Don Q's fishing report for Sept. 12-19

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 Sept. 12-19.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Most of the smoke from the Chips fire is now out of the area. The A-Frame and Big Springs are some of the best places to be fishing.
Clarity is at 15feet and surface temperatures are resting at 68.5 degrees. Trolling and/or anchoring have been getting hooks.
Early morning seems to be the best time to get on the water.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake:
Pick up your fishing license before coming to the lake. Watch out for photographers, they may be lurking around the next corner on the road.
There's a bit more color showing around the Lake along with a few more rocks.
Had a few more sprinkles along with hail and thunderbooms, but haven’t felt the nip yet. Sure wish it would hurry and get here.
Fishing slowed a bit this week, With the Lake going down, the Inlets are getting pretty shallow, so you’ll need to stay out in the Lake some.
But if you’re fishing close to the Inlets you might try Nightcrawlers or Power Bait. Trolling about the rock piles or fairly close to the shoreline (watch out for the rocks) with Thomas Buoyants, Nightcrawlers, or flasher and a Nightcrawler – if you’re using flashers – you may want to be out in the Lake a bit.
Drifting the rock piles with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
Shore fisherman are also using Nightcrawlers and Power Bait.
Got another load of fish from Department of Fish & Game on Wednesday.
Aspendell local Danny Turko spent some time on the Lake with his grand-daughter Natasha and her husband Greg Gaudino of Glendale. Natasha caught her first fish ever! – Good guiding, Danny!
And now to fishing, Gary Billings of Redlands, landed a 4-pound Alper using a Nightcrawler. Isaiah Rivera (5 years old) of Whittier caught his very first fish ever at Lake Sabrina this Labor Day Weekend – he then went on to catch a limit with Yellow & Green Power Bait and provide a fish dinner for his family – Great Job, Isaiah!
New "Feed our Fish" Program Puts Lunkers in Lakes!
A few months back, the Bishop Chamber launched the new "Feed our Fish" program and it's going remarkably well! The concept is straightforward - we've asked people who believe that trout fishing is important to contribute funds that we use to purchase and plant Alpers Trout. 
"We hope to keep the program going year-round, stocking Bishop Creek Canyon during the summer and Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Lower Owens River in the winter," explains Tawni Thomson.  "Of course, we'll need some more help from people that believe in the importance of fishing here in the Eastern Sierra and any contribution would be greatly appreciated."
If you would like to become a "Feed our Fish" sponsor - give Tawni a call at (760) 873-8405.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70’s with lows in the low to mid 40s. DON’T FORGET TO PACK A JACKET WHEN YOU COME TO THE LAKE. Please check www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie and ice cream (until it’s gone), sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa!
Looking forward to seeing you all in the very near future. 


BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: With Labor Day weekend behind us, the fall fishing officially has begun as the summer crowds are gone, the aspens are starting to show signs of the upcoming fall color show, and with cooler nighttime temps, the fish are starting to get much more active.
Quite a few solid fish to just over 4 lbs hit the scales this week. Big fish of the week weighed 4.37lbs and was caught by Parchers Resort & South Lake GM Jared Smith using a grasshopper Sierra Slammer 1/32oz mini-jig.
The bite is really localized right now with the rock slide and the east island channel being the only places on the lake where folks are consistently scoring limits of Rainbows with the occasional Brown or Brookie showing.
If you get in the right spot just about anything you throw will catch some fish and catching a limit is easy but the best producers have been grasshopper mini-jigs, pink trout worms, nightcrawlers fished under a bobber, and garlic or salmon peach Power Bait fished 3’ off the bottom.
After the DFG stocking on Friday there was a wide open bite on 1/6oz Thomas Buoyant.
A big stocking of Alpers is scheduled for the upcoming week so we’re looking for the bite on trophy fish to really break loose next weekend.
The lake level has stabilized but unfortunately has not come up at all so private boaters are still out of luck as the launch ramp is high and dry.
South Lake boat landing does however have their fleet of motorboats and kayaks still on the water.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
Fishing was reported to be excellent in the stream this week with just about everyone in camp scoring fish working the stretch of stream adjacent to the resort. Surveyor’s meadow and Willow camp were both hot spots as well for those that like to fish the stream. Half a crawler, a single salmon egg or some chartreuse powerbait were the most productive baits.
Weir Pond: The Weir continues to please for the fly fishers out there with small dries, midges and small streamers all working well for wild Browns and Brookies with a few Rainbows mixed in.
North Lake: Easy limits reported by several anglers this week using both lures and various colors of power bait. Nothing large reported but for fast and furious shore action, North Lake seems to be the place. Fly fishers also reported doing excellent from float tubes using wooly buggers and small hornbergs.
Fall Colors: Greetings to all the leaf peepers and fall color photographers out there!!!
As the summertime in the high country draws to a close and the fall rapidly approaches it is time to start watching the foliage for the spectacular change that happens in our canyon each autumn.
Our staff took a tour of the canyon this week intending on producing a full report however things are still a bit too green to warrant a detailed photo report.
We can relay that the willows are turning yellow and there are a few spots, mostly on the middle fork of Bishop Creek below Lake Sabrina and just below Parchers Resort on the South Fork, that are showing a tad bit of color. The aspens certainly are lightening up and appearing much more of a lime green as opposed to the deep dark green hues of summer.
With the nights getting markedly cooler and the days shorter, we hope to see the fall transformation to begin in earnest by the end of next week. Our canyon’s elevation ranges from 8k feet to nearly 10k feet which makes our neighborhood one of the first to show off the glory of the autumn color.
Look forward to a full report complete with photos from throughout the Bishop Creek Canyon next week.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir has picked back up again this week with some good bait fishing from boats and still some good trolling as well.
There have been some nice 3 to 4 pound browns being caught as well!
Power bait, Fire Bait, Gulp Clusters and crawlers have been doing well and lures to run off your lead core include rapalas, needlefish and krocadiles. 


BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Water level down considerably and very warm. Weeds everywhere.
Fishing Conditions: Decent hatches if you can find the fish.
Inlets are clogged with weeds and very difficult to fish stream channels.
Stay outside weed lines by these cold water sources and you should do well.

