Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Feb. 5-11

Here is the latest fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Feb. 5-11, 2014.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The water is cold and expect a thin coat of ice to form at night with some bigger chunks floating around the water during the day.
Fishermen are reporting catching some rainbows and browns trolling from 5 to 15 feet deep.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Lake Almanor Fishing Report February 1, 2014
The winter trout bite at Lake Almanor is happening now!
We hit the water for looking for some quality Almanor fish, and we were not disappointed with our mix of mostly Rainbows and a few Browns, all thick "chunks" running 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and loaded with loaded with pond smelt.
Traffic was light on the lake as we only saw several other boats late in the morning on our run from the dam to Big Springs. That may have been due to the cold morning temps or Super Bowl preparations or a little of both, either way we basically had the lake to ourselves.
The morning bite was best, and in addition to the fish that were hammering our rods there were plenty of others tailing on the surface chasing smelt and gorging themselves.
Our hottest action came on Arctic Fox Tube Flies in the Pond Smelt pattern (go figure) fished from the surface to 15 feet. We also landed fish on orange pattern fly as well as soft plastic smelt imitations. I'm a firm believer in using scent on all my artificial baits so all of these offerings were enhanced with Pro-Cure's Trophy Trout Gel, although at the cold 38 degree water temp the scent releases very slowly but I still like to run it.
Look for the great winter bite to continue as we go through the month.

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 has been somewhat of a concern with the warm temps. Use extreme caution now and I would not recommend going out here for first timers.  Many soft spots and pockets that have developed. With some rain added in to the snow that is on the way these spots may become covered. 
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.

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:
Rain this week should get the steelhead on the move and make for some good fishing by the weekend. There are a lot of steelhead throughout the river, with February still a great month for steelhead fishing.

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

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

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers report fishing on the thicker ice has not been very productive. You might want to try Coot Cove and Mallard Cove where there is open water. Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.

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:
Feb2, 2014
What a great Fishing Derby yesterday! 
Congratulations to: 
1st Place Chase Nielson 3.165 lbs, 20.75” total score 23.415
2nd Place Keven Koszuth 3.24 lb, 20” total score 23.240
3rd Place Jarod Willis 2.625 lb, 20” total score 22.625

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn) reports:
Wednesday January 29, 2014
Looks like the drought has stopped for a few days, it's raining hard and calling for about 8 inches of snow tonight.
Davis is about 70% iced out with good access in some places.
On the east side, access at Mallard cove is good and some walk in spots.
On the west side, north side of Camp Five and Jenkins is accessible.
While not needed today, I would only do the west side with a 4wd vehicle.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The ice is holding at about eight to nine inches thick, but there are some thin spots, so use extreme caution when venturing onto the ice.
Anglers are finding good action with using green or orange Power Bait as well as shrimp.
In addition to rainbow trout averaging 11 to 13 inches in length, anglers also are catching brown trout and tiger trout.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
One third of the lake has open water while the rest has a thin layer of ice. Fishing is possible off the dam and anglers have done well using Power Bait or nightcrawlers.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
With the pretty clear and low water levels, fishermen are reporting
terrible fishing conditions.
Courtesy of FISHWITHJD.

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

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ship’s Cove has been a good place for fishermen this week. Reports of anglers catching their limit of rainbows.
The ice at Big Cove is melting quick and is another good spot to fish.  
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.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Flows at 27 CFS as of 1/30.
(Note flows include water from the springs, not just the gauging station at the highway so this is what is really flowing through the canyon)
Fishing conditions:
Temperatures are dropping and with snow on the horizon, there should be some baetis hatching. Brave the snow and cold and you will be rewarded.
Water is fairly clear depending on the daytime temps there may be some slight discoloration.

JACKSON MEADOWS, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Reports of some people making it all the way to Jackson Meadows but that is unconfirmed.  

