Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for Sept. 16 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 Sept. 16, 2015 and beyond. Note: Nevada Department of Wildlife fishing reports for Western Nevada waters are not included as their reports have not been updated since June 4.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass fishing has been slow, they are dropping the water and they do not like it.
— Courtesy of Western Outdoor News

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, though the tiger trout seem to prefer small spinners or flies.
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:
September 14, 2015
DON’T FORGET THE JACKET (even if it’s warm in Bishop)
WATCH OUT FOR ALL THE WILDLIFE especially if you’re on the road around dawn or dusk.
WATCH OUT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS!
It’s that time of year when words just aren’t enough to describe the colors around the Lake. A bit earlier than normal, but maybe Mom’s gearing up for a dumping!
The Lake’s still dropping about 4 – 5 inches a day (do the math – that’s over two feet a week).
Had quite a few days of clear skies, but a wind shift and the smoke is back, but this time it brought a few clouds that are producing a bit of rain – we’re sure hoping this will help with the fires – ALL the fires.
Catching, this week is good – lots of fish from the Inlets and around the rock piles. Once again, lots of families getting out of the heat – it was pretty warm in Bishop over the weekend.
Fish the Inlets with Nightcrawlers, Power Baits or Jigs.
Troll deep with Lures with some red on them.
Drift the rock piles with Nightcrawlers or toss Jigs.
Shore fish with Nightcrawlers, Power Bait or toss Lures (remember the red).
State stocked us today, Monday, this week.
Some nice fish coming out of the Lake.
Louie, Josh and Maria Medina worked together to land a nice 3-1/4 pounder using a Tasmanian Devil. Local John Ruopp of StarLight caught a 3-3/4 pound beaut on a Thomas Buoyant. The Dodders – Heather, Kyle, Kim, Chris – pooled their fishing skills to come away from the Lake with 2 trophy fish and a few more for good measure using Power Worms and Jigs. Friends Jim-Bob Sampson, Turk Naseiro, Bob Severson and Todd Olson picked up limits of dinner using Power Bait and Sierra Slammers. Uncle Richard Randleman taught Dillon (5) and Dakota (8) how to catch a limit and limits they caught. Dillon’s first ever – when asked how he caught them – “on a fishing pole”. Jacob Mayeda used the Power Bait/Salmon Egg combo to pull in a 3-3/4 pounder.
Good job, All!
The Eagles, Osprey and Great Blue Heron are still gliding over the Lake – sure is quite breathtaking looking out and seeing them.
Also had a few deer coming in for the Apples and had a bear cruising the shoreline down where the dock was.
Yup, the dock has relocated to dry land and with that, the pontoon boat is out of the water for the season.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing has closed the Cafe.
THE STORE AND BOAT RENTALS ARE STILL OPEN!
We’ll still have homemade pie and homemade ice cream along with ice, candy, chips, snacks, soda, water, beer and wine available.
Please note our Fall hours:
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing Fall hours starting September 7th, 2015:
Boat Rentals & Store Hours CLOSED WEDNESDAY
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7:00am to 7:00pm
Café – CLOSED (except for Homemade Pie & Ice Cream)
September 18-20 is the Millpond Music Festival, an amazing, relaxing and fun weekend in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. Featuring an awesome & eclectic mix of performers on the Main Stage, workshop tent performances, children's activities, art vendors, and great food too! On-site camping is available. For more info check out: http://inyo.org/
Fall is here! One day is warm and sunny, the next cool and wet, so with that in mind – here’s MAYBE what to expect this week.
Getting wet on Monday and maybe Tuesday with a slight chance on Wednesday and there’s a good chance of some stronger breezes thru Wednesday.
Temps during that time period will be on the cooler side with highs on Wednesday at the Lake in the high 50s and lows in the high 30s. By the weekend, it’s back up to the high 60s and low 70s with lows in the low 40s.
Hopefully, this rain will help the fires and there will be NO smoke.
You can check out the weather forecast according to Howard our local weather ‘guesser’ at www.MammothWeather.com.
You can also check out www.weather.gov – enter Aspendell, CA (which is the little community right below Lake Sabrina) in the search field and you’ll get the webpage to see the temps.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake is at an abysmal 8.5% right now and it won't get any better!  
Fishing here has been pretty good as fish are really concentrated. 
Small car top boats, prams, and float tubes.  Be careful about driving down to the shoreline as most areas are like quicksand!  
Best spots to fish here are around the dam in the morning tossing small minnow imitations, larger spoons and spinners for the browns that cruise here early and outside the inlet for trout looking for colder water temps. 
Nightcrawlers, Rapala's, Power bait, small Kastmasters, and jigs have been good for Rainbows and Browns.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF: 
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
September 13, 2015 
As with the East Walker, the reports for Bridgeport have been scarce.
We still haven't had any good news from the shore but the few anglers who are getting out there in boats are still doing pretty well.
There's has been some fish up to around 4 pounds being brought in mostly on bait. Crawlers, power bait and mice tails have been doing the best.
We expect the trolling to pick up as the weather cools and hope to see some nice rainbows and even some browns show up as the season winds down.                  

