Northern California and Nevada fishing report through Jan. 31

Here is the fishing report through Jan. 31. The report covers rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California, the Sierra and Southern Oregon.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some “wow weather” is happening up at Lake Almanor right now. 
What started out as spring-like weather earlier this week, has turned into a full force snow storm!
But don’t let that stop you from having a great fishing time.
Reports are that while the weather is nippy and chains are required on all roads, there are still quite a few fishermen heading out to a mostly ice-cleared lake (except possibly a bit near shore). If you choose to brave the elements, please let someone know where you are going and dress warm! Happy Fishing! 

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: The road to Angel Lake is now closed for the winter.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Bishop area is closed.
 
BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road to Blue Lakes is now closed for the winter.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The fishing season for Bridgeport Reservoir is closed.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort reported:
Yes, the white stuff has finally arrived. Winter is here, and we have snow.
Several inches of fresh powder fell on us yesterday, and we are expecting another foot or so tonight. Kirkwood Ski Resort is open 1 mile to the west. 
The lake is frozen and in great condition for cross country skiing or ice fishing. We are having a web special right now. Book 2 nights and get the third night free. Give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.

CARSON RIVERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Current flow is 72 CFS. 1,000 rainbow stocked on the 11/9/11. Fishing has improved with lower flows. Fishing has been good in the Gardnerville area especially good in the upper river near the broken dam area.

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River: The fishing season for the East Carson River is closed upstream from Hangman’s Bridge.
West Carson River: The fishing season for the West Carson River is closed.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing slowed this week as flows have dropped and cleared.
Anglers will want to fish early or late evening for best success and fish with lighter line.
Anglers can expect a lot of fishing pressure from boat and bank anglers.     
ODFW is conducting a Steelhead angler creel on the Chetco this year, along with Chinook salmon scale collection, and winter Steelhead broodstock collection.  At times, these projects may interfere with an anglers fishing.  Please be courteous to all ODFW personnel and volunteers.

CONVICT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Convict Lake is closed.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Crowley Lake is closed.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing season is closed until Memorial Day Weekend 2012.
— Courtesy of Val Aubrey at Eagle Lake Fishing.net

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Overnight temperatures are in the single digits and that’s keeping the ice in fishable condition. Anglers are catching 12- to 14-inch rainbows through about nine inches of ice near the dock and at the north end of the reservoir. Park Supervisor Ben Johnson has seen a few tiger trout but not many browns. Always use caution when venturing out on the ice.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir is frozen over but rising water levels are keeping the edges very thin. Fishing is not recommended. Ice in the canyon may be thick enough for fishing, but anglers should use extreme caution.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season for Fall River is closed.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing season for the Feather River is closed.

FREMONT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Fremont Lake is closed.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing is still good up at the lake, but with the recent weather, the roads are snow covered.
It is currently plowed up to the Guidici Ranch, but as the weather clears and the road crew gets caught up they will eventually plow up to the dam.
Be prepared for snow on the way up to the lake and around the lake.
Last report, there is about a foot of snow on the ground around the lake.
There is plenty of ice at the dam for ice fishing, at least six or more inches. There is some open water out past the dam, but it will be difficult to get to. There may be some open water between Frenchman’s campground and Big Cove, but most of the lake is covered with ice.
Please call ahead for current updates.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Ft. Churchill Cooling Ponds is closed.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Hat Creek is closed.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Heenan Lake is closed.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for Hinkson Slough is closed.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for Hobart Reservoir is closed.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Hoover Wilderness Area is closed.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 9 CFS. Nymph fishing is the best bet right now. Try small WD-40's Miracle Nymphs Pheasant Tails and Midge patterns. High winds and winter storms slowed fishing of late.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Flows constant at 23 CFS as of 1/20
May get a little quick-melting snow and rain over the next few days.
Water stays fairly warm, like 50 deg F as most of the water is coming from the spring, not runoff.
GATE IS OPEN SO YOU CAN STILL DRIVE ALL THE WAY UP TO THE PARKING LOTS ABOVE THE CANYON SECTION.
Fishing Conditions: Good above the ranch and excellent in the canyon.
Fish are active regardless of what is falling out of the sky.
Might stay with Midges all day despite surface hatches midday. They have really been producing. May have prolific Baetis hatches in stormy weather if you are willing to suit up.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
The fishing season for the June Lake Loop is closed.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Kirman Lake is closed.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing has been good on the Klamath River this past week and the rainy, snowy conditions this week will warm the water a little and force more steelhead to move up into the Irongate section of the Klamath. Productive flies include # 12-14 Amber Wing Prince Nymphs, # 12-14 Red Copper Johns, # 6-8 Rubber Legs, Champagne Redd Reapers, Clown Eggs, Shrimp Pink Micro Spawns!
Please make sure to check weather/road conditions/restrictions before leaving and let someone know where you are going. Safety First!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Stocked rainbow trout continue to provide good fishing for anglers in the Laughlin area. Floating baits and night crawlers are catching the fish.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Mammoth Lakes Basin is closed.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK CALIF:
The fishing season for Markleeville Creek is closed.

