Fishing Report for April 13-20

CARSON CITY — Here is this week's fishing report for Northern and Western Nevada, Northern California and southern Oregon. This report is for the week of April 13-20:

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service (539) 283-4103) www.bigdaddyfishing.com reports:
It is Game On at Lake Almanor. How fast things can change with a break in the storms and a little sun. A week ago the fish were in a solid winter pattern and now the weather has them acting like spring.
The open water bite near the dam and up the east shore that had been very good has dwindled over the week with only a few fish still being caught on smelt pattern imitations fished in the top 10 feet.
When the water starts to warm I get excited to get in the shallows and chase Browns and that what we have been doing.
There have been some rumors out there that the east shore is un-fishable due to murky water pumping out of the Hamilton Branch Power House, while the water is flowing out very stained most of the east shore is still very fishable. How do I know? Because we have been hooking fish!! I have spent my time working rocky points along the east shore with Trophy Sticks and Rapalas finding mostly Brows with a few Bows in the mix. The fish have been running 2 to 5.5 pounds so far but each year we hook into the lake's larger fish doing this. It is only a matter of time.
I have been lubing up the lures with Pro-Cure's Trophy Trout Gel.
The water temps have been starting out in the high 30's and topping out in the mid 40's under mostly sunny skies and flat water conditions.
Look for this bite to only get better as we move further into spring.
The Canyon Dam Boat Ramp is in good shape with only one side currently open but it will not be long till the other side melts open as well.
Parking can still be a bit of an issue as the side parking lot is still packed with snow and un-useable. Please use common sense when parking, be sure not to block anyone in or block access in or out of the parking lot.

BLUE LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reports:
The road is closed for the winter.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760) 932-7707 www.kenssport.com reports:
Opening day is April 30, 2011. Ken's Guide Service is starting to get some bookings for Bridgeport so if you'd like to have a guided day of fishing on the pontoon boat just give us a call to check for availability!

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reports:
West Carson River: The river opens to fishing on Saturday, April 30.
Today (Tuesday), the water level is really up due to the runoff from the snow melting. We are going to get more and more runoff as more snow melts, and then the river will really be roaring.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530) 832-0270 www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com reports:
As of April 6: Fishing has been slow, but nice fish are being caught. 
Mepps spinners at Honker Cove, and Chartreuse Power Bait at Coot's Bay.  A nice 3 pounder was caught at Coot's Bay on April 3. 
Lake level is 73 percent and rising.
There is ice still in the dam area, but it is NOT safe to go on.
You will have to walk through snow to get to the lake. Access by vehicle only on the East side, the road is clear up to Mallard Cove access road.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Spring runoff is causing murky water conditions. Though fishing has slowed down, anglers are still catching tiger and rainbow trout.
Tigers seem to prefer flashy hardware while the rainbows are hitting night crawlers, a variety of Power Bait flavors and lures. Typically, Super Dupers, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Little Jakes are all good choices.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
The water is murky due to spring runoff but anglers are still catching rainbow trout along the dam. Some fish are in the 1- to 1.5-pound range. Crappie have shut off and the bass have yet to become active.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530) 993-4683 reports:
Fishermen are doing well at Frenchman's. Around the dam seems to be the best place to put your pole in the water.  Using nightcrawlers and catching limits of rainbow trout weighing 1 to 2 pounds and are 16 to 22 inches in length.
You can get up to the dam with no problem, but getting around the lake you need a big four-wheeled drive or snow shoes or a snowmobile. 
The boat ramps are NOT accessible at this time. 
If you do try to go around the lake BE CAREFUL! There is still plenty of snow on the ground past the dam.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Water flow is 12 CFS. Fishing here is good. The Mayfly hatch has been a bit off and on. Nymph fish with FB Pheasant Tails, gray WD-40's and Caddis larva. BWO patterns on the surface.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reports:
So far, so good. Water clarity and flows remain great. You will see the trend change shortly and don’t be surprised to have some high water/off color days in the near future here when the air temps begin to warm.
Although HC is a small ground fed spring creek, it has the confluence of Mammoth Creek near its headwaters and is greatly influenced by Mammoth Creek’s conditions. MC is a freestone creek and it will begin to swell as the huge snowpack starts to melt and run-off.
Nymphing with PT’s # 18-20, broken back and standard Crystal Midges # 16-22, SJ Worms # 12-16 (red or brown), egg patterns # 14-18, BWO adults # 18 for surface action in the afternoon, Stonefly Nymphs and adults # 12-16, Baetis emergers # 18-20 (great to fish in the weed channels) are good selections currently. Try chucking some streamers # 8-12 if the water gets high and off color.
“The Forest Circus" gate remains closed as of this report but expect it to open soon. The snow is gone save for a few accumulations on the northern exposures; access into the canyon is good.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Water Conditions: Good. Flows are at 29 CFS as of 4/7.
Paved road to entrance of Hot Creek ranch is plowed and dry. 
Access to the canyon section and Interpretive Center sections are a walk over patchy snow. Gate should be open soon.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Excellent. Some big early spawners have shown up in the Interpretive Center section.
The formula for the canyon section is pretty much the same ol', same ol' - small midges early and BWO's later in the morning.
It gets going by 9 am, sometimes earlier.
Throw streamers if you want to try it during bad weather.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Dave Kirby of the Woodfords Station (866) 694-2930 www.woodfordsstation.com reports:
Fishing at the reservoir was slow last weekend compared to the previous weekend, probably due to the wind blowing. Both of the roads to the reservoir are now open and the snow is pretty much gone back there.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
Anglers looking for a good fight may want to try their luck with carp. These hard-fighting fish are moving into shallow areas to spawn. Sweet corn fished on a number four hook is generally a good bait option.
Reports of anglers catching large stripers have trailed off in recent weeks, but they are still managing to catch a few reaching three or four pounds.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass have moved into shallow areas and are hitting plastics and crankbaits. This is a good time for shore anglers to try their hand at bassin'.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports: Fishing remains fair overall but is good for black bass.
Stripers have been a rare catch of late but anglers are fooling some fish by drifting cut baits such as anchovies.
Catfish action has been good round the clock for anglers fishing on the bottom with a variety of commercial catfish baits or cut anchovies.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are moving shallow. Anglers are finding success with plastics, jigs and crankbaits. The big fish caught during last weekend's Ultimate Bass tournament tipped the scale at 7.3 pounds and the winning five-fish bag weighed more than 21 pounds.
Anglers hunting for large stripers are still catching double-digit fish in the area south of Willow Beach. The fish seem to like slow sinking swimbaits in trout patterns.
Trout anglers are finding good fishing for rainbow trout following weekly trout plants by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery.
Power Bait, worms and hardware such as Panther Martins or Little Jakes are generally effective baits.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has been good when the ocean has been “calm.” Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod outside of 40 fathoms is closed from April 1 – Sept. 30.
A few lingcod and rockfish are being caught along the jetties inside the bays. Effective baits to use for lingcod are bouncing a jig with a big plastic tail or bouncing a herring near the bottom.
There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch look for places that have riptides or areas that has steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide with ocean swells less than 6 feet. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surfperch. 

