Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for May 6 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of May 6 and beyond.

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

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing: Don't forget the jacket, even if it is warm in Bishop and watch out for deer if you're on the road around dawn or dusk.
Well, it’s definitely Spring in the high country. One day is nice and warm with sunny days and no breeze. The next it’s a bit on the breezy side with big fluffy white clouds floating overhead and then sprinkles and thunder boomers and later in the week snow flurries – don’t mind a bit every little drop helps!
Cooler temps with rain and snow flurries in the forecast for the week!
Reports of bald eagles flying around over the back natural lake and every once in a while we see one fly across the Lake and down the canyon – quite a sight!
Had our first bear visitor last night – yup, got in the freezer – didn’t get much, and it shall not get much from here on out!
Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked the streams on Monday, May 4, with a very nice load of decent size fish.
Fishing at the Lake has slowed a bit for some, but for others it was just another day at the trout pond – had a group of guys come up that have been Friends Forever Fishing Together – they managed to catch and release over 200 fish between them on threaded Nightcrawlers or Power Bait – Don Lanier, Martin Cueto, Jeffry Lanier, John Sizemore, Jeff Young and Louie Hurtado.
Wyatt Skeens (8 years old) of San Marcos made the family proud in bringing in a 2-3/4 pounder on a Nightcrawler. 
And the family that fishes together stays together – the Padillas, John, Jennifer and Chase all caught fish under Captain Chloe using PowerBait.
Fishing the Inlets with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or Salmon Eggs your best bet.
If you’re fishing the DingleBerry Inlet, stay out in a bit deeper water – they seem to be hanging out farther.
If your trolling, something with a bit of red on the lure or just a swivel (don’t forget the swivel) split-shot and Nightcrawler are your best bet, be patient and it’s the same with drifting or fishing from shore – Nightcrawler or Power bait, be patient.
Just a quick note – please never hike alone. Part of Lake Sabrina ‘Search & Rescue’ team was called into action Saturday evening, when John Kaser came back from a hike to find his wife, Eileen, not in the van. She decided to take a bit of a hike – didn’t leave a note – didn’t take a whistle – didn’t take a mirror.
Bryan and husband John, took to the Lake to see if she could be spotted. Sam Blum (in a Lake Sabrina rental) remembered seeing a single female walking up DingleBerry Creek. Shortly after that, private boater Chris Gaskill along with Ricky St. Louis, spotted a woman scrambling up toward the Blue Lake trail. It was her. Another safe rescue! If you feel you must hike alone – leave a note with a direction of travel and what you’re wearing. But really – if you must hike, please take a friend and stay together!
Like I reported earlier, Spring is in the air although it’s going to feel more like Winter thru the weekend – PACK YOUR WOOLIES & PONCHOS.
Temps are expected to be in the high-50s on Wednesday with a chance of rain and lows in the mid-20s. Thursday a bit cooler in the mid-40s for your high and high teens with a chance of snow. Friday will be in the high-30s and lows in the high teens with snow in the forecast. For the weekend, we climb back up into the low-50s for highs and mid-20s for lows.
You can check out the weather forecast according to Howard our local weather ‘guesser’ at www.MammothWeather.com. You can also check out www.weather.gov – enter Aspendell, CA (which is the little community right below Lake Sabrina) in the search field and you’ll get the forecast for at the higher elevation. You may need to scroll down on the webpage to see the temps.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Dumping a lot of water from this lake recently with releases at 152 CFS below the Dam. Lake was starting to fill but now has dropped to 18% full. 
Be careful driving down to the shoreline as most areas are like quicksand!  
Best spots to fish here are around the dam in the morning tossing small minnow imitations, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for mostly hungry rainbows that are of age yet to spawn. 
Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF: 
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 03, 2015
The reservoir has been producing some very nice fish this past week, including rainbows up to 9 pounds, browns up to around 2.5 pounds and some nice perch up to almost 3 pounds.
The trolling has been pretty good with rapalas, needlefish and mira shads, both with lead core and toplining with strainge mono.
The bait anglers who are fishing out of boats have also started to do pretty well with power bait, night crawlers and mice tails.
The shore anglers are having limited success both casting lures and fishing bait down near the dam.       

