Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of April 9-15

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 April 9-15, 2014. Opening day for stream and lake fishing along most California waters in Saturday, April 26.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This lake has proven to have some nice browns. The fish are biting right now so come join in on the action this week.  
Courtesy of bigdaddyfishing.com.

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.

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:
Current flow is 398+ CFS. Fishing will be off and on with the ongoing snow melt. Look for increased flows in the next couple of weeks. The flows on the Carson are above 500 CFS, making conditions for fishing difficult and wading dangerous. The Carson run off this year should not last long, so look forward to good fishing in late May and the early June.
Same methods of fishing should be applied this time of year.
Lure fisherman should try Kastmasters and Blue fox lures.
Salmon eggs drifted works well this time of year.
Fly anglers try prince nymphs, gold ribbed hares ear and yellow stones.
Stocked 3/26/14 with 2,000 rainbows.

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.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is ice free, fishing is picking up as the water warms.
Fishing has been fair to almost good for 8 to 10 inch trout.
The old standby of worms or Power Bait should work.
Fly rodders should be using small olive buggers, hares ears, small leeches and chironomids. On some of the warmer, sunny afternoons give small pale morning duns, Adams, elk hair caddis or mosquito patterns a try.

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:
Fishing this lake will be very difficult this week as the snow as dumped about 10 inches at lake level recently. 
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing  News.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Inclement weather slowed anglers down this week, but Friday was busy at the park. Anglers are catching rainbow, tiger and brown trout using rainbow Power Bait or night crawlers. Mepp’s spinners also are catching trout, and the bass action is about to start up.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Warm water fish such as crappie and bass have yet to be seen, but rainbow trout are taking Power Bait, Power Eggs and small spinners.

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

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There is some good action happening on the river this week.
Both adult and junior steelhead are being caught throughout the river. Courtesy of American Fly Fishing Co.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Check for current weather conditions before heading out. 
Fishermen are reporting catching some nice fish this week.
Those who are trolling  and banking are doing very well.
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 5 CFS. Forecast is for warming weather which should improve the bite here. Best  chance is nymphing with caddis larva or small pheasant tails. The BWO's are beginning to show in decent numbers and surface action has improved.



HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek (4/4/14)
Ice and snow is gone, just a few patches remain.
Water is up & a tad off color due to recent run-off.
Decent caddis & mayfly activity occurring daily. The small spring caddis are like candy to these wild fish and you will enjoy the best snap during this hatch. #18/20 hi-vis elk hair imitations will suffice, try some crystal olive caddis larva patterns for nymphs.
Dry dropper rigs using para midge or hi-vis para BWO or blue wing olive adult patterns #14-18 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. A hot rig is an olive or light Punk Perch as your upper fly with an assassin or PT as a dropper.
You may also “swing cast” the Punk across the deeper slots and pools for a shot at one of the bigs that hunker along the weed lines or in the gut of the larger holes. 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.
Humboldt County 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).

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah is completely ice free and the water temperature is starting to climb into the high 40’s.
Fishing is borderline fair to good.
Minnow imitations, natural baits and wooly buggers are all worth a try here.
Fish the northern shorelines (they get the most sun and warm up first) in the shallows as the trout cruise them looking for bugs to eat.

JAKES/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Jakes Creek is free of ice and the water level is good. No weeds and fishing from shore should be productive this time of year.
Anglers should try Power Bait and worms or small spinners fished slowly.
Fly rodders should give hares ears, PT nymphs, zug bugs and prince nymphs along with wooly buggers a chance.

