Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of March 26 to April 2

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 26 through April 2, 2014.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fish are biting.
Rainbows, browns, and salmon are all being caught this week.  
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
The Spring Brown Bite Continues!
Got a few minutes in the office and wanted to throw out a quick update.
The beautiful spring weather has the Browns in high gear and aggressively hammering out baits, sending many of them completely airborne.
The quality of the fish has been outstanding this season, probably due to the massive amount of feed in the form of Pond Smelt these fish have been eating. To give you an idea we are seeing some fish break the 5 pound mark at 22 inches in length, and break the 7 pound mark at only 25 inches.
Those are some thick fish.

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.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level is very low at 27% capacity. Lake is free of ice and is coming up slightly. With the expectation of a stocking of DFW trout this week fishing here should improve but the weather may delay this stocking and may keep most of us from fishing this week.

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.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead season closes the end of March, but good late season river conditions continue to help anglers put steelhead on the bank.
Anglers are catching a mix of fresh and spawned out steelhead.
This is a good time of year to run plugs or cast spinners as water temperatures increase and steelhead become more aggressive.
Anglers will want to check flows before heading to the river.

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:
Bait fishing has been is pretty good at Mallard and Coots.
Fishermen say there are plenty of rainbows about 18-21 inches right now.
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
A report of slow fishing for both shore and boat fishermen on Saturday.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake has been fishing very well and with a stocking of DFW trout this past week fishing here will be even better! 
With temps nearing the 60 degree mark today this may be the last day of the week to get out and enjoy this lake if you're a fair weather fisherperson!  Winter is on its way with the expectation of over a foot at our elevation.  I'll believe it when I see it. 
Mack fishing has been good for those trolling with fish ranging in the teens!

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding improved fishing for rainbow, brown and tiger trout.
The roadside shoreline has been very productive. Most fish are in the 10- to 12-inch range, but a few trout measuring 14 inches also have been taken.
The bait of choice this week is garlic scented Power Bait.
Coloration doesn’t seem to matter.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow trout are still taking Power Bait in a variety of colors.
Nightcrawlers are also picking up fish.
No sign of the bass or crappie yet, but as water temps rise there should be some action soon.
All facilities at the park are open.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There is some good action happening on the river this week.
Both adult and junior steelhead are being caught throughout the river. Courtesy of American Fly Fishing CO.

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 2 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Flows at 22 CFS as of 3/21. (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! Should be very good this weekend if the wind stays down. They're eating small baetis on top mid-day and midge larva early in the morning. Been seeing some Caddis on the warmer days in the afternoon, sometimes they'll eat one, other times they won't even look at it.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
A report of good catch and release fishing all along the shoreline with Kastmaster lures last Saturday.

JACKSON MEADOWS, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
The road here is open to Jackson Meadows.  Be careful as there is still snow in patches on road in, and some have gotten into trouble trying to get here! 

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:
River conditions are good near Iron Gate Dam.
There is no fishing allowed at this time below the dam.
Fishermen are reporting catching one or two steelhead, even though we are nearing the end of the steelhead run.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
While fishing has been somewhat slow, great opportunities are still out there. One angler brought in a striped bass that weighed just over 21 pounds and measured 40 inches while fishing in the Community Park area.
He caught the fish on anchovies.
The fish had a pair of sunglasses in its stomach as well.
With the winds calming down and the weather warming, fishing should improve through the weekend.

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 10am to 2pm this week. 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:
Windy conditions kept many anglers off the water at the beginning of the week. As the gusts settle and temperatures begin to warm up, anglers should find better fishing.
Jerkbaits and crankbaits have been working well.
Anglers have been finding both largemouth and smallmouth bass deeper than expected. Look for them in about 20 to 30 feet of water.
Striped bass have been hitting top-water baits and anglers report that the fish are all very healthy.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Despite the wind, fishing has been good.
Most of the action is coming from largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Cooler water temperatures, combined with windy conditions, may have pushed the fish back to deeper water. Anglers are finding fish in 15 to 20 feet of water. That said, some fish have been found near structures in water as shallow as three feet.
Crankbaits and jerkbaits work well this time of year and anglers have also reported success with a drop shot.
The one consistent report is that the fish being caught are all large and appear very healthy.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is open at all depths until April 1.
Fishing for bottom fish has been good when the ocean has been calm enough to get out. Late winter/early spring is a great time to catch big lingcod in fairly shallow water. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two).
Retention of cabezon is not allowed until July 1.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing has been great this week. Fishermen are catching in depths of 2-20 feet for the most part on a wide variety of baits.  
Courtesy of Oroville Lake Bass Guide.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 54 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. 
Hatches have been sporadic lately and surface action is minimal.