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 Klamath has been fair to good. With the recent rain 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:
Action has been light but anglers are catching a few catfish in the area near Sunshine Peninsula with most taking anchovies.
It’s a good time to try out various baits and lures, and possibly a new fishing hole, as the river offers multiple species for an angler to catch.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are saying you should be able to catch a few smaller rainbows this week. The water level is low. The best time to fish is mid-day.
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:
The water level has risen to 1,108.6 feet, which is a trend of steady, albeit slight, increases since the beginning of December.
Fishing activity has been light and the action slow.
Some anglers have caught striped bass in the Vegas Wash area using cut anchovies and shad imitations fished on jig heads. Stripers are holding deep; anglers are having success working at depths of 60 to 80 feet.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are slowly becoming more active and can be found in the back of coves or near rocky shelves.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The various fish species are beginning to show signs of life after their winter slow down.
Anglers are beginning to see bluegill and redear sunfish in deeper water and the fish are responding to small jigs and night crawler pieces.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are also working out of their lethargic winter state and can be found in coves at depths of 12 to 25 feet.
The fish are hitting on plastics and nightcrawlers.
Striper catches are not large, but they are taking anchovies. A few fish are even hitting top-water or reaction baits in the early morning hours.
Catfish anglers are finding the best fishing at night

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. Fishing for bottom fish has been good when the ocean has been calm enough to get out.
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:
Bidwell Marina is the only ramp open to launch at this time.
However Fishermen are saying this lake has been an excellent destination for catching bass this week.
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News. 

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 554 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water conditions:
Flows at 56 CFS as of 1/30.
Water is stained below the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Mid-morning to early afternoon is still the best time.
Still fishing deep with larger attractors and streamers.
Decent midge hatch but not much in the way of surface activity.
Lower Owens River:
Water conditions:
Excellent. DWP metering station is broken again and you either get .7 CFS or 3,267 CFS. The latter would be flowing thru the K-Mart parking lot across 395 if true. (people have asked how wide the river is at 3000+ . . . there is your answer)
Our man on the scene daily says 70 CFS as of 1/30.
Fishing conditions:
Excellent Midday. Still fishing well. We're fishing small midge patterns early and then switching to large mayfly nymphs after noon.
If you see some large mayflies buzzing around, switch up to something green and buggy looking.
Still waiting for the stones, haven't seen any though.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. 45 CFS as of 1/30.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Good midday hatch on warmer days. Lots of 12 inchers very hungry!
Better down towards PVR by the power plant.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Water conditions:
Clear and cold.
Lake levels have dropped recently as outflow from Crowley has stopped completely aside from the gorge.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Midge it just as you would Crowley. Midge larva hung about 6-10 inches off the bottom should get some takes. Streamers drug along the bottom are working well too. Strip slowly, as with the colder water temps fish aren't moving very fast and neither is what they're eating.

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:
Fishermen are reporting fair to good fishing this week. The word is late morning to about 3 pm is the best time to catch this week.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 18% capacity and ice is more stable here compared to Boca but I would recommend that only those who know how to read ice conditions go out and don't go out alone! 
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:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
With lake level being low this time of year shore fisherman have been experiencing some pretty good action! As the drop offs can be reached in most areas by just wading it has been advantageous to cast along the drop off instead of casting directly out into the lake.  Schools of Tui chubs have been migrating closer to shore and this in turn has brought the big Cutts in.  Fishing has been best along the Southwest shoreline.

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 very good results this week.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Mid day Anglers have been 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:
Fly fishing:
As of February 3, 2014, water flow is currently 3,250 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is great. 
Rain yesterday help. 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.
Fly fishing and spin fishing trips on the Sacramento River are 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:
Reports from fishermen are saying that Bass fishing has been great.
Even though the lake level is very low you can still plan to catch fish up to two pounds.   
Courtesy of Phil’s Propeller.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
February 3, 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.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
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.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Some nice macks are always cruising around the dam this time of year so if you can get out, do. 
Access here is very limited so if you must try please use caution!

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of small to average sized Mackinaw Trout caught on the west side of the lake near Homewood 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 report that they are not seeing the numbers they would normally see for this time of year. A few runs every so often. It might be a challenge for fishermen right now.
Courtesy of E.B. Duggan.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some anglers are reporting having a tough time catching fish this week, while others are doing very well.
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:
February 3, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS.
Trinity River steelhead fishing is awesome. 4 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, 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 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:
This lake is deceptively cold. There are plenty of trout near the Power House, however 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 FISHINGNOTES.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