Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of July 16

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of July 16, 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:
Oh, what a week it ‘twas – some thunderboomers and a few sprinkles here and there. There was also nice and cool temps with a slight breeze – who could ask for anything more? How ‘bout spotting a couple of bald eagles hanging at the back of the Lake?
Fishing was great, but the catching part slowed a bit going into the weekend. Could it have been the supermoon? Don’t have a clue, but it’s a thought.
If you’re coming on up, fish the inlets with Nightcrawlers, Jigs or Power Bait. If trolling, try dragging Thomas Buoyants, Nightcrawlers, or Wooly Boogers. Drifting? Hit the channels with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait and enjoy the peace and quiet. Lastly, if you’re shore fishing, appreciate the day from shore using Power Bait, Nightcrawlers, or Lures.
Thanks again to the DFG for the fish!
Had some ‘first fish’ caught by some youngsters. Twins Chris and Sam Nalick, with help from Dad Tim, both reeled in a nice first fish (yup – the same fish), Jackson Musser, age 2-1/2, pulled in his first fish showing Mom & Dad how it’s done, and Elizabeth Estremadura, age 6, landed a beaut for her first.
And on to the bigger fish – Julie Neson showed husband Gary how to land that 2-pounder on a Nightcrawler, and Morgan Hobbs, using Power Bait, made Dad Shane proud, pulling in a 2-pounder. Brent Stinchcomb nabbed a 2-1/2 pounder using a tried and true Super Duper. Preston Torres caught a 3-1/4 pound beaut on a Power Worm-Power Bait combo.  Bob Rodenas cheered on friend, David Dietz, who caught a 3/4-pounder.
Boo-Boo the bear made a return visit last week – luckily, he hasn’t discovered the freezer or the window… yet. He’s just gotten into the gut can and recyclables.
Thunderboomers are in the forecast for the week along with fairly warm temps for our elevation. Expecting RAIN SHOWERS thru the week – don’t forget your PONCHOS. Temps are expected to be in the high 70s with the lows in the low 50s – DON’T FORGET YOUR JACKETS! You can also check out www.weather.gov – enter Aspendell, CA (which is the little community right below Lake Sabrina) in the search field and you’ll get the forecast for the higher elevation or take a look at Howard Sheckter, our local weather ‘guesser’ report at www.MammothWeather.com. 
And the skeeters are back, so DON’T FORGET THE BUG JUICE. Also remember the sunscreen, ponchos and dark polarized glasses. The glare off the water is tough on the eyes.
And if you have allergies – PACK YOUR MEDS. It’s tough breathing out there for some - what with runny noses, stuffed noses & watery eyes, believe us, we know!
One other important item – bug juice, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, cologne, perfume, or any other foo-foo juice is like a fish repellent. If you use any of these items you’re basically using fish repellant, and will need to wash your hands, then apply Bite-On fish attractant or rub your hands in worm dirt or pour some Salmon Egg juice on your hands… anything to get the foo-foo stink off your hands.
We’ve gone to our summer hours, but alas, the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing Café will only serve Breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:00am to 11:00am and Lunch until 4:00pm.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Fish & Trail Report
Updated 7-13-14
Summary & Trail Report
Another week of perfect high country weather with highs in the 70’s and lows in the high 40’s-low 50’s accented with afternoon cloud cover made for a spectacular week of fishing and hiking in the Bishop Creek Canyon.
All of the passes are open and the hiking season is in full effect with Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail and Sierra High Route hikers showing up in force to resupply and grab a bite to eat before continuing their adventures in the Sierra backcountry.
The wildflowers are hanging tough and still in full effect making for a tremendously scenic experience around any body of water, meadow, or trail.
Wild Trout angling was reported to be excellent on Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbows, even a few reports of Goldens from Dusy Basin came in this week. Most of the action was on flies or spinners, typical for summer in the high country.
Bishop Creek South Fork
Most of the folks fishing the creek did quite well this week, especially after the CFW stockings mid week. The bait folks did best on various brightly colored power baits, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers.
Best artificial baits were Panther Martin spinners, Thomas Buoyants and mini-jigs in white or orange.
Weir Pond
The vast majority of anglers at the Weir this week were fly fishers and zebra midges were the hot ticket. There is a decent bite on dry flies early in the morning and just before dusk but nymphing or midging was the best tactic the rest of the day. A nice mix of Browns, Rainbows and Brookies was the result for those prepared with waders.
North Lake
Action was a bit slow early in the week but after the CFW plants mid week the bite really picked up. We received nothing but good reports this weekend from fly fishers fishing from a float tube as well as bait dunkers and lure tossers doing excellent from shore.  Thomas Buoyants in the red/gold or blue/silver were the best hardware, orange Sierra Slammer worms or Berkley orange/white mice tails were best for those who prefer plastics. Worms fished under a bobber in the afternoon or powerbait fished off the bottom was also productive.
Intake II
Moderate fishing pressure made for excellent fishing at the Intake this week with the bait ‘n wait folks and those fishing artificials reporting steady action. Chunky Cheese Gulp, Rainbow Sparkle PB and anything with Garlic scent did the best for the bait folks. Thomas Buoyants, black wooly buggers and the Sierra Slammers swimbaits in orange/green (aka baby golden) produced easy limits for most of our guests and area visitors.
Lake Sabrina
The best bite has been from a boat on the inlet side of the lake but plenty of folks are managing limits from the dam area as well. Some nice quality fish are being caught in addition to the usual pan sized fare.
Chunky Cheese Gulp was the best producer but the rainbows were also hitting bright red, flo. Orange and pink PB as well. Orange or Pink micetails with a white head did well, as well as grasshopper mini-jigs and red/gold Thomas Buoyant lures. Holographic Rainbow Panther Martins were also responsible for more than a few limits.
South Lake
There aren’t many folks willing to hike down to the reservoir right now but there was a surprisingly good bite in the evenings on holdover Brookies, Browns and Rainbows near the outlet, the rockslide and near the inlet for those who put in the work.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 13, 2014
Bridgeport is still fishing very well with some anglers still reporting 20 to 30 fish days. Most of the fish are in the 1 to 3 pound range also with some nice 1 to 2 pound perch still showing up.
Trollers are using small rapalas and needlefish and hitting some good numbers of rainbows and some perch, the bait anglers are using inflated crawlers and mice tails over near Rainbow Point and having good luck.
Fly anglers are doing well also over near Rainbow Point with small damsel and midge patterns (dainty damsel, soft hackle, rojo midge, ice cream cone, stillwater nymph, etc.)

