Labor Day weekend fishing report for Nevada, Northern California and Sierra

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Aug. 28 through Labor Day. Don't forget, California's second free day of fishing without a license will be Saturday, Sept. 7.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Neal of Almanor Fishing Adventures (www.almanorfishingadventures.com) reports:
Thunder, lighting, and some rain helped clear the air of smoke from the distant Rim Fire in Tuolumne County and the now-contained Oroville fire. Lots of cloud cover at night really diminished that full moon.

Clarity has reduced to about 10 ft. to 11 ft. depending where you are. Lake Levels are slowly coming down.
The latest Lake Almanor lake level from PG&E as of 8/13/13: 4,483.59 foot elevation - 880,999 acre feet storage. 
Watch for Hazards around the shoreline and points.

Lake Almanor: If she could speak, she would say, “ Give me the luxuries, and I will give you the necessities.”
Summertime: This is the time of plenty...fish are fat and actively feeding on smelt, mostly. Some fish are just packed with them, and others not so much. There's still some minor hatches popping off.

What a abundance of fish food. Never the less, boats are reporting fish. Jigging has been getting some quality fish. Areas like the Spar Buoy, mouth of the Hamilton Branch, and Rec. 2. have all reported fish from 1.75 to 4.0 pounds. White or yellow, feather or tube jigs getting the most attention.

Mooching anchovy tails for Salmon near the A-Frame has been rewarding one day and weak the next. Hit it right and it could be limits. Same at Big Springs. The 2 year old Salmon are about 17-inches and the 3-4 year-olds are running from 19 to 22 inches.

Pro-cure Anchovy oil or Super Herring Gel can only help when mooching.

The trolling bite has been best down rigged from 30 ft. to 40 ft. While the fishing pressure is much lighter now, I have been talking to some of the regulars on the water and we all agree it’s a wide variety of trolled items getting hit. Slow trolling naked crawlers, smelt patterns or Dodger/crawler combos are still picking up fish.

Also fast action Needlefish or Speedy Shiners are getting big fish as well.

I have been running  Fire Tiger Patterns, 1/6 oz. Shiners at 35 and 40 ft. deep and #2 Needlefish at 30. Usually I don’t run fire tiger that often, but when clarity is less, like now, and your fishing deep, that extra bright fire tiger pattern is easier for big fish to see. Rainbows from 2.13 to 4.0 lbs. have been slamming them.

The trolling boats are scattered all around the east basin, working the usual places like the east shore, Rocky Point, and Canyon dam, and Rec. 1 to the A-Frame.

We hooked up some quality fish running from Big Cove to the A-Frame, or Big Cove to Big Springs...it’s a toss up both, lanes have been producing fish.

Bottom line, you will get fish, a few quality ones too, but it will take a little longer....all the better, just pack a extra sandwich. With the moon full, and beginning to darken, the very early morning bite will be best, and should pick up again after 10:00 am. The docks at  Canyon Dam and the USFS ramp are looking good.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Stocked this week! Or did they? So, if they actually decided to stock this lake this week you should be able to catch fish here. If you're after the stockers I would concentrate my efforts on the shoreline up and down from the boat launch. 

Key here is to get an early start or to fish in the evening as this lake is boating and PWC madness! This lake can be a wave pool with the amount of watercraft utilizing it on the weekends!
Best action by shore fisherman has been the dam and at the deeper troughs outside the inlet, especially with flows starting to drop out of the LT. 

If you pinch your barbs and fish lures only one can work the Little Truckee River that flows into Boca but be cognizant that you may be fishing besides fly fisherman.  Please be courteous to each other's space.  
With flows coming out of the LT at a paltry 90 CFS you'll probably find more fish in the lake now than in the stream. Also, concentrate off points as large fish will be suspended here.  Shore fisherman can be successful by throwing all sorts of bait and lures such as large spinners and small stick baits that will imitate kokanee, rainbows, or baitfish.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760) 932-7707 (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Bridgeport has been pretty tough this past week, it seems that most of the regulars that fish Bridgeport all the time have been fishing up at the Twins lately. With the cooler night time temps we've been getting hopefully the water temps will drop and the algae will die off soon, when this happens the fishing should get back to normal.    
CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The Chetco River mainstem upstream of the power lines (RM 2.2) will close Aug. 1 through Nov. 1.
Tributaries remain open for trout fishing per the zone regulations.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Hello Convict Lake fishing report followers: This week I have seen many happy anglers due to all the full stringers.
Fall is just around the corner. It's in the fall when the size of the fish coming out of the lake increase. Start planning your fall fishing trip today. 
Fishing Lodging Specials:
Sept. 2nd-Oct. 31st
Packages starting at $379+tax
(2 nights Sun - Thurs + $100 restaurant credit + full day motor boat)
Late Fall: Nov. 3rd-Nov. 15th
Packages starting at $199+tax
(2 nights Sun-Thurs + full day motor boat)
Book fishing lodging specials by contacting our reservation department directly at (760) 934-3800 or email at info@convictlake.com.
Catch of the Week:  Congratulations to Randy Engle of San Diego, CA who landed a 2 pound and 15 ounce rainbow.  Randy hooked this nice fish with a night crawler at the Inlet. Taylor Engle didn't do too bad herself. She caught a 2 pound and 12 ounce rainbow. Way to go Gary and Taylor! 

