Don Q's fishing report for week of Jan. 22-28, 2014

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. 22-28, 2014.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are still reporting very good catches, some rainbows and browns both through bank fishing and trolling.  
Courtesy of Fish Sniffer.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is frozen and the road is snow covered. Travel isn’t recommended and there will not be a report on this lake until next spring.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Road closed.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level is very low at 24 percent capacity. 
Ice thickness by Dam is about 7 inches and some nice Browns and lots of rainbows being caught!  Ice fishing isn't for everyone so if it's your first time out be prepared and be careful! 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Road closed.

CARSON RIVER, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
ICE and very low flows.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East:
Upstream from Hangman's Bridge, closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Carson River West:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing was good early in the week, but has slowed as water dropped and cleared. Lots of steelhead are in the river, anglers will need to adapt their presentations to the conditions.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of the J &J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
January 19
Ice Update:
Large area of open water west of the Big Island. Folks were fishing in the dam area yesterday. No report on the thickness of the ice.
At Mallard towards the South the ice was about 4inches on Wednesday. Towards the North side it is opening up.
Fishing is slow, but patience is paying off.
Nice fish are being caught, just not in large numbers.
Lake level is 64 percent. 
Remember the ice is not officially monitored. 
It is up to you to decide if it is safe or not.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing action remains good for ice anglers using night crawlers, mealworms or Power Bait. The ice is about eight to 12 inches thick over most of the lake. Fish are averaging between 12 and 13 inches in length.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The only fishable ice has been close to the dam. Ice conditions are questionable with open water and very thin ice throughout much of the lake. NDOW and State Parks strongly encourage anglers to use extreme caution.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Still hearing reports of fair catches with many methods, such as bait
fishing, trolling and casting.
Fishermen report that stripers have been caught here recently.  
Courtesy of MyOutDoorBuddy.Com.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice fishing has been doing very well. Use extreme caution when fishing this lake. The ice at the Dam is around 8” thick.
The north end is completely frozen.
Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the Friday before Labor Day, 2014.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 3 CFS. Fishing is tough. Best chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
There is limited water to fish here although access to the area remains very good.  Look for the deepest pools-check out the area just below the hatchery called the “interpretive” site.  Not a place you want to spend a day on, and it becomes crowded with 4 anglers.  Keep driving if you see a few cars by the kiosk. The bulk of HC’s fish winter here and DFG survey’s show this is the most densely populated section of HC. 
Dry/dropper’s, streamers, swinging soft hackles, all will get grabs. 
You can’t fish Mammoth Creek this time of year so I suggest you do not cross and stay on the HC side of the river. Hit the deep holes and slots in the canyon, weeds are unfortunately still an issue in the prime riffles.
Midges and mayflies-smaller sizes are the standard.  Try a crystal scud, or a SJ worm and roe pattern to spice it up on the cooler days.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

