Fishing Report For the week of July 27 to Aug. 2

Here is the Northern Nevada, Northern California, Sierra Nevada, and Southern Oregon fishing report for the week of July 27 through Aug. 2.

ADOBE POND, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
This is private water and we have the exclusive guide rights to fish it from our drift boats. Click on the www.sierradrifters.com/AdobeRanch.html link to get more information and to book a trip please. Recent trips have been good despite windy conditions. 
The wild browns are on average larger this year and we use a variety of techniques to fool them. Sight fishing to rise forms with Callibaetis adults is a blast. We also use dry/bead head dropper tandems, as well as some streamer patterns fished with slime lines. 
The abundant water this year will put Dobe in prime shape well into fall, with an epic caddis/hopper period this summer. 
Pretty special, hope you can make it!

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) reports:
Feels like October the last few mornings, a few cooler days this week have reduced surface temperatures down to 67 degrees. Water clarity is great, about 13.5 ft. and lake levels continue to hold.
Insect hatch continue to amaze, pond smelt are everywhere.
The Hex hatch is particularly effective around west shore to the Fox Farm.
Usually big Browns are caught during the fall, and during the hex hatch, and most of the time its bait fishing on anchors that gets big fish.
Lake is so full the thermo cline appears rather wide, fish have been coming from 15 ft. too 40 ft. down, and most of my time is spent at the 25 ft. level.
— Courtesy of Doug Neal

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com reports:
Sabrina Lake:
Finally got the website up and running – thank you all for your calls of concern that something may have happened, but we’re just fine and dandy here at the Lake – how could we not be – you all know the feeling when you come around the corner and turn into the lot and capture that first glimpse of the Lake and the mountains and step out of your cars and take in a good whiff of clean cool air – ahhhh – Paradise!
The tension disappears, the neck muscles relax, and most cell phones still don’t work at the Lake . . . . and your biggest worry is what kind of homemade pie is on the menu - need I go on ? ? ?
And this week at our restful Lake, catching was much improved.
Fishing the Inlets (remember, we have more than just one) has nudged out drift fishing this week.
Crickets (buy those in town at Culver’s Sporting Goods or Mac’s Sporting Goods both on Main St.), nightcrawlers, and Power Bait are all working.
Trolling flashers and a nightcrawler, or dragging a Thomas Buoyant or a Woolly Bugger are catching dinner as is drifting or shore fishing using nightcrawlers, Power Bait or a bubble and a fly.
If you’re not sure about any of these techniques, come on into the store and we’ll give you the run down.
Those fisher people that were in the right place at the right time with the right bait or lure were Larry Johnson, Larry Sizemore & David Wilson who caught enough for dinner. Guess they don’t have trout in Seal, Alabama (or maybe it’s the mountains).
John Hulse came all the way to Lake Sabrina to land his 2-3/4 pounder on Zeke’s Orange.
Alan Klinge of San Bernardino landed two beauts using Crickets (buy them in town before you hit the Lake) a 3 pounder and 3-1/2 pounder and Greg Peterson of Fontana on the same boat also using Cricket brought in a 2-3/4 pounder – good eats for that group.
Patrick Lundgren of Canyon Country had the help of his wife Priscilla to bring in a 3-1/4 pounder using a nightcrawler and Delvin and Joy Duelas of Orange both hooked-up on 10 fish – limits for both of them using Power Bait worms.
Local boy Jim Burton of Bishop used Salmon eggs to nab his 2-1/4 pounder.
Six year old Jilly Maurice caught her ‘FIRST FISH EVER’ with the help of Grandpa Glen of Aspendell and her brother Cash and then helped Grandpa clean it – Good job to you all!
DFG planted the Lake with pan-size rainbows this past Wednesday.
The trails are alive with the colors of wildflowers – everywhere you look – we’ve got purple Penstemons along with red wild Penstemons and those have crossed to make beautiful pink Penstemons.
We also have white Phlox and red Paintbrush and lots of yellow flowers that I have absolutely no idea what they are, but maybe by next week Audrey our resident Botanist will have identified some of them for us. 
All the campgrounds in the Bishop Creek Canyon are open. The only campground to take reservations is Four Jeffery www.reserveamerica.com and enter Four Jeffrey all others are first come first serve. There is a full hook-up campground also on the South Lake road, Creekside RV Park.
Take it easy on all the mountain roads, the deer are out in the mornings and evenings and there’s lots of hikers out there – can’t stress this enough!
Warmer temperatures are expected for the Lake – we’ll be in the mid-70s for our highs, and in the high-40s for our lows – sounds pretty nice! We’re also looking at a chance of afternoon thunder showers, so don’t forget your ponchos.   You can check HYPERLINK "http://www.weather.gov/" \t "_blank" www.weather.gov and enter ASPENDELL, CA on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at HYPERLINK "http://www.mammothweather.com/" \t "_blank" www.MammothWeather.com.
REMEMBER THAT JACKET – IT TENDS TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 DEGREES COOLER AT THE LAKE.
We still have skeeters – probably be with us for a bit with all the water around - remember when applying bug juice, sunscreen, SANITIZER or any other FU-FU juice, WASH YOUR HANDS! The juice you apply will taint your tackle and bait. You know it tastes yucky, the fish think it tastes yucky, too, although have you ever tasted Power Bait or worms – to each their own.
We’ve still making HOMEMADE vanilla ice-cream to go with our HOMEMADE pie – we also have sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa during our regular store hours!

