By Don Quilici

Here is this week’s fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California, the Sierra and southern Oregon. This report is for the week of Jan. 23-30.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The weather has been very cold, but is expected to be in the 50s for the next week. Fishing is expected to be fair to good, but difficult to get a boat in the water without the help of another person. Watch out for ice on the ramps. Canyon Dam ramp is open, USFS ramp is open and plowed with no dock, and private ramps at Rec 1 are open and one ramp is plowed with no dock. Courtesy of 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.

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.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Cave Lake is ice covered with approximately 12 inches of ice and fishing has been good. Most anglers are catching 8 to 10 inch fish using natural baits or Power Bait.
Don’t forget the Fire and Ice show the weekend of January 18th through the 20th and the Rotary Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 26. For more information go to http://www.elynevada.net/events/fireice.html on the web.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Low, clear, and cold. Steelhead are spread throughout the river with the lower river producing the best. Steelhead fishing will probably be slow until the weather warms up and we get some rain.
Boat anglers side drifting small clusters of eggs or yarn balls seems to be producing the best.
Bank anglers have also been enjoying some success either plunking spin and glows or drifting some eggs. Bank access on the Chetco River is really good, with some of the most popular spots being Social Security, Loeb State Park and Ice Box.
In 2013 ODFW is collecting angler caught steelhead broodstock for the hatchery program on the Chetco River.
Anglers fishing the river may notice that some adult steelhead are being held in drift boat live boxes or in river live boxes.
Anglers retaining steelhead for this program must be signed up through ODFW. Anglers interested in this program or would like more information can contact the ODFW Gold Beach Field Office (541-247-7605) for more information.
ODFW does not maintain a hatchery facility on the Chetco River and all adult steelhead must be captured from the Chetco River and hauled to Elk River Hatchery to be spawned. Once the eggs hatch, steelhead juveniles are reared to about 1 year old before being returned to the Chetco River as smolts that will then head to the ocean.

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:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
The ice fishing has been good. The ice is reported to be about 12 inches and solid. Remember it is up to you to decide if the ice is safe or not.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Great Ice Fishing! 14” of ice near the Dam, reports of limit caught within a few hours using power bait at about 12’-25’ deep.
Courtesy of Ed Dillard.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Expect daytime temperatures nearing the freezing mark and overnight temperatures much lower. Lake ice has been thickening and anglers are still having good success for rainbows using nightcrawlers or Woolly Buggers.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The ice has been thickening up across the lake and those anglers braving the frigid temperatures have found good fishing for rainbow trout.
Worms are catching the fish.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
01/21/13
They are catching limits at Frenchman Lake. Average size is about 12 to 14 inches now. Nightcrawlers and feathered jigs are working well at a depth of 18 to 30 inches.
The ice is about 10 to 12 inches thick at the dam. Some are getting around to other parts of the lake, but a snowmobile is needed.

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.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice here is 8 to 11 inches thick and fishing has been fair to good.
Black crappie jigs or bead head wooly buggers tipped with a bit of worm is a common presentation that works at Illipah.
Natural baits and Power Bait also work well.

JAKE’S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There is eight to ten inches of good ice and fishing for trout is fair to good for both numbers and size with fish averaging 12 to 14 inches.
Due to the low water, this small reservoir was not stocked and so trout fishing will probably only be fair.

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 is great! Many fish are coming out at 5 pounds. Weather has been cold during the day, but favorable weather and forecast for the week.
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.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is providing good action for those who are willing to brave the chilly temperatures. According to the folks at Rusty’s Riviera Marina, stocked rainbow trout seem to be schooling. So when you locate a prime spot stick with it.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good during January with many Trout in the lake.
The best fishing is happening north of the marina during the afternoon. # 16-18 Pseudo Mays, Zebra Midges, and Lightnin’s Biot Baetis are fishing well. Also try using Callibaetis emergers or Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
HYPERLINK “http://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 & 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:
For anglers out on the lake, the old tried and true coves are still producing fish. Live shad are attracting the attention of striped bass, but that means anchovies and shad imitations, such as the Sassy Shad, also will catch fish.
Shad have been found in the back of Vegas Wash as well as Boulder Harbor.
Shoreline anglers have been able to catch stripers in Boulder Harbor.
Reminder to boaters:
In an effort to hinder the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), as of Jan. 1 all motorized and non-motorized vessels able to retain water are now required to obtain and display an AIS decal. Details can be obtained from an NDOW office or through the agency’s website, www.ndow.org.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the north wind, the temperature has dropped significantly from last week, but that hasn’t deterred anglers at Willow Beach.
Anglers reeled in some striped bass weighing in at 18, 19, 21, and 22 pounds from the water between mile marker 50 and 51.
These fish took AC plugs and other trout imitating swimbaits.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, ling cod, and cabezon is open at all depths until April 1.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish.
There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).

PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish.
Mealworms or night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions still brown but fishing has been great! Rainbows have enjoyed nymphs that have a dark color with rubber legs, # 6-10.
Useful flies are Pat’s Rubber Legs, Zack’s Thermanator Dark Stone, and BH Helgramite.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of Cutthroat Charters (775-476-0555) (www.fishpyramid.com) reports:
Fishing has been pretty good. They have been catching fish but nothing big lately. However, so far this season there have been 15 fish, 15-24 pounds, and a total of 60 fish that have been over 10 pounds.
I’ve been catching our fish along the west shore with Apex lures.
The water is still cold, 39 degrees, and when Reno is hazy, the lake is calm.

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There is very little change here. The ice at the main boat ramp is six to eight inches thick, but with all the springs in the area, anglers should check thickness regularly as they travel on the ice.
Harrison pass is closed, so use Secret Pass.
Fishing has been fair for numbers but good for size, though the past few days smaller fish have been taken. Anglers may catch trout well above five pounds here, though fishing will be slow.
Chironomids, blood midges and hares ears are working.
Woolly buggers in black, olive and white with some flash should also be tried if the small stuff isn’t working.
From now until mid-March fishing is generally just fair for numbers, but good for size as the larger fish come out of the marsh and cruise the ditch and some of the oxbows and ponds for food.
The collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are still brown but clearing, visibility about 4 feet, fishing still great for anglers this week. Fishers using # 6-8 Rubber Legs, orange and pink egg patterns like Boles Bazookas. Big Rainbows over 20” are coming out of the river!
Courtesy of The 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 January 21, 2013, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead, FANTASTIC!
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding, water is clear at the Posse Grounds and catching Rainbows in the Redding area. 
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:
Near Dunsmuir seems the best area to fish in the Upper Sacramento.
Things are a little more difficult near Lake Shasta.
Dark stone fly patterns are being reported as the best thing to use. 

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:
January 21, 2012 Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. Lake Shasta fishing is fair to 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. Anglers, book now for the Spring Break. Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout fishing & salmon fishing.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good for some while others have to work harder for it.
Anglers have been reporting catching rainbow trout this week. They seem to be near the surface and at 40 ft. around the Dry Creek area.
Try using Wiggle Hoochies or Cripp Lures. 
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sport 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.

SMITH RIVER AND CHETCO RIVER:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 21 , 2013 Smith River Steelhead fishing report
Catch big steelhead on the Smith River and Chetco River. We are fishing for steelhead now. January, February, & March are the prime months to catch monster Steelhead on the Smith River.
Steelhead fishing on the Chetco is great.
The catch has been good averaging 2 to 4 fish per day, depending on level of experience of angler.
All day trips, with amazing views, and catching nice bright steelhead.
It’s time to go steelhead fishing on the Chetco River and Smith River.
Let’s go. Book today by calling or email.
For accommodations for lodging we suggest staying in Smith River, California or Brookings, Oregon when steelhead fishing the Smith River or Steelhead fishing the Chetco River.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
South Fork has nine to ten inches of ice with a couple of inches of powder snow on it. Fishing is still slow to fair, a few anglers are starting to report more success. Anglers report catching a few fish at the south end of the lake, just north of Jet Ski Beach, and in the coves on the east side of the lake.
Like Wild Horse, anglers should target trout in shallower water, fishing about halfway between the bottom of the ice and the bottom of the reservoir in four to ten feet of water.
Most anglers are having some success with marshmallows with a worm or Power Bait.
Even though the ice is considered safe, anglers should still use caution in deeper water checking the ice thickness as you go as this lake is notorious for ice that is six inches thick in one area and only a couple of inches a few feet away due to currents and springs.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers are reporting good fishing this week. Conditions are good and expected to stay that way the rest of the week.
Highway 299 is snowy and icy so be careful, and check road conditions before heading out.
Try using #6 Black Rubber Legs and purple # 14 -16 Psycho Prince.
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:
January 21, 2013 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 12 to 18 hook ups a day now. 
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.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wild Horse now has twelve inches of good ice with about three or four inches of snow on it.
Fishing has been fair to good for trout 15 to 20 inches with an occasional 24-inch fish being caught. Most of the trout are being caught in six to eight feet of water and within about 30 yards of shore. They are being caught about halfway up in the water column.
Fishing off of the rocky point just south of the state park boat ramp and the beach just north of the state park boat ramp has been good.
A party 10 of anglers, some who had never fished before, were fishing south of Goose Island reporting good fishing for trout last Saturday. 23 fish were caught in about 4 hours and two of the fish were between 24 and 25 inches.
Chances are, trout can be caught all around the lake, especially off of points or near structure.
The usual worms and Power Bait are working as are jigs tipped with worms, waxworms or shrimp.
Some perch are starting to show up in the creel as fishing for perch is fair.
Most of the perch are being caught in 18 feet of water or deeper.
Fish right on the bottom with a small jig tipped with a small piece of bait.
The ice skating rink up and families are encouraged to bring their skates.

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:
Fishing is poor for the warm water species here, and with few trout in this lake, there will be no new reports on this water until spring.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson has about six to eight inches of ice with about six or seven inches of snow on it. The road is 4WD only and expect sloppy driving conditions when the weather warms up later this week. Fishing is slow to fair, with only a few fish showing up in the creel, but that may be due to the low number of anglers hitting the lake due to driving conditions.

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