Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for August 20-27

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 20-27. Varying conditions exist due to extreme drought conditions.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina: Lots of fish hanging around the rock piles dotting the Lake – try trolling around them or troll close to the shoreline.
If you get tired of trolling and want to relax, try drifting thru the channels with Nightcrawlers or Lures. 
From shore, try fishing with Power Bait.
Brothers Cooper, Carson and Chad Adams caught dinner for the crew using Power Bait – Good job boys!
Laura Cacho landed a 2-1/4 pounder using a Nightcrawler.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Updated 8-17-14: The thunderstorms have kept things interesting for the past month and a half finally tapered off this week leaving bluebird skies with daytime temps in the low 70's and cooler evenings in the low 40's in the high country.
Wild Trout reports have been anywhere from outstanding to desolate depending on the angler and location but the high points have been any of the lakes in the Sabrina Basin, Topsy Turvy and Blue Lake in particular, Green Lake on the South Fork, and the Tyee Lakes chain.
Fly/bubble or Panther Martins for those with spinning gear, large terrestrial flies with a bead-head nymph dropper for the fly rod guys & gals.
Bishop Creek South Fork: 
Flows are still steady at a slightly higher than average clip and fishing has continued to be excellent.
Minijigs, salmon eggs, and nightcrawlers have been the best producers with some folks catching and releasing as many as 20 a day. 
Weir Pond: 
We did not receive many reports from the Weir this week but some of our staff were able to fish there a bit and enjoyed a wide open bite on pan sized rainbows Sierra Slammer jigs in the Grasshopper color, gold Kastmasters, and bead-head flashback pheasant tail flies.
Intake II
: Not much in the way of size reported this week but just about everyone scored trout at Intake this week. Mini-jigs, fly/bubble, Chunky Cheese Gulp and nightcrawlers proved the most productive. One family reported catching and releasing well over 30 fish on Friday, mostly on jigs.
North Lake
: Excellent fishing was reported at North Lake this week with nightcrawlers being the hands down best bait. Crawlers fished 4-6ft under a bobber or fished off the bottom using a clear water bubble with a 4ft leader were the preferred methods.
Lake Sabrina
: The lake continues to be the hot spot for oversized Rainbows in the canyon, as well as for numbers provided you're fishing from a kayak or boat in the back part of the lake. Fishing by the dam was reported to be slow.
South Lake: 
More Browns reported this week but not much in the way of size. Overall action is pretty slow and the lake level is still at minimum storage.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level has dropped over the past 2 weeks to a frightening 17 percent capacity and will remain at this level as long as the gates are shut.  
Small car top boats, small aluminum boats or float tubes here, water level is too low to launch anything else.  
Fishing by the dam in the morning has been good along with the inlet portion of the lake more towards the evening. 
Lots of Personal Water Craft or jet skis ripping around the lake during the day so look for morning and evening fishing to be more productive.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 17, 2014
The reservoir has been fishing ok this week though it seems the trout are moving around a bit so if you're bait fishing you'll need to keep moving until you find where they're hanging out on a given day. Bait fishing has been the best lately with power bait, mice tails and inflated crawlers.
They're starting to pick up some fish down in the coves near the dam and also from the shore near the dam.
I wouldn't say the res if fishing red hot right now but if you put in some time you should be able to pick up some nice fish.  

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 8/17/14
Jeffery is still launching rentals near the dam and reports good catching from conventional anglers.
The RV Park is in full operation & in tip top shape.  
Fishing remains good/fair for planted rainbows showing up for conventional anglers/trollers. 

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Caples Lake is only 6 feet down from the high water mark and the fishing continues to be great!
Surface water temperature has gone down from 70 degrees to 66 degrees the last two weeks and Rainbow trout are being caught at a depth of 25 feet.  
However,  Ryan Zellar and his family were fishing in Emigrant Cove on August 10th from one of Caples Lake Resort’s rental fishing boats, when he landed a nice 3 pound Rainbow trout at a depth of 5 feet with a nightcrawler.
Ryan also reported seeing a school of large rainbows swimming alongside his boat when he hooked his trophy Rainbow.
Mike Harris from Roseville, Calif. caught a 3.5 pound Rainbow on August 16 while casting into the deep water from the shore at the spillway using Corn Yellow Power Bait.

