Don Q's Fishing Report for Oct. 24-30

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This week's report is for the week of Oct. 24-30.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Nice! Conditions are great and the wild browns are aggressive and hitting caddis, hoppers, and callibaetis.
Private water, we have the key so give us a call if you enjoy sight fishing to rising fish from a drift boat on a still water pond.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing pressure is light and there should be perfect fishing conditions for the next few days. Surface temperatures are at 63 degrees and the water level is still good making for good fishing.
— Almanor Fishing Adventures

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to report good fishing on most days.
Better bring a jacket and gloves as the mornings are quite cool and anglers can expect ice in the guides. It won’t be long before this lake ices over.
The usual worms, Power Bait and small spinners all are effective here though flies generally do best.
Good flies include small bead head olive crystal buggers, zug bugs, prince nymphs, olive soft hackle nymphs, snow cones and just about any fly that has peacock herl in it.
Nymphs that have peacock herl or olive bodies seem to be fishing the best using short quick strips.
For dry flies use stimulators, humpies, hoppers, elk hair caddis, royal trudes, and royal coachmen.
Best color appears to be yellow with red a close second.
A great setup is to use a # 12 yellow stimulator with a # 16 olive soft hackle dropper a few feet below. Move the dropper up in the water column until you start getting bites on it. Last couple of trips, they were hitting the dropper about 18 inches down early in the morning and as the water heated up, they started to hit it only a foot below the dry.

BIG SPRINGS RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the last day in February, 2013.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (email: sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: This fall has provided by far the best fishing conditions we've seen in our seven seasons and this week is no exception.
A light north breeze, daytime temps up to the low 70's, light crowds and the lake teeming with fish thanks to heavy doses of rainbows to 14" stocked in the lake over the past 4 weeks made for a glorious week in the high country.
While many anglers are focusing their attention on the inlet channel by the island, folks are scoring relatively easy limits from the dam, from shore by the boat docks, from the rock slide, Roger's cove and even what is currently the south shore of the lake to the left of the island.
While limits are pretty easy even for novice anglers, it's been difficult to weed through the smaller fish to get to the biggun's.
For the second week in a row, no trophies came to the scale although probably a dozen people reported seeing fish in the 3 to 5 pound range cruising the shoreline.
Grasshopper jigs and red/gold trout worms were the hot ticket this week for those fishing plastics.
Crawlers under a bobber worked best for the bait n' wait folks.
Trolling Thomas Buoyants in Red/Gold or Blue/Silver along with small Countdown Rapalas in various colors worked best for the trolling folks.
South Lake Boat Landing will close for the season on Sunday Oct. 21.
We plan to reopen May 24th, 2013.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Just about everyone bouncing the stream is catching some fish on the usual suspects...eggs, crickets, crawlers, panther martins and jigs.
Weir Pond:
A surprisingly good dry fly bite was going on this week, no doubt due to the unseasonably warm weather we've had for the better part of a month.
Also small nymphs and streamers were working well.
The grassy area on the far side of the pond is holding a lot of fish.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Put your tube in at the Bridgeport Marina (RV Park & Store are open) shoreline and work north, or west out towards Rainbow Pt. in 4-6 feet pulling perch imitations with light sinking tip lines.
The water is off color but some really nice fish are showing up on a regular basis for conventional anglers.
The Bridge is a sleeper with locals doing very well along the old East Walker River channel.
The water is gonna cool off after this storm and you will see the Bridge go off before the season ends.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake level is great and surface water temperatures are cooling.
This lake is good for 8 to 10 inch fish using small spinners, natural baits, Power Bait or small wooly buggers.
Fishing has been best first thing in the morning and after the lake is shaded late in the evening, though with the shorter days, anglers will catch fish later in the morning and earlier in the afternoons.
On warm sunny afternoons, small dries such as Griffith’s gnats, small elk hair caddis, PMD’s and red quills can still be effective, especially at the south end of the lake near the weed beds, though that will end any day now.
Of course small wooly buggers, crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials seem to work here anytime.
Browns and brookies are starting to cruise the shorelines looking for spawning habitat and food.

