Fishing report for the week of July 20-27

Here is the Northern Nevada, Northern California, Southern Oregon and Sierra Nevada fishing report for the week of July 20-27.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Feels like October the last few mornings, a few cooler days this week have reduced surface temperatures down to 67 degrees.
Water Clarity is great, about 13.5 ft. and lake levels continue to hold. Insect hatch continue to amaze, pond smelt are everywhere.
The Hex hatch is particularly effective around west shore to the Fox Farm.
Usually big Browns are caught during the fall, and during the hex hatch, and most of the time its bait fishing on anchors that get big fish.
The lake is so full that the thermo cline appears wide, fish have been coming from 15 ft. to 40 ft. down, and most of my time is spent at the 25 ft. level.
— Courtesy of Doug Neal

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

ALPINE LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

ANTELOPE LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: A big THANK YOU to Southern California Edison for the load of Alpers Trout delivered to a full Lake Sabrina on Wednesday. It was very unexpected, but very welcomed – THANK YOU, SCE!
Despite the large load of Alpers, catching remained on the slow side, but started to pick up over the weekend. The best catching is still drifting around the rock piles with a nightcrawler or Power Bait – you do remember how to drift fish – figure out which way the breeze is blowing – get on the side of the rock pile the breeze is blowing from, cast out, turn off the motor, enjoy the day, while you drift by the rock pile – the best part of fishing this way is ENJOYING THE DAY!
If you must fish the Inlets, try a nightcrawler, Power Bait or Salmon eggs. Trolling flashers with a nightcrawler, or a Thomas Buoyant (you know the colors) or a Woolly Bugger might nab you a fish or two.
Shore fishing Salmon eggs, Power Bait or tossing a Thomas Buoyant (you know the colors, right?).
DFG planted a load on Monday.
There were a few skilled souls that knew the art of catching (or maybe they were just in the right place at the right time).
Matthew Yarc of Chino used Power Bait to land his 2-1/2 pound Alpers as did Charlie Stierhoff of Reno – his weighed a respectable 3-1/2 pounds.
Patti Magnabosco of San Diego used a Thomas Buoyant to reel in a 2-1/2 pounder as did Dan Lawson of Carson City and Steve Dougherty of Tustin with their fish each weighing 3-1/2 pounds.
And I know you all know the colors of the Thomas Buoyants, right?
All the campgrounds in the Bishop Creek Canyon are open. The only campground to take reservations is Four Jeffery www.reserveamerica.com (and enter Four Jeffrey) all others are first come first serve. There is a full hook-up campground also on the South Lake road, Creekside RV Park. Remember to take it easy on all the mountain roads, the deer are on the move and there’s lots of hikers out there – can’t stress this enough!
Temps were a bit on the cooler side this past week with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s, but the forecast calls for a bit of warming, but no monsoonal thunderstorms for next week.
You can check www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
REMEMBER THAT JACKET – IT TENDS TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 DEGREES COOLER AT THE LAKE.
We still have skeeters – probably be with us for a bit with all the water around - remember when applying bug juice, sunscreen, SANITIZER or any other FU-FU juice, WASH YOUR HANDS! The juice you apply will taint your tackle and bait. You know it tastes yucky, the fish think it tastes yucky, too, although have you ever tasted PowerBait or Worms – to each their own.
We’ve started making HOMEMADE vanilla ice-cream to go with our HOMEMADE pie. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Cocoa during our regular store hours!

