Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for July 4, 2015 holiday weekend

Here is this July 4 holiday weekend fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and northern California. Pack a cooler, stay hydrated and don't forget your fishing license.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Trout frequent areas that are producing hatches.  Fish are from the surface to the bottom, since hatches are off the bottom. Ben Williams from Fish Dog Outdoors said bass fishing is good all over the lake.  Swimbaits and spinnerbaits, plastic worms and topwater are all producing at different times of the day.
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:
There will be a free day of fishing July 4.
Hard to believe the 4th of July weekend is here, but with the run-off peaking, the warm temps (maybe that should be HOT temps) and the cooling afternoon thunder boomers, summer has definitely arrived.
Oh, and we absolutely cannot forget the skeeters – once it warmed up, we never got that cold weather to take out the first batch of the humongous buggers – so be prepared.
The back country protectors are doing their job of protecting the back country – had families going in for a couple of days – come back out the next morning – be prepared and remember campfires are only permitted in designated areas. No campfires in the wilderness.
The run-off is pretty much kaput.
The Lake’s come up high enough that the rock pile out in front of the building became a peninsula during Sunday night. The Lake should remain at its current level for a few months, but as the demand for water continues, the Lake will start dropping (like normal) towards the end of Summer.
Catching slowed a bit this past week – not sure if it was the hot weather or the thunder boomers moving in, but it took a bit of patience to get your limit.
None of the big fish from Desert Spring Trout Farm came out of the Lake that we know of (and we sure do appreciate a photo op when we can get it).
You all know what usually works out on the Lake – at the Inlets it’s Nightcrawlers, Jigs (Sierra Slammers), Power Bait or Thomas Buoyants (we recommend the Red and Gold ones).
If you’re trolling, troll along the shoreline with Lures (that would be something with a bit of red on them) or a Nightcrawler.
Sitting back relaxing and drifting around rock piles and thru the channels with a Nightcrawler is worth a try as is Power Bait if you’re throwing from shore.
DFW brought us another whopping load of fish on Wednesday.
Had a few nice fish caught thru the week.
Dad Roy Gagnon was still creating Fathers’ Day memories with kids Tim (5) and Kaya (6) landing a fine-looking 2-1/4# Rainbow along with limits galore.
Friend Dickie Brown helped with the dinner gathering catching a 2-pounder on Power Bait.
Joe Gastelum of Rosemont took a 2-1/2-pound trout on Rainbow Garlic Power Bait fishing behind the stock truck.
Jessica and JB of Carlsbad caught a 2-1/2 pounder, a 2-1/4 pounder and a few others for an 11 pound stringer all caught on Nightcrawlers. Tommaso Tarantino of LaVerne landed a 1-1/2 pounder.
And it was the 12th Table Mountain Annual Fishing Invitational – Declan Hurley with the big winner this year!
If you’re planning on releasing your catch, use barbless hooks (or just crimp down the barbs with pliers), avoid extensive handling, wet your hands, net and other materials that may come into contact with the fish, NEVER TOUCH THE GILLS, keep the fish fully submerged and upright, allowing it to swim away under its own power.
If it’s bleeding, you’re having fish for dinner.
Are you heading for Bishop over 4th of July weekend? Saturday the 4th is FREE fishing day – no license need.
There’s also a big day planned at the Bishop City Park. Join friends, family, and others at this free all day event. Free swimming, free softball tournament, free pie & ice cream, live entertainment & good old-fashioned fun for all! And then in the evening, come on out for the Fabulous Fireworks Show at Bishop Airport.  It’s the annual Fundraiser for Bishop Volunteer Fire Department. Come on out and give them your support!

