place.  It is not horrendous as of this report however expect the condition to get a little worse in some areas as the water temps begin to cool. 
The lake continues to drop as outlet flows on the Lower Owens remain at 530cfs. The weed lines are still present in McGee Bay, Hilton Bays, the inlet section in the north arm, and Layton Springs. 
The influence of the inlets is significantly less than last week and as cooler surface temps begin to show, you’ll see less concentrations close to the inlets and more fish holding around deeper water like Sandy Pt., Six Bays, the Hilton’s and Alligator Pt. 
You will see weed in water depths of 6 feet and less currently with the perch fry hunters prowling along these edges during low light periods. 
Streamer fishing is picking up, and I suggest Loebergs and Punk Perch patterns # 10-14 fished along the weed lines early & late afternoon, put on a heavier sinking tip and move out to 12-15 feet as the sun gets higher with the same patterns, or a damselfly nymph and chironomid as a trailer. 
Still water nymphing remains slow to very good depending on the weather. 
With the water level dropping the twin punk perch, or PP & a bird’s nest have not been as productive recently and we have been fishing primarily gillies and broken backs on the mud flats. 
Those of you with boats need to be very cautious when traveling around the Hilton’s, or on a direct course from the marina towards McGee Bay. 
There is some very low water and a high spot smack dab in the middle of the lake off Big Hilton that is less than 3 feet currently. The peninsula’s around the Hilton’s extend for a long distance and are VERY shallow, so give them a wide berth while traveling around these locations.

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 at about 6 inches/day.
Water temps on the bottom are getting colder away from inlets making for good fishing over wider area.
The algae is not a problem yet but it is coming on. Could be nasty in a couple of weeks depending on night time temps.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent. Phenomenal year still producing big fish day after day.
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 10:30 am then they are gorged and it slows but comes back on in about an hour.
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. Crooked has a bunch of recent plat Cutthroats too.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been very good trolling, shore fishing still good in early morning. Some days there are a few damsels swimming around, with a few adults in other areas. The fish have been four to six feet deep. Using an intermediate line or even a type two line will help.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
Donner Lake Posted on August 28, 2012 by www.fishtightlines.com.
For some reason, I set the alarm an hour earlier than I needed today and showed up at the Donner Lake ramp way to early. It didn’t take me long to also discover it was a lot colder than the days before.
Okay enough complaining.
We got the boat in the water and everything ready to go. Our clients showed up and off we went in search of Kokanee and maybe even a Mack or two.
We were almost up to Loch Leven Lodge and found some nice schools of fish around 50 feet deep.
We dropped in a Sep’s Watermelon Strike Master with a pink Uncle Larry’s spinner tipped with pink Pautzke’s Fire Corn behind a Black Shark Cannonball weight.
The next setup we dropped in was a Shasta Tackle pink Melon Sling Blade with a Rocky Mountain Tackle pink Plankton spinner also tipped with Pink Pautzke Fire Corn.
The next step was going to be to drop a couple bigger baits down for Mackinaw, however, the Kokanee didn’t seem to want to give us a break. It was fast action for the first hour with bright Donner Lake Kokanee.
We finely managed to get some bigger bait’s down but the Mackinaw bite wasn’t happening for us today.
After a slower spell that lasted about an hour the bite picked up again and we netted a few more and called it a day.
After a chilly morning on Donner it turned out to be a nice day with some nice Kokanee. The Kokanee at Donner this year are by no means big, they and sure nice bright clean and good eating fish.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers using nightcrawlers with mini-marshmallows have been finding good action for 13- to 15-inch rainbows and a few brown trout. 
Power Bait came in a close second for hooking up rainbows. 
A 2.5-pound largemouth bass was also taken from the lake this week. 
The water level has risen due to recent thunderstorm activity. This also has caused the water to be a little murky due to run off.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing continues to be good for rainbows, crappie and largemouth.
Anglers have found success while using Power Bait and nightcrawlers with mini marshmallows.
Fly casters have been doing well using brown Woolly Buggers with gold bead heads. 
Lake levels have been rising due the monsoonal rains and the water is a little murky due to run off.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River is always a great option this time of year even though the smoke from fires makes it a little hazy.
During the morning hours, along the river, fishing has been good to great while using leeches and # 18 PT Nymphs.
The Rainbows are easy to spot all the way from the upper river down to McArthur Road totaling about 15 miles!
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER MIDDLE FORK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River has dropped down to 5,000 CFS, and fishing has become fair.
Most reports are from the Outlet Hole outside the restricted area using Blue Fox #5 spinners. Salmon fishing is improving as they move upstream for anglers fishing plug and roe. Shanghai Rapids providing good reports using small nymphs drifted under indicators.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Summer is winding down at Frenchman Lake.
The fishing is still very good, but it is less crowded with many people having to return to school and work.
On 08/29/12 Bob Parry from Chilcoot and John Cooper from Sacramento caught 12 trout on blue power bait by the channel while boat fishing early in the morning. They kept 9 of the fish and released 3.
Come out to Frenchman Lake and enjoy the great summer fishing while you still can. The campgrounds are open and the weather and the water are nice and warm. Stop by Wiggins for updates and for all of your camping and fishing supplies.
Please include in this week's fishing report for Frenchman Lake that this Saturday, September 8, 2012 is Free Fishing Day in California. 