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) sierrasmitty@cebridge.net reports:
South Lake: Following another huge DFG stocking on Monday and the first of two loads of Alpers courtesy of Southern California Edison, fishing at South Lake was pretty much white hot all week.
Some of the fish SCE stocked for us were the biggest Alpers put in South Lake since the Smith's purchased the landing in 2006.
At least a few of those fish looked to be pushing into the double digits.
The DFG fish have been a bit slow to spread out so the dam, west shore, and Phantom's throne areas have been the best producers.
The fish are hitting just about everything right now, lures, flies, jigs are all working. Bait dunkers are doing best soaking nightcrawlers about 3 ft under a bobber or fishing Salmon Peach Power Bait 2ft off the bottom.
With the water coming up so fast, things are changing day by day so make sure to check the bulletin board by the boat shack at the landing, which is updated daily, for the latest hot spots and lures.
The water level is still charging up and we're happy to report that the launch ramp is now safe for most private boats under 18 ft.
Also, the water has filled in the back of the lake which is now safe for  ll boats with only a few prop-buster boulders to look out for.
The fish haven't really concentrated out there much yet but it won't be too long before the inlets are stuffed with fish.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Fishing on the South Fork remains steady albeit unspectacular.
Catch and keep folks are scratching out limits of rainbows to 3 lbs using the usual suspects, namely Salmon eggs, pieces of nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
Spinners are best for lure tossers.
The fly anglers are doing well too in the slower moving pools and runs.
Lots of skeeters out there so it's dry fly time early and late in the day.
Weir Pond: Lots of wild Brook trout being caught & released at the Weir on a variety of dries, Nymphs and streamers. Some solid stocker rainbows and even a few Alpers to 2.5 lbs are coming out as well.
Intake II: Summer crowds are in full effect at Intake II but weekly DFG stockings and twice monthly Alpers stocking are keeping the bite solid for the majority of the week. The back corner near the pump-house and the pipe.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
The reservoir has been fishing excellent this past week!
Haven't heard much from shore anglers but the boat anglers have been doing great. Still fishing and trolling have been excellent with the fly angling being a bit tougher lately.
It sounds like the channels are starting to liven up with some nice 2 and 3 pounders being caught in the Buckeye, Robinson and East Walker channels.
Rainbow Point has been good as well as right out in the middle between the marina and Rainbow in about 18 to 20 feet of water.
We've been seeing lots of fish in the half pound to 1.5 pound range with some fish going up to 6+ pounds.
Trollers using excel lures, small Rapalas, blades/crawlers and Bouyants, bait anglers have been using Gulp clusters, Power Bait and crawlers.
We've also had a few reports on some nice perch showing up here and there.


BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Water temps in the mid to upper 50's,
Fishing Conditions: Fish all of the inlets and outlets for best results.
This time of year bigger is generally better.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir: Same story as Crowley this year, except the algae is not as large a factor-only the weeds. 
There have been some epic bite periods on the Bridge that support the fact that when the lake is done turning over and the fish begin to concentrate near the creek mouths, look out! 
I have had reports from Jeffery at the marina and a few clients that say the streamer fishing near the Marina from tubes is good for recent planters. 
I have had some experienced clients go with another local guide service and land one small trout for three rods here while still water Nymphing recently. 
One thing is certain, high water here equates to eventual great fishing during the summer. Make the news, don’t hear about it!

BUCKS LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) www.capleslakeresort.com reports:
3,100 pounds of trophy and catchable rainbows were planted by Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District on July 6 with a grant from EID.

CARSON RIVERS, NEV:
Main Carson River: Still high but dropping.
East Carson River: Still high but dropping.
West Carson River: Still high but dropping.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com) reports:
East Carson River: Flows have been off the charts. They are currently at 1520 CFS but they are coming down daily. It should be a couple more weeks before the run-off settles down and the East Carson becomes fishable.

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River: Still high but dropping.
West Carson River: Still high but dropping.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation.
Pike fishing has also been poor.
There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE, CALIF:
Jen Heintzelman of Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) www.convictlakeresort.com reports:
Catch of the Week: Jerahmey Cunningham from Huntington Beach, CA brings in a 2 lb. 15 oz. trout caught on a Daredevil Spooner along the North Shore.
Weather: Highs in the 70's all week with sunny skies. Evening lows in the mid 40's.  Winds are low in the 5 to 10 mph range through the week accept Sunday may be a bit more breezy. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.
Tactics/Bait: Nightcrawlers are the most productive this week for bait fishing. Garlic and Yellow Power Bait as well as Salmon eggs are also working well. 
Trolling 7 colors using a red and gold Thomas Bouyant or something with color as the water is a bit murky right now is catching fish. 
The inlet, outlet, North Shore and Creek are the most productive locations.
Other locations to try: Jetty, Inlet, Handicap Pier, South Shore, or Hangman's Tree. Here is a list of other baits that are good to try:
TroutKrilla, Rapala, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, Thomas Bouyants, Green Wooly Booger, White Mini Jig and Garlic PowerBait.