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: John and Sally Drake from Huntington Beach, CA caught a stringer with worms at the Inlet!
Steve Delgadillo from Bakersfield caught a 2 pound 8 oz with a Silver Thomas Buoyant on the South Shore!
Jonathan Martinez from Moreno Valley, Calif., caught a 3 pound 10 oz with Green/Black Jig on the South Shore.
Best Location to Fish: The best locations to fish right now are the middle to east shore, by the Marina, 6 Colors, South Shore, Inlet, Beach Area, Jetty, Lake, North Shore and Convict Creek.
This past week Anglers have had most success with: Frog Needlefish, Green/Black Jig, Thomas Buoyant Perch, Yellow Turbo Power Bait, Mice Tails, Gold Lures, Nightcrawlers, Trout Magnet, Roostertail, Red and Gold Thomas Buoyant, Garlic Power Bait, Yellow Power Bait, 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: 54 Degrees.
Weather: Weather conditions are expected to change this week with rain/snow expected on Monday through Tuesday morning. Expect temperatures to be in the low 40's for the first part of the week then rising to the high 50's by the end the week. Overnight temperatures will be in the low to mid 20'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! We have 129 derby competitors so far and 88 fish entered into the drawing 14 inches are longer.
Stocking: DFG stocked this week. Convict Lake will be stocked October 25th with Alpers Trophy Trout from Conway Ranch.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 7:10 am - 7:16 am and Sunset 6:11 pm - 6:04 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The lake level continues to drop and could reach its lowest elevation ever. Fishing is tough. Streamer fishing is the most productive. Wooly buggers and mohair leech patterns are the best bets.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
We are in the final stretch for the general trout season in the Sierra and Crowley will close on November 15th as will many other waters.
The boat ramp (closes on 10-31-12) at Crowley is still functioning but can be difficult for larger rigs.
I just pulled my “fish magnet” (24 feet long, 6000 lbs.) and had no serious trouble-just needed 4 wheel to get her out of the gravel.
The lake is finally on the rise after months of falling. The Upper Owens River bypass from Rush Creek is raging (160 CFS plus) & combined with the lowering of discharge from Crowley the lake is slowly filling.
The algae situation continues to hamper still water nymphing at times, however one can have a great day on numbers of “rookies” recently planted into the lake in the North Arm around Six Bays.
The bigs are more common with streamer fisherman using perch fry & crystal leech imitations with moderate sinking lines.
You may tube & fish from the shore until November 15th, so even though we will not be using our bay boats to guide we can show you the ins and outs of fishing Crowley from the shore or a tube.
The chironimid hatches will begin to diminish with this cooler weather moving in over the next couple weeks & larva patterns will be the key to success while fishing beneath our patented Under-Cator. Crystal tiger and zebra midges #16-20, broken back tiger midges are good choices.
The Crowley Lake General Store will carry all our flies throughout the fall and winter and you can stop by and get the hot flies and a delicious meal or pastry before you head on the water.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trolling is only fair and shore fishing producing but slow bites. Copper/red head Wee Dick Nite Spoons working best in the morning.
Fire tiger Needlefish were reported well during the afternoon.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This week a lucky angler caught a 5.5-pound largemouth bass along with several smaller bass on spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white colorations.
Rainbow and tiger trout have been easy to take using pink and orange Power Bait, corn and small spinners.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are at seasonal lows, but the water should begin to rise with agricultural needs subsiding for the winter.
Action for crappie and largemouth bass has slowed, but anglers are catching a few rainbow trout while fishing from the dam with corn or Power Bait.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good this week. Caddis, Baetis, and PMDs are all out in the morning and makes for great fly fishing. With fast sinking Poly Leaders fish the “swing”. For good results fish olive or black leeches. Normans Wiggle Tail PT swung on a long 40’ swing, often produces results.

— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Salmon anglers are reporting good fishing around Thermalito and below.
Bank fishers have had success tossing roe and spinners, while boaters have been back trolling Kwikfish and bouncing eggs.
— Fishing with JD

