Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for Oct. 21 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Oct. 21, 2015 and beyond.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing is closed for the season.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Parchers Resort is closed for the season.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Will close for the 2015 season on November 15.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF: 
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 18, 2015  
Bridgeport is still showing with some pretty nice fish in the 3 to 5 pound range and lots in the 1 to 3 pound range.
Trolling is pretty good with blades/crawlers, rapalas and speedy shiners, bait fishing has been good from boats with mice tails, garlic power baits, crawlers.
Shore fishing with bait is also producing some decent numbers with the same.
We've had a few good fly reports from float tubers stripping streamers near the bottom both down near the dam and over near Rainbow Point, buggers, seal buggers, mini leeches, hornbergs and zonkers have been doing well.                    

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 10/18/15
Call the Bridgeport Marina for info. Lake level is very low.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Well, summer has come to an end and there is beautiful fall weather and fantastic fishing.
See the nice catches by our cabin guests, John & Curt Gaare, from Santa Cruz and Carlsbad, CA.
The lake level is holding at 14’ down and the water temperature is 56 degrees.
We will close for our Fall shutdown October 19th and we will take our last rental boats and docks out of the water.  We will have cabins 7 and 8 available thru the end of October and maybe into November.
We will reopen for the Winter Season December 19th, Weather permitting!
Have a great Fall.

CARSON RIVER, NEVADA:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10-14-15:
Very low water conditions. Very few places to fish.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Will close for the 2015 season on November 15.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Dear Don,
The fall colors are in full swing around the lake.
Depending on the weather they should be at peak for at least another week.
Catch of the Week: 
Eva Knight from Oceanside, CA with a fat 8 pound 12 ounce Rainbow.
She caught this monster with a Yellow Thomas Buoyant while fishing at the Inlet. Way to go Eva!!
Other notable catches this week:
Don Downard from Ventura, CA landed a 7 pound Rainbow while fishing near the marina. Don hooked this monster with Salmon Peach Power bait.
Jason and Jaren Tanaka from Chatsworth, CA with a heavy stringer.
They were fishing at the Jetty with Mini Jigs when they landed all four quality fish. For this father/son combo a 6 pound 7 ounce and a 5 pound 14 ounce Rainbow were the two biggest fish landed by each angler.
Tactics/Bait:  
Some of the lures hooking big fish this week were Thomas Buoyants, Marvel Flies, Mini Jigs and Rapalas. The top colors for the lure/jigs were yellow, green and red. The top Powerbait color was Salmon Peach. 
The most productive spot on the lake was the South Shore.
The "Catch of the Week" was caught at the Inlet.
Other locations to try would be the North Shore, Jetty/Outlet Area and Hangman's Tree. 
Derby News: Running now!!
The Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby runs September 7th - November 15th.
Don't miss out on a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
The Morrison Bonus Cash Weekend will be October 30th - November 1st. $2000 in cash prizes!
Weather:
After a short Indian Summer at the beginning of the week, the weather is returning to its fall norms. This weekend we have been getting some cloud cover and scattered showers. The high temps for the start of next week will be in the mid-50's and the lows in the mid-30's.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 7:05 am - 7:11 am and Sunset 6:18 pm - 6:10 pm.
Stocking: 
The resort is scheduled to stocked 400 pounds of trophy trout on Thursday, October 29th. This is right before the cash bonus weekend derby.  
DFW stocked the creek and the lake the week of October 11th. 

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 10/18/15
The extended period of warm weather has elevated water temps, and reignited another late algae bloom.
Fishing has been slow for a while, as the fish have switched to daphnia (fresh water fleas) for their primary food source.
The north end has been the most consistent in 15 or more feet.
Stiff south winds will push the algae into the north end and Sandy Pt. causing poor water conditions. Try Hilton, or Crooked Creek if this occurs.
Streamer fishing can be a good call if the still water nymphing bite shuts down. Intermediate full sinks, or heavier sinking tips are the right lines to cast Loebergs & Punk Perch patterns along what remains of the weed lines.
Chironomid hatches will continue to occur during periods of high pressure.
Gillies, crystal emergers, & midge pupa patterns are good calls as the upper flies during hatches. Twin gillies, or a broken back gillie as the upper- along with dark zebras,  copper tiger midges, BB tigers and zebras will get you take downs during pupal ascents.
If you locate some clean water along the weeds, try an assassin, punk perch, or crystal leech as your upper fly. Hang a midge pattern as the dropper/lower fly below an Under-cator.
We will be guiding on our Fish Magnets through 10/30/15 here.
Tubes, & shore fishing until 11/15/15.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2016.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2016.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10-14-15:
Opened on May 1 and has been fishing well for those making the short hike in to the lake. Artificial flies and lures (single barbless hooks) are required.
Editor's Note: Hobart is closed until May 01, 2016.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 10/18/15
Flows have come up some due to recent rains; but overall tough conditions.
Some fall caddis, & micro mayfly (tricos)  currently. Dark bodied, or natural colors for the caddis bodies are the hatch. Light olive to gray for the Mays. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam.
Pheasant tails, & bird’s nest patterns are best for nymphs.
Small parachute midge; or mayfly patterns used with a 10 foot leader are best for surface presentations when the fish are on the midges/or clusters.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
The hoppers are now present. A stimulator is a good profile for them. Use these in the wind, as the terrestrials get blown off the banks, & the trout hunt for them along the shoreline.
Try my hi-vis caddis pattern, it works well here.
Dead drifted broken back zebras, small gillies, scuds, flashback PT’s, or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper. Size 18 or smaller crystal olive caddis larva or zebra midges are good calls as droppers.
This is a year around fishery with special regs in place.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 18, 2015 
We only had one or two reports from Kirman this week and unfortunately all the anglers we spoke with were unable to catch any fish at all. Now that the weather is getting much cooler hopefully that will change and things will liven up a but up there. We'll let you know when we get some better news.             