Stocking: DFG has stocked again this week.
Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 5:45 am - 5:49 am and Sunset 8:14 pm - 8:11 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Water Conditions: Okay. Bottom temps are from as low as 51F up to 62.
Pull out the thermometers and you'll find the perfect 57 F.
Algae is getting nasty and on the move.
Fishing Conditions: Fair to good (if you can dodge the algae).
Daphnia seems to be gone and fish have returned to the bottom looking for midges. The bottom water temps are getting into the 60's most places on the lake and the fish are starting to move into McGee Bay and other sources of cold water.
The algae is thick and stringy and moving around so be ready to move.
The troops are all along the old stream channel where the bottom temp is about 52F-53F, pretty cold and so not much going on. Now, out in 18-20ft of water the temps are 56F-58F and there are a good number of big fish there, duh!
Damsels and Calibaetis are hatching starting to hatch so hang one under the indicator about half way down the water column.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Not much change here. The fish are suspended from 4'-15' and appear to be feeding on daphnia. There are plenty of fish at Sandy Point and Pelican Point but getting them to eat your fly is the challenge. Black/copper Zebra midges or Stevie'sWonder black/silver in 10'-12' of water.
The algae bloom is in full swing.


CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Crowley Lake: Crowley has been very inconsistent once again this year. Last year it was low water, this year high water.
The blue algae bloom is terrible this year as the lake had its turnover far later than average. The persistent southerly winds keep shoving the green goo into areas like McGee Bay and the north arm near the Owens inlet where the highest concentrations of trout are currently holding.
HOWEVER, I am going out on a long thin limb and say that I believe that Crowley will be good come late July and August. The west winds shall eventually return and the algae will choke itself out almost overnight, and life will be good here once again. 
The “dark side” is catching enough nice fish in McGee to keep you interested and to let you know they are still around. How can this be? The algae does not stick to a stinking inflated night crawler, in addition;  there is scientific evidence that supports the crawlers SCREAM for help while drowning on a hook so the trout hear them and charge! 
I am bitter, please forgive me.
I suggest you have some Callibaetis and Baetis patterns handy this year around the inlets especially. High water years are always good for Mayflies and in areas around creek mouths are the main course for the cruising trout in short water instead of Chironomids. 
You may use these patterns for still water Nymphing or as a streamer on a light sinking tip line. 
Damsel nymphs are also a mainstay food this time of year around the inlets and migrate in with the algae lines as cover until they hit the shorelines grass and continue their metamorphosis into winged adults.
 
DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The Lake was pretty this past weekend from covered water south of Eagle all the way up to Freeman channel. There have been no indications of midge hatches in the evenings because there were no shucks on the water in the usual scum lines where some opportunistic fish sometimes work in the morning. Water temps were around 66 degrees. 
—Courtesy of Fly Fishing With Don

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) info@renoflyshop.com reports:
Reports are all over the map. The fishing has been changing on what seems to be daily and it is really hard to give an accurate report. You can talk to 5 different people and get 5 different answers right now.
Basically there is a sporadic Damsel hatch that does not happen every day.
Callabaetis have been hatching and occasionally there have been some really good Blood Midge hatches coming off in the afternoons.
The anglers that are doing the best are sticking with it and trying different methods until they figure it out.
The water is a little warm in the afternoons which is normal for summer months at Davis.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Anglers are finding slow to fair fishing for stocked rainbows.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Anglers have found fair to good fishing for largemouth bass. Plastics in red and blue have been catching fish in the 10- to 12-inch range though a few larger fish also are taking baits.
Trout anglers may want to work the deep water along the dam.

