Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Dec. 4

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Dec. 4, 2014.

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

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Most boats have been trolling fast action lures in the east basin since that's where the smelt are. 
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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: 
Lake level very low here at only 27% capacity. 
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 or on cloudy days for macks that are stacked up here.

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.

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:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Davis is all but iced over. It could be a while before the conditions improve, maybe even next March. It is a little too early for ice fishing but that could change over the next month or so.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Donner has dropped a little to 37%. 
Mack fishing here has been good and jigging for these guys has been best at depths from 55-75 feet and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has still be good with fat little guys ranging from 8-11 inches in 45-70 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove as these are considered next year's Kokes. 
Small Macks have been busy cruising the shorelines in the morning and evening picking off baitfish.  Kastmasters, Krocodiles, Rooster Tails, Rapalas or anything that will mimic a baitfish will elicit a bite.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There are some kings being caught here at the bottom, middle and upper ends of the river. Down low, the anchor crowd at the color line at Verona has been seeing slow to decent fishing, deepening on the day while fishing K15’s and spinners.
Anchor anglers fishing plugs above Shanghai Falls are also seeing a few spurts of fish moving at first light.
Up around Thermalito, there are some dark springers and a few moderately bright fall fish but the flows are low, warm and grassy and it’s mostly a crack of dawn type of deal. 
Courtesy of fishwithjd.com.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open the second Saturday in February.

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 is down to 2 CFS. Try an attractor dry  like a stimulator  with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds. 
Weed's are beginning to break down.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 11/30/14
Access is good, no snow or ice yet.
Fish smaller mayfly/midge adult patterns.
Locate the slots in the weeds, short accurate drifts are necessary. The “interpretive” section is fishing better than others currently.
If you see a few cars at the parking area keep on trucking, as there is very little fishable water here.
Hot Creek is suffering from low water, silt, 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.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
Scuds, broken back zebras, egg patterns, SJ worms,  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.

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


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

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.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF WEEDS AND SPORADIC FISH LOSS!

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open the second Saturday in February.

