By Don Quilici
Here is this week’s fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of June 17 and beyond.
BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted – Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing:
With the warmer temps, the Lake has risen about 2 feet from last week and the pontoon boat is now on the Lake and available for rent.
And even more exciting – the catching part of fishing is picking up – saw quite a few nice size limits heading for the frying pan. The best catching still remains at the back of the Lake around the DingleBerry Inlet using Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs and Power Bait.
Trolling is getting better around the shoreline or in the channels.
Drifting thru the channels with just a Nightcrawler brought in a few stringers as did fishing along the shoreline with Power Bait or Nightcrawlers.
Had a nice stocking of pan-size fish along with some trophies from DFW on Thursday and those stockings should start happening weekly now.
We’ll also be getting a BIG FISH stocking from Desert Springs Trout Farm out of Oregon soon.
Jon VanZile along with Jared Starr and Angelica Vargas brought dinner to the table landing a 2-pounder on Salmon Eggs with a few extra for Bullit.
BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith – Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Parchers Resort:
Summary and Trail Report:
Much of the week was again dominated by periodic Thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon, but the rain, which was heavy at times is welcome precipitation given the drought.
Temperatures were more in line with seasonal averages with daytime highs in the 60’s early in the week.
The weekend however brought some warming to the high country as temps soared into the mid 70’s during the day on Saturday and Sunday, much like what we’re used to seeing in mid July.
No doubt the forests will appreciate the much-needed water, especially the wildflowers which are now starting to show along the creeks and meadows.
So far we’ve seen four species of wildflowers including Shooting Stars, Paintbrush and Iris.
With the warmer weather the mosquitoes have finally made an appearance.
Most of the skeeters are concentrated around the creeks or ponds but we’ve seen a few buzzing around our store in the evenings as well.
The backcountry folks reported a lot of mosquitoes above the 9,500 elevation, far more than what we’re seeing in the 8,000 – 9,000 ft range.
We’re not expecting a long mosquito season this year due to the drought, but they’ll certainly be around for a few weeks so be prepared.
Never hit the trial without some kind of repellant, the most effective being DEET, as a cloud of mosquitos will ruin what would otherwise be an enjoyable hike or fishing excursion.
PCT and JMT thru-hikers are now showing up in numbers as the pass is becoming more easily passable with each day.
Only Bishop Lake is reported to still have ice on it with the rest of the basin lakes being ice free.
The parking up at the Bishop Pass trail, both overnight and day-use, was full to the brim Sunday morning as day-hikers, backcountry anglers, and backpackers were enjoying the wilderness.
Bishop Creek So. Fork
Creek fishing has been pretty good overall with most folks scratching out at least a few fish, if not a limit.
Rainbows to 14” and smaller model Browns were the most common catches.
Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs were the best baits with spinners, spoons and mini-jigs doing best for those who prefer lures.
Fly anglers had a great week this week – use size 16 or 18 elk hair caddis or mosquito patterns, size 12 black ants, or olive wooly buggers for a mix of Rainbows, Browns and Brookies.
Weir Pond
Exceptional fishing this week, fly or spin.
It’s all personal preference for fly fishers right now as folks connected on dries, nymphs and streamers alike, including a few larger Rainbows to 18”.
Spin fisherman are doing best on jigs, trout worms or small spinners.
North Lake
Not as many reports as we’d expect from North Lake this week but those reports that did come in reported a decent bite, mostly for the bait dunkers.
Chunky Cheese, Chartreuse, Salmon Peach power bait were preferred doughs.
Intake II
Decent fishing for both the bait and lure folks this week, mostly catching Rainbows to 13”.
The early bird has been getting the fish as getting the primo shoreline makes a big difference – the dam, pump house and pipe being some of the better spots.
Lake Sabrina
Lots of good reports from Lake Sabrina this week, mostly for the bait fishers and primarily from those fishing from a boat or float tube.
Chartreuse or Orange Power bait were the most common colors used by successful anglers.
No trolling reports came in this week but with summer here and the peak season crowds coming in shortly, we should get more info on the trolling bite soon.
