Don Q's Nevada and northern California fishing report for July 4 holiday weekend

Here is the fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, northern California and the Sierra for the July 4 holiday weekend. Saturday, July 5 is free fishing day in California, which means anyone can fish without a license.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lots of visitors cooling off at the Lake this weekend – and cool it was – highs in the upper 70’s with a cool breeze coming off the Lake – yup, it was downright gorgeous and cool.
Saturday, July 5th is free fishing day. Don’t need a license on that day to fish, but you do need to abide by all the fishing regulations. If you’re not sure what they are, come on in and ask!
Catching is off the charts – loads of full stringers coming out and reports of oodles of fish being caught and released.
Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are on the menu at the Inlets – the DingleBerry Inlet in the back right-hand corner, the Little George Inlet in the back left-hand corner and the George Inlet about 200 yard toward the dam – oh, did I mention how cool it is?
If you’re trolling, give lures with a bit of red a try or just try dragging a Nightcrawler. Sitting in a boat and still-fishing, try the coves with Power Bait or Salmon Eggs or drifting in the channels with Nightcrawlers.
Kicking back on shore and enjoying the cool weather, just about any bait is working there.
Daniel McGrew along with Dan (Dad) of Ojai landed a nice 2-1/2 pound Rainbow on Power Bait while Julio Hurtado along with sons Julio Jr and Joshua of Riverside caught dinner using Salmon-Peach Power Bait. Sean Bozigian of Palmdale nabbed a 2-3/4 pound beaut using a Green Jig (picture to follow once I find the right camera cord). Cheryl Iwata and Ryan Iseri limited out in about 4-1/2 hours using Rainbow and Chartreuse Power Bait over near the spillway. Bo Pisarchuk, John May, Dwight Swearingen and Dustin Paladino of SoCal had some good times hooking into quite a few fish with lures and Power Bait. And it was the 11th Table Mountain Annual Fishing Invitational – the winner for the fourth time was Carlee Barnes snagging a 2-pounder with a Nightcrawler.
There’s red PaintBrush and Purple Iris dotting the landscape at the Lake these days – expecting the Gloriosa daisies and the wild roses to be popping out any day now.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Summary and Trail Report: And summer keeps rolling along with what snow is left at the passes quickly receding and wildflowers popping up anywhere.
More and more thru-hikers doing parts of the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail or the Sierra High Route are showing up to resupply as conditions continue to open up and backcountry access gets better.
Still some talk of high water flows in the feeder streams and Kings River headwaters while what little snow we did get this winter melts off fast with the incredible summer weather we've been getting.
The packers are almost ready to get over Bishop Pass too which should even further open up access to the high country for eager folks looking to enjoy the best of the High Sierra.
Wild Trout anglers reporting excellent fly fishing and spin fishing in the back country lakes of Bishop Creek Canyon, the Piute Pass area, Lamarck Lakes, Green Lakes Basin, Bishop Pass drainage and Sabrina Basin.
Bishop Creek South Fork
The creek just kept producing all week for both the bait folks, fly fishers and lure tossers.
Creek flows are still steady and a bit on the high side but perfectly fishable.
Best baits were half crawlers and salmon eggs, best flies were just about all small dries and large black ants, and mini-jigs, Panther Martins and Berkley Mice Tails for the lure folks.
Anglers working multiple stretches of the stream did best as now that we're 2 months into the fishing season the fish are starting to spread out a bit.
Weir Pond
Morning and evening hatches have made the Weir the hot spot for those who love fishing dries. It's mostly the smaller model Brookies and Brownies rising but even some of the hatchery Rainbows are being taken on the dries as well. Humpy, parachute adams, mosquito, and elk hair caddis are among the patterns enticing strikes. The spin fishers are doing well also on worms, salmon eggs as well as mini-jigs and trout worms in various colors.
Willow Pond (Beaver pond across from Willow Campground)
Usually somewhat of a sleeper spot in the canyon, we received multiple reports of excellent fishing from the few shore accessible spots as well as a dynamite bite for fly fishers with waders.
Pretty much the same fly selection as Weir will do you right.
North Lake
: No Reports.
Intake II
As busy as it was this weekend, not much in the way of reports from this location this week but the big news was an 8 lb 5 oz Rainbow caught by a young gal named Macy Terhark from Laguna Hills on a black fly.
Lake Sabrina
: Nothing but good news coming out of Lake Sabrina, especially for boaters making the run to the back of the lake to fish the main inlet. Multiple groups reported the bite to be "wide open" on just about anything in the tackle box. Bait and wait folks did well from shore on Powerbait and Gulp Eggs about midway back towards the inlet.
South Lake
: No reports from South Lake this week