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 Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishermen are reporting steelhead are making a move into the upper Klamath. The fishing has been fair. Expect to catch 1-3 fish.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
ICE.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Trout action has been light from Davis Camp through the casino area down to Big Bend State Park. Those who are catching the fish are using night crawlers and small spinners.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The water level is low. The best time to fish is mid day.
It has been fair for smaller Rainbows.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have had great success netting the threadfin and gizzard shad throughout the Vegas Wash area. Unfortunately, the abundance of shad may also explain the lack of bite some anglers have been reporting. Don’t get discouraged as persistence will pay off.
Anglers are reeling in both striped bass and catfish from the 33 Hole area. Live shad are taking the fish. If trolling, try working the bait down deep where some of the larger fish may be holding.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The striper bite has been light but trolling deep may bring success.
Largemouth can be found in the back of coves and may take dark plastics or jigs. The catfish bite has been decent in most coves, especially at night on cut baits.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is open at all depths until April 1. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two).
Retention of cabezon is not allowed until July 1.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The winter bite is here. The word is ramps are closed except Bidwell at this time so please check before heading out.  
Anglers are reporting the Bass are deep. You need to be starting at 25-40 feet below the surface.
Courtesy of The Fishhound.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 66 CFS. The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year. Some larger lake fish showing up here and there. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available.
Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow around 100 CFS. Fishing is  good with the spring like weather. Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. Not much surface action.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Morning temps much better today. It was only zero when we started! Ice was out of the guides by 9:30. 
Heavy traffic here, these fish are getting wise.  Bite was very good early and slowed as the sun got higher. Some smaller fish showing in the mix also.  Conditions remain excellent. The fish are holding along the deeper undercut banks and depressions behind bottom structure.  Anything 4 feet or deeper may hold a fish or two.
Some of the hens have their dropped eggs & I have seen some pretty beat up bucks the last couple of days. 
I do not think it’s over but the run may have peaked.
There is decent midge activity; however they are very small and clusters or parachute patterns will do the job. A few fish rising around 2 pm.
I saw the first mayflies in quite a while, maybe the beginning? 
Crystal leeches, egg imitations, San Juan Worms, Assassins, broken back midges #18, olive crystal zebras,& flashback pheasant tails are good for nymphing.  The fish are very spooky, keep low and walk slow!
Middle Owens River:
Our drift boat trips are doing well with many rainbows being caught in the 2-3 lb class while fishing streamers with a light sinking tip.
The weather has been incredible with near 70 & light winds.  Looks like another dry and warm week headed for the Owens Valley.
Spruce-A-Bu’s, Loebergs, Crystal Leeches, Agent Orange, & Punk Perch olive are all getting takes.
Wading the MO continues to be very good for numbers. 
Tandem nymph rigs with flashback PT’s, assassin bird’s nest, & crystal tiger or zebra midges will get you downs below your Under-Cator.
There is sporadic surface action on midge clusters and some first generation blue winged olive mayflies.
Flows remain at 75 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir, the LADWP gauge remains inaccurate at times.
The Lower Owens River is now being designated as the “Middle Owens” due to re-watering of the section below Tinemaha Reservoir down to the Owens Dry Lake several years ago.
This has been deemed the LORP, or Lower Owens River Project. 
The mid-Owens is around Bishop Ca.

PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish.
Mealworms or nightcrawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Has dried up.
Blue Lakes:
Closed.
Knott Creek Reservoir:
Closed.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The weather has been warm for this time of year which has made for good fishing conditions. We are hearing that the best time to catch is late morning into the afternoon. This river is pretty remote so please be prepared in case a cold front moves in on you.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR AND THE GORGE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
This is the only year around still water open in Inyo or Mono Counties.
It is also the most heavily planted year around fishery in the Sierra. 
The transition area is choked with heavy weed beds-more than I have ever seen. The level is very high and you will find only limited access near the inlet section. It pretty much sucks here right now in this section.
The short creek section is fishing well in the deeper pools & runs.
Midge patterns and smaller mayflies are good choices for nymphing or dry/dropper combos in both areas. 
FREEZE tubing has been the most consistent currently.
Still water nymphing can be productive along the drop-offs on the west side in 9-12 feet.
The mild winter weather has the rainbows and browns here on the chew by late morning.
Tiger midges, gillies, crystal pupa and emergers are hard to beat here fished below an Under-cator.
If the wind picks up use a broken back tiger as the lower. 
Small Assassin birds nest work well for imitating the mayfly nymphs, use these under a stimulator or hi-vis para Bwo as your indicator. Streamer tuggers have a full sinking or heavy sink tip line. Loebergs, Agent Orange, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you grabs near the inlet and launch ramp areas.
The Gorge:
The Gorge has very low flows due to work being on the hydro plants.
The wild browns are holding in the deepest holes and significant dry fly action has been dropped off the last couple weeks even though the weather has been near perfect for this area. 
Dry/dry, or dry dropper bead head rigs using small mayfly and crystal olive caddis nymphs are good choices. 
Fish are small and scrappy here, but plentiful in the middle and upper area of the lower sections. You need to be able to hike and rock hop. Waders are a must, studs & a staff will help immensely.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 18% capacity and ice thickness at dam is about 7-8 inches. 
Ice fisherman can expect to catch rainbows and possibly a smallie and like Boca please use common sense and be equipped for the conditions.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Shore fishing and trolling are both reported to be slow.

