Carson City area, Nevada and Northern California fishing report through March 7

Here is the fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra through March 7, 2012.

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:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Ice fishing now available! Caples is fishing OK and the ice is safe. With the recent snow you can get on the ice with out the worry of slipping. 
The Spillway areas as well as the Main Dam area are both doing well. 
Try to fish the areas that are about 10-15 feet deep and try all levels from the bottom to just below the ice. Power Bait, Worms, Salmon Eggs and Bay Shrimp will work or try jigging a Kastmaster. 
If you are not getting fish, move to a new area or look for others catching fish and get to the same area.
On occasion you can find holes that are already drilled and all they need is to be broken open with a tire iron and then use a strainer to clean out the ice if you do not own an auger.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Carson River:
The Catch and Release section below Hangman’s Bridge: Open all year! 
As the temperatures come up in March, the fishing can get good again between stormy days and run-off days. 
The fish are there but really lethargic and you will have to put the fly on their nose for them to eat. 
Midges and Baetis as well as glow bugs and Stone fly Nymphs! 
The Nevada sections tend to fish the best during the winter months and on occasion NDOW stocks fish in the lower river and below the Broken Dam. 
If they do, it can be fun to stick a few fish and keep cobwebs off your cast!

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:
Fishing pressure has dropped off considerably, but drift boaters are still reporting good catches of steelhead, even with low flows.
This time of year anglers can expect a mix of spawned out and fresh fish.
Anglers should always check the flows before heading out and try to fish when river levels are dropping.
ODFW is conducting a steelhead angler creel on the Chetco this year.
At times, these projects may interfere with an angler’s 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.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
Ice in the dam area is reported to be about 5 inches thick 
Open water north of the dam area. Fishing has been a bit hit and miss, one day it is red hot (limits plus) the next it will be slow. 
As of Sunday, most access points are accessible; however we have snow predicted for this week, which may impact accessibility to the lake.
Worms, Power Bait extra scent, and jigs have been the most successful.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Eagle Lake is closed.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to pull 12- to 14-inch rainbows through the ice at this Lincoln County reservoir.
Productive baits include Power Bait in green or orange, a white jig with a pink head or the combination of mini marshmallows and nightcrawlers.
Always double check ice conditions before venturing onto the ice.
When in doubt you can fish the ice next to dock.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir is still covered with ice but is beginning to open up.
Fishing opportunities are very limited as the ice is too thin for anglers.
If there is open water along the dam this can be a good area for rainbow trout, largemouth bass and crappie.

ELK GROVE PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

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:
The fishing has been great at the lake.
Reports of the north end having open water.
The north end of the lake, Lunker’s, Nightcrawler Bay, Turkey Point, and Crystal Point, have open water.
Fishermen can fish from shore. Most are using nightcrawlers and/or Power Bait. Some are using marshmallows.
Big Cove has open water, and some fishermen have been catching their limits. The dam still has ice, about 7 to 10 inches.
There are some ice patches on the lake, but they are isolated, the lake is mostly open water.
BE CAREFUL! There may be some patches of ice on the road going around the lake.

GIBSON RANCH COUNTY PARK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

GRANITE PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

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

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

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Heenan Lake 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 4 CFS.  Fishing is good but the creek has been very crowded.
The BWO  hatch is beginning and the fish are happy. 
Barrs Emerger and Midge pupa sub-surface and CDC Baetis or Para Adams on the surface. 
Please do not wade here.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
We will be on Hot Creek in March a bunch as I believe it is perhaps the best month to fish adult mayflies here.
Flows are low and the weed beds are making extended drifts difficult in some sections currently. This can change quickly as the run-off from Mammoth Creek will swell and increase when it warms up some at elevation. There will be some ice and snow down in the canyon for a while after these last storms but the sun gets higher day by day in March and it will not last long. Midges in the morning, Mayflies afternoon.
SJ Worms also fool some fish if there is nothing emerging.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Great. Flows constant at 21-22 CFS as of 2/23.
The road to the canyon section is clear, but the gate is still locked.
From there it's some 300 yards to walk to the first parking lot.
No snow on the road to the interpretive section either.
Fishing conditions:
Good to Excellent. NOT MUCH CHANGE FROM LAST WEEK EXCEPT BIGGER HATCHES WITH OVERCAST SKIES IN FORECAST BY LATE IN THE WEEKEND.
Some caddis coming off with the really warm days as well.
The fish aren't keyed on them, but it just goes to show how warm it's been the last couple of days. For the canyon section, it is fishing similar to summer with smaller Midges and Baetis patterns subsurface all day and moderate to strong hatches midday.
Once the water temp comes up about two degrees the food bell rings and it is downright good for 3-4 hours daily.

