Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Jan. 9-14

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 January 9, 2014.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are still reporting very good catches, some rainbows and browns both through bank fishing and trolling.
Courtesy of Fish Sniffer.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is frozen and the road is snow covered. Travel isn’t recommended and there will not be a report on this lake until next spring.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Road closed.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level is very low at 24 percent capacity. 
Ice thickness by Dam is about 7 inches and some nice Browns and lots of rainbows being caught! Ice fishing isn't for everyone so if it's your first time out be prepared and be careful! 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Road closed.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reported that his group of 9 fishermen were fishing through 12 inches of ice on Monday, January 06.
The weather was breezy and 51 degrees.
He caught a 3.4 pound rainbow on a nightcrawler.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East:
Upstream from Hangman's Bridge, closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Carson River West:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Low and clear. A few winter steelhead are around, but low clear conditions are making fishing a little tough. The steelhead season is just getting started.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake has been fishing very well.  Lake is at its winter level and a lot of fish are cruising the shoreline drop offs now!  With temps still ranging in the high 40's and the crowds gone from the holidays maybe take a break from ruining your ski or board and fish!

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
According to a report: "It is pretty cold out but nice in the sun. Fished from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fished near the boat ramp. The worms and power bait did not work. A super duper caught 1, a brown Rapala caught 1, white grub caught 2. The fish were hitting the top if the water and 10' below. All were around 12" and released. Great little buggers and fun to catch but not worthy of a picture."

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice conditions are good on the lake being approximately 10 inches. Anglers are finding success using worms or green power bait through the ice. Campgrounds are open with heat in the restrooms.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice on the reservoir is six inches for most of the water and fishing has been good for rainbows using nightcrawlers or green power bait through the ice.
The campgrounds are open.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Still hearing reports of fair catches with many methods, such as bait fishing, trolling and casting.
Fishermen report that stripers have been caught here recently.
Courtesy of MYOutDoorBuddy.com.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
2014 is starting out as a great year for ice fishing.
Most fishermen are fishing at the dam using worms or jigs.
The ice is about 8 inches thick at the dam and around 10 inches at Lunker Point. The north end of the lake is totally frozen over.
Shawn St. Jacques caught his limit at the dam with worms and power bait.
Young Xavier Lagunas was also fishing at the dam and caught 4 rainbows - 1 ½ pounds each with worms.
Call us for current lake conditions and well as updates on the fishing - Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Use extreme caution when fishing this lake. The ice is around 6” thick. Fisherman report catching five 10lb rainbows recently ice fishing.
Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the Friday before Labor Day, 2014.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is  at  3 CFS. Fishing is tough. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails.


JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Snowmobile only now.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishermen are reporting steelhead are making a move into the upper Klamath. The fishing has been fair. Expect to catch 1-3 fish.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
No report this week. Action for striped and smallmouth bass has slowed down along the river below Davis Dam. Rainbow trout action is also slow.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The water level is low. The best time to fish is mid day. It has been fair for smaller Rainbows.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Catfish anglers are finding occasional hits in both the upper and lower basins with cut anchovies or commercial baits as the day warms up.
Reports show striped bass are boiling in shallow water very early in the morning. Anglers are catching a few largemouth and smallmouth bass in areas with newly flooded brush as temperatures warm up in the day.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There have been no reports this week due to the holidays, but traditionally the striper action slows down this time of year, but fish can be caught by using cut anchovies or shad and a lot of patience.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is open at all depths until April 1. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two).
Retention of cabezon is not allowed until July 1.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The winter bite is here. The word is ramps are closed except Bidwell at this time. The fishing has been doing very well on shore and by boat as long as you fish slow.
Courtesy of The Fishhound.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 66 CFS. The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Fishing is slow. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available. Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow dropped to 76 CFS. Fishing is  a bit tougher due to the recent cold weather. Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. Good dry fly action with para caddis and cdc caddis.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
The daily doubles seem to be coming more common-this is amazing to me here.  I have been fishing the UO all my life, and guiding it since the year around regulations kicked in some years back. 
I can honestly say it has improved, and is currently the best I have ever seen.
The mild winter has certainly attributed to the good “catching”; however the quality/size of these Crowley Steelhead is boggling.
Water conditions continue to be excellent, although we could use another 20 CFS to deepen some slots. This is unlikely in the near future as the water and snow situation continues to be dismal.
Access is very good for most vehicles with decent ground clearance.
Try some small tiger or zebra midges, Assassin birds nest, agent orange, crystal leeches, broken back tiger midges, & olive crystal caddis or zebras in the #16-20 range. Attractor patterns like SJ worms in red or tan, glow bugs in salmon, red, & light orange are also good calls during the arctic mornings we have here currently.
There is some sporadic surface activity in the larger pools-mostly midges.  Use tiny parachute gray bodies or cluster patterns.
The small tricos and bwo’s (these are small cold weather mayflies) are for the most part gone this week.
Streamers can also be effective when used with a light sinking tip line.
Spruce-A-Bu’s, Loebergs, olive punk perch, matukas, & purple zonkers will get takes in the tough to reach undercut bank sections. 
Make sure you have a 2014 fishing license, the 2013′s are expired. 
I have a link on my resources page to buy one online.
You can pick up our flies and tackle at Reagan’s Sporting goods in Bishop & the Crowley General Store in Crowley. They are also sold on my online store at the top of this page. We have some dates next week if you want to join in on the fun!
Middle Owens River:
High pressure setting in the next couple days, look for a warming trend and the bite to continue. 
I suggest using Assassin birds nest, flashback PT’s, olive zebra/midge larva, & broken back tiger midges while nymphing the tail water below Pleasant Valley Dam. Go to Reagans in Bishop for these flies, or check out my online sales at the top of this page.
Been crowded here- but you should be able to get some open water if you are willing to wade the brushy sections.  Flows remain very low and wading is easy currently.
Streamer fishing with moderate sinking tip lines is the best way to get a trophy brood fish.
Spruce-A-Bu’s and Loebergs are my go to flies while casting from the drift boat or positioning yourself on the deeper side of the river channel, or the head of an ox-bow bend/pool.
Use the Drifters patented “dip & strip” method of inserting your rod tip below the surface to lower the fly and give you angle to the fish after a take.
Remember to set the hook by pulling the line-NOT by lifting or moving the rod after your grab.  This is called a “strip set” & is the most effective means to set the hook with a sub-surface line.
The Lower Owens River is now being designated as the “Middle Owens” due to some re-watering of the section below Tinemaha Reservoir down to the Owens dry lake several years ago. This has been deemed the LORP, or Lower Owens River Project.  The mid-Owens is around Bishop Ca.

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 nightcrawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Has dried up.
Blue Lakes:
Closed.
Knott Creek Reservoir:
Closed.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The water is cold but stable which has made for good fishing conditions.
We are hearing that the best time to catch is late morning into the afternoon.
This river is pretty remote so please be prepared in case a cold front moves in on you.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR/THE GORGE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
This is the only year around still water open in Inyo or Mono Counties. 
The transition area is choked with heavy weed beds-more than I have ever seen.  The level is very high and you will find only limited access near the inlet section.  It pretty much sucks here right now in this section.
The short creek section is fishing so-so in the deeper pools.
Midge patterns and smaller mayflies are good choices for nymphing or dry/dropper combos in both areas. 
FREEZE tubing has been the most consistent currently. The cold weather has really slowed all sections down and no hatches to focus on.
Still water nymphing can be productive along the drop-offs on the west side in 9-12 feet. Tiger midges, gillies, crystal pupa and emergers are hard to beat here fished below an Under-cator.
If the wind picks up use a broken back tiger as the lower.  Small Assassin birds nest work well for imitating the mayfly nymphs, use these under a stimulator or hi-vis para Bwo as your indicator. Streamer tuggers have a full sinking or heavy sink tip line. Loebergs, Agent Orange, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you grabs near the inlet and launch ramp areas.
The Gorge:
The Gorge has been bumped up to 50 CFS below middle powerhouse. There is still a bunch of major work being done on the hydroelectric facility and flows are being bypassed through the Gorge. 
Dry/dry, or dry dropper bead head rigs using small mayfly and crystal olive caddis nymphs are good choices. 
The brush has really thinned out making it just difficult in some places to cast. This is not a place to practice false casting friends!