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, CHURCHILL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
The boat ramp is closed and the reservoir is quickly receding. Fish will actually be concentrated and the persistent angler can catch fish.

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Open July 15 through Sept. 30.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Closed for the season and will reopen on the second Saturday in February.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 10/18/15 
Fishing has been good using the “dip & strip” method of pulling streamers.
Water conditions have been very good with flows currently at 200 CFS.
We are getting a good mix of smaller rainbows, browns, & mini-bass.
Wading the WT section at this release is fine; although you may need a staff to access some sections.
Streamer fishing using Loebergs, Punk Perch, & Spruce-A-Bu’s with a moderately weighted sinking tip is a good call for fall fishing here.  
You will continue to see caddis, & small mayflies (tricos) present below the dam at PVR through October.
Have some #18/20 light bodied adults, light assassins #18, and FB pheasant tails for nymphs, #18 & 20. Caddis emerge when the barometer goes up. Use hi-vis caddis #16 & 18. Nymphing with crystal olive caddis larva, assassins, and broken back midges are also good when the hatch is off.  Dry/dropper bead head rigs can be effective in the deeper riffles. 
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.
Upper Owens/ McGee Creek 10/18/15
Fishing remains spotty for larger migratory fish moving up from Crowley.
Water levels are consistent; but lower than normal.  
Dry/dropper techniques can be effective during warmer periods.
Overall conditions remain good here with a few larger fish holding in the deepest pools. The sections up from Benton Crossing are much better for numbers, more bigs down from the monument.
You can get into a few decent browns on hopper patterns.
The Trico mayflies are the main attraction during the fall for surface action.
Small parachute BWO profiles in the #20/22 range will get looks. Some larger browns hitting crystal leeches fished with a sink tip in the deepest pools.
Stimulators, hi-vis caddis, & natural caddis are good calls for the warmer periods. Use mayfly adults during the cloudy days.
I like a tandem nymph rig in the deeper pools using an assassin, FB PT, or crystal leech as the upper-put an egg, or smaller Assassin as the dropper. Aquatic weeds are an issue in lower sections below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
McGee Creek proper has some small browns and a few decent rainbows.
Dry dropper rigs, & nymphing with FB PT’s, Assassins, & olive crystal caddis below an Under-cator, or hi-vis caddis or hi-vis para BWO will work. 
Special regs are in place here year around.
The section from the Bridge down to the monument is now closed until next Memorial weekend 2016.
You may fish down from monument to the lake-same regs as Crowley.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Onion Valley Reservoir: 
Blue Lakes:
Knott Creek Reservoir: 
These waters will close for the 2015 season on November 15.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Closed November 15 (Opens the Second Saturday in June---June 13, 2015) Access to the Pine Forest best with a 4-wheel drive. Roads in to the Pine Forest are in decent shape in advance of the opener.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Rye Patch is fair to slow for catfish, wipers and walleye.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
October 19, 2015, King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. 
The river is at 6,800 CFS and steady.
Sacramento River salmon fishing is going great! Salmon fishing is good and there has been some big fish brought in over the last few weeks. Limits.
More salmon will continue to make their way up river.
Bouncing roe and back trolling Flatfish lures is way to bring in the big kings.  We are fishing every day.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of  October 19, 2015 water flow is currently 6,800 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report - Lower Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing is fantastic.
Over 30 fish days on the Sacramento River right now for Rainbow trout. 
Water is clear and low.
We are fishing from Redding to Anderson , CA, Bonneyview Bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge is excellent.  
The largest fish have been caught the last few days in the Bonneyview area. Working great is egg pattern, Cinnamon Pupa, and  PMD’s.   
We are spin fishing and fly fishing.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 10/18/15
Significant rains have brought the flows up some here. Still slow fishing overall.
Locating riffle water/runs over a foot is difficult; however this is where you will find the trout.
The trout will still take surface imitations in the #14-18 range.
Make upstream presentations, staying on the “tails” of the fish.
I like hi-vis para mayflies, Stimulators, and  hi-vis caddis patterns as a point fly.
Tie a one foot dropper off the hook bend and add a blue winged olive or natural caddis adult.  Dry/dry tandems are effective and can really help you see you imitations in riffle water, or shadows.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
October 19, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
For Shasta Lake fishing, Trolling for Rainbow trout now, fishing 35 to 100 ft deep depending on the time of the day.  Early morning fish are ranging from 35 to 50 ft deep, Mid day 80 to 100 ft deep using triple teasers and rolling shad. 
Bass fishing has been good, around the water's edge and later in the day.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Fishing has been slow and the weed beds are reaching out about 30-40 yards from the shoreline. Recent gill net surveys showed healthy populations of rainbow trout in about 5-6 feet of water right now.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Lake Tahoe is the place to be if you are fishing from a boat in northern Nevada. It may be one of the few places you still can launch a boat and catch a fish. Anglers have been reporting good success catching Mackinaw in the 3-5 pound range. Anglers are concentrating in the 150 – 300 feet with white dodgers and minnows. Kwikfish and broken back lures have also been working.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of Mackinaw Trout being caught at a depth of 150 feet on flasher blades and minnows in front of Homewood on the west shore.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2016.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Season opens January 1, 2016. For a group of hard core anglers this is an annual tradition and anyone participating will get a jump on the 2016 fishing season.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
Flows in the Truckee are less than 100 cfs and that means more rocks than deep pools to fish in. Fish when the water is cool if you’re going to practice catch-and-release. Reports of great bass fishing in the lower river around Lockwood. Trout fishing has been limited, but the upper river near the California border should provide decent fishing with cooler temps. Flows are not expected to fishable until later in the fall, if then.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 18, 2015   
The Twins are still producing pretty well, we haven't seen any huge browns yet but their time is coming up pretty soon!
Lots of nice rainbows up to 6 or 7 pounds are being caught both trolling and still fishing. Trollers are using blades/crawlers, thomas bouyants, rapalas and kastmasters. Bait anglers have been using power bait, mice tails and crawlers. There's some good fishing from boats as well as from the shore.                 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 18, 2015  
The Virginias are producing some good fish in thr 1 to 3 pounds range on bait, lures and flies. Bait anglers are using mice tails, crawlers and some power bait, the best lures to try are thomas bouyants, super dupers and kastmasters. Flies to try include simi seal leeches, matukas, seal buggers, prince nymphs, copper johns and soft hackles.    