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great from a boat or shore for Rainbows, Brown Trout, and delicious Catfish! A Combination of Nightcrawlers, Rainbow Power Bait, and worms has been doing the trick from the shore.
More techniques that have been keeping the fish hooked are Apex lures, and trolling nightcrawlers behind flashers.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop  

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

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good in the late afternoon to sunset.
You can get the fishes attention using buggers or leeches.
Mercer’s Missing Link, Classic Elk Hair Caddis in an olive or tan, will produce good fishing.
The Power House # 2 Riffle offers the most consistent fishing on Hat Creek at this time of the summer.
Bring any dry fly in # 19, cream colored.
Have a few # 18 Light Cahills on standby.
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is currently at 5 CFS. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface.  Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Getting pretty tough here in the public section due to low flows and protruding weeds making extended dead drifts difficult with only about half the usual spots fishable. Good casters with polished mending skills can still have fun with small may fly, caddis  and midge adults.
The deeper pools are holding most of the fish and they are best plied with tandem nymph rigs, with or without an indicator. 
I like #18 Assassins and broken back zebras as sub-surface patterns on HC.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 16 CFS as of 8/29.
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. Not much changing here week to week.
It is getting colder at night now. Fall is almost here!
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.
Plenty of Caddis, but the 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.

INYO COUNTY, CALIF:
Bishop Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Goodale Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Independence Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lake Sabrina:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
North Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
South Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Taboose Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Tinnemaha Creek:
It will be planted this week by the 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. Try Rush Creek with a Royal Wullf, Royal Coachman or a stimulator. Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.
The flow in Rush Creek is 36 CFS.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Not too much action this week on the Upper Klamath, perhaps October bites will pick up. However, good reports of steelhead coming out of the Klamath Glen area, especially in the morning hours before more boats come in.
More adult Salmon have been coming out of the mouth of the river which keeps the fishing improving.
Recommendations for Blue Creek to expect to find a few Steelheads, and Chinook! Spinners and Cast masters are doing the trick.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Laughlin Lagoon has been productive this week with large (close to state record) bluegill taking nightcrawlers. According to Rusty at Riviera Marina, one young angler hauled in a bluegill weighing in at 3.68 pounds and measuring 15 7/8 inches while fishing with her mother. 
Striper action has also picked up near Big Bend and below Davis Dam with fish ranging in size from three to five pounds.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston Lake has provided good August fishing with perfect water conditions. Great alternative when Trinity River fishing gets rough. Stripping Buggers, Leeches or Damsel Fly Nymphs under a type two sinking line will produce good results.  Productive techniques have been retrieving Pheasant Tail Nymphs, or Mercer’s Gidget.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
George has been the better lake for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on a sink tip or full sink line with a hares ear trailer.