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:
Water flow has dropped to 85 CFS and  the fish are much more finicky.
A mid day BWO hatch is brining the fish to the surface but is starting to slow. Para Adam's or sparkle dun.  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 11/30/14
 No snow here yet; but it is in the forecast along with high winds this week.
Numbers of medium sized rainbows have really picked up last week.
Browns are spawned out & heading back to the lake. You will need to cover a lot of water to locate the fish and deeper pockets. 
Holiday/weekend pressure has been heavy.  
Solid mending techniques are critical in getting the bigs to hit. Stay on the “tail” of your targets whenever possible & keep those nymph rigs bouncing on the dirt. If you are not tickling the bottom at least half the drift, your leader is too short; or improperly weighted. Your presentation might just suck too! 
There are better numbers below the confluence of Hot Creek due to additional water it provides. As Crowley slowly fills, the communication between the lake and river improves, giving the trout a more favorable pathway to migrate upstream. This is why winter fishing here can be so great!
The colder air temps force the fish to seek refuge in the deeper pools.
Due to the currently low flows (48 CFS above Hot Creek), these are few and far between this fall.
Nymphing below an Under-cator is the best method to get the larger migratory rainbows and browns to take a fly.
Use attractor patterns-appropriately weighted, and in tandem such as San Juan Worms, & roe imitations.
Flashback PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, Agent Orange, & Crystal Vanderleeches are also good choices especially after the gravel warms up in the afternoons.  
You will see a decent midge hatch and small mayflies during periods of warmer weather. Small para BWO’s or duns, and midge cluster patterns are good surface profiles. Streamer fishing can also be a good call during windy days.
Stay along the deeper/channel side of the river and use the “dip & strip” technique with a light sinking tip, or floating line.
Loebergs, Spruce-A-Bu’s, & Punk Perch #10-6 can get those big boys out from under those deeper cut banks where it is difficult to dead drift a nymph rig. 
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) 11/30/14 
Drift boat fishing has been good this week, the weather may slow it down some if it gets too windy.
Flows at 83 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley.
Fishing is very good around, & down from the campground at PV.
We are seeing a more seasonable weather pattern develop with the big fall hatches of mayflies & caddis slowing down. Smaller midges will become more prevalent as the days shorten.
Fishing remains good during the warmer periods in the wild trout section.
Nymphing with tandem rigs-properly weighted will get you into fish consistently. I suggest you use Flashback PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, olive crystal zebras, & caddis larvae (to imitate caddis larva & rock worms).
You can use dry/dropper bead head rigs for the warmer days working the tailouts of larger pools, & riffles.
Have some high vis para BWO’s for the uppers & keep them dressed with desiccant  to suspend your bead head nymphs.
Guided drift boat trips are a great vehicle to reach the secluded, and less fished areas of the river.
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 nightcrawlers 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 11/30/14
Fishing very good here reports local hot stick Seth Cline. He used tiger midges nymphing, and Loebergs while streaming recently.
Reservoir levels fluctuating- currently at (4383′). 4383′ is optimum in my opinion. Be cautious when the mud along the river bank thaws. Power generation can occur at anytime, so if you observe the water rising cross to the east side immediately to avoid a difficult walk back to the parking area. They raise the water slowly; but there is no audible warning.
The small river directly below the powerhouse is awesome when the flows are low, or stable. Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up. The quiet water at the inlet can be great for tubers during this period.
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.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns 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 the same chironomid patterns below an Under-cator.
Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers & pupa patterns.
Tiger & zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 27% capacity and has been fishing good for Smallmouth Bass. 
Thank you to Mike Campbell for complimenting our fishing staff.  Glad you had a good time.  Fishing has been tough on most our lakes this year so it's nice to hear about some positive results. 
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.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Valerie Taylor of Crosby Lodge (775-476-0400) (www.crosbylodge.net):
Hello all,
The winds kept a lot of the fishers away the last couple of days but there were 11 fish over 10 pounds weighed in this week.
The biggest catch was from Edward Kadoguchi of Sparks, NV with his 20 pound, 14.4 oz 35 in monster. 
Tony Lovett, also from Sparks, NV brought in his 19 lb 7.2 oz 33.5 in catch.
Both were fishing from shore, Edward at Block House and Tony at Pelican. 
Shore fishing is still hot from Monument all the way down to Popcorn.
Take care, I'll talk with you all next week.
Valarie Taylor
Crosby Lodge