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 29, 2014
Bridgeport is still fishing excellent for trolling, still fishing and the perch are still on the bite.
Bait anglers are fishing in the Rainbow point area, as well as the points to the North of Rainbow. There's also been some folks doing well out in the flats between Rainbow and the East shore of the lake.
Trollers are doing the best in the narrows near where the public marina is.
Anglers searching for perch are finding them near the dam and on some of the rocky points to the south of the dam.
Bait and lures to try include: mice tails, power bait, crawlers, needlefish, rapalas, blades/crawlers. 

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 6/29/14
Jeffery at the marina is telling us his rental boats are temporarily down due to the low water levels. Check with him for any changes.
The RV Park is in full operation and in tip top shape.  
Fishing remains good for planted rainbows with a few nicer browns showing up for conventional anglers/trollers.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
June 26
The trophy size rainbows are biting!
Our guest Val Whitley, from Half Moon Bay, was fishing off the shore, here at the resort this morning, when she caught a 3 lb. 20 inch Rainbow.
She was fishing off the bottom using a green rubber worm and power bait.

CARSON RIVER, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Current flow is 109 cfs near Gardnerville. Fishing should be good while current flows persist but will soon be too low.
Lure fisherman should try Kastmasters and Blue Fox lures.
Salmon eggs drifted works well this time of year.
Fly anglers should try prince nymphs, gold ribbed hares ear and yellow stones. Check recent stalking reports.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and is taking advantage of some fun in the sun.
From time to time I get the chance to help out a new angler in the store. I enjoy explaining the local tactics, different choices of bait/lure and how to correctly set up their rod.
This week I wanted to explain a few fishing terms and some of the equipment used at Convict Lake.
Have a great week and I wish everyone a Happy 4th of July.
9 common fishing terms explained: 
Hook -
(1) A curved piece of metal used to catch fish.
(2) A clever advertisement to entice a fisherman to spend his live savings on a new rod and reel.
(3) The punch administered by said fisherman's wife after he spends their life savings (see also, Right Hook, Left Hook).
Line -
Something you give your co-workers when they ask on Monday how your fishing went the past weekend.
Lure -
An object semi-enticing to fish, but will drive an angler into such a frenzy that he will charge his credit card to the limit before exiting the tackle shop.
Reel -
A weighted object that causes a rod to sink quickly when dropped overboard.
Rod -
An attractively painted length of fiberglass that keeps an angler from ever getting too close to a fish.
School -
A grouping in which fish are taught to avoid your $9.99 lures and hold out for Velveeta cheese instead.
Tackle -
What your last catch did to you as you reeled him in, but just before he wrestled free and jumped back overboard.
Tackle Box -
A box shaped alarmingly like your comprehensive first aid kit. Only a tackle box contains many sharp objects, so that when you reach in the wrong box blindly to get a Band Aid, you soon find that you need more than one.
Test -
(1) The amount of strength a fishing line affords an angler when fighting fish in a specific weight range.
(2) A measure of your creativity in blaming "that darn line" for once again losing the fish.
Catch of the Week:  
Jason Hellebrand from Newbury Park, CA with a fat 5 pound rainbow. He was using a Lip Ripperz Z Spoon and he was fishing the North Shore. Way to go Jason!  
Other notable catches this week:
Steve and Ryley Boaz from Menifee, CA with a nice rainbow caught along the South Shore. They were using  a Rapala when they hooked a 4 pound 9 ounce rainbow.
Robert Calvert from Elk Grove, CA hooked a 5 pound 2 ounce rainbow. Robert's bait was a nightcrawlers and he was fishing at the Inlet.
Jason Bisbikis from Valley Spring, CA landed a 4 pound and 5 ounce rainbow. He was using  a nightcrawler and was fishing at the Inlet.
Mike Gribble from Dayton, NV hooked a beautiful 3 pound 15 ounce rainbow. Mike was using a silver Vibrex and was fishing South of the Inlet.
