Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of March 19-25

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 March 19-25, 2014.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting that the north fork is a bit clearer.
You may have fair catches from Canyon Dam to Lake Cove this week.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is frozen and the road is snow covered. Travel isn’t recommended and there will not be a report on this lake until next spring.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Road closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Road closed.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East:
Upstream from Hangman's Bridge, closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Carson River West:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There is a ring of water around the lake and the ice is unsafe. The south end is starting to open up and there is some open water to fish there.
Try casting a small spinner, jig or fly onto the ice and twitch it along the ice very slowly until it falls into the water. Fish will often follow the sound hoping for a meal to drop into the water.

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

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

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fish have been moving closer to shore recently. Anglers report catching a trout or two, using  bobbers and worms.  About 6 pm seems to be the most active right now.
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of the J &J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
March 14, 2014
The boat dock at Camp Five is in the water.
Lake level is 67%  Water surface temp is in the low to mid 40's.
Trolling: 1.4 to 1.6 MPH and fishing at about 10 feet.
Red Dot Frog has been working well.
Bank: Mallard Cove, Coot Bay, Grasshopper have been doing well. 
Eagle Point has been hit or miss.
Fly: As reported the lake seems to be about a month or so ahead of norms for the bugs.  Pheasant Tail has been working well.
Reminder: 
No Fishing in Honker Cove, all streams into Lake Davis are closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day. 
At the dam area must be North of the Buoy.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Davis has been fishing well.
It seems as though things are happening a little early this year at Davis. Blood Midges have been hatching mid to late mornings already.
Fishing small flies under an indicator or stripped slowly with a hover line or an intermediate line has been working well.
Blood Midge patterns in size 12-14 as the bottom fly is a great way to start. The Albino Wino we use at Pyramid Lake is a great Blood Midge imitation.
Fish are wandering around in the coves looking for moving water in the creeks. Try fishing shallow Creek Channels in the lake in 6-12 feet of water.
Contact Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters 775.742.1754.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for rainbow trout while fishing off the dock with nightcrawlers.
Those fishing the shoreline are finding success with small Mepp’s spinners or yellow Power Bait.
The fish are in the 10- to 12-inch range.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Power Bait has been the ticket for bait fishermen both off the dam and along the shoreline. Those looking to enjoy a little more action have been doing well with small spinners such the Mepps.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting catching one or two steelhead, even with the low water levels which are making it more difficult.  
Courtesy of FISHWITHJD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting that they are doing well this week banking on all sides of the lake. Those who are trolling are doing fairly well also. 
Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the Friday before Labor Day, 2014.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 5 CFS. Nicer weather has improved fishing here. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails. The BWO's are beginning to show in decent numbers and surface action has improved.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek (3/17/14)
The warmer weather has melted all the snow and access is very good currently. Additional water from recent storms coupled with warmer weather have spread the fish out and opened some riffle water. 
Strong midge & mayfly activity occur daily. The small spring caddis are also popping here. #18/20 hi-vis elk hair imitations will suffice, try some crystal olive caddis larva patterns for nymphs.
Dry dropper rigs using para midge or hi-vis para BWO or blue wing olive adult patterns #14-18 as an upper, while dropping a broken back zebra or tiger midge, assassin bird’s nest, or crystal olive caddis/zebra larva pattern will get you into fish in the slots between the weeds.
Lengthen your leaders to ten feet here, 5X is a good tippet size.
The deeper pools can be fished with weighted attractors like SJ worms and egg patterns hung beneath an Under-cator. A hot rig is an olive or light Punk Perch as your upper fly with an assassin or PT as a dropper. You may also “swing cast” the Punk across the deeper slots and pools for a shot at one of the bigs that hunker along the weed lines or in the gut of the larger holes.
Use the yellow, or clear for short water nymphing. Midge cluster, or para midge adults in the #20-24 range are hot flies for surface action.  BWO adults fished high in the suds #16/18 also good calls afternoon when the baetis start to emerge.
Access remains good as of 2/26/14 however the forecast calls for some snow to hit on the weekend.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Flows at 29 CFS as of 3/13. (Note flows include water from the springs, not just the gauging station at the highway so this is what is really flowing through the canyon). Water is clear.
Fishing conditions:
Great! Fishing is getting better here every day! They're munching midges early, and then on to mayflies. Big ones too, not the size 20's you're used to! They're sipping adults and emergers on the surface after 11:30.
Switch back to nymphs once the wind picks up in the afternoon.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There is a ring of water here and some open water at the south end of the lake. Of note, due to warmer temps and melting snow pack the reservoir has risen about a foot over the last month.
The dirt road in is very rutted and muddy.
4WD vehicles only should be used here.
Minnow imitations, natural baits and wooly buggers are all worth a try here.