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 3/21.
Water is stained below the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Flows are steady and so are the temperatures.
Not much changing here week over week.
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 99 CFS as of 3/21.
Fishing conditions:
Great. Fishing continues to be good. Not much changing here week to week.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. Reports of flows upward of 100 CFS as of 3/21due to work on power facilities. Not sure if this is still true, call the shop for the latest information.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Sizable mayfly hatches daily. Sounds like fun down there!
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Water conditions:
Clear and cold. Lake levels are stable for now.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Stick to the inlet section up top if you want the bigger fish. They're sipping mayflies on top around mid-day in the 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:
This week has been good we are told. The area between Pit #3 and Pit #5 seems to be a hot area for catches.
Make sure you are prepared on this river as it is very remote.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 32% capacity and is wide open now as the ice is gone. 
Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results. 

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
This year has been the comeback year for this lake as anglers are catching some large cutts.  Fishing here has been very good!  Using full sink lines or shooting heads after a running line is the way to go this time of year.  Woolley Worms, Beetles, and leech patterns. 
Recently though, fish are being caught of deeper points with nymph-indicator rigs.  Color is dependent on the day so come prepared. 
Best areas are Popcorn, Blockhouse, Wino, Monument, and Diego Bay. 

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been pretty good this week. Fishermen floating seem to be catching in the early morning hours. We have also been told from 12pm to 3pm has also been productive.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
If you are looking to wade fish, up around Conant Rd is a good place to start. Drifting is best around Dunsmuir this week fishermen are reporting. 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:
As of March 23, 2014 water flow is currently 3,250 CFS. 
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.
Trout are suspended from surface level to around 50 deep at this time.  Courtesy of Phil’s Propeller.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Fishing here may improve for the shore fisherman around the boat launch and cove leading up and down the shoreline with the expected stocking this week. With the weather forecast this may be delayed if they wait to stock around Wednesday though. 
Rick Kennedy reported Kokanee action with fish ranging in the 8-10 inch range in the top 10-15 feet of water and 10-12 inch range in 30-50 of water. 
Mack fishing has been consistent here.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.FishTightLines.com) report:
We launched at 7:00 AM (a little later than planned) and headed straight across from the ramp and started targeting Mackinaw.
We fished for Mack’s for a couple hours without a touch.
We noticed Kokanee breaking on the surface all morning, I threw out a top line with a dodger and spinner. It wasn’t long before we hooked two Kokanee landing one.  
As we got close to the island I marked some nice schools of Kokanee at 30 to 50 feet deep. We rigged up two Kokanee rods and dropped one to 25’ and the other to 50’. Both rods hooked up.
We ended up fishing this school for a half hour or so and putting a nice bunch of Kokanee in the box.  
We found another nice school off the point by the dam.
We caught our Kokanee on Sep’s Watermelon Strike Master Dodgers and a pink Uncle Larry’s spinner.
As far as corn, we didn’t have any! I had stripped my boat so they could use it in a show last week and forgot to put any back in. I did have some Berkley Power Grubs so I cut them in chunks and used that as corn.
The Kokanee we caught on the surface were only about 10” and the deeper ones were up to 12”. That’s small but it’s early.
The surface temp on Stampede today was 43 degrees.  
Launching is no problem; unfortunately there is no snow anywhere around the lake.

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.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen report catching a couple trout off the banks this week.
We have heard that bass fishing is starting to pick up as well.
Courtesy of FishSniffer.com. 

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers who are still hoping for winter chrome should get out here this week.  Fishermen are reporting catching some pretty big steelhead right now. It might be a challenge, but will be worth the time.
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 23, 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, BIG, CALIF AND NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Great weather this weekend and into today and then the weather looks like it's going back into a winter mode until Friday! 
Look for days before or after storm fronts to fish as these are key days that fish will feed for longer periods of time.  
More sightings of March Browns have been reported and Skwala stones. 
With some of the overcast days we may see this week look for some BWO and Baetis hatches. 
If you're a patient person (which I'm not) wait for heads to start breaking the surface or one can try to bump them on the nose repeatedly nymphing. 
Lots going on right now as fish are found everywhere in the river system, so get out if you have a chance and fish. 
Hatches this time of year will consist of Midges, BWO's, Baetis, Skwala Stones, and March Browns. 
Nevada:
Caution!  If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!  
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift.  Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

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, 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Poor. Flows at 22 CFS as of 3/21.
Fishing conditions:
Poor. We're fishing elsewhere until they start putting some more water through here.

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

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