Other Notable catches this week: 
William Weed of Torrance, Calif., caught a beautiful 2 pound and 12 ounce rainbow. William was using Garlic Power bait while fishing at Windy Point.
Randy Engle of San Diego, CA hooked two nice fish this week. The second was a 2 pound and 3 ounce rainbow. Randy was using Peach Power bait and was fishing at the Inlet.
Tom Fernandez of West Hills, CA ended a good at the lake with a 1 pound and 13 ounce rainbow. He was using a night crawler and was fishing at the North Shore.
Tactics/Bait:  
As stated in an earlier report, you can never go wrong with inflated nightcrawlers. Set up your rod with about a 3 foot leader (2-3 pound) and try to fish adjacent to the shelf. Use a clear bobber filled with water in order to be stealthier. The most successful Power bait colors were garlic cheese and salmon peach.
Red/gold Thomas Bouyants, Red/Pink Power Worms and Powerbait Mice Tails were also very productive.
The Inlet and the South Shore were the hot spots this week. Other locations to try are Windy Point, North Shore, Jetty, West Shore, Creek, Handicap Pier, and Hangman's Tree. 

Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Trout Teasers, green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Thomas Bouyants, Green Wooly Booger and Lip RIpperz Hatchery Dust on Power bait.
Other Resources: 
View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store. 
Derby News: 
JUST NINE DAYS AWAY!!!  The Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby will be starting on Monday, September 2nd for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes! Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Cash Bonus Weekend on November 1-3. $2000 in cash prizes.
Weather:  The forecast for next week has the highs in the low-70s. Lows in the mid-40s. The skies should be clear to partly cloudy but there is always the potential for afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake. 
Sunrise - Sunset:  Sunrise this week 6:19 am - 6:24 am and Sunset 7:29 pm - 7:38 pm.
Stocking:  DFG stocked the lake on August 19.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
No much has changed on the lake this last week. McGee Bay is still producing. Some decent reports from the north arm as well. Try Stevie's Wonder  gray/black in 8-10 feet of water.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of J and J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
Fishing overall has been fair to good.
Bank fishing has been good at Mallard using nightcrawlers or power bait; early morning has been most productive.
Trolling, fish seem to be somewhat scattered throughout the lake.
Best results have been in the channel on the east side; 10-15 feet in the morning going down to 20+ in the afternoon, especially on warm days.
Dick Nite Copper Red Head, Red Dot Frog, and Fire Tiger have all been seeing results.
Fly-fishing, No reports. However, damsels, blood midge, mayflies, wooly buggers, wiggle tails, or ice cream cones should all work.
Cat fishing has been good at Camp 5 and Eagle Point. Nightcrawlers or Catfish bait.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Will be stocked this week! Get the kids out there or your buddy who has a difficult time catching fish and have a good time! Remember to be a steward and keep just what you can eat! No need to fill your freezer with multiple trips and leave some fish for the kids to catch!  

Power bait will be the primary bait one will be using along with small shiny lures such as 1/12 to 1/8 Kastmasters, Roostertails, or Panther Martins.  Kokanee fishing will get going here again about mid-week according to Keith and one will be targeting 55 to 75 feet of water now between the area of Loch Leven and China Cove. 

Pink, Orange and Chartreuse have been the best color choices. 