BUCKS LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Bucks Lake Fishing Report September 5, 2012.
The summer trout bite that we have been enjoying since early July has finally tapered off, I guess all good things must come to an end.
If history is any indicator, the trout usually take a slight pause this time of year as they begin lowering the lake level for fall and winter, and will be back on the bite shortly.
The Kokanee bite, however, is a totally different story. The Kokanee bite is not what I would call red hot but is certainly solid.
Recent trips have been producing early limits, and then some, of these fat feisty salmon with the early morning hours being best.
The jaws on the males have just started to distend, an indication that fall and spawning is on the way, but I have yet to see a "colored up" fish, and as you would expect the meat is still bright red and firm.
It looks like we should have 2 to 3 more weeks of quality Kokanee fishing before the fish really start to turn.
The bulk of the fish are running 12.5 to 13 inches with a few "kicker"  fish up to the 15 inch range showing.
In addition to the Kokanee we are seeing a couple of nice bonus trout each day on the Kokanee gear with the Browns and Bows going 16 to 18 inches. Now for the details....
I have been keeping my boat on the Bucks Creek Arm of the lake fishing water 40 to 50 feet deep running the gear 25 to 35 feet on the Cannon Downriggers.
The hot setups have been silver dodgers from Crystal Basin Tackle trailing a new prototype Uncle Larry's Spinner, tipped with corn brined in Pro-Cure's Kokanee Wizard.
I have just a few weeks left at Bucks Lake before I change my focus to fall fishing and Eagle Lake. This year I will be splitting my time between Eagle and Almanor during October, November and December.
Dates are starting to fill as fall approaches, if you are planning a trip to either Eagle Lake or Lake Almanor and want to get in on this fantastic fall fishing,  please contact me to reserve your dates. "The early bird gets the worm!"
I look forward to seeing you on the water.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Lake levels also have dropped and the Caples launch area has been closed, but boat rentals are still available.
The E.I.D. launch ramp on the north side of the lake is open from 7am to 7pm daily until weather says otherwise.
The KPUD planted another 1500 lbs of 1 to 3 pound rainbows last week. They spent $10K for anglers enjoyment between Silver and Caples Lake, to bring this area back to the fishery it used to be.
CDFG will be planting the lake next week with catchable rainbows.
Last Sunday there were 21 boats on the lake and all were catching fish.
Unfortunately most of the catches we saw were 8 to 12 inches long.
The Rio's and the Lynch family from Sacramento Ca had a great day as they fished by Wood Creeks area. They were using power bait and salmon eggs off the shore and caught dinner for the night.
Mike Burriss from Fair Oaks Ca was trolling a silver and blue Kastmaster right down the middle of the lake and caught a nice 5 pound mackinaw.
Mike Harris caught a 3 lb rainbow off the dam, Mike was using corn yellow Power Bait.
John Voss owner of Caples Lake Resort told me the lake has been going down about 3 inches a day. 
With the cooler nights the bite will start picking up around the lake.
For more info call 209-258-8888.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The west fork is extremely low and you will have to do some hiking to find the holes. The CDFG planted the east and the west forks last week.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing has been fairly steady at the mouth of the river and just outside the mouth in the ocean.
Anglers trolling anchovies, herring, or spoons seem to be doing the best.
Anglers are reminded to check the regulations, as hook and size restrictions differ between the river and the ocean.  
Even though the mainstem is closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers can still fish the tributaries flowing into the Chetco River for some excellent cutthroat fishing.
Anglers are reminded to check regulations before heading out, as there are bait restrictions upstream of the estuary.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation.
Pike fishing has also been poor.
There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week:   Ron Harpold from Carlsbad, Calif., caught a 3lb. 2oz. with Yellow Turbo Power Bait on the Lake! Arthur Rodriguez from Victorville, Calif., caught a 4lb. with Power Worm on the North Shore! 
Best Location to Fish: The middle to east shore, 6 Colors, South Shore, Inlet, Beach Area, Jetty, Lake, North Shore and Convict Creek.
This past week Anglers have had most success with:
Frog Needle Fish, Yellow Turbo Power Bait, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Rooster Tail, Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, worms, cheese worm, Trout Teaser, salmon eggs and Rainbow Nuggets. 
Other Locations to Try:  "Windy Point" (picnic area south shore), The Inlet, Hangman's Tree, Outlet, Handicap Pier and Convict Creek.
Water Temperature: 58 Degrees. 
Weather:  Conditions are expected to continue to stay in the upper 70's over this weekend then dropping slightly to the mid to low 70's by the middle of the week. Expect temperatures to continue in the mid to low 70's with lows in the low 40's. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate  www.mammothweather.com. 
Tactics/Bait: 
Bait:  Pinched Crawlers, Gulp Worms, Nightcrawlers, Power Eggs, Power Worms, Small Spinners like Mepps and Panther Martins. Chunky Cheese Power Bait, Troll with Rapalas, Needlefish, Thomas Buoyant. 
Lures:  Panther Martin, Thomas Buoyant, Phoebe, Little Wolfs, Cripplure
Trolling: Little Cleos, Dave Davis Night Crawler or Lead Core 4-6 colors, Rapalas, Rebels, Pin Minnows
Flies: Marvel Fly, Prince, Hares Ear, Lopper Johns, Ant Beatles
Convict Creek: 
Flies: Strip Streamers
Bait: Eggs, Night Crawlers and Power Worms
(Information provided by the Convict Lake Staff, Kittredge Sports, and Rick's Sporting Goods)  
Fall Happenings:
Derby News: Ambush at the Lake- Fall Fishing Derby starting September 3 to November 15th , $6,000 in resort Prizes!
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. 
Convict Lake will be stocked September 11th & 18th, October 9th & 25th with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:33 am - 6:38 am and Sunset 7:14 pm - 7:05 pm

