Northern Nevada and California fishing report for week of March 9-16

Here is the Northern Nevada, Northern California and Southern Oregon Fishing Report For the week of March 9-16:

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The road is closed.

BLUE LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930) www.woodfordsstation.com reported:
The road is closed for the winter.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
There is still plenty of good safe ice here. Fishing has been good for 10 to 12 inch fish using natural baits and Power Bait suspended below the ice.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported:
Increased flows this week should bring in some fresh steelhead, even though March is getting to the end of the run.  It is an excellent month for anglers that like to fly fish, run plugs, jigs, or cast spinners. Steelhead are throughout the system. Boat and bank angling pressure is light.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation. Pike fishing has also been poor. There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530) 993-4683 reported:
The lake has a thin layer of ice at the dam, but you can see open water from the dam. Fishing has been a challenge this week because of the weather. There is at least 2 feet of snow at the dam. The road up to the dam is clear except a couple of spots where there is only one lane. BE CAREFUL!
You can fish from shore, but you will have to walk through snow to get to open water.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
The last report was that there is ice on the lake, but getting up to the dam may take a four-wheel drive or snowmobile. After the recent snow storm, getting to the dam is a chore. Four to five feet drifts along the road and across the dam. For the fishermen, there is 4 to 5 inches of ice near the dam. You will have to go through some snow to get to the lake. They have been catching a few rainbow trout near the dam using nightcrawlers. 
— Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reported:
Water flow is 9 CFS. Fishing slowed with the recent series of storms. Fishing should improve with nicer weather in the forecast.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
Give it a few days without additional snowfall and the walk in visitors to the geologic site will pack down the snow enough to make it walk able without the use of snowshoes.
Fishing is very good here on the warmer days.
Midge clusters, or para-Midge adults [# 20-22] that ride low in the surface film work well this time of year.
The Baetis hatch is gelling so look for some exciting dry fly fishing to begin as soon as the air gets above freezing. First generation adults are # 16-18. Nymphing in the deeper pools and pockets using a tandem rig with FB PT’s and broken back Midges are also good choices currently.
March will be excellent here, we have dates available.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows are steady at about 24 CFS as of 3/6. Paved road to entrance of Hot Creek ranch is plowed and dry. 
Access to the canyon section and Interpretive Center sections are a walk over packed snow.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Excellent. Those making the walk are being rewarded daily with good numbers and even dry action on warmer days like those in the forecast.
Fish subsurface with Midges early and Baetis patterns after 11 am.
Reports lately of major bites with fish boiling on surface.
Big and buggy patterns for body count if you do not want to fish dries.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Illipah is covered with safe ice, and fishing has been fair to good. Jigs tipped with a worm as well as Power Bait/worm combinations are producing fish.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reported:
The reservoir has some open water showing, but as of yesterday (Monday) the back road was still closed to travel.
There should be some pretty fair fishing, if you can get back in there.
Next week, I’ll be gone to Phoenix, Arizona to see baseball spring training.

JAKE'S CREEK (BOISE) RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: No recent report. Two weeks ago it had safe ice, but if there is still ice on the lake next weekend, it probably won't be safe.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
Flows are back up to around 2,400 CFS. Flows on the Klamath remain inconsistent. This week they're back up. Inconsistent flows and an overall lack of fish have made this not the best option this winter/spring.
If you're a Klamath fan, fishermen suggest waiting for May/June when the stoneflies begin to emerge.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported: Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has been good when the ocean has been “calm.” Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod is now open outside of the 40 fathom curve.
A few lingcod and rockfish are being caught along the jetties inside the bays. Effective baits to use for lingcod are bouncing a jig with a big plastic tail or bouncing a herring near the bottom.
There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch look for places that have riptides or areas that has steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide with ocean swells less than 6 feet. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surfperch.  
 
OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reported:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 137 CFS. Closed from Benton Crossing downstream to Crowley Lake. Open to fishing up stream from the Benton Crossing Bridge. Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
A little slower with recent snow storms. A few Mayflies and Midges hatching sporadically. Parachute Adams on the surface and WD-40's and small flashback pheasant tails under the surface.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 109 CFS. Better fishing with the increase in water flow. May fly hatch should improve with nicer weather in the forecast. Small Nymphs and Adams.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions: As of 3/6 flows are steady at 137 CFS above the Hot Creek confluence Water is cold and clear.
Access is much better over packed snow little snow and maybe only rain with this next pop then warm and sunny so snow will start going fast.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good to Excellent. Action is very good on warmer days as in the forecast this next week with bigger Crowley fish moving up the river to feed.
Mostly Nymphing and streamers, big Baetis hatches will be the norm soon.
Owens River Gorge Water Conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP. Water is clear and cold.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good. Possibly a good bet but a little snow on the trails down. Be careful.
Lower Owens River Water Conditions: Flows are up a little at 109 CFS as of 3/6 as DWP makes room in Crowley for runoff from low-elevation snows which will be melting fast with heat wave in the forecast. Wading still good and drift boating is perfect.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Excellent. Every day the bite starts earlier and goes later.
Even on rainy days everyone coming back is all smiles.
Midges coming off early and late with lots of BWO's midday.
The Caddis will start showing in numbers with the next heat wave.
 
OWENS RIVER, CALIF: 

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
Middle and Upper got some snow as of this report. It melts off quickly this time of year when the sun comes out.
During periods of heavy traffic in the WT section of the Owens and other areas this is a great option for those willing to do some moderate hiking and rock hopping.
The wild browns are plentiful and eager to take most dries in the # 16-18 range. I still prefer a # 14-16 dry as an indicator or upper fly, and bead head nymph #16-20 as the dropper.
Deadly duo here in the deeper pools and runs.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
The lake level remains on the low side with the transition water between river and lake being much further into the canyon than you may be accustomed to. Dry/dropper bead head Nymph rigs still rule in this section and a Crystal Tiger or Zebra Midge is very effective here.
Look for strong Baetis activity just before lunch and switch to PT’s or adults BWO patterns then.
The mud when it thaws remains an issue, use caution and make sure your boots are tightly laced when it gets sticky in the late morn/early afternoon. The rocky short river section begins just downstream of the powerhouse and can be fantastic this time of year. It looks and feels like a mini-East Walker River to me in this area and you will find good numbers of fish holding in the plentiful pocket water all along this run. Solid steeple casts-over the shoulder- and forehand roll casts are necessary to keep you out of the proverbial "penalty box" in this heavily brush lined section.
Freeze tubing has been terrific near the launch ramp if you don’t mind the crowds and the cold water.
Most streamers in the # 8-12 range will work well with a full or heavy sinking tip line.
Look for increasing Chironomids action in March and bring along your still water nymph rigs to fish the drop-offs.
It can be better than Crowley here at times for tubing no doubt & it remains open year around.
We supply float tubes if you are interested in a trip.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775) 476-0555 www.fishpyramid.com reported:
Boats are doing OK.
The fishing has been pretty good for shore fishermen with a lot of catch and release being reported. Some of the fishermen are reporting 10-11-12 fish.
The fish are in close to shore.
There was a report of a 15-pounder checked in at Crosby’s.

RUBY LAKE N.W.R., WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Fishing for size has been fair to good, while fishing for numbers of fish has been just fair. The collection ditch is producing a number of 12 to 15 inch rainbows, with the occasional 5 lb. or larger fish coming in.
The large hens are cruising looking for spawning habitat and this is the time to catch a big one. Wooly Buggers, Crystal Buggers, egg patterns and Nymphs under an indicator should all work.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
Flows out of Keswick Dam remain low at around 4,000 CFS.
The Lower Sac is fishing good to great!
The upper floats (above Bonnyview) continue to produce huge rainbow trout. Fishermen are not necessarily catching as many fish up there, but they're all big, fat, happy and healthy.
The lower floats (below Bonnyview) are a different story. The trout they’re catching down there are not as large on average, but there are a lot more of them and they've been getting good numbers there.
Winter is still clinging on this week with more winter storms coming this weekend. Still, the springtime caddis are already beginning to hatch, indicating that the early "Mother's Day" caddis — which typically hatch in March on the Lower Sac — will be in full swing as soon as the skies clear and it warms up.
March is the single best dry fly month of the year on the Lower Sac, and April can bring some fish to the surface, too.
While dries are unfortunately never a guarantee on this river, your best odds and seeing pods of rising fish are March and April when flows are low and PMD hatches create ideal surface conditions for rising trout.
All of the bridge construction projects are finished, so there are no longer hazards in the river or flow-related boating restrictions.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported: The Upper Sac is remains blown out from recent storms.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported:
The Smith is open for adipose fin-clipped Steelhead and Chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size.
Fishing on the mainstem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to bridge 10 opened for adipose fin-clipped steelhead on Dec. 1.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The warm weather and high winds have obliterated the ice at South Fork with the lake now about 99 percent open water. What little ice remains is in the back of the coves on the east side of the lake and the very southern tip of the lake. The main boat ramp should be usable by next weekend.
Plenty of open water for fishing from shore and small boats can be launched at the coyote cove boat ramp.
No reports of anglers fishing, but right after ice out, fishing is often good.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
Flows on the Trinity remain at winter levels at 300 CFS out of Lewiston Dam and are higher the further downstream you go with runoff from tributaries. The Fly Fishing Only Section is closed until April 1.
The Trinity is still holding on for now.
There's definitely not as many fish around, but the ones that are there are wild, fresh, and very grabby.
You may only drift over a handful of fish in a day, but the odds are very good that if they see your fly they'll be willing to eat.
The Fly Shop’s guides continue to hook up daily.
As a bonus, the fishing — including dry fly action — has been good for the Trinity's resident and migratory brown trout, and they've seen more than a few trophy browns taken on surface patterns in the past week.
They expect the Trinity to remain a viable option this year until the smolts are released from Lewiston hatchery, which usually takes place around March 15. After the smolts are released it's too hard to get a fly to adult steelhead because there are so many smolts that will eat anything they see. That said, late March and April (remember that the Fly Fishing Only Section above Lewiston Bridge opens on April 1) are a fun time of year to fish light tackle (2 and 3 weight rods) and dry flies for the aggressive immature steelhead smolts.
Plan on catching dozens of fish a day, though none of much size.
It's a stellar spring break option for introducing kids, spouses, family and friends to fly fishing with a high catch ratio!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
East Walker River: The release rates are almost ideal between 100-150 CFS. They are currently running just over 100 CFS.
It has been very cold since the last winter blast and there is a fair amount of snow in the river basin as of this report.
It has not been very good here since the cold set in, but look for the EW to go off as soon as it begins to warm some.
Lower in elevation than Hot Creek and the Upper Owens River, the East Walker will thaw much earlier than these areas historically.
You will encounter some of the finest Mayfly hatches in the state during March and April here.
You might also consider some stone fly nymphs # 8-12 to ply the deeper pools come March.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  Flows increased to 170 CFS as of 3/4 and holding there. (Making room for big runoffs to start this week with forecasted heat wave.)
Access is sloppy but not that bad with snow to start melting fast.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Good to excellent. The bites have gotten much better despite colder weather last week. Still a midday thing for now but it should really go off starting about Wednesday March 9.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reported:
East Walker River: Water flow 170 CFS. Fishing is picking up. Nymph fish with golden stone fly Nymphs and gray or red Midge pupa.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: There are still excellent ice conditions with average thickness at approximately 19 inches with an inch or two of snow on top.
However, there is still a large ice heave or pressure ridge at the entrance to the Hendricks Arm and it is recommended that anglers avoid this area.
The lake level is starting to rise and with the winds and changing temperatures there are also ice heaves along many shorelines.
Trout fishing last Saturday during the trout derby was good, while it slowed down a bit on Sunday and slowed even more for Monday.
Trout continue to be caught all around the lake, though the west side by the warm springs straight across the lake from the state park boat ramp was producing some of the larger fish.
The best fishing still seems to be in 6 to 8 feet of water in the coves and off of the points especially in the south half of the lake.
Penrod arm also producing a fair number of fish, especially just off the rocky face south of the state park boat ramp.
Perch fishing continues to be slow to fair with anglers who are targeting perch having to work hard to get 10 or 12 fish. The bites are extremely light and anglers should be paying close attention to their rods or they will miss them. Anglers should fish in between 15 to 25 feet of water, putting presentations just off of the bottom. Deeper seems to be better and move until you find them. Small jigs tipped with a piece of worm, mealworm or wax worm all should work.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
This lake is ice free, though the road is going to be 4WD only if the weather predictions are correct for this weekend.
Fishing here is often good right after ice out using large presentations.
The lake is only about a foot from spilling and if the trend continues may spill a month or two earlier than normal.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK AREA, CALIF:
The Tioga Pass Highway (California S.R. 120) to Yosemite (from the east side) is closed for the winter. Tioga Pass has an elevation of 9,943 feet, making it the highest automobile pass in the Sierra Nevada.