Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Jan. 15-21, 2014

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 Jan. 15-21, 2014.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are still reporting very good catches, some rainbows and browns both through bank fishing and trolling.
Courtesy of Fish Sniffer.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is frozen and the road is snow covered. Travel isn’t recommended and there will not be a report on this lake until next spring.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Road closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Road closed.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East:
Upstream from Hangman's Bridge, closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Carson River West:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Low and clear. A few winter steelhead are around, but low clear conditions

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
According to State Park Ranger Ben Johnson, the fishing has been absolutely fabulous, with anglers landing 11- to 13-inch rainbows through ice that is averaging eight to 12 inches thick across the reservoir.
Green Power Bait and night crawlers are working the best.
The park will host its “Ice Hole Invitational Tournament” on Saturday, Jan. 18. The event will start at 10 a.m. and registration will take place on site.
For more information contact State Parks at (775) 728-4460.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice on the reservoir has deteriorated this week. The best ice can be found near the dam or the upper area of the lake that receives little sun. Thin ice is prevalent throughout the rest of the lake and extreme caution should be used when venturing out. The fishing has been good for rainbows using nightcrawlers or green Power Bait.
The campgrounds are open.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Still hearing reports of fair catches with many methods, such as bait
fishing, trolling and casting.
Fishermen report that stripers have been caught here recently.  
Courtesy of MyOutDoorBuddy.com.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice fishing has been doing very well.
Use extreme caution when fishing this lake. The ice at the Dam is around 8” thick. The north end is completely frozen.
Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the Friday before Labor Day, 2014.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 3 CFS. Fishing is tough. Best chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
There is limited water to fish here although access to the area remains very good.  Look for the deepest pools-check out the area just below the hatchery called the “interpretive” site.
 Not a place you want to spend a day on, and it becomes crowded with 4 anglers.  Keep driving if you see a few cars by the kiosk.
The bulk of HC’s fish winter here and DFG survey’s show this is the most densely populated section of HC. 
Dry/dropper’s, streamers, swinging soft hackles, all will get grabs. 
You can’t fish Mammoth Creek this time of year so I suggest you do not cross and stay on the HC side of the river.
Hit the deep holes and slots in the canyon, weeds are unfortunately still an issue in the prime riffles.
Midges and mayflies-smaller sizes are the standard.  Try a crystal scud, or a SJ worm and roe pattern to spice it up on the cooler days.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

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 Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishermen are reporting steelhead are making a move into the upper Klamath. The fishing has been fair. Expect to catch 1-3 fish.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Action has still been good for holdover rainbow trout in the area. Anglers have brought in many weighing more than four pounds, and one lucky angler caught one that pushed past the six-pound mark.
Nightcrawlers have been the bait of choice.
Stripers should be making their way out and feeding a little heavier as well, so be sure to bring your striper gear.
Anchovies or imitation trout lures work well.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The water level is low. The best time to fish is mid day. It has been fair for smaller Rainbows.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Threadfin and gizzard shad have been hanging in the back of the Vegas Wash, which is where you can find striped bass as well. When throwing live bait, larger shad have been igniting a quicker response from the striper. Anglers have also been working Spinnows or various shad imitations and jig heads. Mid-morning and into the afternoon has been productive.
While out on the water waiting for that fish to strike, take a look up as January is prime time to observe migrating bald eagles.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the cooling temperatures, some striped bass have moved further south to the area of Placer Cove or Cottonwood Cove to winter.
Stripers can be found in the backs of coves preying on available baitfish. Anglers have also had success trolling deep through these areas.
For larger striped bass work the larger plugs, up to 12 inches.
If you are not getting a response with what you are throwing, success may come simply by trying different colors and sizes of baits.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The winter bite is here. The word is ramps are closed except Bidwell at this time so please check before heading out.  Anglers are reporting the Bass are deep. You need to be starting at 25-40 feet below the surface.
Courtesy of The Fishhound.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 66 CFS. The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year. Fishing is slow. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available. Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow around 100 CFS. Fishing is  a bit tougher due to the recent cold weather. Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears.
Not much surface action.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
The bite picked up a little today after the wind shifted into the west; however it is tough & redundant drifts are needed to get these rascals to play. 
We have had some late morning winds and diving barometers the last few days.  This has really slowed down the numbers we have been seeing of the large migratory rainbows.
A series of “maybe it will snow” cold fronts will sashay through this weekend, then another high pressure ridge is forecast to set in bringing less wind and cooler temps.
We received no measurable precipitation from the weak storm on Saturday.
It has been like April here the last few days with mild low temps.
I can tell you this folks, better stock up on bottled water if we do not get a big February/March. It is critical at this point. 
Flows have dropped some here as well, moving the fish once again into only the deepest pools. 
Access is good, crowds are big for this time of year.
Try some small tiger or zebra midges, Assassin birds nest, agent orange, crystal leeches, broken back tiger midges, & olive crystal caddis or zebras in the #16-20 range. Attractor patterns like SJ worms in red or tan, glow bugs in salmon, red, & light orange are also good calls during the arctic mornings we have here currently.
There is some sporadic surface activity in the larger pools-mostly midges. 
Use tiny parachute gray bodies or cluster patterns.
The small tricos and bwo’s (these are small cold weather mayflies) are for the most part gone this week.
Streamers can also be effective when used with a light sinking tip line.
Spruce-A-Bu’s, Loebergs, olive punk perch, matukas, & purple zonkers will get takes in the tough to reach undercut bank sections. 
Make sure you have a 2014 fishing license, the 2013′s are expired. 
I have a link on my resources page to buy one online.
You can pick up our flies and tackle at Reagan’s Sporting goods in Bishop & the Crowley General Store in Crowley.
They are also sold on my online store at the top of this page.
Middle Owens River:
Fish are really on the “chew” for us on drift boat trips down the MO. 
One pool had us netting almost twenty rainbows and browns on a Spruce-A-Bu streamer pattern fished with a medium sinking tip line.
There will be a series of small storms passing through this weekend with some wind associated with each front. 
Cooler temps will begin as the fronts pass. Not much precipitation forecast for the Owens Valley, and the only thing that will make access difficult is the alkali dust that coats your vehicle! 
Wading the wild trout section continues to be very good for numbers.  Tandem nymph rigs with flashback PT’s, assassin bird’s nest, & crystal tiger or zebra midges will get you downs below your Under-Cator.
There is sporadic surface action on midge clusters and some first generation blue winged olive mayflies.
Flows remain at 75 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the LADWP gauge remains inaccurate at times.
The Lower Owens River is now being designated as the “Middle Owens” due to re-watering of the section below Tinemaha Reservoir down to the Owens Dry Lake several years ago. This has been deemed the LORP, or Lower Owens River Project.  The mid-Owens is around Bishop, Calf.