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 7/13/14
Jeffery at the marina is telling us his rental boats are “on a day to day basis” due to the low water levels. Check with him for any changes.
The RV Park is in full operation & in tip top shape.  
Fishing remains good/fair for planted rainbows with a few nicer browns showing up for conventional anglers/trollers.
Algae/weeds are an issue in some areas.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Anglers interested in cutthroat trout can either fish the estuary or upper river. Before fishing the upper river anglers should pick up a map from the Forest Service for best access, and road and trail conditions.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The water is getting greener and fishing is pretty slow.
The fish are still staying at a depth of 18-23 feet.
Try a copper zebra  or blac/silver Stevie's Wonder.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 7/13/14
The algae bloom is beginning to improve. It remains prevalent in McGee Bay due to the persistent south winds. Hilton has been best recently.
Stay deeper than 16 feet if your quest is for fish over 18 inches.
The low flows on McGee Creek will not help “channeling” the fish up much this year. You will not find fish “in tight” as in seasons past.  The channel is choked with weed right up into the inlet. Weeds are currently out to about 12 feet. The lake level remained high enough to form significant weeds in any of the channel sections.
Stay outside the weeds, 12-18 feet, keep those flies clean.  
Gillies #18/20, crystal emergers & pupa #18/20. (Broken back tiger & zebra midges, broken back gillies) good when you have some texture on the surface. Copper Tigers & zebra midges #14/18 also good choices for the lower or larva imitation. Smaller punk perch & damsel fly nymph patterns are the hot ticket during late morning damsel migrations.
My broken back gillie is a dead knock off for large chironomid pupa, or damsel fly nymphs that are emerging. Best used with some texture on the surface, or give your Under-cator a smooth pull, or twitch every minute or so.  Streamer fishing damsels can be effective during heavy algae along the weed lines. Hot rig for us has been a dark assassin as your upper with a #16 dark tiger as the larva pattern.
Try this one in Hilton below an Under-cator 14-18 feet.