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Parchers Resort: Summary & Trail Report 
It was a hot one in the high country this week with daytime highs in the high 70's and low 80's at our 9000ft elevation. While we primarily had bluebird days through most of the week with some afternoon t-storms showing up over the weekend, but precipitation was minimal.
The conditions in the backcountry are similar to what we're used to seeing in mid to late July, with the creeks mostly spent for the season and the year around stream flows at normal or below normal levels making for easy creek crossings.
The passes are all clear or nearly clear and we haven't heard of any iced over lakes in the high country for over a week now.
The wildflowers are starting to bloom in the backcountry but we're still a little ways off from the peak of the peak and the flowers should continue to get better for the next couple weeks, especially if we get some rain out of the "chance thunderstorms" forecast we have for the next several days.
The South Lake trail behind the resort on the other hand is a bit closer peak wildflower season. The meadows and the bank along the creek and trail are bursting with beautiful wildflowers.
After taking a drive around the canyon this afternoon, we counted a total of 11 varieties of wildflowers in bloom right now, and there are still a few more varieties we haven't seen yet....so if you're planning a visit soon, don't forget your camera!
Bishop Creek So. Fork
A little slower bite in the creek this week although the So. Fork did produce the biggest fish in the canyon at 6 lbs 13 oz caught by Josh Berglund with the help of the Anthony kids Peyton, JC and Charlie.
Josh hooked two bruts on a Sierra Slammer ghost white jig but was only able to get the bigger of the two on the stringer.
The remainder of folks did well on crickets, nightcrawlers and Power bait.    
Weir Pond
Standard issue Weir Pond report this week - solid bite on pan sized Rainbows with a some smaller model Brookies and Browns mixed in.
A few of the Desert Springs fish are still cruising around teasing would-be trophy hunters.
The skeeters are in thick, so the bite on dry flies early and late is excellent.
North Lake 
Another busy week at North Lake but despite the crowds, mostly good reports from this small gem.
No one lure or bait stood out as it seemed just about everyone was scratching out a few fish regardless of that their favorite tactic.
Intake II
The lake was said to be very crowded during the latter half of the week but we probably received more good reports from Intake than just about anywhere in the canyon this week.
Top fish was caught by Steve Kim of Irvine, CA who landed a hefty 6 lber on Saturday 6-27-15 using a nightcrawler.
Lots of limits reported for both bait and lure fishers. Jigs, Kastmasters, Garlic PB and inflated crawlers with Bite-On garlic were the top producers.
Lake Sabrina
We had several anglers report excellent fishing back at the Dinglerberry inlet on nightcrawlers or Chunky Cheese Powerbait.
Sierra Slammer jigs in Slushee tipped with a peice of nightcrawler was also said to be producing.
Some really good quality fish were being caught, many in the 1 - 3lb range, which was a nice surprise for visiting anglers.
Boaters had an advantage over shore anglers based on what our guests reported.
South Lake
Only one report and it was a skunk for 6 people.
Not worth the hike unless you're chucking some big swimbaits in the hopes of scoring a trophy Brown.
Backcountry Fishing

The bite continued to slow down at Green Lake and Long Lake this week, as the fish seem to have gone a bit deeper and are in a pattern more consistent with mid August than late June. Still, the lakes holding mostly Brookies - Bull, Chocolates, Spearhead, Tyees etc. were still producing some great wild trout action for both fly and spin fishers.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake is at an abysmal 13% 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 trout looking for colder water temps. 
Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, 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:
June 28, 2015
Bridgeport has had a couple slow days this week but overall the fishing has been pretty steady out there, not too much from the shore but the boat anglers are doing well, both bait fishing and trolling.
We've seen fish up to almost 4 pounds this week and lots of fish in the 1 to 2 pound range.
Bait anglers are doing well with mice tails, inflated crawlers and power bait, trollers have done well with needlefish and small rapalas.
Fly anglers should strip streamers with a sinking line or try midge and callibaetis patterns under an indicator.            