CARSON RIVER, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Current flow is 69 CFS near Gardnerville.
Fishing will be slow with low flows and high temps.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Temporary regulations have been adopted for the Chetco River starting Sept. 1, 2014. Anglers should check these regulation changes prior to fishing.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
The fishing continues to be good at the lake and creek. I didn't see anything over the 3 pound range this week but there were a lot of full stringers.
Fall is just around the corner and it is big fish season.
It's time to escape to Convict Lake for some fall fishing.
 I occasionally get requests by email and I've seen people on our social media outlets asking for fly fishing info.
They have asked us to post fish that were caught and released by fly. I'd be happy to do this and even add the occasional fly fishing update to the weekly report but I need to get the skinny. 
I love fishing the Sierras and 90% of the time I'm on the water, I have a fly rod in my hand. I'll be the first to tell you that the lake is tough to fly fish.
I have had much better luck along the creek. Plus I'm just a big fan of fishing moving water. So here is my fly fishing report and a few of the tactic I'd try:
Lake:
Would definitely float tube Convict Lake or fish from a boat.
From my float tube I'd use sinking line and troll Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green) or a Hornberg. Maybe add a second fly about a foot behind the streamer like a Pleasant Tail or Hairs Ears.
Dry flies would be tough but I'd go with some type of terrestrials (Ant or grasshopper). Especially in areas with bushes like the northwest area of Convict Lake.
Creek:
I have done well with a dry and dropper when fishing Convict Creek.
For the dry fly I'd go with an Adams or Stimulator. For the dropper I suggest flashback Pheasant Tail or my favorite Convict Creek nymph, a Beaded Head Mayfly.
Where the water levels are now, I'd have about 3 foot of tippet.  This length would change based on the pool or run I'm fishing.
I like using my 3 weight 8'6" rod because it's a brushy creek.
The section below the campground has a lot of little brown (6-8 inches) which are fun to catch but you will have to work for them due to the terrain. OK all you fly fishermen, please send me your photos and trip reports.
I'm looking forward to keeping everyone informed on the fly fishing in Convict Canyon. 
Catch of the Week: 
Congratulations to Brooklyn Warmingtom from Los Angeles, CA with three fat fish landed at the beach along the South Shore. She was using Mice Tails when she scored a 3 pound 11 ounce, 2 pound 8 ounce and 2 pound 4 ounce rainbow. It was a special opportunity for her father to accompany her during these three excellent catches. Great job Brooklyn!
Other notable catches this week: 
Gabriel Contreras from Azusa, CA and fellow angler each with a nice rainbow caught at the North Shore. They were using Power Bait when they caught a 2 pound 10 ounce rainbow and a 2 pound rainbow.
Rudy Chavez from Chino Hills, CA hooked a 2 pound 5 ounce rainbow. Rudy was using a orange Powerbait with garlic dip, fishing at the Inlet. 
The Sirignano Family from Lake Forest, CA caught a full stringer using Nightcrawlers. They were fishing at the Inlet.  
The Howells Family from San Diego, CA caught themselves a few full stringers. They was using worms and were fishing the Inlet.   
Kaitlyn Vasquez from Azusa, CA with her first stringer. She was using Power Bait and was fishing at the South Shore. Congrats Kaitlyn!
Tactics/Bait: 
The "go to" lure this week at the lake was once again a Thomas Buoyants. Mice Tails was the lure that landed some fat fish this week. My favorites Mice Tail colors which are similar to the Power Worm colors from last week's report are pink, red, and orange.  
In the creek salmon eggs continued to be the hot ticket. 
The most successful Power Bait colors were yellow and green. The Inlet and South Shore were the hottest spot 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, Roostertails, and Bite-on Fury Shad or Lip Ripperz Hatchery Dust on Power Bait.
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:  Our fall derby series Ambush at the Lake will be starting on Sept. 1 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 has the thunderstorms taking the week off, the temps will be on the rise and it should be a sunny week. Highs will be in the high-70s and the lows in high-40s. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
DGF is scheduled to plant at the lake and creek the week of August 18.   