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 9/13/15
Reports have some nice rainbows getting caught by the dam during the cooler days, & early mornings. There is a small boat launch/courtesy dock near the dam that will get you on the water. Water is low and warm, get those streamers down near the bottom by the dam.

BUCKS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Try running watermelon dodgers with Uncle Larry’s pink tiger spinners or needlefish spoons for Trout. 
-Courtesy of Western Outdoor News

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.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing is slow. Anglers can expect a few Chinook to start moving into the estuary in late September.
Anglers are reminded to check regulations before heading out.
Starting Sept. 1 and running through Nov. 3, there are gear restrictions upstream of river mile 2.2.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 9/13/15
Still getting some nice fish if you can find clean water.
Crowley is experiencing it’s fall “turnover”.
The blue algae bloom is negatively influencing the water conditions at times.
This dynamic is very normal, & in cycle with the natural changes that occur here.
We look for the cleanest water to spot up on when this situation is happening.
The algae bloom drifts with wind driven currents. It’s concentration governed by a steady breeze. Boats have advantage during this period as they can move with the shifting winds to locate cleaner water.
Fish are holding in 12-17 feet.
McGee Bay can be excellent if a prolonged westerly wind pushes the goo offshore into the main body of the lake.
The north end shares this dynamic as well.
Conversely; Hilton Bay & Crooked Creek can be the place to be in an extended southerly wind condition.
I also look for areas “downwind”; or in the lee of significant aquatic weeds to post up. The weed acts as a filter, & can scrub the water, making for better conditions.
You also are in good position to hit fish hunting perch fry along the edges.
The lake level is surprisingly holding steady as the LADWP continues to bank water. As reservoir levels go in the west; Crowley is far higher than most 
considering this horrible drought.
Chironomid hatches will remain strong during periods of high pressure.
Gillies & crystal mergers, & midge pupa patterns are good calls as the upper flies during hatches. Twin gillies, or a broken back gillie as the upper- along with dark zebras,  copper tiger midges,
BB tigers and zebras will get you take downs during pupal ascents. If you locate some clean water along the weeds, try an assassin, punk perch, or crystal leech as your upper fly.
Hang a midge pattern as the dropper below an Under-cator.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Davis is starting to pick up.
The water temperatures are dropping despite a very warm spell last week.
Fish are rising in the mornings and eating emerging Blood Midges which carries right into a Callabaetis hatch by late morning.
Access is a huge issue for boat anglers with the low water.
A better idea is to fish from shore or from a tube or pontoon boat.
There are some fish in very shallow water right now so you just have to hit it on the right day and keep your eyes peeled.
Nymphing with Albino Wino’s under an indicator is also a great way to fish right now. The fishing should only get better and let’s hope for a good fall season at Davis.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Don Rotsma of Fly Fish With Don (775-722-8418) (www.flyfishwithdon.comn):
Lake Davis - Sept 09, 2015
Fall fishing is almost here.
Lake and stream temps are dropping in most cases and it is safer to handle fish.
Be careful as we get some fluctuations in daytime temperatures and changing water temperatures during this next few weeks.
Davis and Frenchmans are picking up with cooling temps and many of the fish are big and healthy.
Be aware that boat ramps for medium and large boats are not usable at this time with low water and you need a small boat or other floating devices.
Hey wading is great this time of year.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Similar to Stampede besides the depth, this lake needs some help, water temps are warm, nothing reoxygenating the lake, not a deep lake for the trout to escaped to a comfortable thermocline, and lots of weeds, 

