Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of July 23

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 23, 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:
Fishing was GREAT this week – thanks to DFW for the fish Thursday.
At the Inlets, the anglers used Jigs and Nightcrawlers – not much with Power Bait this week.
Those that were trolling caught their fish pulling a lure or a Nightcrawler.
Nightcrawlers were used by those just drifting thru the channels and it was Power Bait and Nightcrawlers for those fishing from shore.
If you’re cruising down to the DingleBerry Inlet and it’s packed – mind your manners – head on over to the George Inlet (left side about 200 yards from the back). There are fish all over this Lake – you might just discover a new hole or a new view!
Had Boy Scout Troop 915 from Westchester on the Lake this weekend and they earned their catching badge – showing them the finer points of fishing, Jim Vergschneider landed a 2lbs, 2-1/4lbs & 2-1/2lbs using a Trout Trap with a Nightcrawler teaser as did Ernie Bucher nabbing a 2-1/4lbs, 3lbs, & 3-1/2lbs using Nightcrawlers. Jonathon Jardin caught on fast catching a few fish as did Patrick Buckley landing a 2 pounder on Nightcrawlers and Anthony Reznick, also, catching a 2 pounder on a Mini-Jig.
Local Bishop resident, Lynn Speakman knew the secret, reeling in a 3-3/4 pound Rainbow on Power Bait. Kaitlyn Whitehead (7yrs) provided dinner for the family with a 2-1/2 pounder (on a Trout Trap with a Mealworm) along with 3 more fish – she was the only one doing the catching.
And Kaya (5yrs) and Tim (4yrs) when asked how they caught their first limits at Lake Sabrina, Tim responded “from a boat” along with Dad Roy and ‘Uncle’ Danny using Rainbow & Orange Power Bait.
Jaylene (10yrs) Davenport learned quickly from sister Danielle (11yrs) on her first fishing trip to Lake Sabrina.
Warm temps are expected to return to the area – had a temp of 47 Sunday during a few unexpected thunderstorms Sunday. 
Temps are expected to be in the high 70s with the lows in the high 40s – Don't forget your jackets.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Fish & Trail Report
Updated 7-20-14
Summary & Trail Report
Highs in the 70's, lows in the mid 40's, and afternoon T-storms made for another gorgeous, albeit exciting, week of weather in the high country.
Thankfully no fires have popped up - which we hope continues. Thus far we have received a lot more precip than we typically see in July, and we're hoping this is an omen of things to come. With all of the talk of an "El Nino" winter, we've got our fingers crossed.
All the passes remain clear but the stints of rain and, sometimes hail, made life interesting for some of the thru Hikers and backpackers.
A group doing the North Lake to South Lake Loop of the JMT were caught at the top of Muir Pass during one steady downpour and actually preferred the hail storm, during which they remained dry, to the heavy rain that followed as they headed south.
PCT, JMT and High Sierra Route hikers are still out in force enjoying some of the best hiking in the west.
The wildflowers are holding on strong and are still very much worth a visit for any photographer or nature lover. The cooler afternoon temps and bouts of rain surely have something to do with keeping the thirsty forest floor dotted with flowers.
One thing we've noticed here at camp is a very high number of hummingbirds, also enjoying the wildflowers, but more for nectar than for looks. We've seen plenty of hummingbirds in years past but never this many. It's interesting how life in the high country changes year to year.
Excellent wild Trout reports continue to pour in from the backcountry with Kamloops from Green, Brookies from Tyee Lakes, Bull Lake, Grass Lake and Long Lake, and even a few Golden Trout from Humphrey's Basin.
The afternoon showers have no doubt helped to keep the mosquitoes going, especially in the higher 10000ft + elevation range.
Skeeters here at the resort have calmed down considerably but hikers are still cursing the bitey devils. On the other hand, the dry fly bite has been excellent, probably due to the same.
Bishop Creek South Fork
Creek flows are slightly higher than normal for this time of year but fishing excellent. Lack of storage at South Lake has the creek flowing just like it would without the benefit of a dam so it's interesting to watch how the summer has played out.
Weekly stockings from the DFW has kept the bite steady to great with most anglers finding fish regardless of how they like to fish.
The bait folks are doing best with nightcrawler pieces and salmon eggs, lure tossers are scoring on Panther Martins in the yellow/red and holo-rainbow pattern, and the guys and gals who prefer plastics are scoring on white mini-jigs, king crimson jigs by Sierra Slammers and Berkley mice-tails in pink/white. 
Weir Pond
: The fly fishers continue to do very well here with midges working all day and mosquito patterns in the morning or evening  Plastics and bait are also resulting in some nice catches.
A nice mix of Browns, Rainbows and Brookies were the result for those prepared with waders.
Apparently a few monsters are still lurking around as our friends at BCL weighed in a gorgeous 6 lb 7 oz Rainbow this week from the Weir.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake level has dipped recently to 26% capacity with the outflow being 200 CFS more than what is coming in.  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. 
Lots of Personal Water Craft or jet skis ripping around the lake during the day so look for morning and evening fishing to be more productive.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
The trolling on Bridgeport has gotten a bit tough this past week but the bait fishing is still hanging in there pretty good as well as the fly fishing.
The trollers that are having some success are trolling slow with blades and crawlers, needlefish and small rapalas, they're also being very conscious of their gear getting weeded up and making sure their lures are clean.
Bait anglers are catching fish with inflated crawlers, power eggs, mice tails and some power bait.
Fly anglers are doing the best with small damsel patterns and also catching some fish with callibaetis, soft hackles, zebra midges and rojo midges. 

