Don Q's fishing report for week of Feb. 6-12

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 Feb. 6-12.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
As I predicted the last little storm front that moved through, with its winds and warmer temperatures, did in fact take care of the ice that had skinned over the eastern basin of Lake Almanor.
We hit the water today to check out the lake, put some hours on the new 9.9 Yamaha kicker motor and fine tune some new electronics; oh yeah and do a little fishing! I covered a fair amount of water from the dam all the way up to Big Cove and back, seeing very little ice in the process.
Basically the ice is confined to the backs of the coves and in shady areas that get very little sun.
The water is up but I noticed very little debris floating around the lake on our cruise, just a few small branches floating on the surface, that said it is always a good idea to keep your eyes up looking for it this time of year.
We never made it around the Peninsula to check out the water in the north west basin but sources tell me there is still quite a bit of ice up that way which is typical for the lake while we are in this colder winter pattern.
There were about a dozen people fishing from the shore at the ramp and Geritol Cove but I only heard a few stories of success.
Like I said we did manage to wet a few lines while out on this working cruise and were rewarded with some rainbow action on Rapalas and orange Arctic Fox trolling flies from the surface to 15 feet. The fish were a nice bonus but not the focus of the trip, that, however, that is all about to change.
Those of you who have fished with me in the past know how good this winter bite can be and I plan to take advantage of it. Stay tuned for more information as this bite develops and goes into full swing.
In other news, the situation of the Canyon Dam launching facility and the boat dock that had been removed sounds like it is still a little up in the air.
You may recall the dock was removed last month due to safety concerns and at one point the powers that be decided that the facility's access road and parking lot would not be maintained during the winter months.
Here is the latest: The road and parking lot are being plowed allowing access to both shore based anglers as well as people wishing to launch boats on the ramp without the use of a dock.
I spoke with a representative from the US Forest Service who told me plans for a new replacement dock are in the works but at this point they were not sure if it was going to be replaced by the Forest Service or Cal Boating and Waterways. The best time line they could give me was that there would be a dock in place no later than the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May.
My hope is that it will be replaced earlier but I guess we will just have to wait and see.
For you north state anglers and sportsmen The Nor-Cal Sport Boat and RV show is just about a month away so mark your calendars for March 1-3 at the Shasta District Fairgrounds. Stop by my booth in the Shasta Hall and say hello, check out pictures and videos from the 2012 season and book 2013 trips with Show Special discounts. I will also be hosting a seminar each day, revealing tips and tricks to being successful at Lake Almanor during the winter and spring. I look forward to seeing you there.

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.

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.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing has been fair to good, depending on river conditions.
Boat anglers side drifting small clusters of eggs or yarn balls seems to be producing the best.
Bank anglers have also been enjoying some success either plunking spin and glows or drifting some eggs.
Bank access on the Chetco River is really good, with some of the most popular spots being Social Security, Loeb State Park and Ice Box.
February is an excellent month on the river as there are still a lot of steelhead around and fewer anglers.
In 2013 ODFW is collecting angler caught steelhead broodstock for the hatchery program on the Chetco River.
Anglers fishing the river may notice that some adult steelhead are being held in drift boat live boxes or in river live boxes.
Anglers retaining steelhead for this program must be signed up through ODFW. Anglers interested in this program or would like more information can contact the ODFW Gold Beach Field Office (541-247-7605) for more information.
ODFW does not maintain a hatchery facility on the Chetco River and all adult steelhead must be captured from the Chetco River and hauled to Elk River Hatchery to be spawned. Once the eggs hatch, steelhead juveniles are reared to about 1 year old before being returned to the Chetco River as smolts that will then head to the ocean.

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.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com" www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
The ice fishing is good. The ice is reported to be about 12 inches and solid.
Remember, it is up to you to decide if the ice is safe or not.

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 good Steelhead fishing below the Outlet and in the Low Flow area. Anglers have been successful using spinner, smelt patterns, and night crawlers. Steelhead are going after emerging Salmon Fry.
Courtesy of JD Richey.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
The ice at Frenchman is still nice and thick even though we have had a few very nice days lately.
Many people ventured up this past weekend. Most have been fishing at the dam using worms and jigs.
The road around the lake is still not accessible without a snowmobile.
When you come out to Frenchman Lake, please stop in to say hi and let us know how the fishing was. We would be happy to take a picture of the fish you catch and mention you in our weekly fishing report.
Call us for updates and current lake conditions

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The 2013 fishing season opens on Saturday, February 09.