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing at Frenchman Lake has been good and we’ve had many reports from all around the lake. On Oct. 16 Sharon Stapleton and Janice Zumpano caught a total of 10 fish - 3 trout averaging 14" to 16" each and 7 catfish about 14" each.
Bob Perry of Chilcoot caught 10 fish in about 1.5 hours using worms with a bobber on a 2 ft leader. He was fishing in the shallows at dusk.
On Oct. 19 Brett Watson and Rich Olsen of Reno caught 9 rainbows 14" to 17" inches each. They were using red garlic power bait and worms while bank fishing at Turkey Point and Lunker Point.
Douglas Middleton from Carson City caught 2 nice rainbows at Turkey Point also. His fish measured between 17" and 22" each and were caught on rainbow power bait.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2013.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500)
(www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good this week! The Powerhouse # 2 riffle is a good fishing spot. Anglers are reporting hook-ups using, # 18 - # 20 black or brown midges or mayfly patterns. Go in the early morning and at sunset.
The 2012 season on Hat Creek closes November 15th.
 Fishing guides and fishing report Courtesy of The Fly Shop

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

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 4 CFS but fishing is still good. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface. Some mid day Baetis activity.
Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
This storm will add much needed flow to Hot Creek via Mammoth Creek when it warms up.
We could see a really great Baetis (BWO’s) hatch here in November with excellent conditions.
Currently the flows are very low and only about 50% of the usual water is fishable. If you get a honey hole, the “catching” is business as usual on HC.
Try a streamer on a deeper pool or run, much over looked here. The fish are still there, it is just difficult to make extended drifts and sexy presentations.
I have seen guys using 13 foot rods and dabbing the slots without casting. Not my cup O’ tea but ingenious none the less.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level starting to rise and fishing is picking up, especially at the inlet end. The usual natural baits, Power Bait, spinners and natural colored nymphs should all work. Hare’s ears, PT’s, damselfly nymphs and prince nymphs are good choices for this lake. Fish black or olive wooly buggers on a full sink or sink tip line in three to ten feet of water and where the stream enters the lake.
Browns are getting ready to spawn and cruising the shallows late in the evening and early morning.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This water level is very low and weedy. Anglers with float tubes or small boats have a definite advantage.
Bass fishing is slow, while trout fishing is steadily improving though difficult due to the water conditions. For trout, anglers should try spinners, the usual natural baits, Power Baits and streamers. Fly rodders should try hare’s ears, woolly buggers, and chironomids.

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 Lake - Gull Lake - June Lake - Silver Lake - Rush Creek
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 38 CFS. 



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.shastacascade.com" www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair, but should pick up on the upper Klamath soon! Anglers have reported salmon and steelhead in the Seiad Valley.
Reports say steelheads are moving up the river!
To access the best water try fishing from a boat.
Clown-eggs and micro spawns in yellow and pink seem to be the best flies to use. Spey or swing rods with Swinging SALT Stones or Euphoric Muddlers are “go to” in October.
 HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: HYPERLINK "http://www.marblemountainranch.com/" Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closes November 15.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are reporting good Walleye fishing. Best methods have been jigs and plastic worm’s fish shallow in the morning and evening. Move deeper as the sun rises. Lures that mimic crawfish are a good method as well. Follow shore points and rocky or grave structure. This type of habitat will hold fish waiting to ambush bait fish.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Fishing has slowed but anglers are still getting a few bites. Reports are that the big ones are getting away right at the shoreline though one lucky angler reeled in a five-pound fish near Bullhead Park.
The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery is scheduled to begin its seasonal stocking program in the second week of October.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Lewiston generally has good reports, however this week they have been sparse. Best fishing has been reported by anglers using boats.
Rainbows have been around the tail end of the current near Trinity Dam. There are some rainbows near the marina, but require work for hook-ups. Try leeches and buggers or suspending # 2 red zebra midges or Gidgets.