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Upper Owens River: Water flow 66 CFS. Closed from Benton Crossing downstream to Crowley Lake. Open to fishing up stream from the Benton Crossing Bridge.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is slow .A few Mayflies and Midges hatching sporadically.
Parachute Adams on the surface and WD-40's and small flashback Pheasant Tails under the surface.
Lower Owens River: Water flow 445 CFS.  Fishing is poor due to high water flow.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
Upper Owens River Water Conditions: As of 4/7 flows are still down at 70 CFS above the Hot Creek confluence.
'Cold water so get those nymphs and streamers down to where the fish are.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good to Excellent. There are still some big Crowley fish in the system.
Ice out just happened so get those big Crowley fish before they head for home soon.
Dry action is excellent with good hatches midday on days with no weather.
Nymphing, streamers, Midges early and Baetis midday.
Owens River Gorge Water conditions: Great. Flow: 45 CFS. This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP. Water is clear and cold.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Excellent. Pat has been plying these waters last few days and says stinging nettles are not going yet and fishing has been great.
Good place to hide in bad weather.
Lower Owens River Water Conditions: Flows are still raging at 455 cfs as of 4/7. Wading not recommended.
Watch out for crumbling bank. Water is still cold but warming fast.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Fair to poor. Try to find areas of slower moving water, and stay subsurface until the flows subside.
Also try more towards Big Pine as river is wider with no banks.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:

Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Lower Owens River: It has sucked here recently. The increase has really dampened fishing with these high release rates in all sections. Fish reports are based on what is-and what was, for the most part.
There is going to be a change for the positive before long. You will see a DRAMATIC DECREASE in the flows when the Southern Sierra begins to run-off. The aqueduct will not accommodate all the run-off and the high release rates at one time so flows will be cut down for an extended period to allow for the lower areas to drain.
Crowley is currently lowering at a very fast clip and I expect fishing to get good on the Lower Owens within the month, so don’t count this area out.
Wading in the wild trout section will be difficult and in some instances dangerous for crossing so exercise caution.
Heavily weighted Nymph rigs using lots of flash in your # 14-18 patterns will still get grabs in the accessible areas here.
The drift boating has also been slow but it will pick up as the fish acclimate and adjust to the higher levels. Clarity and silt are improving as well.
The streamer fishing can be sensational this time of year and I fully expect to have some great days in the near future. We used to say "make the news, don’t hear about it" when I was commercial fishing. Here is your tip for this area. I have posted an on-the-spot video on YouTube that is recently updated.
Upper Owens River: The War Wagon snowmobile has been stored for the season and access into the UO above Benton Crossing has improved. You may take your vehicles in on the north side main dirt road, but I DO NOT suggest you proceed further along the two track feeder roads right now. They are a mess and the tow trucks are making a fortune pulling out those who try to drive in on the mud to the walk through areas.
Fishing is very slow here and not worth the effort right now. There are a few scattered big fish here and there but it is a long while and a lot of casts between fish as of this report.
The "snow bows" have gone back to Crowley.
We had an incredible winter this year and strongly suggest you try this trip out next season for a shot at these awesome winter run rainbows.

