Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of May 28

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 28, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
If you're planning on fishing Almanor, the next 2 weeks should be good.
The moon phase will darken, insect hatches are still popping off, surface temps are still cool enough, feeding cycles will self correct, allowing anglers a much better shot at a successful morning.
Generally, most boats have been trolling and been scattered all over both basins looking for the hot bite.
Courtesy of Almanor Adventures.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina: Thank you to all our men and women in the Military for their service, sacrifice, and our freedom!
Another fun week by Mother Nature – what a week it was – snow flurries for 4 days (almost another inch of moisture) – then the cool temps and cloudy skies gave way to warm temps with fluffy white clouds and the bluest of blue skies at the Lake – plenty of families spent the weekend pulling out limits and making or reliving memories.
Shore or still fishing (remember we have boats for rent) were the way to go whether you were using Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs, Power Bait, lures, jigs, a wad of bubblegum – it really didn’t matter.
Trolling is still a bit on the slow side. Saw a number of anglers weighing their 1-1/2 to 2 pound Rainbows.
Talking about catching a few for breakfast or dinner, Katya and Phillip Fivgas had plenty for a fine meal, as did Jim Johnson and Chris Gaskill (one of the private boats that has made it to the back) and Peter Diaz getting a limit kayaking to the back, Cathy Lynskey caught dinner for her husband Tim and we shall not forget Alisha Wilkie, Joachim Estrada and Chad “the Elusive One” who also had plenty for a fine dinner.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Fish & Trail Report
Updated 5-25-14
Summary and Trail Report
The weather pretty much covered all the bases this week with a little hail, a little wind, a lot of snow and ending with some gorgeous summer-like sunshine. While this made packing for the high country a little daunting, those that made the trip found it to be worthwhile.
While we did receive somewhere in the neighborhood of an inch of precipitation this week, most of it falling in the form of snow, very little of the white stuff stuck around for the weekend with the vast majority melting off shortly after falling or during the first day of sunshine.
Most of the high country lakes in the canyon are still at least partially frozen if not totally iced over but the first few miles of hiking trail is starting to clear up near most of the canyon's 5 trailheads.
Multiple reports from the Bishop Pass trail left us a little confused as some folks reported very little snow while others reported lots - all from the same stretch of trail. One things is absolutely for certain though, for this time of year, the trail conditions are far better than one usually expects.
The Green Lake area was another popular hike this week with folks making it to the lake both via the trail and on the pipe - Green Lake is the one lake that as of Sunday was ice-free.
Backcountry anglers weren't disappointed with just about everyone we spoke with catching fish, some catching lots of fish.
Bishop Creek South Fork
California DFW really did anglers a solid this week dispersing a bunch of really nice Rainbow Trout in the 2 to 3lb range to go along with their usual plants of catchable 10 to 14" fish.
The hot bait this week was without a doubt Pautzke's Green Label Red salmon eggs with some anglers reporting to have caught and released as many as 40 fish in the creek.
Pink Power bait was also a great bait this week. Equally as productive were mini-jigs, especially the King Crimson or Lime Green color Sierra Slammers and Berkley Micetails in pink/white which accounted for several fish to 3lbs for the Dorris family from San Diego, Calif.
Weir Pond: 
Nothing huge out of Weir Pond this week but just about everyone who fished there managed to have at least some success with the luckier of those anglers, especially those prepared with chest waders, catching as many as a dozen per rod during the early morning or late evening hours.
North Lake
Not surprisingly it was apparently a bit crowded over there this week with the Memorial Weekend crowd and the Mule Days crowd all trying their luck. Fishing was reported to be good early and late on the usual suspects.
Intake II
: pretty much the same as North Lake. Good fishing, big crowds.
Lake Sabrina
Sabrina seemed to be the best bet for those groups with kids who really needed to score a couple trout for the family.
Power bait and worms were best.
South Lake: 
Some adventurous souls made the trek down to the inlet at South Lake and did manage to catch a few holdover fish, about half Rainbows and half Brookies, mostly on worms. It's still a long walk for tough fishing so we're still recommending folks spend their time at the other canyon waters which are being heavily stocked.
Hardest hit by the drought, South Lake is very low. The lake is still bigger than Lake George in Mammoth, but hardly the large reservoir we're used to. We don't expect any stocking this year as accessing is just too difficult.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level has leveled off now and may dip slightly as they are releasing more water out than in at the moment. 
Reports suggest a stocking of DFW trout because of the amount of fish being caught at the inlet portion of the lake recently. 
Small car top boats, small aluminum boats or float tubes here, water level is too low to launch anything else.  
Fishing by the dam in the morning has been good along with the inlet portion of the lake more towards the evening.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 25, 2014
Bridgeport has been on fire for bait anglers and trollers this past week, the weather has cooperated and so have the fish!
The fly anglers are having a tougher go on the reservoir but I think as the water temps increase the fly anglers should start having a better time.
On the troll you want to go with small Rapalas, needlefish, blades/crawlers and thomas bouyants. Bait anglers are having great success with powerbait, mice tails, power eggs and crawlers.
We saw fish up to nearly 5 pounds this week so there's some pretty nice fish cruising around! 