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) sierrasmitty@cebridge.net:
South Lake:
The DFG has done a phenomenal job getting South Lake caught up on catchable rainbows and the fishing (and catching) continues to be awesome.
Big fish of the week was a whopping 7 lb 8 oz toad caught at the Long Lake inlet on a grasshopper colored mini-jig with an orange trout worm trailer but there were a lot of really nice fish over 3 lbs being caught this week including 4 over 5lbs.
The DFG and Alpers fish stocked over the past few weeks are finally starting to spread out around the lake which is great news for those that love to fish the inlets. So far the Treasure Inlet and the Long Lake Inlet are the best...probably need another 4 ft of water for the Gilbert Glacier Inlet to be deep enough to hold fish.
The back of the lake was 15 ft deep in most areas as of Saturday.
Fly anglers and folks tossing mini-jigs are doing the best at the inlets right now. When the fish get finicky, a small piece of nightcrawler on the end of the mini-jig has been enticing extra strikes.
The most consistent spot on the lake this week though was the dam area with folks loading up on stocker rainbows and a few bruisers to 5-1/2 lbs as well.
Mid week, mini-jigs were straight up killing it by the dam but by Saturday the fish had moved a little deeper so the bait dunkers were doing best. Various colors of Power Bait fished 3 ft off the bottom seemed to be the ticket over there. Nightcrawlers fished 5 ft under a bobber was also working very well for the bait n' wait folks. Not too much action on the metal lures this week which is kind of surprising.
The Rock Slide area is absolutely loaded with fish right now and folks are seeing those monster Alpers just cruising back and forth teasing everyone.
Thanks again SCE and Alpers Trout for those toads. The fish at the slide are hitting pink or orange Power Worms big time right now.
The preferred trout-worm rig is a 3/0 split shot 18" above a size 8 Mosquito hook. Salmon Egg Red Power Bait and Salmon Peach Power Bait was also reported to be working great.
The lake is still rising fast and as of Thursday the island on South Lake is actually an island. We're probably a good 18 to 20 ft from full pool but the lake level is high enough where all of the popular spots are now accessible.
The public launch is open for boats of all sizes. We would like to remind folks that there is designated trailer parking in the lower lot - all trailers much be disconnected though so there is parking for everyone.
South Fork Bishop Creek:
Sorry to be bland but it's kind of repetitive report from the creek this week. Perfect flows. Steady fishing. The usual baits and lures (Salmon eggs, worms, Panther Martins, mini-jigs etc.) are working like they always do in the summer. There are a lot of people in the canyon but with the lake fishing as good as it has been, the creek hasn't been too packed, for July that is.
Weir Pond:
Lots of wild Brook trout being caught & released at the Weir on a variety of dries, Nymphs and streamers. Some solid stocker rainbows and even a few Alpers to 2.5lbs are coming out as well.
North Lake:
Fly anglers reporting wide open fishing on olive Woolly Buggers and Hornbergs fished in 2 to 6ft of water.
The inlet, eastern bank and outlet areas are reportedly best.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
The reservoir has been fishing well this week though the fish have still been moving around a bit. It seems that the hotspots have been up in the channels in Buckeye Bay, Rainbow Point, out in the middle, and just off the marina.
The fly fishing has picked up nicely this week up in the channels and the trolling and bait fishing have been hanging in there.
For flies you can Midge with Damsel patterns, soft hackles, PT's, ice cream cones and Chironomid patterns, for trolling go with blades/crawlers, ex-cel lures, Needlefish, Thomas Bouyants and small Rapalas and for bait it's been crawlers, Power Eggs, Gulp clusters and Power Bait.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
The Bridge has come on strong recently for numbers and some quality fish.
Fly fishers stillwater Nymphing Buckeye Bay and the area just north of the marina are doing very well for catchable sized rainbows using Midges and Mayfly Nymphs.
The trout are "climbing", meaning we are seeing many grabs on the upper fly on a tandem rig.
This is indicative of fish hunting swimming type Nymphs like Damsel flies, Callibaetis, and Chironomid pupa/emergers.
Midges are best in the morning, switch to Damsels or Callibaetis in the middle of the day.
Tubers SLOW trolling Damsel fly, Callibaetis, and Midge trailer patterns are also getting into fish consistently.
The sweet spot is 8-11 feet along the weed lines and creek channels.
Switch to Nymphing when you get a steady wind or current in these areas.
Water conditions remain excellent with very little algae and pond weed for this time of year.
Tubers working the east shoreline a tad north of the marina are also getting into consistent fish. Fish are hanging in the 6-8 foot range in both areas.
My good friend and HARBOR MASTER Jeffery at the Bridgeport Marina will try to sell you his prized "sheep hair" patterns that he claims to do so well with. I suggest you stop buy and get some of the Drifters patterns that he will begrudgingly let go.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation.
Pike fishing has also been poor.
There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE, CALIF:
Jen Heintzelman of Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) www.convictlakeresort.com reports:
Catch of the Week:
Katherine Mikinney from Anaheim, Calif., with a 2.6 pound trout caught on Garlic Power Bait along the South Shore.
Weather:
Highs in the 70's again all week with sunny skies. Evening lows in the 50's.  Winds are still looking low 5 to 10 miles per hour. Here is a local site that is usually quite accurate www.mammothweather.com.

