Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for Memorial Day weekend

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This report is from May 20 to May 27, 2015.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
A good bug hatch continues, although, with plenty of food, they are not bitiing as aggressively.  Troll slower and use hardware such as Needlefish.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing: Another wild Winter week at Lake Sabrina – Mom was undeniably up to her old tricks – Spring, Winter, Fall - definitely NOT Summer. Sun was shining and there she was dumping snowflakes on us! J! Sure was beautiful. And we’re supposed to have on and off rain and snow thru the week – so don’t forget the cold weather gear for Mules Days!
Catching is still on the slow side – not sure if it’s the storm or lack of fisherman trying (it was a bit on the cool side this week – make that cold side).
Fishing the inlets are still your best bet, but stay out in a little deeper water and use Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs or Power Bait. Trolling is slow, but you might try Nightcrawlers or lures with a bit of red on them. Nightcrawlers or Power Bait are working a bit from shore.
The 46th annual Mule Days Celebration starts tomorrow (can you believe it) - May 19th through 24th and we're all looking forward to another fun week! Every year during the Memorial Day Weekend, more than 700 mules compete in 181 events at the Bishop Mule Days Celebration.
There is no way to actually describe Mule Days.
It is part mule show, part test of skills, and part Wild West show. Situated on the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California, Mule Days has become an international world class event.
Crowds have grown from 200 to more than 30,000 fans!
Highlights of the Celebration include the Thursday night concert, featuring Country Music stars, the longest running non-motorized parade on Saturday morning, Steer roping and penning, an event normally reserved for quarter horses, and the Packer's Scramble – the wildest, noisiest and funniest event of the weekend. There’s barbecues, country dances and an arts & crafts show.
For more info: www.mulesdays.org.
There’s also Art in the Park this weekend!  Beautiful handcrafted items & tasty treats in the Bishop City Park. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9-6; Monday 9-2. Hosted by Inyo Council for the Arts. Free admission & free parking.
Did you know the Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Indian Cultural Center, 2300 West Line Street in Bishop has been remodeled and is now open? This weekend is the Taatsawano Traditional Gathering at the Center. Native Crafts & Food Booths, Live Music & Cultural Performances, Hand Games & More. Everyone is welcome to this alcohol & drug free, family-friendly event.
For more information, call (760)873-3584.
The campground hosts are trying to get North Lake, Camp Sabrina and Willow open on May 20th – it depends on the weather especially at North Lake, but all other campgrounds in Bishop Creek Canyon are open. Bishop Creek Lodge, Creekside RV Park, Cardinal Village Resort and Parchers Resort are all open.
If you’re coming to the Lake, don’t forget sunscreen and dark glasses – there is still some snow around and that sun is pretty bright against the blue sky.
AND DON’T FORGET A JACKET!
If you’re planning on hiking – PLEASE BE PREPARED – hike with a buddy – leave a note on where you’re headed – when you’re expected back – what you’re wearing – take plenty of water & food – dress in layers – you’ll start out cool, but will probably warm up – CHECK THE WEATHER! Not only is your life on the line, so are the Search and Rescue Teams.
And no, Mother Nature is NOT done with Winter, but that’s OK, cuz we positively need the moisture. Temps are expected to hover in the low-50s by the weekend with a chance of rain/snow showers and maybe even some thunder booms – guess that would make it thunder snow. Lows are to be in the high-20s.  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.
The CHSRA Finals Rodeo is coming to Bishop June 16th - 19th. Several hundred of California's best cowboys & cowgirls plus families, friends and fans will arrive in Bishop for the CHSRA State Finals Championship.
Since 2005, our community has hosted this prestigious and exciting event and the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is proud to support this important project.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing is going to Summer hours:
Boat Rentals & Store Hours - Sunday thru Saturday:  7:00am to 7:00pm
Café Hours  - Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 
Breakfast – 7:00am to 11:00am
Lunch – 11:00am to 4:00pm