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions: Very Low Water.
Fishing conditions: Hearing the deeper water by the dam is producing.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Catch of the Week:  
Scott Candish from Simi Valley, CA caught two fat rainbows during his stay at Convict. One was 6 pounds 6 ounces and the second was 5 pounds 1 ounce. He was using nightcrawlers and he was fishing the North Shore/Hangman's Tree. Way to go Scott!  
Other notable catches this week: 
Jeff Hellerud from Winnetka, CA with a nice rainbow caught along the North Shore. He was trolling an unknown lure when he hooked a 3 pound 15 ounce rainbow.
Kevin Stinson from Placentia, CA hooked a 3 pound 12 ounce rainbow. Kevin was trolling a Marvel Fly when he landed a stout trout.
Susan Kaneshiro caught a 3 pound and 2 ounce rainbow. She was using a nightcrawler and was fishing at the South Shore.
Todd and Hunter Penner from Riverside, CA caught a 5 pound 8 ounce stringer. They were using garlic Power Bait and fishing the South Shore.
Garrett, Zack and Kaitlyn Caudle from Bakersfield, CA caught a nice 11 fish stringer. They were fishing the Inlet with nightcrawlers and Power Bait. 
Tactics/Bait:  
I would continue to stick with the morning and evening sessions. They will give you a better opportunity of catching larger and more fish. If you are fishing mid-day make sure to get past the shelves and fish the deeper water. Get out on a boat and trolling will definitely increase your odds. Trolling was producing some nice fish over the last two weeks.
Use a Needlefish, Tasmanian Devils or Marvel Fly Lures. Thomas Buoyants were a hot lure this week. 
The most successful Power Bait color was Rainbow.
Chunky Cheese Garlic is always a deathly choice.
The South Shore and from Hangman's Tree down along the North Shore were the hottest spots once again this week.
Other locations fishing well were Inlet and Jetty. 
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Roostertails, and Bite-on Fury Shad 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: 
Our fall derby series Ambush at the Lake will be stating on September 1st and will run until November 15th.
Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Bonus Cash Weekend on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
This week we had beautiful mornings and afternoon thunderstorms.
The forecast for the beginning of next week is calling for some lingering afternoon thunder storms then moving into a sunny, mostly clear forecast. Highs are going to be in the high 70's and the lows in the low 50's. The weather is away changing day to day in the high country.
Make sure to visit the National Weather Service link which is usually accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:49 am - 5:54 am and Sunset 8:15 pm - 8:11 pm. 
Stocking: 
The county has scheduled the stocking of 400 pounds of Trophy Trout the week of July 22nd. 
DGF is also scheduled to plant at the lake and creek the week of July 20th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
No change here. 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Lake down a few more inches this last week. 'Now at 6,762 ft versus 6,781 ft elevation at the spillway.
Water temperature is way up there at 68° F (on the bottom) uniformly almost everywhere that is at a fishable depth.
Algae is pretty bad becoming a problem in many places.
Fishing conditions:
Big and Little Hilton continue to have some fish and up against the weed line in McGee has some fish as well, but no real concentration.
The super high water temps have the bulk of the fish in the lake at depths of 35 to 40 ft.
Hatches have been weak but as soon as that comes around. as it will, and especially with the recent hard rains in the PM cooling off the shallows, the big fish will start moving in to feed for several hours every day.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is improving.  We had several fishermen come into the store to "brag" about their catches. The bank fishermen were using nightcrawlers and Garlic scented Power Bait. Trolling was also doing well with the Dick Night Copper Red Head Size 0 between the island and Mallard and also in the channel. We have had several good hatches of bugs over the last week.  
The fly fishermen did not come in to tell us how they did.
Courtesy of J&J Grizzly store and Camping Resort

