Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Oct. 8

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Oct. 8-14, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Between windy conditions and the lake turning over, water clarity has been very bad.  A lot of scent is required on all of your presentations for fish to find it. Barring any more big wind, water clarity should improve as the week progresses, allowing the trolling bite to rebuild.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing continues to be good at Angel Lake as the surface water temperatures are in the mid 50’s.
This reservoir seems to do better with worms over Power Bait and with small black and gold or green and gold spinners and rooster tails.
For flies, just about anything olive or with peacock herl for nymphs should improve your chances. Red and yellow seems to be the best color for dries.
Hopper patterns are very good right now, though after the cold front they won’t be as effective.
A popular rig is a small yellow stimulator with an olive soft hackle fished about three to four feet below it. Fish this near brush, rock faces and rocky shorelines.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina: The catching part of fishing is on the slow slide.
The DingleBerry Inlet is still your best bet with Nightcrawlers, Jigs (Sierra Slammers) or Power Bait.
Trolling is a bit better than it was last week using lures or Nightcrawlers.
Shore fishing with Power Bait or Nightcrawlers or drifting thru the channels using Nightcrawlers.
Kenny Jableck of San Diego caught a nice 2-pound rainbow using a Nightcrawler, while Darin Heisch of Simi Valley pulled in a 3-pounder, also on a Nightcrawler.
Still have the deer around looking for a bite to eat, this week they found the apple tree down by the gas pump.
North Lake and Willow campgrounds are closed for the season.
Camp Sabrina is scheduled to close on October 15th – getting a bit cool at night for the potable water.
Temps are expected to be about the same for the week – highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-30s for lows – no precipitation in the forecast for the week – we best be starting to dance.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Updated 10-5-14
Summary and Trail Report
After a nice touch of weather last week, this week jumped right back up in temperature with above normal temps soaring well into the high 60's and even the low 70's as canyon visitors, mostly leaf peepers, gathered in droves to enjoy this glorious first weekend of October.
A few thru-hikers tricked into our store this week but for the most part day-hiking has taken over activities in the backcountry with evening temps still dipping down into the mid to low 30's.
Backcountry fishing reports were far and few between but some really nice backcountry Rainbows were caught in this area, mostly on the fly.
Some good fishing on Brookies was reported out of the backcountry behind North Lake as these fall spawners have started to get a bit more aggressive in the past weeks.
Bishop Creek South Fork: The bite really slowed down this week with folks wondering if perhaps the cold snap was a factor, or of the absence of a DFW stocking truck for over 2 weeks was the predominant factor. In any case, limits were certainly reported this week for folks working hard on the stream covering lots of territory.
Folks expecting to pull a limit out of their one favorite hole on the other hand were mostly disappointed. Those who were the most successful in the stream were using finesse tactics including ultra-light line and very small hooks (size 10 or less) drifting single salmon eggs or small pieces of nightcrawler fly-lined (meaning no weight) in slower moving pool or with as little weight as you can get away with in the fast moving sections.
Fly fishers were able to connect on small Brookies and Browns with a few Rainbows too in some of the lesser fished areas.
Weir Pond: We didn't see anyone but photographers at Weir this week so not much in the way of a fishing report aside from folks remarking that "there are a lot of fishing jumping in that pond".
Intake II: It was feast or famine at the Intake this week but those in the know are catching 'em. At one point we had back to back customers in our shop reporting a group skunk and the next group limits.
Those who did best had one thing in common - salmon eggs for bait. This is hardly typical for the season as soaking salmon eggs in still water for Rainbows is usually what we see in the spring, but for whatever reason, this is the second week in a row where red Salmon Eggs, most preferring the Pautzke's, were your best bet for a limit.
Some folks drowning crawlers under a bobber in the flats or inflated off the bottom in the deeper sections managed some fish too, especially those adding garlic sauce like Bite-On to the equation.
Let's hope DFW makes a return to the canyon this week to spruce up what is usually a killer fall bite.
North Lake: I haven't had to say this all season long but truth is truth and here it is - North Lake was very slow this week (gasp!).
The small lake which usually has folks raving about the excellent fishing and is typically where I send families looking for easy shore access with good catching (not just good fishing), had most visitors scratching their heads and coming home empty handed.
Lake Sabrina: The bite at Lake Sabrina has finally slowed down this week but those who put in the time and effort still walked away with fish, including a few slugs in the 2 - 3-pound range.
Jigs and trout worms were tops for the cast and retrieve folks with Sierra Slammer grasshopper worms, matchstick jigs and grasshopper jigs accounting for decent numbers of pan sized Rainbows.
Bait fishing at the inlet was still fairly steady, mostly on inflated crawlers and brightly colored garlic Power baits.
Trolling small Rapalas, crawlers on Dave Davis flashers and Kastmaster/crawler worked pretty well also as with the fish being fairly spread out, covering a lot of water helped put fish in the boat.
For more info, pictures and reports, visit www.LakeSabrinaBoatLanding.com.
South Lake: No reports this week. They continue to work on the intake structure at the lake and hope to finish within the next several weeks before winter arrives.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake level very low here at only 16 percent capacity. 
Small car top boats, small aluminum boats or float tubes here, water level is too low to launch anything else.  
Fishing by the dam in the morning has been good along with the inlet portion of the lake more towards the evening. 
Lots of Personal Water Craft or Jet skis ripping around the lake during the day so look for morning and evening fishing to be more productive.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 06, 2014
The reservoir has picked up a bit more from the shore, we seem to be getting more and more good reports as time goes on!
There were a lot of nice 3 pound rainbows caught this week but we didn't hear of any browns.
Bait fishing from the shore has been good with anglers using mice tails, crawlers and power bait. Also casting lures like thomas bouyants, kastmasters and rapalas has been good. Fly anglers should do well with seal buggers, wooly buggers, hornbergs, and soft hackles.   

