Fishing Report for Week of February 9-16

Here is the greater Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Cascade and Northern California fishing report through Feb. 16, 2011.

BLUE LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reported: The road is closed for the winter.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209) 258-8888
www.capleslakeresort.com reported: 12 inches of new snow January 30! You could be X-country skiing or snowshoeing on Caples Lake and up the mountain. The lake has 2 feet of ice under the 2 feet of snow! People have been on the Lake ice since Christmas.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The ice is safe at Cave Lake. Fishing has been good for 10 to 12 inch fish using natural baits and Power Bait suspended below the ice.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported: Low and clear. Steelhead are throughout the system.
Anglers fishing smaller baits and lighter line are doing the best.
Boat and bank angling pressure has been high.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
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.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Action remains slow though anglers are managing to pull a few rainbow and tiger trout through seven to eight inches of ice.
Power Bait and worms are catching most of the fish.
Daytime temperatures remain cold, reaching only the low 30s.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The ice is beginning to melt near the north end of the reservoir.
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Small lures or spinners may be productive in the open water near the bridge.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
The first sign of stripers has occurred in the lower river, near Verona where there have been a few bass caught lately.
But most of the fishing pressure on the river has been up top on steelhead. Feather River steelhead fishing remains fair up in town. Most fishermen are getting a fish or two, but the fish are feeling the pressure and are therefore tougher to catch.
The water upriver has cleared with a slight green tint with about 6-1/2 feet of visibility and temp in the Low Flow has been between 47 and 50 degrees.
Traditional upriver steelhead techniques have been working for both Fly and Spin anglers.
Fly fishers are using a variety of nymphs and wet flies, salmon fry patterns, Caddis, Mayfly, or Stonefly Nymphs, fished on light line 4x or 5x, leaders underneath a strike indicator, with split shot.
Sunny weather and warmer air temps have started some Blue wing olive Mayflies, Midges and a few Caddis to begin hatching and anglers should key on this hatch, using small size 14 to 16 Nymphs, like Pheasant Tails, or Birds Nest to entice a strike from steelies feeding on the emerging insects.
Spincasters have been catching fish on ‘crawlers, eggs, Glo Bugs and small spinners or Kastmasters. Berkeley Gulp Trout worms have been effective baits in the pink colors, either rigged to drift, or cast on a small jig head. One angler reported catching and releasing two nice steelhead while drifting Gulp worms under a float, below the hatcher.y
Catches on the Feather lately averaged 2 to 3 pounds, with fish up to 6 pounds with an occasional larger adult to 10 pounds being hooked.
Courtesy of Craig Bentley and JD Richey.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530) 993-4683 reported:
The ice at the dam is about five to seven inches thick, but it is getting slushy on top. BE CAREFUL! 
Fishermen are catching their limits of rainbow trout at the dam.
Using nightcrawlers, they are catching rainbow trout about average in size and length.
You can get around the lake with a four-wheel drive, and fishermen have been lucky near Frenchmen's Campground.
Most are walking down to the lake.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported:
Fishing remains excellent at the dam. Fishermen have been catching their limits using nightcrawlers. Weighing 1-1 ½ pounds and as long as 18 inches. Ice at the dam has been reported to be 5 to 7 inches thick. BE CAUTIOUS!  Please call ahead for current updates. Remember, California license for fishing can be bought online at www.dfg.ca.gov.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The 2011 fishing season opens on Saturday, Feb. 12.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The 2011 fishing season opens on Saturday, Feb. 12.
 
HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
It has been spotty here this winter and slower overall than last year thus far.  Access is better than the UO, but you need to choose the right day before making the trek into the canyon. The trail is hard packed in the morning but can be very slushy in the afternoon, or if it is above freezing at sun up. 
The cold cap temperature inversion this winter has been a major factor here. 
The BWO hatch is building like a Juggernaut & will ultimately be the main attraction in mid/late February through March for sure. 
If you enjoy epic dry fly fishing/ or wish to experience and learn how to catch trout on a dry, this is the prime time for sure at Hot Creek. 
May flies are “sitting ducks” and easy targets for the trout. They do not have the erratic behavior displayed by Caddis flies & are much larger than the ever present Midges.
The late winter and spring conditions will be much better than the early summer here for sure. There will be high flows as soon as the snow begins to melt & due to lower snow lines this season it may be earlier than usual.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported: Water Conditions: Good. Flows are steady at about 23 CFS as of 2/4.
Paved road to entrance of Hot Creek ranch is plowed and dry. 
Access to the canyon section and Interpretive Center sections are a walk over packed snow.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Excellent. Bite window getting longer each day with warm weather.
Nothing much happening before 10 am but then the Midges go off first followed by some BWO's starting about noon on warmer days.
Don't leave too early. Mayflies coming off some days as late as 2:30.
Middle of the day even go big (#16) and buggy (PT's, Hares Ears, etc) sub surface as once the feeding starts they are not very choosey.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: Illipah is covered with safe ice, and fishing has been fair to good. Jigs tipped with a worm as well as Power Bait/worm combinations are producing fish.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com" reported: There was an 8-pound Cuttbow Trout caught last week.
Today at 1:30 p.m. (Monday), there will be a plant of large trout by Alpine County Fish and Game Commission from the private fish hatchery at Susanville. There may be another plant in several weeks.

