Don Q's Fishing Report for week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 5

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 Jan. 30 through Feb. 5.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is expected to be fair to good, weather has been very cold, but sunny weather expected this week.
Ice has forming around the west shoreline but lots of open water for trolling.
Watch out for ice on the ramps.
Canyon Dam, USFS, and private ramps at Rec 1 are all open, plowed but no dock. Bring a buddy as getting a boat in the water without the help of another person has been challenging.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Lake Almanor Fishing Report January 22, 2013
A big Thank You to all of you who stopped by the booth at the Sacramento ISE show, and there were a lot of you. (It took my four days to get my voice back following the show) It is always great to put faces with the names and to see old friend as well as make some new ones.
This year's ISE show was my most successful one; ever and I owe it all to you, my clients, and your support.
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you on the water in 2013.
Well things are not happening as fast as I would like here at Lake Almanor mainly due to the cold temps we have been experiencing here in Northeastern California.
There has been some fishing to be had when the ice on the surface of the lake allows. Thin skin ice has been forming every night from the Canyon Dam launch out into the east basin blocking access. During many of the sunny days the ice has been retreating allowing anglers access to the water, however as of Monday the 21st it had locked up pretty good.
Hopefully, this little front moving in, will help to warm up temperatures and take care of that ice and allow us back on the water by the end of the week.
Despite some reports the Canyon Dam Boat Ramp is plowed and open but the dock has been removed with no ETA on being replaced.
As long as you are able to launch and retrieve you boat without a dock you are good to go, once this ice goes away. I recommend you have four wheel drive and watch the road coming in, as it is still white and slippery.
I look forward to having some good news and fish stories by the next report.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road has been closed for the season, so there will be no more fishing reports for Angel Lake until it opens next spring.

BIG SPRINGS RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the last day in February 2013.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road is closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
A report that the ice is about 12 inches thick and the fishermen are catching rainbow trout, about 10-12 inches and an occasional small Mackinaw Trout.

CARSON RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013, above Hangman's Bridge.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK. CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice is about12’-14’ deep. Fishing is the best near Mallard Point, about a quarter mile walk after parking off the road.
Anglers report catching 3 to 4 fish using power bait.
There will be a Derby for Ice Fishing on February 2nd, with a $20 entry fee.
— Courtesy of Ed Dillard

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
01/28/13
Now that the weather is better, let’s go fishing!
Ice fishing is going very well at Frenchman Lake and Davis Lake.
Nice 14 to 16 inch trout are coming out of Frenchman and we have heard reports of up to 2 lb trout caught at Davis Lake.
The dam is the place to go at Frenchman as the roads are not open around the lake. The ice is still very thick.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice fishing has been popular this past week with about 10-12’’ thick ice at the dam. Getting around to other parts of the lake a snowmobile is needed.
Anglers are catching limits, average size is about 12 to 14 inches now.
Nightcrawlers and feathered jigs are working well at a depth of 18 to 30 feet. Courtesy of Richard Wiggin.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is up to 21 CFS. The extremely cold temps have passed and the days have been sunny and warm.
Some slight midge activity. Try WD40's, red midge pupa.

