Don Q's fishing report for week of April 17-24

Here is the weekly fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of April 17-24. Opening Day for California stream fishing is Saturday, April 27.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The conditions took a dip in quality last week but have risen back to great conditions. Hatches and temperature have drawn a multitude of Salmon, Browns, and Rainbows creating “ideal conditions.”
To catch the most possible it is advised to go earlier in the morning before the sun hits the surface directly.
Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (bryan@bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
Fishing Report April 11, 2013
Looks like last weekend's weather forecast kept a lot of people off of Almanor as we saw very few other boats out on the water over the last week.
While most people opted to stay on shore and talk fishing we were out getting it done.
The spring brown bite continues to be good to great sometimes taking longer to find the fish from day to day.
The east shore is still kicking out some nice Browns for my clients but the numbers have been steadily decreasing.
The west shore however has been picking up the slack in a big way, with lots of hook ups on nice Browns running 3 + pounds on average with some larger ones in the mix.
Right now 90 percent of our catch have been browns with a few nice Bows and some Smallies or "SMB" also tagging our lures.
The fish are still eating smelt as well as copious amounts of bugs that continue to hatch when the weather allows.
The little front that pushed through over the weekend brought light rain cooler temps and by Monday when it was on the way out BIG WIND!
We had a great day on Sunday catching not only beautiful Browns but some of the biggest SMB I have seen all year, in fact if you totaled the weight of the 5 bass we landed it would have been over a 26 pound limit, good enough to win any Bass tournament on the lake!
I met the same group Monday morning for day two. I knew the wind was coming so we were unsure about our chances to get out and fish. The lake was ugly and un-fishable and when trees started falling in the parking lot we took the hint and called it a day without wetting a line.
Tuesday was a little better for wind we got out on the lake and fished hard in all the areas that were protected from what was 20 to 25mph winds out of the NE with only a few nice fish to show for our efforts.
I kept looking towards the west shore where I knew there were Browns to be had. Late in the morning I finally made the call to head west and just deal with the wind and waves that were pounding the shoreline.
Once we dropped in it didn't take long and we were Fish On!
We spent a few hours hitting one Brown after another. Like I said earlier you can sit on shore and talk about fishing or get out there and get after them. The wind and cooler temps also helped to lower the lake's surface temps a few degrees which will only help this bite to continue.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road has been closed for the season, so there will be no more fishing reports for Angel Lake until it opens next spring.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
The road is closed.

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

CARSON RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013, above Hangman's Bridge.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Cave is ice free and fishing has been good for 8 to 10 inch fish using baits as well as small spinners and flies.
Trout are often seen shoaling in the shallows and sight fishing can be fun.
This lake is scheduled to be stocked towards the end of April.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead: Closed until May 25 trout opener.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Closed to fishing. Opens Sat. April 27, 2013.
The lake is totally ice free and stocking has begun.
Opening day fishing should be very productive.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com" www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
April 9:
The Lake Davis Spring Fishing Derby is NOW official.
The fishing derby will be June 15, 2013.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
May until the end of July is the best time to be fishing on Lake Davis. This is when the damsel fly hatch begins, bring large rainbows into the shallows and surface. The fishing can be nerve-racking, many large rainbows splashing, water containing thousands of migrating nymphs at times.
You only hope they take your imitation along with the other "real" food.
Use nightcrawlers dressed with Berkley’s garlic-flavored trout dip.
The average fish reported has been around 17 inches in length.
Courtesy of Fly Fish with Don.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been very good and anglers are finding success for trout while fishing from the dock and along the shore. Anglers are using Power Bait and night crawlers. Most of the trout taken are in the 12- to 15-inch range.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Action has been good for trout. Night crawlers, Power Bait and small spinners have all enticed fish measuring as large as 15 inches.
Catch and release fishing is a great way to extend your day of fishing, but be sure to use single barbless hooks and minimize the time the fish is out of the water to help ensure its survival.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The conditions are the same as last week! Stripers are scattered all up and down the river, making consistent catches difficult. Most fishermen have been doing well with cut bait, drifting minnows, and pile worms.
Courtesy of Johnsons Bait & Tackle. & FishKevinBrock.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Once again this week we have many good reports about the fishing at Frenchman Lake.
After a hard day of work Tuesday, April 9th, some of our local young men, Shane Rogge, Jake Rogge and Jacob Downs caught 4 real nice rainbows at Turkey Point using worms and power bait between 6pm and 8 pm.
On April 10th, Stephen Penrose was fishing the lake between 3:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon and caught 6 rainbows ranging from 14" to 18". He was using Mega Might Lures. That same day Norbert Spiva caught 5 rainbow trout while fly fishing at Snallygaster.
A couple of days later an early morning fisherman reported catching 4 "very nice trout" right off the point at Snallygaster using green garlic power bait. Each fish was about 18 inches long.
Rudy Padilla from Reno, NV was fishing at Turkey Point using inflated nightcrawlers and caught 15 fish, each between 14 to 16 inches.
Joseph Chavez and Bryant Giesey had such a great time last weekend that they came up again this past Sunday and caught 6 more rainbows at Lunker Point using power bait.
Stop by Wiggins for all of your fishing needs, snacks, drinks, etc., or give us a call for current updates at (530) 993-4683.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Consistent reports have been coming out of the lake, with virtually all fishermen reporting they have caught multiple rainbows in quick succession.
Most rainbows have been between 14 and 18 inches.
Some effective methods have been using power bait and nightcrawlers. Courtesy of The Wiggins Trading Post.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is 10 CFS. Spring is here and the fish are hungry.
Look for the BWO's and when the fish are low try WD-40's, small P.T.'s and green rock worms.
Very crowded of late.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Good conditions for April.
Once again the mild winter does have positives in some areas.
Stake out the deeper pools and sections that have less protruding weeds and ye shall prosper. Fish the slots in the weeds with a parachute mayfly or midge adult #18-22. Use a longer, and lighter leader & tippet than you would normally cast.
Try building your own (monofilament for surface, fluorocarbon for nymphing) as opposed to a manufactured tapered one. You will see the difference if you use a lighter butt section.
Same for nymphing, keep the upper diameters of the leader to a minimum. Try some scuds and SJ worms, they work well in the deeper pools.
Tom Loe, Sierra Drifters Guide Service is permitted with the INFS to guide Hot Creek.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah is now completely ice free and fishing has been good for 14 to 16 inch fish. The water from the creek is slightly murky, though the silt is settling out in the lake and visibility is good there.
This lake was stocked with 7800 catchable fish the last week of March.
Float tubers seem to be having the best luck in the south 1/3 of the lake using wooly buggers, leech patterns, chironomids and hares ears.
The road going in is rutted and if wet, anglers should take care.

INYO COUNTY, CALIF:
These waters will be planted the week of April 21 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Bishop Creek Lower
Lone Pine Creek

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is ice free, it has been stocked and fishing should be good here.
This is the time to fish Jakes Creek Reservoir from shore, as the weeds start to grow in late May and early June making fishing from shore difficult later in the summer.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.



KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Nothing new has changed from last week, expect changes in May or June.
Most fishermen agree that it is too late in the season for the Klamath to be a good choice. The steelheads have dwindled and will return en masse next autumn. However, if one is inclined to fish on the Klamath the weather is fantastic and the spring air refreshing.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
The striper bait is slow but rainbow trout are providing anglers with good action. A pair of anglers recently checked in with bows pushing past the four-pound threshold. Trout are biting in the Davis Camp area, along Casino Row and near Rotary Park.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There have been steady improvement from last week as hatches continue, especially in the early morning.
Conditions will most likely improve as summer goes on, however, reports indicate the Rainbow here have not been large.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Inclement weather patterns have brought out the striped bass bite.
Anglers have had success using Rapalas Shad Rap and A.C. Plugs.
Shore anglers working along the points near deeper water in the Government Wash area have found both good fishing and increased fishing activity.
Most of the fish anglers are catching in the 2- to 4-pound range.
The action can be fast when you get into a school.
Reminder to boaters:
In an effort to hinder the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), as of Jan. 1 all motorized and non-motorized vessels able to retain water are now required to obtain and display an AIS decal.
Details can be obtained from an NDOW office.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are still providing anglers with the best action. Most are tipping the scales at about three to four pounds, though the occasional fish pushes the eight-pound mark.
Work the shallows using lighter colored crankbaits, jigs or plastic worms until you find what may work best for that day.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is now closed outside of the 30 fathom curve until Sept. 30.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two).
Retention of cabezon is not allowed until July 1 due to a small harvest cap.
Fishing for ling cod has been very good for anglers when the ocean has been calm. Anglers are also having good success catching limits of black rockfish in the Coos Bay/Bandon area.
Recreational chinook salmon fishing is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through April 30. All chinook caught in the ocean must be 24 inches or longer.
A few chinook salmon were caught in the Coos Bay area last week.
Anglers are reporting that surfperch fishing is slow to decent depending on what beach you are fishing. Sand shrimp or sand worms are always great baits to use for surf perch fishing.
Surfperch fishing usually picks up in April and May.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Action still steady at Lake Oroville for bass at around 30 feet using jigs, shaky head, dart head and drop shot worms.
There has been a wide open bite on 10-12 inch land-locked Coho Salmon on just about any offering with minnows is a good bet.
Courtesy of My Outdoor Buddy.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 105 CFS. Warming temps should pick up the bite here.
Not much on the surface so nymphing with flash back hares ears , prince nymphs and bead head caddis pupa is the best bet.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is currently 218 CFS. Fishing continues to improve.
Caddis hatch is unpredictable.
Red jujube midge, small Stevie's Wonders in black or grey and olive or grey WD-40's. Baetis hatch midday but not much surface action.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flows have been bumped up to 104 CFS. Clarity is good and this increase will assist migrating fish move out of Crowley.
We are seeing some mid-range rainbows moving up from Crowley; however the twenty inch rascals are few and far apart.
Fish are scattered and very spooky.
