Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Aug. 6

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Aug. 6-12, 2014.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water temperature has climbed into the 60 degree range and fishing is improving. NDOW stocked the lake couple of weeks ago.
This reservoir seems to do better with worms over Power Bait and with small black and gold or green and gold spinners and rooster tails.
For flies, just about anything olive or with peacock herl should improve your chances. They are starting to hit dries regularly but nymphing is still working best now. Dry flies fished with a dropper are very effective here from now until late September. A popular rig is a small yellow stimulator with an olive soft hackle fished about three to four feet below it. Fish this near brush, rock faces and rocky shorelines.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina:  It was feeling more like Fall this week than Summer – temps in the 50s, cloudy, rainy and large pea-size hail, as our local weatherperson, Howard said, ‘It seems Mother Nature may be trying to make up for last Winter’. Almost had Rick start a fire in the wood stove today – it’s 53 at Noon and 66 in the building – sure doesn’t feel like August.
Well, the Lake hadn’t hit the high point for the year, with the rain generated by the thunder boomers, it is almost to the end of the launch ramp.
Fishing this week was good for those who braved the weather. 
Fishing the Inlet’s with Nightcrawlers & Jigs.
Trolling the shore and rock piles with flashers and a Nightcrawler or just a swivel, split-shot and Nightcrawler (and don’t forget that swivel or you’ll be hating life) got some nice fish.
Shore fishing with Nightcawlers, Power Bait or tossing Lures.
Please mind your manners – if the Inlets are crowded, try fishing the numerous springs feeding the Lake – stop on in and we’ll point you in the right direction.  
Mel Bunnell has been staying at Parcher’s Resort for the last 58 years and had taught 4 generations the ins and outs of fishing in Bishop Creek Canyon – last weekend he schooled Dean Dilley and Chad Wittstrom in the finer art of fishing using Nightcrawlers and Thomas Buoyants bringing in a few two pounders.
CJ Smith reeled in the largest Rainbow this week – a 4 pounder using a Mini-Jig. Jeff Hulse nailed a 3-1/2 pounder using Salmon-Peach Power Bait. Bryana Dunning landed a 3-pounder by means of Power Bait. Tracy Sheres when asked how she caught her first trout stated “caught it with a pole.” ack Gove pulled in a nice 2-1/4 pounder using a Nightcrawler. Dan Mahoney with help from Jennifer & Viktoria Priscaro reeled in a 2-1/4 pounder.
Thanks again to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for another great load of fish on Tuesday.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):

A big-time return of the afternoon T-storms made life interesting for the hikers of the Sierra this week. Many JMT & PCT hikers reported heavy hail and rain periodically during their backcountry travels.
Some days we've even seen all-day rain, something we're not used to here in the high country of the Sierra Nevada. To beat the rain, and also to avoid being in the danger zone during lightening activity, we recommend getting an early start so you can get over the passes by 1 p.m.
There has been a lot of chatter about smoke in the area but unlike our neighbors to the north in Mammoth, the Bishop Creek area and the surrounding backcountry has not been seriously impacted by the smoke from the two main fires on the Western Sierra.
The wildflowers are still hanging tough for the most part although some of the tiger lilies and columbines are saying their goodbyes until next year.
There are still lots of paintbrush, lupine, iris and a few other species covering the spectrum from yellow, to red, to white, blue and purple along the streams and any of the more shaded, damp areas.
Bring some insect repellant as there are still some skeeters hanging around in the same areas as the wildflowers.
The excellent Wild Trout fishing in the backcountry continues, mostly on dries early and late in the day and on bead-head nymphs fished under a dropper mid day.
Most of the reports coming in are on smaller model Brookies in the 6-9" range but a few reports of larger Rainbows are also coming in. 
Bishop Creek South Fork 
Creek: flows are holding steady at a perfect rate for fishing and weekly stockings from DFW are keeping the vast majority of anglers happy on the stream. Salmon eggs, Orange Powerbait and nightcrawler pieces are reported best, although we did get a few reports that "everything we threw worked"....we love to hear those reports.
Weir Pond
: Still plenty of depth for excellent wading conditions and a mix of Brookies, Browns and Rainbows is still the result for most of the fly fishers.
Olive Wooly Buggers, flash-back pheasant tails, and midges were the top producing flies.
Intake II
Tons of  small 6-9" Rainbows cruising around, presumably from the SCE stocking last week, along with the 10-12" DFW stockers are making for plenty of action.
Only a few of the larger fish were caught  at the Intake this week but most folks were happy with the steady action, mostly for the bait n' wait folks using crawlers under a bobber or various brightly colored powerbaits fished off the bottom with a 2ft - 3ft leader to keep them out of the weeds.
North Lake: 
Reports from the North Fork and North Lake ranged from wide open to really good, so few if any of our camp was disappointed with the short driver to the other side of the BCC (Bishop Creek Canyon). Thomas Buoyants, fly/bubble and crawler/bobber were the most productive tactics Some quality fish in the 2-3lb range were reported to be caught and released as well.
Lake Sabrina: 
Folks reported great fishing at Lake Sabrina this week with catch totals from 10 to 25+ per boat. Shore anglers scored fish as well but the boaters definitely had the advantage.
Folks are doing best near the back inlets on a variety of tactics from power bait fished off the bottom, crawlers fished under a bobber, mini-jigs, trout worms and even some trollers were doing well hauling spoons at 2 colors of lead core.
South Lake: 
Some of the heartier area visitors are still making the hike down to South Lake to try their luck in the hopes of catching a big Brown.
Unfortunately, most are only managing a few smaller Brookies and Browns with an occasional holdover Rainbow.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level has dropped over the past 2 weeks to a frightening 17 percent capacity and will remain at this level as long as the gates are shut.  
Small car top boats, small aluminum boats or float tubes here, water level is too low to launch anything else.  
Fishing by the dam in the morning has been good along with the inlet portion of the lake more towards the evening. 
Lots of Personal Water Craft or Jet Skis ripping around the lake during the day so look for morning and evening fishing to be more productive.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 03, 2014
Of course Bridgeport is still getting lower each week right now but the fishing is still hanging in there!
We've had good reports from bait anglers over near Rainbow Point with crawlers, mice tails and power bait, not too many big fish but lots of nice 1 to 2 pounders.
There's still some nice perch being caught on the troll as well as some nice rainbows, needlefish, small rapalas and thomas bouyants have been the ticket for that.

