Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for August 26 and beyond

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Aug. 26, 2015 and beyond. Please note that in this report, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has not provided recent updates of Nevada's fishing waters.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Fishing continues to be good here for both bait and fly anglers alike. For bait anglers, worms seem to do a bit better than Power Bait on Angel Lake trout. Fish them about four feet under a bobber. During the heat of the day, use a slip sinker and fish from the bottom with either an inflated worm or Power Bait, both of which will float up from the bottom. Small spinners work well, and the tiger trout will also take very small minnow imitation lures.
A fly selection should include small wooly and crystal buggers, prince nymphs, PT nymphs, soft hackle nymphs, hares ears and just about anything with peacock herl in it.
They are also hitting dry flies such as Adams, PMD’s, Griffith’s gnats, elk hair caddis, red or yellow humpy’s, yellow stimulators and small ant, beetle and hopper patterns.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing: Fishing is slowly getting better – remember it’s not smoky where the fish are. Fish the Inlets with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Jigs and Flies. Troll in deeper waters with Lures or Flasher with Nightcrawlers. Drift around the rock piles with Nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
Shore fish with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or toss Lures. The state planted us with fish on Wednesday.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Parchers Resort: 
Another week of hot summer weather, even a few records were broken down in the valley. Thankfully temps maxed out around 80 degrees here at the resort elevation of 9260 feet.
Smoke, mostly from the “Rough Fire” on the west side comes in most afternoon making it necessary to get an early start for those planning to hike.
Early in the week the smoke was much better farther north, but with a new fire near Walker Lake, Lee Vining, the smoke can be bad any given afternoon depending on the wind.
We’re really hoping for a little rain to help ease the smoke, but time will tell.
 A little fall color is starting to warn of the autumn display to come. We’re happy to see a few yellow aspens here and there.
North Lake: 
No lunkers were reported from North this week but anglers did well on stocker ‘bows to 14” on Power bait, micetails, jigs, and Thomas Buoyants. 

Intake II
: Some really nice DFW Brood stock fish hit the scales this week to go along with the usual action for pan sized Rainbows.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF: 
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 23, 2015: Bridgeport is still kicking out some very nice fish bait fishing from boats near the Rainbow Point area with fish up to 6.5 pounds being reported. The trolling is tough and we haven't had any fly fishing reports lately but the bait fishing is very good. Mice tails, garlic power bait and crawlers are all doing well.
The water is fairly clear in most areas and the weeds are not too bad.                 

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Another 3 pound rainbow caught August 23rd by Alex Patz from Oakland on a crawler behind flashers trolling behind a kayak at the Caples lake spillway.
Water temperature is still 67 but should start to cool downas the weather change comes in next week.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Little or no change here as fishing continues to be good for fish in the 9 to 12 inch range. The usual small spinners, Power Bait and worms should all work.
Fly rodders should be using hare’s ears, PT, prince, copper Johns, zug bugs and small wooly and crystal buggers.
On warm afternoons when the midges are hatching Griffith’s gnats, Adams, elk hair caddis and other popular dry flies in sizes 12 to 18 are worth a try.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports: Catch of the Week belongs to Maria Holly from Anza, CA with a stout 5 pound 14 ounce Rainbow. She was using Power bait while fishing near Hangman's Tree. Great job Maria. 
Other notable catches this week: Haotian Xu from Irvine, CA landed a nice 2 pound 8 ounce Rainbow using Salmon Peach Power bait. He was fishing the South Shore.
The Mio Family from Huntington Beach, CA  had a great day fishing with Rainbow Gulp Powerbait dipped in Roe scented Trout Dip. They filled up their stringers while fishing from a pontoon at the Inlet and Outlet. They had their best fishing day at Convict!
Tactics/Bait: In the lake, fish with Inflated Nightcrawlers, Berkley Power Worms and spoon lures like a Thomas Buoyant (Red/Gold).
For trolling try Bikini Pearl or Red Dot Frog Needlefish. Tasmanian Devils did well trolling or casting from shore.
In the creek, Salmon Eggs and small spinners (Panther Martins or Roostertails) are your best bet. 
The top Power bait colors this week was Salmon Peach and Rainbow.
The top spot to fish from was the South Shore. Also try the usual locations: Inlet, Jetty area, North Shore, the Outlet and Hangman's Tree. Anglers on boats continued to have more luck when compared to the shore since the fish are still holding in deeper water.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:  
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devils, Green or Brown Marvel Flies, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Roostertails, and Bite-On Fury Shad on Power bait. I would suggest using some type of added attractant. Pro-Cure, Bite-On, Lip Ripperz and Berkley all make excellent attractants, which are sold at the general store.   
Here is a list of recommended flies:  Adams, Female Adams, Cutter's Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, Black/Red Ants, Sierra Bright Dot, Royal Coachman and Hoppers.  
Streamers: Wooly Bugger (black, brown, olive, or green), Mutuka (black, brown, olive, or green), Hornberg, and Muddler Minnows. 
Wet Flies (Nymphs): Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Zebra Midge (red and black), Copper John (red and copper) and San Juan Worm (brown or red).
Other Resources: View our Convict Lake Fishing Map and Fishing Rig Suggestion brochures. Both brochures are available in the General Store.
Derby News: The Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby will start on September 7.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Aquatic vegetation continues to make thinks difficult for anglers. Trout action continues to be slow, but orange-sparkle Power Bait and the night crawlers with a bit of mini marshmallow are still catching fish.
Largemouth bass continue to take lures and jigs and are hanging out in the weed beds near the tule beds along the shoreline.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Angles are catching bass and crappie with lures, jigs and flies. With aquatic vegetation along the shoreline making things tough, trout action has been slow.
However, anglers are taking fish along the dam with some regularity. Orange-sparkle Power Bait or night crawlers are catching the fish.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Fishing continues to be fair as the water levels are slowly getting better. Early morning anglers report some success for 10 to 13 inch trout using Power Bait or worms. Fly rodders should be using wooly, crystal and seal buggers, hares ears, PT nymphs, hares ears and copper Johns.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Jakes Creek has been fishing slow for 9 to 14 inch trout.
With seasonally low water levels, the surface water temps are in the mid 70’s. Fishing has been fair to good for bass for those anglers who have a canoe, small rowboat or float tube as the weed growth along the shoreline is thick. The usual assortment of wooly buggers, hares ears, copper Johns and PT nymphs should all work.
Power Bait, worms and small spinners should be used by spin fishermen. Soft plastic baits and small minnow imitation lures are working well for bass.

