Fishing report for Aug. 17-23

Here is this week's fishing report for Northern Nevada, Northern California, Southern Oregon and the Sierra. The following report is for the week of Aug. 17-23.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Surface temperature are about 72.5 degrees and the water clarity is good to about 13.5 ft. Lake Almanor levels are at 4492.12 and are slowly starting to creep down.
After the sun hits the water it’s all about downriggers, and maybe some leadcore, but most of the quality fish are down much deeper.
The last couple of days we have been hugging close to the bottom along the east shore, running our stuff down from 43 to 53 ft. down in 61 ft. of water along the Dorado and into Lake Cove, and north, up to the Hamilton Branch.

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

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is full and fishing has been good for both rainbows and tiger trout.
Bait anglers are having the best luck with a combination of Power Bait and worms. Though either by itself should work.
Fly rodders should think small for flies with nothing larger than a 14 in Nymphs and streamers and nothing larger than a 16 for dries.
Running a small dropper (size 18 Midge) below a small dry (18 Elk Hair Caddis or yellow or red Humpy) has been effective.
Other flies that are effective include stimulators and orange or olive soft hackle Nymphs as well as small Woolly Buggers.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake: We do believe it was the last hoorah before school starts cuz boy was it busy – there were people everywhere and we thank you for picking Lake Sabrina as your last hoorah place.
The dam — packed. The boats — all out.  The weather — awesome. The Café — the happening place.  The catching — outstanding.
Just about any way you wanted to fish was working. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Power Worms were the hot ticket at the Inlets. Flashers and a Nightcrawler, or just a Woolly Bugger or just a Nightcrawler worked for those that like to cruise the Lake. Simply tossing a worm and drifting over the rock piles picked up some nice limits. Nightcrawlers or Power Bait for those that like to keep their feet on firm ground (you may also want to try a bubble and a fly) – come on in and ask!
All the campgrounds in the Bishop Creek Canyon are still 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.
Take it easy on all the mountain roads, the deer are out in the mornings and evenings and there’s lots of hikers out there — can’t stress this enough!
A bit warmer this coming week – highs in the mid-70s with lows in the low 50s – doesn’t get better than that! 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.
Our back country protectors are still hard at work protecting that back country – what might those back country protectors be – the skeeters, of course – they’re still around – hopefully only for a tad bit longer, but 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 Power Bait or Worms – to each their own.
 
BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake: The bite remained steady this week following a 1,200 pound stocking by the DFG but overall things have slowed down a bit.
Big fish are being seen and hooked but very few were landed.
All three inlets have tons of fish but fishing pressure has them spooky.
Folks are doing best on mini-jigs, Power Worms and nightcrawlers fished under a bobber.
Remember folks, do not use weight or a swivel with mini-jigs - just tie them straight your 2lb or 4lb test line. If you need a hand, ask the guys at the boat shack and they can show you how to rig up the right way.
The dam is still holding a lot of fish as well, especially in the corners where the DFG fish are staying schooled up.
Some decent fish to 3 pounds reported from Phantom's Throne.
The lake is now just inches from spilling over the spillway and it’s gorgeous out there. The second half of the Alpers purchased by Southern California Edison are scheduled to arrive on August 25th so look for things to really heat up towards the end of the month.
South Fork Bishop Creek: Solid fishing in the creek again this week using the usual suspects.
Holographic Rainbow Panther Martins were doing well along with pieces of nightcrawler or Salmon eggs.
The skeeters are still thick in the mornings and evenings so the fly fishers are still doing quite well on dries.
Weir Pond: Still really buggy up here so there is a lot of dry fly action early and late in the day. Stripping dark streamers is working all day long.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Lower Blue Lake: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The Reservoir is still fishing great both bait fishing and trolling.
I haven't had much for fly reports this week, but I have heard that the fishing up in the Buckeye channel has been a little tough. It seems that it's better out in the middle, off the marina and over in the Rainbow Point area. 
We've also still been getting some good reports trolling, and there's been some really nice perch coming in, some are up to 3 pounds!
Trollers have been doing good with small Rapalas, ex-cel lures, Needlefish and Thomas Bouyants.
Bait anglers have been doing great with crawlers, Zekes Sierra Gold, Power Bait and Gulp clusters. 



BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Water temps warming up now.
Fishing Conditions: Good to Excellent but mostly smaller fish.
A monster once in a while if you are patient.
Fish all of the inlets and outlets for best results.
This time of year bigger is generally better.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) ( www.capleslakeresort.com) reports:
Jed and Matt caught a 2-1/4 pound, 19 inch Rainbow using a crawler fishing deep in Emigrant Cove. They drove up from Lincoln, CA and said the fight was well worth the drive. Right now the moon’s full so being out early is the trick using night-crawlers. Also we hear that the Dept. of Fish and Game planted Blue Lakes on or about the 10th so come on up the fishin's fine.

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
West Carson River: It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been good for 8 to 10-inch fish using worms or Power Bait.
Flyrodders can use any small standard dry fly sizes 14 or smaller for great surface action. Good dry flies to start with include renegades, Griffith's Gnats, Humpies, Elk Hair Caddis, Adams', and small stimulators.
If they aren't hitting on the surface small olive Woolly or Crystal Buggers, soft hackle Nymphs, Prince Nymphs and Zug Bugs are all worth a try.
For hard baits, small minnow imitations and spinners would be in order.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
With the mainstem closed upstream of river mile 2.2, anglers will need find good cutthroat fishing on any of the tributaries entering into the Chetco. 
The South Fork Chetco River has some of the best public access, in a very remote setting.
Temporary regulations in effect beginning Aug. 1, 2011:
Mainstem Chetco River upstream of BPA Powerline crossing at river mile 2.2 is closed to all angling including trout through Nov. 4, 2011.
Tributaries to the Chetco River remain open for trout through Oct. 31, 2011 as per Southwest Zone Regulations.

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: Jerry Popovich from Fountain Valley, CA brings in a 2.1 pound beauty on Power Bait near the Inlet.
Weather: Daytime highs in the low 80's and evening lows in 40's and 50's.  Full sun and some partly cloudy days, low winds and now rain in sight. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.

Tactics/Bait: It is really important to get out early fishing in the warmer weather.  Needlefish lures doing well this week and nightcrawlers are coming back into favor. Garlic Power Bait and Salmon eggs still working great. 
If trolling go 6 or 7 colors...bait fishing has been more production than trolling this week. 
The inlet at the back of the lake is still the most productive place to catch fish. Other locations to try are the outlet, North Shore, South Shore, Creek, Jetty, Handicap Pier and Hangman's Tree. 

Here is a list of other baits that are good to try:
TroutKrilla, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, Thomas Bouyants, green Woolly Buggers, White Mini Jig and Power Bait.

Stocking: DFG has stocked again this week.

Sunrise - Sunset: Sunrise this week 6:02 am - 6:13 am and Sunset 7:58 pm - 7:42 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Okay. Algae is almost completely gone.
North end is crystal clear beyond the weeds last 250 yards to the mouth.
Hilton and Crooked Creek have also cleared.
Water temps in channels like 53F and 70F on top so mucho flow down deep. Find the channel, find the fish looking for food served up by flowing stream sub-surface.
Fishing Conditions: Excellent if you are along the old steam channel in McGee Bay.
The big fish are spread out from the mouth of McGee out to 18 feet of water all along the old channel.
It is an early bite then tough after 9am or go inside near channel for more grabs but not all big fish like outside in 12-plus feet.
Yearly DFG planting has started and tons of dinks are starting to show up in Little Hilton. Get the kids out there for grab-a-minute action.
North end has a bunch of recent stockers that came to visit from the Owens. Some big fish show up occasionally.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing on the lake is definitely on the upswing. We have been doing well in McGee Bay in 15-16 feet of water with Stevie's Wonder gray/black.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) ( www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
Lake Conditions: The current lake level is 84 percent.
The temperature was in the low 70's yesterday afternoon.
Ed Dillard reported that trolling between the boat dock and the dam at 10-12 feet with the Wee Dick Nite Copper Red Head was yielding limits plus.
The fish are still making you work to catch them.
Bank fishing is the slowest, Coot, Eagle Point or Catfish Cove the best bets.
Fly fishing on the North West side, Damsels, Callibaetis, or Woolly Buggers, or anchoring and soaking bait north of the Big Island.
Lake Conditions: The current lake level is 84 percent.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding the best fishing in the early morning and evening hours.
Some are taking fish with spinners and lures while others are catching fish with traditional baits like night crawlers, Power Bait or mini marshmallows.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Largemouth bass and crappie are providing fair action for anglers.
Rainbow trout can be found in the deep water along the dam.