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir
Jeffery is still launching rentals near the dam and reports good catching from conventional anglers.
The RV Park is in full operation & in tip top shape.  
Fishing remains good/fair for planted rainbows with a few nicer browns showing up for conventional anglers/trollers.
Algae/weeds are an issue in some areas.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There’s not many more ways to say it, but fishing at Cave hasn’t changed and probably won’t change much throughout the summer.
Fishing has been good for 9 to 11inch trout with a few 13 to 14 inch fish being reported.
The old standby of worms or Power Bait should both work.
Fly rodders should be using damsel nymphs, small olive buggers, Cave Lake specials, hares ears, small leeches and chironomids. Dries with a dropper, especially along the weed edges is very effective here.
The usual arrangement of dry flies such as Adams, elk hair caddis, royal coachmen, stimulators and renegades are all effective here.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Fishing at the lake and creek has remain reasonably hot.
I can see its been off the charts but I haven't held to many negative comments. Even in the dog days of the summer, I'm seeing quality 2 pounder plus constantly being caught out of the lake.
Catch of the Week:  
Congratulations to Shebly Rosell from Brea, CA with a whopper pulled from Convict Lake. She was using a Power Worm when she scored a stout 4 pound 12 ounce rainbow. Great job Shebly!
Pete Rosell also with a nice fish. Pete hooked a 3 pound 15 ounce rainbow.
Other notable catches this week: 
Jim Singiser with two exceptional rainbows caught along the South Shore/Shale beach. He was using Salmon Powerbait when he hooked a 4 pound 4 ounce and 3 pound 3 ounce rainbow.
Jeremy Sonnenbury from Ontario, Calif., hooked a 3 pound 2 ounce rainbow. Jeremy was using a Needlefish when he landed an excellent trout along the South Shore. Jeremy caught a second fish at the South Shore. The second was a 2 pound 13 ounce and he was using an Ex-cel Lure.
Shelby Rosell from Brea, Calif.,  didn't only have the "catch of the week" but she landed a second quality fish. It was a 3 pound and 3 ounce rainbow.
She was using an orange Power Worm and was fishing at the South Shore.
Janet Swanson from Irvine, Calif., caught a 2 pound 4 ounce rainbow.
She was using a Needlefish lure and was fishing at the South Shore.
The Fimbres Family from La Habra, CA caught an astonishing 6 fish stringer. All six fish were easily 2 pounds plus.
They were fishing the South Shore with Power bait. 
Tactics/Bait:  
The water levels in the creek hasn't hurt the fishing to date.
DFG is still stocking  and a 2 pounder was caught out of it this week by Cade Castillo from Menifee, CA. 
Getting out on a boat and trolling will definitely increase your odds. Trolling has continued to produce some nice fish over the last few weeks.
Use a Needlefish, Tasmanian Devils or Marvel Fly Lures.
Needlefish was the hot lure this week. 
The most successful Power bait color was salmon. Chunky Cheese Garlic is always a deathly choice.
The South Shore and Inlet were the hottest spots once again this week. Other locations fishing well were the North Shore and Hangman Tree location.
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, Rooster Tails, and Bite-on Fury Shad or Lip Ripperz Hatchery Dust on Power bait.
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: 
Our fall derby series Ambush at the Lake will be stating on September 1st and will run until November 15th. Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Bonus Cash Weekend on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
The forecast for the beginning of next week is calling for slight chances of afternoon thunder storms. Highs are going to be in the high 70's and the lows in the low 50's. The weather is away changing day to day in the high country. Make sure to visit the National Weather Service link which is usually accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 6:00 am - 6:05 am and Sunset 7:57 pm - 7:50 pm. 
Stocking: 