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 5/26/14
 Good reports from anglers that fished here over the holiday weekend.
Jeffery continues to do a stellar job getting his rental boats out.
There is a functioning launch ramp near the dam that he has put a courtesy dock to use as well.
The lake received 400 lbs of Oregon trophy rainbows along with a double allotment of catchable trout from the CDFW.  
It will be good here early on this summer. Try Loebergs, punk perch streamers near the dam with full or heavy sinking tip lines. Please support my good buddy by stopping buy the RV Park or store.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Thomas from Gardnerville, Nevada caught a nice German brown trout
on a 4”minnow lure on 5/17 from one of the Caples lake Resort rental boats.
Nice catch Thomas ! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Caples Lake is only 7 feet from full. Eldorado Irrigation District has the outflow from the lake at a minimum and rising over 4” per day. They expect the lake to be almost full in spite of this drought year due to good water regulation and the late April storms.
Caples Lake Resort is open for the summer season.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week: Congratulations to Erica Hadjis from El Monte, CA with a nice rainbow caught at the South Shore. She was using a Power bait when she landed this solid 5 pound 15 ounce rainbow. Way to go Erica!   
Other notable catches this week: 
Fay Combs and Diana Fenner from Oceanside, Calif., with an excellent stringer. They were fishing the North Shore and near the marina. They used Garlic Power bait to fill this stringer.
Mike of Santa Cruz, Calif., caught a beautiful 2 pound and 18 ounce rainbow. Mike was using a Thomas Buoyant while fishing at the Inlet.
Nathan and Pilar of La Puente, Calif., with an nice stringer from the creek. They were using small spinners. 
Tactics/Bait:  A variety of different baits and lures were hooking fish this week.
Try using Thomas Bouyants in the lake and smaller spinners in the creek.
Inflated Nightcrawlers were also very productive.
The most successful Power bait colors were yellow and rainbow.  Any color with garlic worked well.
The South Shore and the Inlet was the hottest spot this week. Other locations fishing well were the Jetty, North Shore and Hangman's Tree.  
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, NeedleFish, Rooster Tails, and Bite-on Fury Shad or Lip Ripperz Hatchery Dust on Power bait.
Here is a list of recommended flies: 

Dry Flies:
Adams, Female Adams, Cutter's Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, Black/Red Ants, Sierra Bright Dot, Royal Coachman and Hoppers. 
Streamers:
Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green), Mutuka (black, brown, olive, or green), Hornberg, and Muddler Minnows.
 Wet Flies (Nymphs):
Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Zebra Midge (red and black), Copper John (red and copper) and San Juan Worm (brown or red).
Other Resources:
View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store.
Derby News:  The Round-Up at the Lake Fishing Derby will be running until June 12. Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes.
Also mark your calendars for the Hangman's Bonus Cash Weekend on June 6-8. $2000 in cash prizes.   
Weather:  This weekend's forecast is mostly clear and sunny. Highs in the low 70's. Early next week the temps will drop a little. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The fish are still scattered and  no one spot is "the spot." Fly fishing is best with midge patterns under an indicator in 10 - 14 feet of water. Our best results lately have been with a black/red zebra midge.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
The most consistent fly fishery in the area currently.
Wind can shut down the bite some days depending on direction.
Clouds will get the browns out, so stick and stay and make it pay! It is good & steady in 12-18 feet before the breeze.
Weeds are beginning to form out to 11 feet so locating a weed free mud bottom is key to success.
Water clarity is great, no algae yet as temps remain cooler than normal.
Water level will begin to drop as the Middle Owens flows have nearly doubled in the last couple days. This is a good thing for the near future. 
Remember that the lake level was much, much lower last fall. This essentially wiped out the larva on the dry/frozen lake bed.  As the lake fills the fertile bottom remains in deeper water. So…as the lake level drops again, the fertile bottom will begin to be at lower depths.
Some nicer fish are showing up more consistently. 
McGee Bay proper is not consistent. Sometimes Bay to the north can be a hot spot , no lack of boats here.  
Hilton, Sandy,  Alligator Pt., & Crooked Creek also have fish at times. Depth to target is 12-18 feet. 
Sacramento Perch are staging on the sand in some areas, so you will get  ”drive- bys” from them. Gillies #18/20, crystal emergers & pupa #18/20. (Broken back tiger & zebra midges) good when you have some texture

