Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Oct. 9

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 Oct. 9. Go here for Doug Busey's latest fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in and around Carson City and Lake Tahoe.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions have been varied the past week. While the local temperature is good, there is poor clarity and a little bit of snow has made it difficult of late.
All that combined has made for some poor fishing of late, with most fishermen having to really try in order to get multiple hook-ups.
For the best chances of some catches, it is recommended to go in the early morning and use crawlers down to forty feet.  
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina:
IT’S THAT TIME WATCH OUT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS – THEY MAY BE LURKING AROUND THE NEXT CORNER ON THE ROAD!
Colors are pretty much finished at Lake Sabrina, but the colors in Aspendell  and on the South Lake Road are outstanding – especially when the sun shines on those quaking Aspen leaves – a spectacular view!
Had quite the time Saturday, with TessAnne of Bishop Pack Outfitters – a ride from Cardinal Village – up the pole line road (next to the middle fork of Bishop Creek) – dazzling sights to behold – and the best part – riding to the back of the Lake! Rick thinks the last time horses or mules were ridden in the Lake bed was when the dam was built – although if you remember we had a mule in the Lake last year, but not by choice.
Had quite a few people up at the Lake – lots of dam walkers on the dam – and with the vintage cars in town had a few of them that made it up this far – some stupendous cars seen this weekend!
Nothing has changed on the fishing scene - still the same stuff working on what is left of the Lake - Fishing in deeper water (that would be behind what is normally the Island or taking a bit of a hike to at least the front of the back natural Lake) with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait. 
Fishing the inlets (not much water coming in at any of them) with a fly and a bubble, Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or Lures are getting limits. Most are catching and releasing so as to not have to carry out a limit.
And yes, depending on your auto, you can still drive to the front of the back Lake – AND PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK UP YOUR TRASH when leaving – sure would appreciate it.
Watch out on that new bridge that you don’t get going too fast – it narrows back down at both ends – also – there’s people now parking and fishing off our extra-wide bridge – just be careful.
Once again we have cooler temps coming our way with another chance of SNOW (yea) in the forecast then temps climb back up into the 50s for highs and 20s for the lows – Fall is definitely here.
Check NOAA’s website at www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather up at the Lake or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
I’ll be out of town for the next two weeks – so no fishing report or weekly updates – Rick will be taking pictures of what’s happening and I’ll get them out with a report when I return.
Putting in a few new stairs this week – and one more small wall to paint – and then it’s on to red stain – oh, and - if you happen to come by and see a ‘CLOSED – GONE FISHIN’ sign on the door, it’s because we haven’t had a car in the lot for at least an hour or two and we’re tired of scraping and painting – hope you understand the closed sign – the fish are calling or just some us time out in the back. Bryan will be here during the week periodically to give us a chance to get off the mountain.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Caples Lake Resort Boat Launch Ramp is Open as of  10-5-2013!
The Caples and Silver Lake public/EID launch ramps have been closed due to the Federal shutdown: We have therefore re-opened the Caples Lake Resort gravel launch ramp for small fishing boat on trailer launching, ($20), and kayak beach launching ($10).
The Store and Marina are open 8 to 5, weather permitting. We are open for cabin rentals thru October and our guest dock is still in the water.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Now that the ocean fishery has closed anglers can start focusing on trolling the Chetco River estuary. Chinook numbers will continue to build through October. Bank anglers can do pretty good fishing from the South Jetty and fishing pier.