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 10/5/14
The RV Parks are open. Shore/tube fishing is possible. Water levels very low.

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
A beautiful 3 pound brown trout was caught 10/3/2014 at Caples Lake on a black fly (topwater) by Kirkwood, Ca. resident Stephen Wong.  
Caples Lake is down about 11 feet from full and the water temperature is 56 degrees and cooling down. 
The resort still has fishing boats and kayaks in the water and cabins available thru summer season close, on October 20th. 

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Again, little or no change here as water levels have remained steady all summer and fishing for 10 to 12 inch fish has been good when the weather cooperates.
The old standby of worms or Power Bait should both work.
Fly rodders should be using small olive buggers, Cave Lake specials, hares ears, small leeches and chironomids. Dries fished with a dropper, especially along the weed edges can be very effective here. The usual arrangement of dry flies such as Adams, elk hair caddis, royal coachmen, stimulators and renegades are all effective for dries, while soft hackles, prince nymphs, PT’s, hares ears and small leech patterns make great droppers.
Black/gold or green/gold spinners and roostertails should also be effective.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Temporary regulations have been adopted for the Chetco River starting Sept. 1.
Anglers should check these regulation changes prior to fishing the river.
Chinook are showing up in good numbers in the estuary and a few are even moving up to the head of tide. Anglers trolling the bay with anchovies have been catching quite a few Chinook. 

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
A good number of quality fish were caught this week at Convict Lake.
Trolling has remained hot and is always an excellent fall tactic.  
This week anglers drowning bait and tossing lures had the best results.
Patient anglers from boats and posted up on shore were catching some nice fish with inflated nightcrawlers and any garlic scented Power bait.
Also jigs like Power worms, Mice tails and my favorite, Sierra Slammer swimbaits were hooking up.
We are just 4 weeks away from the Morrison's Bonus Derby Weekend. $2000 in cash prizes. The bonus weekend derby starts Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Ambush at the Lake Derby will be running until the end of the 2014 fishing season, Nov. 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.

Catch of the Week: Congratulations to Kathy Crose from Simi Valley, Calif., with a toad caught at the Jetty.  She was using Power bait when she scored a 5 pound 4 ounce rainbow for the "catch of the week." Great job Kathy!

