Don Q's fishing report for the week of Dec. 19

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Dec. 19.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing pressure is light. A few cold storms are lining up near the lake and with light snow in the forecast, reconsidering a trip up may be an option. Water temperatures have gone down to 39 degrees. Morning temperatures are in the high teens so be prepared. Also make sure to check for ice on boat ramps before backing down.
Bait fishing and jigging can be effective on Almanor.
For Trolling try fishing toward Lake Cove and Prattville.
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.

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.


CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The lake is too thin to ice fish and too dangerous to shore fish. Recommend to wait for a few weeks before venturing up there. The resort is open on weekends until Christmas day. Then will be open every day for the rest of the winter season. You can ski at Kirkwood one day and ice fish the next. (After the lake gets at least 10 inches of ice).
Call 209-258-8888 for info or reservations.

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.

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:
Lake Davis is currently at 68% capacity. Shore fishermen had good catches at Camp 5, Mallard Points and Jenkins. They were using Power Bait.
Fly fishers were doing well with nymphs, snail and leech patterns.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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:
The River has remained able to fish with a green tint to the waters.
Steelheads were being caught by fly fishers who were using Red Copper Johns, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Fishermen using bait were successful with night crawlers and drifting roe.
Courtesy of Fish with JD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
12/17/12
The cold temperatures we have been experiencing at night have caused Frenchman Lake to ice over around the edges.
Better get that Christmas shopping done early so that you can enjoy the lake before it completely ices over.
The standard baits of nightcrawlers or power bait (just about any color) are working well to catch nice rainbows between 12" to 16".
The dam area is seeing the most action these days.
The weather conditions are very changeable this time of year so come prepared and don’t forget to give us a call or stop in for the latest updates.

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

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Use caution on the paved road from highway 89, there are parts of the road that never see the light of the sun until spring and can be dangerous holding ice and snow. I ran across a ranger that was stuck in the snow on this road a few years ago. The dirt road off Diamond valley is better recommended. But can also be icing or muddy.
Anglers have been catching a few small planters over the last few weeks.
They have using power bait or power eggs.
One angler trolled a woolly bugger behind his float tube and caught and released 12 trout.
As of Thursday the area had received 4 inches of snow.
On a better note, the Alpine County Fish commission and the Chamber Board are scheduled to plant the lake this week with 1800 pounds of trout from American Trout and Salmon Hatchery out of Susanville Ca.
The trout will be 2 to 4 pounds each.

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:
The conditions of the upper part of the river below Iron Gate Dam are great!
Waters below Ash Creek are still colored, and muddy. Water is moving at 1000 cubic feet per second, making excellent fishing circumstances.
Try using egg patterns in shrimp pink, Salmon-Egg, and steelhead orange.
A good fly to have on the Klamath is Pat’s Brown Rubber Leg.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

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 is continuing to be great for some and fair for others.
Fish are eating BWO emergers.
Anglers using # 16-18 Pseudo May’s are getting bites.
Stripping and retrieving Nymphs, leeches and Buggers are always effective on Lewiston.
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.

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.
Baetis hatch has slowed and midge patterns are the most effective.
Red jujube midge, small Stevies Wonders and WD-40's.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Up 45 feet from all of the rain, the lake is at 64% capacity. Muddy waters and large amounts of debris are blocking sections of the lake.
Anglers have also reported spinner baits, and worm-headed Senkos have been getting bites.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are continuing to improve although visibility is still only a few feet. With winter weather and snow, access to the river is near impossible unless you come prepared with snow tires and chains.
Come prepared for tough wading conditions! A wading staff and a PDF are highly recommended.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
As of last Thursday the lake had just started to freeze over. It had a thin sheet of ice across the whole lake. We still have a few weeks before it will be safe enough to ice fish.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions have become poor again with less than a foot of visibility due to muddy waters up the Keswick Reservoir. Waters should improve in the next couple of days.
Try using egg patterns in Salmon-Egg or Shrimp Pink.
Make sure to fish deep!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop. 

Fishing Guides: 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 17, 2012, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
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 30 fish days, including several steelhead, fishing is epic! FANTASTIC!
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:
There has been slight improvements on the river this week.
With more winter weather on its way, conditions will vary.
For the best fishing, head near Dunsmuir.
Near Lake Shasta, the river flows are at 1000 CFS and dropping.
Overall, fishing has not been great.
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.

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 17, 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 using Cripp Lures & Wiggle Hoochies.
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sports Fishing. 
Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013. 


TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The Topaz Lodge Derby is on starting January 1st through April 14 2013. You have to be 21 years of age or older to participate, as it is sponsored by the Topaz Lodge and Casino.
Where else can you go fishing and get paid to do so.
Each week the two largest trout brought to the general store will be awarded $50 first place and $25 for second place.
Any Topaz Lodge tagged fish will automatically get you $100 cash, $10 free slot play and 10 entries into the drawing.
All trout 2 pounds and larger without a tag will get $5 free slot play and 10 entries into the drawing. On April 14th at 7pm (must be present to win) they will draw tickets for $1000 in cash and prizes.
Regulations are: Trout must be caught in Topaz Lake. Only tags that will be accepted are the colored tags from Topaz lodge. Any person determined not to have caught their fish in Topaz lake or who have not followed the rules will be subject to disqualification from this and any future Topaz lodge derby. Just play by the rules, it's fishing not the lottery.
Also as a note, Since October 1st the NDOW has planted over 12,000 pounds of trout in Topaz Lake.
For more info on the derby or lodging call 800-962-0732 or 775-266-3338.
Also note that these rules are different that the ones on the Topaz Lodge web page, these are the official rules and the web page will be updated soon. Hope to see you out there.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great! Come prepared with snow chains and check Highway 299 road conditions beforehand.
Suspending Nymphs under an indicator, stripping buggers and leeches, swinging muddlers or PT nymphs will get hook ups.
As of 12/16: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive.
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 17, 2012 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS.
RED HOT STEELHEAD FISHING ON THE TRINITY RIVER! 
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.

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, 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