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 the last Saturday in April 2013.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is great! Many fish are coming out at 5 pounds.
Weather has been cold during the day, but favorable weather and forecast for the week.
Try using egg patterns in shrimp pink, Salmon-Egg, and steelhead orange.
A good fly to have on the Klamath is Pat’s Brown Rubber Leg.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good during January with many Trout in the lake.
#16-18 Pseudo Mays, Zebra Midges, and Lightnin’s Biot Baetis are fishing well. Also try using Callibaetis emergers or Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass Tournament activities are keeping fishing report to fair. Cold water temperatures pushing fish to warmer waters around 15-30’. Successful anglers are using small worms and fugis with dodgers and anchovies. Courtesy of Huntington Sportsman’s.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 91 CFS. Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year. Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Nymph fishing is the best bet. Try WD-40's , pheasant tails and caddis larva.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow down to 98 CFS. Fishing has improved with warmer temps. Midge patterns are the most effective.
Red jujube midge, small Stevie Wonders and WD-40's.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The ice age appears to have ended and we are finally seeing some moderate temperatures returning to the Sierra.
Some additional snowfall is forecast to hit the upper elevations with the Owens Valley receiving some much needed rain.
Upper Owens River:
The Upper Owens has been somewhat spotty for the large migratory rainbows that move out of Crowley during the winter months immediately after the severe cold. We are seeing good numbers of medium sized rainbows that are feeding aggressively on the late morning midge emergence. Have some #22 para-midges handy for this and look for soft water and foam filled eddies. The frigid air that plagued this area is gone and the fish are getting far more active.
Access has improved; however I strongly suggest that you park along the sides of the main road and hike down to the river. There is substantial ice and snow on the feeder roads and I have watched time and time again vehicles getting stuck and blocking others who are already in. The ground is frozen in the mornings then thaws making the ruts a virtual tank trap.
The road to the forest service gate at Hot Creek is fine, the gate remains closed to the parking areas in the public section.
Lower Owens River:
The Lower Owens has already seen some huge hatches of these #14-16 winter time mayflies.
The Lower Owens continues to be the best location for numbers, and you will find much better weather here due to lower elevation.
Be prepared for low teens, even single digits at times-air temps come up above freezing most days.
Flows are very low and have dipped below 100cfs at the PV dam.
Nymphing and streamer fishing are the best methods currently.
Midges and smaller mayfly patterns fished in tandem on the deeper runs and pools will get results.
You will find warmer, and more consistent water temps the closer to the dam you fish.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir has dropped some, but remains on the high side for accessing the transition area near the inlet.
During the winter months the water will actually be warmer at the bottom of a lake as the depth provides insulation from the cold air. The opposite occurs in the summer making tail water fisheries ideal habitats for trout.
“Freeze tubers” using full sinking type 5 lines will find fish at 20 feet near the launch ramp and dam area. There have been times when the flows will come up in the small river leading into the res proper, and ice will be present floating here due to the flushing of the inlet pipe at the power house.
Drifting has been slower overall due to the cold weather but still productive for rainbows in the 12-16 inch range.
Streamers are best, the Agent Orange was the hot fly last week getting the sluggish rainbows to hit with repeated casts into the deeper pools, then allowing the fly to “hover” in front of their nose.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are improving. Fishing is good. Anglers report doing well using # 6 -8 Rubber Legs and Zack’s Thermanator Dark Stone.
Useful flies are Pat’s Rubber Legs and BH Helgramite.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are improving, close to reaching that “steelhead green” between Redding and Anderson.
Anglers reporting great results using Alevin patterns, eggs, rubber legs, amber wing princes and even Micro Mays!
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 28, 2013, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead, FANTASTIC!
Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14. 
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding, water is clear at the Posse Grounds and catching Rainbows in the Redding area. 
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:
Great water conditions this week. Near Dunsmuir seems the best area to fish in the Upper Sacramento. Things are a little more difficult near Lake Shasta. Dark stone fly patterns are being reported as the best thing to use. 
 Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

SAN JOAQUINN/RED'S MEADOW, CALIF:
Road is now closed for the season.
Reopens by 4th of July weekend usually.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 28, 2012 Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. We offer daily guided fishing on 
Lake Shasta. Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. Some days have been better than others, but still catching Rainbow trout.
We are catching mostly Rainbow Trout on the surface and also about 40 feet deep. The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
Anglers, book now for the Spring Break. Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout fishing & salmon fishing.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good on all parts of the lake.
The Bass are hanging out around 5-25’ deep. Anglers have been successful using spinner bass along bottom and bites on worms and hula rubbers.
Trout are working closer to the surface, trolling using lures has done well. 
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing.
Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller.

SMITH RIVER AND CHETCO RIVER:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 28 , 2013 Smith River Steelhead fishing report
Catch big steelhead on the Smith River and Chetco River. We are fishing for steelhead now. February & March. Now is the time to catch monster Steelhead on the Smith River. Rain is here, great for steelhead fishing.
Steelhead fishing on the Chetco is good.
The catch has been good averaging 2 to 4 fish per day, depending on level of experience of angler. All day trips, with amazing views, and catching nice bright steelhead.
BOOK TODAY, steelhead fishing on the Chetco River and Smith River, February & March are the Prime months.
Book today by calling or email.
For accommodations for lodging we suggest staying in Smith River, California or Brookings, Oregon when steelhead fishing the Smith River or Steelhead fishing the Chetco River.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Good fishing this week with sunny skies and clear water, morning and sunset best times for the bite.
In coming weeks expect Steelhead numbers to pick up.
Anglers getting results with Solitude Golden Stone in #8, #6 Black Rubber Legs, #14 Poxyback Hares Ear, and purple #14-16 Psycho Prince.
HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" C HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" ourtesy 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 28, 2013 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. 
Picking up nice Steelhead. Steelhead Fishing is good.
Rain helped bring up new fish, with 8 to 12 hook ups. 
Fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point. This is Trinity River steelhead fishing time. 
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns.
Fly fishing is producing the most steelhead now, over any other technique. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well.
We are fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River from now through the month of March .
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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 RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has been steady at 33 CFS. Fishing is tough. Cold cold cold. WD-40's, Buckskin Nymphs, Copper John's and Prince Nymphs

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Overall conditions on the East Walker have also improved, and although there remains snow and ice along the banks the river has warmed up and fishing the deeper pools is really good on the warmer days.
Look for a strong baetis hatch (blue winged olive mayflies) to begin in all the year around waters soon.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is poor for the warm water species here, and with few trout in this lake, there will be no new reports on this water until spring.

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