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.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Tubing PV is a good bet trolling streamers near the launch ramp, and right near the transition from the river into the lake.
There are very high flows in the river when the turbine is on so position yourself where the water slows down and there is less debris.
The Gorge is fishing great and flows here are stable. If you don’t mind the hiking and rock hopping this is a good area to get into fish on the surface. Mayfly and Caddis fly imitations # 14-18 are good choices. Dry/dropper bead head nymph rigs work well also for the deeper runs and pools.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775) 476-0555 www.fishpyramid.com reports:
The fishing has been pretty good if you can get out on the lake.
I’ve got a charter this afternoon (Monday) but they are calling for winds from 25 to 40 mph.
There has been a lot of fishermen at “The Nets,” since they re-opened.
The water is still not that warm: It’s in the low 40’s.
The guys from shore have been doing good with lots of catch and release.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775) 853-7368 info@renoflyshop.com:
As of April 6, the water temps have come up about 6-7 degrees in the past week. The fishing over that time has been really good.
Rob Anderson and Chris Evison, guides for Truckee River Outfitters hosted a club outing over the weekend and had 13 anglers from Idaho catch and release over 300 fish including a 12 pound and a 14.5 pound Cutthroat. The 12 was caught on a Maholo Midge and the 14 was caught on a Loco Beetle. There have been reports of 20 fish days on at least 10 different beaches in the past week. What that means is there are fish spread out all over the lake. Fish are being caught using all the normal techniques including Nymphing and retrieving flies with a shooting head on the bottom.
Pyramid is a strange lake to figure out. We find new spots and give up on old spots every year due to change in water levels.
This year is no different. The great thing is if you move around and try new areas you can fish alone on beaches that are on fire and have few anglers. What a great place to fish. The techniques remain the same (if you know what they are) but the beaches change.
The next month or more should be awesome. Nymphing with a floating line and retrieving flies with a shooting head will all be working.
The fishing should be good through May this year.
Hope to see you catching a fish of a lifetime at the lake!
We have plenty of guide availability if you give us some notice. We also still have all the Reno Fly Shop fly patterns for sale.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916) 388-1956 reports: Report updated April 4, SLOWLY DROPPING…STRIPERS SOON!
The river is still huge and muddy for much of its length, but reservoir releases are starting back off now. The river is running clear through Redding, but is picking up lots of color not too far downstream.
This past week, striper fishermen tried to poke around near Colusa, but Ward’s and the State Park were still underwater, so there weren’t a whole lot of launching options.
With all this high water, expect a good and long striper season…but we’re probably going to have to wait a bit for conditions to improve.

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

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800) 720-ODWF www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
The Smith will close March 31 for adipose fin-clipped Steelhead and Chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size.
Fishing for stripers in the upper tidewater area should be good for the next several weeks.
Fishing on the mainstem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to Bridge 10 open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead thru April 30.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530) 544-6552 www.blueribbonfishing.com reports:
North Shore: We’ve been getting our limits of average-sized (2-6 pounds) Mackinaw (Lake) Trout with larger Macks running up to 10-12 pounds.
We have been trolling at The Tavern Hole, Cal Neva Point, Dollar Point and Sugar Pine Point, 110-220 feet deep, with either Dodgers and minnows or Dodgers and large Trophy Stick lures.
East Shore: Shore fishing at Cave Rock Landing has been slow for small rainbows and an occasional brown or Mack.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Chuck and Linda Fields of the Topaz Lake Marina (775) 266-3550 reports:
It’s a beautiful day (Tuesday morning) and there are a couple of fishermen out there on the lake already.
Fishing has been pretty good.
We had three fishermen from San Diego out there every day over the weekend. They caught fish every day by trolling with Rapala lures.
A couple from Reno caught fish using orange-colored Needlefish lures.
A couple from Auburn even caught fish over the weekend and they had never fished here before.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775) 853-7368 info@renoflyshop.com:
The stretch of the river between the town of Truckee and Boca Bridge is fishable and has been really good. Reports of a Caddis hatch as well as some Winter Stones. The water is a little high and off colored and could change at any time so be careful, especially if you do not know the river.
Nymphing with a dark Stonefly Nymph in about a size 12-14 and a Caddis dropper in a size 16 is a good bet right now.
Fish the seams and the edges out of the main current.
Everything downstream of the Boca Bridge is blown out right now. The flows are over 1000 CFS and are extremely dangerous. If you must fish the Truckee River right now do not wade in it at these flows. We have had a huge winter and the Truckee could remain in this situation for a while.
Here are the current flows as of April 6th.
(Safe fishable flows in parenthesis).
Town of Truckee 305 CFS (100-350) Boca Bridge 1240 CFS (anything below 650) Farad 1310 CFS (400-600) Mogul 1390 CFS (300-500) Reno 1400 CFS (350-500).

