Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for May 27 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of May 27, 2015 and beyond.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing: Another week of daily snow and cool weather at the Lake – that makes three solid weeks and finally the Lake is on the rise with the dumping Saturday evening of white and very wet snow – five inches of the white stuff with a water content of .61 – that’s over a half inch of water – woo-hoo. With the sun playing peek-a-boo, the snow melted quickly at our altitude.
With the awesome stocking from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, fishing picked up this week.
Trolling is still on the slow side, so if you’re in a boat, try fishing the channels or along the shore line. Fishing the Inlets is still the best. Jigs have been doing well, but so has Nightcrawler and Power Bait.
Alfredo, Danny and Irma Luna of Baldwin Park all caught limits using Red and Gold Thomas Buoyants. Jason with help from Dad, Tim Noyes, caught a nice 1-1/2 pounder on Power Bait. Chris Gaskill pulled out an awesome limit in remembrance of his step-brother, Rob, who had passed during the night.
Had a report that Blue Lake is wide open, there are still some areas where you’ll be dodging and weaving on the trail due to snow drifts, but temps are expect to be on the rise toward next weekend, so those should be gone shortly.
All campgrounds are now open in the Bishop Creek Canyon.
Bishop Creek Lodge, Creekside RV Park, Cardinal Village Resort and Parchers Resort are all open.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing is going to Summer hours: Boat Rentals and Store Hours - Sunday thru Saturday: 

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net): Summary and Trail Report 
One of the most weather dominated Memorial weeks I can remember, canyon visitors found a mix of snow, rain, hail and sunshine, often in the same afternoon. At our elevation we had multiple inches of snow fall no less than 3 different days during the week, only to have it melt off the following day as the morning sun made quick work of the wet snow.
While the weather didn't necessarily impede access to any of the trails that were open last week, it certainly didn't help open them any further.
The cooler weather also put the brakes on backcountry lakes icing out as the reports we received were pretty much identical to the conditions reported last week with most of the lakes over the 11,000,ft elevation half or mostly frozen.
The California DFW arrived this week stocking plenty of trout, and a nice grade of trout at that, for the holiday crowds.
Bishop Creek South Fork
: Creek flows remain excellent on the South Fork, especially given the amount of precipitation we've received this week. The water clarity is still great and following plants by the DFW on Thursday, fishing really picked up.
Lots of limits and reports of several successful catch & release efforts flowed throughout the weekend.
Cricket mini-jigs with a white trout worm trailer was one of the more specific lure combos accounting for lots of catching, but salmon eggs, Power bait, crawlers and spinners were working well too.
Weir Pond
: Still no reports from Weir Pond as our guests have preferred other canyon destinations over this popular spot.
North Lake: 
We had some excellent reports from North Lake, especially those jiggin' tubes - grasshopper and cricket by Sierra Slammers were the hot ticket, especially when dipped in the garlic Bite-On sauce. A solid bite on inflated crawlers, garlic Powerbait and Thomas Buoyants as well.