ECHO LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The evening Hex hatch that makes Fall River so famous at this time of year is still happening! Sometimes the hatch is good, sometimes not so good. Overall, the fishing can be good one day, and slow the next.
For anglers fishing in the morning, the insect hatches are better in the upper river, above Island Road, but expect to contend with very wise fish.
Fewer insects coming off below Island Rd, but fish are looking around for the few PMDs that are on the water between 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM.
Throw Tricos and spinners early in the morning. The fishing can slow down mid day and then pick up late afternoon.
Good wet flies are # 16 Normans Wiggles Tails, # 18 Pseudo May, PT Nymph # 16-18. Dry fly patterns that can work include # 18 Tilt Wing Dun PMD, Last chance Cripple PMD, Mercer's Missing Link #16-18. Mercer's Poxyback Emerger Hex has been a good choice for the Hex hatch.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Salmon fishing on the July 16 opener was pretty tough. With flows down to 2,300 CFS, it made the river pretty skinny from the Outlet down to Gridley.
There were about 40 salmon caught above the closure in the Outlet.
As far as the legitimate anglers went, fishing was tough and everybody who fished said that they didn’t see a fish caught.
The same was true down at Yuba City where there were close to 30 boats spread between the power lines and the rapids and one or two fish were all that were caught. Hopefully, things will improve as the season progresses!
— Courtesy of JD Richey

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishermen have been catching their limits at Frenchman's. Favorite spots are Turkey and Crystal Points, Nightcrawler Bay and the dam.
Shore fishermen have been using nightcrawlers, marshmallows, and Power Bait. One fisherman used Sunrise Power Eggs dipped in corn gravy. He caught three rainbow trout within an hour at the dam.
Trolling is good at the North end of the lake.
Fishermen are using Dick Nite Copper Red Head, Needlefish (various colors), Tasmanian Devils (Chartreuse and Orange in color), and flies being used are green and black, small to medium in size.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) info@renoflyshop.com reports:
The fishing at Frenchman’s has changed a bunch over the last week.
Fish have moved into shallow water and are very active in 5-15 feet of water. In the mornings fish can be seen working the shoreline chasing midges and Callabaetis. As the morning moves along the fish move out into a little deeper water as the sun grows high into the sky.
Maholo nymphs fished under an indicator can catch fish all day.
Stripping just about anything in 10 feet of water will also catch fish.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Fishing is good! On the stream, hatches to note are the Little Yellow Stones or Sallies for short. Golden stones as well, but very late in the day! Good hatches are producing dry fly fishing early to late in the mornings.
Bring various Caddis patterns like Fox's olive Poopah and a few small # 18 black micro Poopahs. Small Nymphs like black micro Mayflies, black Zebra Midges and olive Poopahs are doing the job mid day on the stream.
Hatches of PMDs and Caddis make the dry fly fishing possible and very good at times through the late morning and early afternoon. 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Water flow at 217 CFS. We have been doing well Nymphing with FB Pheasant Tails, gray WD-40's and Caddis larva and olive Scuds. Caddis activity is picking up as well as the little yellow stones.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Hot Creek has been very consistent despite the high flows and pounding by summertime crowds and guides. 
The resiliency of this spring creek always amazes me in how it continues to be the top trout fishery in the area under almost any circumstance. 
High water, low water, cold-hot, winter-summer, it just don’t matter-the “crick” kicks em out day after day!
Two bug has been using big terrestrial patterns (they double as a life jacket there so large!) with his clients recently and doing pretty dang good using hopper imitations. 
A walk along the banks will show you why grasshoppers are a staple this time of year. Nymphing with bright flashy bead heads and heavily weighted leaders will get you down in the “sugar holes” more effectively.
 
HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows at 120 CFS as of 7/14.
Fishing Conditions: Great! The flows are still high, but the fishing is excellent!
Don't let the high flows scare you away.
 
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 316 CFS. The flow has slowed a bit and fishing should continue to improve. Nymph fish with Birds Nests, Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails and San Juan Worms.


KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
We had some great reports from Kirman this week, we also saw some photos of brookies that were in the 5 pound range and Cutts in the 6-plus pound range! Streamers and mini jigs seemed to be the way to go. We also had some good reports on Damsel patterns and scud patterns up there.
With the delayed winter it seems like Kirman is really starting to liven up right now, it's fishing more like early June instead of early July!
 
KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Flows are 1,090 cfs out of Iron Gate Dam. Expect bigger, faster water down river as accumulated water from feeder streams, high with snowmelt, contribute cold, clear water to the Klamath.
The Salmon fishing near Sied Valley has been good. We’ve had decent reports of rainbow trout and caddis hatches in the evenings and good fly fishing coming out of the middle Klamath.
Near Iron Gate dam, in Hornbrook, CA., fishing has been fair to good for a sprinkling of summer run steelhead including a few adults, but mostly 1/2 pounders. There are resident rainbow in the fray as well adding to a rewarding experience. Overall, the fishing has been fair.
Look to late September and into October for improving conditions.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Colorado River: Anglers are catching both striped and smallmouth bass along this stretch of the Colorado River. The fish are keying in on crayfish.
For smallies look for rocky points or submerged rock fields.
Rainbow trout fishing has slowed considerably.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Fishng reports are good one day, fair to poor the next.
There are some huge rainbow in Lewiston Lake.
Look for big rainbows eating tiny #20 midge patterns near the boat ramp.
Try Mercer's Gidget in brown. Zacks swimming leech and various Damsel fly patterns can work well at this time of year as long as you retrieve them slowly on an intermediate sinking line.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LOON LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

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: Best fishing at Lake Mary along the west side.
Black or purple Crystal Buggers on full sink lines with a slow retrieve the most successful technique recently.
Twin Lakes is also picking up. Try a California mosquito with a size 20 black/silver Zebra Midge as a dropper.


MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes Water conditions: Good.
Fishing conditions: Stripping streamers working best.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Thunderstorms and associated weather issues have slowed fishing activity down in recent days, but anglers are still catching fish.
The top three finishers in a weekend bass tournament weighed in five-fish bags between 10 and 13 pounds. A 4-pound, eight-ounce smallmouth bass was the event's big fish. The fish took a jig fished off a point.
Striper boils are providing good top-water action in the Vegas Wash area and other portions of the lake.
Anglers are also catching a few stripers along the beaches between Hemenway and Pyramid Island and near the Boulder Islands.
Catfish also are biting.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Anglers are finding some surface action for striped bass and improved fishing from the lower end of Cottonwood Basin to Davis Dam.
Catfish, bluegill and sunfish are taking baits in shallow coves.
Stripers are hitting shad imitations and cut anchovies.
Large plugs and swimbaits in rainbow trout patterns are fooling big stripers south of Willow Beach.
For stocked rainbows try Power Bait, Salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. Hardware will also work. Super Dupers, Little Jakes, Panther Martins and Rooster Tails are generally productive.

MOSQUITO LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
Recreational ocean Chinook fishing is open.
Single point, barbless hooks must be used in this fishery.
The selective ocean Coho fishery opened July 2 with a 15,000 fish quota. These Coho must be adipose fin clipped to harvest.
The bottom fish bag limit remains at seven fish with a sub-bag limit of one Cabezon per day/angler.
Anglers are reporting good catches when weather is favorable.
Fishing from beaches has been fair for redtail surfperch but many have moved into bays to spawn.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 115 CFS. Elk hair Caddis or stimulators on the surface. Caddis Pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and WD-40's under the surface.
Cover lots of water and keep moving as the fish are scattered.
Make sure you have your bug repellent.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 280 cfs. Flows lowered this last week and fishing is improving.
Try olive caddis larva, WD-40's and olive Birds nests.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions: Good. As of 7/14 flows are at 117CFS above the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing Conditions: Flows down a bit from last week. Finally starting to pick up now.
Owens River Gorge: Water conditions:
Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP. Water is clear and cold.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent. Getting reports of stinging nettles. Wear pants!
Take water along as it is very hot these days.
Lower Owens River Water Conditions: Fair. Flows are back down to a more reasonable 334 CFS as of July 14.
Fishing Conditions: Fair. Water is clouded some due to the turnover of the reservoir.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF: 

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Upper Owens: Bring along some spare blood-or at least your blood type, the skeeters are thick this summer! 
Good showing of caddis each day as the flows have stabilized and the water is back inside the banks. Clarity is very good and even below the confluences of Hot Creek and the irrigation ditches the weed is not such an issue currently. 
You will not see the monster “snow bows” we got into this winter here in any numbers, but you will have plenty of opportunities while Nymphing or casting hoppers or Caddis adults to the wild browns and rainbows here.  Flashback Pt’s, Birds Nest, broken back Midges, olive larva patterns #16-20.
Lower Owens River: The Lower Owens is fishing great right now. 
It has been a real roller coaster this season trying to drift this area as the flows have been fluctuating quite often.
Caddis hatches are going off and one can find opportunities in the wild trout section to cast dries to gulping browns during mornings and late afternoons. 
It has not been overly hot down in the Owens Valley much this summer and this has made for some fine fishing recently combined with moderate flows. 
The sucker and chub spawn have left many small fry hiding along the banks this summer. 
The dip and strip technique has been deadly with these lower flows and we have had several 40 plus fish days while tugging streamers from the drift boat.  Spruce-a-bu’s, punk perch, and Loebergs are all getting looks.