Steven Black (Esteban Negro) and sus amigos locos from San Gabriel, CA with a nice 4 pound and 11 ounce rainbow. He was fishing the South Shore with a nightcrawler. If you ask Esteban he will tell you he was using Peanut Butter Hot Dog as the bait. It could be the next Berkley scent. 
Tactics/Bait:  
It is that time of year when the morning and evening sessions are producing larger and more fish. If you are fishing mid-day make sure to get past the shelves and fish the deeper water.
Roostertails, Panther Martins and spinning type lures were doing well in the lake this week. Also throw Tasmanian Devil's or a silver Vibrex. 
In the creek salmon eggs and small spinnings were the hot ticket. 
The most successful Power bait colors were peach and yellow. Chunky Cheese Garlic is always a deathly choice.  
The South Shore and Inlet were the hottest spots once again this week.
Other locations fishing well were Hangman's Tree, Jetty and North Shore. 
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, NeedleFish, Rooster Tails, and Bite-on Fury Shad or Lip Ripperz Hatchery Dust on Powerbait.
Here is a list of recommended flies:  
Dry Flies:
Adams, Female Adams, Cutter's Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, Black/Red Ants, Sierra Bright Dot, Royal Coachman and Hoppers.  
Streamers:
Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green), Mutuka (black, brown, olive, or green), Hornberg, and Muddler Minnows. 
Wet Flies (Nymphs):
Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Zebra Midge (red and black), Copper John (red and copper) and San Juan Worm (brown or red).
Other Resources:
View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store.
Derby News: 
Our fall derby series Ambush at the Lake will be stating on September 1st and will run until November 15th.
Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes.
Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Bonus Cash Weekend on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
The forecast for the beginning of next week is calling for warm temps and afternoon thunder storms. Highs are going to be in the mid 80's and the lows in the mid 50's. The weather is away changing day to day in the high country. Make sure to visit the National Weather Service link which is usually accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:37 am - 5:39 am and Sunset 8:22 pm - 8:21 pm. 
Stocking: 
During the week of the 29th Mono County will be stocking trophy trout in the lake. DGF is scheduled to plant the lake and creek the week of June 29th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The algae bloom is beginning so  finding clean water can be difficult. Over all the  bulk of the fish are still deep in 18-22 feet of water. Stevie's Wonder black/silver or black/red zebra midge.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 6/29/14
The barometer goes up, Under-cators go down!
Crowley fish’n as well as it get’s for late June.
This will be a memorable year for browns. I suggest you put Crowley on your “gotta do it” list this summer. Spot up along the hard edges of major weed lines. Consistent fish now showing in less than twelve feet.
Water levels dropping slowly as flows increase on the Middle Owens and decrease on the Upper Owens.
The hot tip is to fish damsel fly nymphs beneath an Under-cator. Chironomids (midges) and damsel flies are in the same family-Diptera.
You tubers that like to pull sink tips, the window has now opened. The bigs crush damsel nymphs. If you are fishing chironomid larva patterns-fish over a mud bottom, not weeds!  
McGee Bay proper is starting to gel outside the weedline in 13 feet plus.
With the lack of run-off and weeds out to 14 feet, don’t anticipate the typical concentration here this summer.  Hot spots are Six Bays,  Hilton (browns consistent here), Sandy,  Alligator Pt., and Crooked Creek.
Depth to target is 12-18 feet. Gillies #18/20, crystal emergers and pupa No. 18/20. (Broken back tiger and zebra midges, broken back gillies) good when you have some texture on the surface.
Copper Tigers and zebra midges #14/18 also good choices for the lower or larva imitation. Smaller punk perch and damsel fly nymph patterns are the hot ticket according to Doug R. My broken back gillie is a dead knock off for large chironomid pupa, or damsel fly nymphs that are emerging. Best used with some texture on the surface, or give your Under-cator a smooth pull, or twitch every minute or so.

