Don Q's Fishing Report for week of Jan. 9-15

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Jan. 9.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road has been closed for the season, so there will be no more fishing reports for Angel Lake until it opens next spring.

BIG SPRINGS RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the last day in February 2013.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road is closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
A report that there is about 10 inches of ice with a top layer of hardened snow/softer ice on top, of about 12 inches.
Catching planter sized rainbows near the spillway.

CARSON RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013, above Hangman's Bridge.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Cave lake is ice covered with 7 to 9 inches of ice and fishing has been good.
Earlier this week a group of 4 anglers caught 30 fish in just a little over an hour using Power Bait.
Most anglers are catching 8 to 10 inch fish using natural baits or Power Bait.
Don’t forget the Fire and Ice show the weekend of January 18th through the 20th and the Rotary Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 26. For more information go to http://www.elynevada.net/events/fireice.html on the web.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK. CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir has frozen over, and the average thickness of the ice is about four to five inches.
Anglers are encouraged to use extreme caution when venturing onto the ice.
One fisherman has been catching rainbow trout while using night crawlers and a small piece of marshmallow while fishing from the dock.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir has frozen over but the ice may not yet be thick enough yet to support anglers. Check with rangers before going onto the ice.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers report fair fishing near the Wildlife Area.
They have been finding some Steelhead in that area.
Courtesy of Fishing with JD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
01/07/13
Ice fishing is going well at Frenchman Lake. There is 6 or more inches of thick white ice on the lake.
The road to the dam in open.
We had quite a few fishermen this past weekend.
They are having success using nightcrawlers, power bait and jigs.
Please call us for updates on the conditions at Frenchman Lake and don’t forget to stop in for your 2013 fishing license.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is ice covered but no report of thickness or of any anglers fishing.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is frozen over, but no report on ice thickness, though with the recent cold weather it should be fine. However, as with any water without an ice report you should venture on it only after making sure that the ice is thick enough to support you. Due to the low water, this small reservoir was not stocked and so trout fishing will probably only be fair.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is great on upper sections of Klamath River near Iron Gate Dam.
Good water conditions can be found all the way down towards Humbug Creek Rd; beyond Humbug expect dirtier, darker water conditions that are not ideal for fishing.
Try using egg patterns in shrimp pink, Salmon-Egg, and steelhead orange.
A good fly to have on the Klamath is Pat’s Brown Rubber Leg.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
The Colorado River is providing good action for those who are willing to brave the chilly temperatures.
According to the folks at Rusty’s Riviera Marina, stocked rainbow trout seem to be schooling. So when you locate a prime spot stick with it.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Improved weather conditions should make for decent fishing reports of big rainbows by the dam. Stripping leeches, buggers and # 16 mayfly nymphs near the marina could make for a great day of fishing.
HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers continue to find success for striped bass in the Vegas Wash area but the action has slowed in recent days. Cut anchovies seem to be the bait of choice but plastic shad imitations are also getting a lot of action.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are also still hanging around. They too are keying in on shad lookalikes.
Reminder to boaters:
In an effort to hinder the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), as of Jan. 1 all motorized and non-motorized vessels able to retain water are now required to obtain and display an AIS decal.
Details can be obtained from an NDOW office or through the agency’s website, www.ndow.org.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
An eight-year old boy reeled in a seven-pound striped bass at Willow Beach over the weekend. He was fishing with an AC Plug.
Further south anglers have been picking up a few smallmouth and largemouth bass while fishing grass beds in 20 to 30 feet of water.
The weather has been nice out on the lake with water temperatures a little on the cooler side at 50 degrees.

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:
The Pit River is not a good option due to snow and wind this week.
Check back next week to see if the weather conditions have changed.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
A report of cold, snowy weather, but good shore fishing with Cutthroat Trout up to 10 pounds.