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
We are so very blessed to be back for another year in the high country and we look forward to providing everyone with detailed fishing reports, trail reports, and breathtaking images from our area throughout the year.
This weekend Parchers Resort opened for the season and with a arrival of our valued guests, we finally have some firsthand information on the fishing and the trail conditions to share.
Summary & Trail Report 
The high country weather this spring has been very unpredictable with sunny warm days sandwiched between cold snowy days.
The more hearty anglers and hikers have been undeterred but the "fair weather fisherman" haven't been so bold.
All popular roadside fisheries are open, free of snow, and access is excellent, with exception to South Lake which is very low due to the ongoing drought.
The California DFW has stocked all canyon waters at least once already and as is typical for this time of year, fishing pressure is much lighter than we see in the summertime.
Hikers have reported mostly open trails to Green Lake and Long Lake on the South Fork side of the Bishop Creek Canyon, as well as the trail to Piute Lake via the Piute pass trail and Grass Lake on the other side of the canyon.
"Mostly open" means that there are still some spots covered in small snow drifts, but the majority of the trail is snow-free.
Use caution crossing the snow on warm days, post-holing can be hazardous. Green Lake is currently 2/3 ice free and Long Lake is still mostly ice, although there is open water near the inlet and outlet.
The Tyee Lakes basin trail still has a lot of snow, but the 3rd and 6th lake both have open water.
With the cooler weather we've had this week and forecasted for the next several days, we don't expect much change in the snow conditions between now and the holiday weekend.
Bishop Creek South Fork
Creek flows are pretty much perfect right now on the South Fork.
With another year of drought upon us, SCE has no plans to store water at South Lake so they're allowing plenty of water to fill the stream in order to meet their required releases at the bottom of the hill.
Currently, this is good news for the avid stream fishers. Salmon eggs, brown/red micetails, and baby nightcrawlers were the best baits. Small spinners were also producing a few fish, including some wild Browns.
Weir Pond
Despite a fair amount of fishing pressure, very little intel on the Weir thus far.
North Lake 
Conflicting reports coming out of North Lake with some anglers reporting wide-open fishing and easy limits, and others reporting slow fishing.
Those who have been the most successful were those fishing plastics...namely orange Berkley Power worms fished with a size 8 Owner mosquito hook with a few small split-shots for weight.
Intake II
Pretty lackluster fishing this week with most anglers reporting just a few fish if any, mostly on Power bait.
Lake Sabrina
Only a few reports came our way this week, most seemed to have pretty good luck over there, especially those able to get out on the water via float tube or boat. The fish are apparently a bit deeper and feeding near the bottom of the water column. The most productive technique was drop-shotting a wacky rigged plastic trout worms like the 2.5" worm from Sierra Slammers or the 3" worm from Berkley. Both natural colors as well as bright colors got bit. Anglers could sweeten the deal with some garlic scent.
South Lake
The reservoir is at minimum pool and fishing pressure is very light.
The few anglers making the hike down to the water are finding a few cooperative Rainbows and Brook Trout but the bite is slow at best.
One angler reportedly had an 8 to 10 lb Brown Trout chase a small Brook Trout that he had on the line all the way to shore, proof that the trophy Browns are still alive and well, and hopefully getting hungry. It should be interesting to see if 2015 is finally the year that those monster Browns are fooled.
We invite everyone to like our Facebook page, where we regularly share the latest and greatest canyon info with weather updates, higher resolution images of hiking and fishing, wildflower blooms, fall color reports and special deals.
Backcountry Fishing
Pretty  much wide open fishing at what few backcountry lakes have iced out. The usual artificial lures, jigs and flies are working.
Green Lake has a nice bite on midges going on.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake is at an abysmal 15.8% right now and it won't get any better.  
Fishing here has been pretty good as fish are really concentrated. 
Small car top boats, prams, and float tubes. Be careful about 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, Rapalas, 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 17, 2015
Bridgeport had a couple of off days this week but overall the fishing was pretty good, the last couple days we had numerous fish come in that were in the 3 to 7 pound range.
Trolling is still producing with small rapalas, needlefish and some on blades/crawlers.
Bait anglers are doing well, mostly from boats as opposed to the shore, with power bait, crawlers and mice tails.
There's been some decent fly action with streamers, seal buggers, mini leeches, simi seal leeches. The colder weather has seemed to slow down the midge hatches so when the storms clear they should be ready to roll again.        
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 5/14/15
Might be a good call to tube when the weather turns ugly. The dam section is protected from those SW gales.
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. There is a small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam that 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, and fishing info.

