Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for Labor Day weekend

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of August 27 through Labor Day.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina:
A bit of wind, a dip in temps, shorter days, a spot of color here and there, a lack of children during the week – could it mean that Fall is just around the corner, but first, the last holiday weekend of summer - Labor Day and the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair.
Fishing this week was on and off – saw some nice stringers leaving the Lake and some not so nice stringers.
If you’re not catching fish, come on in and get some advice.
Fishing the Inlets with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or Jigs (like the Sierra Slammers). Trolling leadcore around 5 colors with lures or trolling the rockpiles and channels with lures or Nightcrawlers.
Shore fishing with Power Bait or Nightcrawlers.
Thanks again to DFW for the stocking on Wednesday.
Luc Coronel landed a nice 2-1/4 pounder using Power Bait.
Jim Maddux and Chris Bennett used Mice Tails and Crickets (pick those up in Bishop at Culver’s Sporting Goods, Mac’s Sporting Goods or Reagan’s Sporting Goods before heading up the hill) to fill their stringers.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Fish & Trail Report
Updated 8-24-14
Summary & Trail Report
Milder temps in the low 70's and upper 60's were the daytime highs this week with evenings at our 9,200 ft elevation dipping into the 30's for the first time in quite a while.
The crisp mornings had a touch of fall in the air, certainly a sign of things to come as summer begins to wind down.
Summer crowds we've seen for the better part of two months have died down, especially mid week, with many of the schools being back in session. This has made for exceptional fishing and hiking conditions with less fishing pressure at area fisheries and less hiking traffic at the 5 canyon trailheads.
The wildflowers are now fading about as fast as they appeared back in June, so goes the seasons in the high country I guess.
It is indeed interesting to note that a few branches on a handful of aspen trees are already starting to turn a bit yellow, yet another reminder that fall is right around the corner.
Backcountry anglers are continuing to report excellent results on wild trout including Brookies, Goldens, Rainbows and Browns depending on which basin they fish.
Long Lake produced very well this week for those tossing spinners and spoons, mostly Rainbows with a few Brookies mixed in.
Green Lake continues to produce some quality fish 'Bows, but numbers aren't there so only the patient anglers are having success.
Bishop Creek South Fork
Steady creek flows have kept the conditions in the creek relatively static over the past few weeks and this week again saw a lot of happy anglers, especially over the weekend as the DFW stocked late in the week.
Salmon eggs, pieces of nightcrawler, orange Power Bait and Panther Martin spinners were all producing for the creek fishers.
Weir Pond
The Weir got loaded up heavy with DFW Rainbows late in the week making it a hot spot for both fly and spin fishers. The most productive lures were mini-jigs, Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyants. Fly fishers are still having luck on bead-head nymphs, streamers and dries early and late in the day.
Intake II
No reports of anything sizeable out of the Intake this week but I don't think we talked to anyone who didn't do really well on pan sized Rainbows. Salmon Peach, Flo. Orange or hot Pink Power Bait were the best producers for the bait n' wait folks. Fly fishers did very well on streamers like hornbergs and wooly buggers. Berkley Mice Tails in pink/white and various brightly colored mini-jigs worked best for those who like to fish plastics.
North Lake
Catch counts ranged from 7 fish to 30 fish for some groups but everyone had at least some success at North Lake this week. Crawler pieces fished under a bobber, salmon eggs fished off the bottom, fly/bubble combo all topped the list of productive tactics.
Lake Sabrina
A bit of wind here and there at Sabrina this week but when the conditions were good, the fishing was as well. Sabrina continues to be the hot spot for the bigger fish in the canyon. Rainbows in the 2 to 4lb range are being caught several times a week over there.
South Lake
Pretty much the same report as last week - a few Browns & Brookies to 13' with an occasional Rainbow mixed in.
Sierrally,
Jared Smith & the Parchers Resort Crew

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 24, 2014
The Reservoir is still producing a few fish here and there, there's been some nice perch being caught trolling with small rapalas and thomas bouyants, and the bait anglers are picking up a few just North of Rainbow Point with crawlers and power bait.
Again, with the current water conditions don't expect to have a 30 fish day but if you put some time in you should be able to bag some fish, most of the fish being caught lately are from 1 to 2 pounds.  

BRIDEGPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 8/25/14
Jeffery is still launching rentals near the dam and reports good catching from conventional anglers.
The RV Park is in full operation & in tip top shape.  
Jeffery says the lake is holding its own despite low lake levels.
Fishing remains good/fair for planted rainbows showing up for conventional anglers/trollers. 

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Caples Lake is only 6 feet down from the high water mark and the fishing continues to be great!
The surface water temperature has gone down from 70 degrees to 66 degrees in the last two weeks and the Rainbow trout are being caught at a depth of 25 feet.  
However,  Ryan Zellar and his family were fishing in Emigrant Cove on August 10th from one of Caples Lake Resort’s rental fishing boats, when he landed a nice 3 pound Rainbow trout at a depth of 5 feet with a nightcrawler.
Ryan also reported seeing a school of large rainbows swimming alongside his boat when he hooked his trophy Rainbow.
Mike Harris from Roseville, Calif. caught a 3  ½ pound Rainbow on August 16th  while casting into the deep water from the shore at the spillway using Corn Yellow Power Bait.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Dear Don,
We are just a week away from the start of Fall Derby at Convict Lake. A fall classic and angler's favorite at the resort is the Ambush at the Lake Derby. The derby runs from September 1st  to the end of the 2014 fishing season, November 15. We will be giving away $6,000 in Resort Prizes! Enter the derby and catch a fish 14 inches or longer to be eligible to win one of sixty resort prizes. Come join the fun!
BIG FISH STOCKING ALERT: 
The Convict Lake Resort will be stocking the lake with 400 pounds of trophy trout on August 26.
Catch of the Week:  
Congratulations to Ramiro Castillo from Orange County with a nice rainbow pulled from Convict Lake along the South Shore. He was using salmon peach Power Bait with garlic when he scored a stout 3 pound 13 ounce rainbow. Great job Ramiro! Other notable catches this week: 
Bill Kearns from Claremont, Calif., and Curt Tweten from Rosita, Calif., caught an outstanding 6 fish stringer. The two largest fish were 3 pound 12 ounces and 2 pound 9 ounces. They were fishing the South Shore with Power Bait and Nightcrawlers.
Sue Martinez from Big Bear City, Calif., hooked a 3 pound 5 ounce rainbow. Sue was using Nightcrawlers when she landed a 3 pound 5 ounce rainbow. She caught her fish at the Inlet.
Dru Byran from Sun City, Calif., landed a quality 3 pound and 3 ounce rainbow. He was using an gold spinner and was fishing at an unknown location on the lake. 
Jim Gallagher from Chandler, Arizona caught a 3 pound 7 ounce rainbow.
He was using a Flatfish lure and was fishing at the Inlet.
Matthew Hays from Longview, Texas caught himself a heavy stringer.
He was fishing the Outlet area with a Marvel Fly. Way to go, Matthew.
Tactics/Bait: Gold and red were the hot colors on the lures.  For trolling use a Needlefish, Tasmanian Devils or Marvel Fly Lures.
The most successful Power Bait colors were salmon and green. Any Power Bait with garlic is always a deathly choice. Using a garlic dip can also increase the number and size on the fish you catch.  
The South Shore and Inlet were the hottest spots once again this week. Other locations fishing well were the North Shore and Hangman Tree location.
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 Sept. 1 and will run until Nov. 15.
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: 
The forecast for the beginning of next week will be mostly sunny. 
Highs are going to be in the mid-70's and the lows in the high-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 6:18 am - 6:23 am and Sunset 7:39 pm - 7:31 pm. 
Stocking: 
The Convict Lake Resort will stock the lake with 400 pounds of trophy trout on August 26. 
DGF is scheduled to plant at the lake and creek the week of August 24.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 8/25/14
North Arm & Sandy Pt. have been very consistent in the mornings.
The “Island” north of Layton can also be very good.
Fish are also showing more consistently around Six Bays.
Hilton, McGee, & Crooked Creek also have concentrations of fish.
