Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of March 6

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 March 6-12, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting catching some rainbows, browns and kings this week. The best fishing at this time is around the Hamilton Branch.  
Courtesy of Big Daddy’s Guide Service.

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 22 percent capacity. Lake is free of ice and is coming up slightly. Too early for the ice to be gone but fishing here tends to be very good after this has happened.

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:
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 has been pretty good. Anglers are catching a mix of fresh and spawned out steelhead.
Anglers will want to check flows before heading to the river.

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

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

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers report good to great fishing this week.
About 6 pm seems to be the most active right now.
Courtesy of Weather And Wildlife.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Fish are starting to congregate around the creek channels already.
The biggest problem is there is really no water coming into the lake and there will probably be no spawn this spring due to no snowpack in the area.
Be careful when fishing these areas because fish will be stacked up trying to find moving water.
The best places to fish are on the outside of the creek channel arms where fish are roaming a bit more. Midges, Wooly Buggers and Leaches are all worth a try on an intermediate line.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
This lake has been fishing very well.  Lake is at its winter level and a lot of fish are cruising the shoreline drop offs now!  With temps still ranging in the mid 50's and the crowds here for the week maybe take a break and go fish! 

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The clear and low water levels are making fishing a bit more difficult,
but there are a few steelhead showing up. 
Courtesy of FISHWITHJD.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
We continue to receive many good reports on the fishing at Frenchman.
James Estrella was fishing at the dam and caught his limit using inflated worms. His fish were about 17" in length and weighed between 2 and 3 pounds each.
Last Wednesday evening, February 26th, Loren Pederson and Ray Perry from Chilcoot were fishing from their boat at Lunker Point with worms and green power bait. They caught several nice rainbows 14 to 16 inches each.
On Saturday, March 1st, Jake Rogge and Dusty Richards from Chilcoot caught 17 rainbows with and worms while fishing near the dam - one of their fish was a 3 pounder.
Please call us for updates on the fishing and current lake conditions - Wiggin’s Trading Post - (530) 993-4683.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lunker Point seems to be the hot spot this week. 
Angler’s are catching some nice rainbows.
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  up to 8 CFS. Fishing should improve this coming week after two powerful winter storms brought snow and wind to the area the last five days. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails and the BWO's should be beginning to show in decent numbers.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Access has become more difficult hiking into the canyon. Ice & snow will be around for a week or so on the trails.
The road to the gate is fine if you have an all drive wheel vehicle. 
Additional water from recent storms coupled with warmer weather have spread the fish out and opened some riffle water. 
Strong midge & mayfly activity occur daily. 
Dry dropper rigs using para midge or hi-vis para BWO patterns as an upper, while dropping a broken back zebra or tiger midge, assassin bird’s nest, or crystal olive caddis/zebra larva pattern will get you into fish in the slots between the weeds.
Lengthen your leaders to ten feet here, 5X is a good tippet size.
The deeper pools can be fished with weighted attractors like SJ worms and egg patterns hung beneath an Under-cator. 
Use the yellow, or clear for short water nymphing.
Midge cluster, or para midge adults in the #20-24 range are hot flies for surface action.  BWO adults fished high in the suds #16/18 also good calls afternoon when the baetis start to emerge.
Access remains good as of 2/26/14 however the forecast calls for some snow to hit on the weekend.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY WATERS, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bilk Creek Reservoir:
Bilk Creek Reservoir has slowed down for trout fishermen as water temperatures increase. Bass fishing around those same weed beds will remain good throughout the summer. Anglers in float tubes casting top water poppers at the bass will catch fish. As things heat up, morning and evening fishing is recommended.
Small Streams:
Small streams in the Santa Rosa Mountains are all producing lots of brook trout. Abel, Singas, McConnell, Rebel and Canyon Creeks are small but full of fish. 
Chimney Creek Reservoir:
Chimney Reservoir makes the fishing report for the first time in a long time!
Anglers are still catching 14 inch wipers. Fishing is best in morning and evening hours (when the wind isn't blowing).

JACKSON MEADOWS, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
The road here is open to Jackson Meadows.  Way too early for this to happen but for those who need to get here it's good news.

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 Klamath is doing well. Fishermen report you can expect to catch steelhead 14” to 16“ range with some up to 25”  this week.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Low water levels but still fishable. There is still no boat access.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are saying you should be able to catch a few smaller rainbows averaging 12” to 15”.  
The best time to fish is late morning to early afternoon.
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:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
All the ponds are stocked and fishing should be good for anglers. Hinkson Slough has been reported as fishing well with up to 19 inch rainbows. North Pond should also be fishing well.

