Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of March 4 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of March 4 and beyond.

ADOBE POND:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Lake Almanor Fishing Report, March 1, 2015. Well it looks like we have left the winter bite behind us and moved right into the spring action, despite a little winter storm that moved in. 
Following another week of unseasonable warm afternoons and rising water temps, a little front pushed through the last couple of days bringing light rain moderate winds and even a little snow to Lake Almanor. 
The storm served to push back the water temps into the low 40’s even during the afternoons. Previously the water temps had been as high as 48 degrees later in the day.
The fish didn’t seem to mind as the spring time Brown Trout action just kept right on going. This is somewhat of a transition period for the lake, over the course of the last week the fish have been moving into more traditional spring patterns and for us that means Browns in the shallows.
We have been working various areas along the east shore of the lake that have been holding good amounts of feed and Browns.
The fish have been responding by hammering our black and silver Rapalas and putting up spectacular battles. The fish have been running from 2 to 6 pounds with an occasional nice Rainbow showing up in the 4 pound range.
This is some of the most exciting action of the year and it is just getting started.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road is closed to the lake and there will be no fishing reports for Angel Lake until late May of 2015.

BISHOP CREEK, AREA, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With recent releases here lake level is now at 26 percent. Be careful driving down to the shoreline as some areas are like quick sand. Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns.

BRIDGEPORT, RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East (Upstream from Hangman's Bridge):
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.
Carson River West:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Cave Lake is now completely open water with a few anglers taking advantage of it, but the weather has kept many anglers off the water.
Fishing is fair to good for 9 to 12 inch fish using the usual assortment of Power Bait or worms along with small spinners and other artificial.
Fly rodders should stick to the basic nymphs such as hares ears, pheasant tails, copper Johns as well as small wooly buggers and Cave Lake Specials.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 49 percent capacity. Donner has been fishing sporadically as some fisherman are still taking small Macks along the North shore and some around the China Cove area. 
Rainbows have been sporadic up and down the North shore with Power bait or nightcrawlers. Kastmasters, Krocodiles, Rooster Tails, Rapalas or anything that will mimic a baitfish will elicit a bite. 
If you're in a boat right off the ramp in about 100 to 135 feet is a good concentration of macks. Trolling through this group of fish with No. 2 and No. 3 needlefish and similar patterns has brought some success. Light on the bite.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open the Saturday of Memorial weekend.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Rainbow or red Power Bait was the ticket this week for bait anglers with more tiger trout than rainbows being caught. Several anglers using Super Dupers with red spots also did well. The reservoir is ice free.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir saw more action this past week and warmer temps drew the rainbows up for more surface action.
Fish have been taking dry flies.
Anglers fishing with bait have found success with nightcrawlers or rainbow Power Bait.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lake is at 37 percent capacity. Fishing for shore anglers and trollers has been excellent all week. Brian Weber of Fremont caught a limit of 18- to 20-inch rainbows near the dam from shore with marshmallow/salmon egg combos and orange Power Bait. The areas around the boat docks seem to be providing excellent results.
Courtesy of myoutdoorbuddy.com.

HAT CREEK, UPPER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open May 01, 2015.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow 4 CFS. It's hard to even find a fish. 
Try getting a scud or a midge puoa along the cut banks.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek March 3, 2015: Fishing has picked up with the increased flows.
Midges are the most consistent hatch, with some BWO’s now emerging. First generation adults are large and a huge part of the trout’s winter/spring diet. High winged dark olive, or dun colored bodies #16/18 are good profiles. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam.
PT’s and bird’s nest patterns are best for nymphs. Small parachute midge or mayfly patterns used with a 10 foot leader are best for surface presentations when the fish are on the midges or clusters.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
Small dead drifted Punk Perch, broken back zebras, small gillies, egg patterns, SJ worms, scuds, flashback PT’s, or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper.
This is a year around fishery with special regs in place.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah is also ice free with a few anglers hitting the lake with some success for 12 to 15 inch fish.
Best area seems to be where the stream enters the lake, though shore anglers are doing well along the western shore.
The usual assortment of worms, artificial baits, spinners and lures should all work. Fly rodders should be using wooly and seal buggers, hares ears, PT nymphs and copper Johns.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 90 percent Capacity. Check conditions here as the recent snowfall may have limited access to this lake. Call Sierraville Ranger Station! 