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trout are starting to move to the west shore around Jenkins and Cow Creek where they will pod around islands feeding on midges in the morning.
As temps rise, strip streamers on a type three sinking line.
Fishing snails and damsel nymphs will be good as days warm. Occasional damsels have already been spotted so expect an early hatch this year.
Courtesy of Fish First.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake has been fishing very well and with a stocking of DFW trout last week fishing will even be better!  
With temps nearing the upper 80 mark this week it's a great time to get out and fish now. 
Mack fishing here has been good for those trolling with fish ranging in the teens! Jigging for these guys too have been good at depths from 70-100ft and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has started now with fat little guys ranging from 10-12 inches in 15-30 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove.

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
Donner Lake 5/25/14
I had the day open and needed to check out Donner for the first time this year. I took two of my granddaughters along.
We launched a little after 6:00 AM. I went straight across the lake and started trolling. I wasn’t marking any fish as we worked our way up the lake.
We moved over in front of Loch Leven Lodge where there was a couple other boats working. We started marking nice schools of fish at 35” and 55’. 
It wasn’t long before we started hooking Kokanee at 35’.
We couldn’t get the fish at 55’ to hit anything.
The girls had two limits of Kokanee and back on the Trailer at 8:30 AM.
They caught on Sep’s Side Kick’s and 4/0 Dodgers both in Watermelon color and a RMT Assassin spinner tipped with Pautzke Fire Corn.
The fish we caught today were about the same size as Stampede Kokanee, they averaged 12”.  
Donner is in great shape, plenty of water and no issues launching.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair to good. Even some great reports coming off the water!
The weather over the past few days has been calm in the mornings, wind in the afternoon. Typical for Fall River. Expect anything to happen during the next few weeks. It can rain, hail, even lightening.
The best fishing happens in the morning hours for sure. Before the sun gets high and the wind starts blowing. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
It has been a busy Memorial Day weekend at Frenchman Lake.
Lots of campers and fishermen.
Generally fishing has been good whether you are fishing from the bank or from a boat.
Joey Gillen and Chris Grossman have been fishing the creeks and doing very well using worms.
When you come up to Frenchman Lake please be sure to stop in and give us a report on the fishing. Bring in your catch and we’ll take your picture and include you in our weekly report.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing small midge patterns, like Mercer's Gidget, suspended under big Salmon fly dry patterns is the hot set-up over the past week.
The Power House #2 riffle is usually crowded, but you can get most if not all of it to yourself near or at sundown.
Pay attention to fishing regulations near sunset.
The flat waters below the Power House Riffle can offer a chance to cast dry flies to rising fish any time of day.
Cloud conditions have been a factor this week. Seems like once you find a few fish on top, clouds move in and for reasons no one can explain, the bugs quit coming off and the fish head to the bottom of the river.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is  up to 15 CFS. Dry fly fishing is somewhat better with a mid day BWO hatch. Sparkle dun's and para Adams.  Nymph fishing is the best bet. Try WD-40's, green rock worms and scuds.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 5/26/14
Flows have come up quite a bit. Not the flushing flows we need to clean up the significant weeds that have formed over the last few years but they will improve conditions once the weather gets nice.
Very good caddis & mayfly activity occurring daily during warm spells. 
The small spring caddis are like candy to these wild fish and you will enjoy the best snap during this hatch.
#18/20 hi-vis elk hair imitations will suffice, try some crystal olive caddis larva patterns for nymphs.
San Juan Worms and egg patterns are good choices for spring conditions on the crick. Dry dropper rigs using para midge or hi-vis para BWO or blue wing olive adult patterns #14-18 as an upper, while dropping a broken back zebra or tiger midge, assassin bird’s nest, or crystal olive caddis/zebra larva pattern will get you into fish in the slots between the weeds. Lengthen your leaders to ten feet here, 5X is a good tippet size.
The deeper pools can be fished with weighted attractors like SJ worms and egg patterns hung beneath an Under-cator. A hot rig is an olive or light Punk Perch as your upper fly with an assassin or PT as a dropper.
You may also “swing cast” a Punk  perch or crystal leech across the deeper slots and pools for a shot at one of the bigs that hunker along the weed lines or in the gut of the larger holes.
Use the yellow, or clear for short water nymphing. Midge cluster, or para midge adults in the #20-24 range are hot flies for surface action. 
BWO adults fished high in the suds #16/18 also good calls afternoon when the baetis/PMD’s start to emerge. 

