Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for April 1 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California this first week of April, 2015. Opening Day for California fishing is April 25.

ADOBE POND:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road is closed to the lake and there will be no fishing reports for Angel Lake until late May of 2015.

BISHOP CREEK, AREA, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Withholding releases here have lake now at 38%. Be careful about driving down to the shoreline as some areas are like quicksand!  
Best spots to fish here are around the dam in the morning tossing small minnow imitatiions, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for mostly hungry rainbows that are of age yet to spawn.  Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns.  
This lake has not been stocked this year.

BRIDGEPORT, RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East (Upstream from Hangman's Bridge):
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.
Carson River West:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Cave Lake is ice free and fishing continues to improve for fish in the 9 to 12 inch range. The usual small spinners, PowerBait and worms should all work. Fly rodders should be using hare’s ears, PT, prince, copper Johns, zug bugs and small wooly and crystal buggers. On warm afternoons when the midges are hatching Griffith’s gnats, Adams, elk hair caddis and other popular dry flies in sizes 12 to 18 are worth a try.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Rain this week will give anglers one more chance for good fishing conditions before the season is over at the end of the March.
Most fish are spawned out, but a few late steelhead will be around.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 55% capacity. With a plant of catchable size Rainbows this will inject some life back into this lake! 
Some boaters have been catching Mackinaw by top lining Fire tiger print Rapalas. Jigging has also been taking some nice Macks also when they have been holding deep.  
Kokanee is starting up as toplining 6 feet down is now the method with dodgers in Pink scale or variations of the same followed by Pink spinners, wedding rings, microsquids, and Kokanuts. 
Kokes are a little small ranging in the 11 inch range. 
As the season progresses they may come up in size to maybe 13-14 inches if food is plentiful and competition for food low. 
As for the shore fishermen, this week will be a great time to get out and catch some rainbows that will be stocked. We are stocked with everything to get you out there and catch those fish! Some might be rewarded with a nice Mackinaw that might venture in to feed on these planters!
This lake will be planted this week!!!!
The CDFW has no excuses this week for not following through. 

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open the Saturday of Memorial weekend.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Has been fishing very well!

HAT CREEK, UPPER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open May 01, 2015.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow 4 CFS. It's hard to even find a fish. 
Try getting a scud or a midge puoa along the cut banks.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 3/30/15
Spring through early summer are best period to fish the crick I believe.
As the spring and summer roll on, conditions will only worsen in drought years.
The weeds are beginning to grow earlier than usual making drifts tougher in the limited open water.  
Some good caddis/mayfly activity currently. High winged dark olive, or dun colored bodies #16/18 are good profiles for the BWO’s. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam.
PT’s & bird’s nest patterns are best for nymphs.
Small parachute midge or mayfly patterns used with a 10 foot leader are best for surface presentations when the fish are on the midges/or clusters.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
Try my hi-vis caddis pattern, it works well here. 
Small dead drifted Punk Perch, broken back zebras, small gillies, egg patterns, SJ worms, scuds, flashback PT’s, or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper. Size 18 or smaller crystal olive caddis larva or zebra midges are good calls as droppers.
This is a year around fishery with special regs in place.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah is also ice free, water quality is good and fishing is fair to good.
The road and shorelines have are drying out and travel is improving.
Best area for fishing seems to be where the stream enters the lake, though shore anglers are doing well along the western shore.
The usual assortment of worms, artificial baits, spinners and lures should all work. Fly rodders should be using wooly and seal buggers, hares ears, PT nymphs and copper Johns.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Dubious about the capacity of this lake, I need to make a drive to Jackson to find out for myself. 
Some are saying it's full and others are saying it's about 60%. 
Fishing from a boat has been best toplining with either rapalas or any minnow imitation. 
A 15 pound Brown was caught and released here early last week!  He didn't disclose his secret area and what he was using so don't ask! 
Best areas here for the boaters has been Southwest corner of the lake and across the dam. 
For the shore fisherman holdover trout have been pretty eager to bite on nightcrawlers floated with a mallow or power bait, while those throwing hardware small kastmasters have been good.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Jakes Creek has open water, that is free of weeds and shore fishing is picking up. Surface water temps have moved into the mid to high 40’s and the water is fairly clear.
The usual assortment of wooly buggers, hares ears, copper Johns and PT nymphs should all work.
Power Bait, worms and small spinners should be used by spin fishermen.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