Tactics/Bait:
Nightcrawlers are the most productive again this week for bait fishing.  Garlic and Yellow Power Bait as well as Salmon Eggs are also working well. Roostertails & Tasmanian Devil's are also working for spincasters.  Trolling 7 colors using a red and gold Thomas Bouyant or something with color as the water is a bit murky right now is catching fish. 
The inlet, outlet, North Shore and Creek are still the most productive locations again this week. 
Other locations to try: Jetty, Inlet, Handicap Pier, South Shore, or Hangman's Tree.  
Here is a list of other baits that are good to try:
TroutKrilla, Rapala, Trout Teasers, Midges, Panther Martin, Thomas Bouyants, Green Woolly Booger, White Mini Jig and Garlic Power Bait. 
Stocking:
DFG has stocked again this week.

Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 5:50 am - 5:55 am and Sunset 8:10 pm - 8:05 pm.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
The fishing on the lake is still tough with the heavy algae bloom.
Some limited action at the mouth of McGee Creek and the mouth Owens River. Try a gray/green Midge in 12-14 feet of water.


CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Crowley has been very inconsistent once again this year. Last year it was low water, this year high water.
The blue algae bloom is terrible this year as the lake had its turnover far later than average. The persistent southerly winds keep shoving the green goo into areas like McGee Bay and the north arm near the Owens inlet where the highest concentrations of trout are currently holding.
HOWEVER, I am going out on a long thin limb and say that I believe that Crowley will be good come late July and August. The west winds shall eventually return and the algae will choke itself out almost overnight, and life will be good here once again.
The "dark side" is catching enough nice fish in McGee to keep you interested and to let you know they are still around. How can this be? The algae does not stick to a stinking inflated night crawler, in addition; there is scientific evidence that supports the crawlers SCREAM for help while drowning on a hook so the trout hear them and charge!
I am bitter, please forgive me.
I suggest you have some Callibaetis and Baetis patterns handy this year around the inlets especially. High water years are always good for Mayflies and in areas around creek mouths are the main course for the cruising trout in short water instead of Chironomids.
You may use these patterns for still water Nymphing or as a streamer on a light sinking tip line. Damsel nymphs are also a mainstay food this time of year around the inlets and migrate in with the algae lines as cover until they hit the shorelines grass and continue their metamorphosis into winged adults.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
After last weekend's improved hope because of seeing and casting to fish working on migrating Damsels and knowing how well everyone was doing using Midge imitations, fishermen had some very high hopes for this last weekend. The lake was dead. Fishermen never saw an adult Damsel and maybe only a handful of Midges.
Water temps were around 66-68 degrees and it was clear and sunny following our cooling down trend we had last week. Things are definitely NOT on track with Damsels, Midges, Caddis, and Callibaetis at the lake. In fact, this was the first couple of days in several weeks that fishermen did not see a lot of Callibaetis spinners. Don't know what to say, the long winter, high water, and cool temps are affecting fishing all over.
There were a few guys tubing right near the bank on upper Cow Creek, but I did not stop to ask how they were doing.
— Courtesy of Fly Fishing With Don

