Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of April 2-8

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 April 2-8, 2014. Opening day for fishing in California is Saturday, April 26.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Lake Almanor Fishing Report, March 30, 2014
We have Browns! and a little much needed precipitation at Lake Almanor.
Here what's been happening out on the water.
The beautiful spring weather was pushed out by a cold front that moved through the area over the weekend. The front brought some rain and even a little snow to Lake Almanor (I had about 2 inches of the white stuff at Canyon Dam Boat Launch on Sunday morning).
In addition to the moisture we saw an increase in SW winds but certainly nothing that was going to stop us from the pursuit of Trophy Browns, in fact the winds were generally light until about 10:30 each morning, totally fishable. The surface temp lost a few degrees due to the front which is actually a good thing, and should keep the big browns on the chew.
Despite the drop in surface temps, large bug hatches continue to pop all along Almanor's east shore as well as the peninsula, providing yet another good source of food for these already obese Almanor fish.
The storm also brought a drop in traffic to the lake, that said, there were still a fair amount of people out taking advantage of the opportunities both in boats and from shore.
Our catch has been 95% Browns with a few Kings as well as a few big Bows in the mix. With Browns running 3 to 7.5 pounds, Kings that are 20 inches and over 3 pounds as well as Bows going 3 to 5 pounds this is some exciting spring action. The Quest for Big Browns in 2014 continues, stay tuned, more are on the way.

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:
This lake is ice free, fishing is fair, though as the water temperatures start to warm fishing should pick up.
The old standby of worms or Power Bait should work.
Fly rodders should be using small olive buggers, hares ears, small leeches and chironomids. On some of the warmer, sunny afternoons give small pale morning duns, Adams, elk hair caddis or mosquito patterns a try.

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.

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

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

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 31, 2014
We received about 12 inches of new snow over the weekend.  We did not receive any new fishing reports from the fishermen that braved the cold.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
There are fish thinking about the spawn still and others eating, east side has the highest populations but good reports are coming from Eagle Point.
Small black midges, blood midges are out.
The usual flies are working, but smaller nymphs are getting more attention.
Water temps 47-50 degrees. Everything will be stalled if snow hits the lake in the next week, and depending how much falls could dictate access as well.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are still finding good success along the roadside shoreline using Power Bait, worms or small spinners.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Power Bait and Eggs in a variety of colors the ticket this week for rainbows.

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

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.
High winds and snow have made fishing a challenge here. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails. 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 3/29.
(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! Expect nice baetis hatches during the snows, if you're willing to try.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah is completely ice free and the water temperature is around 45 degrees and climbing.
Fishing is borderline fair to good. Minnow imitations, natural baits and wooly buggers are all worth a try here.
Fish the northern shorelines (they get the most sun and warm up first) in the shallows as the trout cruise them looking for bugs to eat.

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.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are up on the river and fishing has improved.
Anchovies are the bait of choice with both striped bass and catfish responding well. One lucky angler reeled in a 10-pound striper and a nine-pound catfish while fishing from shore near Davis Dam.
There has been light action from the largemouth bass along the river and they are beginning to make their beds in preparation to spawn.

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 tough week on the water with varying weather conditions and falling water levels.
Those who have found success for striped bass are using live shad as bait, which can be found in the back of Vegas Wash. Look for them in about four feet of water.
With the fluctuating water levels boaters should be aware of sandbars and submerged rocks.
It seems the tilapia are thriving as anglers have reported bringing in many in the three-pound range.
New moon is March 30 and fishing under a light has aided angler success.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the Ultimate Bass Tournament taking place out of Cottonwood Cove last weekend anglers were out in full force, both the competitors and recreational anglers alike.
With calm conditions anglers were able to sight fish smallmouth bass on the rocky shelves. Many of the fish reeled in by anglers were in the three- to four-pound range, and the tournament’s big fish was 5.39 pounds.
Square bills and deep diving crankbaits were among the productive lures anglers used.