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing has been good in the north arm in 10-12 feet of water with copper zebra midges and Stevie's Wonder gray/black.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 8/18/14
McGee Bay feeling the pressure and slowing down the last couple of days, turns on in the afternoons.
Sandy Pt. has been excellent all along the well defined weed line.
As the lake level drops slowly, it opens up prime mud bottom in the 9-12 foot range. This coincides with comfortable water temperatures for the trout. The weed lines are also in this zone. This equates to excellent conditions for still water nymphing & streamer fishing. Look for a significant increase in midge emergences the next few weeks.
The larger fish are beginning to stage in the north end & along the weeds in McGee Bay. Algae is not an issue in any area currently. Hilton Bay, Six Bays, Layton Springs (near the submerged island), & Crooked Creek, now have fish cruising the weed edges.
There are solid chironomid hatches (midges); however the larger fish are targeting the perch fry and damsel nymphs.
Spot up along some aquatic weed in the 10-13 foot range. Use an assassin, drifters punk perch, or damsel nymph as the upper fly for perch or damsel imitations. Try a broken back gillie, crystal emerger, midge pupa, or standard gillie for your upper fly during chironomid emergences. Hang a broken back tiger or zebra, dark or copper crystal tiger or crystal zebra as the larva/lower fly.
Give those flies some action if the surface is calm. You are competing with swimming/wiggling critters, and the movement of your flies is crucial to getting grabs.
Streamer fishing really picked up the last few days using perch fry and damsel nymphs. Loebergs and #12 Punk Perch are great patterns for streamer fishers.
The fish have begun to spread out so there is ample room for tubers to work the perimeters of the boat parking lots.  
The perch fry are perfectly sized for still water nymphing right now- September/October will be streamer Nirvana I believe. 
Special angling restrictions now in place. Pinch those barbs down, love them and leave them, no scented or live bait please. 

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake was stocked heavily a while ago but still continues to fish well!  With temps in the 80's for the week it's a great time to go out in the morning and evenings to fish though this lake will still put fish out during the day. 
Mack fishing has been fair and Jigging has been good at depths from 70-100ft and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has been good with fat little guys ranging from 10-12 inches in 45-80 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove and some larger Kokes in the 13-14 inch range on the opposite shore from the boat launch suspended 60-80 feet in 100-120 feet of water. 
Also, for the boaters, there is a section off the shoreline at the State Park where the depth drops off quickly and lots of fish are concentrated there. Small Macks have been busy cruising the shorelines in the morning and evening picking of small rainbows. Throw imitations that will mimic these and smaller baitfish now in these dusk and dawn hours to be successful.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Hobart may be the best bet for anglers in northern Nevada.  Good fishing has been reported using sheep creek special with sinking line. Fly anglers should also 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  down to 4 CFS. Try an attractor dry  like a stimulator  with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds. 
Heavy weed growth makes accurate casting a must.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 8/17/14
Hot Creek is suffering from low water and extensive weed growth.  
This limits the available water you can fish.
Dry flies are the most effective patterns to use. I suggest a 10 foot leader and rod to keep the fly line off the weeds.
My hi-vis caddis & hi-vis para BWO are good choices to fish the faster slot water that has less weed.
Hoppers are also beginning to show, use a stimulator or grass hopper imitation if the wind comes up.  
Para ant patterns are also a good choice if the wind is gusting in the canyon.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig. Broken back zebras or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper.

HUMBOLT COUNTY WATERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Bilk Creek Reservoir:  
Fishing has been good for bass using spinner baits and top water poppers.
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 fair for walleye and wipers. 
Most anglers are catching fish on worms.  

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
With this lake being stocked a while ago with a healthy planting of DFW trout this lake will fish great for months now! 
If you're looking for bigger fish you're going to have to fish the face of the dam as there is always some big fish hanging on the ledges of the dam. 
Fishing small apex's about 25-35 feet down has been the ticket here as some anglers can't keep trout off their hooks! 
Small trout in the 12-14 inch range but numbers are high. 
As water levels drop slightly the only launch feasible for boats is the one at Pass Creek not Woodcamp!  
Lake is at 71% capacity and it's a great escape from the masses that descend on Tahoe.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant - Gull - June - Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Rush Creek flow is down to 11 CFS and fishing is fair. 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:
August 17, 2014
We've started to get some decent reports from Kirman this week, there's been some brookies being landed up to around 22 inches the last couple days! Cutts have been a little shy lately but the brookies are pretty active.
The water is a bit off color from the algae growing this summer but not murky enough to hurt the fishing.
Fly anglers have been using small leech and damsel patterns for the best success, mini leeches, seal buggers, stillwater nymph, dainty damsel, matuka, soft hackle and pheasant tail.         

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Lahontan, despite the low water (or maybe because of it) the fishing has been pretty good. 
The best fishing has been by the dam where the Truckee canal dumps in. 
Anglers are reporting walleye and wipers in the 15-inch plus range.
The dam was closed last week and water levels will remain pretty constant for about a month with a little water from the canal coming in, this should make fishing easier and better for a few weeks.
All state parks boat launches are closed and beach launching is difficult due to muddy banks.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
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:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Fishing has been good. Make sure you have enough water for the five mile hike in. Fishing is allowable one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset. Limit is zero fish, catch and release fishing only. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used. 