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Jakes Creek has open water for fishing, but no recent reports.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.


KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Despite the recent storm activity, fishing has been improving.
The action for striped bass has picked up with anglers reporting higher catch rates, most in the one- to four-pound range.
Anchovies are the best bet for bait at this time for both stripers and catfish.
Anglers in the area of Big Bend State Park have been catching catfish in the shallows with one angler reeling in a fish weighing nine pounds.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

MAMMOTH LAKES, BASIN, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:

Closed. Will re-open July 15, 2015.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers who have been out at first light are reporting more consistent success.
Shad are still easily netted in the area of Vegas Wash, with more threadfin being caught recently than the gizzard shad. Anglers are finding the stripers not far from the schools of shad, many hanging in 40 to 50 feet of water.
For those trolling lures, Shad Raps and Spinnows have been working well. Remember trying lures in various colorations may be the ticket to enticing fish.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Reports are that anglers are hooking up with smallmouth bass in and around coves with nightcrawlers but plastic imitations are working well also.
Anglers have had success catching stripers with one angler praising a Lucky Craft lure.
For those heading out of Willow Beach Marina, the stripers are hanging out a little further south. Those trolling with eight- to nine-inch swimbaits have brought in stripers weighing between five and eight pounds.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is now 48 CFS. The water is low and clear. Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns. The fish are scattered so cover lots of water.
Lower Owens River:
The current water flow is unavailable.
The mayfly hatch is slowing. Nymphing with Barr's graphic caddis, olive pheasant tails or copper zebra midges very productive.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River
Numbers of smaller rainbows have picked up recently.
The larger migratory rainbows are very active on the warmer days, and can be found in the deeper pools and along the cut banks, or depressions. These fish will spook easily and a quiet approach is necessary to keep them in their nests.
Access is currently fine.  
There will occasionally be some off colored water downstream from the confluences of Hot Creek, & the irrigation canals. This condition may occur when we get warmer air temps.
We have been having good success using Assassin’s, broken back tiger midges, SJ worms, crystal Vanderleeches, roe patterns. You will also want to have some smaller para-midge, or BWO adults for the afternoon midge hatch.  The resident fish are responding to this on the warmer days.
Drifters guides use the “Four P’s” to consistently get on fish here. Position- Presentation-Persistence-Performance.
Book a trip with us and we will teach you how to get these amazing fish.
Special angling regs in effect. 
Open year around upstream from the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Closed from the Bridge downstream to Crowley Lake until next season.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) as of March 3, 2015:
Drifting has been good with water temps well above average.
Use smaller streamers like the original Drifters Punk Perch to fool the trout.
The P.P. is a “strymph” pattern.  It can be a streamer, or nymph imitating a small baitfish, or swimming type nymph, or pupa.  
I am seeing some little golden stoneflies, & large drake mayflies emerge already! The spring caddis have hatched early.  These are larger than their summer brethren. #14-16 profiles are good calls.  
Flows are currently around 75cfs. below the dam at Pleasant Valley.
Fishing is fair to very good from the footbridge at PV Campground downstream to the Five Bridges Crossing.
Access to this area while wading has never been easier.
The cold water mayfly called the “blue winged olive” is now emerging in numbers consistently. The first generations are large for mayflies, and a mainstay in the trouts late winter/spring diet.
No. 16-18 BWO patterns are good profiles. Nymphing with tandem rigs-properly weighted will get you into fish before the hatch.
I suggest you use Flashback PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, small gillies, crystal emergers, or chironomid pupa, olive crystal zebras, and caddis larvae (to imitate caddis larva and rock worms) below an Under-cator. You can use dry/dropper bead head rigs for the warmer days working the tailouts of larger pools and riffles.
Have some high vis para BWO’s for the uppers and keep them dressed with desiccant to suspend your bead head nymphs.
Stimulators are perfect stonefly imitation and in smaller sizes are good calls for adult caddis profiles.
Guided drift boat trips are a great vehicle to reach the secluded, and less fished areas of the river. We have been logging excellent numbers of planted & holdover rainbows recently.
We predominantly fish streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-A-Bu’s, Punk Perch, Agent Orange, and Crystal Vanderleeches. Using a light sinking tip line we position the boat upstream from the target water, casting about 35 feet down towards larger pools. We then insert the rod tips below the surface to get the streamers down without using excessive weight. Stripping the line in an erratic series of short and long pulls imitates the swimming motion of injured baitfish.
The “dip & strip” technique is a fun way to get into numbers and large rainbows that hold in the lower sections of the river well below the wild trout section. Check out my “be the fly” video by clicking on the videos link at the top of the page to see how we do it.
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.