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 18% capacity and ice thickness at dam is about 7-8 inches. 
Ice fisherman can expect to catch rainbows and possibly a smallie and like Boca please use common sense and be equipped for the conditions.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
A report of a 10-pound, 29-inch Cutthroat caught while fishing with lures from shore at Blockhouse.

ROCK CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen report good water conditions which has made for good fishing from Redding to Red Bluff.  Afternoon hours seem to be the best time right now. Anglers are reporting that steelhead can be caught below Anderson. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of  January 3, 2014, water flow is currently 3,750 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Posse Grounds area - Redding, fishing well. Trout fishing is awesome.
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails, Poxyback PMD's, Black Rubber Legs and Green Gidgets.
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
We cater to all methods of fishing.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California.
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:
Reports are the river conditions are great for this time of the year.
Try fishing the shadow areas around the trees.
Fishermen are reporting fair catches mid day.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Even though the lake level is very low still plan to catch fish up to two pounds. Check for which areas are closed to launching due to the low water. Westernbass.com.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 3, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing - Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing has been great !  Catching salmon and trout now,  Rainbow trout  on the surface and salmon, 100 plus  feet deep.
The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies. 
Seeing smaller fish now, really working for the bigger fish.
Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout fishing & salmon fishing. Bass fishing is fair.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

SMITH RIVER, OREGON:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Trout season in the Smith River basin closed Sept. 16.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.
Steelhead will start arriving in the Smith as winter progresses.
There is no hatchery program in the Smith River, so the area is primarily a catch and release fishery.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout caught on the north end of the lake in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.
A report of average sized Mackinaw trout caught while trolling with flasher blades and minnows in front of Homewood on the west side of the lake.
A report of toplining on the south end of the lake in 20-50 feet of water with Trophy Stick lures.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting that catching steelhead has been tricky this week. Some are catching a couple fish, while others catch nothing at all.
Courtesy of Fish Trinity Lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting a steady flow of steelhead this week.
This is a good week for anglers on this river.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 3, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Trinity River steelhead fishing is red hot.  We got the rain we needed, steelhead fishing on the Trinity River is awesome now.
5 to 8 fish hooked and landed, a day, on average. 8 steelhead day yesterday. 
Fishing daily, now is time for steelhead fishing.
We are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well.
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water.
Trinity River fishing 
is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new updates. No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lakes since 2009.
Launching is not possible right now.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Hunewill Pond:
The pond if frozen now, we'll start checking in March or so and let you know when it thaws!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow  is currently 34 CFS. Fishing is tough and you may encounter ice in the channel. Midge patterns ,baetis emergers and pheasant tails. Early am or last hour of the day.


WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Snow is gone along the banks - flows continue to be pretty good considering the low snow pack. 
There are a few deeper pools that are holding 80% of the fish. 
If you don’t mind fishing one area for a few hours it can be pretty good using SJ worms, egg patterns, punk perch & crystal leeches.
Below zero temps in the morn, keep them in the water during a release at this time please.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
A report that on November 6, 2013, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife announced that the West Walker River has been designated for winter fishing, from the confluence with the Little Walker River (Hwy. 395 Bridge at mile marker 96), north to the inlet of Topaz Lake, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April.
These new regulations go into effect on March 1st, 2014.
Along with these new dates, the winter fishing regulations are as follows: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used for catch and release only, zero daily bag and possession limit.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Best time to fish this lake fishermen are saying is between 10 a.m. and noon or 3:30 to 5:30pm. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes.  
Courtesy of Hook & Bullet.

Photo No. 1:
Renee Heinichen of Douglas County enjoying ice fishing.
Photo courtesy of Doug Busey

Photo No. 02:
Doug Busey of Douglas County with his Caples Lake trout.
Photo courtesy of Doug Busey

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.