Fishing report through Oct. 4

Here is this week's fishing report through Oct. 4, 2011. This report covers rivers, lakes and streams in the Sierra, Northern Nevada, Northern California and Southern Oregon.

BEAR RIVER RESERVOIR (LOWER), CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Upper Blue Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir has been fishing well this past week though it sometimes takes a few stops to locate where the fish are hanging out. I'd say the best area has probably been near the marina where the East Walker comes into the lake, all the way down to the public marina.
Bait anglers have probably been the most successful with crawlers and power eggs. Trollers have been doing well with spoons like thomas bouyants and needlefish as well as small rapalas and mira shads. Haven't heard much from the fly anglers lately but I'd expect the best thing to do would be to strip streamers near the weed beds and out in front of the marina where the bait anglers are fishing.

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

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Carson River: Flows are down to 146 CFS. They are really holding on this summer and the conditions are great for this time of year. The water is really clear and a stealthy approach is a must.
Longer casts and longer leaders with dry flies like Adams, Cahill’s and Hoppers are worth a try. Nymphing in the deeper runs with either a dry dropper or under an indicator is also been effective. Smaller Stones, Trico’s, Midges and Caddis are all good bets.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
With the main stem closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers will find good cutthroat fishing on any of the tributaries entering into the Chetco.
The South Fork Chetco has some of the best public access and is in a very remote setting.
Temporary regulations in effect beginning Aug. 1, 2011:
Main stem Chetco River upstream of BPA power line crossing at river mile 2.2 is closed to all angling including trout through Nov. 4, 2011.
Tributaries to the Chetco River remain open for trout through Oct. 31, 2011 as per Southwest Zone Regulations.

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

CONVICT LAKE, CALIF:
Jen Heintzelman of Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlakeresort.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: Dave Cavalli from Santa Barbara, California catches a 3 lb. 8 oz. Alper's Rainbow Trout on YUM TroutKrilla Bait!
He also catches three tagged fish part of the Eastern Sierra Second Summer Derby and WINS two Acme Lure Kits and a Plano Tackle Box. 

Weather: There are a few afternoon thunder showers coming through today and also predicted for tomorrow...the rest of the week looks like sunny skies. Daytime highs in the low 70's the beginning of the week and warming to the low 80s. Evening lows ranging from 40 to 45. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.

Tactics/Bait: Fish are being caught all around the lake now and creek.
Yum TroutKrilla Bait, PowerBait and Night Crawlers are topping the list. If trolling go 6 or 7 colors.
Fish are being caught all around the lake this week. Locations to try are the Inlet, Outlet, North Shore, South Shore, Creek, Jetty, Handicap Pier and Hangman's Tree. 
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
TroutKrilla, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, NeedleFish, Thomas Bouyants, Green Wooly Booger, White Mini Jig and PowerBait.

Stocking: DFG has stocked again this week. Convict Lake Resort stocked 100 lbs. of 2 to 3 lb. Alper's Rainbow trout September 21 and we will be stocking 100 lbs. the week of October 6th and 26th.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:45am - 6:50 am and Sunset 6:52 pm - 6:42 pm.
Derbies: Ambush at the Lake starts October 1st to November 15th for $6,000 in resort prizes. Don't forget about Morrison's Bounty Bonus Derby Weekend October $2,000 in Cash October 27th-30th.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Davis has really picked up over the past few weeks. The best report we have gotten lately is from an angler walking the shoreline sight casting to rising fish with Blood Midge patterns. There has been a tremendous Blood Midge hatch and the fish are really keying in on them.
During the day you can hang a couple of midges under an indicator in 4-8 feet of water and in the mornings and evenings look for fish rising to them.

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

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing has been good at Lunker’s Point. One fisherman was catching 17 inch long rainbow trout at Lunker’s using nightcrawlers and a bobber.
The north end of the lake seems to be still doing well.
There have been reports of good fishing near Frenchman’s campground. Nightcrawlers seem to be the favorite bait.
Trolling is good around the dam and east of the dam. They have been using various lures, colors include olive green, black, gray, brown and Chartruese, Roostertails, Needlefish, Dick Nite, and Rocky Mountain.
Frenchman Campground and Spring Creek Campground are still open till the end of September.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
In the mornings fish can be found cruising the shallows searching for Damsels, Callabaetis and Midges. You can even fish to them from the shore. As the morning wears on they move out into the channels and drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. Stripping snails and Damsels with a sink tip or a type two sinking line has been really effective.
If there is a little chop on the water hanging some nymphs under an indicator about 8-10 feet down is also working well.
The fish in Frenchman’s are really healthy and strong for their size. Most of the fish are in the 13-16 inch range but fight like a fish that is 16-20 inches.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close for fishing on Sept. 30.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close to fishing on Sept. 30.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close to fishing on Sept. 30.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Had a couple slow reports from Kirman this week, it seems it's been a little tough on most of the anglers we've talked to.
e fish that we did hear about were nice fish, in the 18 to 20 inch range but they've been a bit tough to catch. I'd expect the streamer fishing to get better up there as the season progresses.

LAKE TAHOE
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Anglers have reported good fishing in 50 feet of water using Hoochies, and Kokanee Pros tipped with corn. Mackinaw fishing has been slow but some anglers have reported success fishing below the kokenee. Try trolling below the kokanee with minnows and dodgers. This method seems to be producing the best results. Bounce this rigging two to three feet off the bottom.

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close to fishing on Sept. 30.