MAMMOTH LAKES, BASIN, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

MARLETT LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed. Will re-open July 15, 2015.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The ocean is open for harvest of Dungeness crab.
Anglers continue to catch surf perch from the beaches near Bandon and Coos Bay.
The best fishing is usually on the incoming tide.
Sand shrimp is one of the best baits to use when fishing for surf perch.
Recreational ocean salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened on March 15.
The season is open for all salmon except coho salmon, with a bag limit of two salmon per day, and a minimum size for Chinook salmon at 24 inches or larger.
Fishing for lingcod has been very good in the Coos Bay and Bandon areas. Anglers are catching lingcod in shallow and deep water.
Fishing for black rockfish has been decent.
The all depth rockfish season ends on March 31.
Fishing for rockfish and lingcod is open to all depths until the end of March. The marine daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Anglers can only keep 3 blue rockfish and 1 canary rockfish as part of their daily limit and there will be no harvest of China, quillback, or copper rockfish.
Retention of cabezon is not allowed Jan. 1 – June 30.
To help anglers identify common species and comply with the regulations, ODFW has produced several sheets of ID Tips for blue vs. black rockfish and for China, copper and quillback rockfish, as well as a handout titled “What Can I Keep, and How Many?” All are available on ODFW’s website.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is now 48 CFS. The water is low and clear. Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns. The fish are scattered so cover lots of water.
Lower Owens River:
The current water flow is unavailable.
The mayfly hatch is slowing.  Nymphing with Barr's graphic caddis, olive pheasant tails or copper zebra midges very productive.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 3/30/15:
Please DO NOT WADE on spawning redds. These are circular depressions found in the tailouts of pools, or in deeper riffles.  
The UO is fishing like it is May.
Lots of smaller fish have moved into the river from Crowley to feed on caddis, & midge hatches.
The larger migratory rainbows we call “Crowley Steelhead” are definitely thinning out. You will need to cover a lot of water to locate a few quality fish.
These fish will spook easily, and stealthy approaches are necessary to get a dance with one.
You may observe free swimming large rainbows that have white patches in various areas of the body. This is called cold water fungus, and it is caused by the removal of their protective slime due to spawning, or mis-handling after being netted. It is lethal if concentrated in the gills and eyes. Very contagious amongst other trout, not harmful to humans.  
Angel hair” algae and aquatic weeds are now a factor in the sections below Hot Creek, & the irrigation canals.  
Silting/sanding is also occurring in some of the prominent oxbows & pools.
Flows remain very low at 44 CFS.
The dark caddis hatch is the big news. Time to break out those delta wing profiles for some surface action.
Numbers of catchable sized rainbows & browns have picked up quite a bit with the warmer air temps.
We have been having good success using Assassin’s, broken back zebra midges, tiger midges, SJ worms, crystal Vanderleeches, Agent Orange, flashback PT’s, & roe patterns. You should have some smaller para-midge, high vis caddis, or BWO adults for the afternoon hatches.  The resident fish are responding to this on the warmer days.
Drifters guides use the “Four P’s” to consistently get on fish here. Position- Presentation-Persistence-Performance.
Book a trip with us and we will teach you how to get these amazing fish.
Special angling regs in effect. 
Open year around upstream from the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Closed from the Bridge downstream to Crowley Lake until next season.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 3/30/15 
Flows on the way up. You can expect a lot of drifting debris, & aquatic weed during the bumps.
Drifting has been fair/good with water temps well above average.
We are still hitting some  bigs on the cloudy days, or early in the morn.
Fish are in a late spring/early summer feeding pattern due to the above average air/water temps. Afternoons can slow down after the hatches.
Use smaller streamers like the original Drifters Punk Perch to fool the trout.
The P.P. is a “strymph” pattern.  It can be fished as a streamer, or nymph that imitates a small baitfish, or a caddis nymph in the pupal stage.  
I am seeing some little golden stoneflies, dragon/damsel fly adults on the warmer days.
 “Catching” has been good from the footbridge at PV Campground downstream to the Five Bridges Crossing.  
Pale Morning Dun mayflies (PMD’s), & spring caddis are now emerging. #16 high wing, long tail adult mayfly profiles will get grabs on the surface. Deer, or elk hair delta wings, with natural colored bodies for the adult caddis.
Nymphing with tandem rigs-properly weighted will get you into fish before the hatch. I suggest you use Flashback PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, small gillies, crystal emergers, or chironomid pupa, olive crystal zebras, & caddis larvae (to imitate caddis larva & rock worms) below an Under-cator.
You can use dry/dropper bead head rigs for the warmer days working the tailouts of larger pools, & riffles.
Have some high vis para BWO’s, or hi-vis caddis for the uppers, & keep them dressed with desiccant to suspend your bead head nymphs.
Stimulators are perfect stonefly imitations, & in smaller sizes are good calls for larger adult caddis profiles.
Guided drift boat trips are a great vehicle to reach the secluded, and less fished areas of the river.
We have been logging good numbers of planted & holdover rainbows recently.
We predominantly fish streamers like Loebergs, Spruce-A-Bu’s, Punk Perch, Agent Orange, and Crystal Vanderleeches.
Using a light sinking tip line we position the boat upstream from the target water, casting about 35 feet down towards larger pools. We then insert the rod tips below the surface to get the streamers down without using excessive weight. Stripping the line in an erratic series of short and long pulls imitates the swimming motion of injured baitfish. The “dip & strip” technique is a fun way to get into numbers and large rainbows that hold in the lower sections of the river well below the wild trout section.
Check out my “be the fly” video by clicking on the videos link at the top of the page to see how we do it.
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.