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake is at 65% capacity.   
Throw everything you have at the trout now, ie:  power bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs and combinations of these baits, spoons and spinners of different varieties.  By casting closer and then working your way out a little further one can detect what depth the trout are cruising and having patience is key to success now.  
Mornings will be your best bet here as this lake hasn't seen a stocking in about 2 months now.  
Next year's Kokes are still being caught around the humps between Loch Leven and China Cove and still some nice Macks being caught in deeper areas of the lake by jigging or trolling along with those little shakers.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bobber fishing continues to be good, starting around 5:30 AM. At the Eagle Nest area anchored in 50 to 70 feet. Or troll in tight to the shoreline between Ronald McDonald Camp heading towards the Eagle Nest homes with Red Dogs, Gold Locks.
-Courtesy of Western Outdoor News

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Frenchman Lake Fishing Report
09/14/2015
On September 12th, Gary Larson from Reno Nevada was fishing around the Dam at Frenchman Lake and he said he caught and released about 20 smaller trout, only about 6-10 inches in length but he did catch two keepers, averaging about 18" each. He was using nightcrawlers and was fishing mid afternoon. 
On September 13th, Mitch from Reno Nevada went fishing at Frenchman and caught a 2.64lb rainbow trout using nightcrawlers. He was fishing by the Dam. Around the Dam and the creek coming out of the lake seem to be the places we are getting our feedback being the lake is very low. 
Camping is open at this time at Spring Creek, Big Cove, Cottonwood, and Chilcoot Campgrounds. They open to reopen Frenchman Campground in October after the new water system is in place. 
Come to Chilcoot and browse around the store- antique and collectibles now, old farm equipment for sale.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing- Wiggins Trading Post (530) 993-4683

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lake is at 27-percent capacity.
Wiggins Trading Post reports fishing was very slow for trout and fair for catfish. Frenchman boat ramp and camp grounds were closed due to the low water level.
-Courtesy of myoutdoorbuddy.com

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Nothing going on here, sorry folks.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 9/13/15
Tough fishing here, with minimal water.
Some good caddis & micro mayfly activity currently. Dark bodied, or natural colors for the caddis bodies are the hatch.
Light olive to gray for the Mays. Keep them well dressed to ride high in the foam. Pheasant tails, & bird’s nest patterns are best for nymphs.
Small parachute midge; or mayfly patterns used with a 10 foot leader are best for surface presentations when the fish are on the midges/or clusters.
There are a few sections that can be fished with a dry dropper nymph rig.
The hoppers are now present. A stimulator is a good profile for them. Use these in the wind, as the terrestrials get blown off the banks, & the trout hunt for them along the shoreline.
Try my hi-vis caddis pattern, it works well here. Dead drifted broken back zebras, small gillies, scuds, flashback PT’s, or assassin birds nest bead heads in #18 are good calls for the dropper. Size 18 or smaller crystal olive caddis larva or zebra midges are good calls as droppers.
This is a year around fishery with special regs in place.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is slow to 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.
Expect the fishing to start picking up here in a few weeks.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
 Lake is officially sitting at 58% capacity.  
Fishing from boat has been best in 35-45 feet of water with Needlefish, Wedding rings or similar lures tipped with nightcrawlers have been the most effective.  Don't discount using Rapalas as some of the larger trout have gone for these.  
Some nice rainbows being caught around the Dam and smaller planters off the Pass Creek area.  
Some days are good and some days are not.  Hey, it sure beats work! 
Best areas here for the boaters has been Southwest corner of the lake and across the dam. 
For shore fisherman going for DFW stocked Trout they will be pretty eager to bite on nightcrawlers floated with a mallow or power bait, while those throwing hardware are using small Kastmasters, Roostertails, and Panther Martins.