BUCKS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Run gear from 35 to 55 feet down for the Macs and gear from 20 to 30 for the kokes.  A variety of plugs and spoons have been working with greens and blues being the best producers.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
We received approximately 6” of snow throughout Thursday and Friday which has increased the lake level to almost 58’ (only 4’ shy of full)!
Fishing is heating up here at Caples Lake… 8 lb Mackinaw caught by the Woods Creek Inlet on a fly rod last week!
All Cabins and Lodge Rooms are now available 7 days a week and our Store/Marina is currently open Friday’s, Saturdays, & Sunday’s with rental boats, tackle and snacks.
The area campgrounds are scheduled to open next week.
Come on up to Caples Lake and start enjoying Spring in the Sierra Mountains.
Call or Email us your reservation requests!
209-258-8888 or Reservations@CaplesLakeResort.com

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Often the weather this May seems more like March but we need the water and it hasn't hurt the fishing. Just check out the "Catch of the Week" below.
Over the first three weeks of the season at Convict Lake the fishing can be summed up as "quality over quantity". We are regularly seeing at the general store nice catches of fish 4 pound and bigger.
We are just not seeing a lot of stringers.
I'd suggest getting lead core and try trolling off the shelves at about 4-5 colors. There are a number of toads out there but they are holding in the deeper water.
Catch of the Week: 
Homero Valencia from Palmdale, CA with a stout 6 pound 15 ounce Rainbow. A little snow storm didn't stop Homero from landing the "catch of the week". He was using an inflated Nightcrawler while fishing the Inlet.  
Other notable catches this week:
Chuck Auer of La Crescenta, CA caught a beautiful 5 pound and 5 ounce Rainbow. Chuck was using an Orange Florescent Pinched Crawler while fishing near the Outlet. 
Jerry Jost of Bakersfield, CA had a great day out on a boat. The largest fish of the day was a 5 pound and 9 ounce Rainbow.
Mike Levindofski with an excellent catch while fishing at the North Shore. Mike landed a 5 pound 6 ounce Rainbow using a Rapala. 
Eduardo Cruz of North Hills, CA hooked a 4 pound and 11 ounce Rainbow. He was using Garlic Powerbait.
Judy Fredenburgh of Victorville, CA caught a nice 4 pound and 9 ounce Rainbow. She was using Yellow Power bait fishing along the South Shore. 
Tactics/Bait:
A variety of different lures were working this week.
Thomas Buoyants or Cyclones are always an excellent choice for Convict Lake.
Tasmanian Devils or Needlefish will hook you up if you are trolling.
Also reported as successful tackle this week were Sierra Slammer mini jigs (Brown and Green), Power Worm/Mice Tails and Power Eggs (Pink or Red).
The top Power bait color was yellow.
Give Gulp Garlic Chunky Cheese a try. Any color with garlic worked well.
There was no real one location this week that was hotter than another.
All locations seem to be fishing well. Locations to try: South Shore, North Shore, the Handicap Pier, Outlet, Inlet 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. 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. 
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: 
Chances of showers are forecasted for all of next week. The high temps at the start of the week will be in the mid-50's and the lows in the low 30's.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:46 am - 5:42 am and Sunset 7:58 pm - 8:03 pm.
Stocking: 
The DGF is scheduled to plant the lake and creek the week of May 17th.
We will be stocking 400 pounds of Trophy Trout on May 19th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 5/14/15
The bite can be very good during the nicer days.
The south winds are really squashing the bite if it whitecaps.  
Weather will be moody here for the next week or more with a lower barometer.
The big chironomid hatches have triggered some consistent bites during the good weather/high barometer periods.  
Sandy Pt., Whiskey Bay, & Big Hilton Bay, have been the more consistent areas. 12/15 feet is prime depth.
If the fish are not on the flats, look deeper. 18′ has been steady.
Some perch also showing up on the hard bottom areas. Those frustrating “drive bys” on your Under-cator are likely to 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, or the long shank crystal Zebra midge as your lower fly.
Articulated patterns like my broken backs work well when you have “texture” like some wind on the surface. My Under-cator strike detector “slides” if you wish to make it easier for you to fish deeper water. 