DGF is scheduled to plant at the lake and creek the week of August 3rd.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing has picked up with recent rain cooling the surface temps. Try Hilton Bay with Stevie's Wonder gray/black or a copper/copper zebra midge.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 8/4/14
Clouds during the day brings the bigs out to play!
Special angling restrictions now in place. Pinch those barbs down and leave the bait at camp.
The north arm and McGee Bay are fishing the best I have seen in 4 years.
The lake level has dropped enough so that the weed lines are currently at the depth at which the trout prefer.  This means large concentrations of fish in small areas. The fish are gravitating towards any inlet source. Water temps are pushing 70 on the surface and this is concentrating the trout near the north end of the lake where the Upper Owens flows into, & McGee Bay-where both McGee & Convict join nearby, then flow into the lake.
The blue algae bloom is now light/moderate, and can shut down a bite if it concentrates in an area. It can also IGNITE a period of intense “catching” as the damsel fly nymphs & perch fry migrate along with these algae rafts & the trout hunt them down around the edges.
The north end of the lake has been very clean compared to McGee Bay (which is not bad), and there is more fishable area here for sure.
Hilton has been on & off. It is worth posting up for a few casts if the water is clean.  Shag it if the green goo is around.
Layton/Alligator have also been hot at times. It just depends on the water clarity. There are decent chironomid hatches (midges); however the larger fish are targeting the perch fry and damsel nymphs. Spot up along some aquatic weed in the 10-13 foot range.
Use an assassin, drifters punk perch, or damsel nymph as the upper fly, hang a broken back tiger or zebra, dark or copper crystal tiger or zebra as the larva/lower fly.
Give those flies some action if the surface is calm. You are competing with swimming/wiggling critters, and the movement of your flies is crucial to getting grabs.
Streamer fishing really picked up the last few days using perch fry and damsel nymphs. The fish are in a tight area most days and trying to tube around all the anchored boats is difficult.  The perch fry are tiny right now- September/October will be streamer Nirvana I believe.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The water temperatures are still on the warm side on Davis Lake.
There is a short window the first couple of hours of light.
The fish have been moving into the shallows and eating bugs off the surface in the early mornings. They tend to head back into deeper colder water around 9:00 am or earlier. This is normal for this time of year.
Davis is low but it is in better shape than some of the other local stillwaters. It will undoubtedly fish very well this fall when the air and water temps. start to cool.
We are holding our annual fall Stillwater outing at Davis Lake on the weekend of September 12th. There are a few spaces still available. It should be great.
If you are going to fish Davis now go early and plan on quitting around mid-morning. Be careful handling fish and get them back into the water quickly.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake was stocked heavily a while ago but still continues to fish well! 
With temps in the 70's to for the week it's a great time to go out in the morning and evenings to fish though this lake will still put fish out during the day. 
Mack fishing has been fair and Jigging for these guys  good at depths from 70-100ft and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has been good with fat little guys ranging from 10-12 inches in 45-80 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove and some larger Kokes in the 13-14 inch range on the opposite shore from the boat launch suspended 60-80 feet in 100-120 feet of water. 
With the recent stocking some small Macks have been busy cruising the shorelines in the morning and evening picking of small rainbows. 
Throw imitations that will mimic these and smaller baitfish now in these dusk and dawn hours to be successful!