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

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

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:
Water conditions are good great for steelhead fishing.
Good fishing should continue into March.
Recommendations for this week include Shafer's 3-D, Pat's Rubber Legs, #12-14 Prince Nymphs, Red Copper Johns, Shrimp Pink Micro Spawns and a selection of Boles Bazookas.
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.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steady callibaetis hatches are making for great fishing.
Rainbows are rising to the warmer temperatures.
Recommendations from anglers include # 16-18 Pseudo Mays, Lightnin's Biot Baetis in # 16-18, Zebra Midges in various colors # 16-18. Callibaetis. 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
The 2013 fishing season opens on Saturday, February 09.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers report doing well near the bank for small spotted bass.
Go deeper into water 25-30ft to get better quality fish.
Try using minnow patterns and finesse jigs.
Warmer water above 47˚ will get more bites.
Courtesy of Huntington Sportman's.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are improving still muddy due to snow run off.
Fishing is good midday. Anglers report doing well using #6-8 dark colored stonefly patterns, and #12 PT nymphs.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Fishing Guides: Ted Fay Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Caption Compassion of Minden reports:
It was a beautiful winter day at Pyramid. It started out in the mid 20s and by 0800 the gloves and over coat were off. The sun was bright and the winds light. Too bad the fishing wasn't better.
Arrived at 0615 at Block House and was shortly joined by Bigdewy.
I fished with him until 1300 and we managed three LCT to 24 inches between us.
It was slow for everyone both on the shore and in boats.
Lots of fish were showing but few hitting.
Need a little more weather, a little less moon and warmer water.
Duane it was nice fishing with you for the first time this year.
We shall see better days. Hope you add to the total after I left. It was a beautiful spring-like day. I needed that.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Great fishing reported this week on the “Sac”.
Water conditions are improving; dark to green.
Anglers recommend "Pat's Rubber Legs, #14-16 Amber Wing Princes, Zack's Zalvins, Mercer's Sac Fry and various orange or pink egg patterns.
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 February 4, 2013, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead.
Anderson area, Bonneyview down has been the best bet.
Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding, fly fishing for rainbows picked up this weekend, fishing good.
Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14. 
Anderson is the most productive at the moment. 
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:
Great water conditions this week. Water flows 1500 CFS from Dunsmuir to Shasta Lake. Snow pack can make access more difficult but for the dedicated angler not a bad choice.
Fly suggestions would include Mercer's #6 Poxyback Dark Stone, Zack's Thurmanator Dark Stone, Amber Wing Prince Nymphs in varying sizes. 

Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

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:
February 4, 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 fishing & salmon fishing.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Clear weather and good water conditions make for good fishing on the lake.
The best bite tends to be along the rocky outcroppings and points.
Anglers have been successful using spinner baits, rip baits and jigs.
The Bass are biting on crayfish.
Upper arms of the lake are posing difficultly due to run off and debris from summer fires.
Courtesy of Rich Tubbs. 
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:
February 4, 2013
Smith River Steelhead fishing report
Catch big steelhead on the Smith River and Chetco River.
We are fishing for steelhead now. February & March. Now is the time 
to catch monster Steelhead on the Smith River.
Rain is here, great for steelhead fishing.
Steelhead fishing on the Chetco is good.
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 nice bright steelhea.
BOOK TODAY, steelhead fishing on the Chetco River and Smith River, February & March are the Prime months.
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.

LAKE TAHOE:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Line Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
We fished Lake Tahoe four days this week, earlier in the week we were blown off the water early due to high winds.
Fishing for Mackinaw on the East Side of the lake in 30 feet of water, with the water temperature averaging 38 to 40 degrees.
The bite has been pretty consistent for the Mack’s, averaging two to five pounds and using Spoons and F16 Rapala’s.
Saturday we were fishing off Dollar Point and caught some nice bright Rainbows trolling Orange and Gold Broken Back Rapala’s and Uncle Larry’s Black Perch tipped with 2” Brown Grubs.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Chuck Fields of the Topaz Lake Marina (775-266-3550) reports:
The ice is just coming off.
Today was the first day that a boat has been on the water in a month.
You can fish from shore.
The fishing has been slow.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Good reports are coming out of Trinity Center for trout fishing.
Most areas are difficult to access due to snow.
Courtesy of John Grey.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Good fishing this week with sunny skies and clear water, morning and sunset best times for the bite.
Steelhead numbers have begun to pick up.
Series of emerging hatches expected any day.
Anglers have been getting results Solitude Golden Stone in #8, #6 Black Rubber Legs and purple #14-16 Psycho Prince.
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:
February 4, 2013 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. 
Picking up nice Steelhead. Steelhead Fishing is good.
Rain helped bring up new fish, with 8 to 12 hook ups. 
Fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point. This is Trinity River steelhead fishing time. 
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns.
Fly fishing is producing the most steelhead now, over any other technique.
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, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
The East is still running at 33 cfs even though we’ve had some warmer weather this past couple weeks.
There haven’t been too many anglers down there lately that we know of but the ones we’ve been able to talk with have been doing pretty well.
The fish are of course holding up in the deeper pools this time of year so you’ll be passing up some water that’s just not holding fish right now.
When you get to fishing those deeper pockets there will be fish stacked up in there pretty good!
Small midge patterns have been the best thing going though there are periods of time when you can do well with small dries.
Haven’t heard much about streamers lately but sometimes dead-drifting a zuddler, zonker or bugger can be productive this time of year. Patterns to try include flashback emergers, zebra midge, wd-40, micro mayfly, top secret midge, blood midge, san juan worm, para adams, blue wing olive.

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.

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.

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