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Current conditions are quite strange, in some aspects conditions are way ahead and other factors about the same for this time of year.
Water temps are ranging from 53-55 degrees, there is going to be some colder overnight temperatures next week which will help keep the temps stable.
Water is a tad off color but not too bad.
Water levels are at 56%, not scary low by any means and it only creates more habitat for the trout stalker fishing off the bank.
Boat ramps; Lightning Tree is way above the water line, Camp 5 is ok only for very small boats, and Honker cover is in good shape for now.
Fish behavior is about normal for this time of year with a few exceptions.
Right now fish are scattered throughout the lake, and they are roaming around looking for a good neighborhood to live in for the next few months.
Most of the rainbows are in the upper water column, and a few are down on the bottom as well. I did see some rising fish in certain coves for a few hours, and then they were gone. Where to is a mystery. I even saw a few fish still in the coves of the east side in full spawn mode.
Rainbows are ranging in size of 17 to 22”.
Blood midges are out in two different sizes, 10, and 14.
There is also a small gray midge hatching in a size 18.
Blow in feed of Carpenter ants and the black and red burying beetles were on the surface with a few fish eating them.
Fish will be keying in on these terrestrials in the next few weeks so make sure you have some Loco ants in your box.
I saw my first damsel swimming towards shore, and a few early Callabaetis mayflies. Vertical presentations under the bobber have been best using Albino Wino midge pupa #10-14, and Pheasant Tail flashbacks #14-16.
Mornings to noon time have been best.

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 67 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 #3 silver needlefish and similar lures.   Jigging has been taking nice Macks also when they've been holding deep.  
Kokanee is fishing is okay as trolling at about 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, Kokanuts, and Tubes with Pink being the hottest color. 
Kokes are a little small ranging in the 11 inch range. 
Best fishing for these landlocked salmon has been between Loch Leven and the Handicap fishing pier. 
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:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Has been fishing very well.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 5/12/15
Access is fine, no snow or ice.
Winds/weather will be moody the next week, disrupting the hatches.
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.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is a couple of feet above the dam gates so my best guess would be around 80% full.  Lots of water coming in from the surrounding creeks is a good sign along with the surrounding snow on the mountains. 
Fishing from boat best in 15-20 feet of water with Needlefish, Wedding rings or similar lures tipped with nightcrawlers have been the most effective. 
Don't discount using Rapalas as some of the larger trout have gone for these.  
Some nice rainbows being caught around the Woodcamp boat launch but you're going to have to work for them.  Some days are good and some days are not.  Hey, it sure beats work! 
Best areas for boaters has been Southwest corner and across the dam. 
For the shore fisherman holdover trout have been pretty eager to bite on nightcrawlers floated with a mallow or power bait, while those throwing hardware are using small Kastmasters or Roostertails.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 17, 2015
We've had several reports from Kirman this week and unfortunately none of them were very good.
Most anglers have been stripping streamer and leech patterns with scud or nymph droppers and haven't been having much success. This could be due to the ever changing weather this past week. If/when we start getting some better reports we'll be sure to keep you informed.         

MARLETT 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 5/14/15
We are seeing decent numbers of twenty inch plus cutthroats actively on the redds, but the spawn is winding down.
Access has improved; however I would not take a passenger car in.
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.
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.
Special angling regs in effect year around. 
Open year around upstream from the Benton Crossing Bridge. NO BAIT!!!. 
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 5/14/15 
Good call if the weather turns nasty up the hill.
Flows lowering to 125 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir.  
We are still getting some trophy bows and good numbers of smaller browns while pulling streamers with sinking tip lines.  
Very good conditions for wading the WT section.
At low flows dry\dropper rigs can be very effective in some runs, or riffles.
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 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 5/14/15
Fishing has been so-so here.
The levels are really fluctuating as the LADWP uses PVR as a “buffer” to accommodate the water used for power generation. It has dropped as low as 4376′, & up to 4388′  
Watch the mud along the banks near the inlet on the low side. Access around the inlet sucks after levels get up above 4385′.
The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows, & browns-use dry/dropper bead head nymph combos here.
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 5/14/15
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 24% capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout.  
Some GOOD reports of stocked rainbows and some stocked Cutties in the Prosser Creek arm.  Use small flashy lures for these guys and if that doesn't work go with nightcrawlers and power bait. 