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10/14/15:
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) report updated 10/14/15:
The East Walker River is very low (22 c.f.s) and very clear. Adequate water flows throughout the year are going to be a big problem for this popular fishery. Fish in the spring because there is no guarantee that the river will fishable past late spring or early summer. Check the regulations for rules governing fishing on the East Walker.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
October 18, 2015 
The East is still running at about 20 CFS.
The fishing has been holding out pretty good, especially now with the weather starting to change to the cooler.
Small midge patterns seem to be doing the best though we are getting a few good streamer reports.
The stretch below the bridge seems to be producing the best still.
Haven't heard much from the Nevada side lately.
Be sneaky and focus on the deeper pools and runs and you should be able to have some success.
Patterns to try include: micro mayfly, wd-40, flashback emerger, psycho prince, miracle midge, zuddler, double bunny, jj special, mirrored minnow.                     Sceirine Ranch:  
October 18, 2015   
We haven't had anyone on the ranch this week, as soon as we get some reports we'll let you know!              

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 10/18/15
Running at 22 CFS. Poor conditions.
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 18, 2015   
The West is still hanging in there with some good fish up to around 2.5 pounds being landed. Fly anglers are going with small streamers (buggers, leech patterns) and nymphs (prince, pheasant tail, hare's ear) on the bottom. Bait anglers are using salmon eggs and crawlers, spin anglers are going with panther martins and rooster tails.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 10/18/15
This River will rise quickly with significant rain. Flows have come up recently, & the WW is flowing better than most moving waters in the Sierra.
Dry dropper rigs are my choice for fooling the trout in the deeper pools and runs. I like a Stimulator, hi-vis para BWO, or hi-vis caddis as the upper fly.
Hang a crystal tiger midge, Assassin, or FB PT about 2-3 feet off the dry.
Pikel Meadows is a fun spot to fish with plenty of area to fish.
Winds can make it tough, so get on the water early.

WASHOE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report updated 10-14-15:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and it has been difficult to recover the fishery as drought continues to haunt western Nevada. It is very low again this year. Fishing is expected to be poor.
Editor Note: Washoe Lake has been dry for quite some time.

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