As the lake level drops slowly, it opens up prime mud bottom in the 9-12 foot range. This coincides with comfortable water temperatures for the trout. The weed lines are also in this zone.  This equates to excellent conditions for still water nymphing & streamer fishing.
The lake is as clean as I have ever seen it in August. Lack of run-off for three years has kept the nutrients from cow dung out of the lake.
The lake has been mostly filled with less alkaline water from Grant Lake.
Hot Creek has been so low for a few years as well, not providing nutrients to feed the algae from this source too.
Look for a significant increase in midge emergences the next couple weeks.
The larger fish are beginning to stage in the north end & along the weeds in McGee Bay.
Algae is not an issue in any area currently.
There are solid chironomid hatches (midges); however the larger fish are targeting the perch fry and damsel nymphs.
Spot up along some aquatic weed in the 10-13 foot range. Use an assassin, drifters punk perch, or damsel nymph as the upper fly for perch or damsel imitations. Try a broken back gillie, crystal emerger, midge pupa, or standard gillie for your upper fly during chironomid emergences. Hang a broken back tiger or zebra, dark or copper crystal tiger or crystal zebra as the larva/lower fly.
Give those flies some action if the surface is calm. You are competing with swimming/wiggling critters, and the movement of your flies is crucial to getting grabs.
Streamer fishing really picked up the last few days using perch fry and damsel nymphs. Loebergs and #12 Punk Perch are great patterns for streamer fishers.
The fish have begun to spread out so there is ample room for tubers to work the perimeters of the boat parking lots.  
The perch fry are perfectly sized for still water nymphing right now- September/October will be streamer Nirvana I believe. 
Special angling restrictions now in place. Pinch those barbs down, love them and leave them, no scented or live bait please.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The Water temperatures at Davis have come down quite a bit. They are in the mid to high 60’s right now and the fish have gotten more active.
It is still early but this fall should be really good at Davis.
The mornings are the best bet right now.
Callabaetis, Blood Midges and Damsel nymphs are all worth a try.
In the early mornings fish are on the surface eating left over bugs from the day before and later in the morning fishing nymphs and midges under an indicator in 6-12 feet of water is the way to go.
Stripping small Damsel nymphs with an intermediate or hover line is also working well.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are having success for largemouth bass and rainbow trout.
Nightcrawlers and green Power Bait with glitter fished about one foot to 18 inches off the bottom have brought in many rainbow trout.
Bass are also taking nightcrawlers as well as imitations in dark colors.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Not many anglers have been hitting the water this past week with lower water levels and weeds being a deterrent.
Despite this, anglers are still having fair success using Power Bait of the rainbow coloration and nightcrawlers.
With forecasted rain for the area, fishing should improve.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 8/25/14
Hot Creek is suffering from low water and extensive weed growth.  
This limits the available water you can fish.
Dry flies are the most effective patterns to use.
I suggest a 10 foot leader and rod to keep the fly line off the weeds.
My hi-vis caddis & hi-vis para BWO are good choices to fish the faster slot water that has less weed.
Hoppers are also beginning to show, use a stimulator or grass hopper imitation if the wind comes up.  Para ant patterns are also a good choice if the wind is gusting in the canyon.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
Broken back zebras or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 24, 2014
Still getting some decent reports from Kirman this week, it doesn't sound like there's been lot of traffic out there but there's been some.
Fly anglers are still doing the best with small bugger and leech patterns with a soft hackle or pheasant tail dropper, lure anglers are doing well with mini jigs, kastmasters and thomas bouyants.          

