Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for August 19 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Aug. 19, 2015 and beyond. Nevada Department of Wildlife fishing reports for Western Nevada waters are not included as their most current reports are dated June 04.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
We’re starting to see more fish on the stringers, but not a lot of full stringers. Fish the Inlets in deeper water with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Jigs and Flies. Troll in deeper waters with Lures and Nightcrawlers. Drift deep around the rock piles with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
Shore fish with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or toss Lures.
The state planted us with fish on Thursday.
And another Desert Spring Trout Farm fish reared it’s beautiful tail – an 8-pound brute pulled out by local Bill Young with Debbie Williams. When asked what he caught it on “It’s a secret, the locals know how to fish!”
Frank Whitlock can finally prove to his wife that he really does go fishing when he says he does by bringing home a nice 2-3/4 pounder caught on Power Bait.
Jacob Levindofske (5yrs) caught a 1-pounder on a “Gween WipWipper” showing twin brother Michael how it’s done – making Dad Mike and Mom Jessica proud.
Another Bishop local Adam Graham landed a 3-pound on a Thomas Buoyant.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Some monsters to 8lbs are finally coming out over at Lake Sabrina and Inyo County purchased some trophy fish for Intake II this week, so hopefully the lunkers will keep things exciting.

Bishop Creek So. Fork
: Somewhat of a slow pick in the creek this week but most folks were still able to put a few fish on the stringer. Bait fishing with salmon eggs or pieces of nightcrawlers was best. The lure and fly bite was tough.

Weir Pond
: The fish are very active on the surface, especially early and late in the day so the bite on dry flies has been good.
Nightcrawlers also accounted for a few Rainbows. 
North Lake 
Red/Gold Thomas Bouyant were again the lure of choice for many, followed by Kastmasters and mini-jigs. Inflated crawlers with garlic sauce and Chunky Cheees Powerbait were best for the bait n’ wait folks.
Fly fishers managed to do quite well on smaller Browns using midges and nymphs. Rainbows went for jigs, micetails and kastmasters.
Nothing big reported but that will likely change very soon with a trophy stocking late in the week. 

Lake Sabrina: 
A good bite drifting the channel or at the inlets for our guests but for a more detailed report, visit our friends at Lake Sabrina Boat Landing’s website.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake is at an abysmal 13 percent right now and it won't get any better.  
Fishing here has been pretty good as fish are really concentrated. 
Small car top boats, prams, and float tubes.  Be careful about driving down to the shoreline as most areas are like quicksand!  
Best spots to fish here are around the dam in the morning tossing small minnow imitations, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for trout looking for colder water temps. 
Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns. 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF: 
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 16, 2015 
Bridgeport is still producing very well from boats over towards the upper end of the reservoir in pretty shallow water, lots of nice fish up to around 3 pounds with a few getting close to 5 are being caught.
Seems like some days they're all over the crawlers and some days they prefer power bait or mice tails, bring some of everything to insure your success!
Haven't heard much for trolling lately but the bait fishing has been very good.
           