JAKES/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Jakes Creek is free of ice and the water level is good.
No weeds and fishing from shore should be productive this time of year.
Anglers should try Power Bait and worms or small spinners fished slowly.
Fly rodders should give hares ears, PT nymphs, zug bugs and prince nymphs along with wooly buggers a chance.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

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

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The conditions have been good this week. Most of the smaller fish are gone, leaving some nice size adult steelhead to catch.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Stripers are hungry and have been cruising the shallows for food.
Anglers have had success using anchovies and have reeled in multiple double-digit stripers.
Trout fishing has been slow with a few taken in the area of Big Bend State Park and Community Park.
Anglers have been catching nesting largemouth bass.
White and chartreuse spinner baits have worked well.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are telling us you should be able to catch a few smaller rainbows averaging 12” to 15”. 
The best time to fish is late morning to early afternoon.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

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

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
It has been a slow week for fishing out on the lake. Anglers trolling from Vegas Wash to Sand Island reported only a few bites. Live shad or anchovies have been producing some fish. One bright spot is the Callville Bay area where action has been good for striped bass.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The action for largemouth bass has been improving in the coves. Work the shallows in about six to 25 feet of water, using plastics or nightcrawlers.
Smallmouth bass action has been fair with most fish hanging out on rocky shelves and taking similar baits.
Stripers are still spotty, although a few fish are showing early in the morning on top-water and reaction baits.
The catfish bite continues to pick up as well.
The best fishing is at night with anchovies.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are saying this lake has been fair this week.
You can expect to catch a couple black bass.
Courtesy of Oroville Outdoors.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 55 CFS. The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Fishing is slow. Some larger lake fish showing up here and there. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available.
Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow 100 CFS. Fishing is  good  in the wild trout section with WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears.
Nice hatch of BWO's around mid day but the fish seem to prefer the emergers over the duns. Caddis hatch has been strong.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River (3-15-14)
It was like a day in May here on 3/15/14.  Cold at kick-off time, but quickly warmed into the 60′s as soon as the sun got up some. 
Very heavy pressure this weekend, and it took its toll on the numbers of large fish we have been averaging.
The fish got skittish with the constant presence of anglers & would move out of the gravel and under the cuts quickly.
Caddis hatch went BERSERK around the confluence of Hot Creek, lot’s of numbers here. 
Roads along the river are fine & access is good.
We are seeing good midge and mayfly (BWO #16) activity daily if the wind does not hook up. There is also increasing caddis activity upstream to the Long Years section after noon.
The school sized fish are active and feeding.
Have some mayfly nymphs like flashback PT’s, assassins, hares ear, #14/20.  The dark assassin bird’s nest IS the hot fly #14/16, along with the egg patterns we are selling at Reagan’s in Bishop, and the Crowley General Store. You will also want broken-back articulated or regular crystal tiger and zebra midges, crystal olive zebras and caddis larva patterns #14/18 for tandem nymph rigs fished beneath an Under-cator.
On bright sunny days use the yellow or clear 3/4 inch Under-cator.  It will not be as obtrusive to the wily trout.
Hi-vis para BWO adults are good to use as an indicator on a dry/dropper bead head rig.  Parachute midge patterns #20/22 are also hot surface flies for the sipping trout late morning. #18/16 BWO adults are also on the menu, I really believe in the quill wing ones I sell and use, check them out at the least. The hot rig during off hatch periods is a crystal leech, dark assassin, or SJ worm as your upper fly. 
Use the Otter egg patterns we sell at Reagan’s, and Crowley General store as the lower. This set-up is just flat deadly, and we have perfected how to rig and present it to fool those Crowley Steelhead.
Streamer fishing can also be productive using a light or clear sinking tip. This is a good option if the wicked witch of the west blows in.