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.
Fishing has been fair to good for bass for those anglers who have a canoe, small rowboat or float tube and get get on the water 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:
September 13, 2015 
Unfortunately of the couple reports we received from Kirman this week none of them were very good.
The water is extremely low right now and the anglers we spoke with were unable to catch any fish while there.
Hopefully the weather will cool down very soon which will bring the water temps down which will increase the activity on Kirman for the Fall.
We'll keep you posted when we know anything more.            

ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Bass bite has tapered. The lake level is dropping and bass are in a slow, post-spawn mode. A few nice bass can be had with top water lures in the main body of the lake or the middle fork. 
-Courtesy of Bass Tackle Depot

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 9/13/15 
Flows have finally moved up a little to 110 CFS.
A passing cold front will cool the water temps down this week and should improve conditions.
We will begin drifting, and tossing streamers in the near future.  
Caddis & small mayflies are present below the dam at PVR.
Have some #18/20 light bodied adults, light assassins #18, and FB pheasant tails for nymphs, #18 & 20. Caddis emerge when the barometer goes up. Use hi-vis caddis #16 & 18.
Nymphing with crystal olive caddis larva, assassins, and broken back midges are also good when the hatch is off.  
Dry/dropper bead head rigs can be effective in the deeper riffles.
The bass have moved up from the lower sections of the river, and migrated through the canals from Buckley Pond into the Owens. Even the wild trout section has numerous bass now.  
This fishery remains open year around.
Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.7 miles downstream.
Upper Owens/ McGee Creek 9/13/15
Dry dropper method is the way to go here.
Conditions are good here with a few larger fish moving up from Crowley.
A few nice cutty’s & browns in the deeper holes.
The sections up from Benton Crossing are much better. You can get into a few decent browns on caddis, and last generation BWO adults at times. Some larger browns hitting crystal leeches fished with a sink tip in the deepest pools.
Stimulators, hi-vis caddis, & natural caddis are good calls for dry flies.  I like a tandem nymph rig in the deeper pools using an assassin, FB PT, or crystal leech as the upper-put an egg, or smaller Assassin as the dropper.
Flows are low here (40cfs) with aquatic weeds an issue in the lower sections below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
McGee Creek proper has some small browns and a few decent rainbows.
Dry dropper rigs, & nymphing with FB PT’s, Assassins, & olive crystal caddis below an Under-cator, or hi-vis caddis or hi-vis para BWO will work. 

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 night crawlers below a bobber will catch fish.