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 8/16/15
Lots of smoke around until the Walker fire gets doused.
A small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam will get you on the water.
Water is low and warm, get those streamers down near the bottom by the dam.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Hello from Caples Lake Resort,
A 3 lb trophy Rainbow Trout was caught by Sacramento resident, Don Lewis, trolling with a florescent white and red Needlefish in 22’ of water in the middle of Caples Lake on August 12th.
Don also hooked a “big” Mackinaw using a Kastmaster but it was unfortunately lost getting it into the boat.
The lake level is still only four feet down from 100% capacity…Incredible news in this drought year.
El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) increased the outflow on August 10th from 13 to 50 CFS which results in a decrease in lake level of 2” per day.
However, starting on September 15th, EID will start releasing water from Silver Lake which could possibly decrease Caples Lake outflows.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
The benchmark for the largest fish over the last two years, maybe longer, has been broken.
This week's "Catch of the Week" was a massive 9 pound 6 ounce Rainbow.
It's been a great summer with a lot of nice size fish being caught.
t has been a fishing season for the Convict Lake record books.
As we reach mid-August, it definitely feels like the dog days of summer.
The highs next week could reach the mid-80's.
For the best luck landing a toad, get out early and return later in the afternoon. Leave the mid-day activities to a nap or some form of relaxation.
Good luck and see ya out on the lake. 
Go deep. Go early!!
Catch of the Week: 
Bob Stephenson from Lake Arrowhead, CA with a colossal 9 pound 6 ounce Rainbow. He was using Nightcrawlers and was fishing at the North Shore. This is the largest fish checked in at the store over several years. Great job Bob! 
Other notable catches this week: 
Derrick Krausfrom Huntington Beach, CA landed a stout 7 pound 7 ounce Rainbow using a Nightcrawler. He was fishing the North Shore.
Robert And Hudson Perrenoud from Redlands, CA each landed a quality fish. Robert landed a 2 pound 6 ounce Rainbow while Hudson hooked a fat 6 pound 6 ounce Rainbow. Both were using Salmon Eggs and were fishing the Inlet.
The Bost Family from Temecula, CA had a good day fishing with Salmon Peach Power bait. They filled up their stringers fishing near Hangman's Tree. 
Bait:
In the creek, Salmon Eggs and small spinners (Panther Martins or Roostertails) are your best bet.
In the lake, fish with Inflated Nightcrawlers, Berkley Power Worms and spoon lures like a Thomas Buoyant.
For trolling try Bikini Pearl or Red Dot Frog Needlefish.
Tasmanian Devils did well trolling or casting from shore.
The top Power bait color this week was Salmon Peach.
The top spot to fish from was the North Shore.
Also try the usual locations: Inlet, Jetty area, South Shore, the Outlet and Hangman's Tree.
Anglers on boats continued to have more luck when compared to the shore since the fish are still holding in deeper water.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:  
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devils, Green or Brown Marvel Flies , Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Roostertails, and Bite-On Fury Shad on Power bait. I would suggest using some type of added attractant.
Pro-Cure, Bite-On, Lip Ripperz and Berkley all make excellent attractants, which are sold at the general store.   
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: 
The Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby will start on September 7th. It will run until November 15th.
Don't miss out on a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
The Morrison Bonus Cash Weekend will be October 31st - November 1st.
$2000 in cash prizes!