Use Loebergs, punk perch, agent orange, or crystal leeches working the deeper cut banks & pools from an upstream position.
Book a trip with us and you will obtain the keys to the castle & learn how to catch these incredible fish.
The spring run rainbows are just beginning to move & water conditions should be excellent this season with stable conditions.
GUIDE TIP: 
Winter time takes are as soft as a butterflies kiss, so set on anything.  If your Under-cator stops, shimmies, hovers, or plunges, SET IT!  I tell clients look for reasons to set the hook, not excuses why you didn’t! Swings are free, and you can’t strike out while fly fishing. Try to set the hook moving your rod the direction your indicator is moving. This establishes ANGLE & insures you pull the hook INTO the fish, not out of its mouth.
Anything 4 feet or deeper may hold a fish or two.
Middle Owens River 3/17/14
Fishing is as good as it gets in the wild trout section at times.
Flows are back down to 100 CFS.
The BWO mayfly & spring caddis hatch is in full swing and the wild fish are moving into the riffle water and tail outs to feed mid-day. You will also see some good caddis hatches coming off afternoon. The trout are really keying in on these hatches & you may experience a decline in grabs after the emergences some days.
The midge hatch is nearly a blanket emergence on the high pressure days.  These smaller insects are a mainstay for the Sierra’s trout.  Use very small patterns like tiger and zebra midges with crystal tails #20/22 to imitate the shucks they crawl from.
# 20/22 gillies, pupa, & crystal emergers work well while nymphing beneath an Under-cator.  Midge cluster patterns and parachute adults #20/22 are best for dry fly enthusiasts.
The BWO or baetis mayfly hatch is also a hot ticket now.
The recent warm weather has also triggered the beginning of the spring caddis emergence. On the high pressure calmer days you will see good numbers of these light bodied delta winged insects covering the water. 
Hi-vis Elk hair caddis adults are good replicas #16/18.
Nymph patterns like assassins birds nest, flashback pheasant tails, and ribbed hares ear patterns work great to represent the larger sub-surface profiles. #14/18 are good calls.  The adults have upright wings, twin tails, and ride high in the foam lines.  First generation adults are larger-#14/18 will get looks if you keep them high riding in the suds or foam lines.
“The foam is home, don’t roam from the foam” during a good mayfly hatch!
Streamer fishing using the “dip & strip” (see my guide tips on how to fish this method- top of any page of this site),  is also productive & will fool larger trout more often.
During low light periods , or “off hatch” cycles use the Spruce-A-Bu.  This has been my top producing fly for many years on this river fooling countless larger trout. 
With the fish feeding now and warmer water temps, patterns like olive and light punk perch #12/16, Loebergs #10, crystal leeches & agent orange #12/16 are good choices. 
Recent drift trips have the olive punk perch as the top producer. This fly is a “strymph” pattern.  Cross between a streamer and a nymph. Use these with a light sinking tip & swing your fly into the foam lines or main current-do not cast on top of where the fish are holding so you don’t put them down or spook them. And did I mention the first little yellow stoneflies are popping?
It be true! Stimulators are great representations for the adults #14/16.  Larger PT’s and assassin birds nest are great as nymph clones #14/12.
Flows are currently at 106 CFS and stable. 
The LADWP real time gauge at the Pleasant Valley outlet is currently functioning (I have a link to it on my resources page of this site).
The “Middle Owens” near Bishop was once named the “Lower Owens “and was changed since the LORP project re-watered the section of river down from Tinemaha Reservoir a few years back.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water conditions:
Flows at 54 CFS as of 3/13. Water stained below the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Fish are spread out, most of the bigger fish have made their way back down to the lake. That doesn't mean there aren't a few still hanging around.
Lower Owens River:
Water conditions:
Excellent - Flows at 100 CFS as of 3/13.
Fishing conditions:
Excellent!!!Flows were upwards of 120 CFS a few days ago, but have since dropped back down to around 100. This has had no real effect on the fishing, and it continues to be very good.
Standard fare, with midges early, and a good mayfly hatch mid-day.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. Flows upward of 100 CFS as of 3/13 due to work on power facilities.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Sizable mayfly hatches daily. Sounds like fun down there!
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Water conditions:
Clear and cold. Lake levels are still dropping.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Stick to the inlet section up top if you want to find the bigger fish.
They're sipping mayflies on top around mid-day in moving water section.