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 6/28/15
Big Independence Day party going on here.
A small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam will get you on the water.
Tubers should focus on the drop-offs near the dam 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:
Fishing at the lake for trout has been a little slow, but there has been a wide open Koke bite from 25 to 35 feet. They are still only 12 to 13 inches but healthy, thick fish.  
There are still some 2- to 4- pound Macks on Koke gear and you can find 1 to 3 fish up to 18 pounds if you are working for them. 
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Fishing is heating up here at Caples Lake Resort.
Six year old, Caitlynn Shaw of Rancho Cordova, caught a 5 lb Rainbow using green Power bait fishing from the Dam with her Dad and Brother on June 26th.
A nice stringer of Rainbow Trout were caught June 25th, by resort guests Ken Salvi & John Sullivan from Folsom, CA in a Caples Lake Resort fishing boat using nightcrawlers by the Dam.
The visibility is still good here at the Resort and the fire in Markleeville is not stopping guys from having fun.
We have our cabins and lodge rooms ready for this summer, by reservation – so call for your spot now – come and get your “fish on” at Caples Lake Resort.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 6/28/15
The strong south winds have become a daily event recently, bringing the whitecaps into McGee Bay by 11-12 each day.
This weather event has pushed a large concentration of browns into the lee shoreline of the Hiltons where deeper water lies close by the mud flats of these bights. 15-18 feet has been the hot depth. It has been very consistent before the wind stiffens. We are even seeing some steady action during the windy periods.
McGee Creek has dropped in flows thus reducing the influence of cooler, more oxygenated water near the inlet.
The lake level has stabilized for the time being, & the heavy aquatic weed lines are growing out to 15 feet all over the lake.
Water clarity is as good as it gets. This due to the lack of run-off from the cattle pastures. Cow dung is a nutrient that feeds the algae (an aquatic plant). The less dung, the less algae.
The damsel fly migration, and emergence has begun big time.  
You will see the nymphs getting pulverized on the surface as a predatory trout aggressively slams the surface.
A variety of midge patterns will work; but these flies have been very consistent for us. 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 in deeper water.
Articulated patterns like broken backs work well when you have “texture” from the wind on the surface.
My Under-cator strike detector “slides” if you wish to make it easier for you to fish deeper water.  
If you prefer tugging streamers from a tube -use a light sinking tip and have some damsel nymphs, crystal leeches #12, or #14 & 12 punk perch streamer patterns.
Look for those aggressive boils around the weed lines in 14 feet. These are the predatory trout feeding on the damsel nymphs.
We are now observing some trout spitting blood from their gills after being netted. This is caused by mineral deposits that attach to the gill filaments, caused by high alkalinity levels in the water. This mineral coating impedes the oxygen exchange process. It’s like when you run very hard, and kinda taste blood after you stop.
It is critical after fighting a fish & net it; that you leave the head completely submerged for a few minutes before removing them from the water to take a hook out; or a quick picture. Net the fish; then let it resuscitate for a while before lifting it out of the water.
We are also seeing some fish that have a skin disease called “strawberry”. This is also caused by high alkalinity.
Many of these fish are “post spawn” & have not fully regained their protective slimes. Strawberry looks like small red ulcers on the sides, and fins.
Please practice good catch and release to insure the health of Crowley’s trout.
It is going to be a long, hot summer with very little fresh water circulating into the lake. PH levels will only climb, as oxygen levels fall.

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 weeks ago it should pick up. 
A lot of the holdover fish have moved into deeper water and those with boats will have the best success.
Hot spots are in the Northwest part of the lake with a good Damsel hatch and a very good Hex hatch on the Northeast shore with hardly any fish feeding on these very large Mayflies! 
Patience needed here but the pay-off could be a large Rainbow! 
Needlefish, Wedding rings, Dick Nites, or similar trolled in about 20-35 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 72% capacity.  
The recent stocking of DFW trout has injected some life into this lake and shore anglers are doing well!  
Some boaters have been having success catching Macks around the China Cove area in about 65-90 feet of water with Rainbow and Koke imitations.
Jigging has been taking some nice Macks when they've been holding deep.  
Kokanee fishing is good as trolling at about 55-80 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, Spin Hoochies, Hoochies, Kokanuts, and Glow Tubes in lighter colors in the morning and darker colors in the afternoon. 
Kokes are coming in a bit larger now at 11-14 inches now. 
Best fishing for these landlocked salmon has been in the humps between Loch Leven and China Cove in 55-65 feet and some as deep as 80 feet. 
Macks are being found under these schools of Kokes in this area too. 
As the season progresses they may come up in size to maybe 15-16 inches if food is plentiful and competition for food low. 
For the shore fisherman this week you should have plenty of stockers to go for with the upcoming stocking of DFW trout! 
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:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Eagle Lake Trout fishing was better for bait anglers than some trollers this week.  Plan on going up for the Project Eagle Lake Trout (P.E.L.T.) Fundraiser over this Fourth of July weekend.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the warmer weather trout action has slowed.
Anglers are finding the best fishing in the early morning and evening hours.
Power Bait and nightcrawlers with mini-marshmallows have proved effective.
Anglers have begun to contend with seasonal weed growth along the shoreline.
State Parks personnel plan to place weed mats at the launch ramp to open things up for boaters.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Bass and crappie are providing anglers with ample action throughout the reservoir. Nightcrawlers have been a top bait when fished three feet below a bobber. Woolly Buggers or tube baits in dark colors have also worked well.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Has been fishing slowed a little with the increasing water temps.  Recommend fishing in the morning and evening hours here with the emphasis on the morning hours as fish will be more active then.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 6/28/15
Run-off from Mammoth Creek has begun to recede exposing the aquatic weeds.
Some good caddis activity currently. Dark bodied, or natural colors for bodies are the hatch. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam.
Pheasant tails, & 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.
The hoppers are beginning to show. A stimulator is a good profile for them. Use these in the wind, as the terrestrials get blown off the banks, & the trout hunt for them along the shoreline.
Try my hi-vis caddis pattern, it works well here.
Dead drifted broken back zebras, small gillies, 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.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports: 
June 28, 2015
We haven't heard any news from Kirman this week, as soon as we get some reports we'll pass them along.           