JIGGS/ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Construction on the reservoir is complete and the low pool area even held some water after the rains earlier in the summer. Pray for snow next winter to fill it and if this happens then NDOW will stock it with trout, largemouth bass and bluegill in the spring of 2016. It all depends on Mother Nature.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports: 
August 23, 2015: We haven't had any news from Kirman this week, hopefully we'll get some reports and get them to you as soon as we can.       

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Striper action remains good in many areas.
Anglers have weighed in several fish in the neighborhood of five pounds.
The area below Davis Dam has been giving up a lot of fish in the one to three-pound range. The area near Big Bend and south of town by the Colorado Nature Center, in Bullhead City are also giving up fish.
Channel catfish are also hitting well. Both species are taking cut anchovies.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Striper action has been good this week. Participants in a weekend tournament found good fishing throughout the lake and boated several fish in the 2.5- to three-pound range. Striped bass are taking a variety of top-water lures and swimbaits. Anglers have been finding the fish both near the surface — which accounts for the frequent boils — and in deeper water at approximately 60 feet.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Reports are that catfish and striped bass are hitting well, but there have been no specific reports on what is working or about how large the fish are.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed

RUBY LAKE NWR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Water levels in the south marsh are down about five inches over the past month and fishing has been spotty. It’s getting tougher to launch a boat at the main ramp but it can still be done. However, stay away from the Narciss boat launch you can’t get a boat in the water there.
Surface water temps at the boat ramp are in the 70’s.
Dark colored soft plastic baits with some sparkle or a contrasting color tail, fished weedless should work for the bass in the south lake. Fishing is fair for bass and slow for trout.
On the good days, experienced anglers are catching one keeper bass for every three fish caught.
Fishing in the collection ditch is slow to fair for trout, though one angler caught a 20-plus inch trout using a small spinner. Damselfly nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, wooly and crystal buggers, hares ears and copper Johns should all be productive. Anglers should also try hares ears, PT’s, and Mayfly dries as well as emergers.
For spin fishermen the usual assortment of small spinners and minnow type lures are all effective here.
The ditch is artificial lures and flies only and wading is not allowed in the ditch.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
The river is at 7,200 CFS and steady. Averaging 3 to 5 salmon a day per boat.
Salmon are weighing in at 20 lbs plus. Seeing larger fish as the days go on. 
More  salmon will continue to make their way up river. Bouncing roe and back trolling Flatfish lures is way to go to bring in big kings. Water temperatures are warm this year, causing us to fish higher up in the river system than normal for this time of year, as the fish are all headed up river into the colder water
We are fishing every day.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:

As of  August 25, 2015 water flow is currently 7,200 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report - Lower Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing has been fantastic.
Water is clear and low, remaining the same for the last month. Temps are cooling down. 
Mornings and afternoon trips have been great. We are fishing from Bonneyview Bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge is excellent.
The upper section that was closed is now open above Hwy 44 bridge. 
In early morning, fish are being caught in the shallow choppy waters around the Redding area, and middle of the day fish are moving into the deeper water. 
The largest fish have been caught the last few days in the Bonneyview area. Working great is egg pattern, Cinnamon Pupa , and  PMD’s. Dry flies late afternoon, last hour. We are spin fishing and fly fishing.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
August 25, 2015  Shasta Lake guided fishing; Northern California fishing Lake Shasta. 
Offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta. For Shasta Lake fishing,
We are catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, Rainbow trout fishing is excellent. Fishing has been amazing ! Limits of fish daily. We are fishing 35 to 100 ft deep depending on the time of the day. Early morning fish are ranging from 35 to 50 ft deep, Mid day 80 to 100 ft deep using triple teasers and rolling shad. Wow great days on the lake right now.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: Surface water temperatures are in the 70’s and the weeds and algae are thick. Trout fishing is slow and bass fishing is fair to good depending upon the day.
Lots of algae and the weed beds at the south end of the lake are thick.
Best luck for both trout and bass has been early in the morning and boaters are doing better than shore anglers as they can access the deeper water earlier.
Shore anglers should look for shorelines that drop off quickly so they can get their presentation to deeper water.
There continues to be a damselfly and dragonfly hatch, so both nymphs and adult patterns of these insects are a good bet for fly rodders. At the south end, look for holes in the vegetation and fish soft plastics hooked weedless first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
Fish structure off of rocky points for smallmouth. The inlet, where the river comes into the lake, is also a good spot to target bass looking for food.
Dark soft plastic baits in motor oil, guacamole, root beer and dark purple with some sparkles in them have been working early and late.
With the high pressure system in place and the water temps at about their highest point, a delicate presentation such as Senko’s give bass anglers a better chance at the bass.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report: August 25, 2015 Fishing report 
Trinity River flows at 450 CFS will the flows increasing to 1150 CFS.  
We are fishing the Trinity River for King salmon and producing a couple salmon a day.
 Fishing is a little slow but this is to be expected, more salmon will move up over the next few weeks.
Catching a few steelhead. Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding fishing from the town of Weaverville, Calif.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports: We feel the water is too low on the river at this time to call fishing a sport. The fish are in survival mode and we are rooting for them.
Please give the river a break and hope for a big winter.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Don't Fish and Don't Ask If you have any idea of what is going on. I would highly recommend looking for other water to fish at this time and I would NOT fish the Truckee for the rest of the summer and fall if you have any Ethics!  YES, THAT IS CORRECT, DON'T FISH THIS RIVER IF YOU HAVE ANY ETHICS AND with the DFW and States stance on the Truckee that it can run dry and it still will not fall under closure regulations.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Don't fish.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 23, 2015: The Twins are still producing some nice fish these days, trolling seems to be the best if you have either lead core or downriggers to get your lures down deep, bait fishing from shore has also been producing some good fish with mornings and evenings being the best time to be out there.
Fly anglers are struggling with floating lines but those who have fast sinking lines are doing better.
Lures to try tazmanian devils, kastmasters, thomas bouyants and rapalas.
Bait is mice tails, power bait and crawlers. Flies to try include simi seal leeches, mini leeches, stillwater nymphs, seal buggers and matukas.               

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 23, 2015: The warmer weather has made it a little tougher on the Virginias, morning and evenings are going to be the best times to be on the water there.
Fly anglers are doing pretty good with matukas, seal buggers and leech patterns with soft hackle or zug bug droppers. Bait anglers are using mice tails, powerbait and crawlers. Lure anglers are going with thomas bouyants, kastmasters and mini jigs.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
42 CFS is really low for summer on the East Walker. The water is warm and the only fishing is really early in the morning and even then not such a good idea for another few weeks until the water cools some

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River: The flow on the East is down to 28 CFS this week.  
The fishing pressure has been very light with the few anglers we've been talking to reporting having the place to themselves most of the time.
Some anglers are reporting up to 15 fish per day with lots of smaller browns and some nice rainbows in the mix.
Water is of course very low and there's lots of weeds to contend with but if you put in your time and keep your flies clean you should be able to have some fun.
Both the Mile section and the section below the bridge are producing well but we haven't heard anything lately from the Rosachi section.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 23, 2015: The West is still a little hit and miss with the low water conditions, it's important to be stealthy so as not to spook the fish. Most of the fish will be hanging out in the deeper pools.
Salmon eggs, crawlers and power eggs are doing well, panther martins and rooster tails for lures.
Flies to try are elk hair caddis, stimulator, humpy, san juan worm, prince, hare's ear and pheasant tail.         

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports: No change here as the water is green with algae and lots water grass growing. Not many anglers visiting Wild Horse, and those that are, find fishing slow.
Surface water temperatures are in the mid to high70’s.
Few if any anglers are making the trip. Most anglers are having to work hard just to get a fish and in the heat of August, probably isn’t worth the trip. Make sure you check the current Nevada Fishing Guide for current regulations and limits.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Extremely low water levels with warm water make this reservoir a poor choice for fishing. Not worth the trip.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There continues to be little change here. Fishing for smaller trout has been fair, while fishing for carryover trout (think larger) is slow to fair. Bass fishing is fair to good, and just like at South Fork early morning or late evening seems to be the best times for both bass and trout.
Water condition and levels are good with water temperatures in the mid 70’s.
The same presentations and baits used at South Fork should also work here.
This lake is getting very little visitation so your fishing experience should be good.

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