HOWE PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
The fishing has really taken off lately with numerous big fish caught and released. Buggers in Black, Olive and or Brown have been working well.  The Blood Midges are starting to work as well and look for fish taking them off of the surface sometime soon!  Full sinking lines from a float tube have produced the best results. 
Should be fun for awhile until the fish get taken out.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" 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.

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:  
Fishing remains good for stocked rainbows from Davis Camp south past Casino Row. Some anglers are reportedly finding fish in the three- to four-pound range. Currently the fish seem to prefer night crawlers.
The bite has been very slow for other species.

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.

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:
Fishing remains slow overall though anglers are picking up a few striped bass in the Vegas Wash area and between Echo Bay and Overton Landing.
Boaters are having the best luck.
Some anglers are marking fish but can’t get them to bite.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Angler traffic has been heavy at Willow Beach as eager fishermen search for large stripers. The action hasn’t been fast, but boaters have reeled in several double-digit stripers during the past couple of weeks.
Striped bass in this area key in on rainbow trout planted each week by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery.
Further south fishing has slowed considerably for all species.
Some anglers are picking up largemouth bass while fishing structure with drop shot rigs and 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:
The ocean swells have been big lately making very difficult for fishing. 
When the swells are smaller (less than 6 feet) anglers have been catching surfperch from the beaches near Coos Bay and Bandon. 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.
Fishing for lingcod has been excellent when anglers are able to get out on the ocean. Anglers may not retain cabezon between Jan. 1 and March 31. Fishing from shore near the rock outcroppings can be very good this time of the year for catching rockfish.
Be careful of slippery footing and sneaker waves.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River:
She’s running at 125 CFS below the dam at PV currently. The gages are "kaput" on the LADWP real-time website, no word on the repair date.
These flow rates will be on the rise very soon, Crowley is full.
I am seeing Caddis flies, Midges, Mayflies (BWO’s with some huge drakes), and Golden Stoneflies emerging this week.
It has been pretty windy and that has slowed down the great dry fly action a few days but the streamer fishing remains good overall with some larger rainbows showing up consistently.
At 125 CFS wading is very easy in the sections nearest the dam located by Pleasant Valley Reservoir.
Nymphing with Pheasant Tails, Bird’s Nest (Assassin’s) and Midge’s # 14-20 will work well. High riding adult Mayfly patterns are best for the afternoon hatch # 16-18. # 8-14 streamer patterns used with a sinking tip line are my choice in the drift boat areas until we see some noses start to pop around noon. Loeberg’s, punk perch, and the deadly Spruce-A-Bu are all working now.
The Sierra Drifters Guide team would like to thank the San Diego Fly Fishing (SDFF) club for their support once again this year. We had a great time drifting and wade’N the Owens Rivers with you all on your annual winter trek to the Sierra.
Upper Owens River:
It will be slowing down here for sure folks. Some of the larger hens we are catching have dropped their load and although they still look beautiful, they have lost that rotund look that spawning hens have.
The big numbers of smaller browns and rainbows held over while Crowley had ice on it are returning to the lake so don’t expect a huge numbers day here although there are still decent numbers of Kamloops and Eagle Lake rainbows & Cutts beginning to migrate up from Crowley for the spring run.
Patience in the deeper pools & runs will get you some nice fish while Nymphing with SJ Worms, roe patterns, Birds Nest and Pheasant Tails # 14-18. Streamers will also work this time of year used with a light sinking tip line. You can cover more water this way and hit some areas that would be difficult to fish while Nymphing.