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 5/2/15
The Bridge will fish well in the early part of this season.
It received a good jag of TROPHY RAINBOWS & catchable sized browns, rainbows, and cutthroat recently.
Conditions are excellent despite low water.
A small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam will get you on the water.
Tubers should do great this spring working the drop-offs with Loebergs, crystal leeches, and punk perch patterns.
On the warmer days still water nymphing with Assassins, callibaetis nymphs, broken back midges, gillies, and flashback PT’s will get you pull downs with your Under-cator. 10-13 feet should get you into them.
See Jeffery at the marina for flies,  boat rentals, and fishing info.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife planted 35,000 fingerling (2”-3”) German Brown Trout on 4-30-2015. 
More fish planting is reported to follow for Caples Lake and Silver Lake.
We will keep you posted on the dates and times. 

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: 
Tony Tellez from Ontario, CA with two nice fish from Convict Lake.
Tony was using a Bubblegum Mice Tail when he landed the "catch of the week", a 8 pound 2 ounce Rainbow. The second toad was 6 pounds 1 ounces, Way to go Tony!
Other notable catches this week: 
Glenn Arai from Los Angeles, CA also caught two quality fish.
Glenn's 1st fish was a 5 pound 9 ounce Rainbow and he was using Green Zeke's Bait. His 2nd fish was 3 pounds and 10 ounces
He was using a Silver Kastmaster. Both fish were landed at the Inlet.
Rob Samuel with an excellent catch while fishing in the Inlet area.
Rob landed a 5 pound 2 ounce rainbow using a Mini Jig. 
Mario Palencia of San Fernando, CA hooked a 5 pound and 1 ounce rainbow. Mario was using Pink Power bait and was fishing at the South Shore.
Karla Gonzales of Lake Elsinore, CA caught a beautiful 4 pound and 15 ounce rainbow. She was using an unknown lure while fishing at the Inlet.
Tactics/Bait:
A variety of different baits and lures were hooking fish all week.
Some nice fish (4 pounds plus) and full stringers were caught with Mice Tails (Pink or Red are always successful colors), Kastmasters, Mini Jigs (try tossing Swim Baits from Sierra Slammers) and Power Eggs (Pink or Red).
The most successful Power bait colors were rainbow and yellow.  Any color with garlic worked well.
I was suggest using some type of added attractant.
Pro-Cure, Bait-On, Lip Ripperz and Berkley all make excellent attractants, which are sold at the general store.
The South Shore and the Inlet was the hottest spot this week. Other locations fishing well were the North Shore, the Handicap Pier and Hangman's Tree.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Roostertails, and Bite-on Fury Shad on Power bait.
Here is a list of recommended flies: 
Dry Flies:
Adams, Female Adams, Cutter's Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, Black/Red Ants, Sierra Bright Dot, Royal Coachman and Hoppers. 
Streamers: Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green), Mutuka (black, brown, olive, or green), Hornberg, and Muddler Minnows.
Wet Flies(Nymphs): Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Zebra Midge (red and black), Copper John (red and copper) and San Juan Worm (brown or red).
Other Resources:
View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store.
Derby News: 
The Round-Up at the Lake Fishing Derby started on Sunday, April 26th.
Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Hangman's Bonus Cash Weekend on June 5-7. $2000 in cash prizes.   
Weather: 
After a snowstorm on opener the weather has gradually warmed up and by Wednesday we were in the mid-60's. Chances of thunderstorms are forecasted for next week. The temps at the start of the week will remain in the mid-60's. By Wednesday the high are going to be in the low 50's.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 6:00 am - 5:47 am and Sunset 7:52 pm - 7:51 pm.
Stocking: 
DGF planted the lake and creek the week before the opener.
The county planted some Trophy Trout that same week.
We are scheduled to stock more Trophy Trout on May 14th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 5/3/15
After a slow start weather conditions have improved, and the chironomid hatches have triggered some consistent bites in the good weather/high barometer periods.
Sandy Pt. Whiskey Bay, Hilton Bay, Layton Springs/Alligator Pt., & Sometimes Bay, & Crooked Creek have been the more consistent areas.
12/15 feet is prime depth.
It is quite possible to catch a trout almost anywhere this year as water conditions are very good with warmer than usual temps.
Some perch also showing up on the hard bottom areas.
Those frustrating “drive bys” on your Under-cator are likely be Sacramento Perch defending their nest.
I suggest you have crystal emergers and pupa patterns #18, gillies #18 & 20, crystal tiger midges both dark, and copper #14 through 18 along with their articulated brethren the “broken back midges” #16 and 18.  
Try the BB dark zebra as your lower fly if the wind provides some texture.
My Under-cator strike detector “slides” to make it easier for you to fish deeper. 