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.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fall has been fishing great this week. The Hex hatch is going off every night. The weather this week is perfect for fishing this river! The dry fly fishing has been good.
You will have to be on the water and in position before 10:00 AM to experience the best PMD hatch.
Keep in mind, at least a 30' tight loop is what get's fish to eat the dries. Make sure you go down river early for the Hex hatch. There's a good black caddis hatch and a baetis called a "Margarita".
Use a #14 Zug Bug with a dropped #16 Hogan's S&M. Swing on a floating line, tappered learer @ 5X.
Works best in shallow water above a depth transition.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
 
FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Shad are still being caught around Live Oak, but the big story is the nice move by steelhead heading up the low flow section.
Even better, some of those fish are taking flies on the swim, even red copper Johns, and pressure is low. Most fish have been about 3-4 pounds.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
07/14/14
The fishing continues to be good at Frenchman Lake. 
The warmer weather we have been having lately has made the fish go deeper.  Try floating nightcrawlers off the bottom.  Power bait - rainbow, chartreause or sping green, has also been working very well.
Bank fishing has been good at the dam as well as at Spring Creek.
Steve Sexton from Loyalton caught 5 nice sized cat fish using powerbait and worms.  They were each about 17 inches in length and weighed about 3 lbs.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
A variety of baits are working well at Frenchman now. whether Trolling or bank fishing fishermen are catching a few nice trout simply by using worms and salmon eggs this week.  
Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Best fishing happens in the AM hours and then again near sunset.
On some days, anglers can find Callibaetis coming off along the flats.
Look around 11:30 to 1:00 PM. 
Cream colored dry flies can work in the early AM hours.
Try Gallop's Cripple PMD, Mercer's Missing Link or a Comparadun.
The Parachute Adams is a great Callibaetis pattern.
A #14 Stimulator suspending a Mercer's Gidget is pretty stealthy and just might fool the smartest fish. T
he flat waters below the Power House Riffle can offer a chance to cast dry flies to rising fish any time of day. Look for scattered hatches of baetis, PMDs and BWOs during the late morning through early afternoon. Caddis are coming off in the early morning and then again near sunset. 
Get on this river early and then again late if you want to find the biggest fish.
The fish here are haters of the sun. Haters gonna hate. Go have fun! 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  down to 6 CFS. Try an attractor dry like a stimulator with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds. 
Heavy weed growth makes accurate casting a must.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 7/13/14
Flows are dropping & weeds are becoming an issue in some sections.
Decent caddis & mayfly activity occurring daily during warm spells & calmer days. The small dark 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. Dead drift some crystal scuds with a tiny, or no indicator at all in the deeper slots.

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 flow is up a bit to  27 CFS and fishing is a bit better.
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:
July 13, 2014
Haven't heard much from Kirman this week, I'd expect it to be pretty tough with the algae bloom that happened up there a couple weeks ago.        