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 18, 2015 water flow is currently 7,500 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report-  
Sacramento River fishing is good to excellent. Early morning and mid- morning have been most productive this last week. 
We are fishing from the 44 bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge daily. 
Water is clear, and weather perfect. 
Mornings and afternoon trips have been great.  
We offer both spin fishing and fly fishing.
Working best are PT's, and  Micro Mayflies.  Starting April 27 th, 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.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 18, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. Excellent fishing.
 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 heating up this week. Catching a combination of trout and salmon now!
Spotted bass and Small mouth bass, Catching limits of bass daily- RED HOT! 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 at 18% capacity. Surface temp is 55 degrees here, which is perfect! 
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. Still, some are launching North Rivers and the like. 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. 
Best spot has been the creek channel of the LT arm about 20 feet of water. 
Pink has been the go to color here in Tubes, Hoochies, Spinners, and the Shasta Tackle Kokanut! 
Shore fishing has been good 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 & 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 110 CFS out of the Dam.  
This week's weather looks windy starting on Monday and Tuesday and then giving way to some wet weather for the rest of the week maybe into the next week!  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 decent, general outlook could be bleak as we progress into late spring. 
Great BWO and an unconfirmed larger Mayfly hatch right now!  Sporadic hatches of March Browns, PMD's, and Caddis too. 
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.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 17, 2015
We didn't see any huge browns from the Twins this week but we did see lots of nice 3 to 7 pound rainbows making a showing from both lakes.
Bait anglers have been doing well with mice tails, power bait and crawlers, trollers have been doing well with blades/crawlers, kastmasters, thomas bouyants and rapalas. We haven't had any reports from fly anglers this week but usually a streamer like a seal bugger or matuka with a soft hackle or zug bug dropper will produce some nice fish.          

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 17, 2015
The action at the Virginias has mellowed out a bit but anglers are still reporting some pretty good days. Bait anglers are doing well with power bait, crawlers and mice tails, lure anglers are getting into some fish with Jake's Spin a Lures, kastmasters and rooster tails. Fly anglers are stripping streamers with droppers, patterns to try include: matuka, simi seal leech, seal bugger, soft hackle pt, zug bug and pheasant tail.  

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 17, 2015 
We had a little flow fluctuation this week but now it's back down to 22 CFS.
The fishing has been pretty good, anglers aren't catching lots of fish but there's definitely been some real bruisers caught this week.
Most anglers are reporting getting into between 3 and 7 or 8 fish per day and we've had reports of fish up to 25 inches being caught.
Both the California and Nevada sides of the river are producing very nice fish.
The weather has been rainy and snowy most of the past week and it's supposed to be that way for a few days this week as well.
Nymphing still seems to be the best method though we have had a few good streamer reports and just a couple anglers getting into some fish on dries.
Patterns to try include: flashback emerger, copper john, san juan worm, zebra midge, white zebra midge, rainbow warrior, pheasant tail, zuddler, jj special, seal buggers, zonker, blue wing olive, blue dun, stimulator and madam x.           Sceirine Ranch:
May 17, 2015
We had a few anglers on the ranch this week and the reports were very similar to the rest of the river, the water is low so you'll need to be stealthy and be sure to watch for fish laying in thin water, hugging the undercut banks and hiding under overhanging willows.        

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 5/14/15
Flows yo-yoing, running between 100/20 CFS currently.
This may flush some silt and weeds out of the channel, but will not be a game changer unless they continue.  
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 17, 2015
The West is still a little high and muddy so the fishing is fairly difficult, when the storms and runoff subside expect the dry fly fishing as well as bait and lure fishing to get much better!

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