South Lake
South Lake continues to come up but not even close to the point where stocking is possible. However, a few of the more hearty visitors have been hiking back to the main inlet, which is really roaring right now with the warmer weather and heavy afternoon rain, and they’re doing surprisingly well manager a few very healthy Brookies in the 12” range to go along with an occasional Rainbow.
No big Browns but it’s only a matter of time.
Backcountry Fishing
The fish are biting all over the place in the backcountry with the best reports coming from Marie Louise Lakes, Long Lake and Treasure Lakes.
Out & About
: The Sacramento Perch bite really picked up this week at Crowley Lake.
Most of the Parchers Resort staff played hooky last Thursday for our first perch mission of the season and we managed 25 perch to just over 2lbs using Sierra Slammer 2” mini-swimbaits in root beer gold flake or motor oil red flake, and Berkley 2” power grubs in pumpkinseed, both fished on 1/16oz ballhead jig.
The fish were holding in 10-12ft of water on weed edges near sometimes island and Leighton Springs.
BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
This lake is at an abysmal 13% right now and it won’t get any better.
Fishing here has been pretty good as fish are really concentrated.
Small car top boats, prams, and float tubes. Be careful about driving down to the shoreline as most areas are like quicksand!
Best spots to fish here are around the dam in the morning tossing small minnow imitations, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for trout looking for colder water temps.
Nightcrawlers, Rapala’s, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns.
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 15, 2015
Bridgeport has fished really well this past week both trolling and bait fishing from boats, the shore action has been a little tough though.
Most anglers are reporting good numbers of fish in the 1 to 2 pound range both trolling and bait fishing with some fish up to almost pounds being caught as well. Inflated crawlers, power eggs, power bait and pinched crawlers are doing well for the bait anglers and the trollers are still doing well with small rapalas, needlefish and thomas bouyants.
CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Caples Lake Level @ 96% on June 12.
CARSON RIVER, NEVADA:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Very low water conditions. Very few places to fish.
CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
It was another great week of fishing at Convict Lake and the creek. The largest fish out of the lake over the last two years was topped once again this week. The fishing in the creek picked up as a few stringers were filled.
The largest fish out of the creek this week was a 1 pound 8 ounce Rainbow caught by Riley Galindo.
Make sure to check out all the photos this year in our 2015 Fishing Gallery.
Catch of the Week: Gerritt Wallace from El Cajon, CA had a great week of fishing while staying at the resort. Besides the “catch of the week” he also caught a 7 pound 8 ounce and 6 pound 12 ounce Rainbow. The catch of the last two years was a monster 8 pound 8 ounce Rainbow.
He was using a Power Worm and was fishing near the Inlet.
Other notable catches this week:
Aki Takeachi from Forest Hills, CA with a stout 7 pound 9 ounce Rainbow.
He was fishing at the Inlet and using Nightcrawlers.
Blake J. Hightower of Hesperia, CA with the help of his personal fishing guides landed a nice 7 pound and 3 ounce Rainbow.
Blake was using Salmon Peach Power bait while fishing the South Shore.
Larean Cantrell from El Cajon, CA caught a lunker from the Handicap Pier.
She hooked this 6 pound 15 ounce Rainbow using Garlic Power bait.
Bill Rogers from Covina, CA with an excellent catch while fishing at the North Shore. Bill landed a 5 pound 1 ounce Rainbow using a Mice Tail.
Emerson Grimsby from Brea, CA landed a 5 pound 7 ounce Rainbow using a Nightcrawler. He was posted up along the North Shore.
Eugene F. Gomez Sr. and crew from San Gabriel, CA with a 6 pound and 2 ounce Rainbow. Eugene was using Power Eggs and he was fishing the Inlet
Tactics/Bait: Berkley baits have been doing well all week.
Everything from Mice Tails to Power Eggs.
Across the board the top colors seem to be pink, orange or red.
Rainbow Tasmanian Devils or Bikini Needlefish continue to hook up quality fish for the folks out there trolling.
You can’t go wrong with inflated Nightcrawlers. After all Nightcrawlers landed the largest fish of the year.
The top Power bait color was Salmon Peach.
In the creek, Salmon Eggs continued to be the hot ticket.
The top shore locations on the lake were the North Shore and Inlet.