JACKSON MEADOWS, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
The road here is open and with the pressure this lake has received the fishing isn't as easy as it was a week ago.  Rainbows have dispersed from the creek mouths and have fallen into a more normal feeding pattern.  Lake is at 96% capacity and it's a great escape from the masses that descend on Tahoe.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Rush Creek is fishing well. The flow is 48 CFS. Try a humpie or stimulator with a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 25, 2014
Kirman is still fishing well, leech patterns with soft hackle droppers have been doing well, also with the warmer weather the scud should start becoming active so an olive or orange scud should also start doing the trick.
There have been lots of brookies in the 16 to 20 inch range being caught and some of the cutts having been running in the mid 20's.    

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Not much to report on for this river.
Conditions are great and it's possible to find a few smaller steelhead here, but it's not the kind of fishing this river is known for in the winter months. Look for better fishing as we close in on June.
As this river produces more insect activity in the form of Stonefly and Salmon fly hatches, more and more fish can be found eating off the surface and chomping big stonefly nymphs underneath.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Callibaetis have been coming off and a few anglers have been into rainbows eating duns off the surface. That's the goal! Be there when the heads are on the surface eating mayflies.
In the coming weeks, look for fish eating carpenter ants off the surface. Definitely have a couple Ant patterns in your fly box.
Fishing has been fair at times, awesome by some reports.
This reservoir is really, really low. Launching a boat might be difficult.\
Lewiston is known for its big, bad bows.
The reservoir level is low. Best fishing happens mid day.
Lewiston is a good choice for anglers over in Lewiston/on the Trinity River that want to get a few rainbows in the net on their 5wt fly rod. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Lots of anglers for the holiday weekend. All the lakes are well stocked.


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

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
A real sleeper of a lake early on, wide open and no crowds.  Great for those who are learning to fly fish without the critics you'll find on the rivers!