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake was stocked heavily weeks ago but still continues to fish well!  With temps in the 70's to begin the week it's a great time to get in the morning and evenings to fish though this lake will still put fish out during the day. 
Mack fishing has been fair and Jigging has been good at depths from 70-100 ft and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has been good with fat little guys ranging from 10-12 inches in 45-80 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove and some larger Kokes in the 13-14 inch range on the opposite shore from the boat launch suspended 60-80 feet in 100-120 feet of water. 
With the recent stocking some small Macks have been busy cruising the shorelines in the morning and evening picking of small rainbows. 
Throw imitations that will mimic these and smaller baitfish now in these dusk and dawn hours to be successful!

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:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
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 spring 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 catfish using power bait and worms.  They were each about 17 inches in length and weighed about 3 lbs.
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. 
The 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows at 16CFS as of 7/18. Water is clear.
(Note flows include water from the springs, not just the gauging station at the highway so this is what is really flowing through the canyon)
Fishing conditions:
Fair. Even the heavy downpours yesterday didn't bump the flows up much.
The weeds are matting on the surface of the water making it very difficult to fish most areas of the creek.
At this point with the water as low as it is, we prefer a dry dropper or hopper dropper setup with one beaded fly in between the weeds.
Caddis are everywhere during the afternoon so you may have to do a few drifts before a fish takes your fly as there are many to choose from.

JACKSON MEADOWS, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
With this lake being stocked weeks ago with a healthy planting of DFW trout this lake will fish great for months now!  If you're looking for bigger fish here you're going to have to fish the face of the dam more as there is always some big fish hanging on the ledges of the dam. Lake is at 80% 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 flow is  down to 16 CFS and fishing is a bit tougher.
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 20, 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
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.

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.



MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Water conditions:
Water is clear and starting to warm some making for more active fish.
Fishing conditions:
I hopped in the tube and fished Mary yesterday and had a great time.
Most of the fish are concentrated in 15-20 feet of water, but you can catch the occasional one in the shallows.
Fish a full sink line and make sure you're getting it down there.
You can also fish under the indicator just like on Crowley and you'll see the occasional Callibaetis so don't be afraid to throw some dry flies before dark.

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Small fish are easy to come by. Best fish are the largemouth. South Fork and Middle Fork are the best spots to try. Top water lures will work all day long.
Courtesy of Bass Tackle Depot.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: 
Flow is steady at 52 CFS. The water is low and clear.
Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow currently 219 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:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows holding steady at 53CFS Above the Hot Creek Confluence. as of 7/18. Water pretty clear above Hot Creek confluence, off color below.
The lower you go, the more "green slime" you'll have to deal with.
Pretty bad down in the bait section and below, almost non-existent up above the bridge though.
Fishing conditions:
Fair. Water temps have fallen slightly from recent rainfall and cloud cover.
Water is still tinted brown below the confluence with plenty of the nasty green stuff. The fish are spread out, most of them hiding under the banks and under big weed beds. If you find a fish out in the open you stand a good chance of catching it. Probably best to stick to the water above the confluence where its a few degrees colder (and cleaner).
Pleasant Valley Reservoir:
Water conditions:
Water levels are dropping.
Fishing conditions:
No recent reports. Call the shop for current information.
Rock Creek:
Water conditions:
Flows at 40 CFS as of 7/18. Creek is clear and cold.
Fishing conditions:
Looks like the recent rains have bumped up the flows here a bit.
Try some terrestrials for more attention as they tend to get washed into the water during big storms like the ones we just had.
Hike in a bit and fish the lakes along the trail. Chickenfoot and Long Lake usually hold fish in the shallow waters at the edges and outlets if you're willing to walk a bit.
Rush Creek:
Water conditions:
Flows above Grant Lake are at 28 CFS and 34 CFS below as of 7/18.
Fishing conditions:
The fishing is quite good despite the lower flows with lots of fish being planted. Hearing its better up high, or down low by Grant Lake.
A dry dropper setup will be the most productive in the riffles.
Lower Owens River:
Water conditions:
Good. Flows at 231 CFS as of 7/18.
Water is tinted green. Flows are still bouncing around but only by about 5-10cfs. Hasn't affected the fishing very much though.
Fishing conditions:
Good. The fish seem to be in deep one day, and in the riffles another.
The fishing can be quite good one day, and totally off the next.
Water temps are somewhere around 65-66 degrees depending on the time of day. Really hot down here, so fish either until noon or come back and fish 4-dark to beat the heat...
Not much going on up top, with only the occasional rising fish in the slow moving water in the shade.