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fish Salmon fly dries. Good flies to bring include Matt's Stonefly-Salmon Fly, Rogue Foam Stone-Salmon Fly, Mercer's Flush Floater Salmon Fly.
Good nymphs include: #4-8 Rubber legs in brown or black along with Amber Wing Princes in #14-18 and Red Copper Johns in #16-18. Also, egg patterns in shrimp pink, orange and salmon egg should be in your fly box.
Don't forget your steelhead card! 
Fly rods from 6wt to 7wt are perfect in lengths of 9' to 9'.5.
Switch rods are popular and make casting very easy.
Spey rods fit in well on the Klamath river.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAHONTAN RESERVOIR, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat ramp is closed and the reservoir is quickly receding.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Consistently good fishing! Water conditions are cold and clear.
Callibaetis have been coming off after 9:00 AM.
Fishing #16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs or #16 Black A.P.s has been very productive. Look for rising fish after 11:00 AM. Those rising fish are eating Callibaetis emergers and Duns.
Good emerger patterns are Mayfly Cripples, Mercer's Callibaetis Emerger.
For a Dun, throw a Parachute Adams in #16 or a CDC Dun.
Carpenter Ants are also happening, but not every day. Just make sure you have a selection of Ant patterns. If you can't identify what the fish are eating off the top, it's probably carpenter ants. Look for links to flies on the right.
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.
Stripping leeches on a Cortland® 444 Classic Clear Camo Fly Line is a good method lately. 
There's almost always something going on at Lewiston Lake.
Fishing is best through the AM hours, tapering after 2:00 PM.
This lake really fishes consistently well.
The Trinity River is nearby and gets practically all the attention during the winter months, but there's good fishing at Lewiston Lake and only a few anglers take advantage of it.
What should you expect? Leech patterns retrieved on Type III sink tips or full sink Type I lines can produce aggressive grabs. Suspending midge patterns under small indicators is a reliable technique.
Bring your float tube or pram. Enjoy!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Twin best for fly rodders with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or olive or try hanging a callibaetis nymph under an indicator.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean from Bandon to Winchester Bay.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, and lingcod is now closed outside of the 30-fathom curve until the end of September.
Fishing for bottom fish has been a little slow but is probably due to the lack of anglers targeting bottom fish right now.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of cabezon is now allowed but only one cabezon per day per angler.
Fin-clipped coho fishing has been good in the Coos Bay and Winchester Bay areas. Anglers have been catching about a 50/50 mixture of fin clipped and non-fin clipped coho. Remember only fin clipped coho can be harvested for the next month.
The selective coho (fin-clipped) season from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border is open until August 10 or attaining the 80,000 fish quota.
Salmon anglers have also picked up a few chinook salmon.
The spring central coast all-depth halibut fishery is closed.
The summer all-depth halibut fishery opens up on August 1.
The nearshore halibut season begins on July 1 and will be open 7 days a week inside the 40 fathom line through the earlier of the quota being met or Oct. 31.
Anglers caught albacore tuna from 20-30 miles off shore this past weekend.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is best early morning or late evening. You might catch up to 40 or more fish on a great day when the boat traffic has died down.
Tubes, darthead, drop shot worms are working as well as spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and walking baits to name a few.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: 
Flow is steady at 53 CFS. Fishing is slow.
Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow remains 227 CFS. Fishing is good  and crowds are low.
Not much surface action  but nymph fishing is great.
WD40's , rainbow warriors,baetis emergers.
Day time temps 100+.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 7/13/14
Recent drift trips have been good/fair during cooler periods. I suggest half day floats to avoid the afternoon heat in the Owens Valley.
Flows remain wonderful for wading & drifting, currently running between 215-230cfs. Wading (no waders needed this time of year) remains good at this release below the dam at PV Res.
Use birds nest patterns like Assassins, flashback PT’s, and hares ears for good profiles of a mayfly nymph.  Crystal olive caddis larva & olive zebra midges are also good choices for a lower fly imitation of  caddis larvae or midge larva. Have some hi-vis caddis adults & hi-vis para mayfly adults for the late morning hatch. Streamer fishing is best using heavy sinking tip lines and Loebergs, Punk Perch, & Crystal leeches, & Spruce-a-bu’s.
Upper Owens River 7/13/14
Water is very weedy and limited in the sections below the confluences of Hot Creek. The Long Years section has much less weed in the channel. It’s fine up here, just skinny water.  
CDFW put 1500 lbs of catchable bows around the campground area.
Slam dunk for a while here. Dead drift broken back midges & egg patterns without an Under-cator.
Flows consistent at 52 CFS. Short water tactics must now be used to fool the wild fish here. Look for the deeper pools and runs during off hatch periods.
Caddis (#18 or smaller dark bodies) and mayfly adults are good choices for the open riffle water. Hi-vis para bwo and caddis # 16-18 will get grabs.
Use a Stimulator or larger hi-vis pattern with a bead head nymph as the dropper 2 feet beneath the dry for a deadly tanden rig.
Nymphing with SJ worms, crystal egg patterns, flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis & zebra larva patterns near the bottom.
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.  
Think about streamers in the stiff afternoon winds. You will have to hunt down pools large; or deep enough to cast a streamer-they are very limited under current conditions. 
Patterns like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.