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Pleasant Valley Reservoir 9/13/15
Levels have been “yo-yoing” the last two weeks. They are currently trending upward & are at 4381′.
The small river section has been best for numbers of smaller rainbows, & browns-use dry/dropper bead head nymph combos here.
Forget fishing the river, or inlet if the hydro station is ramped up due to hydro power generation which can happen at any time.  
Heavy weeds are now present in the transition section near the inlet, and along the lakes shoreline.
Stimulators, hi-vis para BWO’s, or hi-vis caddis may be used as the upper fly-use crystal olive caddis larva, flashback PT’s, Assassins, broken back or crystal tiger & zebra midges as your dropper bead head nymph.
Tubing  has really picked up from the launch ramp, up to the inlet section.
Streamers like Loebergs, Agent Orange, Crystal leeches, & Spruce-A-Bu’s will get you into some nice browns, & larger bows in the rez proper.
Use a full sinking, or heavy sink tip line to get down 10-15 feet quickly. You can also fish “Crowley midge style” in the rez near the drop-offs.
Fish chironomid patterns below an Under-cator. Gillies, broken back midges, crystal emergers & pupa patterns. Tiger & zebra midges are always a solid choice for your larva pattern.
This fishery is open year around.
The Gorge 9/13/15
If it gets nasty up the hill, this is a good option in the fall.
The Gorge could be classified as the true “tailwater” from Crowley Lake.
The fish here are all wild browns with a large one going 16 inches. Moderate/difficult hiking is required to access the more secluded sections.
Watch out for rattlers.
Rock hopping and bush whacking can be expected.
Dry/dropper bead head nymph combos work well in the deeper pools.
Use PT’s, Assassin birds nest, broken back midges, tiger midges, & crystal olive larva patterns as the nymphs. Hi-vis para BWO’s, Stimulators, parachute midge adults, & elk caddis, & hi-vis caddis are good choices for your dry fly.
Pack in water, have cleated wading boots and a stout staff. 2-4wt. rods are perfect for this water.
Snakes may be out early!

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Lake has dropped slightly to about 25% capacity. 
Recently, a decent Smallmouth bite around the dam and along the shoreline for those who prefer the Bronzebacks to Trout.  With the recent pressure this lake has seen the Smallmouth have become quite picky.  Some GOOD reports of stocked rainbows and some stocked Cutties in the Prosser Creek arm. 
Use small flashy lures for these guys and if that doesn't work go with nightcrawlers and power bait.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY,NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Pyramid opens October 1st.
There are already plenty of Tui Chubs schooling up around some of the deeper drop off beaches.
The water is in the high 60’s on the surface and has a shot at staying in that range for the next 10 days at least. Hopefully we can get some cooler weather before the end of the month to help.
Once the lake opens fish areas that offer access to deeper water for shore fisherman. Block House, Sand Hole and all along the South West Shoreline has this type of access.
Some anglers will look to spend some time in their tubes or pontoon boats as well. If you are one of those anglers use some common sense and don’t fish alone and watch the weather.
Banded Balanced Leeches and Maholo Nymphs fished in deep water under an indicator is going to be a good way to go.
Try water in the 10-25 feet range.
Deep Water Wooly Buggers fished on a fast sinking line is also going to catch some fish in the same depth range.
A lot of the more shallow beaches will most likely have grass issues for shooting head anglers.
Jigging techniques will help to keep your flies or lures out of the grass.

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 six inches over the past month and a half and fishing has been spotty.
It’s getting tougher to launch a boat at the main ramp but it can still be done, though the gas motor boats are stirring up the bottom on the way out of the boat ramp area. However, stay away from the Narciss boat launch you can’t get a boat in the water there.
Bass fishing is still fair to good, with the afternoons being the best time, which is when the water is at its warmest.
Get out soon, because with the projected cooler air temperatures, the water temps are going to drop quickly here with all the springs and the bass bite will really slow down.
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:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
September 15, 2015 King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River. 
 The river is at 7,200 CFS and steady.
Sacramento River salmon fishing has finally turned ON! 
Catching  over 25 salmon this weekend between 5 boats out was an amazing weekend.  There are more fish on the way and that break in temps,  helped bring up a nice rush of fish.  More salmon will continue to make their way up river. Bouncing roe and back trolling Flatfish lures is way to bring in the big kings.  
We are fishing every day.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
As of  September 15, 2015 water flow is currently 7,200 CFS and steady.
Lower Sacramento River fishing report - Lower Sacramento River Rainbow trout fishing is fantastic.
Over 30 fish days on the Sacramento River right now for Rainbow trout. 
Water is clear and low. We are fishing from Redding to Anderson , CA, Bonneyview Bridge to Jellys Ferry Bridge is excellent.  
The largest fish have been caught the last few days in the Bonneyview area.
Working great is egg pattern, Cinnamon Pupa, and  PMD’s.   
We are spin fishing and fly fishing. 
            