The Chetco River ocean bubble fishery starts Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 13. Anglers will want to check on the current regulations and ocean conditions before heading out.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Hello Convict Lake fishing report followers!  
The fishing this week hasn't been lights out but some hearty anglers have weighed in some nice fish at the general store. The larger fish have been in the 2 ½ pound range.
Since the start of our fall derby on September 2nd, 34 anglers have qualified for the raffle comprised of $6,000 in Resort Prizes.
The "Morrison's Cash Bonus Weekend" is just around the corner on November 1-3. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Fishing Lodging Specials!
Until 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 info@convictlake.com.
Catch of the Week:  
Jeff Bratcher and Dave Cavalli from Three Rivers, CA with a 3 pound 6 ounce and 2 pound 9 ounce rainbow. They were using night crawlers and were fishing at the South Shore. Congratulations to Jeff Bratcher who caught the biggest fish recorded at the general store this week. Way to go Jeff! Other Notable catches this week:
John Comfort from Corona, CA had great success at the lake.
He caught five quality fish using Mice Tails.
John filled his stringer while fishing at the South Shore.
Kelly Oliver of Buena Park, CA caught a beautiful 2 pound and 10 ounce rainbow. Kelly was fishing from the Jetty, using orange Power bait.
Tactics/Bait: 
Inflated nightcrawlers, red/gold Thomas Bouyants and Power bait Mice Tails were the hot baits this week. The most effective Power bait colors were garlic cheese, fluorescent red and orange.
The most productive spots this week were the South Shore and Windy Point. Other locations to try are Inlet, Outlet, 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: 
NOW RUNNING!! Join the fun by participating in the Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby 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: 
Once again there are variable temperatures forecasted. This week highs could range from low-60s to mid-40s.
Make sure to check the National Weather Service site before heading out. Temps could rise or fall dramatically from day to day.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.    
Sunrise - Sunset: 
Sunrise this week 6:55 am - 7:00 am and Sunset 6:34 pm - 6:25 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing on the lake has been off and on.
Lots of smaller fish from recent stockings.
Try Stevie's Wonder  gray/black in 8-10 feet of water.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of the J &J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
Lake level is at 69%
Our campground is open. However, currently all boat ramps and all Forest Service campgrounds are closed.
We will post boat ramp updates as we get them.
Fishing is doing well.
Trolling Dick Nite copper red head, and the Dick Nite pearl hot head, or anything with pink.
Fly - Jenkins to Freeman Creek using Burnt orange, Rust and Olive wiggle tail, sheep creek, and snails.
Bank - worms with a marshmallow at Fairview Point.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
With Callibaetis hatches going on, the fishing on the Fall River is fantastic.
Make sure to use dark-colored nymphs in #16-18. The best place to get a hook-up is in the flowing water between the weeds. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lots of salmon right now, with weight ranging anywhere between 15 and 40 pounds. Local fishermen have reported successful catches using Quikfish, Sacramento Spinners, and jigs.
Low water level so be wary of water hazards when boating. 
Courtesy of Johnsons Bait & Tackle.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Temperatures are getting down into the 20's and 30's at night at Frenchman Lake. The lake is starting to turn and the fish are feeding.
We have had several reports of good shore fishing using nightcrawlers near the dam and Turkey Point.
Due to the government shutdown, we have been receiving conflicting information regarding camping and fishing at Frenchman Lake.
Camp and fish at your own discretion.
Please call us for updates - Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The local temperature has been steadily dropping the past few days, with the fish starting to feed more and more. Lots of reports indicate good shoreline fishing with nightcrawlers, especially near the dam and Turkey Point. Courtesy of Wiggin’s Outpost.  