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.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Onion Valley Reservoir: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Blue Lakes: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Knott Creek Reservoir: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir March 3, 2015: There is a huge trout derby on the weekend of March 13. The good news is PV will be heavily planted for this event.
The level is 4380 feet, this is very good to fish the transition area with dry/dropper rigs. The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows.
Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up (this is uncommon during the winter/early spring, but can occur to flush ice from the huge aqueduct pipeline at times).  
Dry dropper combos using Stimulators, hi-vis para BWO’s or hi-vis caddis may be used as the upper fly-use crystal olive caddis larva, flashback PT’s, Assassins, broken back or crystal tiger & zebra midges as your dropper bead head nymph.
Tubing has not been so great as most of the biters are in the inlet section. If you do tube, I suggest you stay near the dam and use full sinking lines.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches and Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns, & larger bows in the rez proper. Use a full sinking line to get down to 10-15 feet quickly. You can also fish “Crowley midge style” in the rez near the drop-offs.
Fish chironomid patterns below an Under-cator. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers and pupa patterns. Tiger and zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.
The Gorge as of March 3: Great place to go if you want to escape crowds. The Wenger bros report good fishing in Middle section. Have those mayfly nymphs, and blue winged olive and caddis adults handy.
The spring caddis are coming off early this year.
No snow or ice, trails are fine. This maybe the best dry fly fishery we have during the winter months.
The Gorge could be classified as the true “tailwater” from Crowley Lake.
The fish here are all wild browns with a large one going 16 inches.
Moderate to difficult hiking is required to access the more secluded sections. Rock hopping and bush whacking can be expected.
Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos work well in the deeper pools. Use PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, and crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs.
Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults and elk caddis are good choices for your dry fly.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 24 percent capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebaks to Trout.  Small Rainbows here but since this lake was only stocked once fishing has been pretty slow, much better around the dam and Prosser Creek arm for the sporadic trout bite.  

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With nice weather later this week fishing may good for this time of year as March tends to be more favorable fishing here. Be extra careful about the wind conditions as this lake can capsize boats easily. 
For those trolling we now carry Lyman's flatties in popular Pyramid colors and Father Murphys Pyramid Vibrator Spoons.  These have been the go to lures at this lake this year. Be safe be smart when you venture out here.

RUBY LAKE, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There is very little change here. Fishing is still fair to good depending upon the day, the angler and where you are fishing along the collection ditch.
The go-to fly seems to be the hares ear, with the pheasant tail nymph close behind. Also wooly buggers, egg patterns and flies that have some red in them also seem to be working. Trout are starting to take a hit at anglers strike indicators, so egg patterns are definitely worth trying.
For spin fishermen the usual assortment of small spinners and minnow type lures are all effective here.
The ditch is artificial lures and flies only and wading is not allowed in the ditch.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report: King Salmon closed. Will re-open 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 March 2, 2015 water flow is currently 3,250 CFS. 