The most skilled anglers practicing catch & release with artificials reported as many as 20 fish per rod on Saturday, with the bite slowing down just a bit on Sunday.
Intake II
: After this week's stocking the bite went from slow to red hot with most folks reporting limits or near limits fishing from the bank.
Most of the reports were from the bait dunkers using brightly colored dough baits or Berkely Micetails in various bright colors, usually pink/white or orange/white.
Lake Sabrina
: The bite picked up from Wednesday afternoon on over at Sabrina and continued to be good the rest of the week.
Folks found the bite a bit tough from shore on Thursday, presumably because the fish were still schooled up and had moved away from the most accessible shoreline near the dam.
As the fish spread out however, folks started doing really well, especially on plastics - cricket & grasshopper Sierra Slammer jigs were reported to be a productive lure over the weekend.
South Lake
: No reports from South Lake this week.
Backcountry Fishing
: For those braving the snow flurries and cold, backcountry anglers were rewarded with great fishing. Lure tossers did the best as the weather made fly fishing cumbersome at best. The usual artificial lures, jigs and flies are working.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake is at an abysmal 14.8% 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 imitatiions, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for mostly hungry rainbows that are of age yet to spawn.  Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Powerbait, 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 24, 2015
Bridgeport is still fishing pretty well from boats, still a little tough from shore.
There have been some nice fish caught in the last few days from the shore near the bathtub area with crawlers and power bait but overall the shore action isn't as good as the boat action.
Trolling has been best with small rapalas and needlefish and the bait fishing over North of Rainbow Point has been pretty good with inflated crawlers, power bait and mice tails.
Haven't had any fly fishing reports yet but as the weather warms up a bit and the thunder showers go away the midging should start getting good. There's been some really nice perch caught that are in the 3 pound range, the browns have been in the 1 to 2.5 pound range and there have been rainbows caught up to around 6 pounds.       

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 5/25/15
Good weather forecast for this week.  
The Bridge will fish well in the early part of this season.
It received a good jag of Trophy rainbows and catchable sized browns, rainbows, and cutthroat recently.
Conditions are excellent despite low water.
A small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam will get you on the water.
Tubers should do great this spring working the drop-offs with Loebergs, crystal leeches, and punk perch patterns.
On the warmer days still water nymphing with Assassins, callibaetis nymphs, broken back midges, gillies, and flashback PT’s will get you pull downs with your Under-cator. 10-13 feet should get you into them.
See Jeffery at the marina for flies, and fishing info.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
I can't start the fishing report off this weekend without first thanking all the men and women who have served this great country, especially the brave service members who have paid the ultimate price. This weekend I will definitely spend time reflecting on the sacrifices those have paid for the price of our freedom.
As far as the fishing at Convict Lake, it has been on fire with a lot of large trout being caught throughout the week. The good folks at Desert Springs Trout Farm stocked the lake last Tuesday with 400 pounds of fish in the 5-8 pound range.
Please note that next week there will be no fishing report. I'll be out of town at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
If you happen to be at the show stop by and say hello. I'll be at booth 206.
Catch of the Week: Dennis Addington from Lomita, Calif., with a stout 7 pound 3 ounce Rainbow. Dennis with the "catch of the week" by just one ounce. He was using a lure from Luhr Jensen. Great job Dennis!
Other notable catches this week: Jason Staehnke of San Diego caught a toad along Windy Point. The fish was a 7 pound and 2 ounce Rainbow. Jason was using a Gulp Garlic Pinched Crawler when he landed this monster. 
John Flynn of Anaheim had a great day at Convict. The largest fish of the day was a 6 pound and 6 ounce Rainbow and the second wasn't too bad at 8 pounds and 4 ounces.
John was using a Thomas Buoyant along the North Shore.
Dustin Marvin from Newbury Park with an excellent catch while fishing at the North Shore.
Dustin landed a 6 pound 6 ounce Rainbow using Garlic Power bait.   
Percy Facio of Anaheim landed a 6 pound Rainbow. She was using Nightcrawlers and fishing from the North Shore. The entire Facio Family had success during their visit to the resort. See the bottom of the email for a family photo collage.
Mike Antuna of North Hills, CA hooked a nice fish last week and landed another this week. This week's monster was a 5 pound and 10 ounce Rainbow. He was using mini jig and fishing from the Handicap Pier.
Dylan and Steve Legere of Costa Mesa CA each caught a nice fish, a 6 pound 3 ounce and a 4 pound 13 ounce Rainbow. One was using Power bait and the other hook up using a mini jig. They were fishing along the South Shore. 
Tactics/Bait: 
Thomas Buoyants and Berkley's Garlic Gulp Pinched Nightcrawlers were the hot rigs of the week.
Tasmanian Devils or Needlefish continue to hook up quality fish for the folks out there trolling.
We received multiple reports the mini jigs were catching fish.
I'd suggest tossing Sierra Slammer mini jigs (Brown and Green), Power Worm/Mice Tails and Power Eggs (Orange, Pink or Red).
Power bait colors varied this week with anything garlic being the proven constant winner.
The hottest shore locations on the lake were the North Shore and Handicap Pier/South Shore area.
Other locations to try: South Shore, 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 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: 
Slight chance of showers possible throughout the week. The high temps at the start of the week will be in the low-60's and the lows in the high-30's.
Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:41 am - 5:37 am and Sunset 8:04 pm - 8:09 pm.
Stocking: 
The DFG planted the lake and creek last week.
We stocked 400 pounds of Trophy Trout on May 19. 