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Fishing from the bank has been tough recently but with the expected plant of DFW trout this week it should pick up. 
A lot of the holdover fish have moved into deeper water and those with boats will have the best success.  Needlefish, Wedding rings, Dick Nites, or similar trolled in about 15-25 feet of water has been best.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 62 percent capacity.  
It's been over a month now since this lake has seen a stock of catchable Rainbows so you're going to have to be patient.  Some boaters have been having success catching Macks around the China Cove area in about 90-110 feet of water with No. 3 silver needlefish and similar lures.  
Jigging has been taking some nice Macks when they've been holding deep.  
Kokanee is fishing is okay as trolling at 15-30 feet down is now the method with dodgers in Gold, Silver, or variations of the same with Pink, Orange, or Green followed by Pink, Orange, and Chartreuse spinners, wedding rings, Scorpions, Hoochies, and Kokanuts. 
Kokes are a little small ranging in the 11 inch range. 
As the season progresses they may come up in size to maybe 13-14 inches if food is plentiful and competition for food low. 
For the shore fisherman this week you'll have to work a little bit harder to catch those planters as they are dispersing through the lake now. 
We are stocked with everything to get you out there and catch those fish! 
Some might be rewarded with a nice Mackinaw that might venture in to feed on these planters! 

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

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports: 
05/04/2015
Beautiful weather this past weekend, brought a lot of people out to the lake. 
Aaron from Reno was fishing by Little Last Chance Creek using caddis type flies. He caught and released a dozen or so rainbows and German Browns each averaging 16 inches. They were caught between Chilcoot Campground and the third bridge. 
Friday, May 1st Dan from Reno caught four beautiful rainbows each averaging about 16 inches as well, fishing at & around the Dam. He was inflating nightcrawlers and salmon eggs.
Sunday, Jerry from Janesville Ca. caught and released two 14 inch rainbows. Fishing off shore, he floated night crawlers under bobbers east of boatramp.  
Sunday, two young children Leigh and her brother Oren Sullivan from Reno headed up to the lake to go fishing with their grandpa. They were bank fishing using nightcrawlers at Turkey Point and they each caught 1 fish averaging about 14 inches in length.   
The boat ramps are in and they are accessible.
Lunker Point boat ramp is closed as last year due to the low water level.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing - Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683.

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

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Opened on May 01 for the 2015 fishing season.

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

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 03, 2015
We only had a few reports this week and it seems like it's a little off so far this season, most anglers that we talked to reporting no fish or just 1 or 2 fish per day. As the month progresses I'll let you know when the action improves!        

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:

Closed. Will re-open July 15, 2015.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Flows have dropped back down to winter release rates (43 CFS above Hot Creek.) I do not expect the LADWP to increase flows again this summer as they have used their water allotment for 2015 from Grant Lake already.
This has made conditions ideal for the spring run of cutthroat & cuttbows up from Crowley.
We are seeing good numbers of twenty inch plus fish actively on the redds.
Dead drifting a variety of patterns through the shallow gravel beds, deep slots, & pools with or without an Under-cator can produce grabs.
Crystal leeches, Agent orange,  assassins, flashback pheasant tails, crystal eggs, SJ worms, & broken back midges will all work depending on the water you are angling. It is crucial to keep your flies near the bottom, and your fly line and Under-cator OFF the fish so you do not shadow them. Drag those hooks sets downstream so you pull into the fishes mouth and achieve “angle” when you come tight. Some midge and mayfly activity; but the staged up fish don’t really care as they are not feeding.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 5/3/15 
Flows creeping up to 210 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir. This has slowed the bite down & made the water off color in the drift boat sections; although we are still getting some trophy bows and good numbers of smaller browns while pulling streamers with sinking tip lines.  
Still good conditions for wading the WT section; but you will need more weight and dry \dropper rigs are out in most runs.
I have been told that a significant flow increase is not in the short term water management plans this year due to the extreme drought.
We are settling into a typical late spring pattern, with the bite slowing down as the sun  gets higher.
You will see some large spring caddis, and last generation smaller BWO’s #18-20. High-vis & natural caddis adults, parachute hi-vis mayfly, or blue dun adults are correct profiles for surface presentations.
Assassin birds nest, flashback pheasant tails, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis, & olive zebra larva patterns good calls for nymphing with an Under-cator. Have some Loebergs, Punk Perch, & crystal Vanderleeches if you choose to toss streamers.
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.