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.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Roads: Access to the Pine Forest best with a 4-wheel drive.
Onion Valley Reservoir:
Onion started with only a half pool of water because of the drought. Irrigation demands are quickly draining the lake and fishing should be done by the first week in August.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Best fishing has been in Pit #3, but don't discount the waters in #4, #5. You will do best high sticking and short lining the fast slots, drops and pockets. Look for areas where water is squeezed and put your nymphs down fast and deep. That means 1 to 3 SSG split shot. 
Anglers fishing nymphs are doing best.
Hot flies include #16 Dark Lords, Zack's Pseudo May, #16-18 Red Copper Johns, #14-16 BH Pheasant Tail Nymphs, #6-8 Rubber Legs.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed to fishing for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout until Oct. 01.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The boat launches are closed due to low water levels.
Shore launching is risky and is done at your own risk.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Lower Sacramento River will re-open to king salmon fishing on July 16, 2014 and remain open until December 16, 2014.
The Sacramento River will open 150 feet below the Sycamore boat ramp in Red Bluff.
River flows this season will be lower than usual but look for a strong salmon run come July 16th. The daily salmon bag limits on the Sacramento River have been set at two king salmon per person.
Courtesy of Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service/MyOutdoorBuddy.com. 
 
SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Highlighting this week's fishing news once again is the action for trout on the Sacramento River in the vicinity of Redding, which is excellent, and we also have some decent shad and striper fishing further south.
Catching 20 to 35 wild rainbows with a one to three pound average or 16 to 20 inches is about the norm.
Most productive sections of river have been in Redding, Anderson, and Red Bluff. The occasional large four to five pound trout has been coming in daily. Side-drifting small Glo-Bugs in various egg color patterns are working best. Back trolling small #50 and #70 sized Hot Shot lures are also hooking wild rainbows.
Releases from Keswick Dam near Redding have dropped to 10,000 CFS. Courtesy of Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service/MyOutdoorBuddy.com. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
WEDNESDAY, July 16th, 2014,  King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River begins. 
BOOKING TODAY. Using lures, Worden's FLATFISH lures, and bouncing roe. 99 percent success rate.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of July 14, 2014 water flow is currently 10,000 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Weather is warming, great bug hatch. 
Trout fishing Redding area, trout fishing is excellent.
Rainbow Trout fishing, fly fishing, trout are 18 inches to 26 inches.
Fishing Redding to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, 
Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Brown Micro Mays.  
Lower Sacramento River fishing trout. Spin fishing for trout have been outstanding. 70 fish days. 
Amazing wild Rainbow trout fishing on the Sac River. 
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 7/13/14
Flows are at historical late summer levels, and the wading is very easy in all sections. Fly fishing has been good; however it will get more challenging as the flows continue to fall.  The SJ may be too low to fish well by the end of July this year.
Attractor dry patterns like Stimulators, hi-vis para bwo’s & caddis are good choices that are easier to see in the plentiful pocket water that defines the SJR. Use a bead head flashback PT or assassin birds nest as a dropper in the deeper pools and runs.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow is now 34 CFS. The river is fishing well. Try an attractor like a stimulator or a coachman with a para Adams as a dropper.
All the camp grounds are now open and crowds have increased.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Big king salmon are testing tackle at Lake Shasta, while big numbers of Kokanee are providing thrills for anglers plying the cold water of Whiskytown Reservoir.
In addition to the salmon action, trout and bass fishing are rated as good. Both rainbows and kings are on the bite at Shasta.  