JAKE'S CREEK (BOISE) RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
There are approximately 7 inches of ice and fishing has been fair to good for fish in the 12 to 16 inch size. Jigs tipped with a worm are doing fine.

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
Colorado River:
Anglers have found success for rainbow trout from Davis Camp south to the bridge and along Casino Row.
The next federal trout plant in this area had been slated for Feb. 8.

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The 2011 fishing season opens on Saturday, February 12.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: Overton Arm stripers have been active in the early mornings and hitting soft plastics. The fish aren't real big but they are taking baits.
Boat anglers should keep an eye out for both floating and submerged debris, leftovers from recent flooding.
Fishing has picked up in the Vegas Wash area.
Live bait, if you can catch it, is always most productive, but jigging and trolling with lures is also catching fish.
Trout action has been good following NDOW trout plants, though things slow down by the second day.
Black bass action has been sluggish.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: Striper action has picked up recently as have the number of reports of double-digit fish smacking large swim baits.
Trout fishing is good following weekly trout plants.
Power Bait, worms, spinners and other small hardware are productive. Further south, fishing continues to be slow from the shoreline and for boaters. Some fishermen are picking a few stripers and catfish, and largemouth bass are giving anglers some action on a variety of lures.

NORTH POND, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The 2011 fishing season opens on Saturday, February 12.
 
OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported: Fishing for rockfish and lingcod good when the ocean has been “calm.”
Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod is now open outside of the 40 fathom curve.
A few lingcod are being caught along the jetties inside the bays.
Effective baits to use for lingcod are bouncing a jig with a big plastic tail or bouncing a herring near the bottom.
There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch look for places that have riptides or areas that have steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide with ocean swells less than 6 feet. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surfperch. 

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517) www.thetroutfitter.com reported: Upper Owens River Water Conditions:
As of 2/4 flows are steady at 126 CFS, above the Hot Creek confluence. Water is cold and clear. Access is over several feet of packed snow - not bad walking along the bank thought where the snow is about gone.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Good. Recent warmer weather has gotten the slow fish more active and better results for those walking past the troops and farther from Benton Crossing. Midges early, then some Baetis but almost no rises.
Fish subsurface or pull streamers for best results.
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 and Hatches:
Good. Possibly a good bet but a little snow on the trails down.  Be careful.
Lower Owens River:
Water Conditions:
Flows are steady at about 87 CFS as of 2/4, perfect for wading.
Water is pretty clear and getting much warmer like 5 to 8 degrees.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Excellent. Spring is a happening, warmer weather, warmer water, fish are moving out of slow moving water and the bite is now like from 8:30 to 4.
Midges coming off early and again in the late afternoon. 
If you see some fish sipping, try a Griffith's Gnat on top besides nymphs subsurface. Solid BWO hatch midday and bottom of river is plugged with ready to hatch Mayflies. A Caddis or two have also been showing midday so if you see some go to a fat Pheasant Tail - a perfect pattern to match the Caddis pupa subsurface.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF: 

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
Upper Owens River:
When asked where I/we fish on off days recently. No doubt, the UO.
Check out the new video on Youtube. Link is at top of this page. 
We are doing a combination of Nymphing and streamer fishing here. Midges, PT’s, San Juan Worms, egg patterns, Punk Perch, Loebergs, Matukas. It is your location more than the imitation straight up. Hard to beat a flashback PT or broken back #16-20 with the right drifts. On the warmer days (temps above 40) there is a solid midge and BWO hatch. 
You will NOT get these humongous rainbows on the dries. They are just too nasty. It takes some effort and/or horsepower to get into the fish, we can guide you to these trophies & I will say it is not for everyone & you better have your “A” game ready. 
A 15 fish day with Alaska grade rainbows is possible right now. It will go into March this season. No vehicle access to this area yet. 
  