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Frenchman’s is very low. It is a deep lake and there is plenty of cold water still in the deeper parts of the lake. Fish are feeding in the mornings much like they are at Davis. They are big and healthy but still will not do too well when brought to the surface especially later in the day.
This fall should be awesome at Frenchman’s as well.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow  down to 6 CFS. Try an attractor dry  like a stimulator with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds. 
Heavy weed growth makes accurate casting a must

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 8/3/14
Hot Creek is suffering from low water and extensive weed growth.  This limits the available water you can fish.
Dry flies are the most effective patterns to use.
I suggest a 10 foot leader and rod to keep the fly line off the weeds.
My hi-vis caddis & hi-vis para BWO are good choices to fish the faster slot water that has less weed.
Hoppers are also beginning to show, use a stimulator or grass hopper imitation if the wind comes up.  
Para ant patterns are also a good choice if the wind is gusting in the canyon.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
Broken back zebras or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water level has dropped due to irrigation and levels are seasonally low.
However, anglers continue to report fair to good fishing for trout 13 to 17 inches in size primarily early in the morning.
Minnow imitations, natural baits and wooly buggers are all worth a try here.
Shore anglers report good luck on the west side of the lake and at the inlet where the creek enters the reservoir.
Other flies this time of year should include prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ears and damsel fly nymphs.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
With this lake being stocked a while ago with a healthy planting of DFW trout this lake will fish great for months now! 
If you're looking for bigger fish you're going to have to fish the face of the dam as there is always some big fish hanging on the ledges of the dam. 
Fishing small apex's about 35 feet down has been the ticket here as some anglers can't keep trout off their hooks!  Small trout in the 12-14 inch range but numbers are high. 
As water levels drop slightly the only launch feasible for boats is the one at Pass Creek not Woodcamp!  
Lake is at 71 percent capacity and it's a great escape from the masses that descend on Lake Tahoe.

JAKES/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are dropping as they generally due this time of year due to irrigation. It is very weedy and fishing from shore is difficult.
Anglers should plan on bringing a small boat, canoe or float tube for best chance at success.
Anglers report fair fishing for 13 to 16 inch trout and a few bass.
Anglers should try Power Bait and worms or small spinners fished slowly.Fly rodders should give hares ears, PT nymphs, zug bugs and prince nymphs along with wooly buggers a chance.
Fish are averaging 10 to 17 inches in size with most anglers using small spinners, minnow imitations or flies.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This once popular fishery has been dry for a number of years.
But lovers of Jiggs do not despair. Starting in mid to late July work will begin restoring the dam, deepening the area closest to the dam and adding bentonite clay to the bottom to help it hold water.
Work is to be completed in October and if we have a good winter, anglers should be able to fish it in the spring or summer of 2015!

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant - Gull - June - Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Rush Creek flow is down to 17 CFS and fishing is fair.
Try a humpie or stimulator with  a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper.


KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 03, 2014
Still haven't heard much from Kirman lately, I'd expect it to be pretty tough with the algae bloom that happened up there a couple weeks ago.        