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 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:
We are nearing the end of the steelhead run so it has been very slow this week.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Walleye have been showing up in and around the beach areas.
Best methods for Walleye have been worms trolled in a worm harness behind flashers and live minnows.
Wipers should start showing up in the narrows.
Best methods for wipers have been jigs and plastic worms fished shallow in the morning and evening.
Low water levels but still fishable. There is still no boat access.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Action has been light on the river, which may be a result of passing cold fronts that keep the fish from biting.
One angler caught a healthy smallmouth bass in the area of Big Bend while fishing for striped bass.
As the weather warms, bass should move onto beds and increase fishing opportunities for anglers.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The recent rain and cold weather is making for a challenging week on this lake. Fishermen are telling us you should still be able to catch a few smaller rainbows averaging 12” to 15”.   
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:
The bass fishing has picked up in the last couple of weeks with the warmer weather. Anglers have been using top water baits and soft baits.
For best results try drop shots and Texas Rig.
Colors for soft baits have been root beer and black.
Fly anglers for trout reported success using midge patterns and copper johns.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
High winds have kept many anglers off the water, which in turn has kept many fish in the water. With the forecast calling for light breezes and sunny conditions for the weekend, fishing should improve. Falling water levels have made largemouth and smallmouth bass hard to find. Those anglers who are able to net live shad have reported good success for striped bass, although most are weighing in at about 1.5 pounds. Anglers who are netting gizzard shad are reporting that many are in the 18 to 20-inch range, and some have been catching tilapia that are pushing the four-pound mark.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Despite windy conditions for much of the past week, the fish have been biting. Reports for striped bass have been light but the action for largemouth and smallmouth bass has been hot!
Dark colored plastics fished on shelves in the coves have worked well.
Drop offs are key because of the shadows and cover they provide.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Black Bass fishing has been great this week. Most fishermen are catching in the 12” to 16” range, but a few bigger ones are starting to surface.
The South Fork seems to be the clearest area this week.  
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 105 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. 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 144 CFS. Fishing is  good  in the wild trout section with WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. 
Hatches have been sporadic lately and surface action is minimal.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River (4-6-14)
Flows have doubled to 98 CFS recently. It has made the “catching” tough. The LADWP is routing water through the Rush Creek Diversion-it is NOT run-off from snow melt.
There are still a few jumbo sized migratory rainbows holding; however the peak of the run is over and most of the hens you see have dropped their eggs.
The small dark spring caddis hatch – #18- is coming off on the warmer days, even in the upper sections near Long Years.
Lots of smaller resident trout slurping the caddis this afternoon. 
Look for a decent BWO mayfly hatch as well, both seem to peak about 2pm.
You may find some muddy sections along the two rack roads after the ground thaws so be careful driving in this week.  
Have some mayfly nymphs like flashback PT’s, assassins, hares ear, #14/20.  The dark assassin bird’s nest IS the hot fly #14/16, along with the egg patterns we are selling at Reagan’s in Bishop, and the Crowley General Store. 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 patterns 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 spring run rainbows are just beginning to move & water conditions should be excellent this season with stable conditions.
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 (4/6/14)
Flows are on the way up friends. 145 CFS and trending up. Still not bad, but you may see substantial increases soon. The LADWP is still not generating power here, so flows may remain very fishable for a while.
It remains consistently inconsistent here. You could have a twenty fish day, or if the fish switch turns off just a few.
The surface action has been disappointing the last few days, nymphing has been good. I believe it has to do with dissolved oxygen and water temperatures emanating from Pleasant Valley dam.
The Middle Owens is a tailwater fishery and this shallow reservoir can have “mixed” batches of water moving through at times.
The BWO/PMD mayfly & spring caddis hatch is in full swing and the wild fish are moving into the riffle water and tail outs to feed mid-day.
Theses hatches are EXTREMELY associated with air & water temps.
Cold winter like storms can alter hatches quickly this time of year.
The caddis hatches are coming off afternoon. The trout are really keying in on these pops & you may experience a decline in grabs after the emergences 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.
The recent warm weather has also triggered the beginning of the spring caddis emergence. On the high pressure calmer days you will see good numbers of these light bodied delta winged insects covering the water. 
Hi-vis Elk hair caddis adults are good replicas #16/18.
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.
Mayfly adults have upright wings, twin tails, and ride high in the foam lines.
The pale morning duns (PMD’s) are good sized for mayfly adults.
Use a #16 pattern for these sulphur bodied duns.
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. 

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:
Near Lake Britton Dam area, Pit #3 seems to be the spot this week. The cold and snowy weather will make it more difficult to catch the next few days. Make sure you are prepared on this river as it is very remote.  
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 4/4/14
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
The level has come up significantly-at current levels the transition area is tough to fish.  Best way to fish here now is to cross at the footbridge and hike to the west side. Less trees & willows to deal with. Flows may be on the high side for wading the “brambles” section located downstream from the powerhouse to the lake proper. They have over 120 CFS moving down the gorge currently.
The transition section is fishing well if you know how to strip a streamer or use a dry/dropper bead head combo. Not a lot of huge fish, but the numbers can be great.
Tubing is best under current lake levels.
Check out 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.
Watch out for the slippery or frozen mud along the shoreline so long as the level remains low. 
The Gorge:
The Gorge has very high flows for this time of year as the LADWP is moving water down from Crowley through this section instead of the pipe that goes into the power house. Work continues to go on here. Flows are at 121 CFS with normal being 33 CFS. Tough to fish here at this release.