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:
From the Portola Newspaper:
 Lake Davis is fishing well right now and likely to get even better over the next few weeks.
The damsel fly hatch is in full swing. The best fishing is mid-morning when the rainbows are actively feeding on damsel nymphs. 
Midges nymphs fished under an indicator are a good bet early in the morning if you don’t see a lot of surface feeding fish. 
Woolly buggers are a good bet when the wind is up during the middle of the day. I have not heard reports of Hexagenia yet, but I would sure like to spend an evening on Davis right now and give that a try.
It remains to be seen just how well established the Hexagenia are in Davis just yet, but there is every reason to expect excellent action at some point in the near future. That could be next year or two, or tomorrow night.
Davis is a shallow lake so leave the full sink line at home and fish nymphs on a floating line with a moderate to long leader adjusted to achieve the depth I want, usually in the top three feet of water. 
Trollers are picking up some nice rainbows on Wee Dick Nite Copper Red Heads and Yellow watermelon Needlefish.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Trout and bass fishing has been pretty good for the past couple of weeks. Trout are taking almost anything thrown at them and don’t seem to be too picky. Power Bait in rainbow or orange colorations has been very productive. Flies and small lures are also catching fish.
The bass catch has been more productive on the far side of the lake where anglers have been working the tules and weedy areas.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow trout action remains good.
Crappie and bass are still taking jigs and spinning lures worked near the dam or upper inlet.
Mornings and evenings are the best times.

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

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Opened May 1 and stocked with rainbow, brown trout and most recently with tiger trout, 5004, 961, and 903 respectively.
Fishing is good this time of year and fly anglers should try ant patterns, water boatman, and crystal Wooly Buggers.
Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
It’s always a good idea to concentrate your efforts on the weeded edges and the water inflow.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is 10 CFS. Try an attractor dry  like a stimulator with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 6/29/14
Flows are dropping & weeds are becoming an issue in some sections.
Decent caddis & mayfly activity occurring daily during warm spells & calmer days. The small dark caddis are like candy to these wild fish and you will enjoy the best snap during this hatch. #18/20 hi-vis elk hair imitations will suffice, try some crystal olive caddis larva patterns for nymphs. San Juan Worms and egg patterns are good choices for spring conditions on the crick. 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” a Punk  perch or crystal leech 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/PMD’s start to emerge. Dead drift some crystal scuds with a tiny, or no indicator at all in the deeper slots.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY WATERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bilk Creek Reservoir:
Bilk Creek Reservoir has slowed down for trout fishermen as water temperatures increase.
Bass fishing around those same weed beds will remain good throughout the summer. Anglers in float tubes casting top water poppers at the bass will catch fish.
As things heat up, morning and evening fishing is recommended.
Humboldt County Small Streams:
Small streams in the Santa Rosa Mountains are all producing lots of brook trout. Abel, Singas, McConnell, Rebel and Canyon Creeks are small but full of fish. Be careful while hiking many of these small streams because of the frequent occurrences of rattlesnakes.
Chimney Reservoir:
Fishing has been good. Anglers are still catching 14-inch wipers with an occasional walleye.
Fishing is best in morning and evening hours (when the wind isn't blowing).