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing is still good on the lake. Leighton Springs and Green Banks have been productive. Stevies Wonder in gray /blk in 8-10 feet of water.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: The lake continues to drop but at about 6 inches/day.
Water temps on the bottom are getting colder away from inlets making for good fishing over wider area.
The algae is not a problem yet but it is coming on. Could be nasty in a couple of weeks depending on night time temps.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent. Phenomenal year still producing big fish day after day.
Get the bottom thermometers out and find the stripe of 57 F – 59 F water.
Too far out or off to side is 65 F plus, as in Sahara.
The recent plants both Rainbows and Cutthroats have reached McGee which makes for lots of action but tests your reflexes as they grab and spit in about two nanoseconds. Larger fish are mixed in typically up to 21". Get away from the dinks if you want bigger fish. Strip just outside the channel early.
The north arm has a good number of fish along Green Banks over the channel and on the far side as well.
Leighton has been good for stripping but tough entry with the mud - try walking out on the rocks and launching there.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been very good trolling, shore fishing still good in early morning. Some days there are a few damsels swimming around, with a few adults in other areas. The fish have been four to six feet deep. Using an intermediate line or even a type two line will help.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River is always a great option this time of year and the dry fly fishing has also been great with the haze from the forest fires.
Olive or tan #16 E/C Caddis will get the Rainbows on the swing.
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River has dropped down to 5,000 CF, and fishing has become fair.
Most reports are from the Outlet hole outside the restricted area using Blue Fox #5 spinners, and eggs.
Salmon fishing is improving as they move upstream for anglers fishing plug and roe. They are coming out around 18-22 pounds.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing is still good even though summer is winding down and the lake is a lot less crowded now due to families starting school and work again.
Fishing has also been great for people using blue or rainbow power bait. More techniques that have been keeping the fish hooked are Apex lures, and trolling nightcrawlers behind flashers.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500)
(www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been picking up, especially during mid day. After around 1:00 pm the fishing starts to slow down but expect the fishing to improve over the next few weeks.
Mercer’s Missing Link, Classic Elk Hair Caddis in an olive or tan, will produce good fishing.
The Power House #2 Riffle offers the most consistent fishing on Hat Creek at this time of the summer. Bring any dry fly in #19, cream colored. Have a few #18 Light Cahills on standby.
Expect traffic delays on Hwy 299 from Ingot to Montgomery Creek.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is currently at 5 CFS. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. 
Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 16 CFS as of 9/5.
Water is very clear and low when compared to this time last year.
Weeds everywhere. Only a few pockets of deeper water here and there.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Still some Tricos early, although this may vary depending on how cold the night before is. With Caddis mid-day along with some Baetis.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Water levels are dropping and we are getting into the best time of the year to fish Indian Creek. When the weather cools more over night the fish become more active and start moving around the lake.
Inflated night crawlers and power bait are most productive.
Fly anglers use a black or an olive color woolly bugger.

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:
Try Silver Lake with black or purple woolly buggers on sink tip or full sink lines. Try Rush Creek with a Royal Wullf, Royal Coachman or a stimulator. Nymph fish with P.T.'s, San Juan worms and olive hares ears.
The flow in Rush Creek is 36 CFS. 


KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers will be happy to know that the Lower Klamath has a lot of good reports coming out.
For Steelhead fishing, it’s still a little too early go but a good time to start planning where on the upper river to go!
More adult Salmon have been coming out of the mouth of the river which keeps the fishing improving.
Recommendations for Blue Creek to expect to find good Steelheads, and Chinook! Spinners and Cast masters are doing the trick.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston Lake has provided good fishing with perfect water conditions.
Great alternative when Trinity River fishing gets rough.
Stripping Buggers, Leeches or Damsel Fly Nymphs under a type two sinking line will produce good results.  Productive techniques have been retrieving Pheasant Tail Nymphs, or Mercer’s Gidget.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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:
George has been the better lake for fly rodders. Doc's Twin Lakes Special in black or olive on  a sink tip or full sink line  with a hares ear trailer.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions: Water is still clear. Cooling now with overnight lows in the upper 30s.
Lake Mary is 3 feet from it's high point, and will continue to drop.
Fishing conditions: Fishing is great now at all times of the day.
Look for fish at inlets and outlets feeding actively!

MONO COUNTY, CALIF:
Buckeye Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Convict Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Convict Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Grant Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Gull Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
June Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lee Vining Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Little Walker River:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lundy Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mammoth Creek:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mary Lake:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

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.
Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon but fishing for other bottom fish remains open out to 30 fathoms.
Shore anglers, including shore-based divers, may still keep cabezon. 
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25). 
Fishing for rockfish has been very good near Coos Bay and Bandon. 
Recreational chinook salmon is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. Fishing for chinook salmon has been good near Brooking but slow near Bandon and Coos Bay.
The non-selective coho season opened on Sept. 1 and ocean anglers were catching coho in the Coos Bay and Winchester Bay areas this past weekend.  Check with the ODFW website before Sept. 6 to see how much of the 10,000 fish quota is left.

OROVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing have continued to be good. Anglers have felt more comfortable fishing in the evening and good results are coming out of it. Increased water releases are said to keep water temperatures lower than normal bring bites a bit closer to the surface.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current water flow is 64 CFS. Fishing is good. Fox's Caddis Poopah, Brooks Hot Creek caddis San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Recent stockings have improved the fishing here.
No more bait fishing from the monument to the lake.

Lower Owens River: Water flow is up to 532 CFS.  Try elsewhere.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water Conditions: Good. As of 9/5 the flows are steady at 64 CFS.
Great flows, and with the temps in the 80s-90s it's perfect for wet wading!
Tons of Mud Snails so clean your gear before you wade somewhere else!
Recently planted just above the bridge and down by the monument.
Fishing Conditions: Good. The fish are wising up to the big attractor flies, and it's become necessary to start fishing some more realistic patterns.
Still in larger sizes, but not as flashy as we've been using.
Hopper Dropper rigs are working best way up above the Hot Creek confluence where the water is clearer and dredging the bottom of the deep end pools is working down below the campground closer to the lake.
Owens River Gorge Water conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS.
This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP
Flows were bumped up briefly for repair work for the power plant
Fishing Conditions: Not much changing here week to week.
Water was gin clear prior to the elevated flows.
Slightly off color, but not for long.
Stinging nettles are back. Also watch out for snakes. (and ticks)
Nettles should be gone after the first cold snap. Shouldn't be long now.
Rock Creek Water conditions: Good. Flows are at 30 CFS as of 9/5.
Wear bug spray! Recent rains in the high country have replenished small ponds for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Fishing conditions: Good. Better to hike in a little bit to get away from everybody else. S
ome of the lakes along the trail are fishing very well in the early evening at inlets and outlets.
Or go way down below the lake and fish below the campgrounds.
Big and bright usually does the trick here.
Rush Creek Water conditions: Fair. As of 8/29 flows are 41 CFS above Grant Lake and 42 CFS Below.
Water temps in the upper 60's above Grant lake and even warmer down below 395.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Getting reports of good fishing to be had down below 395, but it's very technical fishing. Lots of bushwacking, wading up to your chest and very wary fish.
If you can get to the productive holes without scaring every fish away and make an excellent presentation without snagging your fly on overhanging brush, you will be rewarded.
Mainly fishing small hoppers and caddis in the late afternoon as the sun goes behind the mountains.
Lower Owens River Water conditions: Poor. Flows at 540 CFS as of 9/5.
Fishing conditions: Flows back over 500 CFS. It was fun while it lasted though.
Keep a watchful eye for ticks and tuck your pants into your socks.
Fishing is best in the early morning before it really starts getting hot.

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 night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Expect great fishing is to continue all summer long on the Pit! Great water is coming out of from Lake Britton Dam, all the way to Big Bend.
The rainbows are munching # 14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and # 6-8 Pat Rubber Legs, plan on wet wading and casting nymphs about 10 feet out into the pockets, riffles, glides.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas Count reports:
Fishing has been hit and miss.
A few reports from anglers fishing off of the dam have been catching some 8 to 13 inch brook trout.
Then also a couple reports of no action at all.
Personally I wait until the lake has about 8 inches of ice, around the end of December to early January. That is when the fishing is at its best.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this week and all day has been a good time to go. This time of the year offers big rainbows and perfect fly fishing conditions.
Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd. Fish deep! Use a #14-16 Brown or Olive Micro Mayfly, and #14 copper beaded birds nest for good results.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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  September 9, 2012, water flow is currently 9, 500 CFS.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding to Anderson is excellent.
Fantastic fishing for Rainbows.
Catching wild rainbows Redding to Anderson. 20 to 30 fish days now. Fishing has been very productive. The last few late afternoons and evenings have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
The Posse ground area of the Sacramento River has been producing lots of trout, with the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now. Bonneyview Bridge to Balls Ferry. 
Flies working best now are Sucker Spawn # 14, Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince Nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's # 18, Black Silvies # 16, Egg patterns, and Brown Micro May flies.
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today.
We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California fly fishing
 for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trout fishing continues to be good. The best fishing reported late in the day into sunset hours. Near sunset the caddis hatch can produce a flurry of top water feeding rainbows. Fish deep and concentrate on fast, bubbly, choppy water. The water conditions are great for wet wading and good fishing can be found along the 35 mile length of the Upper Sacramento.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
Limits of kings caught with JD on Tues.
The river definitely seems to be coming to life.
Down low, trollers have been getting fresh kings on spinners at Isleton, Freeport, The Sac Yacht Club and Discovery Park. The bite at Verona has also been good in the mornings but the holiday weekend was a zoo!
Upriver, the egg and Kwikfish action has also been good from Ord Bend all the way up, though Corning and above had been slow.
Flows out of Keawick are scheduled to drop to 9500 on Weds.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email: outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon: As of September 9, 2012, Water flows are at 9,500 CFS. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is great. This week has produced many large salmon, most of the fish being caught are over 20 pounds, great size salmon. Larger salmon will continue to be produced as we move in October and November. 
This is prime time fishing! Seeing limits.  Averaging 4 to 10 salmon a day, per boat. Bouncing roe and  back trolling FLATFISH LURES.
 Catching fish throughout the day.
Call us today to schedule your trip. 