Catching minnows can be deadly this time of year for the Macks as they are still within casting distance. Also, for those trolling for Macks action has been good if you're working the ledges along the North shoreline 45-80 feet down. Trolling the usual suspects that will imitate small Kokes and Rainbows will be the top producers. Jigging for Macks can also be effective as they will be found at depths of 75 to 100 feet.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Due to several fires burning in California, we have been experiencing very smoky conditions at Frenchman Lake this past week.
This has kept some people away, and as a result, we have not received many reports on the fishing.
Mitch, a regular fisherman at Frenchman, caught three 16 inch rainbows yesterday - total weight was 6 pounds- at the dam using worms for bait.
The Frenchman boat ramp which has been undergoing construction and repaving this summer is now scheduled to reopen on August 31.
Cottonwood Family Campground will be closing for the season this week. All of the other campgrounds at Frenchman are still open.
California will have its second Free Fishing Day of the year on September 7, 2013, so come on out and enjoy the day at Frenchman Lake.
Call us for updates or questions - Wiggin’s Trading Post

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new reports. One thousand rainbow trout were last stocked on July 8.
Hobart also has a high concentration of natural spawning brook trout.
Fishing has been great in the morning and evening at Hobart.
The weed line and inlet continue to fish well. Try ant patterns and water boatman patterns near the shoreline.
Some dry fly action, try stimulators and Royal Wulffs . In deeper water try Copper Johns, prince nymphs, and black woolly buggers. Only artificial lures and single barbless hooks for this water. The limit on Hobart is five trout with only one over 14 inches. The season will be closing on Sept. 30th.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports: 
Water flow is  down to  5 CFS. Fishing is  tough with the heavy weed growth  and low water. Try a hopper or stimulator  with a buckskin nymphs caddis pupa or small pheasant tails as a dropper. Some decent dry fly fishing in the afternoon with CDC caddis and Hot Creek caddis.

HUMBOLT 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:
Chimney Reservoir makes the fishing report for the first time in a long time! Anglers are still catching 14 inch wipers. Fishing is best in morning and evening hours (when the wind isn't blowing).

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
This lake will be stocked this week but other than that it has been one of the better lakes in our area to fish.  
Anglers here are doing great throwing power bait and small lures such as 1/8 oz Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Roostertails. 
For the trolling crowd the action has been from the corner of the dam down to Woodcamp. Other areas have been off drop offs into deeper water.  Needlefish, Dick Nites, Kastmasters, and Sierra Spinners tipped with a Nightcrawler always works well.
Just last week an angler pulled out a 10 pound Brown out of here along the shoreline to Woodcamp!

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:
Grant - Gull - June - Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Silver Lake still seems to be the best for float tube fly rodders fishing black or purple woolly buggers on full sink lines doing  well.
Rush Creek flow is 25 CFS.
Royal coachmen, elk hair caddis,prince nymphs and copper Johns.


KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 25, 2013
Haven't heard much from Kirman this week, I'd guess it's still hanging in there though. I'd probably be fishing some leech and damsel patterns with soft hackle or pheasant tail droppers. The scud should also still be active so you could go with some scud patterns as well.  

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:
Middle Twin Lakes is the best bet for fly rodders.
Doc's Twin Lake Special black or brown.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY AND WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Marlette will close September 30.
Anglers have reported good fishing near the dam. Try using Intermediate line with a beaded head black bunny hair wooly bugger. Be prepared for a five mile hike on this one.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Bass and trout fishing are slow at Hinkson. Fly anglers for trout have reported success using midge patterns, copper johns and zug bugs.
North ponds the trout fishing has been slow try using worms.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Crabbing has been better in the ocean than inside the local bays.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is now closed outside of the 30 fathom curve until Sept. 30.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of 1 cabezon per day is now allowed.
Fishing for bottom fish has been a little slower this past week.
Chinook salmon fishing in the ocean has been very good near Coos Bay and Winchester Bay. Trolling with cut plug herring will work well.
Don’t forget, when salmon fishing in the ocean your hooks must be barbless.
All pacific halibut fishing is closed for the year.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 106 CFS. Special regulations still in effect upstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge and from the monument to Crowley Lake.
Fishing is fair. Try egg patterns, San Juan worms ,Prince nymphs and copper John's. It's important to cover lots of water as the fish are scattered.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is currently 311 CFS. Nymphing is the best bet. Try WD-40'S, pheasant tails and hares ears.

PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish.
Mealworms or nightcrawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Onion Valley Reservoir:
No reason to fish Onion.
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 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.
Both bait and fly fishermen have enjoyed above average success in the early season. Dry flies, cast to rising trout, are a good tactic for fly anglers.
Knott Creek Reservoir: Knott Creek has been improving after the summer algae bloom.
Fishing is beginning to pick up with cooler night time temperatures. Fishing is still slow during the mid day. Try type 4 line with leach patterns for best results. Hoppers in the weed bed in the late afternoon have been producing action as well.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
The DFW has been atrocious this year at stocking our lakes and this is one that they have supposedly stocked and then the next week taken it off the stock listing.  Now this week they have it on as one of the three local lakes to be stocked but we'll have to see. If this Lake got stocked week with DFW trout, fishing should be pick up considerably. 
Some good reports here but your best luck will be in the early morning!
Trout in the 12-16 inch range have been caught on Kastmasters in 1/4 oz to 1/8 oz in Perch, Watermelon, Brook trout, and Gold early and late while Firetiger, Chrome/Blue, and Chrome have produced better during the mid-day hours.  Look for similar colors in Roostertails, Panther Martins, and Thomas bouyants. 
Power bait and worms will be the go to bait and one should concentrate on the shoreline leading into. 
Smallmouth fishing will be better this summer than trout fishing here as the water temps will be higher than most of the other regional lakes. 
For those who have more patience than me throwing nightcrawlers, Power bait, or Salmon eggs will certainly be a sure bet when the schools come by. 
Trollers should concentrate along drop offs by the shoreline and through the Prosser Creek arm with needlefish, Dick Nites, and Sierra Spinner (there just not for Kokes!) tipped with a nightcrawler.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No changes. 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 hot.
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.
The reservoir will be drawn down very low during the irrigation season and that will concentrate the fish. 14-16 inch wipers on spoons and minnows. Some nice walleyes are being caught by anglers trolling night crawlers.
Fish the area around the dam.
Anglers are using chartreuse colored swivel baits before the heat of the day sets in and taking fish in the three to four pound range. Anglers below the dam are using similar lures to catch walleyes and wipers.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
As of  August 27, 2013  water flow is currently 9,000  CFS and dropping to 8,500 CFS by Monday.
Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River is going great and we are catching some beautiful, big, King salmon.  Salmon fishing is up and down now.

Salmon Fishing was tough for many over the weekend due to the Sacramento River water flow dropping. Still, our guides worked hard for the catch, with clients managing to bring a few salmon per boat.  Hooking 2 to 8 salmon, landing 2 to 8 fish a day most days, some days better than others. 
Look for September and October to be red hot, with the month of October being almost a guarantee of catching salmon. Flatfish lures working best, turning to roe later in the day, using Pautzke Red cure.

August 1, 2013 marked the opening of the Balls Ferry Area in Anderson, CA for King Salmon on the Sacramento River. An excellent day on the water,  several of our boats caught limits of salmon, 8 fish,  by 8 am today.
Salmon were good size, ranging from 18 pounds to 25 pounds, average.
July 16, 2013 marked the opening day.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Current flow is 20 CFS.  Recent rains have bumped up the flow a bit. Try attractor dry flies like stimulators, sierra brite dots and royal wullfs.

SMITH RIVER, OREGON:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Trout season is open in the Smith River basin.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS CLOUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new changes for Spooner. Anglers have reported good fishing with power bait eggs with garlic scent.
The weed bed continues to be a problem around Spooner Lake. If anglers do find an opening they should have some success. A water craft such as a float tube or kayak is the key to unlocking this lake’s hold on fishing.
Fly anglers continue to have had luck using black, brown, and green Wooly Buggers. For fly anglers, a floating line this time of year is all you need. 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:
Still fishing well as there are fish spread out all over the lake now!

This lake will be stocked this week and shore fisherman will see their catch rates increase.  
Power bait has been the go to bait here and working the shoreline up and down from the boat launch is your best bet early and late in the day.  

Mack fishing has slowed but that doesn't mean that you won't hang one. Fish under or around schools of Kokes if you're targeting the Macks.  

Word is from Keith Zenker that the Koke bite still great and that you'll be fishing 40 to 70 feet down for them and that the larger ones are being taken by bumping the bottom in about 60 to 70 feet of water. Work the rockpile and the deeper sections around the island to find larger Kokes now.
 
Pink, Chartreuse, and Orange in hoochies and squids have been go to's. 