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Rush Creek flow is up to 51 CFS.  Fishing is  a bit  better. Try a humpie or stimulator with  a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 29, 2014
We've had some poor reports from Kirman in the latter half of this week, it sounds like there's a pretty significant algae bloom and it's shutting down the bite pretty good. Earlier in the week the fishing was good but the last few days it's been pretty tough. When we get some better news we'll be sure to let you know!       

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat ramp is closed and the reservoir is quickly receding.
Fish will actually be concentrated and the persistent angler can catch a lot of fish over the next few weeks.
Walleye have still been showing up in and around the beach areas. Best methods for Walleye have been worms trolled in a worm harness behind flashers and live minnows.
Wipers should start showing up in the narrows. Best methods for wipers have been jigs and plastic worms fished shallow in the morning and evening. Low water levels but still fishable. There is still no boat access.   

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Striped bass are showing up all along this stretch of the river from Davis Dam through Big Bend State Park and down to the Avi Bridge. Most of the fish are in the one- to two-pound class.
Anchovies continue to be the top bait with top-water lures working in the early morning. If you find yourself getting bites but no hook ups, try using a smaller hook or possibly smaller pieces of anchovy.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Windy conditions  hampered fishing last week.
Upper Twin best for fly rodders with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or olive or try hanging a callibaetis nymph under an indicator.

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

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
The bass fishing has picked up in the last couple of weeks with the warmer weather. Anglers have been using top water baits and soft baits. For best results try drop shots and Texas Rig. Colors for soft baits have been root beer and black. Fly anglers for trout have reported success using midge patterns and copper johns.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers heading out on the lake have found fishing midday to be a bit trying. The most productive hours are from sunup until about 10 a.m. and late in the afternoon from about 6 p.m. until a couple hours after sundown.
Friday is the new moon and anglers can take advantage of the dark night by fishing under a light or using submersible lights to attract the fish. Use caution when boating at night as the changing water level has changed the structure in the lake. Be aware of newly exposed sandbars or islands, as well as those that might lie just below the surface.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are having success for smallmouth bass, which are hanging on the rocky shelves in most coves. Nightcrawlers have been the bait of choice, with plastic imitations luring the fish in as well.
The action for largemouth bass has been improving with nightcrawlers, plastics and reaction baits working at depths of eight to 20 feet.
Striped bass action has been spotty throughout the lake, but anglers have reported moderate success in the early mornings on top-water baits. While catch rates are not as high as last week, anglers are still reporting success in the area of Willow Beach. Fish have been caught along the shoreline and near the fishing pier. The most popular lures are various swim baits, but the largest fish reported, at 11.4 pounds, was caught on anchovies.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: 
Flow is steady at 53 CFS. Most of the spawning fish have returned to the lake  but a few still remain.
Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow 224 CFS. Fishing is good  and crowds are low.
Not much surface action  but nymph fishing is great.
WD40's , rainbow warriors,baetis emergers. Day time temps 100-plus.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 6/29/14
Guide Chris basso reports good numbers of catchable rainbows around the monument section, with a few nice ones holding in the pockets. he suggests you dead drift broken back midges & egg patterns without an Under-cator.
Flows consistent at 52 CFS.
Try streamers in the stiff afternoon winds.
Short water tactics must now be used to fool fish here.  Look for the deeper pools and runs during off hatch periods. Caddis and mayfly adults are good choices for the riffle water. Hi-vis para bwo and caddis # 16-18 will get grabs.  Use a Stimulator or larger hi-vis pattern with a bead head nymph as the dropper 2 feet beneath the dry for a deadly tanden rig. Nymphing with SJ worms, crystal egg patterns, flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis & zebra larva patterns near the bottom. I prefer to use a clear or yellow Under-cator on moving water as they are less conspicuous. The pink & orange work better on the still waters like Crowley and Bridgeport. Streamers like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will also get takes when used with a light to medium sinking tip line. clean every cast! 
Owens River (Bishop area) 6/29/14
Recent drift trips have been good. Up & down we go, where it stops only the LADWP knows!  219 CFS & flucuating currently.
Wading (no waders needed this time of year) remains good at this release below the dam at PV Res.
Use birds nest patterns like Assassins, flashback PT’s, and hares ears for good profiles of a mayfly nymph.  Crystal olive caddis larva & olive zebra midges are also good choices for a lower fly imitation of  caddis larvae or midge larva. Have some hi-vis caddis adults & hi-vis para mayfly adults for the late morning hatch. Streamer fishing is fair using heavy sinking tip lines and Loebergs, Punk Perch, & Crystal leeches, & Spruce-a-bu’s.