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
The bite is on with catfish and striped bass producing well for anglers along this stretch of the River.
The shelves near the dam have anglers landing small mouth bass using plastics and nightcrawlers.
Anchovies are still a good bet with one angler bringing in a striper nearing 14 pounds in the area of Community Park.
While most of the stripers caught averaged around two pounds, there are some big fish cruising through so set your drag, have good line and a tight knot to be able to land that lunker.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF WEEDS AND SPORADIC FISH LOSS!

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Following the frequent rains, fish have been hanging deeper and despite seeing fish or having them appear on fish finders, the fish have been less inclined to bite. Some attribute this to the turbidity of the water or moon phases, both of which should improve with no rain forecast for the weekend and the new moon on Monday, Aug. 25.
Catch reports are all over the place with the fish taking lures generally intended for other targeted species. Despite inconsistencies with their usual fishing practices, anglers are finding success. Lures and jigs seemed to be the trick this week with biting the best during the early morning.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers fishing out of Cottonwood Cove reported decent fishing for the various species in the area.
One angler caught multiple largemouth bass using artificial crawdad lures fishing across from Cottonwood Cove on the Arizona side in about 40 feet of water casting toward shore.
Another heading south caught several smallmouth with drop shots in about 15-20 feet of water.
Catfish hanging in the backs of coves have surprised anglers by taking lures intended for bass. Many of these were around four pounds.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 8/25/14
Water conditions are very good although flows are very low.
River conditions are better above the confluence of Hot Creek.
Tandem nymph rigs in the deeper pools are doing the trick. You can also dead drift broken back midges & egg patterns without an Under-cator.
Flows consistent at 52 CFS. Short water tactics should be used to fool the wild fish here.  Look for the deeper pools and runs during off hatch periods.
Caddis (#18 or smaller dark bodies) and mayfly adults are good choices for the open riffle water. Hi-vis para bwo and caddis # 16-18 will get grabs. Some hoppers showing up now.
Use a Stimulator or larger hi-vis pattern with a bead head nymph as the dropper 2 feet beneath the dry for a deadly tanden rig. Nymphing with SJ worms, crystal egg patterns, flashback PT’s, Assassin bird’s nest, broken back midges, crystal olive caddis & zebra larva patterns near the bottom.
I prefer to use a clear or yellow Under-cator on moving water as they are less conspicuous. The pink & orange work better on the still waters like Crowley and Bridgeport.  
Think about streamers in the stiff afternoon winds. You will have to hunt down pools large; or deep enough to cast a streamer-they are very limited under current conditions. 
Patterns like Loebergs, Punk Perch, Crystal Leeches, & Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 8/25/14
Flows are running 190-225cfs. Much friendlier for wading & crossing.
Birds nest patterns like Assassins, flashback PT’s, and hares ears for good profiles of a mayfly nymph and caddis pupa. 
Crystal olive caddis larva & olive zebra midges are also good choices for a lower fly imitation of  caddis larvae or midge larva. Have some hi-vis caddis adults & hi-vis para mayfly adults for the morning hatch.
Drifting has been very good since the flows have come down.
The chub and sucker spawn was epic this summer, and we are seeing “balls” of these small baitfish in the pillow water and along the weeds.
Streamer fishing is the best way to imitate these small forage fish by using heavy sinking tip lines and Loebergs, Punk Perch, & Crystal leeches, & Spruce-a-bu’s.

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.