Lower Owens River:
It really has been very good down here this winter.
Float trips are kicking out good numbers while streamer fishing the Drifters “dip & strip” method. Spruce-a-Bu’s & Punk Perch #8-12 used with a moderate sinking tip work well.
The bigs are also on the chew as the pictures will validate.
Dry fly action is starting to pick up nicely as well with the first generation BWO hatches triggering a nice afternoon surface flurry.
The adults are # 16; keep them floating high and in the suds [foam lines] during the emergence. The hatch peaks just after 1 pm most days. 
Flows are perfect (under 100 CFS) for wading above the confluence of the Bishop Creek as of this report. 
The wild trout section has been very popular with the mild weather on weekends, I suggest you scout out the water below & upstream from this area for some less trafficked water. Nymphing with #16-20 bead head midges or may fly imitations will get er’ done.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported: The level is very low on average this winter as work is being done on the hydroelectric facility. 
Fishing has been good around the inlet/river section using dry-dropper bead head rigs, or para Midges & # 18 BWO adults at noon. 
The fish are very active on the warmer days and you will see “pods” sipping Midges in the film in the slower water sections. 
The issue currently is the mud that can be frozen in the morning and in the shadows. After thawing it is really treacherous and hard to walk or stand on in many locations along around the inlet section.
 I have witnessed wading boots get lost in the muck as the suction pulls them off when you try to get out. 
The “freeze tubing” has improved but you need to fish at the dam, or around the launch ramp on the far side. Until power generation begins the fish will spread out in the deeper water this time of year. 
Full sinks and streamers fished 10 or more feet work best.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775) 476-0555 www.fishpyramid.com reported: Fishing has been pretty good lately.
My business is really picking up.
Two weeks ago I had five charters, our biggest Cutthroat was 25 inches and we caught 15-29 fish per trip. I’ve got four more charters this coming week. The rates per person are $125 for a four-hour trip or $175 for a six-hour trip.
Everyone (shore and boats) seems to be catching fish and having fun.
February 03, Brian Harding caught an 11-poudner from shore with a lure.
February 04, Tom Burrows caught a 11-pound, 10-ounce from a boat.
Yesterday (February 06), Robin Wood caught a 17-pound, 4-ounce Cutt from shore. He was casting lures on the south side of “The Nets.”

RED LAKE, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reported: Ice fishing has only been fair, so far this winter.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916) 388-1956 reported: Trout fishing continues to improve from Redding down to Anderson as the river drops out.
Fly guys fishing Rubber Legged Stones and some sub-surface caddis stuff while the spin crowd is doing well drifting Glo Bugs and ‘crawlers.
Down below, there are Sturgeon between Verona and Knights Landing, but not loads of them.
Water temps are still running cold — 48-49 degrees thanks to the ever-present fog — and that’s made the fishing a little tougher.
A few fish are rolling at night at the color line at the mouth of the Feather and rumor has it a 43-pound striper was caught there this week too.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported: There are trout near Redding and some sturgeon down below. Trout fishing continues to improve from Redding down to Anderson as the river drops out. Fly fishermen have been fishing Rubber Legged Stones and some sub-surface Caddis stuff while the spin crowd is doing well drifting Glo Bugs and ‘crawlers.
Down below, there are Sturgeon between Verona and Knights Landing, but not loads of them.
Water temps are still running cold — 48-49 degrees thanks to the ever-present fog — and that’s made the fishing a little tougher.
A few fish are rolling at night at the color line at the mouth of the Feather and rumor has it a 43-pound striper was caught there this week too. Report courtesy of JD Richey.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500 www.shastacascade.com reported: The best bet lately has been the trout fishing. Trollers working the dam area in the top 10 feet have been doing well on mostly rainbows (with some browns) in the 1- 4 pound range while dragging Kastmasters Speedy Shiners and Cripplures.
Bass fishing has been pretty good for spots, but they are very much on the dinky side. The majority are going to be 12 inches. Throw Senkos, grubs and drop-shot gear down on the rocks as deep as 40 feet. Report courtesy of JD Richey.