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.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Water conditions have improved a little. Snow melt and muddy water coming out of the Warner Mountains will continue to hamper favorable conditions through July. 
Anglers are getting into rainbow trout on the Pit River.

PROSSER CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Closed to cutthroat trout fishing from July 1 through September 30.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
River flows are 12,500 CFS with no scheduled changes.
We have great water conditions from Redding to Red Bluff. 
The entire river is fishing great for rainbow trout that look awesome in photographs posted to the web via your smart phone.
From today all the way through summer, the best time to fish the Lower Sacramento is when you can get here!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
River conditions have been great! Fishing is good too.
From up in Ney Springs all the way down to Dog Creek, anglers are finding wild rainbow trout that will eat brown rubber legs, Red Copper Johns, # 14-16 Brown Micro Mayflies and Gordons Amber Wing Prince in # 14-18.
For the seeker of the surface feeding 'bow, look in the waters near Castella, CA. Ney Springs are near Dunsmuir is a good choice too.
Top water flies include Stimulators varying in size from # 16-# 8.
The Thing From Uranus stonefly pattern is another great fly that is making more than just a funny name for itself.
Adams in # 12-16 should always be handy cause the fish eat'em!  Enjoy!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Road opened on Friday July 1. Most campgrounds are still under a blanket of snow and the river is booming. A great time to see Rainbow Falls but fishing is not realistic. Sotcher Lake is slow due to cold water temps.

SCOTTS FLAT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The lake is just a few feet from full pool, which is great!
The bad news is the funky weather last weekend and now the rapidly warming up days have all conspired to make the fish a little confused.
These days, there’s just no pattern yet. 
The bass were deep last weekend but should be in the top 10-15 feet by the weekend. Trout are scattered here there and everywhere. Some have been picked off with top lined Shad Raps.
Until the weather completely stabilizes, you have to be on your toes!
— Courtesy of JD Richey

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing for stripers in the tidewater area should still be fair.
The Smith is now open for trout from May 28 through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) www.blueribbonfishing.com reports:
North Shore: We’ve been getting limits of Mackinaw (Lake) Trout.
We have been trolling at The Tavern Hole, Cal Neva Point, Dollar Point and Sugar Pine Point, 110-220 feet deep, with either Dodgers and minnows or Dodgers and large Trophy Stick lures.

TOPAZ LAKE:
A few boat fishermen were trolling last Monday but very little action.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Trout fishing is good on the lake.
Bass fishing is fair. Soft plastics are the best bet for bass.
— Courtesy of Nor-Cal Fishing News

