Don Q's Fishing Report for week of Dec. 12-18

Below is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Dec. 12-18. We want to note a big fish caught by Eric St. Denis of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., pictured above.

Eric caught a 28-pound, 9-ounce Mackinaw trout at Lake Tahoe on Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m. Photos courtesy of Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbon Charters.

The Lake Tahoe record for Mackinaw Trout is a 37-pound, 6-ounce (44 inches in length) trophy caught by Robert Aronsen, way back in 1974. To date, only a handful of Macks have been caught that have weighed 30 pounds or more.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair to non- existent this week due to weather. Everywhere on the lake is going to be a lot of bait fish. Once fishing picks up again most anglers will be using the launch near Canyon Dam.
Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road has been closed for the season, so there will be no more fishing reports for Angel Lake until it opens next spring.

LAKE BERRYESSA, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Line Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
Posted on December 8, 2012 by Tresa
Paul Kneeland and Cal Kellogg joined us today on a little scouting trip to Berryessa. We launched at Markley Cove around 7:30 and started marking fish just outside the marina.
We were marking fish from 40 to 110 feet deep.
We dropped 2 rods with Shad and two with Anchovies both cured with Pautzke Fire Brine. Within a few minutes we had our first King in the boat, it was about a 2 lbs. We kept working this school but couldn’t get any others to take our presentation.
We picked up and headed over to Skiers Cove and dropped in 4 rods with Shad and long lined a Grey Artic Fox fly off the back of the boat.
It wasn’t long before we landed a 2.5-pound Rainbow on the fly.
We continued to work this area and also work the rockslide area with the same setups.
We ended up landing 6 nice rainbows before moving back to try for kings again. We ended up landing one more King making our total for the day 2 kings and 6 rainbows. Surprisingly, we found the water pretty clean given all the rain in the past week.
We will be back on Berryessa for the next couple days.
Watch for a more detailed report and pictures in the next Fish Sniffer.

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.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road is closed.

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 flows are expected this week.
Anglers will want to check river flows before going fishing.

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.

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:
With recent storms, the river below the mouth is blown out. Some Steelhead is still available upstream of Marysville near the wildlife area.
— Courtesy of Fish with JD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
12/10/12
Fishing has been very good this week, especially at the dam.
On 12/06/12, Mike Pflimlin from Cold Springs caught 5 nice rainbows trolling near the dam with a downrigger going about 25 to 30 ft down. He was using a #2 Fire Tiger Needlefish and a Sockeye Slammer in copper and pink fishing between noon and 1:30 pm. He came back a couple of days later and caught several more fish in the same area.
The days have been crisp, clear and beautiful for fishing. Come out and try your luck!

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 56 CFS. Very little insect activity.
Nymph fish with WD-40's ,caddis larva and miracle nymphs.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Flows at 24 CFS as of 12/9. Gate is open and no snow on the ground.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Mostly Midges in the mornings after it warms some, with a spattering of Baetis throughout the day.

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:
Conditions are fair right now, but should pick up by the weekend.
The water will most likely be muddy for the next couple of days below Klamathon Bridge. Conditions should be good to great by the weekend between I-5 and Iron Gate Dam. Watch out for high winds on the road from Weed to Yreka. Anglers report suspending nymphs and eggs under an indicator is the best technique. 
 www.theflyshop.com. Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: www.marblemountainranch.com Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

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

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No recent reports, but anglers have reported good Walleye fishing this year.
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.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is continuing to be great. Anglers using # 16-18 Pseudo May’s are getting bites. Stripping and retrieving Nymphs, leeches and Buggers are always effective on Lewiston.
www.theflyshop.com. 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 and 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.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 83 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 down to 100 CFS. Fishing is good.
Solid baetis hatch starting around noon.
Barr's emerger, flashback pheasant tails, juju baetis.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions:
Good. As of 12/9 the flows are constant at about 83 CFS. No snow on ground and easy access with no 4X4 but some puddles, as in carwash.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. With flows back to nice levels the fishing has improved.
Some nice chunky Crowley fish have moved up into the system.
Owens River Gorge Water conditions:
Great. Flow: 45 CFS.
This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP
Fishing Conditions:
As always excellent this time of year.
Warm in the canyon with no snakes or nettles and lots of hungry fish.
Pleasant Valley Reservoir Water conditions:
Water level is average and stream section flows vary from day to day.
Fishing conditions:
Good time to go float tubing.
Water is cold so the rule of thumb is "Deep dark and slow"
Lower Owens River Water conditions:
Good. Flows are at 110 CFS as of 12/9.
Fishing conditions:
Excellent! Perfect wading
Fish Midges early until the sun hits the water and warms everything up. After that it goes off with strong Baetis hatch for several hours.
On overcast rainy days the hatches can be prolific.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Windy, stormy conditions have made the water muddy and not great for fishing this week. Better conditions are expected by early next week.
Right now, the best waters are near Lake Britton Dam and near the base of Pit #4 Dam. Come prepared for tough wading conditions! A wading staff and a PDF are highly recommended.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There should be better fishing this week. There may be some colored water in the Lower Sacramento River due to some mud.
Try using egg patterns in Salmon-Egg or Shrimp Pink.
The best time to go seems to be in the afternoon.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. 