Sections like tail outs off an oxbow are shallow, however will hold big fish near the undercuts. Tough to Nymph here without spooking the trout, perfect to swing a streamer or soft hackle in front of them.
The access was getting good until this last series of storms, so be careful when driving off the main dirt roads down to the walk thru’s along the river. Mucho muddy after it thaws!
Owens River Gorge:
The late winter and early spring periods here are prime time. The flows will remain constant here even when they increase in other areas. This section is open year around and not subject to runoff or seasonal fluctuations. Moderate hiking and rock hopping are mandatory, wild browns kinda on the small side- but as pretty as you will see anywhere.
The BWO hatch is the "thang" right now and these fish are eager to take dries. You need to approach from a downstream position casting upstream in order not to spook these wild browns. Keep your patterns in the # 14-18 range; a 3-4 wt rod is perfect.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:  
Current water flow is 96 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 fair. The water is murky and the current temp is 45.
Try standard Nymph patterns like Pheasant Tails or Hares Ears. 
Not much on the surface. Cover lots of water. 
Some reports of larger lake fish in the river.
Lower Owens River:
Last week we were informed that the flows that have been posted by the L.A DWP incorrect due to a malfuntioning gauge.
We apologize if our incorrect information caused anyone a problem.
We did fish the river last week and we estimate the flow to be around 175 or so .Fishing was good. 
A brief Baetis hatch around noon brought fish to the surface.
Extended body BWO and BWO emergers. Prior to that Midge pupa in gray or black and FB Pheasant Tails under the surface.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens:
Water conditions:
Good to Excellent. As of 2/23 the flows are constant at 98 CFS.
Road is open all the way up.
4X4 a must now and expect to get a wash job when you get back to town.
Fishing conditions:
Good to Excellent. A mix of fish from dinks to Crowley pigs.
Everyone doing well from 10 am until as late as 3:30 daily.
Mostly Nymphing but a 45 min hatch midday is typical.
Maybe longer now with the expected warmer weather.
Go to very small or pull 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.
Beautiful these days and lots of hungry fish to greet you!
Lower Owens:
Water conditions:
Excellent. Notice how the flow report hasn't changed by even a tenth of a CFS in two weeks. 'Found out the gauge is stuck.
Actual flow is really about 125 CFS as of 2/23.
The latest first-hand info from LADWP is that the flows will be gradually increased until they reach 400 CFS then hold there indefinitely.
Warmer and longer days have brought water temps up.
Wading and drifting are still good now so strike while the iron is hot.
Fishing conditions:
Wide Open, Hatch-o-rama
Pat's formula is still the hot ticket . . .Midge clusters showing up as early as 9 am, so start with small Midge patterns sub-surface or go with Griffth's Gnat up top.
About 10-11am the May Flies start to come off big time.
To get your "one of the many" noticed try a surface emerger in the film off a big BWO as the indictor. If they take the "indicator" skip the dropper and enjoy life for a couple of hours.
Late in the day, like 3-4 pm, go back to midges.

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

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
It has been disappointing the last two weeks here in the transition area due to very high lake levels that have this sweet section flooded into the trees.
The gauge for the lake level is not correct, it is currently 4387’+ most days.
The small river section below the powerhouse has been great using dry dropper bead head or emerger patterns & BWO or Para Midge adults, but it is not large enough to spend an entire day on, especially if there are other anglers on this section.
Tubing has been fair near the inlet and around the launch ramp, but it got pounded over President’s Day weekend so a truck load or two of DFG fish will need to get dumped to get numbers back up again.
Full sinking lines and streamers fished along the drop-offs on the west side are best. Still water Nymphing here will also produce-stay down 10-13 feet and rig like you would for Crowley using Midge and Mayfly imitations.