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Upper Twin best for fly rodders with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or olive or try hanging a callibaetis nymph under an indicator.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean from Bandon to Winchester Bay.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is now closed outside of the 30-fathom curve until the end of September.
Fishing for bottom fish continues to be a little slow near Coos Bay.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of cabezon is now allowed but only one cabezon per day per angler.
Fin-clipped coho fishing has been good in the Winchester Bay areas. Remember only fin clipped coho can be harvested for the next month.
The selective coho (fin-clipped) season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border is open until Aug. 10 or attaining the 80,000 fish quota.
As of July 20, there is still 70 percent of the coho quota remaining.
The summer all-depth halibut fishery opens on Aug. 1 and 2.
The nearshore halibut season started on July 1 and will be open 7 days a week inside the 40 fathom line through the earlier of the quota being met or Oct. 31. There is still 65 percent of the nearshore halibut quota remaining as of July 20.
Anglers are still catching surf perch along the steep ocean beaches.
Sand shrimp has been the best bait to use.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is 51 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:
Water flow currently 227 CFS. Fishing is good  and crowds are low.
Not much surface action  but nymph fishing is great.
WD40's , rainbow warriors,baetis emergers.
Day time temps 100+.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 8/3/14
Most consistent moving water fishery in the area. River conditions are better above the confluence of Hot Creek.
Tandem nymph rigs in the deeper pools are doing the trick. You can also dead drift broken back midges & egg patterns without an Under-cator.
Flows consistent at 52 CFS.
Short water tactics should be used to fool the wild fish here.  Look for the deeper pools and runs during off hatch periods.
Caddis (#18 or smaller dark bodies) and mayfly adults are good choices for the open riffle water. Hi-vis para bwo and caddis # 16-18 will get grabs.
Some hoppers showing up now. Use a Stimulator or larger hi-vis pattern with a bead head nymph as the dropper 2 feet beneath the dry for a deadly tanden rig.
Nymphing with SJ worms, crystal egg patterns, flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis & zebra larva patterns near the bottom.
I prefer to use a clear or yellow Under-cator on moving water as they are less conspicuous. The pink & orange work better on the still waters like Crowley and Bridgeport.  
Think about streamers in the stiff afternoon winds.
You will have to hunt down pools large; or deep enough to cast a streamer-they are very limited under current conditions. 
Patterns like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 8/3/14
Cooling trend has helped out the bite. When the heat is on,  these fish do not dig it. Recent drift trips have been good/fair during cooler periods. I suggest half day floats to avoid the afternoon heat in the Owens Valley.  
Water is very warm and this is causing the fish to shut down by late mornings. Flows remain wonderful for wading & drifting, currently running between 215-230cfs.
Wading (no waders needed this time of year) remains good at this release below the dam at PV Res.
Use birds nest patterns like Assassins, flashback PT’s, and hares ears for good profiles of a mayfly nymph. 
Crystal olive caddis larva & olive zebra midges are also good choices for a lower fly imitation of  caddis larvae or midge larva.
Have some hi-vis caddis adults & hi-vis para mayfly adults for the late morning hatch.
The chub and sucker spawn was epic this spring and we are seeing “balls” of these small baitfish in the pillow waster and along the weeds.
Streamer fishing is the best way to imitate these small forage fish by using heavy sinking tip lines and Loebergs, Punk Perch, & Crystal leeches, & Spruce-a-bu’s.

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.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 23 percent capacity and has been fishing decently for bass. 
Crayfish and minnow patterns have been good for the flyflingers and Crayfish crankbaits, Senkos, Panther Martin spinners, and live worms have been good for the rest. 
Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results. 
Smallmouth fishing here has been great in the evening hours!

RUBY LAKE NAT. WILD. REFUGE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are low and launching a boat at Narciss landing is not recommended and very difficult to do.
Windy afternoons have made the prime fishing time for bass dangerous.
So take care and be prepared to get off the water quickly.
If the wind comes up and you are far from the boat ramp, put your boat into the bull rush for some stability and protection. I
f lightning comes up and you aren’t able to get off the marsh try to find a piece of solid ground to get on and hunker down.
If you can’t get off, put your canoe or boat into the bull rush and stay low in the boat.
The collection ditch is hit or miss for trout. Small olive buggers, hare’s ears, damsel/dragonfly nymphs and leech patterns should all work. The ditch is artificial lures and flies only.
Fishing in the main part of the marsh for bass is fair to good with anglers catching one keeper for every seven to ten fish caught.
Dark colored soft plastics with either some sparkle or a contrasting colored tail hooked weedless and thrown right into the tules in the main part of the marsh are your best bet for bass.
Late afternoons and early evenings if the wind dies down, top water lures are working.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
August 4, 2014,  King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 9,500 CFS. 
Friday, marked August 1st , the opening of the well known Balls Ferry area of the Sacramento River was great as expected. Limits by 9 AM.  More fish than we have ever seen at this time of year. 
Anderson to Red Bluff doing great, with 4 to 8 hook ups a day, with several salmon weight over 25 pounds this weekend. 
More fish daily, from Corning to Anderson, salmon are still moving to the colder water up river, Red Bluff area fishing very well. 
Using Flatfish lures in the early morning, switching to Pautzke's cured roe in the afternoon.