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.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 28 percent capacity and has been fishing decently for bass.  
Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results. 
Smallmouth fishing here has been great in the evening hours!

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:
Trout Fishing:-The Sacramento River wild rainbow trout fishing is still going strong with cold water flowing through Downtown Redding from Keswick Dam. The Sacramento River wild rainbow trout fishing has been best from Redding down through Anderson side drifting small egg colored Glo-bugs. Trout average 1-3 pounds with larger 4 and 5 pound trout caught and released daily. Back-trolling small hotshot lures in size # 50 and # 70 lures are also producing nice bows.
Best lure colors to consider are silver or gold patterns. 
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing:  The Lower Sac continues to fish well in the morning and late evening. The warm mid-day conditions are much slower with the occasional fish being hooked here and there with the PMD Mayfly still being the bug of choice. Some caddis activity in the evenings depending on what section of river you find yourself on.
Good flies have been Poxyback PMD’s, PT’s, Rubberleggs, TFS caddis poopahs and egg patterns. 
The big news to report is that Mud Creek above the McCloud has blown out due to glacial runoff and has muddied up the McCloud River below the reservoir. This may take up to a week or longer to clear! 
Courtesy of Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service, MyOutdoorBuddy.com. 
 
SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Sacramento River salmon fishing opener came and went with a bang in some spots on the river and it came and went quietly in others.  
As the eager anglers hit the river on Wednesday's opener the excitement ran high with many scouting
The salmon fishing near Corning and Hamilton City was very quiet with just a few fish caught however there was a very good bite early near Deer Creek where at least a dozen salmon were landed.
The fishing upriver closer to Red Bluff was considerably better with some reports of up to a dozen salmon hooked on one boat alone!
The report from Ken Turner’s boat in Red Bluff was spectacular with 12 salmon hooked and four king salmon landed up to 23 pounds, all on sardine wrapped Brad's Killerfish plugs and Flat fish lures.  
There was a tremendous amount of moss flowing down the river fouling plugs and lines all day making it very difficult to get a clean drift.  
The salmon fishing on Thursday July 17th was considerably better with less moss and fewer boats on the river.  
The bite that happened at Deer Creek produced some nice kings 8 to 18 pounds all on back bounced sardine wrapped plugs.
King salmon fishing will continue to build through July and into early August. Look for best fishing in mid to late August and all of September. 
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 fishing:
July 21th, 2014,  King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 10,000 CFS.
Salmon fishing the Sac River since opening day has been tough fishing. There are salmon in the system but the catching has been 1 to 3 salmon a day since opening day.
The salmon fishing on the Sac River will improve as the days go on.
Regarding Opening day...
Great day for Pro Guide Kirk Portocarrero and his clients.
Another successful opening day with Morgan and the crew, a 26 year dedicated client. Kirk's boat brought in 7 King Salmon, the most fish of any boat today on the Sacramento River fishing for King salmon! 
Fishing through the mid morning and hooked fish #7 at around noon, which was the smallest fish, which they released. Largest salmon of the day weighing in at 24 pounds.
Flat fish lures was the ticket, bringing in the catch.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow is up to 41 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.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows are at 50 CFS as of 7/18. They were upwards of almost 120 yesterday from the storms but have since come back down.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Higher flows should have gotten the fish moving around.
Still a solid evening hatch if you can find a fish that hasn't seen yours and everyone elses fly this season.
Avoid the campgrounds if you're interested in catching anything.

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.

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 27% capacity (that's correct) it's a must to have 4-wheel drive to launch and even that's been risky! Many are utilizing the area east of the ramp to launch boats. 
Rick Kennedy and John Minnis still reporting good Kokanee action with fish ranging in the 12-13 inch range in the top 25-40 feet of water but some larger fish are being taken around the island in 45-55 feet of water. 
Another hot spot has been off the boat launch when water depth reaches 35-45 feet. 
Spinners, Hoochies, and Radical Glow Tubes have been go to lures in colors with pink, orange, and Purple. 
Best Dodger colors have been copper with any Orange and Pink in it! 
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 of those that are being caught have been pretty nice!