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775) 853-7368 info@renoflyshop.com:
Flows are 136 CFS. The road is still covered with snow and not accessible by car. The road does not get plowed in the winter and will open up when the snow melts. There are still snow drifts over the guard railing on the road in some places so it could be a few weeks before it clears up. If you have a way to get in the fishing has been pretty good.
Baetis and Midges have been hatching mid day and the few anglers who have fished are doing pretty good.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season. Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775) 853-7368 info@renoflyshop.com:
East Walker River: Flows have been all over the map. Currently they are 200 CFS. There has been a flood warning issued for the valleys in and around the Walker and Carson drainages as the warm weather approaches. Bridgeport reservoir is full and I would imagine upper and lower Twin lakes are as well.
At some point in the near future they will be forced to run those river systems pretty high. There is just nowhere to put all the water.
The East Walker is fishable right now but it could change anytime.
Be careful wading there are not too many spots that you can cross with the current flows.
Nymphing with a Stonefly and a smaller dropper like a Baetis or a Midge along the edges and out of the main current is a pretty good way to fish the East Walker when the flows are high. Streamers can also be effective.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760) 932-7707 www.kenssport.com reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River: The flow on the river today is 235 CFS.
The fishing overall has been good, though there has seemed to be a couple tough patches here and there this past week.
We're starting to see some action on streamers this past few days, bellyache minnows, Zuddlers, mini leeches and dead-drift crayfish patterns have been good. For Nymphs, we’ve been hearing about small Princes, silver streaks, GT Emergers, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Emergers and San Juan Worms.
There been a couple good reports from the Nevada side with dries, but we haven't heard much about dries on the Cali side. Most anglers seem to be getting into 10 to 20 fish per day with usually a few in the 20 inch range.
West Walker River: Opens on Saturday, April 30.
Sceirine Ranch: The ranch has been fishing good also, it hasn't been too crowded yet but bookings are starting to increase.
Streamers and Nymphs have been the best, with some dry action and dry/dropper action as well.
Access is limited on the ranch so often these fish tend to be a bit more grabby than more heavily fished waters.
Hunewill Pond: The Pond is thawed out now but I haven't had a chance to get out there to fish it, as soon as I do I'll let you know how it's going!

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760) 935-4250 www.sierradrifters.com reports:
East Walker River: I have to give credit to the water lords here this season. They have managed the EW very well and performed a "flushing flow" of 900cfs early on in March so that we could enjoy some great fishing this spring.
The EW is in the best shape I have seen in recent years and is fishing very well in ALL sections.
Flows will vacillate from time to time as demands increase in Nevada, however they are currently holding between 200 & 300 CFS give or take. In my opinion these are ideal for this river during the spring season.
Tandem Nymph rigs loaded with Pheasant Tail imitations # 14-18, Stonefly Nymphs # 10-12, Midges # 16-20, broken back Midges # 16-18, San Juan Worms # 12-16 are all effective currently.
Streamer fishing is also good and you will have a better shot at hooking one of those legendary monsters that hold in the dark water. # 6-10 use them with a light to moderate sinking tip.
There are BWO hatches # 18 in the afternoon.
The fish are spread out much better this spring than in years past and not stacked up in the "mile" which makes a better fishing experience for all.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Kent of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760) 934-2517 www.thetroutfitter.com reports:
East Walker River Water Conditions:  Flows are bouncing around but now steady at 202 CFS for the last three days as of 4/7. Perfect.
Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Good to Excellent. The fishing is excellent now that the flows are back down to perfect levels for a while. Good hatches mid-morning on with recent warm weather but snow tonight so check weather forecast.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760) 934-6101 www.performanceanglers.com reports:
East Walker River: Water flow 237 CFS.  Fishing here has been good. Suggested flies are golden Stonefly Nymphs, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and gray or black Midge pupa.