FEATHER RIVER, MIDDLE FORK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing continues to be excellent up at the lake. Reports of catching limits of Rainbow trout, Catfish, and in the streams, Brown trout.
Shore fishing is good at Snallygaster Point, Nightcrawler Bay, and in the channels near Lunker’s Point. Fishermen are saying that early morning is the best time to fish, but late in the afternoon seems to be good also. Nightcrawlers are still the favorite bait, but some fishermen are using marshmallows or Power Eggs along with the nightcrawlers.
The fish seem to go after the garlic or corn flavored bait.
Trolling is good near the dam, and Turkey Point.
Flies being used are Parachute Adams (various sizes), Dark Lord Gold Bead, Crystal Bugger Copper/Brown, Mayfly Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Kaufmann’s Stimulator (Olive).
Lures used are Tasmanian Devils (green and yellow), Rooster Tails (black and green), Dick Nite Copper Red Head, and Kastmasters (various sizes).

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 44 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. The lower flows have not hurt the bite.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Great. Flows at 65 CFS as of 8/11.
Fishing Conditions: Great. Tricos early in the morning, til about 10am.
Then make the switch to Caddis Baetis and PMDs.
Fish Hopper patterns early too, not so much later in the day.
Try streamers in the evening, or even a mouse pattern for a big surprise.

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

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are connecting with 11 to 15 inch fish using the usual varieties of natural bait and Power Bait.
For flyrodders, Hare's Ears, Prince Nymphs, Zug Bugs and Woolly Buggers should all work at one time or another.
As the shadows leave the water in the morning and come back on in the evening the same dry flies as used at Cave Lake should work here.

JAKE'S CREEK (BOISE) RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The aquatic weeds are in full bloom and fishing from shore is difficult.
Your best bet is with a car topper or float tube to get past the weeds to fish.
Once you get past the weeds, expect fishing to be fair for trout and bass.
Anglers can use small minnow imitations, spinners or the usual garden hackle or Power Bait.
Fly fishermen should be using Damsel Nymph patterns, Zug Bugs, Woolly Buggers, Hares Ears or Prince Nymphs.
Early to mid mornings and late evenings will see some surface action on Midges, adult Damsel flies and Mayfly patterns, while terrestrials can be used during most of the day.

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

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 111 CFS. The flow continues to lower and fishing is improving. Try Grant Lake near the Rush Creek inlet with Doc's Twin Lake Special, olive Matukas and olive or black Zonkers.


KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Kirman has been a little tough this past week though most anglers we've talked to have been able to catch at least a few fish for their efforts. 
Streamers still seem to be the way to go with flies, Seal Buggers, Stillwater Nymphs and Matukas are on top of the list. Dropping a soft hackle or ap emerger off the streamers is also very effective.
There have also been some nice fish caught with Thomas Bouyants, Panther Martins and Vibrax lures. 


LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: The striper bite continues to improve from Davis Dam south to the Avi resort. Trout imitations and cut anchovies have been catching fish.
Some anglers have found success for smallmouth bass along the rocky points and riprap shorelines.

LITTLE GRASS VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

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: Great.
Fishing conditions: Great. Stripping streamers working best with a nymph trailer.
Try fishing some stimulators and callibaetis dries at the inlets, you're almost always going to see rising fish there now.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding shad throughout the Boulder Basin, and that is translating into fair to good fishing for striped bass from Burro Point to Boulder Beach to the Vegas Wash area.
Fishing is also good in the Overton Arm near Echo Bay.
The action can be inconsistent at times, but persistence is paying off.
Stripers and catfish are both taking cut anchovies or sardines. The larger stripers are in deep water below the shad and catfish are in coves and bays.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Shad imitations are catching stripers, though the action can be sluggish at times. Fish pushing past the five-pound mark are taking baits south of Cottonwood Cove.
Anglers fishing for largemouth bass are finding some top-water action in the morning hours.
For catfish and panfish work the shallow water in coves.
South of Willow Beach large trout imitations continue to fool striped bass weighing in at 10-pounds or more.
Stocked rainbow trout are hitting a variety of Power Bait and lures.
Go with lightweight line for trout. Four-pound test is generally sufficient.

