Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for May 14-21

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of May 14-21, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trollers working Lake Almanor are experiencing red hot action while working a variety of different depths. Fishermen have been catching fish holding from 7 to 52 feet deep. About 60% of the fish caught are kings that run 3 to 4 pounds. The other 40% of our catch is made up of browns and rainbows. The fish are feeding on both bugs and pond smelt.
Spoons have been the lure of choice this week. Gold and red has been a good color and chrome and red is working too.
The key is experimenting as the color preference of the fish can change from day to day. Most days we are catching from 15 to 25 fish.
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina: Watch out for deer and don't forget a jacket.
It was a brrrr-cold-windy-snowy Mother’s Day Weekend – but for those up at the Lake, it was a fish-feast! Another stocking by DFW on Friday sure helped the cause. The top catching areas were up by the dam and in the channels as that cold windy weather stopped a lot of anglers from trekking to the back natural Lake.
The Lake’s gone down a bit from last week – probably due to the cooler temps, thus causing the run-off to shut down, but with the cooler temps and a bit of precipitation, we picked up another foot of snow at the Lake on Monday and Tuesday, probably a bit more up in the back country.
Every little bit helps.
Nightcrawlers and Power Bait were the baits of choice up in the front although a few limits were picked up on lures.
Those that did hike or drive to the back were using Nightcrawlers.
With the low level of the Lake, you still can’t get a boat thru the channels to get to the back – but the fish sure can get thru! Haylee Rogers of Yucca Valley landed a nice 2-1/2 pound Rainbow on Rainbow Power Bait!
We’re still seeing the 2 Bald Eagle flying over the Lake and Rick’s thinking we might also have a Golden Eagle hanging around.
No sign of Yogi up at the Lake store, but there are bears in the canyon and we had a report of bear and mountain lion tracks on the trail to Long Lake on the South Lake side (also, Long Lake is still iced-over) – so keep your eyes open and your food and trash picked up. Speaking of trash – we are not your mothers – please pick-up after yourselves when you’re out and about.
We do have a few boats for rent on the back Natural Lake – you’ll either need to drive (with a high clearance 4-wheel drive short base vehicle) or walk. If you walk, we can take your tackle back to the boats for you. (Liability issues prevent us from taking you!)
If you’re coming to the Lake, don’t forget sunscreen and dark glasses – the glare off the snow (not sure how long it will last) is tough on the eyes.
And if you have allergies – PACK YOU MEDS – it’s tough breathing out there for some - what with runny noses, stuffed noses & watery eyes – believe me I know!
The forecast is for temps to rise to the 70s for highs and mid 30s for lows.
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 the higher elevation or take a look at Howard Sheckter, our local weather ‘guesser’ report at www.MammothWeather.com.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will serve Breakfast from 7:00am to 11:00am and Lunch until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday for Opener after that it will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
And, yes, there will be homemade pie and ice cream on the weekends.
Our store hours are as follows:
           Sunday          7:00 to 5:00pm
           Monday         8:00 to 5:00pm
           Tuesday         8:00 to 5:00pm     
           Wednesday     8:00 to 5:00pm
           Thursday       8:00 to 5:00pm
           Friday           8:00 to 5:00pm
           Saturday       7:00 to 5:00pm
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Juanita, Rick, Patti, Bryan and Ginny

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 11, 2014
Bridgeport has been fishing pretty well out of boats lately, as long as the wind lays down.
Bait anglers using crawlers and power bait have been doing well in shallow water over near Rainbow Point, trollers have been doing well with needlefish, bouyants and small Rapalas.
Shore anglers have had limited success with crawlers and power bait down near the dam. 