PAHRANAGAT WILDLIFE REFUGE, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding some success at the upper marsh for panfish and catfish.
Mealworms or night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

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

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir 5/3/15
The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows, & browns-use dry/dropper bead head nymph combos here.
The level is very good for fishing the transition section currently. 4382′ makes it easy to get into the channel.
Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up.
Power generation can occur anytime during the spring.
Stimulators, hi-vis para BWO’s, or hi-vis caddis may be used as the upper fly-use crystal olive caddis larva, flashback PT’s, Assassins, broken back or crystal tiger & zebra midges as your dropper bead head nymph.
Tubing  has really picked up from the launch ramp, up to the inlet section.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns, & larger bows in the rez proper.
Use a full sinking, or heavy sink tip line to get down 10-15 feet quickly.
You can also fish “Crowley midge style” in the rez near the drop-offs.
Fish chironomid patterns below an Under-cator. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers & pupa patterns. Tiger & zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.
The Gorge 5/2/15
This fishery is not effected by flow increases on the Middle Owens, and with the recent increased water it is receiving is fishing well.
Have those mayfly nymphs, PMD adults, & caddis adults handy.
The spring caddis are coming off steady. This maybe the best dry fly fishery we have during the spring months.
The Gorge could be classified as the true “tailwater” from Crowley Lake.
The fish here are all wild browns with a large one going 16 inches. Moderate/difficult hiking is required to access the more secluded sections. Rock hopping and bush whacking can be expected.
Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos work well in the deeper pools.
Use PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, & crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs.
Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults, & elk caddis, & hi-vis caddis are good choices for your dry fly.
Pack in water, have cleated wading boots and a stout staff. 2-4wt. rods are perfect for this water.
Snakes may be out early!

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake has come up slightly to about 20 percent capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout.  
Some sporadic holdover trout here and with the upcoming stocking of fish this lake should start to fish well again.  Use small flashy lures at first as the stocked fish will be more aggressive than hungry and then after a couple of days Power bait and other baits will start to take more fish. 
 
PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With some Thunderstorms coming in later in the day be careful not to be caught out on your boat out on this lake.  
Cutts are in the shallows and have been congregating in the South nets area of the lake.  Caution as this area can get pretty crowded this time of year.   
For those trolling we now carry Lyman's sz 4 and sz 3 flatties in popular Pyramid colors and Father Murphys Pyramid Vibrator Spoons. 
These have been the go to lures at this lake this year. 
Early has been best for the boaters as the Cutties will be more accessible of the shelves at this time but when they move to the shallows the bite gets tougher.  Be safe, be smart when you venture out here.

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

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of  May 4, 2015 water flow is currently 5,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report-  Sacramento River fishing is excellent, RED HOT TROUT FISHING.
We are fishing from the 44 bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge daily. 
Water is clear, and weather perfect.
With most days averaging over 30 fish days, fishing for rainbows has been fantastic. Mornings and afternoon trips have been great. 
Kirk's afternoon trip Saturday produced over 40 fish in 4 hours. 
We offer both spin fishing and fly fishing.
Working best are PT's, and  Micro Mayflies.
Starting April 27th, the area of the Sacramento River from Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 Bridge will be closed until August 1 , 2015. 
Please do not be alarmed , as we will still be fishing daily.
This is a very small portion of the river system, and this will help ensure the preservation of our salmon and trout fishery. 
Drift  boats or Jet boats 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 (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass: May 1, 2015 
The Striped Bass fishing has slowed.
The Striped bass fishing  is up and down. The last few days getting very tough. Fishing is slow, fish are very small now.
Please call and speak with guides and owners before booking for striped bass, as to ensure you are getting a qualified experienced guide.
Some reports are false and misleading. This makes it all the more important to us, the Original Sac River Guide.com and our Professional team of guides, to be very honest about the fishing conditions and to provide a place where every fisherman can come and read what is really happening on the water.
We sincerely appreciate you all and we will continue to provide you with the all the latest, honest fishing reports. 
Call us today at 1800-670-4448.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 4, 2015 Shasta Lake guided fishing: Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. 
For Shasta Lake fishing,  catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, fish ranging in size 2 to 4 pound.
Trout fishing has been good. 
King salmon, up to  75 ft deep. 
Salmon fishing just beginning, smaller fish now.
Catching limits of bass daily- RED HOT !!! Spotted bass and Small mouth bass. We are catching bass along the banks and down 35 ft . Averaging over 40  hook ups a day.  This weekend produced 91 bass on Saturday and 104 bass caught on Sunday's guided trip.
Using spinner baits and crankbaits early morning, and using rubber worms the rest of the day, with mid-afternoons being the best as the day warms.
If you have any more questions or to book your Northern California guided Lake Shasta fishing trip, please call us at 1-800-670-4448. 