RUBY LAKE NAT. WILD. REFUGE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) report:
The Refuge is ice free and fishing has been fair on most days, though occasionally it approaches the good category.
Small olive buggers, hare’s ears, leech and egg patterns should all work.
Give damsel and dragon fly nymphs a try as well and of course don’t forget about chironomids.
The ditch and a number of the ponds stocked over the past couple of weeks.

RUSH CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until Saturday, April 26, 2014.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The cloudy wet weather is helping when it comes to Fishing for rainbows. You can expect a productive week. Fishermen floating seem to be catching in the early morning hours. We have also been told fishing from 12pm to 3pm has been worthwhile.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This part of the river will not be as productive this week due to the recent weather conditions. The best bet fishermen say will be 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 April 7, 2014 water flow is currently 3,250 CFS. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is awesome.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch mid day.  
Trout fishing Redding area, fishing is great. Mild weather....Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 26 inches, from 20 to 30 fish days. 
Fishing is great rain or shine. 
Trout fishing through the town of Redding has been excellent.
Fishing Keswick Dam to Balls Ferry ramp.
Using PMD's, Black Caddis, Prince Nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails,  Brown Micro Mays,  & Yellow Sucker Spawn.
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.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass fishing:
Striped Bass fishing has started up. Water is currently dirty from the last few hard rains. Before rain we were picking up a few stripers out of the Ward's Landing area.  Fishing for stripers should be red hot fishing in a week.

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

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishermen can expect to catch a couple trout or Bass near Digger Bay, Little Backbone and around Silverthorne this week.  
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
April 7, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing - Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is turned on and fishing is good.
Catching Rainbows and  salmon now on Lake Shasta.
Bass fishing is great! The bass fishing is RED HOT ! 20 to 50 bass a day.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat dock is in the water at the main boat ramp and the water is clearing.
Still some stained water at the inlet end of the lake to the south, but the north and east sides of the lake are fairly clear.
The south end of the lake has produced both nice trout and some sporadic wipers in three to four feet of water.
Float tubers have been catching the wipers in very shallow water in the south end. They say that if your fins aren’t touching the bottom, you are too deep.
Jet Ski Beach, as always, seems to be the popular place to fish, but anglers shouldn’t ignore the eastern shore.
Tomera Cove is producing a few nice fish with one angler reporting a good morning during Sunday’s snow storm catching his fish with a Kastmaster.
With water climbing into the mid 40’s, fish are looking for water that is even just a degree or two warmer and the eastern and northern shorelines get the most afternoon sun causing these areas to have a bit warmer water later in the day.
Fishing for trout is fair to good, depending upon the day, and fly fishermen have had success with black and red chironomids as well as olive seal buggers and olive crystal buggers.
Bait anglers are having success with rainbow Power Bait or worms.
A few bass are starting to show up in the creel.
Remember, you may not keep any black bass between March 1st and June 30th, they must be released immediately back into the water.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have reported good fishing with power bait in rainbow and orange. The weed bed continues to be a problem around Spooner Lake.
If anglers do find an opening they should have some success. A water craft such as a float tube or kayak is key to unlocking this lake’s hold on fishing.
Fly anglers have had luck using black, brown, and green Wooly Buggers. For fly anglers, a floating line this time of year is all you need but later in the year anglers will need to transition to an intermediate line for deeper presentation.

LAKE TAHOE:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fish have started to transition to the deeper water anywhere from 80 to 150 feet. Top lining still has been producing brown trout and rainbow near any structure type areas. While top lining, try using minnow plugs and spoons and make sure to change up often.
The fish can be very selective this time of year. White dodgers trailing minnows is still a very effective method for Mackinaw.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of Mackinaw Trout being caught on the east side of the lake at Zephyr Point, Cave Rock Shelf and Deadman's Point while trolling large Trophy Stick lures smeared with Pro Cure Super Gel.