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Caples lake thawed on 5/9/2014!
We are delaying our opening to this Friday May 16th for lodging, store and marina to reseal and re-stripe our paving and parking.
We have docks and boats in the water.
The store will be open 8 a.m. to 5p.m. with bait, tackle, beverages and snacks, and will be ready for boat rentals and launching on our ramp.
Fishing licenses are not available at this time.
The water is at 54 feet lake level-8 feet down from full, and rising-but on our concrete ramp.
The Silver Lake boat launch is open.
The Caples Lake EID public boat launch is planned to be open 5/16.
The Caples Lake, and Silver Lake campgrounds are planned to be open Memorial weekend.
Check our phone message on 209-258-8888 for updates.
Have a great spring.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Closed to fishing until May 24.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
It was a cool week with some snow flurries but the weather didn't slow down the fishing. The good news as far as the weather is by the middle of next week we should be seeing the highs in the high 60's in Convict Canyon.
Don't forget to about the Hangman's Bonus Cash Weekend on June 6-8. $2000 in cash prizes. It's less than a month away. We are planning two stockings of trophy trout with 450 pound per plant prior to the derby weekend. Besides the tag cash fish on June 6-8, there will be plenty of nice trout to be caught.
Catch of the Week: 
Congratulations to Ray Rowe from Lebec, CA with a nice rainbow caught at the Inlet. He was using a Trout Teaser when he landed this stout 5 pound 5 ounce rainbow. Great job Ray!
Other notable catches this week:
Baldur Castro from West Covina, CA hooked a 2 pound and 10 ounce rainbow. Baldur was using a Rebel lure and was fishing at the North Shore.
Omar Farmer from Los Molinos, CA landed the second largest fish of the week. Hugh's fish was a 3 pound 1 ounce Brown trout. He was fishing at Convict Creek.
Michelle Kachelhoofer of Bakersfield, CA hooked a 2 pound and 3 ounce rainbow. She was using a Thomas Buoyant and was fishing at the Inlet.
Tactics/Bait:
The two hottest lures last week were Thomas Bouyants and small jigs.
The 5.5 pounder was caught with a Trout Teaser.
Also give a Sierra Slammer swimbait a shot.  
Other hot lures last week were Gulp Mice Tails (Pink or Red), Kastmasters, and Marvel Flies.
For trolling or just casting from shore, a Tasmanian Devil is a great choice. Tops colors are yellow sunset, stinger and bloody ripper. 
The most successful Powerbait color was yellow.  
The Jetty and the Inlet was the hottest spot this week. Other locations fishing well were the South Shore 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, Rooster Tails, and Bite-on Fury Shad or Lip Ripperz Hatchery Dust 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: 
he Round-Up at the Lake Fishing Derby started on Sunday, April 27th. 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 6-8. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
After a forecasted cool and windy weekend, it looks like the rest of the week will have warmer temperatures. By Wednesday the highs are going to be in the high 60's and the lows in the low 40's.  Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:51 am - 5:46 am and Sunset 7:57 pm - 7:59 pm.
Stocking: 
DGF is scheduled to plant at the lake and creek the week of May 20th.
The resort will  also be stocking the lake with 450 pounds of trophy trout the week of May 20th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Windy conditions slowed fishing here last week.
The fish are spread out. Fly fishing is best with midge patterns under an indicator in 10 - 14 feet of water.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The lake level is at 67%, while the water temp is still in the low to mid 50's.
Trolling has been very good. Fish are shallow about 5ft. Dick Nite Copper Red Head and Red Dot Frog are doing well.
The best bank fishing reports have been at Mallard Cove, then Eagle Point.
Old Camp 5 boat ramp is the only one with a dock in.
Honker Cove is still closed. 
Courtesy of J&J Grizzly Store.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeannie of the J &J's Grizzly Store and Camping Resort (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
May 07, 2014
The lake level is at 67%. Water temp is still in the low to mid 50's
Trolling has been very good, fish are shallow about 5 ft.
Dick Nite Copper Red Head and Red Dot Frog are doing well.
Bank fishing, best reports have been at Mallard Cove, then Eagle Point.
All fish being caught are nice.
Old Camp 5 boat ramp is the only one with a dock in.
Honker Cove is still closed.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair to good.
Insect hatches are sparse, but that's typical at this time of year.
Good sized fish can be found swinging and stripping.
Look for better dry fly fishing as we close in on June.
Water conditions are low, but that doesn't mean anything other than the fish are in the system and looking for food.
What's great about this time of year is the rainbows on Fall River are not nearly as selective as they will be in June. 
Courtesy of the Fly Shop.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Feather River has been fishing fair to good.
There are some big and wild fish in the system.
We've been floating the low flow from Montgomery St. down to Thermalito Afterbay. The best part is these fish are eating an assortment of flies. Fish are not keying into any one particular fly.
The flows are about 420 cfs at Gridley.
The lower stretch should hold stripers with Shad soon arriving.
We'll keep you posted on the progress here. 
Courtesy of American Fly Fishing Co.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing at Frenchman Lake continues to do well.
Chilcoot and Frenchman campgrounds are open now, as well as Big Cove and Spring Creek. Cottonwood will be opening on May 22nd.
The Lunker Point boat launch will be closed for the year, but you can still fish from shore there. Frenchman boat launch is open and the dock is in.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing. Courtesy of Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This is a great river to cast a fly rod on. It's just so perfectly set up for casting dry’s to pockets, sliding them under branches, perusing the edges of weed growth. River conditions look awesome. Best mayfly hatches are late morning, but they are very slight. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the Friday before Labor Day, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is  up to 13 CFS. Dry fly fishing is nonexistent.
Nymph fishing is the best bet. Try WD-40's, green rock worms and scuds.