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 5/25/15
Weather forecast to become warmer over the next week with no rain predicted.
Very good bite during the calmer periods “IF” you are willing to suspend those chironomid imitations down 18-24 feet.
Sandy Pt., Big Hilton, Six Bays, & Sometimes Bay all have fish in deeper water.
The big brown bite has been great.
All three species of trout, & an occasional Sacramento Perch can be netted on Crowley right now.
You will also see some significant aquatic weeds beginning to grow at the 13 foot depth. Lake level is holding steady, and this is the condition that promotes weed growth out to 18 feet.
The steady chironomid hatches have triggered some consistent bites during the good weather/high barometer periods.  
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 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.
Lake is not dropping currently, and boat launching is fine.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Davis is low for sure but is in great shape for late May.
There are some Callabaetis, Blood Midges and even a Damsel or two starting to show up.
The latest report from May 26th has a few fish rising in shallow water and starting to stage for the Damsel migration.
June should be a good month at the lake. There is a ton of shoreline due to lower water and this could be a really good year for shallow water sight fishing.
Bring all your standard Stillwater flies and be ready for anything.

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% 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 some nice Macks 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 VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Despite heavy rains and winds that moved through the area, fishing was excellent over the weekend. Anglers have been catching rainbow, tiger and brown trout, with many of the browns averaging from 13 to 15 inches in length. The hot lure for these fish was a white spinner bait.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The action over the weekend was smoking for the Hunter and Angler Education volunteers who descended upon the park for training.
Larry Brinker, (NDOW hunter education instructor) caught and released over 20 bass in a one hour period. Included in his catch was a 4.5-pound largemouth.
The crappie action was fast for anglers using small jigs in both pink-and-white and green-and-white colorations.

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 5/25/15
The bite has been pretty good on the nicer days.
Flows are up a little with the string of rainy days.
Heavy aquatic weeds are 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 has been 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 here for the boaters has been Southwest corner of the lake 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 24, 2015
Haven't had any reports from Kirman this week, it's likely the thunderstorms have both kept some anglers away from the hike and possible the fish will be finicky when it's storming.
If/when we get some news from up there we'll pass it on.          

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Striped bass action has been consistent in most pockets along this stretch of the river. Anchovies have been the bait of choice and the fish caught are averaging from one to three pounds.
One local angler brought in nine bluegill -- some pushing the one-pound mark – while fishing with night crawlers near Laughlin Bay.
With the sunfish starting to nest, action should continue to improve for these feisty fish.

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:

Closed. Will re-open July 15, 2015.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Reports were light from anglers on the Nevada side but a few heading out of South Cove were pleased with the results of their outing.
A total of 79 striped bass were caught with most weighing in at two to three pounds and a few pushing over four. Rat-L-Traps were the lure of choice.
Best time to be on the water for stripers is at grey light or from sunset until dark.
The afternoon has been better for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Smallmouth bass remain the top fish among those anglers who are catching. Working the rocky shelves with various lures is producing the best results for these fish. The average fish has been coming in at just under three pounds.
Striped bass in the area of Willow Beach are still making their presence known and a few lucky anglers are bringing in fish in the double digit range.
Trout imitation lures have been the most effective.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 5/25/15
The section from the Bridge DOWN STREAM to the lake is now open.
We are seeing decent numbers of cutthroats actively on the redds, but the spawn is winding down and some of the fish are spawned out, or pretty beat up.
The white fuzzy markings on the fish are a fungus that is caused from removal of the protective slime that coats the skin. It may, or may not be lethal. 
You may also get into a nice brown that has moved up from the lake to feed on roe, or small rainbow fry.
Water clarity can be poor when the irrigation canals are being utilized to flood irrigate the pastures. This inputs a fair amount of muddy, weedy water below the confluences of these feeder canals which loop back into the river proper.
Access has improved; however I would not take a passenger car in after a significant T-storm.
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 above the Benton Bridge.
NO BAIT, NO BARBS!!!
Open year around above the Bridge. 
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 5/25/15 
Temps in the Owens Valley will be near 90 by the end of the week.
Flows currently 126 CFS below the dam at Pleasant Valley Reservoir.  
Numbers have not been great recently for drift boat trips however; we are still getting some good sized 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.
The bite slowing down as the sun gets higher, & air temps climb.
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 5/25/15
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 5/25/15
This fishery is not effected by flow increases on the Middle Owens, and with the recent increased water it is receiving is really fishing well & worth the hike if you enjoy small wild browns.
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:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Cooler stormy weather over the past 10 days or so has really helped the fishing.
The water temperatures have stabilized around 60 degrees on the surface and it has helped keep some fish in shallow water.
Tui Chubs are starting to roam and cruise in close as well.
The hatchery area has been slow but some of the normal early fall and late spring beaches have been producing.
The numbers of Pilot Peak strain fish also tend to go up some this time of year.
Fishing off ladders as well as Pontoon Boats and Float Tubes are all worth a try.
There are plenty of fish in 8-20 feet of water but that could change as soon as we get some warmer weather.
Windy days are still best for sure.
Early mornings have been worth getting up for lately as well.
For Stripping flies use Midnight Cowboy’s and Olive Martini’s.
For Indicator rigs the Red Maholo Nymph has been awesome.
Larger Midges and Pyramid Lake Balanced Leeches are also worth a try.