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

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Has dried up.
Blue Lakes:
Closed.
Knott Creek Reservoir:
Closed.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Make sure you are prepared on this river as it is very remote.
Fishermen are reporting good fishing action this week.  
One fishermen just caught an 18” rainbow a couple days ago.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR AND THE GORGE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir and The Gorge 3/17/14
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Conditions are darn near perfect here with the rez level excellent for fly fishing the transition area. It is very low so watch the mud. The transition area is much further south currently at this level.
Check out the short river section just down from the powerhouse using dry dropper combos like hi-vis para BWO and stimulators as the upper-broken back tiger and zebra midges, assassin birds nest, flashback PT’s, crystal olive zebras, and copper or dark tiger midges as the nymph.
Don’t “roam from the foam” as the fish really line up on this section of water to feed on the emergers drifting down in the slower current.
Tubing has also been very productive using Loebergs, Punk Perch, Agent Orange, & crystal leeches. Use a full or heavy sinking tip line. Still water nymphing Crowley style can also get you into big numbers along the drop-offs.  Use Broken back midges like gillies and tigers, crystal emergers, and pupa patterns are good calls as upper flies on a tandem rig.
Stick to tigers and zebras as the lower flies.
With the warmer weather no access issues except for the high water near the tree line at the inlet. This location was heavily planted for a trout derby and should fish well for a couple weeks.
The Gorge:
The Gorge is fishing well in the deeper pools & pocket water.
Late winter & fall are excellent periods to visit this area as the dense foliage and brambles are not so much a factor. 
You will see huge midge and mayfly emergence’s on the good weather days.
Caddis are popping in the afternoon.
Dry/dropper bead head rigs are deadly here.  I like flashback PT’s in #18/20, assassins in #16/18, & crystal olive caddis larva in #18/20 as nymphs.
Dry fly action is also good for better casters who can turn a leader over in compromising areas.
It is wise to fish downstream of your target water here, don’t expect to get across from the wild browns here-they will spook instantly when they get a shadow on them.
Tie on a #16/18 BWO adult, or parachute midge #20 for consistent surface takes during the hatch.  Midges in the morns-mayflies at noon.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
It is that time of year again at Pyramid Lake. In the middle of March each year thousands of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout make their way into shallow water around the lakes shoreline in search of moving water. It is spawning season. Not only do the trout start their migration but so do anglers from all over the country.
The next 6 weeks at Pyramid will undoubtedly the best and busiest place to fish in the area.
We have a few trout of over 20 pounds that have been caught and lots of fish in the 10-20 pound range already this season.
The numbers of fish caught is starting to go up as well. There have been a few 20-30 fish days and plenty of 10-20 fish days.
You still have to look out for the occasional blue bird sunny no wind day here and there that makes the fishing tough.
Nymphing rigs and shooting head set-ups are both working well. It is best to have both rigs set up and be ready to switch at any time.
Fish are spread out all over the lake and can be caught from Popcorn Beach on the South end of the lake to Monument Rock on the North end.
For the Nymphing rig Red or Wine colored Maholo Nymphs, Copper Tops and Albino Wino’s are working well for sure. Midnight Cowboy’s, Olive Martini’s and Popcorn Beetles are tough to beat fished on the bottom.
Mark Fore and Strike and Orvis both have these flies locally in Reno.
There is a new section on the beaches page, www.pyramidlakeflyfishing.com/fishing/beaches/ that helps out with depth to fish your flies under an indicator on most of the beaches at the lake.
Contact Rob Anderson www.pyramidlakeflyfishing.com.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Minimal wind and chop.
Fishing conditions:
Our string of spring storms have left us with clear skies and warm temps. 
The lack of wind and clear conditions have made fishing a bit tougher. 
Although, the nice days have been warming up the water, it's currently 45 degrees in the shallows and we are starting to see more and more fish cruising the drop offs. 
We have been spending most of our time at the Nets, with the afternoons being better than the mornings. 
Typical scores have been between 5 and 15 fish per person.