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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Rush Creek is fishing well. The flow is 27 CFS. Try a humpie or stimulator with a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 11, 2014
Kirman is still fishing great, lots of nice brookies and cutts in the 16 to 20 inch range. Mini leeches, seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, wooly buggers, ap emergers, soft hackles and some small midge patterns have all been doing well. Not too much action from the shore (as usual) so you'll need to bring your tube up there to make it happen.   
KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions are great and it's possible to find a few smaller steelhead here, but it's not the kind of fishing this river is known for in the winter months.
Look for better fishing as we close in on June. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair at times, awesome by some reports.
This reservoir is really, really low. Launching a boat might be difficult. Lewiston is known for its big, bad bows.
The reservoir level is low.
Best fishing happens mid day.
Lewiston is a good choice for anglers over in Lewiston/on the Trinity River that want to get a few rainbows in the net on their 5wt fly rod.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Road is open Most of the lakes are still iced over. Twin Lakes is ice free.


MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY AND WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
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 the end of September.
Fishing for bottom fish has been good when the ocean has been calm enough to get out. Late winter/early spring is a great time to catch big lingcod in fairly shallow water.
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.
Salmon season (except for coho) is open in the ocean through Oct. 31.
The selective coho (fin-clipped) season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border will open on June 21. Some chinook salmon have been caught lately between Bandon and Charleston.
The Central Coast All-Depth Halibut season starts on May 8-10.
The nearshore Halibut season does not begin until July 1.
Anglers are starting to pick up a few surf perch. Fishing is usually best on the incoming tide. Anglers have good success using sand shrimp or sand worms for catching surf perch.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass bite is wide open. It’s hard to get big fish but there are plenty of 1 to 2 pound fish. Plastics like RoboWorms, Senkos or tubes are good.
Find bass from the bank to 20 feet deep. Bass are in all stages of spawn.
Bass are in the main body and in coves – everywhere.
Fifty fish days are common.
Courtesy of Nor Cal Fishing News.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is up to 200 CFS. The water has cleared but not much change in the fishing.
The section downstream  of the Benton Crossing Bridge to the monument is closed  until the last Sat. in May.
The section from the monument to the lake is now open.
Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Fishing is slow. Some larger lake fish showing up here and there. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available.
Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow 227 CFS this last week Fishing is good in the wild trout section. Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears. 
Hatches have been sporadic lately and surface action is minimal.
Some rainbows in the 18"- 20"  showing up of late.