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.
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 20 fathoms in order to reduce catch and release mortality on yellow eye rockfish.
Anglers reporting good catches of bottom fish when weather is favorable.
However, anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain Cabezon because the quota of 15.8 metric tons will have been met.
Fishing from beaches has been fair for redtail surfperch. 

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 117 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.
Fishing has been better below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 403 CFS.  Flows are up and fishing is still tough. Little yellow stones, Z-Caddis, Prince Nymphs and WD-40's.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions: Great. As of Aug. 11 flows are at 79 CFS above the Hot Creek confluence.
Fishing Conditions: Great. BWO and Tricos early, followed by Caddis and Baetis later.
Fish down below the bridge closer to Crowley for the best results.
Fish dries in the riffles, and Nymphs near deep bank runs.
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: Good. Flows are at 410 CFS as of Aug. 11.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows are finally stabilizing around ~400.
This is a little high, but at least it's consistent.
Fish small Trico spinners early, along with terrestrials along the banks. Seems to shut down around noon to one o’clock.

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 are higher than we have experienced in recent years, but the fishing is good.
There is plenty of room to fish on the Pit these days since the new water conditions have made a tough river to wade, even tougher.
Better anglers are finding good trout fishing by placing flies suspended under indicators in the seams and slower water below the more identifiable boulder gardens.
The River is a good choice!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Closed to cutthroat trout fishing from July 01 through September 30.

RUBY LAKE N.W.R., WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Boaters can now use a gas motor up to 10 hp on the lake.
Fishing for trout is slow with the heat of the summer in place.
Most trout will be found in the collection ditch and hanging out at the springheads in the deeper pools of the main part of the marsh.
More keepers are being caught with anglers averaging around 5 fish caught per keeper.
Many anglers are reporting that surface lures such as poppers are working the best with dark colored soft plastics just doing ok.
Woolly Buggers, Crystal Buggers, leeches, deer hair poppers and Nymphs under an indicator should all work for trout.
Remember, the collection ditch is artificial lures and flies only.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
The best place for Salmon late last week and through Saturday? The mouth of the American, where a nice group of fish pushed through over the course of a few days.
Guys fishing on the pick between the mouth and I Street caught some chromers with sardine wrapped Flatfish and Silvertron spinners.
Now, we’re not sure where those fish are headed: the Feather or higher up the Sac, but if we can continue to get some schools like that on a regular basis, this just may be a pretty nice fall of fishing after all!
Up around Woodson Bridge, there’s been a scratchy bite. If you’re in the right place at the right time and put in your time with plugs and bait, you may get a few grabs.
Red Bluff has been similar: a few fish around, work hard and maybe get a couple. The Barge Hole fished pretty poorly on the opener, with only 7 fish taken by the 40-odd boats that were there…

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Flows are 11,750 CFS. Fishing has been good to great! By mid August, the fishing can get exceptionally good. For now, the Lower Sacramento offers nothing less than a productive experience.
Anglers with a good hook-set are doing best!
Expect rainbow trout in the 16-inch range. They fight hard! Rainbows going over 18-inches are common!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Current river flows near Shasta Lake are 400 CFS.
Perfect wading conditions! The fishing has been best in the morning and later near sunset. Water conditions are cold and clear!
Look for rising rainbow trout in the tail outs of select runs around 10:00 AM. # 16 Elk Hair Caddis can be, should be a good fly for tail out risers! The Nymphing is good as always.
Fishing Nymphs like # 16-18 Gordon's Amber Wing Prince, Fox's Black Micro Poopah, # 18-20 Zebra Midge, # 8 Brown Rubber Legs and Burk's # 8-14 Bottom Rollers should get you into fish.
This river is a great choice and should continue to produce good reports through September!

SAN JOAQUIN, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions: Flows are down to reasonable levels, and the waters starting to warm.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Flows continuing to drop, with fishing improving everyday.

SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The San Joaquin River is dropping and fishing is getting better. My favorite rig here is an orange stimulator with a bead head Pheasant Tail dropper. Fishing is still good at Sotcher Lake with olive Matukas and olive or black Twin Lakes Specials

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 is fair.
The Smith is now open for trout through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing for trout continues to be fair while bass fishing is good. The surface temps are in the mid to high 70's and the trout are in the shallows only early in the morning and head to deeper water the rest of the day. The lake is weedy which is also making fishing difficult.
The spillway is closed and flows are now so low that fishing below the dam is just fair. In fact, it will start weeding up very soon with the low flows in the stream.
Woolly Buggers, leech patterns, gold-ribbed Hare's Ears, Mayfly dries, and terrestrials are all flies that should work.
Spinners, small minnow imitators, spoons, garden hackle and Power Bair are also working below the dam.
Back in the reservoir, bright shiny presentations with quick retrieves are the best bet for wipers, and Chartreuse continues to be the color of choice, though you have to find the wipers first.
Leech patterns, Woolly Buggers, and Nymphs under an indicator should all work for trout. Crawfish patterns fished on muddy or rocky bottoms should also be quite effective.
Damsels have started to hatch, so throw a few Damsel Nymphs at them, especially around the weed beds.
For bait anglers, worms with a marshmallow or Power Bait are working.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
Note: Gene is gone with his son Eric on his annual backpack trip into the back country of the High Sierra Mountains near Mt. Whitney. They will return home to South Lake Tahoe later this week.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Releases out of Lewiston Dam are 450 CFS. The salmon fishing has been great! Fly Shop guide Ross Wilkerson has been fishing on the Trinity and getting into some of the big Kings around Lewiston.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: The winner of our mid-summer fishing derby was Glenn Houchens from Riverside, using yellow glitter Power Bait for his 2-pound, 11-ounce rainbow trout. A blue fox spinner landed Kynzee and Paul Gallegos from Texas a nice 6-pound rainbow.
Lots of stringers coming in on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.
Browns starting to head toward Robinson Creek to spawn, also on the move are the Kokanee.
Water remains high.

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 are producing lots of fish on small spoons and bait these days.
Fish the points and coves either from the shore or near the shore from boats and you should have some good luck.
Power Bait, Power Eggs, crawlers, Thomas Bouyants, Hot Shots and Kastmasters have all been doing well. 


UNION VALLEY 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 great these days as well.
The usual suspects for flies, bait and lures will all produce. These include Seal Buggers, soft hackles, beetles, ants and Matukas for flies, Power Bait, crawlers and Gulp Eggs for bait and Kastmasters and Hot Shots for lures.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) reports:
The Mosquitoes are still here, so don't forget to suck down some B12 and bring a wreath of garlic around your neck, you're gonna need it. 
Weather has been great the entire week, no fire smoke, no clouds, no rain, just "lottsa" great fishing.
Alpers was stocked by the County Enhancement program, and DFG planted in all 3 lakes. Fishing has been exceptional on gold/red Bouyants and with gold/dots, Z-Ray's, red/gold Hot Shot and yellow Roostertails. Kastmasters have also been doing well for those willing to feed the lake metal, but crawlers have been the hot ticket for most of the week.
Tubers are still experiencing cold water from all the snow melt above and there is still snow on the south side of the lake against the mountain. 
Trees are green and the wild iris is in full bloom. 
Wildflowers around the Frog lakes are incredible. 
This is a beautiful time of year if you can afford the trip for excellent fishing and photography. No joke!
 Dave Breiter and Steve Ring had 40 fish days on olive Woolly Buggers, and they are starting to look water logged, the guys, not the Buggers.

Backcountry lakes have been incredible and the trail is almost clear to the top.  Summit Pass has some snow on the east edge of the pass but should be gone in about another week depending on the heat and it has been hot.
Big fish for the week:  
Levi Lynch of Paso Robles caught a 3 lb 13 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 8.1.11.
Christian Swanson of Ramona, 2 lb 7 oz Alpers on Zeke's Sierra Gold 8.2.11. 
Scott Demand of Harbor City, 2 lb 3 oz on a worm 8.3.11. 
Rex Landis of Temecula, 2 lb 4 oz Alpers on Power Bait 8.3.11.
 Elena Braly of Orange, 2 lb 5 oz Alpers on Salmon Peach Power Bait, 8.3.11. 
Nicole Negrete of Chino, 2 lb 3 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 8.3.11. 
Jim Marmor of Chino, 2 lb 2 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 8.4.11. 
Justin Berard of Mission Viejo, 2 lb 3 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 8.3.11. 
Dylan Nakagawa of South Pasadena, 2 lb 7 oz Alpers on Power Worm, 8.4.11. 
Lance Vaughn of Foothill Ranch, 2 lb 2 oz Alpers on a worm, 8.4.11. 
Ed Law of Carson City, 2 lb 8 oz Alpers on corn Power Bait, 8.4.11. 
Pam Lane of Corona, 2 lb 5 oz Alpers on a fly, 8.4.11. 
Troy Leitner and Ryan Erickson of Bishop, 2 lb 2 oz Alpers on a worm, 8.6.11.
Note: All of the fish listed above were caught at Little Virginia Lake.