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.
The ocean has been too rough for fishing over the past week.
Ocean swells are forecasted to come down to 3-4 feet over the weekend.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is open at all depths until April 1. Fishing for bottom fish has been good when the ocean has been calm enough to get out.
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:
Bidwell Marina is the only ramp open to launch at this time.
However Fishermen are saying this lake has been fair this week.
You can expect to catch a couple black bass.
Courtesy of Oroville Outdoors.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow 54 CFS. The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge is closed for the season. Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Fishing is slow due to the wintery weather of late.
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 101 CFS. Fishing is  good  in the wild trout section with WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. Nice hatch of BWO's around mid day but the fish seem to prefer the emergers over the duns.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River (3-2-14)
Had two groups of SDFF clients on 3/2/14.  What a spectacular day combined with some excellent “catching” The snow bows wanted to play right from the get go. 
The lack of pressure has the remaining Crowley Steelhead frisky.
Access is tricky here. There is currently 8-12 inches of very wet snow in the area with 2 feet in the ruts and drifts. Just remember…four wheel drives take you further in to get stuck!
You will see a fair amount of debris and weed floating by after these wet storms. The water will also be a couple shades off color due to the tannin leaching in from the banks.
We are seeing good midge and mayfly (BWO #16) activity daily if the wind does not hook up.
The school sized fish are active and feeding.
Have some mayfly nymphs like flashback PT’s, assassins, hares ear, #14/20.
You will also want broken-back articulated or regular crystal tiger and zebra midges, crystal olive zebras and caddis larva patterns #14/18 for tandem nymph rigs fished beneath an Under-cator.
On bright sunny days use the yellow or clear 3/4 inch Under-cator.  It will not be as obtrusive to the wily trout.
Hi-vis para BWO adults are good to use as an indicator on a dry/dropper bead head rig. 
Parachute midge patterns #20/22 are also hot surface flies for the sipping trout late morning. #18/16 BWO adults are also on the menu, I really believe in the quill wing ones I sell and use, check them out at the least.
The hot rig during off hatch periods is a crystal leech, dark assassin, or SJ worm as your upper fly.  Use the Otter egg patterns we sell at Reagan’s, and Crowley General store as the lower. This set-up is just flat deadly, and we have perfected how to rig and present it to fool those Crowley Steelhead.
Streamer fishing can also be productive using a light or clear sinking tip.
This is a good option if the wicked witch of the west blows in.
Use Loebergs, punk perch, agent orange, or crystal leeches working the deeper cut banks & pools from an upstream position.
Book a trip with us and you will obtain the keys to the castle & learn how to catch these incredible fish. The run lasts through March so get up here before it’s over.
GUIDE TIP: 
Winter time takes are as soft as a butterflies kiss, so set on anything.  If your Under-cator stops, shimmies, hovers, or plunges, SET IT! 
I tell clients look for reasons to set the hook, not excuses why you didn’t!
Swings are free, and you can’t strike out while fly fishing.
Try to set the hook moving your rod the direction your indicator is moving.
This establishes ANGLE & insures you pull the hook INTO the fish, not out of its mouth. Anything 4 feet or deeper may hold a fish or two.
Middle Owens River (3/1/14):
Be careful navigating some of the dirt roads around the Middle Owens, they are very soggy from all the wonderful rain the OV received.
The water will have a good amount of tannin and some debris floating by for the next few days.
Keep those flies clean & use some flashy patterns to get the trouts' attention. The BWO mayfly hatch is in full swing and the wild fish are moving into the riffle water and tail outs to feed mid-day.  The trout are really keying in on this hatch & you may experience a decline in grabs after the emergence some days. The midge hatch is nearly a blanket emergence on the high pressure days.  These smaller insects are a mainstay for the Sierra’s trout. 
Use very small patterns like tiger and zebra midges with crystal tails #20/22 to imitate the shucks they crawl from. # 20/22 gillies, pupa, & crystal emergers work well while nymphing beneath an Under-cator.  Midge cluster patterns and parachute adults #20/22 are best for dry fly enthusiasts.
The BWO or baetis mayfly hatch is also a hot ticket now. 
Nymph patterns like assassins birds nest, flashback pheasant tails, and ribbed hares ear patterns work great to represent the larger sub-surface profiles. #14/18 are good calls. The adults have upright wings, twin tails, and ride high in the foam lines.  First generation adults are larger-#14/18 will get looks if you keep them high riding in the suds or foam lines. “The foam is home, don’t roam from the foam” during a good mayfly hatch!
Streamer fishing using the “dip & strip” (see my guide tips on how to fish this method- top of any page of this site) is also productive & will fool larger trout more often. During low light periods , or “off hatch” cycles use the Spruce-A-Bu.  This has been my top producing fly for many years on this river fooling countless larger trout.  With the fish feeding now and warmer water temps, patterns like olive and light punk perch #12/16, Loebergs #10, crystal leeches & agent orange #12/16 are good choices.  Recent drift trips have the olive punk perch as the top producer. This fly is a “strymph” pattern.  Cross between a streamer and a nymph. Use these with a light sinking tip & swing your fly into the foam lines or main current-do not cast on top of where the fish are holding so you don’t put them down or spook them. And did I mention the first little yellow stoneflies are poppping? It be true! Stimulators are great representations for the adults #14/16.  Larger PT’s and assassin birds nest are great as nymph clones #14/12.
Flows are currently at 106 cfs and stable. 
The LADWP real time gauge at the Pleasant Valley outlet is currently functioning (I have a link to it on my resources page of this site) The “Middle Owens” near Bishop was once named the “Lower Owens “and was changed since the LORP project re-watered the section of river down from Tinemaha Reservoir a few years back.