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.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Onion Valley Reservoir: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Blue Lakes: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Knott Creek Reservoir: 
Closed. Will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir 3/30/15
The level is 4382′ & falling. This is an excellent level to hit the transition area with a dry/dropper rig. The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows, & browns-use dry/dropper bead head nymph combos here.
Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up. Power generation can occur anytime during the spring.
Stimulators, hi-vis para BWO’s, or hi-vis caddis may be used as the upper fly-use crystal olive caddis larva, flashback PT’s, Assassins, broken back or crystal tiger & zebra midges as your dropper bead head nymph.
Tubing  has really picked up from the launch ramp, up to the inlet section.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns, & larger bows in the rez proper.
Use a full sinking, or heavy sink tip line to get down 10-15 feet quickly.
You can also fish “Crowley midge style” in the rez near the drop-offs.
Fish chironomid patterns below an Under-cator. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers & pupa patterns.
Tiger & zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.
The Gorge 3/30/15
This fishery is not affected by flow increases on the Middle Owens, & is a great option if you get blown out in the WT section.
Have those mayfly nymphs, PMD adults, & caddis adults handy.
The spring caddis are coming off steady. This maybe the best dry fly fishery we have during the spring months.
The Gorge could be classified as the true “tailwater” from Crowley Lake. The fish here are all wild browns with a large one going 16 inches. Moderate/difficult hiking is required to access the more secluded sections. Rock hopping and bush whacking can be expected.
Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos work well in the deeper pools.
Use PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, & crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs. Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults, & elk caddis, & hi-vis caddis are good choices for your dry fly.
Pack in water, have cleated wading boots and a stout staff. 2-4wt. rods are perfect for this water.
Snakes may be out early!

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is dropping quickly as it now sits at 18% capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout. 
Small Rainbows here but since this lake was only stocked once fishing has been pretty slow for them, much better around the dam and Prosser Creek arm for the sporadic trout bite. 
This lake has not been stocked this year.  

PYRAMID, LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
A report that the "Fish Sniffer 2015 Spring Pyramid Fest" will be held on April 10-11-12 at Windless Bay, just north of Warrior Point.