MCGEE CREEK/HILTON CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
McGee Creek/Hilton Creek 5/25/14
Mediocre at best. Pods are scattered, and with gusty winds forecast the next few days I would look elsewhere.
Drifting attractor patterns like SJ worms & crystal eggs are good calls. Dry/dropper bead head rigs using a stimulator,  hi-vis para BWO, or caddis as the upper, and an olive crystal  caddis or midge larva pattern as the dropper can be deadly.  Broken back midges, assassins birds nest, and flashback PT’s should also be in your box if you plan on the 30 minute hike to the promised land.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The black bass fishing is still good. “Anglers are hooking most of the fish while using Senkos, flukes and drop shot rigs, but crankbaits are worth a try.
Anglers have reported fishing for landlocked steelhead in the Thermalito Afterbay lately, but a month ago anglers were catching some fish averaging 2 to 4 pounds and going up to 8 pounds.
Boaters trolled with crawlers behind dodgers and shore fishermen fished nightcrawlers under bobbers.
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 198 CFS.
The water  has cleared but not much change in the fishing.
The section downstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge to the monument is now open .The section from the monument to the lake is now open. Upstream of the bridge is open all year.
Fishing has improved. Some larger lake fish showing up here and there. Some hold over stockers and a few wild fish available.
Nymph fish with WD-40,buckskin nymphs and midge pupa.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow 400 CFS. Way too high for decent fishing.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 5/26/14
The section from the Benton Crossing Bridge to the Monument is now open.
Fishing has slowed-big holiday pressure.
Look for planted fish in the campground area and down to the lake.
Flows are beginning to drop-185CFS currently.
You will need plenty of weight to get those SJ worms, crystal egg patterns, flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis & zebra larva patterns near the bottom. Lengthen your standard nymphing leaders 2-3 feet friends, you will get better results!
I prefer to use a clear or yellow Under-cator on moving water as they are less conspicuous. The pink & orange work better on the still waters like Crowley and Bridgeport.
Streamers like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will also get takes when used with a light to medium sinking tip line.
As it warms up this week we may see some off colored water and floating weed due to run-off.  Keep your bugs clean every cast!
Make sure you wear a belt with waders & carry a staff if you wish to cross.
Owens River (Bishop area) 5/26/14
Flows are very high at 370 CFS.  There was a “flushing flow” for a couple days that spiked at 430 CFS. 
The good news is that they appear to be dropping, not going up. 
Wading and crossing is not a good idea at this release below Pleasant Valley Dam. Still tough going on the drift boat sections.

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

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Temps are rising so look for the stoneflies to get active. Fish from 9am to dark. High sticking a rubberleg stone with a black attractor nymph is your best bet. Be sure to use lots of shot and make an accurate cast to the seams.
As the river widens along Pit 4 and 5 wading is possible but is still difficult so use caution.
Some sporadic hatches of PMD’s and caddis, but nymphing is the most productive method this time of year.
Streamers on a sink tip line stripped along the edges are also deadly.
Don’t leave too soon! Salmon flies are active in the afternoon until last light.
Prospecting pocket water will bring big rainbows up from the bottom for a big meal. 
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
 
PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR AND THE GORGE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir/Gorge 5/26/14
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Continuous power generation, and fluctuating water levels will make for some lousy conditions for fly fishers in the river or transition section.
Tubing the inlet can be productive using streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, crystal leeches, and Spruce-A-Bu’s with a heavy sinking tip, or full sinking type 4 line.
The Gorge:
The Gorge can be very good this time of year if they lower flows back to 32 CFS.  Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos with hi-vis para mayflies and hi-vis caddis dries as the upper; assassin birds nest or flashback PT’s #18-20 as the nymphs. Caddis/mayfly adult patterns are the correct selections while working in the channel casting upstream.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 38 percent capacity and has been fishing well.
Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Valarie Taylor at Crosby Lodge at Sutcliffe (775-476-0400) (www.crosbylodge.net) reports:

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
If you want to go to Pyramid I would plan to go when the weather is changing, a chop on this lake is good while glassy conditions tend to be bad. Has been sporadic recently.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been productive, weather is great, water progress.
In other words, a driftboat can only make slow progress at best when we have gusts up to 15mph out of the south.
A few of the hot flies have been #18 Super Flash PTs, TB Peaches & Cream, Bat Wing Emerger
Please consider avoiding the spawning redds across from the Posse Grounds launch. Or any redds for that matter. Those rainbows are ensuring the future of this great fishery.  
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
 
SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good. Golden stones, a few salmon flies, caddis near sunset. Seems like there's something happening all day. It's easy to spend an entire day fishing from the lower river all the way up into Dunsmuir.
We expect good fishing to be the norm through June at least!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of May 25, 2014 water flow is currently 7,500 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch mid day. 
Trout fishing Redding area, fishing is great.
A bit windy this afternoon, but a great day, mild weather....Rainbow Trout fishing, 18 in to 26 inches, from 20 plus hook ups. 
Trout fishing through the town of Redding has been excellent. 
Fishing Keswick Dam to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, Prince Nymphs,  Pheasant Tails,  
Brown Micro Mays,  & Yellow Sucker Spawn.
Call or email today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
For those of you who are not fly fisherman, we offer spin fishing trips on the Sacramento River are available. 
We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding and Anderson, Calif. Groups and Clubs welcome.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Road is open. Flow in the river is over 200 CFS making fishing tough. Sotcher Lake should be fishing well