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

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing great! There are some seriously big and angry rainbows in this river. They will break your bait off and more!
You might like to know insect hatches are best mid day with a few Slate Drakes (#16 Pheasant Tail), some Blue Wing Olives (#16-18 Black Micro Mays) and lots of midges (#18 Zebra Midge).
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (pyramidlakeflyfishing.com) reports:
5-7-14
The fishing continues to hang on at Pyramid.
The water temperatures are around 56 degrees in the shallows and there are still plenty of fish cruising the shelves.
Some larger Pilot Peak strain Cutthroats are starting to show up again and there have been some really big ones caught in the last week.
This is the same pattern we saw last May.
As the Summit Lake strain fish lose their urge to spawn and start heading for deeper water, the Pilot Peak strain seem to take their place in the shallows.
Beaches with deeper drop-offs should start to produce more and more in the coming weeks and shallow areas will start to slow down.
Weather is the number one factor on a good day at the lake for sure.
It is becoming more and more important to fish on days when there is some wind. Nicer blue bird no wind days continue to get tougher and tougher.
There is still some time to get out and catch some fish at Pyramid and this is a great time to get a really big one.
Red and Wine Maholo nymphs are really starting to produce again for floating lines. There is some growth starting to happen on the bottom and foam Beetles and Tadpoles are a good choice for shooting heads.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been really good this week. Had an amazing dry fly session this week where hundreds of rainbows were rising along the edge of the river.
Best fly was Mercer's #16 Missing Link. These epic dry fly sessions don't happen every day, but on cloudy variable days... they do.
Fishing has been best below Redding, south of Anderson. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great!
A few Salmon Flies coming off along the lower river. Bring a few Salmon Fly Dries and search the edges of the river, near shade. The fish on the upper Sacramento are not all that selective at this time of year, so go forth and confidently fish nymphs for optimal results and reliability. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of May 7, 2014 water flow is currently 4.450 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch mid day. Trout fishing Redding area, fishing is great. Mild weather....Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 26 inches, from 20 plus hook ups.
Trout fishing through the town of Redding has been excellent. 
Fishing Keswick Dam to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, Prince Nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails,  Brown Micro Mays,  & Yellow Sucker Spawn.
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
For those of you who are not fly fisherman, we offer spin fishing trips on the Sacramento River are available.
We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California. 
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Striped Bass fishing:
May 7, 2014 Striped Bass fishing is still fair to good. Tisdale area. 
Fishing for stripers should be great in the next few weeks.
There is a short window to catch these fun, fighting fish, so let's go.

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

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Shasta is 25 feet from the top. Water Temp 55 the lake is warming and the Trout and Salmon bites is improving.
All ramps are open. 
Trout bite is improving daily with warming weather. The best area for trout is the McCloud arm from Holiday Harbor to Dekas rock, the Squaw Creek arm from Monday Flat north, the Sacramento Arm Goose Neck to Elmors Bay and the Pitt above Arbuckle Flat.
Work the surface to 25' down. Cripplures Brass Chrushed Fire, Brass Red, Fire Tiger,  UV Red ,Fishscale, HumDingers Red gold sand, glow silver sand, silver blue and Wiggle Hoochies are all doing the job.
The salmon bite is good.  You can fish Dry Creek and Backbone 25 to 75 feet deep. Try UV Sling Blades with Pee Wee hoochies, Koke-a-nuts, and Wiggle Hoochies.
Courtesy of The Shasta Tackle.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 7, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing - Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. Lake Shasta fishing is good. Catching a few Rainbows and salmon now on Lake Shasta.
The bass fishing is RED HOT ! 60 bass days.
LET'S GO FISHING !