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF WEEDS AND SPORADIC FISH LOSS!

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
8/12/14
Mason Valley, bass fishing has been good at Hinkson and North Pond, float tubes and kayaks are needed to get into the open channels where anglers can access the fish. Trout fishing slow to nonexistent lately.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean from Bandon to Winchester Bay.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is now closed outside of the 30-fathom curve until the end of September.
Fishing for bottom fish continues to be a little slow near Coos Bay.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of cabezon is now allowed but only one cabezon per day per angler.
Fin-clipped coho fishing has been good in the Winchester Bay and Coos Bay areas. Remember only fin clipped coho can be harvested for the next month.
The selective coho (fin-clipped) season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border is open until Aug. 10 or attaining the 80,000 fish quota. As of July 27, there is still over 60 percent of the coho quota remaining.
Ocean fishing for chinook has been good outside of Coos Bay the past week.
The nearshore halibut season started on July 1 and will be open 7 days a week inside the 40 fathom line through the earlier of the quota being met or Oct. 31. There is still 60 percent of the nearshore halibut quota remaining as of July 27.
Anglers are still catching surf perch along the steep ocean beaches during the incoming tide. Sand shrimp has been the best bait to use.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is 49 CFS. The water is low and clear. Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns. The fish are scattered so cover lots of water.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow currently 287 CFS. Fishing is good  but a bit difficult with the high water flow. Not much surface action  but nymph fishing is great. WD40's , rainbow warriors, baetis emergers.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 8/17/14
Water has cleared up and conditions are very good despite low flows.
The UO remains the most consistent moving water fishery in the area.
River conditions are better above the confluence of Hot Creek.
Tandem nymph rigs in the deeper pools are doing the trick. You can also dead drift broken back midges & egg patterns without an Under-cator.
Flows consistent at 52 CFS.
Short water tactics should be used to fool the wild fish here.  Look for the deeper pools and runs during off hatch periods. Caddis (#18 or smaller dark bodies) and mayfly adults are good choices for the open riffle water. Hi-vis para bwo and caddis # 16-18 will get grabs.  
Some hoppers showing up now. 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.  
Think about streamers in the stiff afternoon winds. You will have to hunt down pools large; or deep enough to cast a streamer-they are very limited under current conditions. 
Patterns like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 8/17/14
Flows back up to 300 CFS. Had been dropping. Wading and crossing are difficult in the wild trout section at this release.
Drift boat conditions have improved and the weather has cooled down quite a bit. The additional water & cooler temps this week will actually make the fishing better here soon.
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.
The chub and sucker spawn was epic this spring and we are seeing “balls” of these small baitfish in the pillow waster and along the weeds.
Streamer fishing is the best way to imitate these small forage fish by 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:
Access to the Pine Forest best with a 4-wheel drive.
Onion Valley Reservoir: 
Water level is very low. Fishing has been fair to slow.People are catching 12"-14" fish. Onion started with only a half pool of water because of the drought. Irrigation demands are quickly draining the reservoir.
Blue Lakes: 
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.
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 percent full this year and should provide good angling throughout the summer. Water level is low, but fishing has been good for 10"-12". 
Fly fisherman have been catching fish on nymphs and some on dry flies. 
Bait fisherman are catching fish on your typical power bait and worms.
Knott Creek Reservoir: 
Fishing has been fair to slow with warmer temperatures. Most of the fish should be concentrated in the deeper water near the dam. Early morning fishing should be the best. 
Typical leach and nymph patterns are catching fish. Midge patterns under a strike indicator should still be working near the dam.  
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.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 23% capacity and has been fishing decently for bass. 
Crayfish and minnow patterns have been good for the flyflingers and Crayfish crankbaits, Senkos, Panther Martin spinners, and live worms have been good for the rest. 
Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results. 
Smallmouth fishing here has been great in the evening hours!