Spinners will also work in these colors so don't dismay if these lures are your go to's.  20 to 40 fish days for the Kokes are here for some!  The average size though has been 10-12 inches, but recently some larger kokes in the 14-16 range have been caught. See Mr Z at our store or give him a call to find out the latest news. He's got us stocked with some great Kokanee gear!  
For the shore fisherman spoons, spinners, and stick baits will work and of course if you're throwing bait nothing beats an inflated nightcrawler drenched in your favorite scent.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
3,064 rainbow trout have been stocked at Cave Rock on July 26.
Limits on Mack’s have been easy and the fish are running of 1 to 5 pounds with some breaking into the double digits. Best method for lake trout has been a minnow dodger set up in 150 to 200 ft.
Fishing has been good in Sand Harbor area and Cave Rock.
Kokanee are showing up in good number try using plugs and Vance’s sockeye slammer number 2. Another good Kokanee setup is a chrome dodger with double blade spinners (pink and orange) tipped with corm, trolled at 1.5 mph in 70-100 feet of water.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been slow due to warmer temps boat anglers have had some luck in the early morning before the sun hits the water.
Trolling Rapalas has been the most effective.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been getting better with the lower water flows.
Warm temperatures are making early mornings and evenings the idea times to fish. Avoid mid day due to hot temperatures, rafters and swimmers.
Flows are: Reno 296 CFS, Sparks 237 CFS and Vista (farther east) 323 CFS.
For traditional anglers this time of year floating salmon eggs, Power Bait and imitating bait fish work well.
Fly fishermen can use some terrestrial insect patterns like hoppers and ants. Nymph patterns include prince nymphs, hares ear, and caddis.

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Flows are pretty stable and with river temps starting to dip by a couple of degrees things are starting to look up. 
Caddis hatches have stabilized now on the Big T. Unlike Mayflies, one should skate or dance there Caddis dries a bit as Caddis flies are fast emergers. Look for good hatches of these bugs in the evening now, especially the last hour of the evening. 
Other hatches include PMD's in the late mornings to mid-afternoon, Little Yellow Stones, and PED's in the evenings along with the Caddis. 
With this summer being warmer than previous ones and water temps being warmer than they should be this time of year we are seeing activity normal for August not July. That means the Crayfish are molting now up and down the river. Fish these patterns in the evening hours or in the morning as some of the larger trout in the river will be feeding on these guys. 
Rolling big Stoneflies during the day with imitations of Mayfly crawlers and Caddis Pupa behind them can be effective. 
Look to fish the pocketwater and riffles more now and utilize your high sticking technique. 
Large Carpenter ants have gone away but there is a lot of ant activity along the river's edge, so don't discount the use of these patterns. 
Now is the time to start throwing other terrestrials like hoppers, as they are becoming more predominant now. Crashing one of these tasty morsels over an area that is seeing a lot of hopper or ant activity can bring on a splashy rise that will get your pulse up! 
To have success on our rivers one should note that it's necessary to have good repeated drifts! 
Nymphing will consist of large primary flies such as Pat's Rubberlegs, Buggers, large Copper Johns(reds!), Prince Nymphs, large Caddis pupa and Stonefly imitations trailed behind 16-18 inches with Caddis, PMD, PED, Midge and General nymphs such as Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, and Bird's Nests in sizes 14-18. 
Also, streamer fishing is a good option now. Sculpin imitations have been the best. Streamer fishing will be best in the wee hours of morning now or into dusk. Soft hackle imitations of Caddis and Mayfly's work well when fish are feeding just under the surface. 
Nevada:
If the California side of the Truckee is getting you flustered maybe a trip to the Nevada side will turn your luck around.  
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:
Fishing through the Perazzo Meadows for Brookies has been decent and some nice Rainbows are always caught below Weber Falls.  
With the supposed stocking of fish here last week I would assume fishing will be good. That is if it was actually stocked.
Drifting a small garden worm, salmon egg or ball or power bait under a split shot will be the ticket if you're fishing bait.
Small spinners and tiny kastmasters will work also if you decide to throw lures. I love kastmasters because of their action! 
Low flows and water temps in the 60's will push fish into the faster water.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
Big fish of the week was a 5-pound, 15-ounce Alper caught by Fritzi Cochrane,  a resident of Fontana. 
She was fishing from her boat and casting with Garlic Power bait.
The weekly stocking of 800-pounds is producing stringers of smaller trout. 
The Alpers and Browns are starting to surface. 
Best time for fishing is the early mornings and late afternoons.
The water temp. is 60 degrees, but the cooler mornings clearly indicates Fall is approaching.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 25, 2013
The Twins are still fishing pretty well in the mornings and evenings, lots of half pound to pound and a half fish being caught daily with a few in the 2 to 4 pound range as well.
Drift trolling with crawlers, needlefish and thomas bouyants has been effective, as well as bait fishing with power bait anc crawlers.
Fly anglers have been doing well with buggers, matukas, stillwater nymphs and soft hackles.
In the evenings spin anglers can also go with a fly/bubble rig with those same patterns.    