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.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2013.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing for stripers has slowed considerably with the boils subsiding.
Anglers are still finding success in the narrows using jigs and AC plugs.
Anglers have also caught striped bass and catfish while fishing from shoreline with anchovies.
In some areas largemouth and smallmouth bass are more active and have been hitting on crankbaits, anchovies and worms.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers trolling anchovies out of Cottonwood Cove have found success for striped bass, many over five pounds.
Despite the cooling water temperature catfish are still active. One angler reeled in a four-pound catfish while fishing with anchovies.
Trout anglers can find good action for rainbow trout following the weekly fish plants at Willow Beach. Those occur on Friday mornings.
Trout will take Power Bait, worms and a variety of hardware.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow is up to 160 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.
Section from the bridge to the monument is now closed
Lower Owens River:
Water flow has dropped to 200 CFS. Fishing is good . Solid Baetis hatch starting around noon. Barr's emerger, flashback pheasant tails, juju Baetis.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good on the lake. Reaction baits are working great, but spinner baits don’t seem to be doing the trick. There is a top water bite in the shadows during the morning and evening hours.
Large Mouth Bass are about 35 feet down.
Coho Salmon are tough to find lately.
Surface temperatures are sitting at 72 degrees and the lake is dropping daily.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River: It is now officially time to wade the wild trout section!
Flows have dropped below 200 CFS and should continue to fall.
A plethora of bugs are on the menu and you need to have some small and medium sized mayflies. Trico’s in the # 20-22 range and associated PT nymphs or birds nest patterns. There are also some # 14-16 sulfurs and PMD’s around, flashback PT’s are great for nymphs, # 14-18. The light colored fall caddis # 14 are also around, however this emergence is in its final stages & I believe that after this cold air cools the water down 5-10 degrees they will be outta here.
On the other hand streamer fishing is really picking up and we are seeing some fine numbers and a few big rainbows showing on most drift boat guide trips. Small Punk Perch are the ticket for me this week # 14.
This is a spot on profile of the tiny chubs and Squaw Fish fry that are holding on the pillow water currently.
Late fall is my favorite time to drift the Lower Owens.
The scenery is spectacular and the fishing is excellent.
Upper Owens River: Rats! Just when you think the fun is really going to begin up here the water comes up. Flows are way up (160 CFS plus) and nearly three times higher than normal (65 CFS). Level is over the bank in many sections. The water is emanating from Grant Lake/Silver Lake and how long it will last only the LADWP knows. I suspect for quite a while as both of these June Lake loop still waters are full.
The fish will adjust, so you need to as well by using lots of weight while nymphing. On a positive note we will have a great channel cut next year on Crowley along Green banks.
Use attractor patterns like San Juan Worms and roe imitations, midge or PT’s with flash incorporated into the pattern.
If the weed is not prevalent, streamers are a great choice this time of year.
Use the “dip & strip” method along the cut banks on the deep side with a moderate sinking tip line. Loebergs # 10 rock here now as well as larger Punk Perch and crystal leeches # 8.
Roads got really muddy after this storm so look before you drive in.
Remember they are frozen in the morning & thaw by afternoon.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good! There has been a good October Caddis this year which is drawing Rainbows to the edges of the river where they can look for the emerging adults. Fishing is consistent all day and there are always a few fish feeding at the surface near sunset.
Fishing guides and fishing report HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" Courtesy of The Fly Shop HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" .

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bass fishing is slow with the cold nights and shorter days, though anglers are still catching some fish during the late afternoon when water temps are at their warmest.
With the most recent drop in temperatures, bass fishing is pretty much done for the year.
Time to target trout in the collection ditch as well as in the ponds.
Fishing for trout is picking up as anglers report catching trout in the Fingers area of the collection ditch as well as around Bressman Cabin.
The collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new reports same as last.
Fishing has been very slow due to warm weather.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great and so has conditions.
Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd, which brings a lot of boating traffic. Fish deep, with your leader’s length between 7.5- 8.5’ to the split shot. Egg patterns in orange and salmon-egg and #18 Pheasant Tail Nymph are good choices on the Lower Sacramento.
 HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com"
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop and Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures

SACRAMENTO RIVER, LOWER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing: As of October 22, 2012, water flow is currently 6,600 CFS.
 Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding is great.
Catching Rainbows from Redding 15 to 20 fish days now. 
Late afternoons have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
Temps are cooling, in the 80's, very pleasant on the water. 
South Redding and Anderson area of the Sacramento River has been producing steelhead also. With the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now. Sucker Spawn # 14, Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's #18 are working well also.
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:
October Caddis is good all afternoon! Near sunset there is also a big hatch that most look forward to in October.
Expect the fishing to be good with a lot of time covering the water. Make sure to move from run to run to keep them coming!
High- Stick and low line angling techniques seem to be affective on the Lower Sac River. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports: KING FISHING OKAY
The Sac has been fishing okay recently.
Down low, the bite in the downtown area has been scratchy (though this rain may help if the water doesn’t mud up!).
Trollers pulling spinners at Tisdale are seeing some fish but the best action has been up at the infamous Barge Hole, where the guys playing bumper boats have been pounding on mostly dark fish with roe.