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.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing continues to be good for stripers and anglers have found some striper boils in the Callville Bay area. 
Monsoonal rains have dropped a lot of water into the lake, and runoff has caused the water to be somewhat murky.
Keep an eye out for floating debris.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The area around Cottonwood Cove continues to provide good action for catfish along with largemouth and smallmouth bass. Few stripers have been taken over the past week even though conditions have been good with slight winds and cooling temperatures associated with monsoonal rains.

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. 
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 first three days of the non-selective coho season will begin on Sept. 1 and there is a quota of 10,000 coho.

OROVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing have continued to be good despite the summer heat. Anglers have felt more comfortable fishing in the evening and good results are coming out of it. Increased water releases are said to keep water temperatures lower than normal bring bites a bit closer to the surface.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Conditions are good on the Upper Owens with some trophy browns already migrating upstream from Crowley Lake. I would however, like to see some more water coming down this time of year.
Nymphing the deeper pools has been productive in the sections above and below the Benton Crossing Bridge. 
The UO has been well planted with catchable rainbows this summer, and I am observing a healthy population of wild browns this season thanks to an abundance of water last fall combined with a mild winter.
I like bird’s nest and flashback PT patterns # 14-20 fished below an Under-cator. We did well on a recent trip here and never changed a twin Assassin rig. There are some excellent surface opportunities using caddis adults, hoppers, and smaller mayflies.
The streamer fishing is also picking up and will get progressively better as the water begins to cool and we enter the early fall spawning cycle. 
I have good reports that the reliable Loeberg fished with a light sinking tip line while using the “dip & strip” along the deeper cut banks fooled a bunch of rainbows near the monument section below the bridge. 
There are some complicated angling regulations along the Upper Owens as it is divided into four sections, (Big Springs, Long Years, the campground, monument) with a closed area at the end of September-please know the regs before you cast!
Lower Owens River:
At current release rates of 530 CFS, wading sucks in the wild trout section.
We did a couple drifts just as the flows began to rise and they did not fish well as one might expect. 
The flows appear to have peaked for about a week now and as the weather cools we are looking forward to an excellent early fall drift boat season.  Mid September is promising to be great for fishing the LO, and we should have some fun with surface opportunities as well as streamers.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current water flow is 64fs. Fishing is good. Fox's Caddis Poopah, Brooks Hot Creek caddis, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Recent stockings have improved the fishing here.
No more bait fishing from the monument to the lake.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is up to 532 CFS.  Try elsewhere.

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 8/29 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. The fish are wising up to the big attractor flies, and it's become necessary to start fishing some more realistic patterns.
Still in larger sizes, but not as flashy as we've been using.
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. Water was gin clear prior to the elevated flows. Slightly off color, but not for long.
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes. (and ticks)
Rock Creek Water conditions: Good. Flows are at 33 CFS as of 8/29.
Wear bug spray! Recent rains in the high country have replenished small ponds for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
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 8/29 flows are down to 35 CFS above Grant Lake and at 45 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 534 CFS as of 8/29.
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.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Expect great fishing is to continue all summer long on the Pit! Great water is coming out of from Lake Britton Dam, all the way to Big Bend.
The rainbows are munching # 14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and # 6-8 Pat Rubber Legs, plan on wet wading and casting nymphs about 10 feet out into the pockets, riffles, glides.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

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

ROGUE RIVER, ORE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The fishing was super at the Rogue River. We were drift fishing last Tuesday in a relative’s drift boat, and I caught a 25-30 pound King Salmon, while trolling a Kwikfish lure.
We also caught some steelhead but had to turn them loose as they were wild and not pen raised.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This time of the year offers big rainbows and perfect fly fishing conditions. Salmon season is open below Deschutes Road which makes for a crowded weekend. 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 from Bonneyview Bridge to Balls Ferry.
Flies are working with the best results; Sucker Spawn #14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD’s # 18, Black Silvies # 16, and Brown Macro Flies.