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:
Fishermen are reporting good fishing this week.
Late morning to about 3pm is the best time to catch this week.  
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/The Gorge 2/26/14
The rez level is yo-yoing and is currently up making the transition area not so accessible. 
Fishing has been excellent in the short river section just down from the powerhouse using dry dropper combos like hi-vis para BWO and stimulators as the upper-broken back tiger and zebra midges, assassin birds nest, flashback PT’s, crystal olive zebras, and copper or dark tiger midges as the nymph. Don’t “roam from the foam” as the fish really line up on this section of water to feed on the emergers drifting down in the slower current.
Tubing has also been very productive using Loebergs, Punk Perch, Agent Orange, & crystal leeches.  Use a full or heavy sinking tip line. 
Still water nymphing Crowley style can also get you into big numbers along the drop-offs.  Use Broken back midges like gillies and tigers, crystal emergers, and pupa patterns are good calls as upper flies on a tandem rig.
Stick to tigers and zebras as the lower flies.
With the warmer weather no access issues except for the high water near the tree line at the inlet.
The Gorge is fishing well in the deeper pools & pocket water. Late winter & fall are excellent periods to visit this area as the dense foliage and brambles are not so much a factor. 
You will see huge midge and mayfly emergence’s on the good weather days.
Dry/dropper bead head rigs are deadly here. 
I like flashback PT’s in #18/20, assassins in #16/18, & crystal olive caddis larva in #18/20 as nymphs.
Dry fly action is also good for better casters who can turn a leader over in compromising areas.
It is wise to fish downstream of your target water here, don’t expect to get across from the wild browns here-they will spook instantly when they get a shadow on them.
Tie on a #16/18 BWO adult, or parachute midge #20 for consistent surface takes during the hatch.  Midges in the morns-mayflies at noon.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 28% capacity and is wide open now as the ice is gone.  Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
This year has been the comeback year for this lake as anglers are catching some large cutts.  Fishing here has been very good! 
Using full sink lines or shooting heads after a running line is the way to go this time of year.  Woolley Worms, Beetles, and leech patterns.  Recently though, fish are being caught of deeper points with nymph-indicator rigs. 
Color is dependent on the day so come prepared.  Best areas now are Popcorn, Blockhouse, Wino, Monument, and Diego Bay.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (pyramidlakeflyfishing.com) reports:
The lake continues to pump out some big fish. There have been some tough days and some good days and that should continue right through the middle of May. The water is starting to warm a little with the warmer weather we have had. It is still around 44-45 degrees unless you are fishing in the shallows where it can reach 47 degrees.
The beaches that offer access to deeper water have still been fishing the best but the fish are really spread out and can be caught all over the lake.
Follow the wind on calmer days.
There are already some female Summit Lake fish with eggs and the spawn is just around the corner.
Red Maholo Nymphs and Albino Midges have been working well for the indicator rigs and Midnight Cowboys and Popcorn Beetles for the shooting head set ups.
Locally in town Mark Fore and Strike has a great assortment of these flies at great prices. Go to pyramidlakeflyfishing.com for more info.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Low waters and is fishing ok but should pick up again in March depending on water levels. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen are reporting very good results this week.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers have been pleased with the catches this week.
Best water condition will be found near Dunsmuir.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of February 28, 2014, water flow is currently 3,250 CFS. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is great. 
Fishing Posse Grounds area in Redding, fishing well. 
Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 22 inches, from 12 to 20 fish days.
Later in the day best, as the day warms a bit. 
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails & Brown Micro Mays, Yellow Sucker Spawn.
 Rain has been great for the fishing, a little murky this morning , but cleared as the day went on
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
For those of you who are not fly fisherman, we offer spin fishing trips on the Sacramento River are available.
We cater to all levels of anglers. Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California. 
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

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

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Reports from fishermen are saying that Bass fishing has been great.
Even though the lake level is very low you can still plan to catch fish up to two pounds.  
Courtesy of Phil’s Propeller.