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The Trinity River is flowing at 1,4010 CFS and dropping daily.
Releases are scheduled to drop to a very fishable flow of 450 CFS by August 1st. Flows on the "fly only" section of the Trinity are high and fishable from a wading point of view.
Fishing from a boat is by far the best option for now.
For steelhead and trout, the Trinity is fishing fair, but only because it's not the season for steelhead. Expect to catch brown trout and juvenile steelhead, half pounders and an occasional summer run torpedo! Resident brown trout can be found chasing Clousers, Woolly Buggers! Some huge brown trout have been caught in recent days. One was found upstream of Indian Creek Lodge estimated at 11lbs.
Salmon anglers are starting to find pretty nice fish below Junction City.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) info@renoflyshop.com reports:
Conditions are starting to stabilize on the Truckee. Flows are coming down every day and we are not far from conditions being excellent.
The section from Tahoe City to Truckee is very fishable right now as flows in the town of Truckee are down to 319 CFS.
From Truckee to Boca Bridge the flows have come way down as well and getting better every day.
Once you get to Boca Bridge the flows are still really high due to all the tributaries contributing to the eventual flows on the lower river.
Below Boca it is still really high at 1490.
The flows Downstream of Boca Bridge stay over 1500 CFS all the way through Reno. Only a week ago it was over 2000 CFS in the same stretch of water. The water is still really off color on the Nevada side but it is getting better every day.
There was an epic Caddis hatch in Reno last night and should be a tale tell sign on things to come over the next few weeks.
The place to fish the River right now is anywhere from Tahoe City to the confluence of the Little Truckee at the Hirschdale exit.
Nymphing has been really good in the Glenshire area down to the Boca Bridge. Caddis, Small dark Mayfly nymphs and Midges have all been working. Use some weight to get your flies down and fish the water out of the main current where it is easier for the fish to hold.
The water is still really cold and the fish do not have to fight much current to get oxygen.
The Caddis and Little Yellow Stone hatch is on the doorstep with one foot in the door. This hatch usually happens in the evening. There have already been some Green Drakes hatching even in the middle of the day.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) info@renoflyshop.com reports:
Flows are 655 CFS. That is down from 823 last week.
There has been an awesome Green Drake hatch over the past few days and some PMD’s as well.
The water is coming over the dam at Stampede and should keep the L.T. high for a few weeks still. That being said the fishing should still be awesome. With all the pressure the L.T. is getting, higher flows keep it from getting pounded too bad. The fish don’t get as spooked and they can stay in places where they normally can’t when the flows are low.
This is a great time to toss around a Green Drake dry fly in seams and slower water in the middle of the day. Dry dropper set-ups using a Green Drake and a PMD is also a great way to go.
Nymph rigs still require some extra weight in the deeper holes to get your flies down. In the evenings,
Caddis are also starting to hatch just before dark.

TWIN LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
Upper Twin Lake – Lower Twin Lake – Robinson Creek: The Twins have been fishing well lately though I haven't heard of any real big fish being caught. Kastmasters, Bouyants and Jakes have all been doing well. Power Bait, Power Eggs and crawlers have also been good. For fly anglers you can strip streamers like Matukas or Buggers with a soft hackle dropper and do well, or fish a fly/bubble rig in the evenings and have some good success.

UNION RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
 
VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
The Virginias are fishing excellent these days with fish up to about 3 pounds being reported. Lures like Thomas Bouyants, Kastmasters and Panther Martins have been doing well. For bait it's been inflated crawlers and Power Bait and for flies you can go with Matukas, Seal Buggers, soft hackles, mini leeches and AP Emergers.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) reports:
Summer mosquitoes arrived from hell and so be sure and bring your bug juice, and don’t forget to check the stock prices on Cutter’s 100 percent Deet this might be the time to invest.
You should see the size of their probes, absolutely huge.
Trumble Lake was stocked Thursday along with Big and Little Virginia.  DFG has a key to the gate. Hopefully, the campground will open today. `
Most of the Alpers stocked by the County Enhancement program on the 16th, and only a few holdovers were taken.
LURES: Bouyants, gold/red, gold red dots, silver/dots and the rainbow pattern. 
Z-rays have also been doing well. Gold Phoebe’s, Kastmasters – perch, browns and gold have been the best. 
Crappie Jigs various colors, and stingers in yellow/orange/black.
BAIT:  Power Bait in salmon peach, rainbow glitter and yellow glitter did well, and of course worms were at the top for most of the week.
OTHER: Tubers are good and the water is still on the chilly side, dress warm as the run-off is in full swing and all the creeks and rivers are bursting their seams.
Backcountry lakes are thawed with Moat having the most ice.
The trails still have snow in the trees with more open areas to Summit Pass. The Pass is getting a lot of traffic even with the snow and caution.
BIG FISH OF THE WEEK: Joe LeSuer, Ojai 7 lb 8 oz on a Lure in Big Virginia Lake on July 12th.
Bob Engelhardt, Minden Nevada, 3 lb 6 oz on Power Bait in BV on 7.11.11. 
Jessee Greene of Tustin, 2 lb 7 oz on rainbow Power Bait on 7.15.11in Little Virginia Lake. 
Brandon Lennox of Pasadena, 2 lb 1 oz on a worm, 7.15.11 LV.
Rick Sombounkhane of La Habra, 3 lb 14 oz on rainbow Power Bait, 7.16.11 LV. 
Bill Porter of Costa Mesa, 3 lb 9 oz on inflated crawler, 7.16.11 LV.
Carlos Arellano of Corona, 3 lb 14 oz on garlic Power Bait, 7.16.11 LV