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

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Mason Valley W.M.A. is closed.

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

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Striper action remains slow though some fishermen are catching fish during the nighttime hours. Anchovies or sardines fished near the bottom in about 150 feet of water have caught stripers in the four-pound class in recent days.
Anglers can still find a few shad way in the back of Vegas Wash and some near the Hemenway fishing pier, but it would appear the baitfish have moved into deeper water.
Trolling has been productive in the early morning and evening hours.
At Echo Bay anglers have found success north of the launch ramp.
Action for smallmouth and largemouth bass has also been sluggish.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Willow Beach striper action remains slow. Some anglers have found success with trout imitations.
Trout anglers, on the other hand, have found good fishing for stocked rainbow trout following weekly trout plants.
Anglers fishing out of Cottonwood Cove are catching a few stripers by drift fishing with cut anchovies.  
Largemouth bass fishing is fair with fish hitting plastic baits.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational crabbing re-opened in the ocean on Dec. 15.
A few anglers have caught surfperch from the beaches near Coos Bay on days with lower ocean swells. Sand shrimp or sand worms are a very good bait to use when fishing for surfperch.
Fishing for bottom fish is open at all depths.
Rough ocean conditions are keeping anglers from fishing in the ocean.
Anglers may not retain Cabezon between Jan. 1 and March 31.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current water flow is 77 CFS.
Fishing is closed below the Benton Crossing Bridge. The river upstream is open to fishing all year. Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is slow due to cold water temps and a lack of insect activity. Nymphing is the best bet. Try standard Nymph patterns like Pheasant Tails or Hares Ears. Cover lots of water. Snow, wind and rain have hampered fishing this last week.
Lower Owens River: Water flow is 256 CFS. Flows are up a bit. Colder windy weather has slowed fishing. Olive WD-40's, Caddis larva and small Pheasant Tails.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens water conditions: Good. As of 1/20 flows have been stable at 77 CFS for a couple of weeks.
You can still drive all the way up to Long Ears as zero snow anywhere.
May get muddy with melting snow and rain over next few days.
Fishing conditions: Good to Excellent.
Small midge dries around mid day, with bigger midges subsurface.
Big fish are still being reported in the system and lately just a couple of miles above Benton Crossing
Do keep moving if you aren't getting grabs anytime after 10 am.
Go to streamers for the big guys.
Owens River Gorge water conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS.
This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP
Fishing conditions: Excellent and nice and warm on cool sunny days this time of year.
Lower Owens water conditions: Excellent. The flows are back up to 254 CFS as of 1/20.
Wading is getting tougher.
Overcast weather in forecast should help with not starting each day with temps in the teens and resulting cold water.
Fishing conditions: Good. The midday hatches are good but not wide open.
You might stay with Midges all day and work the slooooow water.
Summer tactics are just not doing it.
Streamers are producing, drifting is excellent to get to unaccessible pools.
Could be some better hatches with overcast weather predicted.

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

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some great catches have been coming out of the Pit River this last week, maybe your big catch will be next!
Best flies include: (Dries) Elk Hair Caddis Tan # 12-16, Yellow Stimulator # 8-16, Mayfly Cripples # 12-16; (Nymphs / Wet Flies) Black Bird’s Nest # 10-16, Dark Lord, Zebra John # 16-18; (Streamers/Leeches) Beaded Lite Bright Bugger,  Zack's Swimming Leech, and  Dead Drift Crayfish. 
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

POORE AND SECRET LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Poore and Secret Lakes is closed.