Other locations to try: South Shore, the Outlet area and Hangman’s Tree.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Roostertails, and Bite-on Fury Shad on Power bait. I was suggest using some type of added attractant. Pro-Cure, Bait-On, Lip Ripperz and Berkley all make excellent attractants, which are sold at the general store.
Here is a list of recommended flies:
Dry Flies:
Adams, Female Adams, Cutter’s Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, Black/Red Ants, Sierra Bright Dot, Royal Coachman and Hoppers.
Streamers:
Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green), Mutuka (black, brown, olive, or green), Hornberg, and Muddler Minnows.
Wet Flies (Nymphs):
Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Zebra Midge (red and black), Copper John (red and copper) and San Juan Worm (brown or red).
Other Resources:
View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store.
Derby News:
The Round-Up at the Lake Fishing Derby will be running for only 6 more days. It will be ending on June 18th.
Don’t miss out on a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Weather:
It looks like the thunderstorms have ended for now and next week’s forecast is for sunny skies. The high temps at the start of the week will be in the mid-70’s and the lows in the high-40’s. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise – Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:34 am – 5:34 am and Sunset 8:18 pm – 8:20 pm.
Stocking: The DFG is scheduled to stock the creek and lake next week.
DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Davis is pretty much in its normal shape for this time of year. Damsels are migrating.
Blood Midges are hatching and there are some Hexagenia Mayflies showing up just before dark.
The lake is really low and the only boat ramp that is usable at the lake is the one at Honker cove due to low water.
The weed beds are really getting started and the next couple of weeks should be really good at Davis.
The water is already warm and the best time to fish the lake is in the mornings and just before dark.
DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn):
Lake Davis – June 10, 2015 Damsels are coming on strong!
Davis is low, clear, and temps are warming.
Fish are starting to become active taking damsels, caddis, callibaetis and midges. Low water conditions will benefit fly anglers with good weed growth and lots of insect activity.
Damsels are active and migrating in many places in the lake. Fish are keying on damsels from around 9:00 to 1:00 daily depending on conditions.
Casting to and ahead of rising fish and stripping slowly is a great strategy.
You can also just wade or anchor near shorelines and strip your pattern back toward the shore.
DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Fishing from the bank has been tough recently but with the expected plant of DFW trout weeks ago it should pick up.
A lot of the holdover fish have moved into deeper water and those with boats will have the best success.
Hot spots are in the Northwest part of the lake with a good Damsel hatch and a very good Hex hatch on the Northeast shore with hardly any fish feeding on these very large Mayflies!
Needlefish, Wedding rings, Dick Nites, or similar trolled in about 20-35 feet of water has been best.
DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 72% capacity.
The recent stocking of DFW trout has injected some life into this lake and shore anglers are doing well!
Some boaters have been having success catching Macks around the China Cove area in about 65-90 feet of water with Rainbow and Koke imitations.
Jigging has been taking some nice Macks when they’ve been holding deep.
Kokanee fishing is good as trolling at about 55-80 feet down is now the method with dodgers in Gold, Silver, or variations of the same with Pink, Orange, or Green followed by Pink, Orange, and Chartreuse spinners, wedding rings, Spin Hoochies, Hoochies, Kokanuts, and Glow Tubes in lighter colors in the morning and darker colors in the afternoon.
Kokes are coming in a bit larger now at 11-14 inches now. Best fishing for these landlocked salmon has been in the humps between Loch Leven and China Cove in 55-65 feet and some as deep as 80 feet.
Macks are being found under these schools of Kokes in this area too. As the season progresses they may come up in size to maybe 15-16 inches if food is plentiful and competition for food low.
For the shore fisherman this week you should have plenty of stockers to go for with the upcoming stocking of DFW trout!
We are stocked with everything to get you out there and catch those fish!
Some might be rewarded with a nice Mackinaw that might venture in to feed on these planters!
FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Here is the fishing repot from last week.
I am still trying to gather information for this week’s fishing report, we did not get much feedback from fisherman.
I hope to be sending the new report out tommorow, depending on if I can get the chance to come into the office.
Frenchman Lake Fishing Report 06/08/2015
With schools out and beautiful weather, we had a very nice weekend with people wanting to out on the lake to sink their worms and relax while catching some sun rays.
The dam appears to be the hotspot to catch the fish and power bait along with worms are the #1 choice of bait.