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 August 2, 2014 water flow is currently 10,000 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch. 
Trout fishing Redding area, trout fishing is excellent.
Rainbow Trout fishing, fly fishing, trout are 18 inches to 26 inches.
Fishing Redding to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Brown Micro Mays.  
Lower Sacramento River fishing trout.
Spin fishing for trout have been outstanding. 70 fish days. 
Amazing wild Rainbow trout fishing on the Sac River. 
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.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 8/3/14
Smoke is horrible in the afternoons. Hopefully the rains will douse this one.
Flows are at fall levels, the wading is very easy in all sections.
Fly fishing has become more difficult due to very low flows.
The fish are holding in the limited pools and deeper slots.
Attractor dry patterns like Stimulators, hi-vis para bwo’s & caddis are good choices that are easier to see in the plentiful pocket water that defines the SJR. Use a bead head flashback PT or assassin birds nest as a dropper in the deeper pools and runs.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow has dropped to 20 CFS. Fishing is much tougher with the low flows. Try an attractor like a stimulator or a coachman with a para Adams as a dropper.
All the camp grounds are now open and crowds have increased.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 2, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Shasta Lake King salmon fishing is excellent. 5 -12 salmon being caught a day, between 3 -5 pound range. Catching BIG salmon 100-120 ft deep, trolling, shad pattern lures.
Areas fishing, Mouth of Sac Arm & McCloud Arm.
LIMITS of salmon and trout.
Rainbow trout fishing on Lake Shasta is great. Fishing 30 to 75 ft deep. Trout are very large now, due to the large bait fish in the area. 
Fishing best around the Pit Arm and Jones Valley area.
Shasta Lake Spotted Bass & Small Mouth Bass fishing has been excellent. Limits daily. Catching 20 to 50 fish per day, bigger fish are being caught 25 -30 ft deep. Larger numbers of smaller bass being caught on the top water using spinner baits and tube worms.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Surface water temps in the morning are in the mid to high 70’s.
Fishing has been fair for smaller trout, slow to fair for larger trout, fair to good for bass and wipers.
Anglers appear to be having good luck around most of the lake for trout, though by mid morning the trout have moved offshore to deeper water.
For trout, fluorescent orange or chartreuse seem to be the preferred colors of Power Bait. Fishing for trout is slowing down with the summer heat and expect it to be slow until it starts to cool down in September.
Damsel flies are hatching so damselfly nymphs are most definitely an option along weed beds first thing in the morning, though anglers continue to have some luck with hares ears, PMD’s, seal buggers, and wooly bugger.
Wipers being caught in deeper open water, no longer in the shallow stuff.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing here has been great, but with water levels at 26% capacity (that's correct) it's a must to have 4-wheel drive to launch and even that's been risky especially with the recent rain!  Everyone is now utilizing the area east of the ramp to launch their boats now. 
Rick Kennedy and John Minnis still reporting good Kokanee action with fish ranging in the 12-13 inch range in the top 35-50 feet of water but some larger fish are being taken around the island in 35-55 feet of water.  Another hot spot has been off the boat launch when water depth reaches 35-45 feet. 
Kokes are spread out all over now and some are even starting to turn!  Spinners, Hoochies, and Radical Glow Tubes have been go to lures in colors with pink, orange, and Purple. 
Best Dodger colors have been copper with any Orange and Pink in it! 
Look for Macks underneath these schools of Kokes and some larger ones still hanging out in the deeper sections of the lake around the dam. 
Trout fishing has been best in the coves up and down from the campgrounds and boat ramp. 
Smallmouth fishing has been sporadic in the Davis Creek arm but some of those that are being caught have been pretty nice! 

LAKE TAHOE:
A 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, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The Truckee River system is in really bad shape due to our water shortage. We have had three really bad winters in a row and the effects are becoming clearer and clearer. The water temperatures have been a problem for weeks now and are only going to get worse.
The Federal Water Master’s office gave the news that the flows would be cut off from Boca Reservoir on July 29th. Most of the irrigation ditches are also shut off.
Lake Tahoe is about 8 inches from its natural rim. Flows out of the lake are about 160 CFS on August 1st. They will continue to drop until Lake Tahoe reaches its natural rim sometime later this month unless we get some hard rain. Once the flows stop coming out of the lake the upper river will be all but dry down to the confluence of Donner creek.
The flows are already below 100 CFS on the Nevada side.
There is a stretch of the Truckee on the East end of Reno that is supposed to go dry later this month. That has not happened since the early 90’s.
We encourage anglers to proceed very conservatively.
The only stretch we recommend fishing right now is the Canyon section on the Lower California side and even there fishing should be limited from daylight until around 11:00 am.
These conditions are likely to remain until the middle of winter and even longer depending on the precipitation in October and November.
This would be a great year to plan some fishing in the fall on one of the area stillwaters such as Davis Lake or even further away from the Reno-Truckee area. There is always Pyramid starting in October!
Here are the flows with the average flow for this time of year in Red: Town of Truckee 163 CFS (293 CFS), Boca Bridge 179 CFS (509 CFS), Farad 203 CFS (539 CFS), Reno 99 CFS (295 CFS) and Vista 120 CFS (383 CFS)