RUBY LAKE NWR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Even with the bit of snow we received last weekend, Harrison Pass is open and fishing conditions have changed little in the past few weeks.
Fishing is still fair to good depending upon the day, the angler and where you are fishing along the collection ditch.
The go-to fly seems to be the hares ear, with the pheasant tail nymph and egg patterns close behind. Also, wooly buggers and flies that have some red in them also seem to be working.
For spin fishermen the usual assortment of small spinners and minnow type lures are all effective here.
The ditch is artificial lures and flies only and wading is not allowed in the ditch.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon closed. Will re-open July 16.

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 31, 2015 water flow is currently 3,250 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report- Rainbow trout fishing in the Redding area to Anderson area is GREAT!
Fishing daily, water is clear, and gorgeous weather. With most days averaging over 20 hook ups, fishing for rainbows has been fantastic. 
Working best are egg patterns. Weather is beautiful and warming mid- day, catching majority fish as day warms.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass:
March 31, 2015 
The Striped Bass fishing has started.  Let's go fishing. Starting to catch some stripers now, ranging in size up to 10 pounds, occasionally a few larger.
Fishing down low, below Colusa area, with fishing getting better and better as we move into April and weather warms.
Call us today at 1800-670-4448.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
Report updated March 28, 2015
STRIPERS TICKILING IN
The Sac is slow for stripers right now as the fish trickle upstream in the low flows.
There are fish spread from Isleton up to Tisdale, with the larger concentrations down near Sac and Verona.
Water temps are 64 degrees and the stripers are already spawning, so you better get in on the fishing while it lasts!

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road closed.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
March 31, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. For Shasta Lake fishing, catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, fish ranging in size 2 to 4 pound King salmon, up to  75 ft deep.
Catching limits of bass daily, Spotted bass and Small mouth bass. We are catching bass along the banks and down 35 ft. Averaging 25 to 35 hook ups a day. Using spinner baits and crankbaits early morning, and using rubber worms the rest of the day, with mid-afternoons being the best as the day warms.  
If you have any more questions or to book your Northern California guided Lake Shasta fishing trip, please call us at 1-800-670-4448. 

SMITH RIVER, OREGON:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Most of the steelhead will be wild, therefore fishing will be primarily catch-and-release. Striped bass fishing will pick up as spring progresses.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Surface water temperatures are approaching 50 degrees and fishing is picking up at South Fork.
Anglers report fair to good luck catching fish ranging in size from 12 to 18 inches with a few coming in over 20 inches.
With the water along the shorelines warming up, fish have been moving into the shallows both for food and to look for spawning habitat.
Last weekend, fishing was good at the main boat ramp on the east side of the lake with fly fishermen catching good numbers of fish in the 14 to 20 inch range using hare’s ears and chironomids.
Tomera Cove, the bluffs below the east side campground, red beach along with most of the northeast side of the lake found fishing cruising the shallows.
The bluffs along the northwest side of the lake by the dam are also producing fish. Sherbet Power Bait or worms is what most anglers have been using with the Power Bait doing the best.
Fly rodders should be trying wooly buggers, seal buggers, hare’s ear nymphs, pheasant tail (PT) nymphs and chironomid pattherns.
One angler reported a nice sized bass being caught at the south end of the lake.
Black bass may not be kept until July 1st and must be returned to the water immediately upon catching.
The lake has been stocked a couple of times already and spring stocking should continue into May.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is holding at 21% capacity. 
Fishing has picked up for Rainbows here, especially in the LT arm, and toplining for Kokanee has been great for those who can launch their boats.  
Like I mentioned, launching any boat other than a small aluminum one can be an adventure and 4-wheel drive is an absolute must. 
Go to the right of boat launch and find the steep rocky shoreline, drop boat in and then turn boat and head in direction back to old boat launch as there is a sand bar developing just outside of new launch site. 
Reports of most Kokes ranging in the 14-15 inch range and one caught almost to 16 inches!  Same as Donner as one will be toplining down to about 6 feet with anything in a combo of Pink. 
Shore fishing has been sporadic for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware. 
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves. Some big smallies here, but you'll have to work hard for them.  
This lake will be stocked this week!!!!