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 9/13/15
The flows are really low here. Locating water over a foot is difficult.
The trout will hit surface imitations in the #14-18 range.
Look for shady areas along the banks deeper that a foot.
Make upstream presentations, staying on the “tails” of the fish.
I like hi-vis para mayflies, Stimulators, and  hi-vis caddis patterns as a point fly.
Tie a two foot dropper off the hook bend and add a blue winged olive or natural caddis adult.  Dry/dry tandems are effective and can really help you see you imitations in riffle water, or shadows.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
SALMON /TROUT Shasta Lake fishing, catching Rainbow Trout and King salmon, trolling Shasta Lake main body, also around the dam area.
Rainbow trout fishing is good for trout and salmon.
We are fishing 60 to 100 ft deep depending on the time of the day.  
Using triple teasers and rolling shad.
 -Courtesy of SacRiverGuide.com

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
September 15, 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:
The weeds and algae are still in full force, but they should start to die off soon as the water temperatures begin dropping. Probably won’t see a significant change for a few weeks.
Trout fishing is slow to fair and bass fishing is fair to good depending upon the day. 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.
Trout anglers should be trying damselfly nymphs, leech patterns, hares ear nymphs, wooly and crystal buggers.
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 black bass.
The inlet, where the river comes into the lake, is also a good spot to target both trout and 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 for bass.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 13% capacity.  
Surface temp is 68 degrees here, which is driving the Kokes and Macks to the deepest portions of the lake. 
With a stocking of trout weeks ago shoreline fishing has picked up but morning will be your best bet for success!  
Kokanee and Macks are holding in the deepest portions of the lake now at about 70-80 feet.  
The bite has been tough recently and jigging has been a viable option for these guys now.
Use scents and anything else you have to get these finicky fish to bite.  
There is a film that is being seen on this lake and it has to due with the lack of incoming water.  
Again, shore fishing will be decent for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware. 
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves. 
Some big smallies here, but you'll have to work hard for them.  

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The water temperatures have come down some on the river which is the good news. Hopefully water temperatures don’t come into play for the survival of the fish until next summer now.
The bad news is the flows are still really low and probably won’t change until we start to see some rain and or snow this fall.
The bad news part 2 is that most of the fish did not make it through the summer.
Between anglers taking advantage of fish pooled up in shallow water in many spots on the river, very warm low water and some predators, there are just not many fish left.
The pools that two months ago had as many as 1000 fish fighting for their lives are down to in many cases 20-50 fish.
The good news part 2 is that some fish are going to make it and eventually the river could get naturally repopulated but it is going to take years of good water conditions. Thank you to all the anglers who left the fish alone this summer.

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.    
Not sure what to say as temps below the Boca outflow are good for the trout but with flows at 90 CFS I still wouldn't fish.  T
hat goes for many of us as these trout just survived a brutal summer and are now on the mend to make a recovery. They are like a boxer just getting up off the mat from being knocked down, let them get that count to gather themselves and then you can get at them. For me that would be after the browns spawn in October/November and by that time hopefully winter has arrived and my thoughts of fishing will have waned until the spring.  
Many should focus on Pyramid opener in October as the season there is being slated to be very good.  Just my opinion that I hope many will share.  We've waited this long why not wait a little longer.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The Little Truckee is down to 9 CFS. This is a huge bummer considering there is not much water in Boca Reservoir either. The Little Truckee system has most likely taken a fish count plunge as well. The Little Truckee is not a very good option at these flows and it is advisable to wait until the flows come up.

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:
September 13, 2015  
The Twins are still hanging in there with some very nice fish up to around 8 pounds making a showing.
Trolling deep is still producing some quality fish with Rapalas, Thomas Bouyants and Kastmasters.
Bait anglers are using mice tails, power bait and crawlers.
The fly anglers are having the toughest go but there has been some success with streamers like simi seal leeches, matukas and seal 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:
September 13, 2015  
The Virginias are still producing some nice fish as well though I haven' t heard of anything over about 4 pounds lately.
Power bait, mice tails and crawlers for the bait anglers, Thomas bouyants and kastmasters for the lure anglers.
Fly anglers are best off with leech patterns, small nymphs and they're still bagging a few on top with beetles and ant patterns.   