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season.
Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com reports:
East Walker River: Flows remain high at 877 CFS. Irrigation season is in full swing and there is plenty of water for the farmers downstream. Flows should remain in the 800 to 900 CFS area for the next couple of months.
The river is fishable with just a little different approach.
There is no way to cross the river at these flows so you pretty much have to fish the edges of the side of the river you are on. The fish will be up against the banks and out of the main current. Try to find places where you can fish slower water on the edges. Start with a big dry like a Stone fly or a Hopper. Do it with a dropper or take two rods and have a nymph rig or a streamer on as well. Keep in mind that some stretches are hard to fish due to the amount of brush and cover that lines the river banks.
Be careful wading for sure. This fall as the irrigation season comes to an end the fishing should be really good so stay tuned.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River: The East is down a bit to 643 CFS the last couple days, it's fishing pretty well though you still have to pick your water carefully.
Caddis Nymphs and small Midges have been the go-to flies as of late. Buckskin Caddis, Fox's Poopah, La Fontaines deep sparkle pupa, rainbow warriors, flashback emergers, Zebra Midges, WD-40's have all been doing well. Focus on the seams, foam lines and back eddy areas where fish are hanging out, don't be afraid to add some weight to your flies to get them down. We've been fishing 3X leaders with 4X tippet to the dropper flies, this will give you a chance to hang on when you hook one!
West Walker River: The West has come down considerably this week and is getting to much more fishable levels. You should be able to through some spoons or spinners in the calmer water or drift some eggs or crawlers through that same water. They've been stocking the West every week all season so there should be a ton of fish in there ready to be caught!
Sceirine Ranch: The ranch has been fishing ok with the slightly lower flows, same as the Cali side you need to fish the softer water to have some success.
As the flows come down the ranch should keep getting better and better!
Hunewill Pond: We haven't had any reports from the pond this week, will pass on info as we get it in.
 
WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
East Walker River: High flows separate the men from the boys here.
Is this politically correct to say? 
Oh well. There are some who prefer to fish the EW at higher releases as it keeps the crowds down and requires “skeee-ills”
Although the current flows are well above yearly mean averages, they continue to trend down and it will not be long before the EW is back to “trout-knee-land” 
Keep your tandem nymph rigs heavily weighted, and use a ONE INCH Under-cator to properly suspend that chunk of lead you have on the end of your leader. 
Navigating the banks to get into good locations can still be an issue in some areas and crossing can be downright stupid right now. 
Take another 100 cfs off what we got now and it will be the finest kind!

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  Fair. Flows at 643 CFS as of 7/14.
Fishing Conditions: Fair. Stay in the shallow slow water by the bank.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
East Walker River: Most recent flow 643 CFS. The river dropped by about a third of the flow but is still very high. Look for slower water along the near bank and behind rocks and current brakes.
Red Midge Pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and Prince Nymphs.              

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK AREA, CALIF:
The Tioga Pass Highway (California S.R. 120) to Yosemite National Park (from the east side) is now open.
Tioga Pass has an elevation of 9,943 feet, making it the highest automobile pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Photo No. 1:
Catch of the Week at Convict Lake, California.
Jerahmey Cunningham from Huntington Beach, California with a 2-pound, 15 ounce trout caught on a Daredevil Spooner along the North Shore.
— Photo courtesy of the Convict Lake Resort

Photo No. 2:
Cameron, Colby and Chase from Plumas Lake, California caught this stringer of rainbow trout at the Woods Creek inlet at Caples Lake, California. They were fishing from shore with orange Power Bait on July 12.
— Photo courtesy of John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort

Photo No. 3:
A happy, youngster with a trout caught at Lake Sabrina.
— Photo courtesy of Rick and Patti Apted of the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing

Photo No. 4:
A successful fisherman with a rainbow trout caught at Lake Sabrina which is west of Bishop, California.
— Photo courtesy of Rick and Patti Apted of the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing