Don Q's fishing report for the week of May 15-21

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 15-21.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Conditions are good here early on and the fish are active and eagerly hitting midges in the morning.  The late mornings and afternoons have been slow, with a poor showing of callibaetis thus far. 
The fish are larger here this year on average and I caught the best brown ever here while scouting. 
If you like gorgeous scenery, wild trout, and the seclusion of private water give us a call.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Not much has changed since last week. Water conditions have stabilized and are somewhere around 50 degrees which, when coupled with the abundance of aquatic spring hatches, has made a great time fishing for Salmon, Bows, and Browns. There have been occasional wind gusts, but most fishermen report catching a fair amount.  Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake:
We're still looking at low water conditions at South Lake but there is no doubt the water has come up over the past week which is pretty exciting.
We had a few days of rain/snow as well which can only help the high elevation snowpack situation.
Fishing pressure has been light, as is typical for this time of year, but the few anglers that are wetting a line at South Lake are reporting very good to excellent fishing on a variety of lures, jig and baits.
The fish really aren't terribly picky at present but the brighter colors like orange, pink, chartruese seem to be getting the most attention.
Access is still a little difficult along the west shore and the rock slide with boulder hopping required to access this area.
Boiler Cove offers the best shore access.
The lake level is very low, similar to what we saw in the spring of 2010 and 2011 but with the fantastic weather over the last week or so, the lake level is starting to rise a bit.
South Lake Landing is not currently operating the marina at the lake. We plan to launch our motorboat fleet the day the water is high enough to float our docks and boats.
The DFW won't be able to stock for a few weeks yet so anglers are encouraged to practice catch & release as much as possible so the fishing stays excellent.
South Lake Landing has ordered an additional 40 ft of stocking tube allowing us to reach 80 ft from the launch ramp - this should reduce any delay on the fish stocking front.
Also, with California's move to stock only sterile trout, anglers fishing the inlet area at South Lake should be especially sensitive to killing fish here as the last naturally reproducing Rainbows will be concentrated in the current areas for the next month as they attempt to spawn.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
It seems the flows have increased a bit on the So. Fork but the conditions are still excellent for the creek anglers.
Pan sized Rainbows with an occasional Brown or Brookie are keeping folks entertained in truly excellent spring conditions.
Weir Pond:
Weir is getting very little pressure right now so reports are hard to come by.
Intake II:
Lots of action on smaller model Rainbows at Intake II this week with the usual dough baits, nightcrawlers, lures and jigs working well.
North Lake:
Steady bite on pan sized Rainbows.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The road is only open to the third gate.


BURNSIDE LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Road closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
(www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 12, 2013
Bridgeport has been fishing pretty well this week, lots of fish being caught trolling, bait fishing and a few also being caught fly fishing.
Trollers have been successful with needlefish, rapalas and blades with crawlers, some fish in the 4 to 5 pound range being caught.
Bait anglers are using inflated crawlers, power bait and power eggs and having good times.
Fly anglers are zebra midges, rojo midges, pheasant tails and soft hackles. 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The fish are concentrated near Rainbow Pt, 9-13 feet. 
Midges and some callibaetis coming off on the nicer days. 
The marina is fine for launching smaller boats, water level is dropping to levels that may not work for larger craft.
Conditions are very good now, get it before the weeds set in and levels drop too much.  Look at the drop-off in Buckeye Bay towards Rainbow.  Find a slope, or the edge of the submerged peninsula. 
Some action along the east shoreline towards Paradise in the old channel-good call for tubers trolling a Loeberg and midge or Killa baetis trailer. 
Jeffery has these flies at the marina store.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The resort and general store will open May 10th.
Boat rentals and launching available.
The lake is completely thawed out.
They received 4 inches of snow last weekend.
The EID boat launch has opened on the west side of the lake as of last week.
John Voss reported an angler came into the store purchased 4 boxes of night crawlers and caught some nice mackinaw trout.
With the weather changing, fishing should be good this weekend.
For more info call the Caples Lake resort at 209-258-8888.
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The CDFG has planted catchable sized rainbows from Hope Valley to Woodfords Jct. Waters were high but fishable as of last week. With our warm temps you will need to find a deep pool and fish right on the bottom.

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

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.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Hello Convict Lake fishing report followers! 
It was a wet week filled with thunder, rain and sleet. Despite this week's wet weather, the fishing continues to be very good at Convict Lake.
Catch of the Week: 
The largest fish caught this week was a 3 pound 9 ounce Rainbow caught by John Riker from Huntington Beach, CA. John was using Yellow Power bait and was fishing at the Inlet. 
James Deleon of Anaheim, CA landed a pair of nice Rainbows. One was 3 pounds 6 ounces and the second was 2 pounds 15 ounces. James was using nightcrawlers and was fishing at the East Shore.
Tactics/Bait: 
This past week anglers continued to have the most success with inflated night crawlers, Salmon and Yellow Power Bait. The best productive locations were at the Inlet, Jetty and East Shore.  Other locations to try are the Outlet, North Shore, South Shore, Creek, Jetty, Handicap Pier and Hangman's Tree.  
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Trout Teasers, green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Thomas Bouyants, Green Wooly Booger and Lip RIpperz Hatchery Dust on Power bait. 
Derby News: 
Round-up at the Lake Fishing Derby started Sunday, April 28th for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Hangman's Cash Bonus Weekend on June 7-9. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
It was a wet week in the high country with the temperature dropping to the low 50's during the day. The lows were around 30 with mild wind and cloudy skies. The forecast for the upcoming week has the temperature getting back up to high 60's with sunny skies. 
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake. 
 Stocking:
DFG stocked on Wednesday, May 8th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The water is super clear and the weather is great.
The fish are still deep in 18-20 feet of water.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
One of my favorite times of year to fish Crowley is on Mother’s Day Weekend.  I have seldom been let down, and this year was no exception.
The bite was on all over the lake during the hatch, steady grabs while still water nymphing with a #18 gillie, a crystal pupa or emerger  as the upper, with a #16 & 18 crystal copper tiger/zebra midge as your larva pattern.
I prefer bright bead heads when the water is clean, go to dark when you see algae here.  The chironomids are happy campers right now & coming off in big numbers.  Took 20 freak’N minutes to clean off the dead spinners after the trip today!  Warmer than normal water, mild air temps and a stable water level have made for some very good conditions on Crowley for fly fishers. 
Sandy Pt., Layton Springs, Big Hilton, Beaver Cove, Crooked Creek, North landing-10-16 feet. 
Most of the fish I am seeing on the number days are small for Crowley.  12 inch cutts and rainbows are the standard issue, however there are good numbers of browns and three year old bows showing up as well. 
Water level has not changed and is up only TEN feet from last year's low point.  Look out for navigation hazards around the Hiltons and towards the Upper Owens inlet. 
You can get all the flies and Under-cators at the Crowley Lake General Store located right next to Crowley Lake.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn) reports:
May 14- Fishing has improved greatly!
Had a chance to fish last Friday through yesterday (Monday) and would have to say fishing is now fair to good.
Friday and Saturday were super days with lots of blood midges and a fish working them in the surface in the mornings.
Still caught more fish using intermediate lines (very slow) and larvae imitations, but if you can get a surface pupae or emerger in front of the fish, they will take.
Good news is there are damsel nymphs swiming towards shore in several places and a number of fish are working them!
We have not seen any adult damsels yet, but with warm temps should appear soon. We hooked fish on midges and damsels regularly over the weekend.
Lots of callibaetis in the afternoon, but no fish working them that I can see.
Water temps are in the 58 degree range and get warmer during the day.
Fish are in 5 to 8 ft of water with lot of fish coming to surface at times.
Try blood midge larvae, pupae, damsels, and other wiggle tailed attractors. I would set up both an intermediate rod and a floating rod to cover the basics.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) report:
Spring Fishing Derby is June 15th this year. Mark your calendar.
Lake level is 81%.
Fishing has been great this weekend.
Trolling north of the big island using Dick Nite Copper Red Head or Needlefish in Red Dot Frog or Fire Tiger. 
Fly fishing from Eagle Point to Jenkins, we had a blood midge and flying ant hatch this weekend. Assort Nymps, Blood Midge, Ice Cream Cone and Wooly Buggers in Orange.
Bank fishing at Eagle Point, Nightcrawlers, Power bait or Eggs have all worked well.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water and weather conditions are perfect for the season and most of the fish have been holding between 5 and 8 feet. There have been a great deal of Callibaetis but not a lot of fish have been going for them.
Overall, Lake Davis is a good choice at the moment.
For best results use wiggle tailed attractors.   
Courtesy of Fly Fish with Don.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
At the moment, fishing is fair although some fishermen report a string of good catches. Expect better conditions to come sometime around June. If you are fishing Fall River, the best areas currently are above Island Drive.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The river is flowing nicely and there are strippers all up and down the water from Shanghai Falls. Shads are also appearing in small amounts.     Courtesy of Johnsons Bait & Tackle & FishKevinBrock.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn) reports:
May 14- Fishing reports were excellent this last weekend.
Got an email from an angler who caught oVer 30 fish near Snalligaster on the west side last Saturday. Midges and attractors.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Despite the shifting weather conditions currently, fishing on the lake has produced good catches from boat and the shore. Once again, lots of fishermen report using nightcrawlers and powerbait for the best results.
For stream fishing, it is advised to use Panther Martin lures.
Courtesy of The Wiggins Trading Post.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Given how early it is in the season, fishing has only been alright to fair.
As the season continues and when more hatches happen, expect better reports to come in.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is 19 CFS. Runoff is beginning and fishing is tough here.
Scuds, San Juan worms and copper johns.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
I wish we had more water to fish here.  It gets comfy when conditions are this good and it can be tight, especially on weekends. 
Flows are fine currently, look for low water and weedy conditions as the spring rolls into summer. 
Midges, mayflies, caddis-they are all showing up on the menu. 
Fish the far stripes/slots in the weed lines for the biters. 
I like a #20-22 para-midge with a 10 foot leader-5X for surface action. 
Try attractor patterns in the morning and late afternoon-SJ worms can be deadly here in the spring while nymphing.
(Tom Loe is under permit to guide Hot Creek by the Inyo National Forest).

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Fishing has been slow.
The campground and boat launch is open.
I was told by Geary Ness that watch where you step, as parts of the shore is very muddy.

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:
Silver Lake. still seems to be the best for float tube fly rodders.
Fishing black or purple woolly buggers on full sink lines did well 

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 12, 2013
Kirman has been a little tough but most of the anglers we've talked to this week have at least been able to get into a couple fish for their efforts.
Stripping streamers seems to be the best bet with seal buggers, crystal buggers, matukas and stillwater nymphs topping the list of flies to try.
Brookies are still running up to 18" and cutts up to 24" or so. 

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Great fishing! Bring plenty of salmon fly dries and you’ll be bringing in plenty of smaller Steelhead as well as some 16” Steelhead. 
River conditions are, for the most part, excellent even if the flow is a bit high. Great choice for a leisurely day-trip.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Most rainbows caught have been somewhere between 14” and 16”, but there are reports of some as big as 20”! So fishing has been fantastic!
Most of the catches have been done by Woolly Buggers.

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:
The road is open but the water temps are still cold and fishing is slow.
Try Twin Lakes with a black and silver zebra midge under an indicator.

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

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 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.
Fishing for chinook salmon in the Coos Bay area has been slow lately.
Anglers are reporting better catches of surf perch along the south coast beaches.  Sand shrimp or sand worms are always great baits to use for surf perch fishing.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Action remains steady at Lake Oroville for bass at around 30 feet using jigs, shaky head, dart head and drop shot worms. The water level has been dropped but that has not affected the bite whatsoever. 
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 116 CFS. Some larger spawning fish near the mouth. Section above the bridge is still slow.
The section from the bridge to the monument is closed until Memorial day.
Try egg patterns, San Juan worms ,Prince nymphs and copper John's
Lower Owens River:
Water flow is currently 244 CFS. Fishing is good.
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 the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens and McGee Creek:
The spring migration has been good for smaller cutthroats and rainbows, just a lack of slammers this season. 
It has improved since opener and I would venture to say it has peaked, and will begin to decrease the next week or so. 
I have already seen some hens that have dropped their eggs, and some pretty worn out looking bucks. 
Water levels are very low on McGee and Convict Creeks, the rest are not even worth looking at. 
The fish are averaging about 10-12 inches, most are cutts on the Upper Owens, it is 50/50 on McGee. Some nice mayfly hatches on the UO with a shot at some wild browns on the surface. 
Fish are very, very, very spooky in the low clear water on McGee-try an upstream approach and drift your imitations down to them.
UO has great conditions with nice flows-the deeper water is more friendly for presentations. Assassins are killer here, thanks for the scoop Cody!
Middle Owens:
Flows have been bouncing around from 220-260 CFS.  Pretty sweet for this time of year, you will find some great fly fishing at times in the wild trout section and while drifting with us.  This is a plus for a low water year. 
Strong caddis in the afternoons, we are seeing some sucker fry along the slack water which has made for some good streamer fishing. 
Take advantage of these low flows this time of year, it is rare to get such warm weather and stable flows on the Middle Owens. 
Use flashback Pt’s #16-18, broken back midges #16, Assassins #16 & 18, olive crystal caddis larva #18-20 while nymphing. 
Mayfly adults #16-18 light bodies (PMD’s are good)  light olive caddis adults #16 in the afternoon.  Loebergs and Spruce-A-bu’s are my go to flies with a heavy sinking tip line. 
Use the “dip & strip” in the riffle water and at the base of pools.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Pit River has been an on/off river with some portions having good results and others only fair. Spring runoff has made conditions difficult, but you should expect the entire river to become a more viable fishing option in the coming weeks. If you know the Pit then you should be fine, but if you are inexperienced it is advised to not go on it currently.   
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
With improved conditions the Lower Sac is once again a great place to go fishing and relax with friends and family. A highly recommended option if other streams and lakes are not producing the results you like.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Morning fishing has still had the best results, especially up in the Dunsmuir area. Expect the bites to die off around mid-day.
Using Mercer's Golden Stone Flush Floater in the late day can sometimes produce fair to good catches. 
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   May 13, 2013, water flow is currently 12,000  CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing has been excellent!
Redding - Mid day, caddis hatch is epic.
RED HOT fishing right now. 20 to 50 fish  hook ups a day.
Fishing for rainbows  is wide open. Double hook ups common now.
Nice size Rainbows, 16 to 22 inches average, occasional 25 inch.
Using olive Micro Mays # 16  & yellow Sucker spawns.
We offer spin fishing trips also. Fishing is great.
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today.
We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week.  
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 13, 2013
Striped bass fishing in the Sacramento River Colusa area is good.
This weekend most got limits.
A great fighting fish, using spinning gear and live bait. 

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.

SAN JOAQUIN/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The road to Red Meadow will be opening Memorial Day, this is very early. 
The SJ will be very fishable early on this year and not blown out by heavy run-off.  Fish will be eager to hit most dry fly attractor patterns like Trudes, Royal Wolfes, Humpies, Stimulators, Sofa Pillows, para chute hi-vis mayfly adults-#14-16. 
There remains more downed tree removal to be done again this year so be aware of the INFS postings near campgrounds.
(Tom Loe is permitted by the Inyo National Forest Service to guide the middle fork of the San Joaquin)

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing as, for the most part, has been great! Best results are coming in from the Dry Creek area. Hummdingers and  Wiggle Hoochies have been good at reaching the lower depth salmon who drop down during the mid-day. Shoreline bass fishing has improved as well, and should improve even more as the weather warms even more. 
Courtesy of Sacriver Guide.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 8, 2013
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing has been great ! Limits!  Catching salmon and trout now,  Rainbow trout  on the surface and salmon 60- 80  feet deep.
The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies.  
Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout & salmon fishing.
Bass fishing continues to be great!

SILVER LAKE, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The lake is thawed and a report of a 40" mackinaw came in from John Voss. They also received 6 inches of snow last weekend.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
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.
Trout season will open in the Smith River basin on May 25.

LAKE TAHOE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
Mackinaw action is rated very good on the north end of the lake. Cal/Neva Point and Sugar Pine Point has been producing fish in the 1 to 6 pound class. 180 to 220 feet of water right on the bottom with flashers and a minnow.
Toplinning has been rated as hit and miss right now.
Also a word to all. Tahoe Lobster company has lost many traps to poachers or thieves. The traps are set from Deadman's point to Sand Harbor.
If you see anyone messing with the traps. You are asked to call Operation Game Thief at 800-992-3030.
Also if you have a camera, take a few pictures.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reports:
The Topaz Marina is open for launching and boat rentals.
Chuck Fields reported that fishing has been good for trollers in the middle of the lake. They have been using flashers and a worm 15 feet down. Boater's have also had success 30 to 40 yards off shore using the same method.
Shore fishing has been slow.
The lake as of last Wednesday was at 50% capacity and rising each day.

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:
With higher flows making fishing difficult, do not expect great results to come out of Trinity right now. Fishing here is not advised and better conditions should come later in the summer season. 
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 13, 2013
Currently, Water is at 2,800 CFS. Trinity River will slowly be on the decrease through the month of May. 
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. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn) reports:
May 8 - River has been fishing great with March Brown hatches and lots of nymph action. Friend Doug Oulette has been posting some outstanding guide client photos and is having a banner year.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.monovillage.com" www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
The cooler and rainy weather we had most of the past week was enjoyed by everyone.  Fishing was great and full stringers of 1 1/2 to 3 pounders were the norm. The DFG planted 1500 pounds on May 6th with an average fish size of 11/2 pounds.  Over 800 rainbows were stocked.
The water temperature registers 50 degrees.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 12, 2013
The Twins are fishing pretty well this week for some nice fish in the 1 to 3 pound range, shore and boat anglers alike are doing pretty well.
For trolling you can go with rap alas, thomas bouyants and needlefish, casting lures from the shore try sinking rapalas and kastmasters.
Bait anglers should try inflated crawlers and power bait.
Fly anglers can have some success stripping streamers with a little soft hackle or zug bug dropper.  

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 12, 2013
The Virginias are in the middle of thawing out, there's a little open water near the outlets and inlets that you can cast some bait or lures into, at this point I wouldn't recommend walking out on the ice though

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 12, 2013 
The East is running at 98 CFS right now and over the last few days has picked up very nicely.
It's mostly been small midge patterns tricking all the fish but the caddis are getting ready to hatch and there's some fish eating caddis nymphs pretty good too. Haven't heard anything about streamers and just a couple good dry fly reports here and there.
Patterns to go with include Fox's poopah, buckskin caddis, Nori's caddis, zebra midge, flashback emerger, san juan worm, copper john, silver streak, rainbow warrior, mercury midge and mercer's midgeling.
The Rosachi section in Nevada is also fishing pretty well, same patterns as up above and a lot less pressure. 
Sceirine Ranch:
May 12, 2013 
The Sceirine had a couple tough days earlier this week but has livened up later in the week much like the Cali side.
With the water flows a bit higher the fish seem to be much happier and more willing to take midges on the bottom.
In addition to the patterns listed for the Cali side you can also try hare's ears, birds nests, dark lords and pheasant tails.
Hunewill Pond:
May 12, 2013
The Pond is ON FIRE! Everyone we've had out there this week have had a ball! The weeds are starting to grow but not enough to get in the way.
We've had great reports from anglers stripping streamers, midging under an indicator as well as dry fly fishing.
Patterns to try rojo midge, zebra midge, soft hackle, para adams, extended body BWO, light cahill, seal bugger, stillwater nymph and crystal bugger.
Most of the fish are running 14 to 18 inches but there are quite a few fish in the 20 to 24 inch range also being caught. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker flow has been up and down.
Fishing is improving with the higher flow.
Midge patterns, baetis emergers and pheasant tails.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Flows recently up to near 100 CFS. 
This is still an excellent release for fly fishers and will further spread the fish out into other than just the deepest pools. 
The mayflies are the story here late morning/early afternoon #18 with a showing of caddis just beginning. 
MOVE AROUND. The Miracle Mile has been hammered, and although you will still get fish here with freshies in the morning-there is quality water downstream, especially at these new flows. 
The fish are holding in pocket water and riffles instead of just the larger pools.  Use sufficient weight to get your nymphs down in this faster water.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 12, 2013
The West is getting a little run-off the last couple days so it may be a bit off color for parts of the days. If you search out the back eddy's and softer water you can drift some bait through those pockets and get into some fish, or run a spinner like a Panther Martin through those same areas for some success. 

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing conditions has been improving, producing Kokes around twelve inches, indicating even better-sized fish as the summer months go on.
Expect more reports as the summer months continue. 
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.