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Catching opportunity remains strong for this area of the river.
Striped bass action is good with fish averaging about two pounds. These fish can still put up a good fight.
Remember to check your line after a hookup and retie your hook periodically.
Casino Row has been a spot for stripers, and those fishing closer to Davis Dam have had success with the catfish as well.
Anchovies are a top bait for both species.

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:
The striper bite is steady on the lake. Anglers have had success fishing shallower for the striped bass in the early morning and then switching to deep diving lures once the heat of the day has warmed the surface waters.
Trolling with gizzard shad has worked for many through the Vegas Wash area and near Boulder Beach.
The National Park Service will continue to improve launch ramp conditions through the summer but four-wheel drive is recommended when launching due to silt buildup.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The bite remains good for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Smallmouth bass are active and hanging on shelves and drop-offs at the opening of coves. The majority have been coming in at about three pounds.
Rat-L-traps and various crankbaits have been working well to trigger a strike.
Largemouth bass can be found in the backs of coves near grass beds and submerged brush.
Bluegill are biting on nightcrawler pieces and small jigs.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass bite has tapered. The lake level is dropping and bass are in a slow, post-spawn mode. A few nice bass can be had with top water lures in the main body of the lake or the middle fork. Bass Tackle Depot.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 6/28/15 
Blistering air temps, & warm water.
Solid caddis activity in the wild trout section, down to the Five Bridges Road crossing.
Mornings and calm afternoons are very good for dry fly fishing. Use hi-vis caddis #16 & 18. Nymphing with crystal olive caddis larva, assassins, and broken back midges are also good when the hatch is off.
Flows are very low (90 CFS) so dry/dropper bead head rigs can be effective in the deeper riffles.
Drift boat trips have been slow, and we are seeing more tiny largemouth bass than trout! The bass have moved up from the lower sections of the river, and migrated through the canals from Buckley Pond into the Owens.
Even the wild trout section has numerous bass now.
Prolonged periods of low flows have elevated water temps, & lowered oxygen levels this summer. Not good news for the trout here, and we hope the flows come up soon.
THE TICKS ARE HORRIBLE HERE THIS SUMMER.
Need to check your pets, and yourself thoroughly after anytime in the brush.
There are also some mosquitoes present on the calm mornings.
Upper Owens/ McGee Creek: Fishing is fair here.
Some planted fish have moved upstream into the deeper pools. 
Stream bed conditions are much better above the bridge. You can get into a few decent browns on caddis, and last generation BWO adults at times. 
Stimulators, hi-vis caddis, & natural caddis are good calls for dry flies.  
Flows are low here (40 CFS) with aquatic weeds an issue in the lower sections below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
McGee has some small browns and a few decent rainbows.
Dry dropper rigs, & nymphing with FB PT’s, Assassins, & olive crystal caddis below an Under-cator, or hi-vis caddis or hi-vis para BWO will work.