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.
Salmon season (except for coho) is open in the ocean from March 15 – April 30. The ocean salmon season for the rest of the 2014 will be determined in early April. 

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:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River (3-30-14)
Much slower  recently for the larger migratory rainbows you see pictured below. We call them “Crowley Steelhead” & for good reason. They possess most every characteristic of an ocean run rainbow and fight just as hard.
The bulk of these winter run fish have spawned and are returning back to the lake. Good numbers of catchable browns also on the chew.
You can do very well on a dry/dropper combo rig using flashback PT’s and a hi-vis para BWO #14 as the upper during the emergences.
Caddis going BERSERK around the confluence of Hot Creek, lot’s of numbers here. 
Roads along the river are fine & access is good as of 3/28, this might change if we get lower elevation snow from the next storm forecast to hit on 3/31/14.
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 patterns 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 3/31/14
It has been consistently inconsistent here. You could have a twenty fish day, or if the fish switch turns off just a few.
The surface action has been disappointing the last few days, nymphing has been good. I believe it has to do with dissolved oxygen and water temperatures emanating from Pleasant Valley dam.
The Middle Owens is a tailwater fishery and this shallow reservoir can have “mixed” batches of water moving through at times.
The BWO/PMD 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.
The caddis hatches are 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.  Mayfly adults have upright wings, twin tails, and ride high in the foam lines.
The pale morning duns (PMD’s) are good sized for mayfly adults.  Use a #16 pattern for these sulphur bodied duns. 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. 
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 3/29.
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 3/29.
Fishing conditions:
Great. Some action before noon, but the bite really gets going around 1-2. Mostly bigger mayflies. Saw some stones but they're not much bigger than the mayflies. Not a whole lot in the way of surface activity.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. Reports of flows upward of 100cfs as of 3/29* due to work on power facilities. Not sure if this is still true, call the shop for the latest information.
Fishing conditions:
No recent reports. Sizable mayfly hatches daily.
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 to find the bigger fish.
They're sipping mayflies on top around mid-day in the moving water.

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.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports: This is the time of year that angler come from all over the West and even the Country to fish for Giant Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
March and April brings a little warmer weather and the migration of these fish into shallow water looking for a stream to splash their eggs into for a new generation of fish to begin their lives of the World’s largest Cutthroat Trout. The spawning channel at Pyramid Lake is the perfect place for this phenomenon to take place. Fish are geared up to run the artificial stream right now in search of the perfect place to lay their eggs.
The Hatchery water is on but most of the fish are not quite ready to spawn.
There are many beaches that fish are cruising the shallows and plenty of fish are being caught by shore fisherman.
There have been some slow days and some really good days.
Most of it is weather based. Stormy weather patterns over the next week or so should really help the fishing at Pyramid. We should be in a good fishing pattern for the next few weeks.
Nymphing will be working well for the remainder of the season.
Red, Wine and Black Maholo Nymphs continue to be a great choice for flies. The Albino Wino Midge is also a must have.
Mark Fore and Strike, Keine’s Fly Shop, Orvis of Reno and California Fly Shop are all places to purchase these flies.
Shooting Heads are also working well. Olive Martini’s and Bloody Marys have been tough to beat.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Wind has diminished and fairly smooth currently..
Fishing conditions:
Week started with wind and overcast and it got wide open like 30 to 50 fish per day per angler.
Wind fell off and counts went down to 4 or 5 daily but some 10+ pounders were coming to the net.
But that is the nature of Pyramid Lake. 
When the conditions are right it is truly amazing, and when you have the wrong conditions, it can get very tough. 