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions: Poor. Flows bottomed out at 18 CFS as of 9/5. Very clear and cold.
Fishing conditions: Fair. With the flows this low, fish are concentrated in deep pools.
Better to nymph early in the morning and then switch to small dries after the sun hits the water. Fishing dries in the shallow riffles.
Mainly nymphing with small stones, caddis and mayfly patterns.
Fish are getting more selective now, so fishing with caddis and midge patterns are getting better results than attractors. Time to match the hatch!
Not much in the way of stocked fish. All I've been catching have been wild fish and holdovers. I guess the stocking truck hasn't made its way in yet.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing is even tougher as the water flow continues to lower.
Para Adams, stimulators and ants.
Sotcher and Starkweather Lakes have been slow.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Lake Shasta fishing is good.
We are catching many of our Kings trolling, around 60 to 100 feet deep.
The Dry Creek area and Little Bone area has been the best.
We are catching Rainbows first thing in the morning on the surface from 5:30 to 8 in the morning, as water warms, rainbows are going down to around 40 feet deep, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
The Bridge Bay area around the buoys has been producing some nice size Rainbow trout.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent, especially King salmon by trolling, 60 - 100 ft. deep.
Up the Sacramento Arm is getting great reports for shad. Dry Creek and near Dam has been proving to have plenty of Bass and Salmon. Anglers using top water bait, trolling gear, sling blades and wiggle Hoochies. At the Bridge Bay area around the buoys, you’ll find nice size Rainbow trout.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Fishing has been fair to good for shore anglers.
Water levels have dropped and larger boats are not recommended to launch.
The Kirkwood Public Utility Dist has planted the lake with 1500 lbs of 1 to 3 pound rainbows last week.

LAKE TAHOE:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
Our clients were part of a large group spending a couple days in Truckee for a business retreat. Knowing they were going to have a late night the night before they didn’t want to start early so we agreed to start at 6:45 AM. I guess out of habit, I was at the ramp with the boat on the water at 5:30. There was no one around other than another guide that had launched just before me, he was already on his way out for the day.
I took my sweet time at the ramp before moving my truck up into the parking lot. As I pulled up next to the other truck, to my surprise there was a bear standing on his hind legs with his front paws banging on the window of the other truck. As I pulled up he took off on a dead run. I checked the truck and didn’t see any damage.
I sent my friend a text and told him what happened. When he came in he did find a couple scratches by the door handle.
Our clients showed up a little after 7:00. We headed out and started fishing in 150’ water and weren’t doing much so we moved back out to the deeper water where we had been doing well in the early mornings.
Within 10 minutes we had our first Mack, a nice five pounder. We went through a little slow spell before landing a couple more.
Our fish today were caught on # 3 Needlefish all between 180 and 250 feet deep in 300 feet of water.
The group was wiped out from the night before and was ready to go back for a nap by 10:30, so we called it a day.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Now that the jet skiers have moved on and the temperatures have dropped, fishing has picked up a little. The fish are still deep.
Anglers have been using blk/slvr or fire tiger rapalas.
I have not had any reports form shore anglers.
Get in as much fishing as you can as the lake will close to fishing on Sept 30th and will reopen on January 1 2013.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Becoming to the go to place for those big Kings! Reports fall within body of the lake at about 70 feet deep. Bite is slow but worth the wait.
Bass fishing is doing well off all the points in 15 to 20 feet of water using Pro-Worms in a blue/black pattern and deep diving plugs in shad patterns.
 