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake: We are beginning to see a different feeding pattern this week, especially for the larger trout.
The aquatic weeds are protruding now (16 feet) making it easier to identify the hard weed edges.
Suspending perch fry, damsel nymphs, and callibaetis patterns below an Under-Cator are working better at times than using midge imitations.
Spot up along these weed lines and hang those nymphs well off the bottom.
14-17 feet is the sweet spot in the north end which has been the most consistent area of the lake.
Alligator Pt., & Six Bays are also picking up.
Some really nice fish near the inlet to McGee at times sipping callibaetis and crushing damsels. Hilton, Crooked Creek, & McGee Bay have numbers, trouble is they are mostly dinks.
The CDFW has begun it’s planting of sub-catchables here. Thousands of juvenile cutthroats & rainbows will be tossed in over the coming weeks. Crowley is managed as a “put & grow fishery” due to its potent ability to grow fish.
Water clarity is fine; some algae can drift through when winds blows east.
Still water nymphing using crystal emergers and pupa patterns No. 18, gillies No. 18 and 20, crystal tiger midges both dark, and copper No. 14 through 18 along with their articulated brethren the “broken back midges” No. 16 and 18.  
Try the BB dark zebra, or the long shank crystal zebra midge as your lower fly in deeper water.
Articulated patterns like broken backs work well when you have “texture” from the wind on the surface.
Try hanging an assassin, or punk perch No. 14/16 as your upper fly along a weed line.
The Under-cator strike detector “slides” if you wish to make it easier for you to fish deeper water.  
If you prefer tugging streamers from a tube -use a light sinking tip and have some damsel nymphs, crystal leeches No. 12, or No. 16 & 14 punk perch streamer patterns.
Look for those aggressive boils around the weed lines in 16 feet. These are the predatory trout feeding on the damsel nymphs & small perch fry.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The boat ramp is accessible but be careful for sure.
The water is still too warm to fish but the fall season should be good at Davis for float tubers and pontoon boat fly fishing.
The fish will come out of the summer doldrums and provide for some fun days on the water in September – November.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn):
Danger, Danger, Danger!!!
Most lakes are too warm and the fish are on a delicate balance.
Please don't fish if the water temp is over 70 degrees.
Davis and Frenchmans are both very warm and low right now.
There are some lakes and streams that can handle the pressure, but do some research and protect our fishing for next year.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Fishing has slowed a little with increasing water temps. 
Recommend fishing in the morning and evening hours here with the emphasis on the morning hours as fish will be more active then.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 65 percent capacity.  
Lake is fishing better for some with the most recent plant of trout a couple of weeks ago!  Throw everything you have at the trout now, ie:  power bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs and combinations of these baits, spoons and spinners of different varieties.  
By casting closer and then working your way out a little further one can detect what depth the trout are cruising and having patience is key to success now.
Kokanee fishing has remained consistent, though small fish, around the south side west end of the lake and the hump between China Cove and Loch Leven lodge in 45-80 feet of water.  
Orange has been the go to color here but don't discount trying others as you progress to deeper depths and other areas of the lake. 
Marc Christophel reported catching a 13 1/2 inch Koke on the Hump this weekend and said they're would be more like this one but you'll have to drag your gear or jig!  
Some good Mack fishing also in the south side west end of the lake at depths of 80-100 feet with #3 needlefish in Silver, White and Cop Car prints.  
Set back on clip about 80 to 100 feet with no dodger! 

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn):
Danger, Danger, Danger! Most lakes are too warm and the fish are on a delicate balance.
Please don't fish if the water temp is over 70 degrees. Davis and Frenchmans are both very warm and low right now. There are some lakes and streams that can handle the pressure, but do some research and protect our fishing for next year.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Fishing has slowed a little with increasing water temps. 
Recommend fishing in the morning and evening hours here with the emphasis on the morning hours as fish will be more active then.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The fishing at Hobart has been terrific this year. It has provided anglers a place to go and have some success. NDOW has stocked the lake several times and kept the anglers into fish for the last three months. Surface fishing with Loco Ants, Pine Beetles or some type of smaller attractor dry can be a lot of fun and Nymphing or stripping small woolybuggers is also working well.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek: Tough fishing here. ONE CFS is as low as I have ever seen the levels.  
Some good caddis and micro mayfly activity currently.
Dark bodied, or natural colors for the caddis bodies are the hatch.
Light olive to gray for the Mays. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam. Pheasant tails, & bird’s nest patterns are best for nymphs.
Small parachute midge; or mayfly patterns used with a 10 foot leader are best for surface presentations when the fish are on the midges/or clusters.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
The hoppers are now present. A stimulator is a good profile for them. Use these in the wind, as the terrestrials get blown off the banks, and the trout hunt for them along the shoreline.
Try my hi-vis caddis pattern, it works well here.
Dead drifted broken back zebras, small gillies, scuds, flashback PT’s, or assassin birds nest bead heads in No. 18 are good calls for the dropper. Size 18 or smaller crystal olive caddis larva or zebra midges are good calls as droppers.
This is a year around fishery with special regs in place.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is officially sitting at 64 percent capacity.  
With another stocking of DFW trout last week fishing should be better from the shoreline.   
Fishing from boat has been best in 25-40 feet of water with Needlefish, Wedding rings or similar lures tipped with nightcrawlers the most effective. 
Don't discount using Rapalas as some of the larger trout have gone for these.  
Some nice rainbows being caught around the Dam and smaller planters off the Pass Creek area.  
Some days are good and some days are not.  Hey, it sure beats work! 
Best areas for boaters has been Southwest corner and across the dam. 
For shore fisherman going for DFW stocked Trout they will be pretty eager to bite on nightcrawlers floated with a mallow or power bait, while those throwing hardware are using small Kastmasters, Roostertails, and Panther Martins.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports: 
August 16, 2015 
We haven't had any news from Kirman this week, hopefully we'll get some reports and get them to you as soon as we can!          