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 October 22, 2012. Water flows are at 6,600 CFS. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is good.
Limits and near limits of salmon daily.
Afternoon trips also available now. 
This week has produced many large salmon, 18 to 41 pounds, great size salmon. Larger salmon will continue to be produced as we move in October, November, and December.
The BIG fish so far of the season was with Pro Guide Kenny with a 41 pounder on October 4, 2012, Balls Ferry Area. This is prime time fishing! More big salmon to come. November and December are known months on the Sacramento River to produce big salmon. 
Anderson area is excellent for trout as well as salmon. This is prime time fishing! Bouncing roe and back trolling FLATFISH LURES. 
Lures have been producing the largest King Salmon.
Call us today.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
STURGEON STARTING UP, SALMON WINDING DOWN
The salmon bite before the weather kicked up was decent for guys out the Gate at Duxbury, with some big late season pigs moving through.
Inside the upper Bay, the sturgeon fishing is already cracking with roe and eel and nobody’s doing it!
The storms may put an end to the tuna fishing for 2012.

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

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 fair to good.
We are catching mostly Rainbow Trout on the surface and also about 40 feet deep. The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies. 
The Bridge Bay area around the buoys have been producing some nice size Rainbow trout, also.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is excellent on Shasta Lake for Rainbows and Kings.
Rainbows are being caught from the surface to 40 ft deep. The Bridge Bay area has also been producing good size Rainbows as well as the Dry Creek area. Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies have been doing the trick.
— Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sports Fishing. Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water is clearing, trout fishing is picking up and the algae is finally clearing out. The lake is approximately 75 percent of capacity.
Trout fishing is good in the coves on the east side of the lake, south of the buoy line at the south end of the lake, and along Jet Ski Beach.
Launching float tubes from the southeast shoreline not recommended, you have to slog through the mud to get to water so launch from Coyote Cove.
Anglers are also finding soft mud along the backs of the coves, so launch float tubes from the rocky points and then kick back into the coves.
A group of five fly fishermen reported catching more than 75 fish last weekend at the south end of the lake using a brown and gray verigated wooly bugger and a red squirrel tail crawdad pattern. Besides trout a few largemouth bass were also caught in the three to four pound range.
The main boat ramp cove is fair to good for trout.
Fishing below the dam is slow with poor flows and heavy weeds.
No word on any wipers being caught over the last week or so.
Black bass are hanging off of structure in about 15 to 20 feet of water coming into the shallows for food as the water warms up in the afternoons, though bass fishing is slow. Deep diving crankbaits, drop shot rigs and blade baits should all work for black bass.
Dress in layers as the early mornings can find you with ice in the guides, but by late morning it is 50 degrees and by afternoon into the 60’s.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been fair in the open water away from weeded shore line.
The best method for fly anglers has been an intermediate line with a leach pattern or sheep creek. Try a slow retrieve while fishing these patterns.
Early morning is the time to be on this water.
Lure fisherman reported good success with gold cast masters.
Not much luck with power bait due to the weed up on the shoreline.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been excellent.
Many of the fish have been running in the 1 to 6 pound but an occasional bruiser over 10 has been caught.
Mack’s are holding in 120 to 180 feet of water.
Jigging action is the ticket this time of year due to the fish staging before spawn. Target areas where there are submerged islands these areas will concentrate Mack’s for spawn and pre spawn. Areas to target have been Cave Rock shelf, Sand Harbor and Tahoe Keys.
Fishing on the south shore has been good jigging 160 to 200 ft deep with good results. Additional techniques have been trolling minnows behind 8 inch white or chrome dodgers behind five blade Les Davis Lake trolls.
Bounce this rigging two to three feet off the bottom.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair this week. Kings Salmon are 80-100 feet down while Rainbows are sitting about 60 feet down. Some angler’s report catching Rainbows using minnow imitating bate.
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River Conditions have been great and some anglers report good, for some it has been slow. It should be a good season on the Trinity River. About a million Salmon smolts were released on the 5th. Try fishing faster shallow water to avoid those tiny fish from beating the other to the bite. HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com"
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at email outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Currently, Water is at 450 CFS decreasing to 300 CFS. 
For Steelhead fishing, we are focusing on late October and November, water flows low and great time to start getting into steelhead with the fly rod.
Picking up trout and steelhead daily. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
October Caddis has been showing up and good stone hatches on an occasion.
Temps are back up so change the tactics back to early morning and evening time fishing. The photo period really starts to play a role in your success rate so push more towards the evening fishing.
Dead drifting is been best method through the deeper pools and runs.
Prince nymphs have been the fly of choice.
Lure fisherman are still using Black and yellow Mepps with gold blades and Rapalas Countdowns in orange and gold.

