Don Q's weekly fishing report for the week of Feb. 27 through March 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 February 27.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The weather on Lake Almanor is nice and similar to springtime.
Most but not all of the lake is ice-free.
Road conditions around the lake are dry.
Fishermen report getting good results from jigs and okay results from trolling. Trolling has resulted in a lot of big Salmon so far.
Canyon Dam public ramp in the East Basin is open as is the USFS ramp in the West Basin.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Jared Smith of Parchers Resort (760-873-4177), Bishop, California reports:
Not sure if you guys are really looking for Sierra trout photos this time of year but I was more than a little proud of this Brown I caught at Almanor on Sunday so I thought I’d send it your way.
I was staying in Susanville packaging baits for the Fred Hall in Long Beach and me and my business partner took a day off to fish a bit.
We were chasing smallies at Lake Almanor but ended up on a pretty solid Brown bite jigging Kastmasters and dragging Sierra Slammer tubes deep.
This puppy was caught on a 3/8oz gold Kastmaster & promptly released of course…I weigh a lot of fish at Parchers each summer so I feel pretty confident in estimating it’s weight around 6.5 lbs or so.
We caught 5 browns averaging around 4lbs along with a few smallies in the 2.5 to 3.5 range. We were one of 3 boats on the entire lake…people are silly to ignore this lake all winter.

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:
Opens Thursday, February 28.

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.

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.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing has been fair to good, depending on river conditions.
Boat anglers side drifting small clusters of eggs or yarn balls seems to be producing the best.
Bank anglers have also been enjoying some success either plunking spin and glows or drifting some eggs.
Bank access on the Chetco River is really good, with some of the most popular spots being Social Security, Loeb State Park and Ice Box.

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.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice covering the reservoir averages from eight to 12 inches thick, but anglers will find some open water near the dam.
Anglers have been catching both rainbow and brown trout, some as long as 14 inches. Most have been fooled by jigs, night crawlers or Power Bait.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The ice has improved and is now safe for anglers venturing out, but anglers are urged to use extreme because conditions can change quickly.
Rainbow trout are taking night crawlers and Power Bait.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
As with last week, anglers report fair Steelhead fishing and Stripers being caught near the shanghai rapids and downstream.
Anglers report using drifting live minnows and anchoring up with pile worms and cut bait to get the best results.
— Courtesy of Johnson's Bait and Tackle.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
While we have begun to see more sunny days lately, the nights are still below freezing so the ice is still nice and thick at Frenchman Lake with some melting around the edges during the day.
We have been getting good reports on the fishing.
Most are using nightcrawlers and fishing at the dam.
You still cannot get around the lake without an ATV or snowmobile.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice fishing is good! Anglers report catching 14 in. to 18in. rainbows at Frenchman’s Lake, using nightcrawlers. The ice is 16 in. deep. The Lunker Point boat ramp has some good fishing, and it is accessible by snowmobile.
Courtesy of Richard Wiggins.

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 a bit to 8 CFS. Nymph fishing is the most productive right now. Midge imitations like WD40's,jujube midge and Stevie's Wonder have all been successful lately.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Good. Flows at 30 CFS as of 2/20. Gate is closed but you can drive up to it now at least and hoof it the rest of the way.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Fishing continues good but the bite window is about 11am to 2pm.
Fish midges early and late.
Warmer weather should get these fish more active soon.

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.

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

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is providing good action for those who are willing to brave the chilly temperatures.
According to the folks at Rusty’s Riviera Marina, stocked rainbow trout seem to be schooling. So when you locate a prime spot stick with it.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing had been good for some and tough for others. Some anglers report hook ups using dry flies like leeches. Stripping and retrieving leeches seems to be a good technique for Lewiston Lake.
HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" 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.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Despite warmer temperatures and spring-like weather conditions fishing action remains slow overall. However, there have been some reports of good fishing for striped bass from the Muddy river inflow to Echo Bay. The Vegas Wash area also is showing signs that fishing is beginning to improve.
Reminder to boaters:
In an effort to hinder the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), as of Jan. 1 all motorized and non-motorized vessels able to retain water are now required to obtain and display an AIS decal. Details can be obtained from an NDOW office or through the agency’s website, www.ndow.org.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Late February and early March are traditionally some of the best fishing on this water as largemouth and prepare for the spawn. In the last few years they have been joined by a growing smallmouth bass population.
During a recent tournament one angler reportedly weighed in a smallmouth that pushed beyond the five-pound mark.
Look for the fish to head out of the deeper waters and congregate more on shallow shelves as they start building nests.
Willow Beach anglers continue to have good luck for rainbows following the weekly plants by the Willow Beach National fish Hatchery.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and ling cod 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 Cabazon is not allowed until July 1 due to a small harvest cap.
Fishing for big ling cod has been good for anglers when the ocean has been calm. At this time of the year big ling cod move into shallower water in preparation to spawn.
There were no reports of anglers fishing for surfperch in the ocean because the ocean has been very rough this past week. When the swells drop below four feet anglers should be able to start picking up surf perch along their favorite beaches. Fishing with sand shrimp or sand worms are always great baits to use for surf perch fishing.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Report is similar to last weeks, as bass fishing is a bit slow due to cold lake temperatures. Bass are staying at about 25-35 ft and it is recommended to fish slowly for a catch. Finesse drop-shot, tubes, and dart-head jigs have been doing to job. Make sure to check regulations for bass fishing as some are changing March 1st.
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 113 CFS.
Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is improving. Nymph fishing is the best bet.
Try WD-40's, pheasant tails and caddis larva.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is 100 CFS. Fishing continues to improve.
Although the insect activity has increased the surface action is minimal.
Midge patterns are the most effective.
Red jujube midge, small Stevie's Wonders and WD-40's. 