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 8/16/15 
Very hot this week in the OV.
Flows are back down again below 100 CFS.  Conditions continue to be poor in the drift boat sections below the Five Bridges Crossing. Stick to the early morning & late afternoons as the water is very warm with hot air temps.
Caddis & small mayflies are present below the dam at PVR.
Have some #18/20 light bodied adults, light assassins No. 18, and FB pheasant tails for nymphs, No. 18 and 20.
Early mornings, and calm late afternoons are best for dry fly fishing.
Caddis emerge when the barometer goes up. Use hi-vis caddis No. 16 & 18.
Nymphing with crystal olive caddis larva, assassins, and broken back midges are also good when the hatch is off.
Flows are trending upward, & have increased to 100 CFS.
Dry/dropper bead head rigs can be effective in the deeper riffles.
The bass have moved up from the lower sections of the river, and migrated through the canals from Buckley Pond into the Owens. Even the wild trout section has numerous bass now.  
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.
Upper Owens/ McGee Creek
Conditions are good here with some larger fish moving up from Crowley.
A few nice cutty’s & browns in the deeper holes.
The sections up from Benton Crossing are much better. You can get into a few decent browns on caddis, and last generation BWO adults at times. Some larger browns hitting crystal leeches fished with a sink tip in the deepest pools.
Stimulators, hi-vis caddis, & natural caddis are good calls for dry flies.  
I like a tandem nymph rig in the deeper pools using an assassin, FB PT, or crystal leech as the upper-put an egg, or smaller Assassin as the dropper.
Flows are low here (40 CFS) with aquatic weeds an issue in the lower sections below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
I have had some good action right near the inlet to the lake at times fishing Assassins/callibaetis adults in the channel.
McGee Creek proper has some small browns and a few decent rainbows.
Dry dropper rigs, and nymphing with FB PT’s, Assassins, and olive crystal caddis below an Under-cator, or hi-vis caddis or hi-vis para BWO will work. Some really nice fish working the inlet to the lake. Use mayfly/callibaetis adults and sight fish to risers.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Flows have been “yo-yoing” the last two weeks. They are currently trending upwards-4384′. This is a good level to fish the transition section near the inlet.
The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows, & browns-use dry/dropper bead head nymph combos here.
Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up due to hydro power generation which can happen at any time.  
Heavy weeds are now present in the transition section near the inlet, and along the lakes shoreline.
Stimulators, hi-vis para BWO’s, or hi-vis caddis may be used as the upper fly-use crystal olive caddis larva, flashback PT’s, Assassins, broken back or crystal tiger & zebra midges as your dropper bead head nymph.
Tubing  has really picked up from the launch ramp, up to the inlet section.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns, & larger bows in the rez proper.
Use a full sinking, or heavy sink tip line to get down 10-15 feet quickly.
You can also fish “Crowley midge style” in the rez near the drop-offs.
Fish chironomid patterns below an Under-cator. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers & pupa patterns. Tiger & zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.
The Gorge 8/16/15
Flows are running at 40 CFS. This is up a little from historical norms.
Definite alternative if it gets nasty in the high country.
The Gorge could be classified as the true “tailwater” from Crowley Lake.
The fish here are all wild browns with a large one going 16 inches.
Moderate/difficult hiking is required to access the more secluded sections.
Watch out for rattlers.
Rock hopping and bush whacking can be expected.
Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos work well in the deeper pools.
Use PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, & crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs.
Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults, & elk caddis, & hi-vis caddis are good choices for your dry fly.
Pack in water, have cleated wading boots and a stout staff.
2-4wt. rods are perfect for this water.
Snakes may be out early!

