Fishing report For the week of March 16-23

Here is the Northern Nevada, Northern California and Southern Oregon fishing report for the week of March 16-23.

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.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209) 258-8888 www.capleslakeresort.com reported: Caples lake has about 5 feet of snow above layered 3 feet of ice.  Ice fisherpeople have been catching rainbows.
The bait of choice is bay shrimp!

CARSON RIVERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Main Carson River: Current flow is 434 CFS. A great deal of snow has fallen in the Carson River region. High flow will make it difficult to wade if not impossible. Fishing has been slow.
Nymphing with small Baetis and Midge patters is producing for those who have braved the cold.
Lure fisherman have some luck using blue foxes and Roostertails.

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 reports: High water. Anglers should keep an eye on the weather and flows before fishing the river.

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.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530) 832-0270 www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com reports: There have been a few ice fishermen near the dam.
The thickness is reported to be about three and a half inches at Mallard Cove and about four to five inches at the dam. The ice is starting to thin and melt along the bank. There is no official monitoring of the ice thickness; so please use EXTREME CAUTION when going on the ice!
Since we are closed for maintenance this month, we do not have any current fishing reports! We have Fishing and Hunting licenses and tags for 2011. Along with Out of State OHV Tags.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
No current information on ice conditions. Use extreme caution when venturing on the ice. Anglers have been catching stocked rainbows near the dock and launch ramp as well as Copper Point. Meal worms, Power Bait, worms and marshmallows have been effective baits.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The Lincoln County Reservoir is ice free.
Trout anglers often find success in the deep water along the dam or near the water inlet at the Reservoir's upper end.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530) 993-4683 reported:
The lake has a thin layer of ice near the dam, but there is open water visible from the dam. It's still difficult getting around the lake. Snowmobile is the best way. There's still plenty of snow on the ground, so BE CAREFUL!
Fishermen have been using nightcrawlers and Power Bait (green and orange). Doing well in some areas (west of the dam), and not so well in others (hard to get across the dam, not plowed all the way across). Most are hiking to open water.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com 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 two 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.
— Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Opened on Feb. 9, fishing has been a bit slow due to water temperatures. Fishing should pick up as the warmer temperatures continue. Some bass being reported in the 12 inch to 14 inch rage.
Try using rubber baits or weighted grubs.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The opener for Hinkson was very slow but has picked up in the last few days with some reports of 20 inch fish being caught. Try using a Zug Bug or a water boatman with intermediate line for best results.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reported:
Water flow is 9 CFS. Fishing picked up this last week. 
BWO's or Midge adults on the surface. Nymph fish with FB Pheasant Tails, gray WD-40's and Caddis larva.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows steady at 24 CFS as of 3/11 but expect increase with runoff.
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. Snow won't last long with high daytime temps now.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Excellent. Those making the walk are being rewarded daily with great numbers and good midday dry action with warm weather.
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: No report this week, Dave is in Arizona for baseball’s 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 reports:
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

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Colorado River: Night crawlers have been catching stocked rainbows and carry over fish.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Largemouth and smallmouth bass action is still sluggish but shows signs of picking up. A four-fish bag weighing more than 13.5 pounds won the Ultimate Bass tournament over the weekend.
The big fish came in at 4.95 pounds.
Anglers fishing for striped bass are still catching small striped bass in the Vegas Bay arm. At Crawdad Cove one lucky angler caught an 18-pound striper while fishing from shore.
NDOW plans to stock trout at Hemenway and Crawdad Cove tomorrow.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Fishing has gone from slow to fair.
Striped bass are taking cut anchovies drifted in 30 to 40 feet of water and catfish from one to three have been hitting prepared baits.
Largemouth bass are hitting a variety of top-water and shallow-diving lures. The winners of the weekend's ABA bass tournament had five fish weighing more than 14 pounds and the big fish weighed better than 5.5 pounds. Swimbaits are taking large stripers – some reaching double digits -- south of Willow Beach. Fish them slow.

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 111 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 Mayflys 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 135 CFS. Better fishing with the increase in water flow.
Mayfly hatch has improved, Adams on the surface.
Prince nymphs and scuds under the surface.



OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
Upper Owens River:
Water Conditions:
As of 3/11 flows are steady at 129 CFS above the Hot Creek confluence Water is cold and clear.
Access is much better over packed snow, no snow along the bank.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Good to Excellent. Action is excellent with good hatches midday.
Nymphing, streamers, Midges early and Baetis midday. It all works when they are waking up from a long winter and are HUNGRY!
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 steady at about 110 CFS as of 3/11. Expect flows to creep up slowly as DWP makes room in Crowley for runoff from low-elevation snows which will be melting fast with current heat wave.
PVR is still very low so you’ve probably got some time, but don't wait for April as wading will be getting tougher.
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 this next heat wave.

PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish. Mealworms or night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775) 476-0555 www.fishpyramid.com reported: Today (Tuesday), it is windy, cloudy and overcast, but there are fishermen on shore and in boats.
Fishing has been really good, especially for the shore fishermen.
We heard that a 13.3 pounder won the Crosby tournament.
“The Nets” are scheduled to close to fishing today (March 15).

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Reno Fly Shop (775) 825-FISH www.renoflyshop.com reported:
Fishing has been pretty good at the lake so far. The water is 43 degrees which is pretty cold but normal for the first of March.
Most of the fish are still in deeper water but there have been some days where some pretty big schools of fish have shown up in the shallows.
When the water is this cold they don’t stay so you have to be there when they are cruising. It can happen at any time on any beach.
For the most part the fish are spread out and can be caught just about anywhere. Beaches with some access to deeper water have been fishing pretty consistent.
Wooly worms and beetles fished on a fast sinking shooting head right on the bottom have been working.
Nymphing and midging with a floating line has also been catching fish.
The water should start to warm in the weeks ahead and the fishing is only going to get better. There will still be the occasional slow day mixed in but for the most part it should be good.

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, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916) 388-1956) reported:
Trout fishing up in the Redding stretch of the river is probably the best overall bet fishing-wise on the Sac right now, but look for the striper bite to crank up very soon!
Guide www.thesportfisher.com JD Richey will be chasing Sac River stripers beginning in early April. Until then, try for trout with Glo Bugs, Hot Shots and nymphs in the afternoons.
The bite is okay, but approximately 30 percent of the river’s rainbows are currently up in the creeks now, gearing up for the spawn.
The water’s clear and releases are around 4,000 cfs, but with Shasta 20 feet from full and 18,000 cfs currently coming into the lake, look for water releases to start soon…
Downstream, there have been some sturgeon taken at Merritt’s Landing, Verona and Knight’s Landing on ghost and grass shrimp, but the water’s been pretty cold and the fish semi-inactive.

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 never a guarantee on this river, your best odds and seeing pods of rising fish are March and April when flows are low and 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

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported: Road is closed.

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% 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.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Not much has changed here. Weather is still the challenge. When weather does break fishing has been good.
Make sure to check forecast before launching.
Many of the fish have been running in the 1 to 6 pound but an occasional bruiser over 10 has been caught. Mack's are holding in 120 to 180 feet of water. Target areas where there are submerged islands these areas will concentrate Mack's for spawn and post spawn. Areas to target have been Cave Rock shelf, Sand Harbor and Tahoe Keys.
Fishing on the south shore has been good jigging 160 to 200 ft deep with good results. Additional techniques have been trolling minnows behind 8 inch white or chrome dodgers behind five blade Les Davis Lake trolls. Bounce this rigging two to three feet off the bottom.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530) 544-6552 www.blueribbonfishing.com reported:
North Shore:
When we can get out between storms, we’ve been getting limits of Mackinaw Trout (2-6 pounds), with a few larger Macks up to 11 pounds,
We have been trolling at The Tavern Hole, Cal Neva Point, Dollar Point and Sugar Pine Point, 110-220 feet deep, with either Dodgers and minnows or Dodgers and large Trophy Stick lures.
East Shore:
Shore fishing at Cave Rock Landing has been slow for small rainbows and an occasional brown or Mack.
Miscellaneous:
My son Eric turned 16 last Saturday, and our family spent four days up at Lake Almanor, celebrating his birthday.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Chuck and Linda Fields of the Topaz Lake Marina (775) 266-3550 reported:
We’ve got a couple of boats out there, today (Tuesday).
The sun is shining, the weather is warm and it is starting to get windy.
We’ve seen some nice fish come in, some with limits and then some.
The largest fish we’ve seen is 3 pounds.
Four guys in a boat, fishing with Needlefish lures, caught a total of 23 fish down on the south end.
A pontoon boat, using rainbow Rapala lures, caught their limits of nice fish.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Opened on Jan. 1. Fishing has been a challenge due to weather conditions but for those who have made it fishing has been good.
Plenty of fish have been in the 2 lb range and many anglers reported limits of fish. Boat Anglers used Rapalas in black and gold.
In addition trolling worms in 5 to 12 feet of water has been successful.
Shore anglers had success using Power Bait and worms