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, 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 running at about 305 CFS today and it's been right around that for a few days now.
The fishing has been pretty good down there with lots of fish being caught in the 14 to 22 inch range.
The most successful method has been Nymphing lately, but we have had a few really good reports on streamers, dries and dry/droppers as well.
There are many patterns that have been working down there including Buckskin Caddis, Fox's Poopah, La Fontaines Caddis, 3-wire Caddis, rainbow warriors, WD-40's, Flashback Emergers, silver streaks, disco Midges, tailwater tinies, dead drift crawfish, Zuddlers, double bunnies, chubby Chernobyl, Madam x and rubberleg stimulators.
The Rosachi section in Nevada has also had some good action with chubby Chernobyls, dead drift crayfish and stoneflies. 

West Walker River: We've had some killer reports from the West this week! 
Lure anglers and bait anglers are doing the best.
Fly anglers will need to fish wet as the water temps haven't really increased enough for the dry action to take off. 
Panther Martins and Kastmasters doing well for lures, eggs and crawlers for bait and Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs and Birds Nests for flies. 
Sceirine Ranch:
The ranch has fished very well this weekend, lots of fish over 20 inches coming out to play.
Chubby Chernobyls, stoneflies, dark lords, dead drift crayfish have been working well along with various Midge and Caddis Nymph patterns.
Now that the flows are lower the ranch is getting booked up a week or more in advance so give a call ahead of time if you want a slot down there!
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:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  Good. Up, down, up, down . . . Flows at 321 CFS as of Aug. 11.
Fishing Conditions: Good. Prime flows usually lead to prime crowds. Get there early!

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River: Most recent flow 309 CFS. The river has been up and down this last week but fishing well.
Try red or black Midge pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and Prince Nymphs. 
             

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

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Trout fishing is fair to good, especially for the heat of the summer.
The south end is showing a lot of algae and surface temperatures are in the low 70's. That being said, when you can find pockets of clear water with 8 to 10 feet of depth in the south end, trout are being caught during the morning. About 11 a.m., they start heading for deeper cooler water.
A few perch have shown in the creel near Goose Island at the south end.
Most shore anglers are using Power Bait, though a few are using hardware or worms. Shore anglers should look for steeper banks where the water gets deeper quicker so that they can reach the deeper water that the trout head to during the heat of the day.
Trollers fishing for trout are using small sets of flashers or cowbells with a trailing spinner, crankbaits or tipped with a worm.
Even though the lake hasn't been spilling for several weeks, fishing continues to be good in the river below the dam using the usual assortment of dry flies, ass well as Hare's Ears, olive bead head Crystal Buggers, and brown Woolly Buggers for flies and Panther Martins and other small spinners for spin fishermen.
For bass in the reservoir, use soft plastics such as Senkos, rigged either wacky style or Texas style, as well as crankbaits.
For trout, fly rodders should use large presentations like Damselfly Nymphs, Hare's Ears, Woolly Buggers and leech patterns, while minnow imitations and spinners work well for hard baits. Damsels are hatching, so Damsel fly Nymphs should be used near any weed beds.
Bait anglers should stick to the tried and true garden hackle and Power Bait.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Very little change here as fishing has been fair to good.
The lake is no longer spilling.
Fishing is fair from shore, but the best area still appears to be between the boat ramp and the dam.
The usual worms and Power Bait are both working, though with the worms, you will want to float them off of the bottom.
The same flies and hardware used at South Fork should work here.
Bass fishing is fair to good. Try hitting the willows south of the boat ramp or on the far side of the lake with soft plastics rigged weedless.

Photo information: Jerry Popovich from Fountain Valley, Calif. with his 2.1 lb. rainbow trout caught on Power Bait near the inlet at Convict Lake, Calif.
Photo courtesy of the Convict Lake Resort