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The mainstem Smith from the mouth to Spencer Creek and the North Fork to Johnson Creek closes for chinook and finclipped steelhead from April 1 until May 24. It remains open for fin-clipped steelhead from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters and from Johnson Creek to Bridge 10 through the end of April. Anglers will start fishing for strippers as spring progresses.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.FishTightLines.com) report:
May 03, 2014
We fished Stampede Reservoir. today for the first time in over a month.
We started at 6:00 AM and decided to make a pass or two for Mackinaw before targeting Kokanee.
It wasn’t long before the wind started and the forecast called for some pretty strong wind later in the day. We figured we better go load up on some Kokanee before the wind got too bad.  
As soon as we dropped our gear in we started hooking up. We spent most of our time right in front of the island in about 60’ of water.  
We ran two lines on downriggers behind Shark Cannonballs and one top line straight off the back of the boat.
We hooked fish from the surface to 45’ deep.
We ran three different set ups and they all did well.  Our set ups were a Sep’s Strike Master (watermelon color) with a Uncle Larry’s Pink Tiger, a Sep’s 4/0 Watermelon Dodger with a Uncle Larry’s Pink Tiger and the third was a Dick Night Pink Dodger and a RMT Assassin spinner on the top line.
We used Abu Garcia 4600 reels loaded with 6# Trilene. Everything was tipped with Shoepeg Corn that I cured with pink Pautzke Fire Cure.  
The bite was as good as it gets. We landed 18 Kokanee between 6:30 AM and 8:37 AM and lost more than we landed. It was a fast and crazy bite. 
I even caught 3 for myself to take home for dinner. These Kokanee went big; the average fish size today was 12” but fat and clean fish.
Launching is not a problem, however, I recommend four wheel drive if your boat is very heavy. The water is down far enough that all four of your tires will likely be in the mud. I had no issues launching today.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows on the east side of the lake near Cave Rock Landing.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Few people have been trout fishing at Trinity Lake lately, but we are told fishing should be productive for rainbows in the mouths of the tributaries, including the Upper Trinity, East Fork, Stewarts Fork and Swift Creek.
Use Pautzke salmon eggs, Power Bait, Power Eggs and nightcrawlers.
Black bass fishing has been good when the wind is down.
“Boaters are nailing a mixture of smallmouths and largemouths while tossing out tube baits, Senkos and ripbaits.
Most people have been fishing the lake’s south end, since the boat launching is easier at Minersville than in the north end.” 
Steelhead season is pretty much over except for a few diehards casting flies, spinners and spoons on the Trinity River.
However, the river harbors a good population of brown trout that anglers can target with ripbaits, swimbaits, crankbaits and nightcrawlers in the Lewiston and Douglas City areas.
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has not been all that great for most anglers.
Anglers fishing out of boats have access to the best water.
Flows increased on April 23 from 300 CFS to 900 CFS. Peak flows on April 24 will be 1,500 CFS. Flows are scheduled to start coming down May 29th slowly dropping to 450 CFS by June 26th.
Expect better fishing reports in early July. That said, anglers who can float this stream in a drift boat/raft can find rising fish if you know where to look.
The dry fly fishing can be really good through June! 
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:
May 3 , 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows;  Trinity River will reach 1,500 CFS and  slowly decrease, starting May 31 to 400 CFS by June 26th, 2014.
Fishing for trout now.
Fishing up and down with water flows high at the moment. 
We are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well. 
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
The river is experiencing what little run off we will have this year but it is still really clear just a little high. It is fishable for sure.
There have been some reports of Caddis already coming off on the lower river in weeks at least.
This should be a fun spring on the Truckee with our evening hatches starting in fishable conditions.
Nymphing with Baetis, Caddis and even some Little Yellow Stones is a good bet right now. Use a little more weight with the somewhat higher flows. This is a great time to throw some streamers around as well.
Rainbows are coming off the spawning season and are pretty active and hungry. They will chase a streamer right now for sure. Keep an eye out for some bugs hatching on warmer evenings and especially if there is no wind.
Be a little careful wading the water looks great but it is running pretty good downstream of Boca Bridge through Reno.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 201 CFS, Boca Bridge 761 CFS, Farad 789, Reno 600 CFS and Vista 836 CFS.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE CALIF:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Flows are 377 CFS. This is pretty high and typical for this time of year. Water is released out of Stampede to help the spawning of the Cui Ui in Pyramid Lake.
The Little Truckee fishes way different when the flows are this high.
Fish move out of the main current and hang out in slower water up against the bank and in places you don’t always look for them.
It is a fun time to fish the Little Truckee because fish are spread out and the entire river can be fished.
If you manage to hook one they fight like crazy in the higher water.
Try Nymphing with Baetis and Midges or even a little larger fly like a Pheasant Tail or Hares Ear in size 14-18.
Not much going on near the surface right now but as soon as the flows come back down this should change.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
Hi Don,
Trolling is the key to landing the bigger fish at the Upper Twin Lake.
Randy Willis from Bridgeport caught a 6 pound, 12 ounce, 25 inch Brown using a Rapala this week.
Many large Browns were spotted hanging near the bottom, but none caught.
All streams and creeks are running good.  
The water temp. is a cold 42 degrees.
CA Fish and Game deposited 1400 pounds on May 6th with weights averaging 2-4 pounds.  
Ten (10) trophy fish were also planted weighting at least 3 pounds and over.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 11, 2014
The Twins producing some nice fish from the shore as well as boats.
Shore anglers are having some success casting rapalas and thomas bouyants as well as drowning crawlers and power bait.
We've seen fish up to around 4 pounds this past week. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 11, 2014
Little Virginia has been ice free for several days and is fishing excellent!
Big Virginia still has some ice but it shouldn't last long.
On Little V bait anglers have been doing great with power bait, mice tails and crawlers. Also casting lures like kastmasters and thomas bouyants has been good.
Fly anglers should go with leech patterns and a soft hackle dropper.  