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
The recent rain is a Godsend for our River as water temps will be stable as long as the rain and overcast skies stay with us!  This means you can fish all day but once the sun comes back please adhere to the restrictions! 
Water Levels have now dropped!  
No more water coming out of the dam at Boca means all of us need to adhere to the ethical fishing hour schedule on the Big Truckee.  Midnight to 12 noon. This will impact our business as a fly shop but it ensures the survival of our most valuable resource for years to come so we all believe it's worth the effort.  
Even though water levels are now low the fishing has been pretty good with some good dry fly fishing if you know time and place. 
Crayfish are starting to molt so don't pass up on throwing a crayfish pattern in those deep holes and stretches that one can find on the Big T. 
Explore different stretches of water and give your old spot a break or try and fish the area lakes.  
Most fish will be taken by high-sticking the pocket water and one should think about giving the fish a break in the afternoon since water temps climb to 68-70.  Let's be ethical here and give the fish a break during the heat of the day to cut back on the mortality rate of trout when they're stressed by these high water temps. 
Lots of things on the menu now such as Caddis, Stones, Mayflies (PMD's, PED's), Midges, and Terrestrials (Ants, Hoppers).  If you're fishing dries consider using 4x-5x leaders now and when nymphing 3x-5x tippet.
Nevada:
Caution!  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:
Flows on the Little Truckee are 49 CFS. These flows are also subject to change in the coming days and weeks. At 49 CFS it is still totally fishable.
The water in the Little Truckee comes out of the bottom of Stampede Reservoir and is always a little colder so that is not an issue right now.
Look for the Little Truckee to be very crowded with anglers and guides in the coming weeks as the situation on the Truckee deteriorates.
Get there early to beat the crowds.
There are not too many hatches going on right now and most fish are being caught on small nymphs and midges.
It is very important to check your flies often for debris. There is a lot of drifting moss and grass in the water as well as on the bottom making very difficult to fish effectively.
Size 6X tippet and size 20-22 flies are the best way to go right now.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Stocked about a months ago but with low water now being an issue fishing has been fair at best through this stretch.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
Our summer fishing derby started Saturday, August 2nd and runs through Sunday, August 10th.  Largest fish caught is worth a cash prize of $150.00.
This past week we saw several Rainbow trout over 3-pounds.
The largest was a 4-pound, 9-ounce caught by John Cornilious from Covina. He was fishing from his float and using Orange Mice Tails.  
John also landed a 3-pound, 12-ounce with Pink Mice Tails.
Mark Ault from Huntington Beach brought in a 4-pound, 1-ounce with Nymph Grape Power Bait.
Christine Balediata from Brea caught a 3-pound, 10-ounce with Salmon Peach Power Bait.
Ten (10) year old Dylon Brown from Bakersfield landed his 3-pound, 4-ounce while fishing from shore also using Salmon Peach Power Bait.
Water level is good and water temperature is a nice 60 degrees.
Regards,
Judy Allen

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 03, 2014
The Twins are producing some really nice 2 to 5 pound rainbows lately, both trolling and bait fishing.
Trollers are doing the best with lead core rigs and 4 to 6 colors out, needlefish, thomas bouyants, kastmasters and rapalas have all been doing well. Bait anglers have been using mice tails, power bait and crawlers, we also had a good report from a guy yesterday using salmon eggs!
Fly anglers should go with matukas, mini leeches, wooly buggers and seal buggers with a soft hackle or zug bug dropper.    

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 03, 2014
The Virginias are still off the hook! Lots of nice fish being caught on lures, bait and flies! Mornings and evenings are producing some good fish with lures like thomas bouyants, jakes spin a lures and kastmasters.
Fly anglers are stripping streamers like seal buggers, stillwater nymphs and matukas with soft hackle and zug bug droppers.
Bait anglers are going with mice tails, power bait and crawlers