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Flows are up to 1050 CFS from the normal 450 CFS to produce cooler water to the survival of the Salmon.
Steelhead fishing will start to improve in October. Water flows should be low enough to get to the Steelhead with a fly rod.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
September 9, 2012.Currently, Water is at 800 CFS.
We are fishing the Trinity River for Chinook King Salmon. 
Salmon fishing is fair due to water level changing. Due to water flows, up and down flows, we are moving to Sacramento River for salmon fishing. Please call ahead.  
For Steelhead fishing, we are focusing on October, water flows should be lower and great time to start getting into steelhead with the fly rod. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Twins have been doing ok in the mornings and evenings but they've been a little tough during the middle of the day.
Thomas Bouyants and kastmasters in the mornings have been bagging some fish as well as power bait and crawlers.
In the evenings you can go with a fly and bubble rig or bait.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: Water temperature is 64 degrees.
Fishing from shore seems to work very well this past week. 
Incoming stringers had 2 1/2 to 3 pound mostly rainbows, but Alpers are also being caught.
The Kokanee are heading up Robinson Creek for their annual spawning.
Our water level is down, but the cooler weather is enjoyed by all. 
Fishing continues to be good and night crawlers are working the best, followed by Power Bait and Salmon eggs.
DF&G continue to the weekly stocking.
The winner of our Labor Day derby was Todd Roberts from Ramona, CA.  Todd caught a 2 pound 13 ounce rainbow using nightcrawlers and he was fishing from shore. His fish won him $100 in cash.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The V-Lakes are still fishing great, for flies go with matukas, twin lakes specials, buggers, soft hackles and ap emergers.
Bait anglers are using power bait, power eggs, mice tails and crawlers.
Lure fishermen go with Thomas Bouyants, Kastmasters and Hot Shots.


WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lake since 2009. Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River: The river is up to 128 cfs right now. The fishing has still been hanging in there pretty good, mornings and evenings being the best. 
Mid-day has been a little tough probably due to the warm daytime temps.
Most of the action has been nymphing but we have been getting a few reports on some nice fish being caught on dries.
Small elk hair caddis, E/C caddis and parachute adams have been doing well on top and for nymphs go with silver streaks, rainbow warrior, wd-40, flashback emerger, san juan worm, copper john, buckskin caddis, fox poopah, and swimming caddis.
The Rosachi section in Nevada has also been fishing well, quite a few fish over 20 inches being landed down there as well.
West Walker River: The West has been fishing excellent this past week, we heard there were 1 or 2 loads of Alpers rainbows put into the West over the past week so there's lots of nice big fish running around in there.
Panther martins and roostertails have been doing well, for bait try power eggs, salmon eggs and crawlers.
The fly fishing has been a little tougher but they are getting some fish on hoppers, beetles, stimulators and small attractor nymphs.
The water is low and clear so try to be in stealth mode so as not to spook those fish.

Sceirine Ranch: The Ranch is also fishing really well, lots of nice browns and rainbows.
The dry action has been a little better on the ranch than on the Cali side, stimulators, caddis and chernobyl ants have been doing well in addition to 
the patterns that are working on the Cali side.
Hunewill Pond: The pond has been excellent this past couple days. The weeds are still there but it seems like they've quit growing for this season. 
Stripping seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, ap emergers and soft hackles is still the method of choice.
One angler today said he was catching 3 or 4 fish out of every 5 casts this morning. The trick is to park your tube in the weeds and cast your streamers into the less weedy areas. 


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Water flow is  up some to 128 CFS.  The increase in water flow has helped improve fishing here.
WD-40's,buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince Nymphs. 


WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Water Conditions:   Fair to Good. Flows variable on a daily basis – 117 CFS as of 9/5.
Water temps coming down now with temps in the 20s and 30s at night.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Fishing is good until after noon when temps start to climb back up again. Fishing mostly big hopper and attractor flies on the far banks and in the fast water early in the morning til about 10.

WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

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