Don Q's fishing report for week of March 13-19

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 13-19.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Weather conditions have been great and similar to spring already, with dry road conditions and low congestion on the water.
Salmon fishing is best from Canyon Dam south along the east shore.
These Kings are hitting at depths ranging from 25 to 50 ft. deep.
Overall, fishing has been great on Lake Almanor and both jigging and trolling have been getting catches.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures

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.

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.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Boca has become almost completely unsafe for ice fishing as there is at least 20 ft of water between the shoreline and the ice. There are some areas where one can gain access and possibly ice fish but use extreme caution if you choose to do so. Reason for the ice breaking and a lot of water between shoreline and ice is there is a lot more water being let out than coming in. Sounds contradictory, but it's what's happening.
A word of caution: when ice fishing make sure you have the proper tools in case of an emergency and let others know where you are as ice fishing can be dangerous.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Three feet of new snow reported as of March 08.

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:
A report that it was still frozen last Sunday morning, but the thickness of the ice is unknown.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
With moderate high temps in the 50's and this lakes close proximity to town it's the perfect cure if you need to get out and wet a line.
The west end of the lake by the boat launch or off the beach has been great for some planters using nightcrawlers, eggs, or power bait and small lures.
Patience is needed but when the big schools of rainbows come thru the action can be awesome.
Some that are fly fishing using jig head flies have been doing well!
If your fishing for Macks throw countdown rapalas or large spoons.
Boats can be launched here and the Mack fishing has been pretty good! Trolling and jigging has been successful at depths from 55-75 feet with most Macks ranging in the teens. Some smaller Macks are at depths above this and can be caught even by the shore fishermen along the deeper drop-offs.

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:
Solid fishing available below the outlet and in the low flow zones.
Suggest fishing with nightcrawlers, small plugs, spinners and smelt patterns.
Leftover fall fish are getting a bit on the dark side, however there are spring bulletts from 2-4 lbs. The Steelheads are picking off the Salmon Fry that are emerging from the rock beds now.
— Courtesy of Johnson's Bait & Tackle.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Use Midges and attractors, fishing reports have been good with some anglers reporting great fishing this last weekend. Be aware that nights are still below freezing with some ice melt around the edges during the day.
— Courtesy of Richard Wiggins

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 up a bit to 8 CFS.
Nymph fishing is the most productive right now. Midge imitations like WD-40's, jujube midge and Stevie's Wonder have all been successful lately.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
I must say spring on Hot Creek is my favorite time to fish this area. Crowds are generally far less than in the summer and fall, the fish are eager to hit the consistent blue winged olive hatch, and the scenery is second to none.
As the weather warms at elevation look for a significant bump in flows here due to the snow melting into Mammoth Creek. This will bring water levels up here and make conditions very good in the near future.
Attractors are good choices in the spring for rising water fished in conjunction with small pheasant tails and crystal midge larva.
Midge adults are also deadly at times, they are not easy to fish for those with poor eyesight. Use a larger high vis pattern 3 feet up from your smaller target fly to help you locate and assist in mending the tiny point fly.
Sierra Drifters Tom Loe is under permit to guide here from the INFS.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Accessible by snowmobile only now.

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 good this week, but we expect this river to slow down through the month.
Steelhead numbers are going to start to dwindle as freshwater fish start arriving. If you want Steelhead go fishing this week, because by the end of the month the salmon flies will start coming off.
Good flies this week include Shafer's 3-D, Pat's Rubber Legs, # 12-14 Prince Nymphs, 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:
Warm conditions the past week has produced good fishing, but windy conditions have made some days less suitable for fishing.
Rainbows have been spotted near the surface in the upper lake.
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.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
No changes from last week, bass are staying at roughly 35 ft., it is recommended to go slow. Finesse drop-shot, tubes, and dart-head jigs have been working so far. 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 66 CFS.
Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is on the slow side bit should improve with the coming warmer and sunny weather. Nymph fishing is the best bet.
Try WD-40's , pheasant tails and caddis larva.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is up some to 154 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 in black or grey and olive or grey WD-40's.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flows have been yo-yoing all winter moving from a high of 160 CFS at one point, then dropping to a current rate of 63 CFS. This recent drop has really moved the fish out of the shorter water and into the deepest holes.
If numbers are your goal, the UO is not for you right now.
Not many small fish here-most have moved back into Crowley Lake which is totally ice free now.
If it is a trophy rainbow you seek on your quest-this is the spot.
You will not get many opportunities, but the fish you do set on will be impressive and worth the effort.
Stick to attractor patterns and mayfly profiles for nymphs.
There is good BWO activity most days after 1:30 here.
The roads leading into the UO are still a mess in some places; however overall conditions have improved.
Write this location off in a stiff north or west wind. If you observe the wind sock at the Mammoth Airport stretched out, keep trucking south and fish the Lower Owens.
90% of the fish are holding in 5 percent of the water here.
Guerrilla trout fishing is what I call it now.
Hit a spot, then keep moving to locate another deep hole.
Middle Owens River:
I will begin calling the river around the Bishop/Big Pine area the “Middle Owens” as requested by the LADWP.
We are holding our breath for the big bump in flows here. So far, so good.
150 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley is sweet for wading and drifting.
Solid BWO and some caddis showing in the afternoons.
I have even seen some big ole brown drakes on the warmer days.
It is going to get very nice in the OV this month.
We will see some gusty winds when the cold fronts pass through; however the valley typically does not get any moisture from these spring type storms.
I suggest switching to a heavier sinking tip line when flows go over the 200 CFS mark while streamer fishing.
Small punk perch and my Spruce-a-Bu are doing great while “dip & stripping” from the drift boats.
The epic bite we had a couple weeks ago has slowed down recently, an average drift is kicking out about twenty rainbows and browns on average.
Wade fishing the wild trout area remains steady at these flows with some nice dry fly action after lunch most days.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
No notable changes from last week, fishing has great and water conditions range from fair to good. Expect mayfly hatches around this time. It is recommended bringing a wading staff this time of year.
Some anglers report better catches with the Dark Lords in #14-16 and Pheasant Tail Nymphs in #14-16.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop
Courtesy Ted Fay Fly Shop