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:
Flows on the East Walker are 65 CFS on the California side and 43 on the Nevada side.
The stretch of river just below Bridgeport Reservoir is in pretty bad shape. There is not much oxygen in the water and it is very warm coming out of the lake. It is probably a good idea to leave the first mile (the miracle mile) alone for a while.
The river on the Lower California side and the Nevada side is in much better shape. There is more oxygen in the water once it has a chance to cool down some and flow downstream out of the lake.
It is still very important to get there early and quit fishing around 11:00 am or so. The best thing to do is take a thermometer with you and keep an eye on the water temperatures. Once they reach 70 degrees in late morning give it a break. There have been some really cool nights in the Bridgeport area lately and this has helped the water temperatures a ton.
Dry dropper set ups are still the way to go. Try a big Stimulator pattern with a small size 16-20 nymph or midge as the dropper.
An even better way to go is to take two rods or fish with a buddy. One rod should be rigged up with a big dry and the other with a “high Stick” Nymphing rig.
Fish the Dry through a run or hole first for a few casts and then go back through with the Nymph rig.
Try to wear neutral clothing and have a stealthy approach.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
August 03, 2014 
The East is running at 64 CFS today. The fishing down below the bridge on the California side and the Sceirine and Rosachi sections of the Nevada side are still hanging in there. I wouldn't say the fishing is excellent but if you put in some time and effort you should be able to land some nice fish.
The main thing right now is that on these three sections the fish are still healthy, fighting well and releasing well.
We've still been getting some cooler temperatures at night and some overcast days which is keeping the water temps down a bit so far.
Dry/dropper rigs have been the most productive and and we've still been getting a couple good reports on dead drift crayfish.
For your dry/dropper rigs try chubby chernobyls, madam x's and hoppers on top with silver streak, rainbow warrior, flashback emerger, dark lord pheasant tail and soft hackle droppers.                  
Sceirine Ranch:
August 03, 2014
The Sceirine is still fishing pretty well, the dry/dropper rigs as described above are the way to go. There are quite a few really nice fish in the mid 20's running around the ranch and with the more limited amount of water compared to most years it's a great place to get on the water without any crowds. If you want to book some time on the ranch just give us a call! 
Hunewill Pond:
August 03, 2014
The pond fished excellent this week, lots of nice fish up to around 22 inches were caught and released!
The weeds have been mown recently so there's some very good lanes that are weed free to fish in.
Dry/dropper rigs with humpies on top and zebra midges, rojo midges and callibaetis nymphs have been doing well, also stripping streamers like stillwater nymphs, seal buggers and small matukas has been good. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 67 CFS. Fishing is slow.
Try midge patterns, baetis emergers and WD40's.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 8/3/14
Flows at 64 CFS. Water is filled with algae and weeds, tough to get a clean drift currently. If water temps rise into the 70′s, this will make the fish lethargic. Better oxygen levels further you go downstream towards NV.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 03, 2014
The upper stretches of the West Walker have been fishing really well, from the Pickel Meadows area down to the highway 395 bridge has been the best.
Lots of good fly fishing with humpies, stimulators, hoppers, ants, para adams, prince nymphs, hare's ears and dark lords.
Bait anglers are using baby crawlers, power eggs and salmon eggs.
For lures in the mornings and evenings go with panther martins and repps.    

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 8/3/14
Flows are low & the water is very clear. They will continue to drop unless we get some significant T-storms, in which case this river can get off color and high very quickly. Hit the canyon and Pikel meadows sections.
Dry/dropper bead head nymphs like crystal olive caddis, tiger midges, broken back tigers, assassin birds nest, &  flashback PT’s are all good calls fished below a Stimulator or hi vis caddis or BWO adult as your indicator.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water is very green with algae and surface water temperatures are well into the 70’s by late afternoon.
Launching large boats is not recommended at all. Only car toppers or boats that can be hand carried to the water are recommended now.
Trout fishing is slow to fair, fishing for cats is fair, and bass fishing is fair to good. Wiper fishing has been fair to good for experienced anglers and slow to fair for others. Most wipers being found off of steep breaking, windswept shorelines and are difficult to target without getting a boat on the water.
Most shore anglers are having a little luck for trout with plain old garden hackle, though others are using Power Bait and lures. However, find shoreline where the bottom drops off quickly as the trout have moved deeper to find cooler water.
Fly rodders have had some success with buggers, hare’s ears, leech patterns and chironomids fished from float tubes or kick boats.
The fish are avoiding the shallow south end of the lake due to warm water temperatures there. Many of the fish are being caught at between 15 and 20 feet of depth in the canyon by the dam.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are extremely low and warm.
Limits have been lifted, but due to water conditions, the trip isn’t worth it.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are dropping due to seasonal irrigation.
Fishing has been fair for trout and slow to fair for bass.
There appears to be an age class of bass missing that would have been keeper size this year. Most bass being caught (and there aren’t many being reported) are less than the 10” minimum size required here for keepers.
Anglers have had fair luck for trout in the 12-16” size between the boat ramp and the canyon by the dam as well as along the rock by the cabin. Anglers report catching fish from the cabin to the willows on the north shore.
A few fish in the 18 to 20 inch fish are also being reported.
Bass are probably holding in the willows early morning and moving deeper during the day, so rig weedless and hit the willows and tules first thing in the morning or late in the evening. Expect to lose some gear.

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