Fishing Guides: The Fly Shop and Ted Fay Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing:
As of December 8, 2012, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
We are going to get a break from the storms and rain now for the next week or more, let's hit the water.

Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding, water is clear at the Posse Grounds and catching Rainbows in the Redding area. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report is 25 fish days, including several steelhead. Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14. 
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:
The River is very high and muddy this week from the storms we’ve had. Conditions are expected to improve by next week.
Try using #16-#18 dark colored nymphs and copper johns.
Rainbows are biting flies that are deep near the rocks.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
As of December 8, 2012. Water flows are at 4,500 CFS.
TAKING IT DAY BY DAY AS WATER CLEARS.
Prior to storms: Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fair to good.
Beautiful bright salmon. 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 FRANCISCO BAY, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
STURGEON ON THE UPSWING
The muddy water coming down the rivers from the deluge will surely spark the sturgeon bite in the upper ends of San Pablo Bay. Before the weather, pal Jay Lopes of Right Hook Sportfishing was doing really well. With the freshwater outflows, the bite will switch from roe to eel and shrimp.
The offshore boats look like they may be able to get outside the gate this weekend for crab and rockfish but long trips to the Islands and Fanny Shoals will probably be out of the question due to wind.

SAN JOAQUINN/RED'S MEADOW, CALIF:
Road is now closed for the season.
Reopens by 4th of July weekend usually.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
December 7, 2012 Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta Lake Shasta fishing is good. Some days have been better than others, but still catching Rainbow trout.
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.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some days are great and others could be better.
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: HYPERLINK "http://www.philsprop.com" Phil's Propeller.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead will start entering the Smith River.
There is no hatchery program up the Smith River so the angling opportunity will primarily be catch and release of wild steelhead.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With cooler temperatures the lake vegetation has been reduced.
Fishing should be good from now until the lake begins to ice up.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
On Sunday morning, December 09 at 10:30 a.m., his son Eric caught a 28-pound, 9-ounce (42 inches) Mackinaw trout at the Cave Rock Shelf.
The trophy fish was caught in 30 feet of water on a 10-inch Trophy Stick lure in the brown trout pattern.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been excellent. The winter has officially arrived for Lake Tahoe.
Weather is the main factor when fishing the Lake now.
There will be a lot of water coming in with the tropical storms and fishing will be affected by temperatures changes.
Reports prior to the storms were outstanding most of the Mackinaw caught in the last couple of weeks have spawned out and are ready for the bite.
White dodgers trailing minnows is still very effective method.
Top lining will be good method of fishing in the next couple months so start changing the rigging.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The conditions, like most other waters, are not great this week. Experts are predicting the water conditions to be nice by Thursday of next week, with Friday being excellent.
Fresh Steelheads have moved into the River!
Suspending Nymphs under an indicator, stripping buggers and leeches, swinging muddlers or PT nymphs will get hook ups.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
December 8, 2012 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Water is high, but lowering daily.
Picking up nice Steelhead. Steelhead Fishing is fantastic! 
Red hot, Excellent fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is fishing very well.
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.
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, steelhead are moving into the deep holes. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well.
We are fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River from now through the month of March.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 1500+ CFS. By the time this report is finished the river will be blown out from the current storm and will continue to be disturbed for the next couple of weeks.
More updates after the storm series.

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, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker Flow is currently at 29 CFS. The river is still fishing great but December is coming in with a series of tropical storms and most of our rivers and streams will be affected or blown out for the next couple of weeks. Look for an update later on in December.

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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Poor. Flows steady for several weeks at 23 CFS as of 12/9.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Lots of good reports. Better catch rate than typical for these winter flows down into the 20's. Fish are going to be stacked in the deepest water they can find at this point. Mostly small midges and mayflies subsurface but good top bite midday most days.

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