The Gomez family from Sacramento came out to camp this past week and had great luck fishing! This family has been coming out for generations and are one of our finest visiting families.
June 3rd, evening, Garret Gomez, age 15, caught 2, 2 lb trout at the dam off the bank using power bait.
June 4th, Maggies Gomez (Maggie The Great), caught 1, 16″ rainbow fishing at the dam off bank, using green glitter power bait.
June 6th, Breyton Borja, age 16, caught his very first trout ever, 2, 18″ german browns at Little Last Chance Creek near the ranch weighing about 3 lbs each. They were caught on yellow rapala.
June 7th, Roxane Gomez caught 2, 18″ 3 lb trout while fishing at the dam.
Maggie (The Great) Gomez caught 3 beautiful rainbows as well the same day, fishing at and around the dam. Each fish ranged from 17-19 inches in length and weighed 2-3lbs each.
Nice job Gomez family and we thank you for your visit!
June 7th, Larry and his grandchildren from Reno headed up to the lake. Fishing at Lunker Point using nightcrawlers, they caught 1 rainbow weighing in at 3 lbs 20 in. long and caught 4 small catfish.
FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Has been fishing very well, but is very low!
KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 15, 2015: We haven’t heard any new news from Kirman this past week, as soon as we get some info we’ll pass it on to you!
MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open July 15, 2015.
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.
PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake has come up slightly to about 26% capacity.
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout.
Some GOOD reports of stocked rainbows and some stocked Cutties in the Prosser Creek arm. Use small flashy lures for these guys and if that doesn’t work go with nightcrawlers and power bait.
PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY,NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
June 9th
The season is really winding down at Pyramid.
The official closing date is June 30th.
The surface water temperatures are getting really warm and most of the fish have left the many beaches around the lake for deeper water. There have been some great fishing days still at the lake but it has been very streaky. Trout don’t care much for water temperatures approaching 70 degrees and will start to go deeper to find cooler water with more oxygen. They will however make a few appearances in shallow warmer water in search of food like cruising Tui Chubs.
There are plenty of Midges and Callabaetis hatching as well and the abundance of food is keeping some fish around.
Moss and grass is starting to grow again and it is making shooting head fishing a little aggravating. Getting out in the water and fishing deep water wooly buggers with a hover line has been working well. This will allow your flies to jig up and down a little and stay out of the grass a little more. Nymphing with Maholo Nymphs and Pyramid Lake Balanced Leaches has also been effective.
RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rye Patch is fair to slow for catfish, wipers and walleye.
SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon season re-opened July 16.
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 June 15, 2015 water flow is currently 7,200 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report
Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing is fantastic !
Water is clear, and weather perfect. Mornings and afternoon trips have been great. We are fishing from Bonneyview Bridge to Anderson, CA.
We offer both spin fishing and fly fishing.
Working best are PT’s, and Micro Mayflies.
Starting April 27 th, the area of the Sacramento River from Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 Bridge will be closed until August 1, 2015.
Please do not be alarmed, as we will still be fishing daily.
This is a very small portion of the river system, and this will help ensure the preservation of our salmon and trout fishery.
Drift boats or Jet boats available.
We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.
SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
June 15, 2015 Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. Excellent fishing.
For Shasta Lake fishing, catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, fish ranging in size 2 to 4 pound. Trout fishing has been good. Getting into a few monster Brown trout, too!
King salmon, up to 75 ft deep. Salmon fishing starting to heating up this week. Catching a combination of trout and salmon now!
Spotted bass and Small mouth bass, Catching limits of bass daily – RED HOT! We are catching bass along the banks and down 35 ft. Averaging over 40 hook ups a day. This weekend produced 91 bass on Saturday and 104 bass caught on Sunday’s guided trip.
Using spinner baits and crank baits early morning, and using rubber worms the rest of the day, with mid-afternoons being the best as the day warms. If you have any more questions or to book your Northern California guided Lake Shasta fishing trip, please call us at 1-800-670-4448.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 17 percent capacity. Surface temp is 68 degrees here, which is driving the Kokes deeper now.