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

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775-476-0555) (www.fishpyramid.com) reports:
It snowed all day yesterday (Monday), but it is nice today.
Fishing has been slow, but the boats are doing a little better as they can cover more ground and go deeper. 
We haven’t had a nice fish turned in for a couple of weeks.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Things are starting to change lately and the fishing should start to get back to normal for this time of year as we get storms coming in. 
Without the wind, fish early and late in the day but when it starts to blow get out there and fish all day! 
Buggers, Buggers and more Buggers for the time being…

RED LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Fishing a bit better than Caples Lake with the best fishing near the dam area. Watch for rocks in the ice when drilling holes, a lot of rocks were thrown out onto the ice before we received snow. One rock can destroy your auger. Tackle and baits are the same as Caples.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
TROUT FISHING IS YOUR BEST BET
The best fishing on the entire system is taking place all the way up in Redding, where the trout bite has been solid for anglers fishing indicators and nymphs like AP’s, Birds Nests and Hare’s Ears.
Conventional gear users have been drifting night crawlers and Glo Bugs.
Down lower, there are a few sturgeon reportedly showing up between Colusa and Verona, but the action is marginal at best.
Not much to talk about yet in terms of stripers.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND OCEAN, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
CRABBIN’ & DABBIN’ TIME!
Well, the crab and sanded combo trips being run out of ports like Half Moon Bay, the Gate Fleet and Bodega have been pretty darned productive when the weather permits.
The boats have all but given up on finding giant squid…bad deal for their business, but overall a very good sign for our ocean salmon!
No Humboldt squid up here is a good thing!
In the Bay, the best bet for sturgeon has been up in San Pablo where anglers working the shallows like Sonoma Creek and the Pumphouse have been seeing some pretty solid action.
The rest of the bay has been spotty for bass and sturgeon.

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

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

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Check the Ice for safety! Silver Lake has been drained pretty low and the fish are bucketed up. Make sure you are in at least 10-15 feet of water before you start to fish. 
Fishing has been pretty good! Tackle and baits the same as Caples.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead have arrived in the Smith River.
Although most of the angling opportunity will be catch and release, a few hatchery fish have been reported.
Only an adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested.
Striped bass have been caught recently in the basin.

SOUTHSIDE PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

SPOONER LAKE, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Ice fish the Dam area but be careful and stay away from the areas where the springs are (mainly the middle of the lake) which will be thinner ice. 
Same as Caples as far as tackle and bait!

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Mackinaw fishing continues to be very good.
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 250-280 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Chuck and Linda Fields of the Topaz Lake Marina (775-266-3550) reports:
Fishing has been steady. They are catching nice limits but nothing big.
The boats are coming in with nice stringers of trout up to 1.5 pounds.
Not much happening for the shore fishermen.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
California:
Flows on the Truckee are above 200 CFS near the town of Truckee and 350+ CFS below BocaBridge.  March 1, 2012
Closed above the 267 Bridge. 
The year round section below 267 is still fishing but tough. 
The water is cold and the fish are lethargic but still have to eat. 
Put it on their head and they will probably open their mouths but it will take an excellent angler to get a few fish! Some days it is not like that and the fish will eat readily but you have to pick the day. 
Try Baetis or Midges and possibly an Egg pattern or San Juan Worm. 
Look for the winter stones to be available as well. 
It is going to get better as we start getting closer to spring especially on a beautiful day! The lower you go towards Nevada the better the opportunity.
Nevada:
Flows are great for Winter fishing! 
Look for the cloudy days for filled in Baetis hatches especially below Reno. 
Nymphing will be best but the dries have produced plenty of fish as well. Nymphs: Stoneflies 8-12, Mayfly patterns 16-20, Flashback PT’s 16-20.
Dry Flies: Parachute Adams 14-18 and Blue Duns 18-20.
Streamer action is picking up and is your best shot at one the Nevada Toads!, Streamers-Buggers in olive, white and black, Wool-Head Sculpin, Crystal Buggers, Meat Whistle olive and black, and the Crawdad!!!
Great flows for floating!

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
As long as you can get up the road, the fishing should be worth the effort. 
Look for risers in the middle of the day but don’t count on a ton of them. 
The fish are still up and they still have to eat! 
Baetis and Midges in small sizes under the surface as well as on top! 
Winter Stones are there as well and the March Browns should start soon.  With the recent snows the road might get back to being impassable so always check first. 