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:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
August 24, 2014,  King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 7,750 CFS. 
Salmon fishing  the Sacramento River is currently up and down.
One day is great, hooking salmon at first light and into the late morning and the next day a little challenging, with quieter moments on the boat in between fish.
The last few days have been a little tougher fishing than last week when we were averaging one fish per rod, the last few days  we have been still been landing up to 3 fish per boat.
Salmon averaging in weight, 15 to 25 pounds, several fish caught over the last few days 28 pounds.  Getting into some larger salmon now. 
More fish daily, salmon are still moving to the colder water up river.
Using Flatfish lures and Pautzke's cured roe.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of August 24, 2014 water flow is currently 7, 750 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent.
Trout fishing Redding area, trout fishing is excellent.
Rainbow Trout fishing, fly fishing, trout are 18 inches to 26 inches.
Fishing Redding to Balls Ferry ramp. Using PMD's, Black Caddis, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Brown Micro Mays.  
Lower Sacramento River fishing trout.
Spin fishing for trout have been outstanding. 70 fish days. 
Amazing wild Rainbow trout fishing on the Sac River. 
Drift  boats or Jet boats available.
We cater to all levels of anglers.
Daily drifting Redding, California 
and Anderson, California.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 8/25/14
Flows are at late fall levels unless we get a substantial amount of rain.
The wading is very easy in all sections.
Fly fishing has become more difficult due to very low flows.
The fish are holding in the limited pools and deeper slots.
Attractor dry patterns like Stimulators, hi-vis para bwo’s & caddis are good choices that are easier to see in the plentiful pocket water that defines the SJR. Use a bead head flashback PT or assassin birds nest as a dropper in the deeper pools and runs.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 23, 2014  Shasta Lake guided fishing
Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  
We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Shasta Lake King salmon fishing is excellent. 5 -12 salmon being caught a day, between 3 -5 pound range.
Catching BIG salmon 100-120 ft deep, trolling, shad pattern lures.
Areas fishing, Mouth of Sac Arm & McCloud Arm.
LIMITS of salmon and trout.
Rainbow trout fishing on Lake Shasta is great. Fishing 30 to 75 ft deep. Trout are very large now, due to the large bait fish in the area. 
Fishing best around the Pit Arm and Jones Valley area.
Shasta Lake Spotted Bass & Small Mouth Bass fishing has been excellent. Limits daily. Catching 20 to 50 fish per day, bigger fish are being caught 25-30 ft deep. Larger numbers of smaller bass being caught on the top water using spinner baits and tube worms.

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:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
August 23, 2014 Fishing report
Currently, Trinity River flows are as follows;  450 CFS.
Water is too low.  Waiting to see if more water is going to be let out.
Fishing difficult with low water.
Fish are spooked easily with low, clear water.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding fishing from the town of Weaverville.

TRUCKEE RIVER, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The river has been dropping daily since we had a boost in the flows from some much needed rain a couple of weeks ago.
As the lake level in Lake Tahoe slowly approaches the natural rim expect the flows to continue to drop over the next month at least.
The California side of the river is in much better shape than the Nevada side.
The water is cooler and the flows are closer to normal.
The best time to fish is in the mornings for sure.
Look for any deeper water near white water. The fish are really seeking out holding areas and water with more oxygen right now.
Smaller flies and lighter tippet is a must. Most of us have not fished the Truckee in these conditions and it takes a much softer hand right now.
There are not too many bugs in the system to speak of and most of the fish are in lock down mode.
There are probably other opportunities in the area that are a better bet than the Truckee.
Flows are Town of Truckee 111 CFS, Boca Bridge 176 CFS, Farad 195 CFS, Reno 80 CFS and Vista 101 CFS.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Flows are 45 CFS. They have been holding steady for about two weeks now.
There is a lot of slime and moss drifting through the water right now and getting a good drift is tough. It is very important to keep your flies clean and check them between drifts for moss.
The water is low which also makes getting a good drift tough.
There is not much dry fly activity yet but we should see some Baetis activity in the next couple of weeks. 5X and 6X tippet is the way to go with flies in the 16-22 range. Keep the flash at a minimum and take a stealthy approach.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com) reports:
Upper Twin Lake:
The cooler morning temperatures clearly indicate Fall is in the air.
The weekly planting by CA Fish and game is producing full stringers of smaller trout. The remaining Alpers and the bigger browns are providing action for some anglers.
Our final derby this season will start August 31st and run through Sept 7th. This Labor Day Derby has a cash prize of $150.00.
Mice Tails and nightcrawlers seem to be the best casting bait.
Water temperature is 58 degrees.
Regards,
Judy Allen