TOPAZ LAKE, NEV/CALIF:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is starting to pick up. Largemouth fishing is picking up with the upper 50 degree water temperatures. Concentrate your efforts on the coves with shelves and drop offs. The bass will start transitioning from deep water to shallow for spawning. The males will move into the shallows but the females will still be in the transition zones feeding heavily until spawn.
The trout fishing has been off. Boat anglers should try using Rapalas and nightcrawlers behind dodgers. Shore fishermen should try Power Bait, Power Eggs, salmon eggs, and nightcrawlers.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
You can expect to catch a couple largemouth bass in the 6 to 7 pound range using swim baits this week.
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.
    
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The big steelhead are coming to an end, but you can still catch a few small ones as well as some brown trout all year long.
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:
April 7, 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, Calif., fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 337 + CFS.
Fly fisherman try using March Brown imitations and Blue Winged Olive May Fly’s. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of streamers this time of year. Try sculpin and crayfish patterns for best streamer patterns.
For traditional anglers this time of year floating salmon eggs, Power Bait and imitating bait fish work well.
Fly anglers should concentrate on nymph fishing and streamers.

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:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
East Walker Flow is currently at 43 CFS.
Fishing has been good with the low river flows. Anglers have reported a good Squala hatch this April, but the hatch will not continue into May. Try using May fly patterns this time of year and drop off a heavy weighted caddis or bb shot with a caddis pattern.
Fish the edges hard this time of year, fish tend to concentrate on the edges to gobble up stone fly hatches.
A brown trout study is going on and researchers are requesting information on tagged fish including color (to determine if wild or hatchery) and location where caught.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
April 07, 2014 
The East is still running at 40 CFS right now ( for over a week now) and is still fishing excellent! The 40 CFS flow gives the fish a little more room to spread out compared to a 22 CFS flow. I would still recommend being pretty stealthy as the fish can tend to be a bit spooky with this flow.  
Lots of good nymphing going on, we've had a few good reports on streamers and some really good reports on dries, especially on the Nevada side!
The weather has been nice so the baetis haven't been too active, but it's been good for the skwalas on the Nevada side.
Some patterns working both on the Cali and NV sides include: rainbow warrior, silver streak, mercury midge, san juan worm, flossy worm, top secret midge, dark lord, zuddler, zonker, moal leech, jj special, mini leech, designated hitter, para madam x, chubby chernobyl, para adams.           
Sceirine Ranch:
April 07, 2014
The ranch has also fished excellent this past week, lots of good dry action as well as nymphing and some streamer action.
With the weather warming up it will soon be time to fish some crawdad patterns like a dead drift crawfish as well as some larger streamers.
The patterns that are working on the Cali side will also work 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 has bumped up to 40 CFS. Fishing is tough.
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:
East Walker River (4/4/14)
Flows up to 41 CFS.  Warm snap next week will get the fish on the chew.
Pressure has been light and reports of fair to good “catching” came in when the flows came up.
The West Walker has also opened to year around fishing & one may consider doing a Walker combo trip?
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:
April 07, 2014
Haven't heard much from the West this week, I'd expect it to be the same as last week though, small wooly buggers, maybe some attractor nymphs like princes or pheasant tails or zug bugs. Be sneaky so as not to spook the fish, search out the deeper pools where the fish will be hanging out
Remember it's catch and release until the regular season opens!    

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
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.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is now ice free and yet winter has just hit the lake dumping some much needed snow in the area.
Water levels are rising, but ever so slowly and not enough.
The shorelines are very soft and driving a vehicle near the lake is not recommended. It is also almost impossible to launch a boat here as the boat ramp is still quite a ways out of the water.
Fishing has been fair with most anglers using Power Bait or worms from shore near the state park boat ramp.
Fly anglers should be using buggers, chironomids, leeches and hares ears.
As the water temperature starts to climb into the upper 40’s over the next couple of weeks expect the fishing to pick up.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is down to around 5% of capacity and turbid.
It is not worth the trip. This fishery is probably gone until we get enough moisture to recharge both it and the surrounding lands.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson’s conditions are similar to South Fork and the lake is ice free.
The water is turbid but is starting to clear.
The county road was graded a couple of weeks ago and the ranch road was in good shape, so as long as it is dry, you should be able to get here okay.
Don’t expect to be able to launch a boat any time soon. The boat ramp is still a ways out of the water and with the small snowpack, the boat ramp may never be in the water this year and the lake is definitely not going to spill unless we have one heck of a wet spring.
Like South Fork expect fishing to be picking up here as well.
Anglers should use the same presentations and techniques as at South Fork.

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