I found them holding in some unusual places so turn over every stone and plan on covering a bunch of water to locate pods.
Some decent midge and last generation baetis coming off for those who like surface action. Warmer days look for those smaller dark caddis adults-#18. Access is good-can’t believe how dry it is here, the east side access road will “carbonate” you for the drive in. Pretty bumpy.
Middle Owens River:
It has been very consistent in most sections of the MO. Stability in water releases have been the rule, and give or take 20cfs we have seen a steady 220-240 CFS being released out of Pleasant Valley for an extended period with the word from the LADWP it will continue into the near future. Wading the wild trout section and immediate river below the dam is not difficult, and it has moved the fish out of the deeper pools and into the riffles and tail outs during hatch periods.
Speaking of which…we have several to mention.
The caddis are becoming more prevalent with each day, use bright green larva and pupa patterns with a dark heads and some flash for nymphs, (one can also use this pattern as a rock worm which is also on the diet here) #16-18-elk or deer hair imitations will suffice for adult profiles #16-18.
The pale morning duns (PMD’s) are also emerging before noon on the warmer/cloudy days. These rascals are good sized-#14-16 & a flashback PT or birds nest is a good choice for below surface strategies. Use high wings and a more significant tail for the adults.
The spinners are falling early on the day after a good hatch.
We are seeing the last of the BWO’s and they are small #20 now.
Streamer fishing has also been good with some nice browns on the prowl.
Loebergs and Spruce-a-Bu’s have been good selections for me used in conjunction with a heavy sinking tip line.
It is rare to have this stable condition on the MO this time of year and I have been told it will hold for a while.
Hope you can make it up and fish with us this Spring.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing in the Pit has been good so far! Weather and water conditions have been getting better, but overall the Rainbows have been hungry leading to great reports. It advised to use a wading staff. For better results use a #14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymph, as it has had consistent results on the river.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
A recent outing here proved how good this location can be when it gets planted on a regular basis. I would never say it is “too good” however when you get a grab or a fish every cast for over two hours.
The river section flowing into the lake is pretty high due to the above average amount of water coming down through the Gorge bypass. Add Rock/Pine Creeks flow, and you have a fair amount of water to attempt wading the brushy section just up from the lake & down from the power house. Some sections are not possible to wade to currently.
The lake level is very friendly for access right now and it is in the transition section you will find big numbers of planted rainbows that have moved up to feed on the huge chironomid and mayfly hatches coming off currently. Tubing the lake is also very good using both streamers with full sinks and still water nymphing methods ala Crowley.
The Gorge is tough to fish under current conditions, too much water with the vegetation that is typically along the banks being submerged making presentations near impossible.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Fishing has been “up and down” this past week. Some good days and some slow ones. The fish are definitely in the spawn mode.
Nymphing with or without an indicator is probably the most productive method, although you should bring your sinking line, beetles and buggers for the days when the fish are a little farther from shore.
This is historically the best time to fish so get out there and get after them!
Red copper johns, mahalo nymphs, big midges, chartreuse beetles, and a variety of wooly worms are catching fish.