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
The boat launches are closed due to low water levels.
Shore launching is risky and is done at your own risk.
Fishing has been slow for wipers and walleye. 
Anglers have reported fair evening and night fishing for catfish with normal catfish baits.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
August 18, 2014, 
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 8,250 CFS.
Salmon fishing the Red Bluff area of the Sacramento River is great.
This weekend has produced some really beautiful chrome fish. 2 to 6 fish day. Salmon averaging 12 to 2 pounds, a few larger.
More fish daily, salmon are still moving to the colder water up river, Red Bluff area fishing very well.
Using Flatfish lures in the early morning, switching to Pautzke's cured roe in the afternoon.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of August 18, 2014 water flow is currently 8, 250 CFS.
 Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch. 
Trout fishing Redding area, trout fishing is excellent.
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. 70 fish days. 
Amazing wild Rainbow trout fishing on the Sac River. 
Drift  boats or Jet boats available.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 8/17/14
T storms are fading & the weekend will be warm and dry.
Flows are at fall levels unless we get a substantial amount of rain.
The wading is very easy in all sections.
Fly fishing has become more difficult due to very low flows.
The fish are holding in the limited pools and deeper slots.
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 15 CFS. Fishing is much tougher with the low flows. Try an attractor like a stimulator or a coachman with a para Adams as a dropper.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 18, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Shasta Lake King salmon fishing is excellent. 5 -12 salmon being caught a day, between 3 -5 pound range. Catching BIG salmon 100-120 ft deep, trolling, shad pattern lures.
Areas fishing, Mouth of Sac Arm & McCloud Arm.
LIMITS of salmon and trout.
Rainbow trout fishing on Lake Shasta is great. Fishing 30 to 75 ft deep. Trout are very large now, due to the large bait fish in the area. 
Fishing best around the Pit Arm and Jones Valley area.
Shasta Lake Spotted Bass & Small Mouth Bass fishing has been excellent. Limits daily. Catching 20 to 50 fish per day, bigger fish are being caught 25 -30 ft deep. Larger numbers of smaller bass being caught on the top water using spinner baits and tube worms.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
A report of successful Mackinaw Trout fishing with more than 30 fish in four days of trolling with Needlefish lures.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS CLOUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
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 this time of year is all you need but later in the year anglers will need to transition to an intermediate line for deeper presentation.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing here has been great, but with water levels at 26% capacity (that's correct) it's a must to have 4-wheel drive to launch and even that's been risky especially with the recent rain!  Everyone is now utilizing the area east of the ramp to launch their boats now. 
Rick Kennedy and John Minnis still reporting good Kokanee action with fish ranging in the 12-13 inch range in the top 35-50 feet of water but some larger fish are being taken around the island in 35-55 feet of water. Another hot spot has been off the boat launch when water depth reaches 35-45 feet. 
Kokes are spread out all over now and some are even starting to turn!  Spinners, Hoochies, and Radical Glow Tubes have been go to lures in colors with pink, orange, and Purple. 
Best Dodger colors have been copper with any Orange and Pink in it! 
Look for Macks underneath these schools of Kokes and some larger ones still hanging out in the deeper sections of the lake around the dam. 
Trout fishing has been best in the coves up and down from the campgrounds and boat ramp. 
Smallmouth fishing has been sporadic in the Davis Creek arm but some of those that are being caught have been pretty nice! 

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.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Lake Tahoe is the place to be if you are fishing from a boat in northern Nevada.  It may be one of the few places you still can launch a boat and catch a fish. Anglers have been reporting good success catching Mackinaw in the 3-5 pound range. Anglers are concentrating in the 150 – 300 feet with white dodgers and minnows. 

TOPAZ LAKE AND CANAL:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
8/12/14
Fishing is starting to slow down.
Trout were holding at 20 plus foot depth but downriggers were moderately successful during July, lake stratification will get worse during August and trout will be squeezed down until temps cool in the Fall.
No bass reports but fishing should be good if you can get a boat out.
County ramp is closed, launching from the beach near the outlet structure is still OK though.
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:
8/12/14
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 152+ CFS.
The ongoing drought continues to challenge Nevada’s fisheries. 
Low water levels throughout the Truckee River system will continue to stress this fishery. 
Fishing will be ok in the upper river but the lower river will have high temps and declining flows. 
Let’s all hope for rain.   

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
The weather for the week calls for low 80's so please adhere to the restrictions! Water Levels have now dropped! Very little water coming out of Tahoe and just trickle of water coming out of the dam at Boca means all of us need to adhere to the ethical fishing hour schedule on the Big Truckee.  Break of dawn to Noon!  
I'm well aware that some of you are on Vacation but this is a resource we need to protect.  Don't be that guy or gal out on the Big river in the afternoon and evening because all you're doing is killing our business partners!  This will impact our business as a fly shop but it ensures the survival of our most valuable resource for years to come so we all believe it's worth the effort.
Even though water levels are now low the fishing has been pretty good with some good dry fly fishing if you know time and place. 
Crayfish are starting to molt so don't pass up on throwing a crayfish pattern in those deep holes and stretches that one can find on the Big T. 
Explore different stretches of water and give your old spot a break or try and fish the area lakes.  
Most fish will be taken by high-sticking the pocket water and one should think about giving the fish a break in the afternoon since water temps climb to 68-71.  Let's be ethical here and give the fish a break during the heat of the day to cut back on the mortality rate of trout when they're stressed by these high water temps. 
Lots of things on the menu now such as Caddis, Stones, Mayflies (PMD's, PED's), Midges, and Terrestrials (Ants, Hoppers).  If you're fishing dries consider using 4x-5x leaders now and when nymphing 3x-5x tippet.
Nevada:
Caution!  If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!  
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift.  Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Stocked about a month ago but with low water now being an issue fishing has been fair at best through this stretch. 