Rainbow trout fishing in the Redding area to Anderson area has been great, fishing daily and, water is clear. With most days averaging  15-30 hook ups. 
Working best are egg patterns. Weather is beautiful.
 Drift  boats or Jet boats available.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
March 2,  2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing. Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. 
For Shasta Lake fishing, we are currently catching limits of bass daily, Spotted bass and Small mouth bass.
We are catching bass along the banks and down 35 feet. Averaging 25 to 35 hook ups a day. Using spinner baits and crankbaits early morning, and using rubber worms the rest of the day, with mid-afternoons being the best as the day warms. 
The Sacramento Arm has been producing the most fish at the moment. 
We are also picking up some Rainbow Trout while throwing crankbaits. 
We will start trolling Shasta Lake for King Salmon and Trout, in the month of March. Last year around March 15, we were 2 to 6 pound King salmon, trolling 35 to 75 feet deep.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been slow to fair most days with the occasional good day scattered in between. Fish range in size from 12 to 18 inches on average with a few coming in around 20. Shore fishing has been good as the fish are in the shallow warmer water.
Water temperatures are in the low 40’s, so don’t expect fishing to pick up too much until the water temperature moves into the 50’s.
Areas that have been productive for trout include the main boat ramp cove, Tomera Cove, the bluffs below the east side campground and Jet Ski Beach.
Sherbet Power Bait or worms is what most anglers have been using with the Power Bait doing the best.
Flyrodders should be trying wooly buggers, seal buggers, hare’s ear nymphs and pheasant tail (PT) nymphs. As the water starts to warm up, anglers should start trying chironomid patterns, though currently not much action is being seen with chironomids.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is dropping and is at 21 percent capacity. 
Fishing has been slow for Rainbows, Macks, and Smallies. Some thin ice in the inlets but for the most part lake is wide open. 
Small boats can still launch to the right of the ramp as they are concentrating their efforts outside the inlets and the deeper sections around the dam. 
Shore fishing has been sporadic 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, Calif.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
March 2, 2015 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows;  Currently 300 CFS. 
We are fishing the Trinity River for steelhead currently, picking up  4 to 5 adult fish a day. Lots of half pounders now.
Fishing from Roundhouse to Pigeon Point is best bet.
Fly or Spin fishing are both productive. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes west of Redding; fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
A decent storm left us with about 10 inches of snow here in Truckee and about 18-20 up top. We need a storm like this every week for the next two months to make a dent in our dire water situation though! Unfortunately, the temps will be close to 60 by the end of this week according to the weather reports. 
Best hours to fish will be 10 to 3.  
Water temps are cold and fish are somewhat lethargic and somewhat picky.   Lots of Midges and small BWO/Baetis Mayflies and even Skwala Stones. Flows are reasonable but the general outlook could be dismal if we don't see an increase in out snowpack. Snowpack sits at 36 percent now. 
Start to think about March Browns now as we press into this month and the accelerated fishing season! 
Use patterns such as Gill's SH March Brown, Burk's TB March Brown or Pheasant Tails in size 12 and 14's. 
Fishing has been pretty good with a mix bag of streamer fishing to throwing dries to rising fish. 
Best sections to fish have been the Glenshire stretch as some anglers have seen double digit days here.
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.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Have a great winter, and let's pray for a lot of snow for water to refill all the reservoirs, lakes and streams with plenty for the ski resorts.
May you all have a Happy, Healthy 2015, see you on the water in late April!
Carolyn

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:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 21 CFS. Low and slow. Try the Lower Owens.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Yippee! Flows have come up to 40cf. Blue winged olives are the key to success currently.  
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Wild Horse Reservoir is completely ice free! This is the first time that this has happened in February that anyone locally can remember.
The lake is at approximately 18 percent capacity, but with the recent precipitation is rising a bit. Let the moisture keep coming.
Fishing has been slow with those catching fish using either worms or Power Bait. Anglers are also using a combination of worms with either corn or marshmallows with some success.
On Monday afternoon, surface water temps were hovering around 40 degrees.
Expect fishing to be fair for a bit until the water starts warming into the low 50’s, which with the current weather trends may be by early to mid March.
With the recent precipitation, expect the shorelines to be muddy, so driving to the water’s edge isn’t recommended.
Effective Sunday, March 1, 2015 the limits are back on at Wild Horse Reservoir. So make sure you check the 2015 Nevada Fishing Guide for current regulations and limits. NDOW biologists will re-evaluate the limits as conditions warrant.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Water is only about 10 percent of capacity and is covered with unsafe ice.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson is only about a foot from spilling and may start spilling sometime in the next few weeks. The flows into Wilson are still strong, but the water is turbid.
Fishing was slow to fair last fall and expect those conditions to continue until it is stocked later in the spring. While NDOW only stocked about 23,000 fish last year due to the low lake levels, expect that number to double this spring.
The road is in good condition, though if the area gets the expected precipitation this weekend, it may be 4WD while it is wet.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

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