Don Q's weekly fishing report for Feb. 20-27

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and stream in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Feb. 20-27.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is picking up on Lake Almanor. Temperatures are expected to be in the 50’s this week providing for good fishing. Try going near ramp 1 for open water and no ice.
Anglers report trolling Dodger/crawler combos as a good technique.
— Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Lake Almanor Fishing Report February 16, 2013
The ice just won't seem to go away, at least not for good.
Cold overnight temperatures and windless days have skin ice covering most of the lake in the morning with the warm afternoon sun melting it back as the day goes along. Most of the ice is no more than a quarter inch thick, however today we did find some as thick as 3/8".
How is the fishing? In a word Fantastic!
We have continued to fish along the east shore of the lake targeting fish that are actively feeding on the pond smelt, with results that range from great to stellar, with most of the catch being made up of King Salmon along with some Browns and even a Rainbow now and then.
Most of the Kings have been running 17 to 19 inches with a few smaller rats around 13 inches that we have been releasing.
The Browns have been going 2 to 4 pounds and are fat and healthy.
Limits of quality fish have been the rule, with the smaller grade of fish being released. Today we hooked over 20 fish in 2.5 hours keeping 3 limits, releasing a few and losing a few in a morning that featured multiple double hook-ups, a triple hook-up and even a quad hook-up. Four fish on, only 3 clients to fight fish and one net man, me, now that's some exciting fishing.
In an effort to "match the hatch" I have been running gear that does a good job of imitating the natural food of the fish, pond smelt. That means minnow pattern spoons along with Arctic Fox Tube flies in the pond smelt pattern, along with a few other offerings from time to time.
Scent is always a good idea and these baits have had liberal doses of Pro-Cures Trophy Trout Gel.
Most of our fish have come in the deeper ranges of 30 to 50 feet with only a few being caught shallower, and with the number of hook-ups my clients are seeing the Cannon Digitroll downriggers are getting quite a work out.
Look for this good bite to continue unless the ice runs me out again.
I look forward to seeing you on the water.

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 Thursday, February 28, 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.

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:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Ice fishing is fair this week. It is expected to pick up by early March when the fish start to get ready to spawn.
Courtesy of Grizzly Store Portola.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The ice has finally thickened up and ice anglers have done very well over the past weekend with most getting their limits using nightcrawlers.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The ice has improved and is now safe for anglers venturing out, but anglers are urged to use extreme because conditions can change quickly.
Rainbow trout are taking nightcrawlers and Power Bait.

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 Steelhead fishing near the upper part of the river.
Stripers are being caught near Shanghai rapids and near Nicoulas bridge.
Anglers report using of drifting live minnows and anchoring up with pile worms and cut bait have been doing the best.
— Courtesy of Johnson's Bait & Tackle.

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

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is down to 5 CFS. The extremely cold temps have passed and the days have been sunny and warm.
Some slight midge activity Try WD40's, red midge pupa.

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 has been great this week on the Klamath.
Expect the fishing to be a bit more difficult in the morning hours. Mid-day seems to be the best with the warmer weather.
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.

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:
There have been quite a few big rainbows in the 18” range. Recommendations from anglers include # 16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, buggers, and # 18-22 midges.
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.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been slow at the lake and the reports coming in are very light.
With a forecast for warmer temperatures this weekend it would be a great time to try your luck.
Experiment with a variety of lures to find what may work best for that day.
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:
Largemouth bass are hanging near the cliff walls. Anglers should have some luck while jigging up to 50 feet.
Participants in a bass tournament out of Cottonwood Cove brought in a few fish in the five- to six-pound range.
Willow Beach is still being kind to those anglers willing to put in the effort.
One angler reeled in a five-pound striper while trolling with a four-inch money minnow.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing is a bit slow this week due to cold lake temperatures. Bass are staying at about 25-35 ft. Finesse drop-shot, tubes, and dart-head jigs have been doing to job. Make sure to check regulations for bass fishing as some are changing March 1st.
Courtesy of Huntington Sportsman’s.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 116 CFS.
Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Nymph fishing is the best bet. Try WD-40's, pheasant tails and caddis larva.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is 100 CFS. Fishing continues to improve. Although the insect activity has increased the surface action is minimal. Midge patterns are the most effective. Red jujube midge, small Stevie's Wonders and WD-40's.

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:
There seems to be better access to the Pit River, with the snow pack melting. Fishing is good. Try using # 14 - # 16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs or Mercer’s # 16 black Micro-Mayfly. Anglers suggest bringing a wading staff and wearing a personal floatation device.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Ted Fay Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is expected to be good this week. Rainbows seem to be biting 36 Pat’s Rubber Legs and #14 Prince Nymphs. Try to fish deep at 7.5- 8.5 ft. deep. Alevin patterns also seem to be working on the Lower Sacramento. 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 12, 2013, water flow is currently 3,700 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead.
Redding area is red hot trout fishing. 
Anderson area, also, Bonneyview down, doing well.
Egg patterns are working best now. Also Pheasant Tai # 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:
Fishing has been good this week! Anglers report that nymphing is a good technique for the Upper Sacramento River. 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 12, 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.

SMITH RIVER AND CHETCO RIVER:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
February 14, 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.
Smith River is slow for steelhead the last few days.
Steelhead fishing on the Chetco is great.
The catch has been slowing down this week, since no rain, averaging 3 hook ups a day, depending on level of experience of angler.
All day trips, with amazing views, and catching nice bright steelhead. 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.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good for some anglers and poor for others.
Anglers have been reporting steelhead hookups!
Anglers report brown trout and some steelhead.
Anglers suggest suspending nymphs under indicators and stripping buggers and leeches.
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 14, 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:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has dropped to 22 CFS. Fishing is tough. Cold cold cold. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince nymphs

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 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.

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