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Weather: (7am Temp  First light/Last light)
Sunday 30º 6:02/7:41 Cold-clear to 4pm, hazy with smoke on the north and east horizon from Conway
Monday 32º 6:02/7:39 Cold clear with haze returning around noon.
Tuesday  42º 6:02/7:38 Warmer this am, great during the day.
Wednesday 50º 6:04/7:36 Clear, but clouds came in and stayed until closed
Thursday 51º 6:05/7:34 Clear, warm, light haze with more clouds
 Friday 45º 6:06/7:33 Hazy, warm, calm with clouds building, smoke moved in at 7pm
Saturday 44º 6:07/7:31 Light smoke 7am, short blasts of wind 11am with clouds all day and light smoke
High pressure will begin to break down and slide east this weekend, as low pressure moves thru NORCAL. What this means is some mid level clouds and slight cooling into Monday and Tuesday.
Possible convention over the mountains on Sunday and Monday.
Until then, above normal temperatures, with the longer nights helping to moderate those temps just a bit.
Once again today there will be a slight chance of thunderstorms over the mountains of the Southern Sierra.
That's if you can see the clouds from the smoke that is.
UPDATE:
Rough Fire has grown to 103,244 acres with 31% containment. 1,900 personnel have been assigned to fight the fire. Rough Fire is still the largest active fire in California.  Inyo and Mono County will continue to be plagued by smoke and haze this week. 
The weather continues to be on the warm side during the peak heat of the day but the breeze continued through most of the day. 
The week was mostly clear with 6:30 am temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to 51. 
The stock truck arrived Wednesday with 300 pounds.
The heat kicked in Wednesday and the smoke hovered over the Mono Basin until late Thursday then haze moved into Virginia Canyon slightly dulling the sky. Saturday the haze was light smoke but not enough to drive away fishermen.
Also, Desert Springs trophies were planted on the 3rd. 
The fishing just took a huge upswing due to the cooler water and the double stock, but I think the fish have been sipping the feel of fall in the air.
The aspens are 50% yellow and 50% lime with more turning yellow daily. 
It still looks like an early year for color change, stay tuned!
BAIT: 
Salmon eggs and marshmallows are still doing well due to the drought, glitter orange power bait, lime power worms, mice-tails with pink/white head and red/tan head, orange/red head,  pink power worms, pinched Gulp worms large and small and especially inflated crawlers all did well in taking fish.
LURES: 
The best action was on Kastmasters, gold Hot Shots, silver Super Dupers, and red/gold Buoyant's.
FLY AND BUBBLE:
The main hatch had been very small surface midges, a few emergers and dragonflies, every Caddis in the Sierra is here to get away from the smoke in the surrounding areas so fish the top with olive elk-hair caddis, Hemmingway caddis, Solomon caddis, Grey Hackle Peacock, yellow/gold mosquito, and small Griffith's Gnat, soft hackle yellow bead-head. 
Also try some foam ants, dark Chernobyl ants, Dave's hoppers (small), blue-grey hoppers (small) and black beetles. 
Best action is when there is a chop on the water which is usually late afternoon to legal limit at night.
FLY RODS: 
Flying black ants took over on Monday night, it was like watching a drill team water dancing.  Bottom midges (larvae stage) might get more action, try pheasant tails, zebra's and hare's ear, but change often until you find the key to the warm weather trout syndrome.  
Here's my new designed fly called "mice fly Tail", but my fingers are still too split to tie.  I'm going to use dark olive acrylic yarn tied in a ball with red acrylic yarn in the center and black and olive silly rubber for the extended body with a small weight inside to give it more substance to wiggle. 
Gonna work on them this winter.
BACKCOUNTRY: 
Fishing has been fair to good depending on temperatures using dry flies with a bubble or fly rod with black fur ants, small #16 Stimulators, Coachman, olive elk hair caddis, beetles, lures and worms.
Early morning and early evening is the best time for good action.
Please keep only what you can eat, it is a valuable resource.
Also, if the trout bleeds, it’s yours, PLEASE don’t throw it back into the lake, it will die.  If you care about the resource please be careful when releasing fish back into the lake.  Also, IT ATTRACKS BEARS.
Trophy Trout Little Virginia/LV, Big Virginia/BV, Trumbull/T
Bon Miskic of Fremont, 7 lb8 trophy on a worm Sept. 11, LV
Omar Zavala of San Diego, 5 lb 3 trophy on a lure Sept. 9, 2015 LV
Chuck Mol of Vista, 6 lb 5 trophy on power bait Sept. 10, 2015 LV
Russell Pierce of Riverside 5 lb 6 trophy on a midge, Sept 9, 2015 LV
Sandy Sanborn of Reno NV, 5 lb 1 trophy on a mice tail Sept. 11, 2015 LV
Randy Tomasegovich of Citrus Heights, 6 lb 2 trophy on a olive woolly bugger, Sept. 11 BV
Don Pierce of Granada Hills, 5 lb 7 trophy on inflated crawlers, Sept. 11 LV
Walt Norman of Hollister, 6 lb 6 trophy on a crawler, Sept. 11, LV