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The south marsh, most of the ponds and much of the collection ditch are iced over with about two inches of ice.
Harrison pass is closed, so use Secret Pass, though the road through Ruby Valley is snow packed but in good shape.
Fishing was fair on New Year’s Day for numbers but good for size with fish from 16 to 25 inches being taken where the brown dike enters the south marsh and in the pond behind the hatchery.
Chironomids, blood midges and hares ears were working.
From now until mid-March fishing is generally just fair for numbers, but good for size as the larger fish come out of the marsh and cruise the ditch and some of the oxbows and ponds for food.
Buggers, dragon and damsel fly nymphs, hare’s ears and small chironomids should all work.
The collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing this week is expected to be great, water conditions are clearing.
Anglers using egg patterns in shrimp-pink, orange blends, #6-8 Rubber Legs, #12-14 PT Nymphs are having success.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing:
As of January 5, 2013, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding, water is clear at the Posse Grounds and catching Rainbows in the Redding area. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report is excellent, including several steelhead, fishing is epic! FANTASTIC!
Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14. 
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today.
We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California fly fishing
for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
High water flow makes for difficult fishing conditions. Although a lot of snow, Dunsmuir reported more workable conditions.
Bring # 6-8 black or brown rubber legs, # 14 PT nymphs, # 18-20 midge patterns, and # 18 Parachute Adams too.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
STURGEON ON THE UPSWING
The muddy water coming down the rivers from the deluge will surely spark the sturgeon bite in the upper ends of San Pablo Bay. Before the weather, pal Jay Lopes of Right Hook Sportfishing was doing really well. With the freshwater outflows, the bite will switch from roe to eel and shrimp.
The offshore boats look like they may be able to get outside the gate this weekend for crab and rockfish but long trips to the Islands and Fanny Shoals will probably be out of the question due to wind.

SAN JOAQUINN/RED'S MEADOW, CALIF:
Road is now closed for the season.
Reopens by 4th of July weekend usually.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
January 5, 2012 Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. Some days have been better than others, but still catching Rainbow trout. We are catching mostly Rainbow Trout on the surface and also about 40 feet deep. The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
Anglers, book now for the Spring Break.
Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout & salmon.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers have been reporting catching rainbow trout this week.
They seem to be near the surface and at 40 ft. around the Dry Creek area.
Try using Wiggle Hoochies or Cripp Lures.
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing. 
Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller.

SMITH RIVER AND CHETCO RIVER:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
We are fishing for steelhead now. January, Februar , & March are the 
prime months to catch monster Steelhead on the Smith River.
Steelhead fishing on the Chetco is great. The catch has been good 
averaging 2 to 4 fish per day, depending on level of experience of angler.
All day trips, with amazing views, and catching nicebright steelies.
It's time to go steelhead fishing on the Chetco River and Smith River.
Book today by calling or email.
For accommodations for lodging we suggest staying in Smith River, California or Brookings, Oregon when steelhead fishing the Smith River or Steelhead fishing the Chetco River.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
As of Thursday, South Fork, unlike Wild Horse, was completely covered with about three inches of ice though in a few spots it was four inches.
With the current cold temperatures ice should be getting thicker and soon may be safe enough to fish on, though this lake is notorious for ice that is six inches thick in one area and only a couple of inches a few feet away due to currents and springs.
There are pressure ridges and some very slick open spots, so give it another week before venturing on.
Once the ice is safe, trout fishing is expected to be good.


TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The Opener of the 2013 season was pretty good, but not a lot of people.
For the first week, there were a total of 19 tagged fish caught and of those, 13 were caught on Opening Day. There were 12 fish turned in that weighed over 2 pounds with the biggest being 4.6 pounds.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great for some tough for others.
Highway 299 is snowy and icy so be careful, and check road conditions before heading out. Some boat ramps are buried in snow, and are possible to launch from as long as you have snow tires and 4 wheel drive.
Suspending Nymphs under an indicator, stripping buggers and leeches, swinging muddlers or PT nymphs will get hook ups.
As of 12/16: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive.
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:
January 5, 2012 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS.
RED HOT STEELHEAD FISHING ON THE TRINITY RIVER.
Picking up nice Steelhead. Steelhead Fishing is fantastic! 
Red hot, Excellent fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is fishing very well.
With 12 to 18 hook ups a day now. 
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns.
Egg patterns working better in the morning hours, then turning to flies later in the day. Steelhead in early morning in shallow riffles and the later in the afternoon, steelhead are moving into the deep holes. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well.
We are fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River from now through the month of March.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lake since 2009. Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wild Horse now has six to eight inches of ice covering it along with about four or five inches of snow. However, in areas, the snow has blown away leaving very slick ice, so anglers may want to take along some crampons or other non-slip devices if walking on these areas.
Fishing has been good for trout 15 to 20 inches with an occasional 24-inch monster being caught. Most of the trout are being caught in six to eight feet of water and within about 20 yards of shore.
The usual worms and Power Bait are working as are jigs tipped with worms, waxworms or shrimp.
The further you get from shore, the thinner the ice, so few anglers have ventured onto the middle of the lake after perch. One perch has been reported and it was caught after dark.
The ice skating rink up and families are encouraged to bring their skates.
The overnight low on Thursday was -24 degrees, so dress appropriately!

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers. The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is poor for the warm water species here, and with few trout in this lake, there will be no new reports on this water until spring.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No recent report and with the snowy weather, expect bad roads that are 4WD only. There should be ice forming at Wilson, but as this lake often parallels South Fork for both ice formation and fishing conditions, expect it to be unsafe at this time.

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