RUBY LAKE NAT. WILD. REFUGE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Refuge is ice free and fishing has been fair on most days, though occasionally it approaches the good category.
Small olive buggers, hare’s ears, leech and egg patterns should all work. Give damsel and dragon fly nymphs a try as well. Of course don’t forget about chironomids.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.:

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen say you should do pretty well this week drifting.
There are reports of seeing up to 25” rainbows.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
You can expect tough fishing conditions with all the muddy water this week.
Ney Springs and the Cantara area are your best bet anglers have said. Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is great. 
Trout fishing Redding area, fishing is great. Mild weather....
Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 22 inches, from 12 to 20 fish days.
We are fishing rain or shine.
Some stretches on the river are fishing better than others, focusing on the south part of the Redding area, Bonneyview and below. 
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails & Brown Micro Mays, Yellow Sucker Spawn.
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
For those of you who are not fly fisherman, we offer spin fishing trips on the Sacramento River are available.
We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California. 
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Reports from fishermen are saying that Bass fishing has been good. Even though the lake level is very low you can still plan to catch a few fish. Courtesy of Phil’s Propeller.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of small to average sized Mackinaw Trout caught on the west side of the lake near Homewood in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.

TOPAZ LAKE, NEV/CALIF:
The lake was stocked at the Douglas County Campground boat ramp by the Nevada Department of Wildlife with 5,400 rainbow trout at mid-day on Monday, March 17.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen report that they are not seeing the numbers they would normally see for this time of year. A few runs every so often. It might be a challenge for fishermen right now.
Courtesy of E.B. Duggan.
                            
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers are reporting that the best fishing conditions are now. The word is, this is the time of year that the big steelhead are passing through.
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:
March 17, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Trinity River steelhead fishing is awesome.  Trinity River is low but very productive, 4 to 10 fish hooked and landed, a day, on average.
Fishing daily, now is time for steelhead fishing.
We are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well. 
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
The Truckee is really starting to settle out after a few days last week of unsettled weather. The flows are great from the Boca Bridge area downstream through Reno.
All indications is that we have enough water in the Truckee River basin to have average flows at least through July 15th. Then it could get pretty low if we do not see some more rain and snow this spring.
The water is cold and clear.
There have been some Baetis hatches from around noon till about 3:00 pm especially on the Nevada side of the river.
Cloudy non windy days are usually the best for dry fly fishing but the fish are eating nymphs every day.
We should start to see some Skwalas start to appear in the coming weeks.
This is spawning time for the Rainbows in the river so be very careful when wading and leave spawning fish alone to do their thing.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 105 CFS, Boca Bridge 382 CFS, Farad 418 CFS, Reno 420 CFS and Vista 458 CFS.
Contact Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters 775.742.1754.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new updates. No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lakes since 2009.
Launching is not possible right now.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Flows have dropped to 22 CFS and have been that way for about a week.
Fish are back into winter mode hunkering down in the deeper slow moving pools. Flows are going to be an issue and worth keeping an eye on before you go to the East Walker for sure.
The good news is that irrigation will not send the flows into big numbers this season and we should be able to fish the East Fork all the way into summer.
The bad news is this summer could be fatal to the fish population if they are not able to keep the flows up a bit and avoid over heating the fish as the weather gets hot in the Bridgeport area.
We could see some Stones any day and there are plenty of small bugs out and about. Nymphing has been the way to go but keep your eye out for rising fish on the California side especially.
Small nymphs fished on light tippet is a good way to start.
Make sure you have a stealthy approach as well.
Contact Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters 775.74.1754.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
March 16, 2014 
The East is back down to 22 CFS right now and has been there for a few days. The fishing is still pretty good but of course the fish have been pushed back into the deeper pools so there's where you're going to want to focus your attention. You're still going to want to be in stealth mode as the fish tend to be pretty spooky with the lower water.
Temps are good and the weather has been great which always makes for an enjoyable day on the water.
Nymphing has been the best method for success though we have had a couple decent reports on streamers and there's been some decent dry action though not very consistent.
Patterns to try include: silver streak, copper john, flashback emerger, top secret midge, rainbow warrior, brassie, san juan worm, dark lord, zuddler, wooly bugger, jj special and mini leeches.          
Sceirine Ranch:
March 16, 2014
The ranch is still fishing well also, lots of nice fish in the 16 to 20 inch range being pulled out of the deeper pools and slots. You can go with the same patterns listed on the Cali side down on the ranch.      
Hunewill Pond:
March 16, 2014
The pond if frozen now, we'll start checking in March or so and let you know when it thaws!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has dropped to 22 CFS. Fishing is tough.
Midge patterns, baetis emergers and pheasant tails.


WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River (3/17/14)
Flows back down to 22 CFS after a short period of increase to 70 CFS.
March is a great month to fish here and you can expect some consistent BWO hatches. If the levels improve you may want to dash up here.
Pressure has been light and reports of fair to good “catching” came in when the flows came up.
The West Walker has also opened to year around fishing & one may consider doing a Walker combo trip?  
The EW has had a tough time the last couple of years due to extended low flows from dry winters causing poor overall conditions.
Fish counts are not what they were several seasons ago and what remains are concentrated in the deepest pools and runs.
Some significant storms in March could improve conditions greatly for Bridgeport Reservoir and the EW. We are keeping our fingers crossed!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Poor. Flows at 22 CFS as of 3/13.
Fishing conditions:
Poor. Flows back down to 22 CFS as of 3/13. It was good while it lasted.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
March 16, 2014
We've had a couple good reports on the West this week, it sounds like the fish are being a bit picky but anglers are bagging a few here and there.
Sounds like by far the best patterns are small black or olive wooly buggers.
The water is very clear on the West so you really need to be sneaky so as not to spook those fish. It also sounds like most of the fish that are being caught are very nice, in the 18 to 22 inch range!
Also, keep in mind that it's the West Walker that is open now, NOT the Little Walker. We've seen some anglers fishing on the Little where it is still closed, make sure you're on the right stretches of water or you risk being cited for poaching.      

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This lake is deceptively cold. There are plenty of trout near the Power House, however fishing this lake is very difficult even for the veterans.  There seems to be a code of silence when it comes to fishing this lake. Trial and error and a whole lot of patience is the key to ultimate success here. Courtesy of FISHINGNOTES.COM.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water is starting to open up though there it is still about 90% ice covered. In a number of spots, anglers have enough open water to fish.
A great tactic this time of year is to cast a small spinner, jig or fly onto the ice and twitch it along the ice very slowly until it falls into the water.
Fish will often follow the sound under the ice and be waiting at the ice edge for the insect to fall into the water.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is down to around 5% of capacity and turbid.
It is not worth the trip. This fishery is probably gone until we get enough moisture to recharge both it and the surrounding lands.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson’s conditions are similar to South Fork and the lake is ice free.
The water is turbid.
The county road was graded a couple of weeks ago and the ranch road was in good shape, so as long as it is dry, you should be able to get here okay.
Don’t expect to be able to launch a boat any time soon. The boat ramp is still about 40 feet out of the water and with the small snowpack, the boat ramp may never be in the water this year and the lake is definitely not going to spill unless we have one heck of a wet spring.
Like South Fork expect fishing to be picking up here as well.

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