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The evening Hex hatch that makes Fall River so famous at this time of year is still happening, but time is running out.
After the first week of August, the Hex hatch tapers off to only a couple Mayflies a night emerging from the dark waters of lower Fall River.
Fall River has been fishing good.
The insect hatches have been sparse this week, however, rainbow trout are coming to dry flies as long as the presentation and fly are correct.
Nymphing under indicators or swinging flies has been most productive in the mornings and early afternoons.
Hatches of water boatmen keep the fishing interesting from about 12:00 PM through 2:00 PM.
Olive or black leeches will help the late afternoon angler dredge up a big rainbow or two. Stripping Zug Bugs late in the day has produced some mighty big 'bows going over 22". Fun! 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

FEATHER RIVER, NORTH FORK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
 Reports of catching 17 to 22 inch Rainbow trout, weighing 1 to 2 1/2 pounds. Best spots are Crystal Point, Nightcrawler Bay, Ship's Cove, and at the dam. Nightcrawlers remain the favorite bait for shore fishing.
Trolling has been good on the north end of the lake and around the dam. 
Lures include Dick Nite Copper Red Head, Rocky Mountain Assassin Crystal Watermelon, Panther Martin Gold, Rapala Blue and Silver.
Flies include Copper John Red, Woolly Bugger Brown, and various other flies green and brown in color.
Reports of catching brown trout in the streams, weighing up to three pounds.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Hat Creek is fishing fair. Get on the river early and enjoy the fishing through 2:00 PM. Look for hatches of PMD's, Callibaetis and Caddis.
Anglers fishing the Power House # 2 riffle are hooking up throwing # 18 Copper Johns, # 18 Black Zebra Midges, Micro Poopahs in olive and black. Dries like Parachute Adams in # 16-20, Mercer's Missing Link # 16-18, CDC Callibaetis can trick a rainbow or three mid day in the flats below the Power House.  
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Water flow at 89 CFS. We have been doing well Nymphing with FB Pheasant Tails, gray WD-40's andCcaddis larva and olive Scuds.
Caddis activity is picking up as well as the little yellow stones.


HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Hot Creek has been very consistent despite the high flows and pounding by summertime crowds and guides.
The resiliency of this spring creek always amazes me in how it continues to be the top trout fishery in the area under almost any circumstance.
High water, low water, cold-hot, winter-summer, it just don’t matter-the "crick" kicks em out day after day!
Two bug has been using big terrestrial patterns (they double as a life jacket there so large!) with his clients recently and doing pretty dang good using hopper imitations.
A walk along the banks will show you why grasshoppers are a staple this time of year.
Nymphing with bright flashy bead heads and heavily weighted leaders will get you down in the "sugar holes" more effectively.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
Grant – Gull – June – Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Rush Creek flow is 290 CFS. The flow continues to lower and fishing continues to improve. Nymph fish with Birds Nests, Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails and San Juan Worms.



KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
We only had a couple reports from Kirman this week and it still seems to be fishing pretty well. Streamers and scud patterns have been doing the best as well as mini jigs and some spinners.
There's some great fish in there this year, brookies up to 5 pounds and Cutts that are going over 25 inches.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Flows are 1,100 CFS out of Iron Gate Dam. Expect bigger, faster water down river as accumulated water from feeder streams, high with snowmelt contribute cold, clear water to the Klamath.
Not much has changed over the past week.
The Salmon fishing near Sied Valley has been up and down. Fair reports of rainbow trout and Caddis hatches in the evenings and fairly good fly fishing coming out of the middle Klamath.
Near Iron Gate dam, in Hornbrook, CA, fishing has been fair for a sprinkling of summer run steelhead. The recent cooler summer weather has definitely extended the favorable conditions on this river which can be too warm by the end of July.
Don't expect much from the Klamath for now.
Wait until September before these reports start to change. 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Fishing reports are good one day, fair to poor the next.
There are some huge rainbows in Lewiston Lake.
Look for big rainbows eating tiny # 20 Midge patterns near the boat ramp.
Try Mercer's Gidget in brown. Zacks swimming leech and various Damsel fly patterns can work well at this time of year as long as you retrieve them slowly on an intermediate sinking line.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Best fishing at Lake Mary along the west side.
Black or purple crystal buggers on full sink lines with a slow retrieve the most successful technique recently.
Twin Lakes is also picking up. Try a California mosquito with a size 20 black/silver Zebra Midge as a dropper.


OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
Recreational ocean Chinook fishing is open.
Single point, barbless hooks must be used in this fishery.
The selective ocean coho fishery opened July 2 with a 15,000 fish quota. These Coho must be adipose fin clipped to harvest.
The bottom fish bag limit remains at seven fish with a sub-bag limit of one Cabezon per day/angler.
Anglers are reporting good catches when weather is favorable.
Fishing from beaches has been fair for redtail surfperch but many have moved into bays to spawn.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.performanceanglers.com" www.performanceanglers.com) reports:

Upper Owens River:
Water flow 113 CFS.  Elk hair Caddis or stimulators on the surface. Caddis pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and WD-40's under the surface.
Cover lots of water and keep moving as the fish are scattered.
Make sure you have your bug repellent.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow 355 CFS.  Flows are up a bit but fishing is good. Try olive Caddis larva, WD-40's and olive Birds Nests. 
A tremendous amount of insect activity and the fish are eating well.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF: 
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
Upper Owens:
Bring along some spare blood-or at least your blood type, the skeeters are thick this summer!
Good showing of Caddis each day as the flows have stabilized and the water is back inside the banks.
Clarity is very good and even below the confluences of Hot Creek and the irrigation ditches the weed is not such an issue currently.
You will not see the monster "snow bows" we got into this winter here in any numbers, but you will have plenty of opportunities while Nymphing or casting hoppers or Caddis adults to the wild browns and rainbows here.
Flashback PT’s, Birds Nest, broken back Midges, olive larva # 16-20.
Lower Owens River:
The Lower Owens is fishing great right now.
It has been a real roller coaster this season trying to drift this area as the flows have been fluctuating quite often.
Caddis hatches are going off and one can find opportunities in the wild trout section to cast dries to gulping browns during mornings and late afternoons.
It has not been overly hot down in the Owens Valley much this summer and this has made for some fine fishing recently combined with moderate flows.
The sucker and chub spawn have left many small fry hiding along the banks this summer.
The dip and strip technique has been deadly with these lower flows and we have had several 40 plus fish days while tugging streamers from the drift boat. Spruce-a-bu’s, punk perch, and Loebergs are all getting looks. 

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Not bad, but not good either. We think this river needs to be fished. Water conditions are clear enough to call it good. Water levels are high. Too high for some of your old favorite runs.
Go with an open mind. If you are fishing here for the first time, have fun.
For the old school crowd, well, go discover the new Pit River and don't fret. There's got to be some really good fishing out there.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

PYRAMID LAKE, NEV:
Closed to cutthroat trout fishing from July 01 through September 30.

RYE PATCH RESERVOIR, PERSHING COUNTY, NEV:
Don Hettrick and John Holiday, both of Carson City, and Rich Bachle of Fernley spent an entire day trolling last week and caught one small fish.
They reported the water was high and very muddy.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
River flows are stable. Currently at 12,000 cubic feet per second, stable flows are producing good fishing for the wild rainbow trout of the Sacramento River system.
Expect to find good fly fishing within Redding city limits, and farther downstream near Red Bluff.
Good times are happening on the Lower Sacramento River!  
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
River conditions have been great! Fishing is good too.
From up in Ney Springs all the way down to Dog Creek, anglers are finding wild rainbow trout that will eat brown rubber legs, Red Copper Johns, # 14-16 Brown Micro Mayflies and Gordons Amber Wing Prince in #14-18.
For the seeker of the surface feeding 'bow, look in the waters near Castella, CA. Ney Springs are near Dunsmuir is a good choice too.
Top water flies include Stimulators varying in size from # 16-# 8. The Thing From Uranus Stonefly pattern is another great fly that is making more than just a funny name for itself. Adams in # 12-16 should always be handy cause the fish eat'em!  Enjoy!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SAN JOAQUIN AND RED’S MEADOWS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
The San Joaquin River is still very high. Fishing is good at Sotcher Lake with olive Matukas and olive or black Twin Lakes Specials.


SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
The lake is just a few feet from full pool, which is great!
The bad news is the funky weather last weekend and now the rapidly warming up days have all conspired to make the fish a little confused.
These days, there’s just no pattern yet. 
The bass were deep last weekend but should be in the top 10-15 feet by the weekend. Trout are scattered here there and everywhere. Some have been picked off with top lined Shad Raps.
Until the weather stabilizes, you’re going to have to be on your toes! 
— Courtesy of JD Richey

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) www.dfw.state.or.us.com reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing for stripers in the tidewater area should still be fair. The Smith is now open for trout from May 28 through Sept. 15 and fishing has been good for cutthroat trout in the upper sections.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) www.blueribbonfishing.com reports:
North Shore:
We’ve been getting limits of Mackinaw (Lake) Trout.
We have been trolling at The Tavern Hole, Cal Neva Point, Dollar Point and Sugar Pine Point, 110-220 feet deep, with either Dodgers and minnows or Dodgers and large Trophy Stick lures.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) www.shastacascade.com reports:
Releases are scheduled to drop to a very fishable flow of 450 CFS by August 1st. The "Fly Only" section of the Trinity, located in Lewiston, CA. has been fishing great. A mixture of fish including a few newly arrived King Salmon has joined the company of half pounders, resident rainbows and brown trout.
That's a bunch of fish! The fishing should be entertaining and occasionally intense when a 10 lb or bigger King Salmon or big brown trout have taken your presented fly pattern.
The big Kings sometimes eat Red Copper Johns in # 12-16, Mercer's Poxyback Golden Stone # 8-12, Micro Spawn Eggs in various colors.
The rainbows and browns will eat Nymphs like Mercer's Micro Mayfly, Hogan's S&M, Pats Brown Rubber Legs, Fox's Poopahs and the list could just go on and on!
Good dry flies to note include Red Humpies, Yellow Humpies, Stimulators and Cutter's E/C Caddis.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TWIN LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
Upper Twin Lake – Lower Twin Lake – Robinson Creek:
The Twins are fishing well with lots of fish being reported and some up to 3 pounds. Trolling with blades/crawlers, Needlefish, Rapalas and Bouyants has been good as well as bait fishing with Power Bait and crawlers.
Also the fly anglers are doing well stripping streamer/Nymph rigs near the inlets and near the shoreline as well as dry patterns in the late evening.

UNION RESERVOIR, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.
 
VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
The Virginias are still fishing great, bait and lures are doing well and also fly fishing. For bait try Gulp clusters and Power Bait, for lures go with Kastmasters, Thomas Bouyants and Jakes spin-a-lures. For flies you can go with Seal Buggers, Matukas, soft hackles, Princes and Zug Bugs.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) vir@qnet.com reports:
The mosquitoes are now attacking exposed veins due to the lack of anglers the last few weeks so they are stocking up their fridges for winter. 
Bring DEET, bring DEET, bring DEET, oh did I say to bring DEET!
 Trumble Lake was stocked Wednesday along with Big and Little Virginia, and the campground opened on the 15th, and was full in less than 2 hours.
Fishing has been terrific, and the catching exceptional with many anglers taking limits on a daily basis.

LURES:
Buoyants, gold/red, gold red dots, silver/dots and the rainbow pattern.  Kastmasters perch, browns and gold have been the best. 
Some gold with red Hot Shots, Daredevils, and spin a lures gold/red dots.

BAIT: 
Salmon Peach Power Bait, rainbow glitter and Red Gulp did well, but worms were the top for the week.
MISC: 
Tubers did well and the water is starting to warm slightly, but dressing warm is always better if you have cold foot syndrome. 
All the creeks and rivers are still running high, but the color has improved due to some slow down of the melt.
Backcountry lakes are thawed. The trails still have a little snow in the trees with Summit Pass having the most up the west side. 
The Pass is getting a lot of traffic even with the snow and caution and your condition to handle icy or thawing snow should be considered.