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:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River:
California:
The Miracle Mile is still fishing well and with the recent snow the access gets a bit tougher but not too bad.
The Midges have ruled the roost as of late with Griffiths Gnats, Para Adams and Micro Midges working well on the surface but changing day to day and the Biot Emerger, Pehle’s pupa, UV Midge and the tiny Zebra Midge doing well below. 
The Baetis have begun to show in numbers as well and the fish are starting to eat them. Try the Barr’s Emerger or Kyle’s Beerhead Baetis as well as Micro Mayflies. 
When the fish are up (which is a lot lately) leave the Nymph rigs in the box, the dry fly fishing has been way too much fun!
A lot of these fish are feeding on Midges just below the surface and following through looking like they are eating off of the surface so pay attention to the rise form and look for a bubble when they eat an adult. 
Fish have been rising as early as 8 am so get there early and give’em a go. 
Nevada:
Should be starting to fish well with a few anglers having good results over the past week or so. 
The Skwala Stones will start down river first so look to fish the Red Wash area or even the Elbow with big dries any day now. 
Nevada is a good way to beat the crowds and always worth checking out.
West Walker River;
The Nevada sections can be fun and stay open all year. 
Try the Hoye Canyon section above Wellington or Wilson Canyon section below Smith Valley.
Look for warmer, cloudy days for a good Baetis hatch! 
Another fun winter fishery is the Tube below Topaz Lake which can hold some pretty nice fish as well as stockers from NDOW. 
Always check for frozen conditions!

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 still fishing great, lots of surface action as well as Nymph action.
About the only thing that's been slow down there has been the crowds!
Not too many anglers to get reports from lately, but the reports we have received have been pretty good.
The surface action is a little hit and miss, sometimes there will be fish rising in a good 100 yard stretch, but below and above that there won't be any rising at all, you just have to keep an eye out for rising fish and get after them. If there are no fish rising, just head straight to the bottom and pick them off down there with Nymphs.
Some of the patterns that have been working include San Juan Worms, Micro Stones, WD-40's, Zebra Midge, Flashback Emerger, GT Emerger, Top Secret Midge, Para Adams, Blue Dun, Drowned Trico and BWO's.
West Walker River: Closed.
Sceirine Ranch:
We haven't had any clients on the Sceirine lately but it should be fishing excellent as well. If you want solitude this could be a great opportunity!
Hunewill Pond: Closed.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River:
This will be an interesting season on the EW.
Bridgeport is super full & Jeffery at the lakes "finest kind" of marina is keeping a life jacket handy if it gets any higher!
The flows as of this report are at a trickle (19 CFS) this is very low, even for winter releases. I prefer not to fish it at this level.
The irrigation people are holding water back until the last minute due to the poor snowpack. You can expect flows to go up soon and condition’s to improve after the fish adjust to the new levels.
Typically early March is when water demand begins to increase.
Flows have been at 25 CFS most of the winter and during the warmer days the BWO hatch was very strong with active fish. The warmer winter has kept the fish feeding and overall reports here have been pretty good. Nymphing the deeper pools near the dam section or Miracle Mile have been productive. Midges and Mayfly imitations with or without an Under-cator, and BWO adults after lunch.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Water conditions:
Good. Flows are bottomed out at the lowest legal flow of 19 CFS as of 2/23.
Access with 4X4.
Fishing conditions:
Okay to Excellent. Lower water levels keep these fish very spooky, so try to be as stealthy as possible when approaching your spot of choice.
Midges in the 18-20 range producing all day and decent BWO hatch midday for an hour or two.
With the flows as low as they are, there isn't much oxygen in the water, so keep your fish in the water as long as possible while removing your hook.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flows are steady at 25 CFS. Most of the ice is now gone but the water temp is a chilly 38. Due to the low flows not many "good" spots exist.
Some mid day surface action with adult Midge patterns. Add a Midge pupa as a dropper. Still waiting for the Baetis hatch.
Over on the Nevada side the golden stones are starting to show. 


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

WILLIAM LAND PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.