Other notable catches this week:  C.R. Woody Medlin from Norwalk, Calif., with a stout 4 pound 10 ounce rainbow. Woody was using a Nightcrawler and he was fishing the Hangman's Tree. 
Peter Sessoyeff from Redwood Valley, Calif., hooked a nice fish while fishing along the North Shore. Peter was using a yellow and red Flatfish when he landed a nice 4 pound 1 ounce rainbow. 
Dave Cavalli from Santa Barbara landed a 3 pound and 15 ounce rainbow. He was using a garlic Power bait and was fishing at the North Shore. 
Chris Ortiz from La Jolla hooked a fat 4 pound 1 ounce rainbow while using Power bait. He was fishing at the east shore.
Russ York from Boron caught a quality 3 pound 11 ounce rainbow. He was using a Sierra Slammer and was fishing at the Outlet. 
Josh Black from San Gabriel, CA caught himself an excellent 4 pound 2 ounce rainbow. He was fishing an unknown location referred to as "Da Spot" and was using a nightcrawler.  
Bob Gomory from Rancho Cucamonga, CA hooked a Convict toad while fishing along the North Shore. Peter was using Power bait when he landed this 4 pound rainbow.
Tactics/Bait: Some of the top performing lures this week were Thomas Bouyants and Kastmasters. Gold, red and silver were the hot colors on the lures.
Other lure that landed some nice fish were Sierra Slammers and Marvel Fly.
The red/gold swim bait is my favorite Sierra Slammer to fish with and the purple Marvel Fly.
For trolling use a rainbow Rapala, Needlefish or Tasmanian Devils.
The most successful Power bait color was peach. Any Power bait with garlic scent or adding it to garlic dip continued to be deathly.  
All along the North Shore and areas near the Outlet were the hottest spots this week. Other locations fishing well were the Inlet, South Shore and Hangman Tree location. 
At the creek give salmon eggs or Velvetta cheese a try.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green, purple or brown Marvel Fly Lures, 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 started on September 1st and will run until November 15th.
Come join us for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Bonus Cash Weekend on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
The forecast for the beginning of next week will be mostly clear and sunny. Highs are going to be in the high-60's and the lows in the high-30'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 6:54 am - 6:59 am and Sunset 6:36 pm - 6:27 pm. 
Stocking: 
No stocking scheduled for next week.   