LAKE TAHOE:
A continuing report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows, trolled at depths of 100-300 feet on the west side of the lake near Homewood, California.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
March 31, 2015 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows;  Currently 300 CFS.
We are fishing the Trinity River for steelhead currently, picking up  4 to 5 adult fish a day. Lots of half pounders now.
Fishing from Roundhouse to Pigeon Point is best bet.
Fly or Spin fishing are both productive. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Temps this week will be very nice and expect some windy conditions by mid-week. Best hours to fish will be 9 to 4. Water temps have come up and fish are more apt to sample your offerings now.  
Lots of Midges and small BWO/Baetis Mayflies and still Skwala Stones. 
Flows are reasonable but the general outlook could be dismal if we don't see an increase in our snowpack. Snowpack sits at 36% now. 
Start to think about March Browns now as we press into this month and the accelerated fishing season! 
Use patterns such as Gill's SH March Brown, Burk's TB March Brown or Pheasant Tails in size 12 and 14's. 
Fishing has been pretty good with a mix bag of streamer fishing to throwing BWO dries to rising fish. 
Best sections to fish have been the Glenshire stretch as some anglers have seen double digit days here, but don't disregard the sections toward State Line.
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.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Have a great winter, and let's pray for a lot of snow for water to refill all the reservoirs, lakes and streams with plenty for the ski resorts.
May you all have a Happy, Healthy 2015, see you on the water in late April!
Carolyn

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, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
March 29, 2015 
The East is still running around 20 or 22 CFS these days though we have been getting some better reports lately with the warmer weather.
It hasn't been red hot, but most anglers that are putting in some time and effort are starting to get into some nice fish.
There are some skwallas coming off on the Nevada side periodically so that's producing some good dry action from time to time and on the more overcast days there's still some baetis coming off.
Most anglers are still using dry/dropper rigs and that seems to be producing the most fish though we have had a couple good reports on streamers as well.
Bottom line, it's not automatic down there right now, but if you're sneaky enough and have a good presentation with your flies you should be able to bag some fish!
Patterns to try include flashback emerger, zebra midge, wd-40, top secret midge, rainbow warrior, silver streak, san juan worm, skwalla, herbie, stimulator, madam x
Sceirine Ranch:
March 29, 2015
We've had several anglers on the ranch this past week and the ones we've received reports from afterwards have had decent days down there.
Again, stealth and good presentation are keys to success even on the private section right now!     
Hunewill Pond:
March 29, 2015
I went and checked out the pond a few days ago, unfortunately the drought has taken its toll on the pond this winter and it's very low, too low to fish. There are some fish that are hanging in there so at this time we're just waiting for some water to fill the pond up so we can get back to some good fishing! I'll let you know when it's ready to roll!!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 21 CFS. Low and slow. Try the Lower Owens.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 3/30/15
Flows have dropped to 20 CFS.
Will be another tough year here I’m sorry to say.  
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
March 29, 2015
We haven't heard much from the West lately but it should start picking up pretty good with the warmer weather we've been having, just another opportunity for wetting a fly in the "off season"!

WALKER RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is still holding at approximately 20% capacity even though it received some much needed moisture over the past week.
Fishing continues to be slow for numbers but good for size with fish averaging between 18 and 22 inches.
Shore anglers have had some luck in the canyon by the dam.
Bait anglers catching fish are using either worms or Power Bait.
Anglers are also using a combination of worms with either corn or marshmallows with some success.
With the recent precipitation, expect the shorelines to be muddy, so driving to the water’s edge or launching a boat isn’t recommended.
The recent moisture has kept water temperatures down.
Effective Sunday, March 1, 2015 the limits are back on at Wild Horse Reservoir. So make sure you check the 2015 Nevada Fishing Guide for current regulations and limits.
NDOW biologists will re-evaluate the limits as water conditions warrant.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson was less than a foot from spilling last week and with the recent precipitation, should be close to spilling, if not already spilling.
However, don’t expect fishing below the spillway to be as good as years past due to light stocking last year followed by slow to fair fishing.
Fishing was slow to fair last fall and expect those conditions to continue until it is stocked later in the spring after the lake is done spilling.
While NDOW only stocked about 23,000 fish last year due to the low lake levels, expect that number to double this spring.
With the recent moisture travel should be taken while driving to the lake.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF:
Closed. Will re-open April 25, 2015.

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