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:
Rob Anderson (Cell: 775-742-1754) (renoflyfishingoutfitters.com) reports:
Flows are low and steady at 33 CFS. They have been there for over a week.
The dry fly fishing has been great. Fish are looking up for Stoneflies in the larger pools and near fast water. Attractor dries in sizes 8-14 are a good bet for that. Dry dropper rigs are also working using a size 16-20 dropper under a buoyant dry like a foam hopper.
This is a great time of year to fish with a buddy and go through a run with a big ugly dry fly and follow it up with a nymph rig either with or without an indicator. The flows are low so be stealthy and wear clothing that blends in with the terrain behind you.
Unfortunately this year that will be more brown than green.
Mid mornings are best but fish can be caught all 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:
May 11, 2014 
The East is still running at 33 CFS today, the fishing has been a bit tough with the low water but those anglers who are focusing on the deeper pools and runs are having some success.
There's been a few good reports on streamers and dries but the bulk of the action is still on nymphs.
The water down below the bridge and on through to the Nevada side seem to be holding the most fish lately.
The fish are a little more spooky than usual because of the low flow so try to be as sneaky as possible.
Patterns to try include: rainbow warrior, mercury midge, san juan worm, flashback emerger, zebra midge, wd-40, jj special, moal leech, sculpzilla, para adams, madam x, fat albert, foam dead stone and chubby chernobyl.       Sceirine Ranch:
May 11, 2014
The Sceirine is still fishing very similar to the Cali side, with the low flows you'll need to be stealthy, and try to focus on the deeper pools. The same flies that are working on the Cali side will work for you on the ranch.  
Hunewill Pond:
May 11, 2014
The pond is still fishing great, the water has come up a bit but is still a little low. The best way to fish it right now is to get out in the middle, settle in and start targeting fish as they're cruising and feeding.
Small streamers and leech patterns as well as dry/dropper rigs have been doing the best. Mini leeches, seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, zebra midges, san juan worms and flashback emergers have all been doing well. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is 33 CFS. Very tough conditions.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 11, 2014
The West has been fishing well in the Walker Canyon section of the river, the Pickle Meadows section has been a little tougher lately.
In the canyon they're using some small panther martin and roostertail spinners, as well as crawlers and salmon eggs. The fly anglers are using small wooly buggers and attractor nymphs like princes and pheasant tails.     

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Success on this lake is held by few, those with tight lips and guarded secrets. This much about Whiskeytown is known that besides sunfish, bluegill, the aforementioned trout and Kokanee, the ever present squawfish, there are some big bass, really big bass in this lake. Trophy Largemouth, Spots and Smallmouth are said to inhabit this lake and few know how to successfully target them.
Simply, this is a lake that you must learn alone; time on the water will be your teacher. Boat positioning will be a key. 
This is a very clear lake, so you must learn new ways to present baits.
If you are up to a challenge, can accept initial failures, unlearn and then learn new methods for established techniques. If you have the time and desire then you can join the ranks of those in the know.
Courtesy of MyOutDoorBuddy.com.

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