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 RIVER, EAST, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker flow is at 40 CFS. East Walker is all about a stealth approach the fish have been super spooky. The better holding water is in the tail end of the pools. The fish are tucked under the bank and brush so be ready to lose some gear. Emerging caddis, small midge patterns, prince nymphs and San Juan worms have been the fly’s of choice.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River: 60 CFS is fun to fish here. How long it will last is the question??? This storm will not hurt the cause friends!
You will still find most of the rascals bunched in the deeper pools, however they will not be stacked on top of each other.
The section called the Miracle Mile located directly below the dam will be the best area to fly fish for sure right now.
Fall is Trico’s and Baetis. Have mayfly nymphs and adults in the # 18-22 range. You may also want to spring for a few “crayfish” patterns.
The bigs will munch on these as a rule and although you may not get into any numbers, what ya do get to chomp on Mr. craw-daddy will be substantial! Fish them as nymphs-tie it as an upper in a tandem rig.
THREE X to this pattern gang.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Water flow has been up and down and is now 59 CFS. Fishing is tough. WD-40's,buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince nymphs

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.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Trout fishing has picked up, though the lake is very low at only 30 to 35 percent of capacity, concentrating the fish into a smaller area.
Daytime highs here are only in the 50’s and overnight lows have been in the low 30’s and occasionally dipping into the teens and surface water temperatures are now in the 50’s.
Most of the algae is gone and the water is fairly clear.
The cooler conditions have the trout moving into shallower water so shore fishing in the vicinity of the state park has been good with many shore anglers reporting limits using either Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
Fly fishermen report good fishing in three to five feet of water using gold ribbed hare’s ears or chironomids, catching fish averaging around 20 inches.
Bait anglers report good luck with both worms and Power Bait.
Fly rodders should also be using mayfly nymph imitators, wooly buggers and leech patterns.
The state park boat ramp is still usable, though the dock is no longer in the water. However, the small ramp in the Hendricks Arm is at the end of the concrete and launching here is not advised.
Wiper fishing is fair with anglers catching a few fish around the island off of the state park boat ramp, along the rock face south of the boat ramp and a few near the bridge in the Hendricks Arm. Minnow imitations, such as crankbaits or rapalas that are black over silver or white, or perch imitators seem to be the best.
Bass anglers are having luck either drop shotting or with crank baits, both fished off of points and structure.
No word on any perch being caught.
The outflow of the dam is still between 30 and 40 CFS making for good fishing conditions in the tail water below Wild Horse Dam.
This is great nymphing water.

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers. The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level has stabilized at about 10 percent full and normally would start rising about this time of year. But due to the dry conditions, there is little to no water coming into the lake.
Fishing is slow for catfish and bass and slow to fair for crappie.
In spite of the lowering water conditions, biologists are still asking anglers to continue to release any bass or crappie they may catch in the hopes that they will survive the winter. If we get some snow over the winter to recharge the reservoir, next summer should start to produce keeper sized bass and crappie for anglers. If not, NDOW will probably salvage the fish and send them to another, more stable reservoir.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is low, shorelines are weedy, but water clarity is good.
Fishing for bass has slowed down and is just fair, while trout fishing has picked up and is good.
Boats or float tubes will have an advantage.
The boat ramp is still usable for small boats.
Gold ribbed hare’s ears (mayfly nymph) are effective when fished during the warmer afternoons as there is still the occasional mayfly hatch, though they are light and will end soon.
Larger presentations have been also been productive so try natural baits (worms/Power Bait), spinners and large natural colored flies like woolly buggers and leech patterns which are working for both trout and the occasional bass.
Like all of our high desert reservoirs in the area, chironimid patterns fished under an indicator should be effective.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing is good. Anglers are catching Kokanees between 11-15 in. and some are starting to turn for spawning.
Go 40-60 ft and use Apex’s and wiggle Hoochies for best results!
— Courtesy of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service

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