Don Q's fishing report for week of Nov. 29

Here is the fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Nov. 29.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
As expected for this time of year, the fishing pressure is light and with the winds and rain, fishing has been difficult. Everywhere on the lake is going to be a lot of bait fish.
Several private ramps are closed, although both public ramps remain open.
Smelt bait balls seem to be working the best for anglers on Lake Almanor. Almanor Fishing Adventures.

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

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013, above Hangman's Bridge.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
High water this week should make for some excellent bank angling when flows start dropping. Anglers plunking spin and glows near the rivers edges can expect a mix of steelhead and chinook.

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:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Currently the lake is at 66% capacity and the fishing has been good while trolling. Cinnamon flies that were 5 feet down from Little Island to Eagle Point worked well.
Shore fishing was great when anglers used Gulp. Fish from the shore were coming in at 16-19 inches.
Fly fishing has also been doing very well casting a 16 or 18 blood midge. Western Outdoor News.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Line Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.fish tightlines.com) report:
After getting off the Delta around 4:00 PM the previous day, we put the downriggers back on the boat and headed for Eagle Lake.
The trip was schedule to have a group of 18 people, organized by Bryan Roccucci. Bryan asked Cliff Spediacci to fill in and work with Ed Fisk and myself to take this group out. In years past Ed and I have worked with Bryan on this trip.
We all launched at 6:30 and worked our way towards Wildcat Point in heavy fog that was sitting on the lake and stayed until noon.
The bite started off a little slow but soon picked up.
Cliff and I spent most of our time between Wildcat and Shrimp Island fishing in the top 5 feet of water. We were trying to work the rocky points but it was hard due to the very limited visibility.
Ed went a little farther north.
The hot ticket for all three boats was the Orange Arctic Fox Trolling Fly and an orange Sep’s Grub and Pro Cure Trophy Trout scent.
We ended the day with limits for all 18 clients and also threw a few small ones back throughout the day. The average size was around two and a half pounds with a handful going over three pounds.
There’s only one month left before Eagle Lake closes.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing is good! Red Copper John’s, caddis nymph imitations, and prince nymphs have gotten the best bites. Great reports have been reported from Thermalito to Palm Ave, and on the main stem of the river.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
11/26/12
Many fishermen were thankful for the great fall fishing at Frenchman Lake this past week.
Todd Wilson, Jeff Wilson, Eric Annand, and Mike Leonhard caught 16 rainbows while fishing Lunker Point between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
The fish were between 12 and 17 inches each.
They were using all colors of power bait.
We also heard of 16" to 18" limits being caught at Turkey Point.
Anchor 20 ft. off shore and fish with a bobber and ½ a crawler for bait.
Scott Christiansen from Reno caught some nice trout at the dam using green power bait. His fish measured between 14 and 18 inches each.

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

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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 5 CFS. 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:
We received enough snow from the two storms a while back to get Mammoth Creek flowing above average and by cracky did it get Hot Creek back on the bite!
The higher water level helped the fish spread out and also allowed more open water along the weeded sections.
This fact, along with the browns being very romantic right now-is providing some great opportunities to fish HC late in the year.
There is a strong baetis hatch, as well as the ever present midges that come off in clouds when we have a high pressure period with warm weather.
Access remains excellent with no snow or ice in the canyon at this time.
Nymphing the slots with may fly imitations, SJ worms & non-scented egg patterns can pay off big time as you will see by the punishment Jay and Devon Preston gave to the brownies recently here.
HC is open year around.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this week! Mostly smaller steelhead and trout out there, but there are a few adult steelheads.
Fishing is good throughout the day. Most anglers report catching fish, change egg color if the fishing gets slow.
Best access to water is by boat.
Clown-eggs and micro spawns in yellow and pink seem to be the best flies to use; while Shrimp pink eggs have been getting the Steelhead.
 www.theflyshop.com
Fishing Guides: www.marblemountainranch.com

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair to good this week. Mid-day seems to be the best time to fish, that’s when Baetis have been hatching!
Anglers using sinking lines and retrieving small #16-20 mayfly nymphs and midge patterns seem to be getting some bites.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fishing for bottom fish opened back up to all depths again starting Oct. 1.
Boat anglers may no longer retain cabezon.
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.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current flow is 86 CFS.
Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Nymph fishing is the best bet.
Try WD-40's , pheasant tails and caddis larva
Lower Owens River:
Water flow has dropped to 125 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:
After recent storms, the fishing is improving.
The top water bite has been turned on this past week.
A lot of small fish were biting at worms, Senkos, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits within the West Branch, North Fork, Middle Fork, and the Slot.
Anglers report bass between 2 to 4 pounds.
Courtesy Western Outdoor News.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Lower Owens River:
How low can they go? Flows have crashed to 124 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir and I was told by an LADWP source they will try to hold them here if possible.
Wading the wild trout section at this release is just plain fun.
Combine this with the incredible weather and you have a recipe for some epic conditions.
Look for the BWO’s to come off around 1 ish. Until that time use mayfly nymph patterns like flash back PT’s & bird’s nests.
I sell my version of these on the online fly sales page of the website for your convenience. # 16-20 will do the trick.
Keep the adult imitations riding high when the surface bite is on-mayflies sit high on the water. When sight casting to a rising fish watch his feeding pattern for a while and ALWAYS cast 3-5 feet up drift from its position, never on top of the rise form.
The streamer bite has also been fun on the drift boat sections.
The bite has been very steady even through the flow drop.
We are concentrating the “dip & strip” attack on the deeper holes, staging right near the drop-offs.
Check out the drift boats position on my recent video for a close look.
Spruce-A-Bu’s and Punk Perch will get you grabs.
The LO is open year around.
Upper Owens River:
The “snow bows” are a coming! Recent trips to the UO are showing the bigs are on the move upstream from Crowley. It has been a rough road for these steel head like rainbows as the long shallow river bed that is the Upper Owens made their migration very difficult earlier this fall.
The flows have dropped significantly from their high of 160 CFS down to a near perfect 85 CFS. Water clarity is excellent so don’t expect to catch one of these trophies if you go stomping up like a Cape Buffalo in a mud hole!
Nymphing the deep slots and pools with flashback Pt’s and Assassin’s have proven to be deadly as of late.
Look for the adult baetis mayflies to begin their emergence after 1:30.
The UO is open year around above the Bridge at Benton Crossing with a ZERO limit-artificial lures or flies only.
The eastside road is a disaster and I have asked a friend of mine at the LADWP to see if they can put a blade on the damn thing. I have seen a drive shaft come off, several hub caps, one broken windshield, and a camper shell laid to waste due to the ridges on the wash board surface.
No mud or snow yet; however it will not be long.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing had been good, but the recent storm has left the river with debris and some color change. Fishing may prove a bit more difficult this week.
Pit River # 3, upper pit # 4, and # 5 have been good spots to fish this week. Try using # 14-16 pheasant tails or prince nymphs. www.theflyshop.com