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.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water conditions are good, with of hatches going off, and the fishing has been good. This is a go-to river so expect some company at the popular spots. Be careful if you're wading out there, it's gotton slippery, with bowling-ball like boulders and rocks.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir 6/28/15
Hot weather slows the bite down in the afternoons.
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 due to hydro power generation which can happen at any time.  
Heavy weeds now present in the transition section near the inlet, and along the lakes shoreline as levels have remained relatively stable for a prolonged period.
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: Too hot for me to fish this during the summer; however 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. Watch out for rattlers.
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, and crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs. Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults, & elk caddis, and 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 26% 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. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly Fishing:
As of  June 29, 2015 water flow is currently 7,200 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report -  Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing is good. Yesterday was windy. Water is clear and low.  Mornings and afternoon trips have been great.  We are fishing from Bonneyview Bridge  to Anderson, CA, the Redding area fishing the best. 
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. 
Sacramento River fly fishing- Year round  guided fly fishing trips
Drift  boats or Jet boats available.
We cater to all levels of anglers. Daily drifting Redding and Anderson.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Sacramento River fishing is great . Water is clear, and weather perfect. With most days averaging over 20 fish days, fishing for rainbow trout.
Saturday, spin fishing, produced over 30 fish and Sunday we netted 18  Rainbows, fly fishing. 
Morning and Afternoon trips have been great, with a nice bug hatch happening as day warms up .
Flies that working  the best are Cinnamon Pupas and PT # 16 & PMD’s.  
For spin fishing side drifting roe and Flatfish lures.
Courtesy of SacRiverGuide.com.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions are still on the big side along the lower half of this river. Around 2,000 CFS. Best fishing can be found up near Dunsmuir where more favorable water conditions exist. Our long range prediction is the fishing can be fair at best, but prepare to contend with high water. Can be dangerous during and just after rains.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River: Run-off has leveled off and conditions are very good.
Campground sections have some small planted fish.
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:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Remember to fish early and late, as there is a lot of traffic out there now.  
The Trout fishing picked up thanks to the arrival of bait in the form of Shad. With the Shad scattered everywhere, so are the Bass.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
June 29, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
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. Getting into a few monster Brown trout, too !
King salmon, up to 75 ft deep. 
Catching a combination of trout and salmon now!  LIMITS yesterday.
Spotted bass, Catching limits of bass daily.  We are catching bass,  down 35 ft . 
Using spinner baits and crank baits 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 FREE. 

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 17% capacity.  
Surface temp is 70 degrees here, which is driving the Kokes deeper now. 
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 14-16 inch range.  Best spot has been the creek channel of the LT arm in about 30-35 feet and bumping the bottom. 
Pink and Orange have been the go to colors here with Green and Yellow variations also picking up some fish in the mornings. 
In the PM with the sun on the water try some darker colors such as Purple, Blue and Black. Go deeper later and shallow in the AM. 
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, Calif.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
You can catch 6-inch Kokes all day long.  
The ramp is decent but take it slow. They also have a dock in now.  
Trinity is down 120 feet.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Weather this week is going to be unseasonably warm with daytime temps getting close to 90 degrees! 
Flows have dropped considerably and water temps have spiked to almost 70-74 during the latter part of the day now. 
This is just the beginning of summer and the outlook could be grim if the river doesn't get a bump in flow from the local reservoirs. 
Even 50 CFS would be something. 
I would really start looking for other water to fish at this time and I would NOT fish the Truckee for the rest of the summer and fall.  

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Low flows, but with cooler water being drawn from the bottom of Stampede the LT's trout have it much better than their cousins on the Big Truckee. 
Algae is starting to build up now and temps increasing very quickly down the system here with the unseasonably warm daytime temps we are seeing. 
Start looking towards fishing Stillwater as this section will get worse if the flows remain the same and algae gets worse.  
Good hatches of Little Yellow Stones, small Caddis, PMD's, Midges, and sporadic BWO/Baeits. 
Lots of Terrestrial activity in the form of Carpenter Ants and smaller varieties of the same along the banks now. 
Like the Main river Dry-Dropper set-ups will help you cover lots of water instead of watching for heads surfacing and won't spook trout like indicators will.  Use Snake river mud to disguise your leader from these wary trout when throwing dries or fishing just under the film!  These fish have seen everything for the past 3 years with no break and know a good drift from a not-so-good drift. If you fish here you have to have your A game! 

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 28, 2015
The Twins are still producing some nice fish with a few tipping the scales at just over 7 pounds!
Some days the action isn't red hot but the anglers who are putting in their time are bagging some nice fish.
Trollers are using needlefish, rapalas and thomas bouyants, bait anglers are going with mice tails, power bait and inflated crawlers. Some of the best reports we've had lately have been from fly anglers stripping olive or green leech patterns like simi seal leeches, mini leeches and goat leeches.            