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 17, 2014
The Twins are fishing well right now, some trolling, some bait fishing and some fly fishing.
The water is getting a bit low but this typically doesn't affect the fishing on the Twins much as they are so deep to begin with.
Bait anglers are either fishing from the shore or anchored boats with mice tails, power bait and inflated crawlers.
Trollers are using blades/crawlers, needlefish, thomas bouyants, kastmasters and rapalas, if you have a lead core rig it would help to send out 4 to 6 colors on the troll. They're picking up lots of fish in the 1 to 2 pound range plus a few in the 3 to 5 pound range as well.
Fly anglers are doing the best with sinking lines or sink tips and seal buggers, wooly buggers, matukas, soft hackles and zug bugs.     

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 17, 2014
The Virginias area still fishing excellent, for the bait anglers it's been power bait, mice tails, power eggs, salmon eggs and crawlers.
Lure fishermen have been using kastmasters, thomas bouyants and jakes spin a lures.
Fly anglers have been doing well with beetles, ants, para adams, elk hair caddis, prince nymphs, zug bugs, soft hackles, seal buggers, matukas and mini leeches.  
There's a pretty good number of 3 and 4 pounders being bagged on the Virginias lately so don't be surprised if you hook into a big one!

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:
8/12/14
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:
August 17, 2014 
The East is running at about 60 CFS still, the water has cleared up quite a bit since the thunderstorms last week and the fishing has improved a bit.
The temps are still in the 60's and the fish are hanging in there, fighting well and releasing well.
The fishing is still the best down below the bridge on the Cali side or on the Nevada side of the river. We've had a couple decent reports from the upper mile but better reports from downstream.
Dry dropper rigs are still doing the best, though we have had a couple good reports on streamers.
Patterns to try include: madam x, fat albert, chubby chernobyl, stimulator, humpy, zebra midge, rainbow warrior, wd-40, micro mayfly, flashback emerger, buckskin caddis, fox's poopah, 3 wire caddis, san juan worm, dead drift crayfish, zonker, zuddler and moal leech.                
Sceirine Ranch:
August 17, 2014
The ranch hasn't had much pressure lately but the few clients we've had on there have done well with dry/dropper rigs and dead drift crayfish.
Some nice fish being landed, some in the 20 to 22 inch range! 
Hunewill Pond:
August 17, 2014
The pond has gotten a little tough due to the weeds that grow in there this time of year. The weeds make it difficult to fish though not impossible, anglers who are willing to search for the clear sections should be able to have some good success. Dry/dropper rigs and small streamers are going to be the best bet for getting into some nice fish.  

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 60 CFS. Fishing is slow. 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 8/17/14
Flows currently at 60 CFS & trending downward last few days.
Water is filled with algae and weeds, tough to get a clean drift currently.  
If water temps rise into the 70′s, this will make the fish lethargic.
Better oxygen levels further you go downstream towards NV.
We are currently not guiding here by choice.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 17, 2014
The West has cleared up since the thunderstorms have quit and is fishing very well. The water is low so you'll need to do some hiking to find some of the deeper pools where the fish are hanging out.
Fly anglers are using humpies, stimulators, hoppers, beetles and ants on top as well as prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears and soft hackles on the bottom. Bait anglers are using salmon eggs, power eggs and crawlers and lure anglers are going with panther martins and mepps spinners.      

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 8/17/14
Flows are low & the water is very clear.  
Hit the canyon and Pikel meadows sections.
Dry/dropper bead head nymphs like crystal olive caddis, tiger midges, broken back tigers, assassin birds nest, &  flashback PT’s are all good calls fished below a Stimulator or hi vis caddis or BWO adult as your indicator.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are extremely low and warm.
Limits have been lifted, but due to water conditions, the trip isn’t worth it.

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