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 31, 2012, water flow is currently 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 (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trout fishing continues to be good. The best fishing reported late in the day into sunset hours. Near sunset the caddis hatch can produce a flurry of top water feeding rainbows.
Fish deep and concentrate on fast, bubbly, choppy water. The water conditions are great for wet wading and good fishing can be found along the 35 mile length of the Upper Sacramento.  
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
The salmon bite on the Sac…well it kinda depends on where you are.
A good push of kings moved through the Sac Metro Area this week and fishing was good. That bite has since slowed down but there should be many more schools coming through.
Meanwhile upriver around Hamilton City, the fishing was steady but has since slowed going into the holiday weekend.
The action should kick into gear again any day now though as that push of fish that went through Sacramento moves into the area.
Around Red Bluff, the action has been spotty but will improve soon.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of August 31, 2012. Water flows are at 10,500 CFS, dropping to 10,000 CFS gradually over the weekend.
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is going great.
We do have days of the fishing being better than others still this week.
Water flows were dropping the last few days throwing off the bite a little bit. 4 to 10 salmon a day, per boat. 
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:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The San Joaquin is in better shape than most of the other freestone creeks with regards to flows. 
Fishing remains very good with excellent access in all areas. 
It is definitely cooling off in the mornings here so wet wading early can be uncomfortable. The extended period of T-storms has ended and it looks like we are saying good bye to the monsoons that have helped keep the fire danger down  in this region. 
I like mayflies and caddis adults fished with a 5X- 9 foot mono leader.  # 16-18 patterns will get you more grabs, however there are times when you can do well using a # 12/14 Stimulator with, or without a bead head PT as a dropper. Whenever possible position yourself at the base of a run and make your presentations upstream targeting the fish close by, then work progressively upstream towards the saaaweet spot!  You will be pleasantly surprised at how many more fish you will rise by using this strategy.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions: Fair. Flows at 22 CFS as of 8/29.
Temps in the low 60's and super clear.
Wear bug spray! Recent rains in the high country have replenished small ponds for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Fishing conditions: Good. With the flows this low, fish are concentrated in deep pools.
We're mainly nymphing with small stones, caddis and mayfly patterns.
Not seeing too much in the way of dry fly action.
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.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing is even  tougher as the water flow continues to lower. Para Adams, stimulators and ants Sotcher and Starkweather Lakes have been slow.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Shasta Lake guided fishing- Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. 
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.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent, especially King salmon by trolling, 100 - 120 ft. deep.
Up the Sacramento Arm is getting great reports for shad. Dry Creek and near Dam has been proving to have plenty of Bass and Salmon. Anglers using top water bait, trolling gear, sling blades and wiggle Hoochies. At the Bridge Bay area around the buoys, you’ll find nice size Rainbow trout.

LAKE TAHOE:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
We spent today on Lake Tahoe just messing around with a couple friends.
We launched on the East Shore of Tahoe at Cave Rock at 6:00 AM and headed straight over to the Camp Richardson area in search for some Kokanee. It didn’t take long to find some nice school of Kokanee to work.
We started with a variety of set ups. The fish seemed to like the Copper/Melon Sling Blade with a Uncle Larry’s Tropical Tiger.
We were running three Kokanee rods and we dropped one Dodger/Minnow rig a little deeper to try for Mack’s. To my surprise we picked up a Kokanee at 180’ on that set up.
We just kept throwing every combination we could come up with to try to figure out what the hot Kokanee set up was going to be.
The winners for the day were the Copper/Melon Sling Blade with the Uncle Larry’s Tropical Tiger and a Sep’s Copper/Pink dodger and a Rocky Mountain Tackle Watermelon Assign Sinner.
Now let’s talk about the corn. We had a couple different types today. First was the straight Pautzke Fire Corn in Red and Pink. It worked, however, the hot corn today was the White Shoepeg cured in red Pautzke Fire Cure with a little Garlic added.
After hooking over 17 Kokanee and putting 10 very nice Tahoe Kokanee in the box we headed up North to check on some Mackinaw spots.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Becoming to the go to place for those big Kings! Reports fall within body of the lake at about 70 feet deep. Bite is slow but worth the wait. Bass fishing is doing well off all the points in about 15 to 20 feet of water using Pro-Worms in a blue/black pattern and deep diving plugs in the shad patterns.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Flows are up to 1000 CFS from the normal 450 CFS to produce cooler water to the survival of the Salmon. Wading will be a bit difficult so is the fishing. Check back next week for updates.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop
 