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Shasta's trout remains scattered throughout the lake. Anglers are hooking rainbows in the slot between slaughterhouse island and toupee island.
The water is somewhat stained and the lake has been experiencing high winds making the fishing tougher.
The fish have been from 14 to 16 inches and limits are possible for fishermen that work for them.
Spawning bass action is underway for Shasta's spotted bass. You can find fish around main lake points and flats. Some fish are holding up tight to the bank, but there are still plenty of fish holding 15 to 30 feet deep. 4 and 6 inch Mother's Finest Worms in natural colors are working well as are 4 inch Senkos. Trophy hunters are tossing swimbaits in the 4 to 6 inch size range. Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

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

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing here has been great! Rick Kennedy and John Minnis still reporting good Kokanee action with fish ranging in the 12-13 inch range in the top 15-30 feet of water. Spinners, Hoochies, and small tubes have been go to lures in colors with pink and orange.  
Look for Macks underneath these schools of Kokes and some larger ones still hanging out in the deeper sections of the lake around the dam. 
Trout fishing has been best in the coves up and down from the campgrounds and boat ramp. 
Smallmouth fishing has been sporadic in the Davis Creek arm but some smallies have been pretty nice. 

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of average sized Mackinaw Trout being caught on silver flasher blades and minnows on the west side of the lake near Homewood.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The bass bite is best from mid-March to mid-June during the pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn.
Evening top water fishing can be very impressive during this time period.
Trout are catchable using bait, spinners and flies, particularly where streams enter the lake.
King salmon can be taken trolling deep with downriggers.
Courtesy of The Trinity Fishing Guide.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is not all that anglers have hoped for this May.
River flows are 1,510 CFS at this time. Anglers fishing out of boats have access to the best water that can produce a few very nice late spring salmon. Flows increased on April 23 from 300 CFS to 900 CFS. Peak flows as of April 24 are 1,500 CFS. Flows are scheduled to start coming down May 29th slowly dropping to 450 CFS by June 26th.
Expect better fishing reports in early July. That said, anglers who can float
The dry fly fishing can be really good through June!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
 
TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
May 25, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows;  Trinity River will reach 1,500 CFS and  slowly decrease, starting May 31 to 400 CFS by June 26th, 2014.
Fishing for trout now. Fishing up and down with water flows high at the moment. We are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well. 
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG, CALIF AND NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Great weather this week so get out and fish the Truckee. Much needed rain recently but it looks like the weekend will be sunny and in the 70's. 
Look for days before or after storm fronts to fish as these are key days that fish will feed for longer periods of time. 
March Browns are still lingering, big Stones, sporadic BWO's, sporadic PMD's, and more Caddis now with the warmer temps and water temps starting to rise. 
Big Carpenter Ants may still be out and about!  Have these tasty morsels with you when you go down to the river. 
With the high flows being seen below Boca it's time to think about using your high water techniques! 
More activity of fish feeding just under the surface above the Glenshire stretch. Try a Skwala dry or Stimi and trail a small bead nymph or soft hackle a couple of feet behind and see what happens.  
Lots going on right now as fish are found everywhere in the river system, so get out if you have a chance and fish. 
Hatches this time of year will consist of Midges, BWO's, Baetis, PMD'S, Caddis, Skwala & Golden Stones, and March Browns. 
Nevada:
Caution!  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.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Stocked a couple of weeks ago and should still fish well for those who want to keep fish and get away from the crowds coming off I-80 and the local Tahoe area.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake: Once again Mother nature gave us what some might call undesirable weather.  The Anglers were having a difficult time trolling in the wind and rain, so fishing was light most of the time.
Memorial Day week-end was another story. The weather couldn't been better. Fishing was very good with Salmon Peach and Hatchery Pellet Power Baits. The campground and lake was busy with families and boaters.
The Upper Twin Lake water level is very good and water temperature is 48 degrees.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 25, 2014
The Twins have been fishing pretty well both from the shore and from boats, boat anglers have been doing well trolling needlefish, kastmasters and small rapalas as well as bait fishing with power bait, mice tails and crawlers. Shore anglers have had success with crawlers, power bait and power eggs. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 25, 2014
The Virginias are fishing excellent right now, we've had great reports from both fly anglers and bait anglers all week.
The fly anglers are using matukas, seal buggers, wooly buggers, soft hackles, ap emergers and stillwater nymphs.
Bait anglers are doing the best with power bait and crawlers.
Lure anglers are having success with kastmasters, thomas bouyants and fly/bubble rigs.  