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake has come up slightly too about 26% capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout.  With the recent pressure this lake has seen the Smallmouth have become quite picky.  
Some GOOD reports of stocked rainbows and some stocked Cutties in the Prosser Creek arm.  Use small flashy lures for these guys and if that doesn't work go with nightcrawlers and power bait.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
August 17, 2015 King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. 
The salmon fishing on the Sacramento River is picking up. 
2 to 5 fish days most days now. Still up and down.
Hooked 5 fish Monday and brought in all 5 today.
Great size already, salmon are 15 to 25 average size now.
The salmon will continue to make their way up river.
Bouncing roe and back trolling Flatfish lures is way to bring in the big kings.
We are fishing every day.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of  August 17, 2015 water flow is currently 7,200 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report - Lower Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing has been fantastic.
Water is clear and low, remaining the same for the last month.
Temps are cooling down. 
Mornings and afternoon trips have been great. 
We are fishing from Bonneyview Bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge is excellent.
The upper section that was closed is now open above Hwy 44 bridge. 
In early morning, fish are being caught in the shallow choppy waters around the Redding area, and middle of the day fish are moving into the deeper water. 
The largest fish have been caught the last few days in the Bonneyview area.
Working great is egg pattern, Cinnamon Pupa , and  PMD’s. 
Dry flies late afternoon, last hour.  
We are spin fishing and fly fishing.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 8/16/15
Heavy smoke present from the Walker fire.
The flows are really getting low here.
The trout will hit surface imitations in the #14-18 range.
Look for shady areas along the banks deeper that a foot.
Make upstream presentations, staying on the “tails” of the fish.
I like hi-vis para mayflies, Stimulators, and  hi-vis caddis patterns as a point fly.
Tie a two foot dropper off the hook bend and add a blue winged olive or natural caddis adult.  Dry/dry tandems are effective and can really help you see you imitations in riffle water, or shadows.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 15, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
For Shasta Lake fishing, We are catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, Rainbow trout fishing is excellent !  
Fishing has been amazing! Limits of fish daily.
We are fishing 35 to 100 ft deep depending on the time of the day. 
Early morning fish are ranging from 35 to 50 ft deep, Mid day 80 to 100 ft deep using triple teasers and rolling shad. 
Wow great days on the lake right now.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 16% capacity.  
Surface temp is 74 degrees here, which is driving the Kokes and Macks to the deepest portions of the lake. 
With a stocking of trout weeks ago shoreline fishing has picked up but morning will be your best bet for success!  
Kokanee fishing has been getting tough here with most kokes being caught through the narrows between the island, Davis Creek Arm and the dam, where one will be chasing schools of these guys.  
Microsquids,  Green kokanuts, and the like have been go-to lures here at 35-50 feet with Watermelon Dodgers. 
Pink and Orange have been the go to colors here with Green and Yellow variations also picking up some fish in the mornings. 
In the PM with the sun on the water try some darker colors such as Purple, Blue and Black. 
Go deeper later and shallow in the AM.  
Macks can be found here under the schools of Kokes around the dam and can be trolled or jigged for with imitations of these.  
There is a film that is being seen on this lake and it has to due with the lack of incoming water. With hot temps this week and the water becoming stagnant we could possibly see a fish kill similar to last year because of low oxygen levels in areas of the lake.  
Again, shore fishing will be good for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware. 
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves. 
Some big smallies here, but you'll have to work hard for them.  