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:
Roads: Access to the Pine Forest best with a 4-wheel drive.
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Onion started with only a half pool of water because of the drought. Irrigation demands are quickly draining the lake and fishing should be done by the first week in August.
Blue Lakes:
Blue Lakes is located only a couple of miles above Onion Valley Reservoir but is only accessible by a hiking trail. It offers opportunity for both bait and fly anglers. It is 60-75% full this year and should provide good angling throughout the summer. It is stocked each fall with fingerling trout dropped from a helicopter. Fishing has been and remains good for both bait and fly anglers. Four species of trout can be caught in Blue Lakes: brook, tiger, rainbows and cutbows. Fish from 10 to 18 inches are being caught.
Knott Creek Reservoir:
The opener was good for big fish. Water temperatures are beginning to heat up and when that happens, weed beds expand.
Knott Creek is an artificial fly and lure fishing destination. Fly anglers have reported luck with sheep creek and black leach patterns down deep.
Check the regulations for all of the rules.
Fish early before the sun hits the water and late when the sun is going down.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed to fishing for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout until Oct. 01.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat launches are closed due to low water levels. Shore launching is risky and is done at your own risk.
Rye Patch is low but the fishing is picking up. Walleyes are being caught by trollers and wipers are being caught by both trollers and shore fishermen.
It is hot, take shade and plenty of water.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
Opens on Wednesday, July 16.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of June 30, 2014 water flow is currently 10,000 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch. 
Trout fishing Redding area, trout fishing was on today.
Rainbow Trout fishing, fly fishing, trout are 18 inches to 26 inches.
Fishing Redding to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, 
Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Brown Micro Mays.  
Lower Sacramento River fishing trout.
Spin fishing for trout have been outstanding.
30 fish by 9 AM, every day now. 
Drift  boats or Jet boats 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:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 6/29/14
Flows are at historical late summer levels, and the wading is very easy in all sections. Fishing has been very good.
Attractor dry patterns like Stimulators, hi-vis para bwo’s & caddis are good choices that are easier to see in the plentiful pocket water that defines the SJR. Use a bead head flashback PT or assassin birds nest as a dropper in the deeper pools and runs.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow is now 58 CFS and fishing is good. Try an attractor like a stimulator or a coachman with a para Adams as a dropper.
All the camp grounds are now open and crowds have increased.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new reports. Anglers have reported good fishing with Power Bait in rainbow and orange.
The weed bed continues to be a problem around Spooner Lake. If anglers do find an opening they should have some success.
A watercraft such as a float tube or kayak is the key to unlocking this lake’s hold on fishing.
Fly anglers have had luck using black, brown, and green wooly buggers.
If you are fly fishing, a floating line is all you need but later in the year anglers will need to transition to an intermediate line for deeper presentation.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new reports. Fish have started to transition to the deeper water anywhere from 80 to 150 feet. Top lining still has been producing brown trout and rainbow near any structure type areas. While top lining, try using minnow plugs and spoons and make sure to change up often. The fish can be very selective this time of year. White dodgers trailing minnows is still a very effective method for Mackinaw.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows, trolled at depths of 100-300 feet on the west side of the lake near Homewood, California.