Fishing has picked up for Rainbows here, especially in the LT arm, and toplining for Kokanee has been great for those who can launch their boats. There is a new launch site now east of the old launch. Old launch east of original boat launch is now to shallow!
Reports of most Kokes ranging in the 14-16 inch range. Best spot has been the creek channel of the LT arm in about 30-35 feet and bumping the bottom.
Pink and Orange have been the go to colors here with Green and Yellow variations also picking up some fish in the mornings. In the PM with the sun on the water try some darker colors such as Purple, Blue and Black.
Go deeper later and shallow in the AM.
Shore fishing has been good for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware.
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves.
Some big smallies here, but you’ll have to work hard for them.
LAKE TAHOE:
A continuing report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows, trolled at depths of 100-300 feet on the west side of the lake near Homewood, California.
TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
June 9th
The flows on the Truckee have really been cut back over the past week.
The river is starting to show signs of how bad the water situation is in the area.
Warmer summer weather has crept into the area over the past few days and it looks like they are here to stay.
The conditions on the Truckee River are such that it is probably time to leave it alone and see if the fish have any chance at all in surviving the summer.
As the water gets lower and warmer it will eventually get to the point where the fish can’t survive the conditions. It may be coming sooner than later. Especially in the lower elevations around Reno.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 25 CFS, Boca Bridge 100 CFS, Farad 125 CFS, Reno 39 CFS and Vista 78 CFS.
TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Flows have dropped considerably and water temps have spiked to almost 68-70 during the latter part of the day now.
This is just the beginning of summer and the outlook could be grim if the river doesn’t get a bump in flow from the local reservoirs.
Even 50 CFS would be something.
I would only fish in the AM now but if you can’t do that I would concentrate my efforts on the Canyon below Hirschdale or the Steps through Floriston.
Hatches now consist of Little Yellow Stones, Caddis, PMD’s, Golden Stones, Green Drakes and Midges. Large Carpenter ants and smaller varieties of ants are abundant along the Truckee’s banks now too.
Alternatives to the river when things get worse will be local stillwaters or the LT.
Nevada:
If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift. Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful.
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now! (x) = drawer number.
TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
June 9th
Flows on the Little Truckee are down to 62 CFS. They are starting to creep down as well. 62 CFS is actually not too bad for right now.
The PMD hatch has been going on for a while and fish are sipping dries on the surface during the hatch, especially on cloudy days we have been having lately.
With the Truckee in such bad shape the Little Truckee is getting a heavy dose of anglers. The fish are spooky, smart and have seen most of the normal tricks.
The Little Truckee is normally a very technical fishery and right now is no exception. Light tippet, great drag free drifts and rest are all very important to fooling one of the many Rainbows and Browns in the Little Truckee.
Look for flows to really drop over the next month or so.
TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 15, 2015
Still hearing some good reports from the Twin Lakes, some days it sounds like the boat anglers are doing the best and other days the shore anglers are doing the best. Bait anglers are using mice tails, power bait and inflated crawlers, trollers are using rapalas, needlefish and blades and crawlers. Fly anglers are also pulling in some fish with streamers like simi seal leeches, mini leeches and matukas with soft hackle and zug bug droppers.
TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett’s Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com):
Upper Twin Lake:
Full stringers are coming in with full pan-size Rainbows.
The largest catch was a 5-pound, 10-ounce Rainbow by Joe Zizzo from Rialto using mice tails.
Thirteen (13) year old Mark Walsh from Minden, NV brought in a 3-pound, 4-ounce Rainbow with Salmon Peach Power Bait.
Nightcrawlers remain the first choice of many Anglers.
The mice tails are also working for many.
We are expecting highs in the low 70’s all week with lows in the 40’s.
VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 15, 2015
The Virginias are still producing some really nice fish up to around 8 pounds!
Mice tails, power eggs and crawlers are all doing pretty well. Good lures have been kastmasters and thomas bouyants. Fly anglers are using mini leeches, soft hackles, pheasant tails, zug bugs, ap emergers, matukas and wooly buggers.
VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Trumble Lake campground finally opened, but reports say the lower creek (dispersed area) will open next week.
BAIT:
Inflated nightcrawlers, Garlic power bait, mouse-tails, and rainbow garlic glitter saw most of the action.