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 17, 2015 Fishing report 
Trinity River flows at 450 CFS and steady. We are fishing the Trinity River for King salmon and producing a couple salmon a day.
Fishing is a little slow but this is to be expected, more salmon will move up over the next few weeks.
Catching a few steelhead. 
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 of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
We feel the water is too low on the river at this time to call fishing a sport.
The fish are in survival mode and we are rooting for them.
Please give the river a break and hope for a big winter.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Don't Fish and Don't Ask If you have any idea of what is going on!   
I would highly recommend looking for other water to fish at this time and I would NOT fish the Truckee for the rest of the summer and fall if you have any Ethics!  YES, THAT IS CORRECT, DON'T FISH THIS RIVER IF YOU HAVE ANY ETHICS AND with the DFW and States stance on the Truckee that it can run dry and it still will not fall under closure regulations.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The water is running at 94 CFS for about two weeks with the occasional shut down for projects. 94 CFS is really good for our situation with water in the area right now. There is not much going on near the surface with hatches right now but the Nymphing has been pretty good with light tippet and small flies.
As always this time of year the fish have seen it and done that. It will take a good drift and the right bug to fool one of these fish right now. Still the most popular spot in the area now and rewarding as well.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Don't fish.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 16, 2015  
The Twins are hanging in there with some really nice fish still, it doesn't seem like there's huge numbers being caught but there's certainly some very good quality fish being caught.
Both lakes have kicked out decent numbers of nice rainbows in the 3 to 6 pounds range this week as well as some smaller fish.
Trolling deep with Tasmanian Devils, Rapalas and Needlefish has been good, as well as bait fishing with mice tails, power bait and crawlers.
Fly anglers are having a little bit of a tougher go but the ones fishing fast sinking lines with streamers are pulling in some fish.               

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 16, 2015  
The Virginias have been a little hit and miss again this week but on the hit days it's been pretty good.
Bait anglers have been doing the best with mice tails, power bait and crawlers, fly anglers are doing well with beetles and ants on top as well as simi seal leeches, seal buggers, stillwater nymphs and matukas underneath.
Lure anglers are catching some fish early and late in the day with roostertails, kastmasters and thomas bouyants.   

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
August 9-15, 2015 VLR Fish Report
Weather: - (sunrise/sunset)
Sunday 39º 6:05/7:52 Clear-cool 7am, clouded around 1pm, sprinkled then cleared around 7pm
Monday 41º 6:05/7:51 Clear-cool but warmed up around 1pm
Tuesday 41º 6:06/7:50 Clear with smoke in the air, breezy with wind gusts.
Wednesday 46º 6:07/7:49 Clear with slight breeze to gusting
Thursday 47º 6:08/7:48 Clear with gusting wind clouds moving in around 4pm
Friday 52º 6:09/7:46 Clear and breezy all day with wind late afternoon
Saturday 41º 6:10/7:45 Clear am, some haze moving in with slight breeze around noon
Another 5 days of great weather, "Mother" has outdone herself for the best possible fishing conditions in the Sierra. 
Sunday started the week with clear sky and early morning temperatures ranging from 39 degrees to 52. 
Fishing was fair to good until the stock truck arrived Monday with 300 pounds plus 25 trophies. 
The heat came in Sunday and stayed until the smoke hovered over the east until late Friday. 
Also, Desert Springs stocked on the 30th of July with the County Trophy Program with lots of trophies coming out in both Big and Little Virginia almost on a daily basis.
BAIT:
Salmon eggs, fire eggs, green label eggs have all been doing well due to the drought, marshmallows, Corn power bait, hatchery pellet power bait and orange; mice-tails with pink/white head red/tan head, pink power worms, pinched Gulp worms large and small and especially inflated crawlers all did well in taking fish, 
LURES: 
The best action was on silver/blue Kastmaster's, with some success on gold/red stripe Hot Shot, the redhead gold Super Duper and red/gold Buoyant took a few trophies.
FLY AND BUBBLE: 
The main hatch had been very small surface midges and a few emergers so fish the top with California Mosquito, Grey Hackle Peacock, Green Body mosquito, small Griffith's Gnat, Grizzly King and Cowdung, Professor and a Bi-visible.
FLY RODS: 
Black or olive bead-head wooly buggers were seeing action, Hornberg's either plain or rainbow, olive cone-head mini-leech.  Try Olive Bird's Nest, Prince Nymph, gold ribbed hare's ear or copper zebra midge as your dropper for more action.  If no action, go to a hopper and an ant (hard body) and change them both to different style ants and hoppers if no takes.
BACKCOUNTRY: 
Fishing is good if you know how to fish this type of water. 
Try using dry flies with a bubble or fly rod on black ants, small #14 Dave's Hoppers, lures and worms.  
Please keep only what you can eat, it is a valuable resource.
NOTE: 
If the trout bleeds, it’s yours, PLEASE don’t toss it back into the lake as it will die.  If you care about the resource please be careful when releasing fish back into the lake.  Also, IT ATTRACKS BEARS.
Trophy Trout Little Virginia/LV, Big Virginia/BV, Trumbull/T
Sean Nogushe of Yorba Linda 2lb4, 2lb3, 5lb4 on power worm, Aug 9, LV
Alfred Newfeld of Yerington NV, 4lb9 on a lure Aug 9, LV
Jason Gomez of Alhambra 4lb1 trophy on worms Aug 10, LV
Adam Gaertmer of Lone Pine 6lb trophy on Rainbow Rapala Aug 11, LV
David Clavet of Lakewood 4lb7 trophy on salmon eggs Aug 11, LV
Barbara Singer of Lakeview Terrace 7lb4 on Chess Aug 12, LV
Nick Varelas of Hunt. Beach 6lb1 on rainbow powerbait, Aug 12, LV
John Hastings of Lone Pine, 7lb2 on a Rapala, Aug 12, LV
Dennis Caputo of Berkeley, 4lb5 on a Tazmanian Devil, Aug 13, LV
Ed Hillebrand of Ridgecrest 4lb10 on a crawler Aug 13 LV
Justin Clavet of Lakewood, 7lb6 on salmon eggs Aug 13 LV
Michael George & wife from Las Vegas, 3lb2 on a worm, Aug 14,LV
Justin Callina of Orange, 7lb3 on corn powerbait Aug 14 LV
Scott Holland of San Dimas, 3lb3 on a marshmallow Aug 15, LV
Scott Holland of San Dimas, 6lb2 trophy on a marshmallow Aug 15, LV

