Don Q's Nevada and Northern California 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. 4, 2014. The snow is a welcome relief for drought conditions affecting the regional water ways. We hope it continues.

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.

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

BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Road closed.

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.

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

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

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of the J &J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
Jan 19, 2014
Ice Update:
Large area of open water West of the Big Island.
Folks were fishing in the dam area yesterday.
No report on the thickness of the ice.
At Mallard towards the South the ice was about 4inches on Wednesday. Towards the North side it is opening up.
Fishing is slow, but patience is paying off.
Nice fish are being caught, just not in large numbers.
Lake level is 64%
Remember the ice is not officially monitored.
It is up to you to decide if it is safe or not.
Jan 26, 2014
Ice Update:
The ice is reported to be REALLY thin everywhere, lots of open water!
The Winter Fishing Derby will happen NEXT weekend, ice or no ice! 
John says that he has LOTS of great raffle prizes!

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
January 21st
The lake is almost ice free! The roads are in good shape with no snow in the area and most of the lake is accessible.
The fishing has been slow and the water is still really cold.
Nymphing in 8-16 feet of water with Blood Midges is about the best bet right now. Fish in the middle of the day when the water may be a little warmer. Slow stripping Damsels in 8-16 feet of water is also worth a try if you are going to head out to Davis.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing was very good over the long weekend. More than 50 people attended the Ice Hole Tournament. Rainbow trout were taking nightcrawlers and Power Bait in both orange and green colorations. The ice is averaging 10 inches thick but is thin along the roadside shoreline.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Warm temperatures have made ice conditions unsafe, but it also has been cold enough that there is no accessible open water for shore fishing.

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:
The water is opening up fast at Frenchman Lake. There is open water at Ship’s Cove to the left of the dam and lots of open water at Big Cove.
The ice at the dam is breaking up fast and there should be fishable open water there soon.
Thomas Gallegos and Cody Owens from Reno caught a limit of nice- sized rainbows at Ship’s Cove using green garlic power bait.
Their fish measured between 14 to 16 inches each.
Gary Bonanno also had a great day at the lake yesterday, January 27th - he caught 15 rainbows at Big Cove.
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:
This lake is almost completely frozen. Ship’s Cove is the only place most fishermen are still fishing, but it will be a hike to get to it.
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 4 CFS. Fishing is tough. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
A report that the reservoir is mostly ice free.

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:
Condition on the Klamath have been good. Fishermen report you can expect to catch a couple steelhead this week.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
While the catch rate for rainbow trout has slowed, the river offers many species of game fish. Among them are striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Catfish action has been improving with anglers finding success in the Sunshine Peninsula and Community Park areas. Largemouth bass are starting to come around as well with the marsh showing the most action. Striped bass action is slow though anglers are catching some fish in the one- to three-pound range.

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:
Anglers have had a difficult time locating the striped bass following the full moon. Those using fish finders are finding mostly small schools of fish. Larger schools are down deep. Jigging in about 60 feet of water has produced some results.
Smallmouth bass are taking dark plastics and have been found schooling near steep rock walls in about 25 feet of water.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have found moderate success while fishing in the backs of coves.
Largemouth bass are taking baits in about 25 feet of water near drop-offs, and catfish action is picking up in the nighttime hours.
Habitat structures put in place by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Arizona Game and Fish Department and National Park Service are proving to be fish magnets with utilization by multiple species.
Additional structures will be constructed and installed at various coves during the next couple of months. For information on volunteering with this project visit www.ndow.org/Education/Volunteer.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The winter bite is here.  Many ramps are closed at this time so please check before heading out.  Anglers are reporting the Bass are deep. You need to be starting at 25-40 feet below the surface.  
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 55 CFS. The section downstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Some larger lake fish showing up here and there.
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 around 100 CFS. Fishing is  good with the spring like weather. Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. Not much surface action.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Deja-vu. It happened again today for my Bako boys, the “Killer B’s.” A cold morning & a warm afternoon with high stratus all day. The bite was on big time today.  Multiple bigs out of most larger runs and pools. 
They have been in this pattern all winter long.  Seems like they are so-so for a couple days-then wham-o, they go off!
The fish are holding along the deeper under cut banks and depressions, eddy type pools, & behind bottom structure.
The takes are as soft as a butterflies kiss, so set on anything.
GUIDE TIP: If your Under-cator stops, shimmies, hovers, or plunges, SET IT!  I tell clients look for reasons to set the hook, not excuses why you didn’t! Swings are free, and you can’t strike out while fly fishing. Try to set the hook moving your rod the direction your indicator is moving. This establishes ANGLE & insures you pull the hook INTO the fish, not out of its mouth. Anything 4 feet or deeper may hold a fish or two.
Some of the hens have their dropped eggs & I have seen some pretty beat up bucks the last couple of days. 
I do not think it’s over but the run may have peaked.
There is decent midge activity; however they are very small and clusters or parachute patterns will do the job.  A few fish rising around 2 pm.
I saw the first mayflies in quite a while, maybe the beginning? 
Crystal leeches, egg imitations, San Juan Worms, Assassins, broken back midges #18, olive crystal zebras,& flashback pheasant tails are good for nymphing.  The fish are very spooky, keep low and walk slow!
Middle Owens River:
The first generation baetis are coming off in ever increasing numbers. 
Make sure you have some BWO patterns #16/18 along.
Nymphing the deeper holes very productive currently. 
Another couple weeks of this warm weather and the fish will move into the riffle water as temps continue to climb.
Streamer fishing remains great & will get you some nice brood fish in the lower sections. Use a light to moderate sinking tip while doing the “dip & strip” method of sub-surface presentation.
Spruce-A-Bu’s, Loebergs, Crystal Leeches, Agent Orange, & Punk Perch olive are all getting takes.
Wading the MO continues to be very good for numbers. 
Tandem nymph rigs with flashback PT’s, assassin bird’s nest, & crystal tiger or zebra midges will get you downs below your Under-Cator.
There is sporadic surface action on midge clusters and some first generation blue winged olive mayflies.
Flows remain at 75 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the LADWP gauge remains inaccurate at times.
The Lower Owens River is now being designated as the “Middle Owens” due to 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 weather has been warm for this time of year which has made for good fishing conditions. The word is late morning to mid- afternoon is the best time to catch this week.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (pyramidlakeflyfishing.com) reports:
January 21st
Fishing has really slowed down at the lake. This is pretty common for this time of year. The water is very cold at 41-43 degrees.
There has not been much wind at the lake lately and the thermoclines are building up and sending fish into deeper warmer water.
There are still some big fish being caught over the past week including a fish over 20 pounds and one in the 15 pound range. Both fish were caught from float tubes in 20-30 feet of water.
Shore fishing has been pretty slow all over the lake except for first thing in the morning and after the sun gets off the water in the evening.
The lake really needs some weather to churn up the water and mix some of the cold and warmer water again.
Maholo nymphs and midges are still working for Nymphing and Bloody Marys, Olive Martini’s and Loco Beetles and Tadpoles with fast sinking lines. The fishing should continue to be about how it is for the next couple of weeks unless we get a storm or two.