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Clear weather with a few thunderheads but no moisture over the lakes just lightweight sweatshirts for the early morning cooler air. 
It has been warming up a bit toward mid-day but when the sun goes off the water it definitely is jacket time. 
Mosquitoes are here and making their way to attack so load up on bug juice it never goes to waste.
 Bait for the week: crawlers, yellow TURBO power bait, salmon peach, and some salmon eggs were hitting over the weekend.
Lures taking limits were small silver Kastmasters, and few Buoyant's in red/gold.
 Fly and bubble anglers are wasting their time until the air temp increases so try mosquitoes when the clouds cover the sun. 
NOTE:  If the trout bleeds, it’s yours, please don’t toss it back into the lake as it will die.  If you care about the resource please be careful when releasing fish back into the lake. Also, it attracts bears. Big Fish for week of May 24: 
Tiffany Lambert of Gardnerville 4 lb 6 and 2 lb 6 on power bait from Little Virginia; Garett Murakami of Monterey Park, 2 lb 2 on power worm, LV
 Vanessa Taylor and Fiance Brian Kissel of Aliso Viejo, 3 lb 4  2 lb 4 garlic power bait.

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: The East had been running at 35 CFS for most of the week but the flow was bumped up to 93 CFS yesterday.
The fishing in the lower section and on the Nevada side has been pretty good and the caddis started hatching out a few days ago so there's been some good dry fly action.
With the flow now at 93 the nymphing should still be a good way to go, also the crawdads should be on the move now so the potential to have some good action with streamers is getting good.
If the flow stays at 93 for a few days I'd expect some fish to move back up into the upper mile so it should pick up there as well.
Some patterns to try include dead drift crayfish, zuddler, zonker, moal leech, sculpzilla, silver streak, rainbow warrior, flashback emerger, dark lord, copper john, zebra midge, elk hair caddis, EC caddis, outrigger caddis, black ant, para adams.             
Sceirine Ranch:
May 25, 2014
The Ranch has been fishing very well this past week and with the increased flow it should just get better. The same patterns as on the Cali side should produce on the Ranch.  
Hunewill Pond:
May 25, 2014
The Hunewill fished very well this week, there was some really good dry fly action with extended body bwo's and parachute adams, and there's also been some good streamer action with seal buggers, stillwater nymphs, soft hackles and ap emergers.
Lots of fish in the 15 to 18 inch range with a few going over 20. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow went up to 93 CFS yesterday. This could improve fishing but no telling how long it will last.


WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hurray!  Flows have been increased to 93 CFS.  This is the best release we have had all year. Fishing has been slow previously, this bump will help.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
May 25, 2014
The West has fished excellent the last couple days, the water is a little high from the snow melt and very slightly off color but not so much as to hinder the fishing. Fly anglers have been doing well with nymphs like prince, pheasant tail and copper johns as well as dries like ants and beetles. Bait anglers have been catching fish with salmon eggs and baby crawlers. Lure anglers are using panther martins and mepps spinners.    

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 5/26/14
High and off colored. Poor conditions.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Try to pry bass fishing information from local anglers and you may have well been asking them to surrender cherished freedoms. Success on this lake is held by few, those with tight lips and guarded secrets.
This much about Whiskeytown is known that besides sunfish, bluegill, the aforementioned trout and Kokanee, the ever present squawfish, there are some big bass, really big bass in this lake.
Trophy Largemouth, Spots and Smallmouth are said to inhabit this lake and few know how to successfully target them.
Frequent pictures of bass over 8 pounds are seen, noted as caught at Whiskeytown, but no other information is provided.  No hint of conditions, depth, lures, water clarity or structure, nada.  Even the lake’s marina personnel profess as Sergeant Schultz used to say, to “Know Nothing”.
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

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