WALKER RIVER, EAST, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
42 CFS is really low for summer on the East Walker. The water is warm and the only fishing is really early in the morning and even then not such a good idea for another few weeks until the water cools some

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
August 16, 2015 
The East is still running at 43 CFS right now and we've been getting some pretty decent reports from down there this past week, from the Miracle Mile section, down below the bridge as well as in Nevada.
The Mile section seems to be producing some very nice rainbows though not too many browns lately, from the bridge to Murphy's Pond has been producing some nice browns but not too many rainbows.
The Nevada side, the Rosachi and especially the Sceirine have been producing mostly browns with a few rainbows scattered in.
There are just a handful of flies that anglers have been using lately including: San Juan worm, dark lord, copper john, fox's poopah, buckskin caddis and rainbow warrior.
Water temps are still hanging in there in the high 60's and low 70's and the fish are still very healthy.                    
Sceirine Ranch:        
August 16, 2015  
The anglers we've had on the ranch this week have done very well for some really nice browns and a few rainbows. There's very little pressure on the ranch lately so this probably adds to the success rate. San juan worms, dark lords and rainbow warriors seem to be the best patterns going lately.            

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 8/16/15
Running at 42 CFS. Trout fishing is slow.
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 16, 2015  
The West has been a little hit and miss this week though it did kick out a nice 8 pounder on a Rapala.
The key up there is to put on your hikers and cover some ground in search of the deeper pools where fish are hanging out.
The water is pretty low and very clear so you'll need to be sneaky and you'll probably be hiking past some water that is just too thin to hold fish.
Fly anglers should be packing hoppers, beetles, ants, humpies, stimulators, copper johns, pheasant tails, prince nymphs and hare's ears.         

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 8/16/15
Flows are low here; but this location is running better than most of the freestone creeks in the Sierra.
Dry dropper rigs are my choice for fooling the trout in the deeper pools and runs. I like a Stimulator, hi-vis para BWO, or hi-vis caddis as the upper fly. Hang a crystal tiger midge, Assassin, or FB PT about 2-3 feet off the dry.
Pikel Meadows is a fun spot to fish with plenty of area to fish.
Winds can make it tough, so get on the water early.

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