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

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting a mixed bag this week. Some are doing very well while others are not catching anything. It will be a challenge.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers have been fairly pleased with the catches this week.
Fishing in the shadows has been good.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of January 27, 2014, water flow is currently 3,250 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is great. 
Rain on the way this week, we are all happy to hear that.
Posse Grounds area in Redding, fishing well.
Trout fishing is awesome, 18 in to 22 inches, from 12 to 20 fish days.
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails, and  Black Rubber Legs. 
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.

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 lake level is very low you can 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 24, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing.
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good, depending on what you are after.
Bass fishing is great! A few rainbows.
The bass fishing has very productive this week .

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

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

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of small to average sized Mackinaw Trout caught on the east side of the lake in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.

TOPAZ LAKE:
A report that the water level is low and the fishing is slow.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are saying that catching steelhead has been tricky. One day they are catching well and the next nothing at all.
Courtesy of Fish Trinity Lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steelhead up to 12lb have been reported this week. Some anglers are reporting a tough time of it while others are doing fair.
The fish count is definitely down.
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 27, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Trinity River steelhead fishing is awesome. 5 to 10 fish hooked and landed, a day, on average.
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, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
January 21st
Flows are way down due to a really dry winter and drought conditions in the Truckee River basin.
There is not much ice around the edges right now and the wading is about as easy as it gets.
The water is cold and clear and a stealthy approach is a must right now.
There is a lot less holding areas for the fish and the deepest holes with some slower water is where most of the action is.
We have had some warmer weather over the past week and the fish have responded some. The afternoons have been the best when the sun has a chance to warm the water a degree or two.
Baetis and Midges continue to be the main food source for the fish right now and Nymphing either “High Stick” style or with an indicator has been producing the most fish.
There has been the occasional fish eating dries East of Reno but it is the exception to the rule for the most part. A really good dead drift is very important right now with the lower slower water.
Flows are Town of Truckee 60 CFS, Boca Bridge 209 CFS, Farad 231 CFS and Reno 250 CFS.

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, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
January 21st
East Walker River
Conditions are tough on the East Walker. Ice and slush in water until 11am. After 2pm the river gets murky and full of vegetation from the shore ice melting, tough to keep hooks clean of vegetation.
Lots of midges on water, but few fish rising. Best bet is Nymphing with small midge patterns, Baetis and San Juan worms.
Flows are 30 CFS and water temperatures start in mid-30′s in morning and rise to upper 30′s and low 40′s by early afternoon.
Flows are 30 CFS.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
January 25, 2014 
The East is still running at 31 CFS right now. We've had a bit of traffic on the river and some really good reports this past week!
There's been some good dry action with small para adams and extended body bwo's as well as good nymphing with zebra midges, flashback emergers, rainbow warriors, copper johns, wd-40's and top secret midges.
Haven't had any reports on streamers lately but you could try dragging a zuddler or bugger through the deeper holes.
A couple things to remember this time of the year is that the water is very low so there will be a lot of sections that you will probably just pass up because they're not holding any fish, the fish tend to be stacked up in the deeper pools and slots so that's the water you want to focus on.
You need to be a bit more stealthy than usual when the water is this low so as not to spook the fish.
The weather has been great the past couple weeks so get after it while the gettin's good!        
Sceirine Ranch:
January 25, 2014
Haven't had anyone on the ranch lately, should be fishing pretty much like the Cali side though often this time of year the streamer action is even better down there! Give us a call if you want some time on the ranch!!  
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 31 CFS. Fishing is tough and you may encounter ice in the channel. Midge patterns ,baetis emergers and pheasant tails.

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:
Fishing this lake is very difficult even for the veterans. There seems to be a code of silence when it comes to fishing this lake. Trial and error and a whole lot of patience is the key to ultimate success here.
Courtesy of MyOutdoorBuddy.com.

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Due to an equipment failure in its water delivery system, and the subsequent loss of its rainbow trout stocks, the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery has suspended its recreational fish stocking program, which included weekly fish plants at Willow Beach. The hatchery did save and release approximately 11,000 trout in mid-December. Though their numbers will diminish over time, these and holdover fish from previous plants will provide anglers with an opportunity to fish for trout in the short term.

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