RUBY LAKE NAT. WILD. REFUGE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report:
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 and of course don’t forget about chironomids.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of April 1, 2014 water flow is currently 3,250 CFS. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is awesome. 
Trout fishing Redding area, fishing is great. Mild weather....
Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 26 inches, from 20 to 40 fish days to the net. Fishing is great rain or shine.
Trout fishing through the town of Redding has been excellent.
Fishing Keswick Dam to Balls Ferry ramp.
Using PMD's,  Black Caddis, 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:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
April 1, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing.
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good, depending on what you are after.
Bass fishing is great! A few rainbows being caught.
The bass fishing is excellent now.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead are present in the Smith. There is no hatchery program in the Smith River, so the area is primarily a catch and release fishery.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat dock is in the water at the main boat ramp and the water is clearing.
Still some stained water at the inlet end of the lake to the south, but the north and east sides of the lake are fairly clear.
The south end of the lake has produced both nice trout and some sporadic wipers in three to four feet of water.
Jet Ski Beach, as always, seems to be the popular place to fish, but anglers shouldn’t ignore the eastern shore.
With water climbing into the mid 40’s, fish are looking for water that is even just a degree or two warmer and the eastern and northern shorelines get the most afternoon sun causing these areas to have a bit warmer water later in the day.
Fishing for trout is fair to good, depending upon the day, and fly fishermen have had success with black and red chironomids as well as olive seal buggers and olive crystal buggers.
Bait anglers are having success with rainbow Power Bait or worms.
A few bass are starting to show up in the creel.
Remember, you may not keep any black bass between March 1st and June 30th, they must be released immediately back into the water.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
April 1, 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, 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:
Tough water year for irrigators.
West Walker irrigators to only receive 1.4% of normal water deliveries and East Walker irrigators will only get 9%.
One must have water rights from 1872 or earlier to receive any water.
East Walker has not been above 200 CFS last two years and I would be surprised if it gets above 150 CFS at any time this summer. A hot summer combined with low flows could spell trouble for the trout in the East Walker.
East Walker, Nevada side.
Flows have been stable at 26 CFS on Nevada side for a week.
Not a lot of fish being caught, but quality is good.
Been getting 14-20 inch bows and browns high sticking nymphs with some smaller fish thrown in. We found fish in deeper runs in the morning.
Fish would move into shallower feelings areas as the afternoon brought on the BWO hatch. Target anything over 6 inches deep at head of runs.
Look for fish in pockets and buckets.
Late afternoon brings a BWO hatch that brings some fish to the surface. Target rising fish with small dries or try a Skawala imitation.

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 30, 2014 
The East is running at 40 CFS right now and is fishing excellent! Lots of good nymphing going on, we've also had a few good reports on streamers and some really good reports on dries, especially on the Nevada side!
The weather has been a bit sketchy with some storms and wind blowing through but other than that things have been great. Some patterns that have been working both on the Cali and NV sides include: rainbow warrior, silver streak, mercury midge, san juan worm, flossy worm, top secret midge, dark lord, zuddler, zonker, moal leech, jj special, mini leech, designated hitter, para madam x, chubby chernobyl, para adams.           
Sceirine Ranch:
March 30, 2014
The ranch has also been fishing very well, there's been a couple tough days because of the wind and weather but most days it's been pretty good.
On the warmer days the skwala's are coming off and the fish are looking up for them so the dry action or dry/dropper action has been pretty good.
Refer to the pattern list above as these flies will also work well on the ranch
Hunewill Pond:
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 bumped up to 40 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 23 CFS as of 3/29.
Fishing conditions:
Poor. We're fishing elsewhere until they start putting some more water through here.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
March 30, 2014
Haven't heard much from the West this week, I'd expect it to be the same as last week though, small wooly buggers, maybe some attractor nymphs like princes or pheasant tails or zug bugs. Be sneaky so as not to spook the fish, search out the deeper pools where the fish will be hanging out.
Remember it's catch and release until the regular season opens

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is ice free, but the boat ramp is out of the water and launching a boat is difficult due to very soft, muddy shorelines.
Fishing has been fair with most anglers using Power Bait or worms from shore near the state park boat ramp.
Fly anglers should be using buggers, chironomids, leeches and hares ears.
Once the water starts warming up more, fishing should start to improve.

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 but is starting to clear.
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.
Anglers should use the same presentations and techniques as at South Fork.

— Don Quilici is a Carson City resident and the Outdoor editor of Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.