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
June 28, 2015
The Virginias are still producing some nice fish up to just over 8 pounds!
Mice tails have been doing well, as well as inflated crawlers and power bait.
Kastmasters and thomas bouyants are doing well for the lure anglers.
Fly anglers are using leech patterns with a soft hackle or zug bug dropper as well as beetles and ants on the surface.    

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Fishing was good but did slow down with the heat. 
Lower Creek did open last weekend, but no news on the upper.

BAIT: Inflated nightcrawlers number one bait, garlic power bait, bubblegum mousetails, Orange green head mousetails and rainbow garlic glitter, baby brown Sierra Slammers have been working the last 2 days.
LURES: 
Good action on Thomas Buoyant's in red/gold, Kastmasters working have been gold, silver and blue/silver, but always try different lures, you just never know.
FLY AND BUBBLE: 
The only hatch has been small surface midges and a few bottom larvae up until Saturday when everything came alive and just in time to run for cover from the wind on Sunday. It blew from about 6am until around noon, then worked in gusts to keep you guessing. 
Dry hatches are on target, so just use the right pattern and you'll hit it. 
My choice would be a Grey Hackle Yellow #14, Mosquito #14, and a Griffith's Gnat #14.
Expect some great hatches this week if the weather cools to a comfortable zone for feeding.

FLY RODS: 
Olive Woolly Buggers, Olive Twin Lakes special (dirty tail my version "Dirty Doc"), did fairly well with a dropper (prince nymph, olive birds's nest. 
Midges:  Prince nymph, bird's nest and hare's ear.

BACKCOUNTRY: 
Area has not seen many hikers with fishing gear on their day hikes. 
Gnat population is huge at all backcountry lakes and also small black midges .
I encourage everyone to keep only what they can eat, it is a resource that should be of value to everyone. 

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 ATTRACKS BEARS.
TROPHY TROUT FOR THE WEEK:
Little Virginia/LV, Big Virginia/BV, Trumbull/T
Doug Robertson of Corona, 4 lb 15 on a woolly bugger June 22, BV.
Gianna Clarke age 8 of Rancho Cucamonga, 7 lb 2 on power bait June 22, BV.
Patti Brandt of Upland 4 lb 2 on power bait June 23 LV.
Marshall Oda of Simi with Mitch Doane of Simi 6 lb 3 and 6 lb 13 on Buoyants June 24, LV.
Donald Pierce of Granada Hills 7 lb1 on inflated crawler June 26, LV.
Kenyon Smith of Highland 6 lb 13 on spy bait June 27, LV.
Debbie Thompson of Canyon Country 8 lb 2 June 27. BV.

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:
June 28, 2015 
The flows on the East are still hanging in there at around 105 and have been there for several weeks.
The water temps have increased a bit over the last week but the last couple days we've had a little bit of a reprieve with a little bit of cloud cover.
The fish still seem to be happy and healthy and so far there is no threat of injuring fish by catching them.
Pressure on the river has been overall pretty light.
It's best to fish the riffle water below the bridge on Hwy 182 or travel on down to the Nevada side, there seems to be more fish in these sections than there is on the "Miracle Mile" section.
There's lots of caddis hatching these days, as well as midges, pmd's and bwo's.
Patterns to try include flashback emerger, miracle nymph, zebra, white zebra, copper john, fox's poopah, z-wing caddis, buckskin caddis, san juan worm, chubby chernobyl, madam x, stimulator and dead drift crayfish.                   
Sceirine Ranch:
June 28, 2015
We've had several clients on the ranch this week but unfortunately they haven't been able to return with any reports.
Typically the water temps are a few degrees cooler on the ranch so this should make the fishing as good as or better than the warmer parts of the river.
Still lots of caddis down there as well as pmd's, bwo's and even a few stones.           
WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 6/28/15
Flows running at 109 CFS. Trout fishing is slow.
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:
June 28, 2015
The West has been fishing very well this past week with lots of anglers reporting good days with bait, lures and flies.
Bait anglers are doing well drifting eggs and crawlers, lure anglers are using panther martins and rooster tails, and fly anglers are using beetles, ants, hoppers, humpy's, elk hair caddis, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hare's ears and copper johns.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Only a few 10- to 12-inch Kokanee were reported.  
This impoundment stays pretty full until October.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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