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
It has slowed down here a little as well; however conditions remain very good in the rez proper and the river section below the power house.
If you are not entered in the trout derby on the weekend of 3-16-13 here, you may want to avoid this area. It will be very crowded for a few days.
CDFW will be stocking the be jeepers outta this place and what is left over should make this a great place to fish the next couple of weeks.
The Gorge in the lower and middle sections will not have this pressure and is a good alternative when this, or other areas are crowded.
Dry/dry combos, or dry dropper bead rigs in the Gorge and the small river or transition area are good choices. Use mayfly and midge patterns #16-18.
Tubers will also benefit from the residual planting here.
Full sinks and most any streamer pattern in the #8-12 range will get grabs.
Try still water nymphing Crowley style along the drop-offs after the warm weather this week.
PV can be as good as it gets during the spring from a tube.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Ice is 15-18 inches thick here but with the recent warm spell and then the snow and now temps warming again one should be very careful if they are going to fish this lake! With the late stocking of rainbows in the fall Prosser has been off the hook for ice fisherman this winter.
Fish this lake in the outside of the inlets well away from the creek openings and by the dam in the rocks. If you know where the creek channel is in the arms you will find success more than those blindly augering holes.
Same baits and jigs that one would be using on Boca and again be careful of thin spots in the ice and have a plan if something goes wrong

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great! March is considered to be one of the best months for the Lower Sacramento, which seems to still be true as there are caddis hatches happening and the rainbow trout are large and pull hard.
Weather conditions are expected to be wet and cloudy this week.
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 March 11, 2013, water flow is currently 5,000 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent, including several steelhead. Mid day, caddis hatch is epic. 
Anderson area, also, Bonneyview down, doing well.
Pheasant Tail # 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 (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass:
March 11, 2012 - The striped bass fishing heats up in the months of April and May, around the Colusa area. It's is pretty quite right now. 
There are a few fish moving up the system now.
Watch for fishing to heat up, in about 2 weeks.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Due to warmer weather conditions, expect mayfly and caddis hatches.
So far, fishing has been good.
Caution is advised as the river is high near the lower end of the river.

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:
Shasta Lake guided fishing- Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. 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:
Minor changes from last week, as the Dry Creek area of the lake still has had the best results but other than that fishing has only been good to fair. Rainbows are at the surface in the morning was go as deep as 40 ft. as the water warms. Cripp lures and wiggle hoochies have yielded good results. Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sports Fishing.

Fishing Guide: Phil's Propeller.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
There is now access to the dam at Stampede now if you have a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. This lake can be hit or miss but when it's on you can catch some nice macks and rainbows this time of year! Spoons, large Spinners, and Countdown Rapalas will work and of course if you're throwing bait nothing beats an inflated nightcrawler drenched in your favorite scent.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of two 10+ pound brown trout recently caught by two different fishermen in the span of five days.
One of the anglers is Jim Larson of Reno who caught his 11-pound, 6-ounce brown while trolling with a Countdown lure in the Sand Harbor area.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing has been good so far, but it is possible as the month goes on there will be less. It is advised by some fishermen to go this week while the supply of steelhead lasts.
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:
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. 
Trinity River Steelhead fishing is up and down, catching a few steelhead. Rain this week will help, we'll keep you posted on any drastic changes.
Weather warming up this weekend and this coming week.
 Fishing areas for Steelhead are from Lewiston to Pigeon Point.
Fly fishing is best bet for catching a few steelhead.
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, Calif., fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

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:
East Walker River:
The river has been sitting at about 79 CFS for the last few days and has really been fishing well.
There’s lots of bugs hatching, the flow is up a bit from its regular winter flow so the fish are spread out much more now which means there’s more room for more anglers down there.
The dry action has still been good, especially when there’s some cloud cover, there’s been a bit of streamer action and the nymphing has been great.
Lots of fish over 20” making a showing.
Patterns to go with include zebra midge, wd-40, micro stone, poxyback stone, flashback emerger, rainbow warrior, chubby chernobyl, stimulator, BWO, parachute adams, mini leech, sculpzilla, honker and zuddler.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is up to 81 CFS, so the fish have a bit more room to move. Fishing is fair. Warming weather should get the fish busy.
WD40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince nymphs.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The ranchers in Nevada will begin using more water to irrigate and this will begin the increase in flows on this tail water. Flows are back down to a very nice 80 CFS after a little flushing out recently. Many EW addicts have been eagerly waiting for this increase as it spreads the fish out and improves conditions greatly.
Look for strong BWO and chironomid hatches.
Attractors are a good call during rising water, have some flash in your nymph patterns and keep those bugs on the bottom.

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