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 nightcrawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Has dried up.
Blue Lakes:
Closed.
Knott Creek Reservoir:
Closed.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The weather has been warm for this time of year which has made for good fishing conditions. We are hearing that the best time to catch is late morning into the afternoon. This river is pretty remote so please be prepared in case a cold front moves in on you.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR/THE GORGE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
This is the only year around still water open in Inyo or Mono Counties.
It is also the most heavily planted year around fishery in the Sierra. 
The transition area is choked with heavy weed beds-more than I have ever seen. The level is very high and you will find only limited access near the inlet section. It pretty much sucks here right now in this section.
The short creek section is fishing well in the deeper pools & runs.
Midge patterns and smaller mayflies are good choices for nymphing or dry/dropper combos in both areas. 
FREEZE tubing has been the most consistent currently.
Still water nymphing can be productive along the drop-offs on the west side in 9-12 feet.
The mild winter weather has the rainbows and browns here on the chew by late morning.
Tiger midges, gillies, crystal pupa and emergers are hard to beat here fished below an Under-cator.
If the wind picks up use a broken back tiger as the lower. 
Small Assassin birds nest work well for imitating the mayfly nymphs, use these under a stimulator or hi-vis para Bwo as your indicator.
Streamer tuggers have a full sinking or heavy sink tip line.
Loebergs, Agent Orange, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you grabs near the inlet and launch ramp areas.
The Gorge:
The Gorge has very low flows due to work being on the hydro plants.
The wild browns are holding in the deepest holes and significant dry fly action has been dropped off the last couple weeks even though the weather has been near perfect for this area. 
Dry/dry, or dry dropper bead head rigs using small mayfly and crystal olive caddis nymphs are good choices. 
Fish are small and scrappy here, but plentiful in the middle and upper area of the lower sections.
You need to be able to hike and rock hop. 
Waders are a must, studs and a staff will help immensely.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Shore fishing is reported to be slow.

ROCK CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions are perfect. Fishermen report good water conditions which has made for good fishing from Redding to Red Bluff.  Afternoon hours seem to be the best time right now. Anglers are reporting that steelhead can be caught below Anderson.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Reports are the river conditions are great for this time of the year.
Try fishing the shadow areas around the trees. Fishermen are reporting fair catches mid day.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
JD Richey of JD Richey Guided Sportfishing (916-952-1554) (www.fishwithjd.com) Reports:
SLOW!
There’s almost nobody is fishing on the Sacramento River… It is so discouraging low. Near downtown Sacramento, the port of Sacramento has been holding some stripers that have been feeding on bait balls.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Even though lake level is very low you can still plan to catch fish up to two pounds. Check for which areas are closed to launching due to the low water. Westernbass.com.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of small to average sized Mackinaw Trout caught at the north end of the lake in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has not been easy. The numbers are below normal. Fishermen are reporting that catching steelhead has been tricky. Some are catching a couple fish, while others catch nothing at all.
Courtesy of Fish Trinity Lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some fishermen are reporting a tough time of it while others are doing fair. The fish count is definitely down.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

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, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Hunewill Pond:
The pond if frozen now, we'll start checking in March or so and let you know when it thaws!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow  is currently 34 CFS. Fishing is tough and you may encounter ice in the channel. Midge patterns, baetis emergers and pheasant tails.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
It can be wicked cold in the shadows of the canyon this time of year. 
Below zero is pretty normal here, & it will remain freezing until the sun gets well above the rim. 
Flows remain pretty good considering the lack of water in Bridgeport Reservoir. They are averaging 34 CFS.
We have fingers and toes crossed for a big dump of snow in February!
The best area to fish currently is water close to the dam. 
Look for the deeper pools and use punk perch, crystal leeches, broken back midges, & ham & eggs (SJ worms and glow bugs) while nymphing. 
2-3 more weeks and we will see the first significant BWO hatches.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
A report that on November 6, 2013, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife announced that the West Walker River has been designated for winter fishing, from the confluence with the Little Walker River (Hwy. 395 Bridge at mile marker 96), north to the inlet of Topaz Lake, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April.
These new regulations go into effect on March 1st, 2014.
Along with these new dates, the winter fishing regulations are as follows: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used for catch and release only, zero daily bag and possession limit.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing this lake is very difficult even for the veterans. There seems to be a code of silence when it comes to fishing this lake. Trail and error, and a whole lot of patience is the key to ultimate success here.
Courtesy of MyOutdoorBuddy.com.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor of Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.