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 25, 2013
The Virginias are also fishing excellent lately, lots of nice Alpers fish showing up up there.
Power bait, power eggs, crawlers, kastmasters, thomas bouyants, panther martins and jakes have all been doing well for the spin anglers and for the fly anglers go with wooly buggers, seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, soft hackles, beetles, para adams and extended body bwo's.   

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
August 24, 2013
Great week of weather with a couple of thunderstorms that shut down the Micro-Cell at AT&T and a lot of us were without phone service for over 35 hours.  It warmed up again and then the fire smoke hit us on Friday around 4pm. 

Temperatures were in the range of 68 to 72 degrees up through Saturday.  With several breezy afternoons cooling the air down into the early evenings, made for great dry fly action. 

Aspens with large patches of yellow are showing along the Virginia Lake Road along with shoreline willows starting to turn their normal yellow for the year. Looks like it might be an early fall.
DFW stocked ten additional trophies along with the normal plant this week.
Bait for the week:
Nightcrawlers with natural garlic power bait, salmon peach and garlic rainbow glitter were all working well and took some Alpers Trout this week but they are down deep and many are left.
 
Seems this time of year the trout have seen everything and are staying with the staples of worms and lures. 
Trout dip has also been working well.
Lures:
Still working are Red/Gold Thomas Buoyant’s, Gold and Perch Kastmasters, red/gold Hot Shots showed great action for most of the week.  
Fly:
Action was mostly on olive woolly buggers, woolly worms, damsels, and caddis emergers, Rickard’s callibaetis nymph, large black ants, Rickard’s Stillwater nymph in olive, Grey Hackle yellow’s and mosquitoes.

Backcountry: Has been good in the evenings using black gnats, and Griffith’s Gnats from Blue Lake up through Big Frog throughout the day.  Both Moat and Red Lake have slowed but a lot of dries are working in the evening on a bubble and a fly and also a fly rod but again nothing big. 
Take care as mountain lion tracks were spotted in a patch of mud around mountain on the back side of Frogs.
The mosquitoes are lying in wait so don’t forget to pack THE DEET, they are still here.


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:
The flows on the East Walker are 85 CFS. They have been in this range for a while now. Even though temps have been high fish still have been very active early morning and evening.
Caddis patterns have been very effective but use braided leader to dump the line faster. Dry dropper rigs are also worth a try. You can fool the occasional fish on Hopper patterns through the next month or more. The fish should be hanging out in or near some type of white water to get more oxygen.
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 fish was 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 25, 2013 
The EW is down to 49 CFS today. The fishing has been pretty good down there still, especially on the Nevada side of the border.
We've been getting some good night time temps, down in the low 30's, so that's really helping keep the water temps down on the river.
Water quality up near the dam isn't very good, there's a lot of algae coming through from the reservoir but other than that all is well.
There are still lots of patterns working down there, some of which are: fox's poopah, buckskin caddis, la fontaines deep sparkle pupa, pearl caddis, mercury midge, zebra midge, flash bang midge, wd-40, copper john, dead drift crayfish, san juan worm, para madam x, para hopper and stimulator.    
Sceirine Ranch:
The Sceirine has been fishing excellent this week, all the clients we've had on the ranch have had very good days.
Lots of nice fish in the 14 to 18 inch range with several each day over 20" being reported.
Seems the best patterns lately have been the dead drift crayfish and san juan worms but there's also been some good fish caught with dark lords, pheasant tails, hoppers, and ants.      
Hunewill Pond:
We didn't have anyone on the pond this week though we have heard from the ranch that the weeds have been mowed and the pond is in good shape.
If you want to get on the ranch just give us a call and we can get you set up out there!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports: 
Water flow has been up and down and is currently 49 CFS.Water temps are reaching mid 70's by mid day. and releases from the reservoir are loaded with dead algae. Midge patterns, baetis emergers and pheasant tails. Early am or last hour of the day.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 25, 2013
The West is still off the hook! Lots of nice fish being caught up to around 4.5 pounds. Bait anglers are using salmon eggs and crawlers, spin anglers are going with panther martins, mepps and roostertails. Fly anglers are having great success with para hoppers, stacker hoppers, madam x, stimulator, humpy, para adams, elk hair caddis, prince nymph, pheasant tail and hare's ear.

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