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water in the collection ditch is clearing and fishing has been fair to good depending upon the day.
Fishing has picked up lately as trout move in from the marsh to the collection ditch and springheads looking for spawning habitat.
The south ponds and collection ditch have been stocked.
Chironomids, blood midges and hares ears in sizes 14 to 18 are working.
Hare’s ears seem to be the best pattern to start with and then if the fish aren’t going for them, move to the others.
If you see fish rolling, grease the nymphs and fish them in the film to top six inches, otherwise, get them all the way down to the bottom.
Expect to lose some tackle.
Egg patterns are starting to work now as rainbow trout start their spring spawn and they are also taking the occasional San Juan worm.
Wooly buggers in black, olive and white with some flash should also be tried if the small stuff isn’t working. If you tie your own flies, put some rubber legs on your buggers for some extra action.
Many anglers fish just the brown dike and the pond behind the hatchery, but there is plenty of great fishing the whole length of the ditch.
The collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Once again the fishing conditions on this portion of the river has been great!
Weather and water conditions are fantastic and the river itself is brimming with Rainbows. Go out and have some fun because there isn’t a time better than right now!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of April 16, 2013, water flow is currently 5,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent. Mid day, caddis hatch is epic.
Weather warming this week, fishing will continue to be excellent. 
Double hook ups common now. Using rubber legs black and brown, black caddis # 16 or 14, olive Micro Mays # 16, yellow Sucker spawns.
Fishing great all the way down to Jellys Ferry bridge.
Nice size Rainbows,16 to 20 inches average, occasional 24 to 25 inch. 
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today.
We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California fly fishing
for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass:
April 16, 2013- BASS ARE IN !
Striped bass fishing in the Sacramento River Colusa area, is red hot.
Fishing turned on this weekend.
Great action, lots of fish being caught, limits.
These next 2 months are prime time for stripers. Call today. 
A great fighting fish, using spinning gear and live bait.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There has been improvement in this portion of the river, but still nothing of note. The river is settling down, but the weather has been great so it is still a viable option for a fishing excursion.
Wading conditions up near Dunsmir have been reported to be good.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
April 16, 2013 Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing is fair to good. Catching salmon and trout now, we are catching mostly Rainbow trout on the surface and salmon 60 feet deep.
The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.
Once the weather stabilizes we will see more action on the lake.
It has been warm one day and then rain the next, fishing is improving as the temperatures warm, 80 degrees for Wed. and high 70's rest of the week. Bringing in fish every day. Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout fishing & salmon fishing.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good and is improving every day. Best results are coming in from the Dry Creek area. Early morning fishing has been good as most salmon go to around 60 feet deep later in the day. Hummdingers and Wiggle Hoochies have been good at reaching the lower depth salmon.
Shoreline bass fishing has improved as well, and should improve even more as the weather warms even more.
Courtesy of Sacriver Guide.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Steelhead are in the Smith River. There is no hatchery program up the Smith River so the angling opportunity will primarily be catch-and-release of wild steelhead. This is the time that anglers also target striped bass in the tide waters. As the weather warms the bass should get more active in feeding as they prepare for spawning.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The dock at the main park boat ramp on the northeast shore is in and the ramp is usable. The new ramp on the southwest side of the lake is not usable at this time.
Spring stocking has started and South Fork should be the benefactor of the cut in stocking at Wild Horse receiving more fish than originally planned.
The west side of the lake is producing fish from Jet Ski Beach north to the dam, with some of the best fishing taking place on the bluffs on the northwest side of the lake near the dam.
Anglers are catching trout in the backs of the coves along the eastern shore.
The mud flats at the south end are starting to produce more fish for fly fishermen in float tubes. In many of the areas, anglers are catching the trout off of the points.
Anglers continue to catch black bass using crankbaits, soft plastics, wooly buggers and chironomids. Trout are also being caught using many of the same presentations. Chironomids suspended five to seven feet below an indicator are the hot fly. Of course other flies, such as wooly buggers, leeches, seal buggers, hare’s ears and PT nymphs can all be productive as trout start feeding more now that the ice is off the water.
Fishing the stream below the reservoir has produced some nice fish, while fishing above the reservoir is improving.
However, the first quarter mile below the reservoir has been getting hit pretty hard so fishing is slowing here and it is recommended that anglers head further downstream for better fishing.
Anglers are being asked to avoid the redds (fish nests), which are clean gravel patches seen on the bottom of the river.
Bass anglers are catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass using soft plastics and deep diving crankbaits. All black bass must be returned to the water immediately until July 1, due to the spawn.
Some wipers are also showing up in the creel.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
No current fishing report, however good news: March through June are the favorite months for experienced bass anglers there. The lake has good populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. It also holds the California record for small mouth bass! A dredger piles at the head of the lake, as well as other structures found in the coves and points throughout the lake provide excellent bass fishing for most of the year. Spring always provides the hottest action, as both species move into the shoreline to spawn. Courtesy of Fish Trinity Lake.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
A great choice for a trip with the kids due to the small hatchery smolt. There are still options for adults, however, as reports indicate fishing the edges with white and gray buggers and catch some gigantic Browns. A day here will definitely be worth the time spent.
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 12, 2013 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. 
Trinity River Steelhead fishing has slowed now, we focus on the Sacramento River for the next month.
Spring run salmon will start to show up come May and June.
In the meantime we will focus on nice, large Rainbows on the Sac River in Redding to Anderson.