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lots of good fishing recently, mostly on rainy days, and fishermen are definitely getting help from Callibaetis and BWO hatches. Most of the hatches take place in the early morning hours, so make sure to bring various midges, dries, and nymphs. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closes the last Saturday in October.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is  down to 4 CFS. 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.

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 36 CFS.
Royal coachmen, elk hair caddis, prince nymphs and copper Johns.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Cooler and cooler nights have made Klamath ever better, with overall condition improving dramatically. The Iron Gate area has had lots of good reports but Happy Camp has died down slightly, yet one can still find lots of catches there. Expect some steelhead and lots of smaller salmon.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Right now the lake has some great fishing that few fishermen are taking advantage of, most of them focused on the Trinity River. Recommended to use leech patterns or suspending midge patterns under indicators.
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:
Try Lake George with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or brown.

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

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

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, lingcod, and cabezon is now open at all depths. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of 1 cabezon per day is still allowed.
Chinook salmon fishing in the ocean remains open until Oct. 31.
The ocean has been extremely rough the past week making it difficult for anglers to get out.
Fishing for coho in the ocean closed on Sept. 30.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass are moving into deeper water. Find them around the 30 feet deep drop-shotting RoboWorms. Most are 13 to 16 inches.
Overall the bite is on the slow side. 
Courtesy of My Outdoor Buddy.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Upper Owens River
 Flow has lowered to 57cfs. 
Special regulations still in effect. upstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge and from the monument to Crowley Lake.
The section from the bridge to the monument is closed.
Fishing is fair. Try egg patterns, San Juan worms ,Prince nymphs and copper John's.  Elk hair caddis or cdc caddis on the surface.
It's important to cover lots of water as the fish are scattered.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is up a bit to 227 CFS. Fishing is good.
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.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are great and so has the fishing. The recent hatches have been Callibaetis and BWOs in #16-28 tan to dark caddis. Lots of fishermen have reported using October Caddis nymphs as well as #8 Rubber Legs.
The best times to fish are in the afternoon and evening. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great right now, with lots of Salmon swimming up and down. The big fish are the Rainbows, who are feeding on the eggs the Salmon are laying.
And remember that it is illegal to catch any Salmon above Deschutes Bridge for the meantime. But, this also means to bring out egg patterns in order to snatch up lots of Rainbows.  
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:
King Salmon fishing:
As of October 7, 2013  water flow is currently 7,000 CFS.
Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River is going great and we are catching  big, King salmon now. 
Salmon fishing is great.
LIMITS. All our boats are limiting out,  RED HOT FISHING NOW. Corning to Anderson , both areas are wide open salmon fishing. 
 Flatfish lures working best, turning to roe later in the day, using Pautzke Red cure. 
Weather perfect. The month of October being almost a guarantee of catching salmon. 44 pound salmon caught over the weekend. 
Balls Ferry Area in Anderson, CA for King Salmon on the Sacramento River fishing is starting to pick up. All the salmon are headed up river and this will be the place to be in about a week.

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 October 7, 2013, water flow is currently 7,000 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is good. 
Early morning and late afternoons best.
Posse Grounds area- Redding, fishing well.
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails, Poxyback PMD's, Black Rubber Legs and Green Gidgets. 
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
We cater to all methods of fishing.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Spin fishing:
As of  October 7, 2013, water flow is currently 7,000 CFS. 
Spin fishing for Trout and Steelhead on the Sacramento River has been excellent. Our average days are 25 to 40 hook ups. 
We have been using roe clusters with 4 pound test, on light action rods.
Some days we have been back trolling small Flatfish and Hot shots.
These fishing trips are taken by jet boats, and can hold up to 6 people comfortably. Lots of action. Great for the kids, families, and larger groups.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Not a lot has changed from last week. Cooler conditions have led to better fishing, with the best angling happening in the early AM hours. Fishermen have reported lots of successful catches using #16-18 dark/black caddis, while using Mercer’s Missing Link in the evening. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow has lowered to 6.6 CFS. The river is lowering and the fish are spooky.
Try attractor dry flies like stimulators, sierra brite dots and royal wullfs.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is still great right now, especially around Bay Bridge and Packers Bay. Rainbows are being caught on the surface in the morning but then drop down, along with the Salmon, to about 80 feet. Use humdingers, wiggle hoochies, and 4 inch worms for the best chance of getting a hook-up.  Courtesy of Sacriver Guide.  

SMITH RIVER, OREGON:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Trout season in the Smith River basin closed Sept. 16.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2014.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
With recent rains bringing in more Salmon and Steelhead, the Trinity is starting to look like a great river for the next few months.
Most fishermen have been using Red Copper Johns, #12 Pheasant Tail Nymphs or egg patterns in orange. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has been up and down and is currently 27 CFS.
Fishing is tough. Midge patterns, baetis emergers and pheasant tails.
Early am or last hour of the day.

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