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 24, 2014
The Twins are still producing some nice fish in the 3 and 4 pound range though not limits full of them.
Bait anglers are doing well with mice tails, power bait and crawlers, lure anglers are using kastmasters, Jake's spin a lures and small rapalas.
Fly anglers are using matukas, mini leeches and wooly buggers with soft hackle and zug bug droppers.     

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 24, 2014
The Virginias are still fishing very well with bait, lures and flies.
Lots of smaller fish in the 1/2 pound to 1 pound range plus some really nice larger fish up to 4 pounds or so.
For bait go with mice tails, power bait and crawlers, lures try kastmasters, thomas bouyants and panther martins.
Fly anglers have been doing well with dries like hoppers and beetles and wets like seal buggers, matukas and mini leeches. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Don Quilici of Carson City reports: Little Virginia Lake was planted last Thursday with 5-8 pound rainbow trout from a private hatchery in Oregon.
There were lots of fly fishermen in float tubes and lots of shore anglers.
Don and Elaine hiked up to Blue Lake (elevation 9,886') where they caught and released many small Brook Trout (5-8 inches) on small red/white striped lures. They had the lake all to themselves.

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, NEV. & CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The East Walker is running at 42 CFS above Sweetwater Creek and 62 CFS below on the Nevada side. The water has cleared up quite a bit since the thunderstorms last week and the fishing has improved a bit.
The temps are still in the 60′s and the fish are hanging in there, fighting well and releasing well.
The fishing is still the best down below the bridge on the California side or on the Nevada side of the river. The best time to fish is still in the morning up until about lunch time but the water has cooled off with the air temperatures a bunch.
There are still plenty of Hoppers around and attractor dries or dry dropper rigs are working as well as anything.
Weather over the next week look promising and it looks like the river may survive the summer. We still need a big winter for sure.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
August 24, 2014 
The East is running at 42 CFS right now, since the flow dropped earlier this week we've had a few decent reports, mainly from the Nevada side.
The water temperatures are still good and the fish are healthy but overall it's been pretty tough down there.
We've talked to a few anglers who have been able to land 4 or 5 fish but most anglers have not fared so well.
The fly patterns that have been successful from what we've heard have been dead drift crayfish, san juan worms, chubby chernobyl, rainbow warrior and silver streak.
There are definitely fish to be caught, some down below the bridge on the California side as well as on the Nevada side but keep in mind it's not going to be easy.                 
Sceirine Ranch:
August 24, 2014
The ranch has also been a little tough though there are some nice fish being caught. With the current water conditions don't expect to have a 30 fish day, but then again, any time on the water is good time! 
Hunewill Pond:
August 24, 2014
We haven't had anyone on the pond this past week, as the weather cools the weeds should subside and the fishing should get better out there, we'll keep you posted when we get some good news!  

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 8/25/14
Flows currently at 43 CFS & trending downward last few days.
We are not guiding here by choice.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
August 24, 2014
The West is very low and clear right now but the fishing is still hanging in there. Bait anglers are using salmon eggs and baby crawlers, lure anglers are using panther martins, mepps and rooster tails. Fly anglers are doing well with hoppers, ants, humpy's, royal wulff, prince nymph and pheasant tails.       

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 8/25/14
Flows are low & the water is very clear.  
Hit the canyon and Pikel meadows sections.
Dry/dropper bead head nymphs like crystal olive caddis, tiger midges, broken back tigers, assassin birds nest, &  flashback PT’s are all good calls fished below a Stimulator or hi vis caddis or BWO adult as your indicator.:

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are extremely low and warm.
Limits have been lifted, but due to water conditions, the trip isn’t worth it.

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