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water Conditions:
Good. As of 2/20 the flows are up to 111 CFS.
4X4 okay on main road but don't go trail blazing. The tow bill is staggering, especially for Hummers that "can go anywhere".
Fishing Conditions:
Good to Excellent. There are still some big Crowley fish being caught mostly up by Long Ears.
Flows remain at nice levels for wading.
Water is still cold so get down to the fish "deep dark and slow" with the streamers will get the job done.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. Flow: 45 CFS.
This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP
Fishing Conditions:
Middle of the day the fish are active but little in the hatch dept.
Regardless they'll go for something big and bright floating along.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Water conditions:
Water level is average and stream section flows vary from day to day.
Fishing conditions:
Water is cold so the rule of thumb is "Deep dark and slow"
The area right below the stream section continues to be the hot spot.
Mostly 13-14" fish but strong pullers.
Lower Owens River:
Water conditions:
Good. Flows are at 99 CFS as of 2/20.
Water is clear and rather cold coming out of the dam.
Fishing conditions:
Fishing continues to be excellent with perfect wading flows and daytime temperatures. Fish are really on the bite from 11am until 2pm but you can catch fish all day down deep. Fish Midges early. After that maybe a Baetis hatch for an hour, sometimes two midday.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Report similar to last weeks, as snow melts have allowed for good access.
Fishing is still good and some fishermen report great catches. Try using # 6 Copperback Stone Black or Mercer’s # 16 black Micro-Mayfly. Anglers suggest bringing a wading staff and wearing a personal floatation device.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
A report of a lot of gunk in the water in the Warrior Point area.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great so far on the Lower Sacramento, as big 18"-22" rainbows have been caught between Posse Grounds and Bonnieview.
Beyond Anderson anglers have reported catching mostly 14"-15" rainbows and a few 18".
The Quigley's Midget Caddis #16 and the Silvey's Beaded Poopa #16 have been suggested.
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 February 25, 2013, water flow is currently 3,800 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead.
Redding area is red hot trout fishing. Anderson area, also, Bonneyview down, doing well.
Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14. 
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:
The flows in the river are high but not too high, which is good as anglers report great fishing currently, especially of rainbow trout.
However it is advised to use caution at the moment.
The 6 Thurmanator Dark Stones # 14-16 Dark Lords flies doing well. 
 HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" 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:
February 25, 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. 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 on Shasta Lake has been fair. Some days are better than others, but rainbow trout are still being caught. The rainbow trout are being caught mostly near the surface and 40 feet deep.

Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead will start entering the Smith River.
There is no hatchery program up the Smith River so the angling opportunity will primarily be catch and release of wild steelhead.

SMITH RIVER AND CHETCO RIVER:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
February 25, 2013 Smith River Steelhead fishing report
Catch big steelhead on the Smith River and Chetco River.
Smith River has been slow for steelhead the last few days.
Steelhead on the Chetco River, the catch has slowed down this week, since no rain, averaging 3 hook ups a day, depending on level of experience of angler. Rain coming in heavy today, should help bring a few steelhead into the system, still fishing has slowed. 
We are turning to the Trinity River for steelhead for February/March.

TOPAZ LAKE:
A report of a 3.9-pound, 21-inch rainbow trout caught from the north shore with a nightcrawler last week.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Trinity River is clear and open for anglers, many fishermen reporting this is a good time to go out on the Trinity. Fishing has been good for some anglers and poor for others.
A lot of native steelheads are moving through the Trinity currently.
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 25, 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.

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:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.kenssport.com" www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Feb. 23, 2013
The East is still flowing at 22 CFS right now and we’re still getting some pretty good reports from the river.
There hasn’t been too much pressure down there but the anglers we are talking to have been doing pretty well.
Still haven’t had much for streamer reports and the dry action doesn’t seem to be as good as it was a couple weeks ago but the nymphing with small midge patterns is hanging in there nicely.
Patterns to go with include flashback emerger, zebra midge, wd-40, top secret midge, copper john, pheasant tail, black beauty and micro mayfly.
Sceirine Ranch:
 Feb. 23, 2013
We haven’t had any clients on the Sceirine for at least a month, the fishing should be about the same down there as on the California side of the EW.
If you want to have some water to yourself just give us a call and we can get you hooked up!
Hunewill Pond:
Feb. 23, 2013
The H-Pond is frozen over at this time, we’ll let you know later in the year when it thaws and how things are going!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has dropped to 22 CFS. Fishing is tough. Cold cold cold. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince nymphs.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Poor. Flows down even further to 22 CFS as of 2/20.
Fishing conditions:
Fishing is fairly good about 11am to 3pm.
Low crowds and a decent hatch somewhere midday.
Get your flies down to bottom to interest slooooow moving fish.

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 BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers. The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

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.

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