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
September 13, 2015 
The flows on the East are still in the 20 CFS range and though we haven't been getting very many reports from the river most of the ones we are getting are not too bad. Key things to think of when heading down there are to focus on the deeper pools and runs, be sneaky so as not to spook the fish and try to get your drifts in sync with the river flow.
If you take your time and get all your ducks in a row you should be able to pull out some nice fish.
There are a few stand-out patterns that seem to be working the best which include: Fox's poopah (green), san juan worm, LaFontaine's deep sparkle pupa (green), rainbow warrior, mercury midge and micro mayfly.                     
Sceirine Ranch:
September 13, 2015  
We haven't had anyone on the ranch this week, as soon as we get some reports we'll let you know!              

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 9/13/15
Running at 20 CFS. Go elsewhere.
This fishery is open year around with special regs in place.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
September 13, 2015  
The West is running very low and clear right now but there are still some nice fish being caught.
Spin fishing in the mornings and evenings has been pretty good with panther martins and rooster tails, during the day go with salmon eggs and crawlers.
Fly anglers are still having success with dry/dropper rigs, hoppers, stimulators and humpy's on top and pt's, zebra midges and micro mayflies underneath.

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 9/13/15
Flows are low here; but this location is running better than most of the freestone creeks in the Sierra.
Dry dropper rigs are my choice for fooling the trout in the deeper pools and runs. I like a Stimulator, hi-vis para BWO, or hi-vis caddis as the upper fly. Hang a crystal tiger midge, Assassin, or FB PT about 2-3 feet off the dry.
Pikel Meadows is a fun spot to fish with plenty of area to fish. Winds can make it tough, so get on the water early.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water is still thick and green with algae and the surface water temperatures are getting cooler and should be in the mid to high 60 degree range now.
Few if any anglers are visiting Wild Horse, and those that are, find fishing slow.
Most anglers are having to work hard just to get a fish and in the heat of August, probably isn’t worth the trip.
However, if you are in the area on a hunting trip and have some time to kill, you may want to try your luck on the water. While you won’t catch very many trout (expect 1 a day), when you do catch one chances are it is going to be over 20 inches in length.
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:
Wilson seems to have the best water conditions of most of the high desert reservoirs in eastern Nevada.
However, due to irrigation, the water level has dropped as it usually does this time of year though launching a boat is still easy.
Trout fishing has been slow to fair, while bass fishing is fair to good.
Just like at South Fork early morning or late evening seems to be the best times for both bass and trout. Surface water temperatures in the mid 70’s but should start cooling over the next few weeks.
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 for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com