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 RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Trinity River is still providing some salmon fishing action from Lewiston downriver through Junction City.
Drift boats are averaging 0 to 2 salmon per day from 10-15 pounds.
Summer steelhead 3- 8 pounds are also being hooked while salmon fishing the Trinity River.
Back bouncing small KF-15 and KF-14 Brads Killerfish sardine wrapped lures and roe working best from the drift boats.
Bank fishermen should try drifting roe and tuna balls.
The spring salmon fishing on the Trinity River below Lewiston should last until the end of this month.
Courtesy of Dave Jacobs Professional Guide Service/MyOutdoorBuddy.com.

TRUCKEE RIVER, BIG, CALIF AND NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
California:
Mid to High 70's to begin the week and then back into the 80's for the rest of the week.  Partly cloudy for Monday and Tuesday with a 20% chance of rain.  Great time to get out before the heat comes back!  Strange flows recently with releases being either up or down.  
Outlook for August flows look pretty grim as the flow through the canyon is projected to be around 200 CFS.  We'll see what happens. 
Even though water levels are fluctuating the fishing has been pretty good with some good dry fly fishing if you know time and place. 
Most fish will be taken by high-sticking the pocket water and one should think about giving the fish a break in the afternoon since water temps climb to 68-69, but early this week temps may not get that high. 
Don't despair, you can get out for the evening to get your fix if you missed the early session for some very good caddis, little yellow sallies, and PED action.  Let's be ethical here and give the fish a break during the heat of the day to cut back on the mortality rate of trout when they're stressed by these high water temps. 
Lots of things on the menu now such as Caddis, Stones, Mayflies (PMD's, PED's), Midges, and Terrestrials (Ants, Hoppers).  If you're fishing dries consider using 4x-5x leaders now and when nymphing 3x-5x tippet.
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!  (x) = drawer number. 

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Stocked about a months ago but with low water now being an issue fishing has been fair at best through this stretch.

TWIN LAKES, UPPER, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Despite the much-needed rain we got, the anglers continue to bring in good sized fish. Carter Braun from Anaheim landed a nice 5-pound, 1-ounce trout with a lure. John Hegarty from Concord caught a 3-pound, 8-ounce Brown using a Feather tail fly. Ton Evans brought in a 3-pound, 12-ounce Rainbow with a Thomas Bouyant lure. Tom lives in Bodfish, CA
Water temperature is 66 degrees.
Regards,
Judy Allen

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 20, 2014
The Twins are still producing some nice fish from the shore and boats, we've had reports of lots of nice fish up to 4 or 5 pounds.
Shore anglers are using mice tails, power bait and inflated crawlers, fly anglers are using matukas, seal buggers, soft hackles, wooly buggers, zug bugs and pheasant tails. Trollers are going with rapalas, needlefish, blades/crawlers and thomas bouyants.  

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 20, 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 20, 2014 
The East is running at 69 CFS right now and has been there for the last few days. The fishing is still ok down below the bridge and even better on the Nevada side of the border.
The upper mile between the dam and the bridge is pretty slow and should probably be left alone, there's not too many fish in there for starters and the oxygen levels are much lower than down below.
The fish down below the bridge and on the Nevada side are still healthy with lots of energy and are releasing well.
Dry/dropper rigs have been doing the best lately, hoppers, chubby chernobyls, madam-x's and stimulators on top with soft hackles, buckskin caddis, fox's poopah, 3 wire caddis, flashback emerger, dark lord, pheasant tail, micro mayfly or rainbow warrior on the bottom have all been good.         Sceirine Ranch:
July 20, 2014
The Sceirine is still fishing pretty well, the dry/dropper rigs as described above are the way to go.
There are quite a few really nice fish in the mid 20's running around the ranch and with the more limited amount of water compared to most years it's a great place to get on the water without any crowds.
If you want to book some time on the ranch just give us a call! 
Hunewill Pond:
July 20, 2014
The pond fished ok this past week, a little tougher than it was earlier in the month but everyone was able to get into some nice fish.
Fishing dries with small midge or damsel droppers seemed to do the best, as well as some sight casting to individual fish with soft hackles and zebra midges. There's lots of bugs hatching so you need to be careful to try and match the hatch, sometimes it takes some trial and error to figure out what they're biting but when you hit the right combo it's game on!

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has dropped to 69 CFS. Fishing is slow. Try midge patterns, baetis emergers and WD40's.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Fair. Flows down to 69 CFS as of 7/18.
Fishing conditions:
Water temps have come down a couple of degrees.
Fishing is still best early in the morning before the sun hits the water.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
July 20, 2014
The West has been experiencing some really high and muddy flows this past week due to all the afternoon thunderstorms we've been getting. I'd expect it to clear up within a day after the rains stop. We'll keep you posted when conditions get better on the West!    

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. T
he 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 for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com