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 26, 2015 water flow is currently 7,500 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report -  
Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing is fantastic ! 
Water is clear, and weather perfect. Mornings and afternoon trips have been great.  We are fishing from the 44 bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge daily.
We offer both spin fishing and fly fishing.
Working best are PT's, and  Micro Mayflies.
Starting April 27th, the area of the Sacramento River from Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 Bridge will be closed until August 1 , 2015. 
Please do not be alarmed , as we will still be fishing daily. This is a very small portion of the river system, and this will help ensure the preservation of our salmon and trout fishery. 
Drift  boats or Jet boats available. We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 5/25/15
Conditions are very good for May, and the SJ should fish well for the first part of summer. The wild trout here are eager to hit most surface imitations in the #14-18 range.  I like hi-vis para mayflies, Stimulators, and  hi-vis caddis patterns as a point fly.  Tie a two foot dropper off the hook bend and add a blue winged olive or natural caddis adult.  Dry/dry tandems are effective and can really help you see you imitations in riffle water, or shadows.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 26, 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 17% 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.  
There is a new launch site now east of the old launch. 
Old launch east of original boat launch is now to shallow! 
Reports of most Kokes ranging in the 14-15 inch range.  Best spot has been the creek channel of the LT arm about 20-25 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:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The water is still really low for the most part on the river.
This last batch of rainy days did not do much to change the water except for make it a little off color in places. It is fishable for sure.
The stretch between Tahoe City and Truckee is really low and gets a little better downstream of Truckee.
There is 158 CFS coming in from Boca and the flows are outstanding in the canyon section down to the state line.
The flows get a little lower due to diversions in Nevada but the river is still in great shape all the way through Reno.
Caddis are starting to hatch on the lower river in the evenings as well as some Little Yellow Stones.
Nymphing during the day with Caddis or some generic bead head nymphs in size 16-18 is a great bet. A stonefly for a lead fly in size 8-10 can’t hurt either.
The evening dry fly fishing should only get better for the next few weeks.
Flows are: Town of Truckee 60 CFS, Boca Bridge 308 CFS, Farad 322 CFS and Reno 193 CFS.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Low flows still above the Boca outflow even with the nice rain that we received for about 5 days.  Water is off color below the Boca outflow but should start to clear about Thursday.  Chance of an afternoon Thunderstorm today but the rest of the week looks extremely nice!   Best hours to fish will be 8 to sunset.  
Water temps have come up and fish are more apt to sample your offerings now. 
BWO's, sporadic hatches of Gray Drakes, PMD's, and later in the day Caddis.  
Flows are decent but the general outlook could be bleak as we progress into late spring. Good BWO and a Gray Drake that fish are keying on now but as the week progresses it may be PMD's and Caddis.  Also, watch as the warm weather by the weekend may bring out those big Carpenter Ants 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.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Flows remain at 90 CFS. They have been this way for a while now.
PMD’s are starting to show up sporadically in the middle of the day. The PMD hatch should only get better in the coming weeks.
There are still some lingering Baetis as well.
Nymphing with some really small PMD’s, Baetis or Midges in sizes 18-22 has been working best. 5X or 6X tippet is a must.
Be stealthy, wear some neutral clothing and make really good drifts.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 24, 2015
The Twins have been producing pretty good numbers of fish this past week and some very nice fish as well. There's been a lot of fish in the half pound to 1.5 pound range as well as some browns up to almost 10 pounds and rainbows up to almost 7 pounds.
Shore anglers are casting lures like kastmasters and thomas bouyants as well as bait like crawlers and power bait.
Trollers are using Rapalas, needlefish and blades and crawlers.
Fly anglers should be able to bag some fish with streamers like matukas, seal buggers and zonkers.         

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 24, 2015
The Virginias have seen some good snow flurries and thunderstorms this past week but the folks who have toughed out the weather have still been doing pretty well.
Casting lures has been good with Kastmasters, Thomas Bouyants and Jakes Spin A Lures, bait anglers have been doing well with mice tails, powerbait and crawlers.
Fly anglers should do well stripping streamers like matukas, seal buggers and simi seal leeches with a soft hackle or zug bug 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. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The East Walker is still 22 CFS. This is probably in part to some rain and cooler weather. The flows are going to continue to change with the weather over the next month or so until irrigation water is used up and the river goes into drought mode sometime soon. Get it in now if you want to fish the EW. We could be in for a long hot summer.

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 24, 2015 
We've been having some rainy weather this past week which has kept a lot of anglers off the water but we're still managing to get some decent reports from some of the folks who are toughing out the weather.
They're not catching lots of fish necessarily but the fish they are catching are very nice, mostly in the 17 to 23 inch range.
The flows are still at 22 CFS so it's best to focus on the deeper pools and runs though there are some fish hanging out in the riffle water down below the bridge, hugging the undercut banks and under the overhanging willows.
Patterns that have been successful this week include: flashback emerger, white zebra midge, rainbow warrior, silver streak, san juan worm, micro mayfly, wd-40, zuddler, seal bugger, double bunny and jj special.                  
Sceirine Ranch:
May 24, 2015
We didn't have any anglers on the ranch this week, give us a call if you want to have some private water all to yourself!        

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 5/25/15
Twenty CFS is a trickle.
They have been holding at this release here for a while. 
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 24, 2015
The West has been running a little high and off color but not unfishable, we've had some decent reports from the Pickel Meadows area as well as the canyon section along Hwy 395.
Spinners like Panther Martins and Roostertails have been good as well as salmon eggs and crawlers.
For flies you should have some success with small buggers, prince nymphs, pheasant tails and hare's ears, though it's just a little bit early for the dry action to be very good.

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