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reported: Ice fishing has only been fair, so far this winter.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reported: The Smith is open for adipose fin-clipped Steelhead and Chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing on the main stem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to bridge 10 opened for adipose fin-clipped Steelhead on Dec. 1.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported: The ice is still averaging about 7 inches of good clear hard ice, but the surface is extremely smooth and slick making it treacherous walking. Fishing has slowed down a bit. Could be the weather or the full moon or just finicky fish. Who knows.
The anglers who are catching fish seem to be having the best luck using a jig tipped with a worm. For the past few weeks the area near the main boat ramp has been good for fish averaging around 15 or 16 inches while the south end has been slow but producing larger fish.
Anglers appeared to be using a combination of corn and worms, marshmallows and worms or Power Bait.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530) 544-6552 www.blueribbonfishing.com reported:
North Shore:
The weather and the fishing have both been very good. We’ve been getting limits of Mackinaw Trout (2-6 pounds), and in the last two weeks, we have caught a dozen Macks, 7-23 pounds.
We have been trolling at The Tavern Hole, Cal Neva Point, Dollar Point and Sugar Pine Point, 110-220 feet deep, with either Dodgers and minnows or Dodgers and large Trophy Stick lures.
On Jan. 30, Justin Moore of Texas caught a 23-pound, 40-inch Mackinaw trout in 220 feet of water with a Dodger and minnow.
East Shore:
Shore fishing at Cave Rock Landing has been slow for small rainbows and an occasional brown or Mack. Remember that the boat ramp closes at 4 p.m. each day during the winter.
The Sand Harbor boat ramp may be opening on March 1 on a limited basis.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Chuck and Linda Fields of the Topaz Lake Marina (775) 266-3550 reported: Not many fishermen and the weather is spring-like, it is beautiful. Nothing big is being caught but they are catching fish.
There have even been a couple of tagged fish caught.
The boaters are scattered all over the lake, with a lot on the south end.
The water level is up and there is a lot of debris in the water.
Our boat rentals are $65 for a half day and $85 for a full day.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reported: The River is low and clear!
There are fishable numbers of steelies from Lewiston down to Baghdad but the water is so low and clear now that stealth is the key.
Water temps are also cold, so fishing a little later in the day is not a bad call. Fly fishermen have mainly been fishing Copper Johns and Stones under indicators, though there are some swing fish to be had as well if you have the patience.
Pulling small Hot Shots or drifting eggs and nightcrawlers are all working for the conventional fishermen.
Courtesy of JD Richey.
       
WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reported:
East Walker River:
As forecast; the flows are above average for this time of year (55 CFS currently). They will continue to increase as we roll into spring this season.  Fishing is picking up as the weather improves.
Access is very good and you will not have issues with snow currently.
Stay around the miracle mile section located within sight of the dam. The deeper pools are pretty much “it” right now. 
Nymphing with Midges, SJ worms, smaller PT’s, WD-40’s, broke backs, #16-20.  5X tippet will get you bit more. The blue winged olive emergences are truly the main event this time of year. The trout will begin to focus almost entirely on this hatch by mid-February. Adults # 16-18.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reported:
East Walker River:
Water Conditions:  Flows kicked up to 112 CFS and steady for last 2 days as of 2/4.
Water temps are still down but higher flows will get fish more active and moving out of pockets.
Warmer weather in forecast should thaw Ice Station Zebra.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches:
Fair to Good. Warmer weather has improved hatches. Still a midday thing.
Nymphing and stripping streamers still producing best.  Maybe you can go dry as this week of warm weather continues.
 
WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
As of Thursday, the ice was averaging 17 inches of good clear ice.
With the freeze thaw cycle, the slick spots on the lake are expanding so be careful walking.
Trout fishing has been hit or miss, with angling just fair over last weekend but picking up early in the week. Trout are still averaging 15 to 22 inches. Most of the trout are still being caught in approximately 8 feet of water with the bait suspended just a few feet below the ice.
Power Bait of all colors is working as are worms. One of the more popular presentations uses a combination of orange Power Bait and worm.
Perch fishing continues to be just fair, and are being caught around the island off of the state park boat ramp as well as off of the point on the west side directly across the lake from the state park boat ramp. South of the island where you can find deeper water is also producing a few perch. Anglers should fish in between 15 to 25 feet of water, putting presentations just off of the bottom. Deeper seems to be better. Small jigs tipped with a piece of worm, mealworm or wax worm all should work.
While the warm weather is starting to make the surface very slick for walking, the park's skating rink is in ideal condition for skating.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reported:
The road has dried out but is rutted.
The water level has risen quite a bit and there is a ring of open water around the edge of the lake.This often makes for good fishing in the open water and a trout was seen rising in the open water by the boat ramp last weekend.
If the weather patterns stays the course, the lake may start spilling in February or March instead of April or May.

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