TOPAZ LAKE, NEV/CALIF:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is starting to slow down.
The lake is going down and the bass are starting to transition to deep water. Fishing will slow down after the spawn.
Trout fishing will continue to slow down as the boating activity increases.
Boat anglers should try using Rapalas and nightcrawlers behind dodgers. Shore fishermen should try Power Bait, Power Eggs, salmon eggs, and nightcrawlers.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 406+ CFS.
Early morning and evening fishing good while the temps are cooler.
Mayfly and caddis patterns have been working well.
For traditional anglers this time of year floating salmon eggs, Powe Bait and lures imitating bait fish work well.
Check recent stalking reports. If you are going to fish on the Nevada side of the river then it is crucial to fish in the mornings. The combination of low water, hot days and lots of people in the river in the afternoons is really making the fishing tougher than normal.
Flows are expected to remain good for angling until early August.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 29, 2014
The Twins are fishing pretty well these days, we've had numerous reports of fish in the 2 to 3 pound range and a couple reports of fish up to 6.5 pounds.
Power bait, mice tails, pinched crawlers and night crawlers have all been doing well. Fly anglers are using streamers like seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, matukas and mini leeches with soft hackle or zug bug droppers. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 29, 2014
The Virginias are still off the hook! Lots of nice fish up to around 6 pounds being caught up there.
Big Virginia is also loaded with some nice native brookies right now!
Bait anglers are using mice tails, pinched crawlers, night crawlers and power bait, lure anglers are using kastmasters and thomas bouyants.
Fly anglers are stripping matukas, seal buggers, mini leeches with soft hackle droppers as well as dry dropper rigs with beetles or humpies on top and zebra midges, rainbow warriors and pheasant tails underneath. 

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:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker Flow is currently at 56 CFS.
Fishing has been good even with low flows.
Anglers have reported good May hatches. Try using May fly patterns this time of year and drop off a heavy weighted caddis or bb shot with a caddis pattern. Fish the edges hard this time of year, fish tend to concentrate on the edges to gobble up stone fly hatches and bait fish.
Current brown trout study is going on and researchers are requesting information on tagged fish including color (to determine if wild or hatchery) and location where caught.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
June 29, 2014 
The East is running at about 98 cfs today and has been there for about 4 days. The upper "Miracle Mile" stretch is still pretty tough but as you go down stream past the bridge and on into Nevada the fishing is much better.
The Rosachi and Sceirine sections in Nevada are doing very well right now.
There's some caddis hatching as well as lots of midges.
Patterns to try include buckskin caddis, z-wing caddis, soft hackle, miracle midge, mercury midge, san juan worm, flashback emerger, tailwater tiny.     Sceirine Ranch:   
June 29, 2014
The Sceirine is still fishing very well, we have openings available so give us a call if you want some time on the private water. 
Hunewill Pond:
June 29, 2014
The pond is still off the hook, lots of nice fish being caught almost daily! Seal buggers, stillwater nymphs and matukas with soft hackle droppers have been doing well, also dry/dropper rigs with a humpy or hopper on top and a rainbow warrior, flashback emerger or zebra midge underneath. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is up to 90 CFS. The "miracle  mile" is very thin for fish.  Fishing is a little better down river. 
Try midge patterns, baetis emergers and WD40's.


WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 6/29/14
Flows down to 90 CFS.  This will be the best opportunity to fly fish the EW this summer. Look for some PMD, PED mayfly, and Caddis activity. You will also see damsel flies, dragon flies, and hungry browns!

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 29, 2014
The West is fishing well but remember to try to be in stealth mode while you're up there! The water is clear and the fish can be a bit spooky.
Small spinners like panther martins and rooster tails are doing well, bait anglers are using salmon eggs, mice tails and power worms.
Fly anglers are going with humpy's, hoppers, madam x, prince, pheasant tail, hare's ear and small buggers.    

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 6/29/14
Conditions beginning to improve some with the vanishing snow run-off. Stick to the Pikel Meadows section, or larger slower pools.

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