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY,NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
November 25th
Fishing has been pretty tough over the past few days. A high pressure system moved into Northern Nevada and with it brought sunny skies and light and variable winds. It is common for this type of weather to slow the Pyramid fishing way down.
Pyramid like many stillwaters can be effected on a daily basis by the weather.
The overall fishing conditions at the lake are really good right now and there have been some really good fishing days in the past couple of weeks.
On days like we have had this week there are a few things you can do to improve the fishing conditions. Fish first light and last light. A lot of times when there is a really sunny day and no wind the fish will move into shallow water while the sun is down. This was definitely the case on Monday and Tuesday.
Try to get the wind (if any) in your favor. Sometimes the wind will blow on one side of the lake or the other. If this is the case follow the wind and try to fish in areas with chop on the surface.
Be ready when the conditions change. Conditions change on a regular basis at the lake and it is important to observe the changes and be ready to fish when they do. If you are at the lake all day you may only have a 2 hour window when the fish are feeding. These tips will help to make you a better angler at Pyramid on a regular basis.
There is some weather expected to come into the area as early as Friday and through the weekend. This should improve the conditions and there will be a few good days to fish in there somewhere.
Slow stripping Wooly Worms, Loco Beetles and Tadpoles continues to work really well this fall.
There is still some weeds and grass on the bottom on many beaches and flies with foam in them can really make a difference. Nymphing is also worth a try. Maholo Nymphs in Red or Wine fished on a floating line with or without an indicator has been effective as well.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With the weather pattern changing from one system to another this week timing will be key.  Fish before the front moves in and you should have success.  Overcast skies with intermittent rain/snow mix will also help pull fish closer to ledges throughout the day. 
Be extra careful about the wind conditions as this lake can capsize boats easily. 
For those trolling we now carry Lyman's sz 4 and sz 3 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.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
December 1, 2014
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 3,700 CFS.
 King Salmon fishing has been fair, heavy rains making water muddy over the weekend. When we are getting into the salmon they have been big, average size 20 pounds plus. Larger salmon this time of year is very common. 
Although our fishing season ends December 16th, these fish are still coming up river. As you can see from the catch below, the salmon are large and bright. This too is common, to see bright chrome fish again as the fresh rain water helps push these beautiful chrome salmon upriver.
Steelhead has slowed down on the Sac River now, catching rainbows in Redding and Anderson area  around 2 to 4 pounds now. Fishing daily.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Winter Months on the Upper Sac provides some great late-season opportunities for die-hard trout anglers.
The mornings and evenings are often cold in the narrow river canyon, but midday sunshine can warm the river up and provide some good action on nymphs and streamers for some of the river's bigger fish holding in the deeper pools.
And anglers fishing the Upper Sac in the winter months should always be prepared with a few blue-winged olive dry flies, as overcast afternoons can have some memorable Baetis mayfly hatches.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is stable now at 24% capacity and fishing has been decent for Rainbows, Macks, and Smallies. 
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, California.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed. Will reopen January 01, 2015.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The winter run of steelhead start to show as early as Thanksgiving, with fresh fish migrating upriver throughout the rest of the winter season.
The majority of these winter fish are wild, and the average size of the steelhead generally gets progressively larger later into the winter months.
Water temperatures are considerably colder, so the steelhead are less likely to move for traditional fly patterns and dead-drifting nymphs is the preferred method for hooking Trinity River Steelhead from November through February.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
December 1, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows:  Currently 300 CFS. 
We are trout and steelhead fishing has been fair to good, with fishing getting quite the end of the week. Hook ups throughout the day, mid morning best.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
November 25th
Not much has changed over the past week. We did get some rain and the flows went up a bit but expect them to come back down over the next few days.
The river is much more fishable right now and could be a nice change of pace. The flows are best around the section between Boca Bridge and the Nevada state line. The sooner the better for sure and keep an eye on the flows.
Nymphing deeper runs with a couple of bead head nymphs is a great way to go right now.
Flows are Town of Truckee 9 CFS, Boca Bridge 161 CFS, Farad 119 CFS and Reno 88 CFS. Last Week’s flows were much lower. These fluctuations could happen more frequently as occasional storms move through the area this winter.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Mixed weather for the rest of the week in the form of snow and rain. 
With the recent precip water is being released from Boca and that means flows that are more in norm with this time of year. 
Cold temps for the rest of the week so dress accordingly!  
Water temps are getting cold and fish are starting to get more lethargic and picky. 
Fish are pretty concentrated now and everyone should put in the back of their minds what the river looks like now. Take a careful look at structure that is now out or partly out of the water for a reference later when the water does come up. 
Almost no water coming out of Tahoe and anglers that are going to fish the river SHOULD fish downstream of the Boca outlet. 
Personally I wouldn't fish the Main river anymore this year because of the conditions, but if you must please fish below the Boca outflow as there is now more water found there. 
Hopefully these flows continue as long as we get weather. 
Nevada:
If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!  
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift.  Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
November 25th
The flows remain low at 32 CFS. Low flows are normal on the L.T. this time of year. The water is cold and clear and the fish are pretty spooky so use some stealth. Nymphing with a really neutral indicator with small Midges and dark colored Mayflies in sizes 18-20 is the way to go. There are a few bugs flying around but most of the fish are being caught under the surface. This pattern should remain for some time now.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Done.

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

VIRGINIA 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, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
November 25th
Flows have been around the 20 CFS area for over four weeks now.
A little warmer weather has helped the conditions a little over the past week.
There is still some ice around the edges and that should be the case for a while now. The best time to be on the water is late morning until mid afternoon. This is the time of day when the water is its warmest and the fish are most active.
Perfect bankers hours fishing conditions right now.
Small nymphs in sizes 16-20 are the way to go. Baetis mayflies and Midges are the predominant available food source for sure.
Keep an eye on the weather and the overnight temperatures in the Bridgeport area before making a trip to the East Walker.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 20 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:
East Walker River 11/30/14
Access is good, no snow or ice.
Flows currently at 20 CFS. Limited fishable water.
Diploid browns will be planted here again-great news!
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

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

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.