“We’ve been getting 3 to 5 kings per trip to the boat in the 2.5 to 4.5 pound class while working Dry Creek. I’m getting them on rigged shad and anchovies trolled 80 to 120 feet deep. They are awesome hard fighting fish.” “The trout fishing at Shasta is consistent, but we are at the point in the season now that the fish are dropping in the water column. They haven’t settled into a firm depth yet, so they are a little scattered. We got a dandy rainbow on shad in Dry Creek last week while targeting salmon at 80 feet,” disclosed Mike Elster.
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:
July 14, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing-
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. RED HOT FISHING !!!!
 Shasta Lake King salmon fishing is excellent. 5 -12 salmon being caught a day, between 3 -5 pound range.
Catching BIG salmon 100-120 ft deep, trolling, shad pattern lures.
Areas fishing, Mouth of Sac Arm & McCloud Arm.
LIMITS of salmon and trout.
Rainbow trout fishing on Lake Shasta is great. Fishing 30 to 75 ft deep. Trout are very large now, due to the large bait fish in the area. 
Fishing best around the Pit Arm and Jones Valley area.
Shasta Lake Spotted Bass & Small Mouth Bass fishing has been excellent. Limits daily. Catching 20 to 50 fish per day, bigger fish are being caught 25-30 ft deep. Larger numbers of smaller bass being caught on the top water using spinner baits and tube worms.

SPOONER LAKE, DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The weed bed continues to be a problem around Spooner Lake. If anglers do find an opening they should have some success.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Kokanee fishing here has been great, but with water levels at 28% capacity (that's correct) it's a must to have 4-wheel drive to launch and even that's risky!  Many are utilizing the area east of the ramp to launch their boats. 

LAKE TAHOE:
A 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.

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:
Flows on the Trinity River have now dropped to 450 CFS and will remain there through summer.
Spring king salmon are showing throughout the river from Lewiston downriver to Grays Falls.
Fewer salmon have been hooked in the falls area this past week but a good-sized group of salmon is moving into the upper Trinity River.
Side drifting roe and tuna balls are working from the bank.
Back bouncing sardine wrapped #15 Brad's Killerfish lures or roe and tuna balls are working from the drift boats.
Todd LeBoeuf of Redding landed four king salmon and one summer steelhead on two recent trips this week on below Douglas City.
Courtesy of Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service/MyOutdoorBuddy.com. 

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
July 15, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows: 450 CFS. 
Salmon fishing has started. Catching a couple Kings here and there. Not consistent fishing. Some days bring in 2 fish per boat. Water is low.
Fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
The winner of our July 4th Fishing Derby is Bret Peel from Apple Valley.  Bret landed a 4-pound, 8-ounce Rainbow with a Wooly Bugger and won $150.00 cash prize.
The 4-plus pounders kept coming in this week as well as several 3-plus pound Rainbows.
Rudy Cota, with his 3 sons, (10 yr old Matthew and 13 yr old twins;  Rudy and Abraham) brought in a 4-pound, 10-ounce,  a 4- pound, 8-ounce and a 3-pound, 14-ounce Rainbows.  They were all fishing from shore using Rainbow garlic and Hatchery Pellet Power Bait.
The Cota family live in San Bernardino.
Justin Akins from Apple Valley caught a 4-pound, 4-ounce using nightcrawlers while fishing in a boat.
Rick Rechner from San Diego landed a 4-pound, 7-ounce Rainbow from shore using Salmon Peach Power Bait.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 13, 2014
The Twins are still fishing very well this past week, quite a few reports of some nice 3 and 4 pounders from both lakes.
Bait anglers are using mice tails, inflated crawlers and power bait.
Trollers are  using rapalas, needlefish and tazmanian devils.
Fly anglers are stripping mini leeches, matukas and buggers with soft hackle and zug bug droppers.
The upper ends of both lakes seem to be producing the best lately. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 13, 2014
The Virginias are still fishing well and there's been some nice 3 and 4 pounders caught up there as well. Bait anglers are going with power bait, crawlers and mice tails, lure anglers are having success with Jakes, thomas bouyants and kastmasters. Fly anglers are using matukas, seal buggers, mini leeches, soft hackles, pheasant tails and zug bugs. 