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
PV has been really high lately and this has crushed some great weather and no power generation opportunities.
Can’t tell you what’s in store for the transition area; however the small creek and gorge are fishing great right now.
These areas resemble a small East Walker in a way. Rocky, willow lined, crystal clear water with a bunch of riffles and long slow stretches.
Excellent mayfly and chironomid activity right now.
Use broken back tiger or zebra midges, assassin’s birds nest, or olive crystal zebra midges for nymphing.
Tubing is slow according to Drifter’s guide Chris Basso, he says the bite was off on a recent “freeze tube” outing.
I know this will change in the near future, keep an eye on the level of the REZ proper. I have a link on my resources page here. 4385′ rocks!
Open year around.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great! Water flows from the Dam are at 5,500 CFS.
A few anglers are reporting catching 18” rainbows using dry flies.
Fishing is expected to stay good for a few more weeks!
Pink, orange, and salmon colored egg patterns seem to be working.
Salmon season is open below Deschutes Rd. Fish deep, with your leader’s length between 7.5- 8.5’ to the split shot. www.theflyshop.com
Fishing Guides: www.tedfay.com

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 November 26, 2012, water flow is currently 5,400 CFS decreasing to 4,700 CFS by Monday.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding is red hot, awesome fishing! Catching Rainbows from Redding 30 fish days now. 
Afternoons have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
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:
Fishing has been great this week!
Water conditions below Pollard Flat aren’t as good as usual due to rain.
Try using # 16 - # 18 dark colored nymphs and copper johns.
Rainbows are biting flies that are deep near the rocks. www.theflyshop.com
Fishing Guides: www.sacriverguide.com

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
As of November 26, 2012. Water flows are at 5,400 CFS decreasing to 4,700 CFS by Monday. 
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fair to good.
Fishing has been tough last couple days, but putting in long days we have been catching a few nice Kings despite the challenge.
Beautiful bright salmon. Today, limits. Every day.
Average hook up 2 to 4 salmon a day. Flatfish lures are best bet, Lures have been producing the largest King Salmon. 
Early mornings we are getting a few salmon first thing in the morning at first light, and as we move through the day getting hit on bright colored lures, your florescent pinks and yellows.
We have rain on the way, this will bring up more salmon to the area.
Expect to see larger fish now. Most fish have been weighing in at 25 pounds plus, also another 41 pounder. 
This is prime time fishing! November and December are known months on the Sacramento River to produce big salmon. 
The Anderson area is excellent for trout as well as salmon.
This is prime time fishing! 
Call us today to schedule your trip.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
November brings excellent fishing to the lake. Rainbow Trout and King Salmon are successful catches on the surface and up to 40 feet deep.
Trout reports coming from Bridge Bay and near the Dry Creek area.
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sports Fishing.
Fishing Guide: www.philsprop.com

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fall chinook will start entering the Smith as the rains start occurring.
No harvest of wild coho is allowed in the Smith River basin.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trinity River has been fishing well for some, slow for others.
Steelhead have made an appearance, expected to be great through February.
Salmon are keeping steelhead busy, steels looking for those egg patterns. www.theflyshop.com

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
November 26, 2012 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. 
Steelhead Fishing is fantastic! Red hot, Excellent fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is fishing very well.
Fishing is better during the week days to avoid the crowds.
With 10 to 15 hook ups a day now, for the seasoned fly fisherman. 
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns.
Fish are biting throughout the day, hatches happening between 1 and 3 pm.
Egg patterns working better in the morning hours, then turning to flies later in the day.
Steelhead in early morning in shallow riffles and the later in the afternoon, when the river gets busier, steelhead are moving into the deep holes. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well. 
We will be fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River from now through the month of March.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has been up and down and is now 23 CFS. Fishing is tough. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince nymphs.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports
Still running at 23 CFS, this is very low. The deepest pools near the dam are producing if you are fortunate enough to get one- camp on one until it warms up. Good baetis activity during this warm snap.


WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

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 for Carson Now and www.SouthTahoeNow.com. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com