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 29, 2012. Currently, Water is at 1050 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 tie 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.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: We enjoyed another great week of fishing and great weather.
Mike Richards of Hemet, Calif., caught a 3 pound, 9 ounce rainbow using a Dare Devil lure. Mike was fishing from shore.
Our last derby of this season is being held this weekend, with a ending date of Tuesday, September 4th. Current largest fish is a 2 pound, 13 ounce rainbow. Winner will be announced next week.
On August 27th, we were re-stocked with 200 pounds of Alpers, a quantity of 75 fish, averaging 2 1/2 - 3 pounds each.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (email: vir@qnet.com) report:
This past week was clear with only a few sprinkles on Friday.
Alpers hit the lakes Monday along with DFG.
Fishing has been "game on" since Wednesday, seems like all the Alpers took a nap for 2 days before they started to hit, trout are still holding around 12-15 feet and starting to move closer to the surface providing great action.
Prediction for the next 5 days is clear, except for tomorrow which is slated at 30% chance of showers.
Bait for the week: Crawlers, power worms, Gulp Worms, power bait (garlic yellow, salmon peach and chartreuse glitter), salmon eggs, and mouse-tails (pink/white or white/pink).
Lures for the week:
Small gold Kastmasters, and also small gold Thunderbolts and mini jigs.
Flies for the week:
Black Woolly buggers over Grey Hackle Peacock, fur body ants, blue damsels, and hoppers (small with rubber legs).
Dries working were small mosquitoes, grey hackle peacock, olive elk hair caddis, and parachute Adams.
Tubers are mostly using marabou buggers with a small caddis emerger.
Two fly rigs are getting to be the norm.
See you on the water, Carolyn
Big fish for the week:
John Price Vancleve of San Diego (USMC active), 2 lb 5 oz Alper on a crawler, 8.26.12, LV
Kyle Morashima of Trabuco, 2 lb 3 oz Alper on Garlic Power Bait,
8.29.12, LV
George Aylwin of Patterson, 2 lb 2 oz Alper on a Fly (woolly bugger),
8.29.12, LV
Rachel Cox of Irvine, 2 lb 5 oz Alper on Garlic power bait, 8.31.12, LV
Mark Oz of Crestline, 2 lb 4 oz Alper on Yellow Power Bait, 8.30.12, LV
Nathan Cox of Irvine, 2 lb 8 oz Alper on Yellow Power Bait, 8.31.12, LV Jessica Beattie of Paso Robles, 2 lb 4 oz Alper on Hatchery Pellet Power Bait, 8.31.12, LV


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

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
We are seeing some pretty skinny water for this time of year as flows have dropped to 80 CFS currently. 
It is cooling down here and we will soon see better water conditions as the lake turns over and the weed and algae situation diminish. 
Low flows in the summer and winter make the fish concentrate in the deeper pools and runs. It also triggers instinctual migration behavior as fish will work upstream towards the flow source if conditions become unfavorable in downstream areas. 
We are coming into hopper with a dropper time, especially at these lower flow rates. Fishing this rig along the shadows of some thick willows, or along a grassy lined under cut bank can pay off with a big brown. 
You may also consider using a damsel adult in the same areas. 
Fishing dries like caddis adults and smaller PMD or Trico mayfly patterns are also productive in the early fall, we are a month away from a significant BWO emergence unless it cools down rapidly. 
Tandem nymph rigs using midge, mayfly, and caddis larva or pupa patterns will always work in the deeper lays on the EW, you just need to keep them clean and close to the bottom.  With all the weed and algae on the rocks this can be difficult at times and in certain sections.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Water flow is up some to 108 CFS. 
The increase in water flow has helped improve fishing here.
WD40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince Nymphs.


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 – 100 CFS as of 8/29.
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 10 am, 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.

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.

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