LURES:
Good action on Thomas Buoyant’s in red/gold, gold Kastmaster, and cutthroat Kastmaster but always try different lures, you just never know.
FLY AND BUBBLE:
The only hatch has been small surface midges and a few bottom larvae.
Dry hatches are on their way as the lake will turn-over soon due to the warmer air temps. I did see some bug-eyed damsel larvae and thought it was a tadpole. Expect some great hatches this week if this weather holds.
FLY RODS:
Black Woolly buggers #8, Olive Woolly Buggers, Olive Twin Lakes special (dirty tail my version “Dirty Doc”), did ok but nothing spectacular.
Midges: Mickey’s Albino Baron, and copper Zebra midge.
BACKCOUNTRY:
Has seen very little action due to the lack of anglers hitting the trail.
I encourage everyone to keep only what they can eat, it is a resource that should be of value to everyone.
BACKCOUNTRY NOTE: If the trout bleeds, it’s yours, PLEASE don’t toss it back into the lake as it will die. If you care about the resource please be careful when releasing fish back into the lake. Also, IT ATTRACKS BEARS!
Trophy Trout for the week
Little Virginia/LV, Big Virginia/BV, Trumbull/T
Joey Laseur of Ojai, 7 lb trophy on a Kastmaster, June 7, 2015, LV
Robert Takeshita of Laguna Niguel, 7 lb 6 oz on a Tasmanian Devil, June 7, 2015 LV
Bill Nichols of La Verne, 4 lb 13 oz trophy on Rainbow Garlic Glitter, June 8, 2015, LV
Brent Johnson of Yucaipa, 5 lb 8 oz trophy on Mousetail, June 8, 2015, LV
Bill Nichols of La Verne, 7 lb 2 oz trophy on a Mousetail, June 9, 2015, LV
Kevin Marquardt of Riverside, 7 lb trophy on rainbow power bait eggs, June 9, 2015
Cody Mariollo of Petaluma, 5 lb 9 oz trophy on power bait, June 11, 2015
Russell Anderson of Carlsbad, 8 lb 2oz trophy on a fly, June 12, 2015
WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new updates. No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lakes since 2009.
Launching is not possible right now.
WALKER RIVER, EAST, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
June 9th
Flows on the East Walker are up to 88 CFS.
There is still some irrigation water held back in Bridgeport reservoir and it is keeping the flows up some but they are fluctuating a lot. The situation has to change in the coming weeks as the water in Bridgeport Reservoir dries up.
There have been some really nice fish caught on big dries which is pretty common for this time of year on the East Walker. Fish it like you normally would right now including starting early and quitting around lunch time.
The water is really warm already in the river and is only going to get worse.
Keep an eye on the flows before making the commitment to drive to the E.W.
WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
June 15, 2015
The East is still running at about 96 CFS and is still fishing fairly well.
There’s been a little more traffic on the river this past week with the water up a bit but they’re still catching some really nice fish.
The “Miracle Mile” section is showing with a few fish but down below the bridge and on in to the Nevada side has been better.
There are lots of caddis coming off, as well as pmd’s, bwo’s, midges, trico’s and some stones on the Nevada side.
Most of the fish being caught are in the 16 to 22 inch range lately.
Patterns to try include chubby chernobyl, madam x, stimulator, rubber leg stimulator, zebra midge, top secret midge, flashback emerger, white zebra midge, fox’s poopah, buckskin caddis, lafontaines sparkle pupa, rainbow warrior, wd-40 and silver streak.
Sceirine Ranch:
June 15, 2015
The anglers we’ve had on the ranch this past week have done really well, sounds like the fox’s poopah in tan is the go too fly right now.
There’s also been some good action on chubby chernobyl’s, madam x’s, rainbow warrior, buckskin caddis and san juan worms.
WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 15, 2015
The West is still running a bit high right now but the water clarity is good.
If you focus on the softer pockets where fish will be hanging out you should be able to get into some good fish.
Crawlers, power eggs and salmon eggs should work for the bait anglers, panther martins and rooster tails for the lure anglers. Fly anglers can go with hoppers, beetles, ants, elk hair caddis, humpy’s and stimulators on top and prince nymphs, dark lord, pheasant tail and hare’s ears on the bottom.
— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com