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is holding at 19 percent capacity. Fishing has picked up for Rainbows here, especially in the LT arm, and toplining for Kokanee has been great for those who can launch their boats.  
Like I mentioned, launching any boat other than a small aluminum one can be an adventure and 4-wheel drive is an absolute must. 
Go to the right of boat launch and find the steep rocky shoreline, drop boat in and then turn boat and head in direction back to old boat launch as there is a sand bar developing just outside of new launch site. 
Watch your props as you approach the shore as some have reported damage from rocks in the shallows! 
Reports of most Kokes ranging in the 14-15 inch range. Same as Donner as one will be trolling down to about 8-25 feet with anything in a combo of Pink, Orange, and Chartreuse.  They're starting to get picky! 
Shore fishing has been sporadic for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware. 
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves. 
Some big smallies here, but you'll have to work hard for them.  

LAKE TAHOE:
A continuing report of limits of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows, trolled at depths of 100-300 feet on the west side of the lake near Homewood, California.
 
TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF AND NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Very low flows above the Boca outflow. Flows have also dropped below Boca as they are releasing 111 CFS out of the Dam.  
This week's weather looks awesome and the fishing has been great!  
Best hours to fish will be 10 to 4. Water temps have come up and fish are more apt to sample your offerings now. Lots of BWO's, Midges, March Browns, Stones, and even some sporadic Caddis activity. 
Flows are decent but the general outlook could be bleak as we progress into the late spring.  Snowpack sits at 5% ( that's no misprint) now.  Start to think about March Browns and even some Caddis patterns now as we press into this month and the accelerated fishing season! 
Use Burk's TB March Brown or Pheasant Tails in size 12 and 14's. 
Fishing has been pretty good with a mix bag of streamer fishing to throwing BWO's, March Browns, and even Caddis dries to rising fish. 
Best sections to fish have been the Glenshire stretch as some anglers have seen double digit days here, but don't disregard the sections toward State Line as water is more open here. 
Nevada:
If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!  
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift.  Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
No reports from this section as water levels are low from water being diverted to Sierraville.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 03, 2015
The Twins produced a few more very large browns since my last report, a couple 11 pounders from the Lower Twin as well as another 9 pounder also from the Lower Twin. These bruisers were all taken trolling. Trollers have also been bagging some nice rainbows in the 3 to 7 pound range.
Shore anglers are having some success with crawlers and power bait as well as casting rapalas and thomas bouyants in the early morning and late evenings.          
TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com):
Upper Twin Lake:
Weather and fishing continues to improve. 
This week we saw Wayne Milbratt from Bakersfield land a 4-pound rainbow using nightcrawlers.  Donald Monson from Huntington Beach caught a 4-pound, 4-ounce rainbow with the red and gold Thomas Bouyant lure.  
Several full stringers were also spotted.
The water temperature is a cool 44 degrees.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 03, 2015
Little Virginia is fishing excellent right now with some anglers reporting catching and releasing 30 or 40 fish per day! Big Virginia is about 75 percent ice free now and should start picking up anytime.
Spin anglers are using mice tails, power bait and crawlers, as well as casting thomas bouyants, kastmasters and vibrax lures.
Fly anglers are going with Twin Lakes Specials, simi seal leeches, seal buggers, matukas, soft hackles, and ap emergers.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No new updates. No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lakes since 2009.
Launching is not possible right now.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
May 03, 2015 
The East is still running at 20 CFS but has fished ok again this past week.
Most of the good reports we've had have come from the section below the bridge on the California side as well as downstream on the Nevada side.
There's some caddis coming off already and we've had a couple decent reports on dry caddis as well as caddis nymphs.
Most anglers are saying that the fish are very spooky so you really need to be in stealth mode, also that they're finding some good fish in some pretty thin water, be sure to fish the riffles, undercut banks and overhanging willows.
Patterns to try include: stimulator, madam x, chubby chernobyl, elk hair caddis, e/c caddis, buckskin caddis, 3 wire caddis, bh swimming caddis, fox's poopah, white zebra midge, mercury midge, rainbow warrior, silver streak and dark lord.
Sceirine Ranch:
May 03, 2015
We've had some pretty good reports from the ranch this past week with a couple anglers racking up 10 or 12 fish per half day, as with the Cali side of the river you'll need to be sneaky and be sure to check out the thinner water, undercuts and overhangs.        

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 03, 2015
The West has had some muddy water conditions this week due to some snow melt and some thundershowers as well as some hail storms. It's a bit tough to fish when its off color like that but if you put some time in and fish the eddy's and slower water you should be able to pick up some fish in spite of the muddy water. Try crawlers, eggs and medium sized panther martins or rooster tails.

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