NORTH POND, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close to fishing on Sept. 30.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational ocean Chinook fishing is open until Sept. 30.
Single point, barbless hooks must be used in this fishery.
The non-selective ocean Coho fishery is now closed.
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 20 fathoms in order to reduce catch and release mortality on yelloweye rockfish.
Anglers are reporting good catches of bottomfish when weather is favorable.
However, anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain Cabazon because the quota of 15.8 metric tons will have been met.

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 nigh crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Opens to fishing for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout fishing on Oct. 1.
This season will close on September 30, 2012.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing for stripers in the tidewater area is fair.
The Smith is now open for trout from May 28 through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
These waters will close to fishing on Sept. 30.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Fall is here! The water is cooling daily on the Truckee and arguably the best time of the year for fly fishing is over the next couple of months.
This would be a great time to make some plans to do some fishing in the Reno-Tahoe area for sure. Wet wading season is just about over so patch up your waders and get out on the water.
California: The flows have been shut down some coming out of Lake Tahoe.
The stretch of river between Tahoe City down through Truckee is pretty low but fishable. You just have to find the bigger pools.
Once you reach Boca Bridge the flows are pretty much what they have been for the last couple of months, perfect!
There is still a really good crayfish bite and Nymphing with Dead Drift Cray’s or even as a streamer has been working well.
Fall is setting in so look for the fishing conditions to change. We should start to see more bugs including Baetis, October Caddis and a variety of Mayflies.
Nevada: The air temps are still pretty warm in the Reno area. We are looking for a few days reaching 90 degrees this week. Overnight temps are down and the water is in great shape.
The tubers are all but gone and we have the river back to ourselves. Most of the stockers are gone and we are back to fishing for almost all wild fish. There are still some Golden Stonefly husks around on streamside boulders and Nymphing with a Stonefly around a size 6-10 with a smaller dropper like a Juju Baetis has been working well. Fish are definitely chasing streamers more and more also.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
What a mess! The flows are down to 15 CFS. That is not a typo. There is a problem with one of the release valves in the dam and they had to shut the water down to fix it. Fish are very stressed and stuck right now so this would be a great time to let the fish take a break until the flows come back up. We are not guiding or fishing the L.T. until we get some more water in the system. It should not be mush longer so keep an eye on the flows.

TWIN LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake – Lower Twin Lake – Robinson Creek:
The Twins are fishing well these days, we've had some really good shore fishing reports with quite a few fish coming in that are in the 2 pound range. Crawlers and power bait have been doing the trick from the shore lately. Anglers fishing from boats are also doing well with crawlers and Power Bait as well as trolling small Rapalas and spoons.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Virginias are still producing very well these days. Crawlers and power eggs have been doing well, also casting lures like Bouyants and Kastmasters from shore or tubes has been good. Fly anglers are using Buggers and Matukas with a pt or soft hackle dropper and having a great time.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) reports:
NO mosquitoes, yeah right. Just when I let down my guard they drag themselves out of the bushes looking for fresh meat.
Plenty fish! Indian summer, maybe?
The weather has turned nice again; lets see how long it lasts.
Aspens have turned one shade lighter green and will start to turn yellow in the next few days and more and more are turning every day.
he freeze hit last Friday night, so it will be a nice slow change over for the photo buffs out there.
Alpers are still getting caught with DFG stocking all 3 lakes and
Fishing has been great on just about everything, crawlers and Power Eggs are doing the best, Gulp, lures and Power Bait (garlic rainbow and glitter rainbow) and natural/red mouse-tails, and real grasshoppers.
Tubers are doing well on oive crystal flash Woolly Buggers, occasionally on Grey Ghosts, hoppers, tent-wing Caddis, yellow soft hackles and BH Hares Ears. Dries getting takes are still black gnat parachute, grey hackle yellow, olive elk hair Caddis (naked) and Adams female all in the 16 to 18 range, and a Yellow Sally nymph are doing great.

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

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River: Flows are 297 CFS. They have been there for 6 days now. The best time to fish the East Walker is when the flows stay the same for a while. 300 CFS is still a lot of water and makes it very hard to cross.
The fish will be on the edges and seams of bigger pools out of the fast current. This makes it great conditions to take two rods and fish a big dry fly in each spot first for a few casts and then run nymphs or a streamer with a 2nd rod after. Golden Stones and Hoppers are perfect for the dry. Caddis, Midges and smaller bead head nymphs are a good way to go for Nymphing and Stanley streamers or Muddler patterns are working for streamers.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River: The East is down to about 262 CFS right now and is really fishing well. We're starting to get some good dry fly reports as well as Nymphing. Haven't had too many good streamer reports yet but I'd expect the streamer action to improve as the weather cools.
Anglers are still doing well with small midges and caddis nymphs day in and day out. Patterns that have been working well include: rainbow warrior, flashback emerger, zebra midge, copper john, wd-40, fox's poopah, lafontaines sparkle pupa, 3-wire caddis, elk hair caddis, e/c caddis, para adams. The Rosachi is also fishing pretty well, a few additions to patterns for down there
West Walker River: The West has been excellent this past week with several fish in the 5 to 6 pound range making a showing.
Spinners, spoons, eggs and crawlers for the spin anglers have all been doing well and for the fly anglers they're still doing well with hopper/dropper rigs and attractor dries like humpy's and Royal Wulffs.
Sceirine Ranch: The Sceirine is fishing excellent these days, dry/dropper rigs, streamers and nymphs have all been doing well.
There's a lot of dates booked up for the ranch the next few weeks so if you want to get on there give us a call to check availability.

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