BIG FISH OF THE WEEK:
J Audrey Zitnay of Gilroy, 2 lb 4oz Alpers on a lure 7.17.11 out of Little Virginia Lake. 
Marilee Quady of Thousand Oaks, 3 lb 3 oz Alpers on worms 7.18.11, LV
Mike Brown of Quartz Hill, 2 lb 11 oz Alpers on Power Worm 7.20.11, LV
Tim Clark of Corona, 2 lb 2 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.20.11, LV
Marvin Sheldon of Minden, 3 lb 10 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.20.11, LV
Ken Morris of La Mirada, 2 lb 3 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.21.11, LV
John Cincotta of Hesperia, 2 lb 9 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.21.11, LV
Gale Chimdling of Murietta, 3 lb 5 oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.22.11, 
Big Virginia Lake. 
Valerie Brott of Apple Valley, 2 lb 2oz Alpers on Power Bait, 7.22.11, LV
Leslee Menke of Redlands, 2lb 3oz Alper on powerbait, 7.22.11, LV
Jessee Menke of Redlands, 3lb 4oz Alper on powerbait, 7.22.11, LV
David Levinger of Covina, 2 lb 1oz Alpers on a worm, 7.23.11, LV
Don Pierce of Granada Hills, 2 lb 3 oz Alpers on crawlers, 7.23.11, LV
Jim Dunyon of Long Beach, 2 lb 7 oz Alpers on worms, 7.23.11, LV
Terry Herman of Norco, 4 lb 2 oz Alperd on Power Worms, 7.23.11, LV**

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife www.ndow.org reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season.
Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) www.kenssport.com reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River: Now the East is down to around 370 CFS and fishing excellent! Both the Nevada side and the California side of the river are fishing great.
There's been some dry action here and there as well as dry/dropper action but the main event has been Nymphing.
Caddis Nymphs and small Midges have been the way to go.
Some of the patterns that have been working well include: Weirs Caddis pupa, Buckskin Caddis, Fox's Poopah, La Fontaines sparkle Pupa, rainbow warrior, Zebra Midge, WD-40, Flashback Emerger, silver streak, Ice Nymph and Copper John.
Lots of 20+ inch fish being landed since the flows went down!
West Walker River:
The West is still dropping and getting better with each passing day.
There's lots of fish in the West right now and it's a great time to get over there. You can drift bait through the deeper pools or run spinners and spoons through there as well. As the flows keep coming down I'd expect the West to just keep getting better and better.
Sceirine Ranch:
We've had several clients on the Sceirine this week and all have done well.
Now that the flows are down a bit the ranch is much easier to fish, and there's lots of nice fish hanging out there.
Caddis Nymphs, and Midges just like the Cali side have been doing well, also Birds Nest, Princes and dark lords have been good.
Hunewill Pond:
We haven't had any reports from the pond this week, will pass on info as we get it in.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service (760-935-4250) www.sierradrifters.com reports:
East Walker River:
The East Walker is also improving this week as the flows continue to drop.
Still difficult to cross and fish the faster water sections, but significantly better than a week ago.
Hoppers and small baitfish imitations fished in the slower and deeper pools may pay off big time for trophy sized browns hunting larger food sources in the low light periods.
Flashy bead head patterns # 14-20 heavily weighted to get you near the bottom are the most consistent under these conditions.
Try some crystal olive Caddis larva imitations # 16-18.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) www.performanceanglers.com reports:
East Walker River:
Most recent flow 369 CFS. The river is finally returning to realistic fishing levels. Red or black Midge pupa, Buckskin Nymphs and Prince Nymphs.

Photos
Photo No. 1:
Joe Rizzo, a Caples Lake Resort cabin guest from the Bay Area, landed this 15-pound, 34-inch Mackinaw after it towed his fishing boat for one hour.
He was trolling near the south shore in the rocks at a depth of five feet with a Seps cooper orange 4/0 Trak Dodger with a crawler at the end of a carbon filament leader.
— Photo courtesy of John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort

Photo No. 02:
A happy angler with a very nice rainbow trout caught at Lake Sabrina, which is west of Bishop, California.
— Photo courtesy of Rick and Patti Apted of the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing

Photo No. 03:
Daryl Bradford with a 26-inch brown trout caught and released at Bridgeport Reservoir, California on July 22.
— Photo courtesy of Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Fly Fishing Guide Service