ROCK CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
ICE.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions are perfect. Fishermen report good water conditions which has made for good fishing from Redding to Red Bluff. 
Afternoon hours seem to be the best time right now.
Anglers are reporting that steelhead can be caught below Anderson.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Reports are the river conditions are great for this time of the year.
Try fishing the shadow areas around the trees.
Fishermen are reporting fair catches mid day.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
JD Richey of JD Richey Guided Sportfishing (916-952-1554) (www.fishwithjd.com) Reports:

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Even though the lake level is very low you can still plan to catch fish up to two pounds.
Check for which areas are closed to launching due to the low water.  
Westernbass.com.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
Frozen, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS CLOUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
ICE.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Some nice macks are always cruising around the dam this time of year so if you can get out, do. 
Access here is very limited so if you must try please usE caution!

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
It is cold in the valleys but pleasant at Lake Tahoe. Still, it is cold and icy at the boat ramps and the window of good fishing is expected to be in late morning and early afternoon for the big Mackinaw trout.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of limits of small to average sized Mackinaw Trout caught at the north end of the lake in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has not been easy. The numbers are below normal. Fishermen are reporting that catching steelhead has been tricky. Some are catching a couple fish, while others catch nothing at all.
Courtesy of Fish Trinity Lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some fishermen are reporting a tough time of it while others are doing fair. The fish count is definitely down.  
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 20, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Trinity River steelhead fishing is awesome. 5 to 10 fish hooked and landed, a day, on average.
Fishing daily, now is time for steelhead fishing.
We are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well.
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new updates. No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lakes since 2009.
Launching is not possible right now.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
It is winter on the East Walker.
The California section is closed to fishing until spring.
The Nevada side is open but ice and low flows makes fishing very, very difficult. Current brown trout study is going on and researchers are requesting information on tagged fish including color (to determine if wild or hatchery) and location where fish was caught. .

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
January 18, 2014 
The East us running at about 31 CFS right now but the weather has still been pretty mild so there's no ice or anything down there.
There hasn't been much traffic down there lately, just a handful of anglers each week.
There's been some good action with small midges and nymphs, a little action with streamers and some spotty action with dries.
The best time of day to fish right now is usually from about 10am to 3pm, depending on the weather and temperatures.
The water is low, typical for this time of year, so you want to search out the deeper pools and runs and focus on them, sometimes (also depending on the weather) there will be some fish holding in shallower water so keep your eyes open for this.
Patterns to try include: flashback emerger, biot midge, wd-40, zebra midge, top secret midge, rainbow warrior, copper john, dark lord, san juan worm, para adams, BWO, blue dun, zuddler, moal leech, zonker and JJ special.
Sceirine Ranch:
January 18, 2014
Haven't had anyone on the ranch lately, should be fishing pretty much like the Cali side though often this time of year the streamer action is even better down there! Give us a call if you want some time on the ranch!!  
Hunewill Pond:
The pond if frozen now, we'll start checking in March or so and let you know when it thaws!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow  is currently 34 CFS. Fishing is tough and you may encounter ice in the channel. Midge patterns ,baetis emergers and pheasant tails.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
It can be wicked cold in the shadows of the canyon this time of year.  Below zero is pretty normal here, & it will remain freezing until the sun gets well above the rim. 
Flows remain pretty good considering the lack of water in Bridgeport Reservoir. They are averaging 34 CFS. We have fingers and toes crossed for a big dump of snow in February!
The best area to fish currently is water close to the dam.  Look for the deeper pools and use punk perch, crystal leeches, broken back midges, & ham & eggs (SJ worms and glow bugs) while nymphing. 
2-3 more weeks and we will see the first significant BWO hatches.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
A report that on November 6, 2013, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife announced that the West Walker River has been designated for winter fishing, from the confluence with the Little Walker River (Hwy. 395 Bridge at mile marker 96), north to the inlet of Topaz Lake, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April.
These new regulations go into effect on March 1st, 2014.
Along with these new dates, the winter fishing regulations are as follows: Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used for catch and release only, zero daily bag and possession limit.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing this lake is very difficult even for the veterans. There seems to be a code of silence when it comes to fishing this lake. Trial and error, and a whole lot of patience is the key to ultimate success here.
Courtesy of MyOutdoorBuddy.com.

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