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reports:
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

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Reno Fly Shop (775) 825-FISH www.renoflyshop.com reported:
There is a lot of snow in the mountains and we are going to have a big run-off season. This is going to effect the flows on a daily basis from now until probably at least the middle of May. Keep an eye on the flows and the fluctuations to get an idea of how the snow melt is affecting the river.
California:
The California side of the river is a little slow due to cold water. The run-off is not as bad the further upstream you fish but the water is colder.
Nevada:
The Nevada side has been fishing pretty well but you have to deal with fluctuations in the flows more.
The Skwala Stoneflies have been out and about lately and the fish are feeding on them.
Nymphing with a Stonefly and a smaller dropper like a Baetis is doing about as good as anything right now. First fly should be a size 8-14 and the dropper should be a 16-20.
Fish the slower water and the deeper pools. The fish do not like to fight fast current when it is this cold.
Water flows:
Flows are Town of Truckee 116 CFS, Boca Bridge 324 CFS, Farad 373 CFS and Reno 454 CFS.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Reno Fly Shop (775) 825-FISH www.renoflyshop.com reported:
Flows are 46 CFS. The problem is the road is closed at the Boca dam due to snow. If you have a way to get in like a snow mobile, ski’s etc. it can be pretty good fishing. There have been some Midges and Baetis hatching especially on cloudy days. Be careful the snow is deep and there are some even deeper drifts on the way in. Warmer weather is approaching and the road should clear in a few weeks if we do not get any more big storms.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The Truckee current flow in Reno is 464 CFS.
Nymphing has been best overall method. Copper Johns 12-18 and Psycho Prince Nymphs have been the flies of choice.
This time of year it's best to fish mid day into the afternoon.
Lure fishermen are using Rapala Countdowns in orange and gold.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season. 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 Reno Fly Shop (775) 825-FISH www.renoflyshop.com reported:
East Walker River:
Flows are 224 CFS. They have been steadily rising for the past couple of weeks. There is a tremendous snow pack in the Sierras and the Sweetwater mountains and Bridgeport Reservoir is just about full. Look for flows to go even higher in the weeks to come.
It is fishable but on the verge of not crossable. Be careful wading.
This is a great time of year to see Stoneflies on the East Walker.
Nymphing and streamer fishing is the way to go right now. With higher flows be sure to use enough weight to get your flies down.
Fish the edges and seams out of the fast water where the fish will be holding out of the fast current.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
East Walker River: Water flow 599 CFS. Heavy flow puts an end to fishing right now.


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 227 CFS and steady there for 3 days as of 3/11.
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 with warmer weather. Dry action not stellar but you will catch some of those big ol' EW hogs subsurface Nymphing or swinging a streamer.

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 raise 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 Mountains.

Photo info: Greg Pierce of Georgetown, South Carolina holds an estimated 6-7 pound (26 inches in length) rainbow trout that was caught and released recently on the Truckee River.
It was caught on a No. 10 Tiger Worm Nymph fly.
He was with fishing guide Mike Curtis of Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters of South Lake Tahoe. www.tahoeflyfishing.com www.tahoeflyfishing.com).
—Photo courtesy of Mike Curtis