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 wide open and those with small aluminum boats are already trolling for some of the bigger fish that are not accessible by shore fishing.  

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 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 on the west side of the lake near Homewood in 150-300 feet of water, bouncing the bottoms with silver Herring Dodger flasher blades and minnows.

TOPAZ LAKE:
A report that the water level is low and the fishing is slow.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen report that they are not seeing the numbers they would normally see for this time of year. A few runs every so often. It might be a challenge for fishermen right now.
Courtesy of E.B. Duggan.
                          
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Anglers are reporting good results catching steelhead this week.
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 28, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Trinity River steelhead fishing is awesome.  Trinity River is low but very productive,
4 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, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee River is flowing at the usual winter flows and fishing is generally best mid-day.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
The river has been fishing great. One of the short term positives of no snow is access is not a problem on the river.
Blue Wing Olives have been hatching in force the last few days. For some reason there are not many fish eating on the surface even during the hatch.
Nymphing with Baetis and Midge patterns have been working well.
The water is really low in the Upper California stretches and in West Reno but East of Reno and the Lower California stretches hare just about perfect.
Looks like we are in for some more weather over the next week so keep an eye on the flows.
If we get some cloudy days on the Nevada side it could be awesome.
Flows are Town of Truckee 121 CFS, Boca Bridge 351 CFS, Farad 372 CFS, Reno 322 CFS and Vista (East of Reno) 379 CFS.

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Flows have come up a touch with some of the rain and wet snow we have received over the weekend. The Truckee will be slightly off color, but fishable. With nothing in the forecast flows should continue to drop. 
Weather for the rest of the week looks like low to mid 50's for the highs. 
Look for days before or after storm fronts to fish as these are key days that fish will feed for longer periods of time. 
If you're a patient person (which I'm not) one can wait for heads to start breaking the surface or one can try to bump them on the nose repeatedly nymphing.  As I see it, you're out fishing and getting away from the masses. 
Hatches this time of year will consist of Midges, BWO's, and Baetis. 
Nevada:
If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers! Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift. 
Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

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:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Flows on the East Walker are really low at 22 CFS. This is normal for this time of year.
The air temperatures in the area have not been too cold and the fishing has been o.k.
Most of the fish are stacked up in the deeper pools and runs which is common for lower flows.
There has been a Baetis hatch as well as Midges. Everything seems to happening early this year and the Skwalas could be just around the corner.
The best fishing times are late morning to late afternoon right now. Nymphing with Baetis and Midges has been producing the most fish. There are some rising fish on cloudy days late morning.
Approach new spots slowly and wear clothing that conceals your outline a little better. With the flows this low the fish can pick you out pretty quickly.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
March 02, 2014 
The East is still running at 22 CFS and the fishing has been pretty good down there still.
It's a bit technical with the low water flows but if you work the deeper pools and runs you should be able to bag a few fish.
There's also some really nice fish, in the 20 to 25 inch range, making things a bit more interesting.
Also try to be as sneaky as possible, the fish seem to be more spooky than usual with the lower flows.
Streamers have been doing pretty well, also small nymphs and midges, we haven't had too many reports on dries lately.
Patterns to try include rainbow warrior, san juan worm, zebra midge, copper john, top secret midge, micro may, flashback emerger, jj special, zuddler, moal leech, sculpzilla.          
Sceirine Ranch:
March 02, 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 22 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:
Flows remain very low at 22 CFS.  This is pretty much the minimum.
Historically late winter and early spring are great times to fly fish the EW. Not true so far this year.  The EW has had a tough time the last couple of years due to extended low flows from dry winters causing poor overall conditions. Fish counts are not what they were several seasons ago and what remains are concentrated in the deepest pools and runs.
Some significant storms in March could improve conditions greatly for Bridgeport Reservoir and the EW.
We are keeping our fingers crossed!

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
March 02, 2014
The West is now open for catch and release fishing, we haven't had any reports back yet but as soon as we do we'll pass them on!!      

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This lake is deceptively cold. There are plenty of trout near the Power House, however 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 FISHINGNOTES.COM.

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