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:
July 13, 2014 
The East is still running at 92 CFS right now and is producing much the same as last week. I wouldn't say the fishing is red hot, but if you're willing to work at it you should be able to get into some nice fish.
We're still shying away from the upper mile and focusing on the water between the bridge and Murphy's Pond as well as the Nevada side.
Dry/dropper rigs seem to be fishing the best but we've also had a few good reports on evening dry caddis fishing and some straight nymphing. Patterns to try include chubby chernobyl, madam x, stacker hopper, para hopper, buckskin caddis, z-wing caddis, fox's poopah, deep sparkle pupa, flashback emerger, zebra midge, mercury midge, tailwater tiny, top secret midge.
Sceirine Ranch:
July 13, 2014
The Sceirine is fishing very well this past week, lots of good action on dry/dropper rigs just like the Cali side of the river. We also have had a couple good reports on dead drift crayfish on the ranch.
The water is staying a bit cooler on the Nevada side of the river right now and the fish are still pretty happy. 
Hunewill Pond:
July 13, 2014
The pond got a little tougher late this week but it's still fishing pretty well for most of our anglers. Dry/dropper rigs seem to be doing the best, a humpy or small hopper on top and a zebra midge, rojo midge, flashback emerger, soft hackle or pheasant tail underneath has been the best. Stripping streamers has slowed down so it's best to go with the dry/dropper. 

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has remained steady at 90 CFS. Fishing is a little better down river from the bridge. Try midge patterns, baetis emergers and WD40's.


WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 7/13/14
Flows at 90 CFS. Water is filled with algae and weeds, tough to get a clean drift currently. Mixed reports here with those who are fishing with dries doing ok in the late afternoons.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 13, 2014
The West is fishing well but remember to try to be in stealth mode while you're up there! The water is clear and the fish can be a bit spooky.
Small spinners like panther martins and rooster tails are doing well, bait anglers are using salmon eggs, mice tails and power worms.
Fly anglers are going with humpy's, hoppers, madam x, prince, pheasant tail, hare's ear and small buggers.    

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 7/13/14
Run-off has really backed off and conditions are good.
Hit the canyon and Pikel meadows sections.  
Dry/dropper bead head nymphs like crystal olive caddis, tiger midges, broken back tigers, assassin birds nest, &  flashback PT’s are all good calls fished below a Stimulator or hi vis caddis or BWO adult as your indicator.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
At Whiskeytown I’m only fishing with a pair of rods, because the bite is so good. Pink lures are the ticket. I’m running both pink Apex and pink hoochies. When running hoochies I rig them 10 inches behind a 6 inch Sling Blade. I’m pulling the Apex 30 inches behind a small 4 inch Sling Blade. The fish are only 12 to 13 inches long, but they are fat and healthy.
The best area is near the bridge in 40 to 60 feet of water, related Elster. 
Bass anglers are scoring at both Shasta and Whiskeytown. Most of the fish are spots running 12 to 14 inches, but larger spots ranging up to and beyond the 4 pound mark have been caught. Topwater baits such as Rebel Pop R’s and Zara Spooks work well early and late, while Senkos and other soft plastics do damage throughout the daytime hours.  
Courtesy of The Fish Sniffer.

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