ROOSEVELT AND LANE LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Roosevelt and Lane Lakes is closed.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Frozen with unsafe ice conditions. Fishing has been very slow.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing has been great one day and tough the next, and river flows are down to 4,300 cubic feet per second.
Hot flies this week are # 6-8 dark to golden stones with rubber legs, # 14-16 PT Nymphs and Bird's Nests, and make sure to pack Pseudo Nymphs and RK's BWOs!
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The rain and snow forecasted for the next few days will cause the Upper Sacramento to come up to unsafe levels for fishing.
With expectations of brown muddy water, the Upper Sacramento River won't be a good bet for a few weeks at least.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

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

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

SILVER CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Silver Creek is closed.

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.
The Smith is now closed for trout fishing.
Steelhead will start entering the Smith as more rain occurs in the area. Most of the angling opportunity will be catch and release of wild fish; however, adipose fin clipped Steelhead can be harvested in the Smith.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Fishing has been slow. Ice has formed.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing for Mackinaw has been outstanding with all the winter good weather but fishing will be changing with the new storm reports coming in. Check back in when the weather clears.
Reports of 2-6 pound fish are showing up regularly in the creel with an occasional double digit fish 12 to 15 pounds and up. 
Best method is still minnow dodger set up in 150 to 200 ft. 
Fishing has been good in Sand Harbor area.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Opened January 1, 2012.
The Opener according to Topaz Landing was excellent. 
Anglers reported limits of fish in the 2 lb range and up to 3 lb.
The fishing continues to be good with such mild weather.
The best method is trolling either Needlefish or Rapalas. 
No reports from shore anglers.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Due to the rainy/snowy weather forecasted this week, fishing will be down, but don’t worry! The much needed water is predicted to seriously rejuvenate Steelhead fishing and create some prime traveling water for the big fish!
Best fly patterns include the # 8 TB Golden Stone, Mercer's Poxy-back BH Golden Stone, # 14 Red Copper John, Psycho Princes in various sizes and colors, # 12-16 PT Nymphs. Egg patterns in pink, orange, peachy, salmon egg should also be in your fly box.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 385 CFS.  Fishing has slowed down in the last week or so but the dedicated are still picking up some!
Fly anglers have reported luck with Prince Nymphs, and Stone Fly Nymphs.
Baetis hatch is been showing up in the evening or in overcast days try  blue wing olive or dunn.
Spin fishermen are having luck with eggs, Power Bait, gold Kastmasters, black and yellow Panther Martin, and jointed Rapalas.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Twin Lakes is closed.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Virginia Lakes is closed.

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:
(East Walker River – West Walker River):
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker River: East Walker flow is at 25 CFS. Fishing is fair to slow. Anchor ice is starting to form so fishing will slow as the air and water temps decrease.

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 flowing at 26 CFS today. We haven't had very many anglers down there this week, probably because the weather has been a bit more like winter lately. The anglers we have talked to have still been doing pretty well though. Much the same techniques and patterns as the past few weeks, Nymphing with small Nymphs and Midges and some dry action. Most of the anglers we've talked to are reporting anywhere from 10 to 30 fish days. Successful patterns include WD-40, Flashback Emerger, Rainbow Warrior, Zebra Midge, Para Adams, Blue Wing Olive.
West Walker River: Closed.
Sceirine Ranch: We haven't had any clients on the Sceirine lately but it should be fishing excellent. If you want some solitude this could be a great opportunity!
Hunewill Pond: Closed.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions: Good. Flows have been up to 35 CFS but back at 25 CFS as of 1/20.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent. Water is still cold but midday bite is strong to wide open!
Baetis-o-rama. Midges in the 18-20 range producing all day.
Overcast weather should make for better surface action.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Most recent flow 25 CFS. No change here.
Water is low and cold and fishing is tough. Try red or gray midge Pupa.
Most of the surface is frozen.

— The fishing report is compiled by Don Quilici, editor of the Outdoor section for Carson Now and South Tahoe Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.