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Nevada:
Warm weather will produce some cloudy water conditions, especially in the afternoons but the Truckee has been fishing very well in general.
BWO’s and midges continue to hatch downriver of Reno.
From the state line through town a few skwalas are still around and the fish will eat a streamer as well.
We are starting to see some March Browns and a few other larger mayflies.
Most of the rainbow spawn activity is over but there are a few fish still at it.
California:
In CA, the water is a little colder but bugs and fish are fairly active.
When in doubt, a San Juan worm will usually produce some fish.
Nymphing is the most productive technique throughout the river. Get your flies on the bottom and keep them there. Golden Stones, small mayfly nymphs, birds nests and worms are good options.
Flows – Truckee 215 CFS, Boca 536 CFS, Farad 586 CFS, Reno 517 CFS.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows are up (240 CFS) and the fish are spread out a little better than they are during winter flows.
Huge midge hatches as well as the occasional winter stone and BWO account for most of the bug activity.
Fishing has been pretty good.
Small nymphs (16-20) are your best bet, but keep an eye out for rising fish.
Please avoid the spawning rainbows when you see them on the redds!!

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 Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River:
The best bet for dry fly fishing is the East Walker at present.
BWO’s continue to hatch mid-day with a spinner fall later in the afternoon when the wind cooperates.
On the NV side, fish will come up for a skwala on warm afternoons.
Try fishing a small mayfly or midge under the skwala as this can be very effective. Streamers will get some of the bigger fish moving.
Flows have fluctuated between 40 and 60 CFS this past week.
Try to go when the flows have stabilized for at least a day.

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 14 , 2013
The East is running at about 30 CFS now and has been there for 3 or 4 days.
The fishing has still been really good and there's been a good number of 18 to 22 inch fish being caught.
Most anglers are reporting good numbers as well.
Nymphing with small midge patterns and some stonefly patterns has still been the best, it seems like the dry action has slowed a bit possibly due to the windy days we've been having.
We've been getting lots of good reports on flashback emergers and zebra midges but there's also fish being caught on rainbow warriors, disco midges, san juan worms, copper johns and pheasant tails.
If you're fishing below the bridge or down on the Rosachi you can go with hare's ear, prince nymph and dark lords in addition to the smaller midges.
Also you should be able to pick up some fish with a dry/dropper rig downstream from the miracle mile.
Sceirine Ranch:
April 14, 2013
The Sceirine is fishing very well lately too, much of the same patterns that work in Cali and on the Rosachi will also work here.
We also had a couple good reports on streamers like JJ special, zuddlers and double bunnies down here this week.
Hunewill Pond:
April 14, 2013
The pond is full of water now and the fishing is excellent!
Small streamers like stillwater nymphs goat leeches have been doing well, dropping midges from a small indicator has been very effective. Rojo midges, disco midges, biot midges and flashback emergers will all do well.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River
Water flow is down to 31 CFS. Fishing is very tough.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Flows have dropped to 32 CFS. Not good, friends.
I believe the flows will increase very soon as the opener approaches.
It is a low water year and the farmers and ranchers are “banking” water for the summer. Stick to the deeper pools nearest the dam.
May should be very good on the EW.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The high winds late last week and over the weekend broke up and removed all of the ice on Wild Horse and this lake is now ice free and the dock is in the water at the main boat ramp.
No recent reports on fishing, but if the winter ice fishing is any indication, this spring should produce quality fish in good numbers until the water starts to warm up in late June.
Bait anglers should fish the shallows using Power Bait or worms, spinners and shallow diving crankbaits for spin fishermen, and fly rodders should be using wooly buggers, seal buggers, leech patterns and chironomids.
The lake continues to rise but isn’t filling very quickly with lake level only at 40%. It isn’t expected to fill much more and so NDOW has cut the number of fish it had planned to stock here in half.
Wild Horse Reservoir may have a rough summer due to low lake levels and the best fishing will probably be early in the season.

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers. The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake level is very low and fishing for crappie and catfish should start picking up and actually be good through the end of May.
Chances are the best fishing will be in May and then due to possible low water conditions, the fishing will get poor again.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road to Wilson is still in pretty good shape and this reservoir gets little action due to its remoteness. While there is no recent report of how the fishing is at Wilson, it is generally good this time of year.
The same presentations and techniques that would work at South Fork should work here.
The lake is starting to rise, though it is still almost four feet from spilling.
While it should spill this spring, chances are it won’t have a lot of flow heading down the canyon.
The same techniques and presentations used at South Fork for both bass and trout will work here.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Still no current fishing report. The lake is not especially known for good fishing, however if your patient there is plenty to catch.
Most reports say the colder areas by the powerhouse are good trout areas and the rest are decent for bass.
Courtesy of Fishing Notes.com.

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