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:  
The bite here has improved with nicer weather this last week.
Some good reports from Alligator Point and Christmas Bay in 8-12 feet of water with copper zebra midges and Stevie's Wonder gray/black.
Also the perch fry are abundant so a matuka or an olive woolly bugger on  a sink tip or a full sink line has been productive as well.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake: The excellent weather and high barometer have the fish on the chew after the frost comes off.  9-14 feet off Alligator Pt, Layton Springs and Six Bays have been the hot spots early. Sandy Pt. and Big Hilton (on fire today) can go off later in the day.
That is not an optical illusion you are seeing in the middle of the lake north of Hilton Bay. McGee Bay and the North Landing areas have really thinned out recently. Water temps are cooling & the fish are migrating to the “gut” of the lake. The “Island” is now totally protruding and look likes a volcano has popped up!
We are seeing very low water on Crowley this season.
The fall turnover is beginning with some algae bloom around.  It will increase as the water continues to cool.  
There are solid chironomid hatches (midges); however the larger fish prefer small TUI CHUBS & perch fry.
Use an assassin, drifters punk perch, or crystal leech as the upper fly for perch or chub imitations. My killa-baetis (callibaetis mayfly) imitation is a great trail fly behind a Loeberg or punk perch.
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 bb zebra midge, dark or copper crystal tigers, or crystal zebras 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 using perch fry & chub patterns is very good currently.
Work the drop-off around Six Bays. 
Loebergs and #12/10 Punk Perch, Agent Orange and Crystal leeches are great patterns for streamer fishers here.
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 and chubs are perfectly sized for streamer fish’n right now. CDFW has been planting micro sub-catchable sized fish-big brown trout food for sure. 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:
Water temps. have dipped into the upper 50’s. Fish are starting to get a little more aggressive for sure. The weeds are just starting to die back a little.
Callabaetis, Blood Midges and Chironomids are all out in force, especially on non-windy days.
Stripping Wiggle Tails with a smaller dropper like a Callabaetis nymph, Damsel or Snail pattern on an intermediate line is a great way to go.
Hanging Nymphs and Midges under an indicator in 4-8 feet of water is also catching fish. Snail patterns are also worth a try.
The mornings have still been the best time to be on the water but you can fish all day now with the lower water temperatures.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fly fishing is still slow, but is improving for anglers at Lake Davis, according to J&J Grizzly Store and Camping Restaurant.
“One angler reported catching and releasing 3 rainbows from 20 to 21 inches long this morning,” said Graham. “He was fishing orange Wooly Buggers off Jenkins Point.”
Trolling has been slow. Boaters are experiencing the top action while fishing rainbow garlic Power Bait and worms around the Big Island, said Graham.
“Shore fishermen are finding the best action early in the morning and late in the evenings in Mallard Cove while tossing out nightcrawlers,” she advised.
Brown bullhead catfish offer the hottest action on the reservoir.
“Shore anglers are hooking lots of cats averaging 1 to 1-1/2 pounds while using worms in Coot Bay and off Camp Five,” she added.
The lake is 58 percent of capacity and surface water temperatures range from 68 to 72 degrees.
Courtesy of the Fishsniffer.com. 

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
This lake was stocked heavily a while ago but still continues to fish well! 
With temps in the low 70's for the week it's a great time to get out in the morning and evenings to fish though this lake will put fish out during the day. 
Mack fishing here has been fair and jigging for these guys  have been good at depths from 70-100 ft and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has still be good with fat little guys ranging from 10-12 inches in 45-80 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove and some larger Kokes in the 13-14 inch range on the opposite shore from the boat launch suspended 60-80 feet in 100-120 feet of water. 
Kokes haven't turned yet but will soon so now is the time to get out and fish for them!  Also, for the boaters, there is a section off the shoreline at the State Park where the depth drops off quickly and lots of fish are concentrated there.  
Small Macks have been busy cruising the shorelines in the morning and evening picking of small rainbows.  Throw imitations that will mimic these and smaller baitfish now in these dusk and dawn hours to be successful!

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The thunderstorm that blew through over the weekend slowed the fishing action and led to the cancellation of the One-Fly Fly-fishing tournament.
Still, several people caught rainbows and browns using Woolly Buggers in dark colors such as olive, purple, and black with orange.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water conditions are a little murky following the heavy rains and resulting mud flows. Anglers have found slow fishing overall, but have caught fish on Power Bait or dark colored nymphs and Woolly Buggers.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
There are some kings being caught here at the bottom, middle and upper ends of the river. Down low, the anchor crowd at the color line at Verona has been seeing slow to decent fishing, deepening on the day while fishing K15’s and spinners.
Anchor anglers fishing plugs above Shanghai Falls are also seeing a few spurts of fish moving at first light.
Up around Thermalito, there are some dark springers and a few moderately bright fall fish but the flows are low, warm and grassy and it’s mostly a crack of dawn type of deal. 
Courtesy of fishwithjd.com.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
10/04/14
Fall fishing is getting off to a great start here at Frenchman Lake.
The weather is mild, the fall colors are everywhere and fishing is great at the lake.
We had a report from a fly fisherman who was fishing at Big Cove.
He says red Copper John’s and Pheasant Tails are working well.
Frenchman campground will remain open until October 15th.
Deer season opened here last Saturday, October 4th and goes till October 19th.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Frenchman’s is low but the fish are big and healthy.
Callabaetis have been hatching mid-morning and plenty of midges around.
There have been some fish caught in the shallows but the best way to approach Frenchman’s has been with a Deep Water Lake Leader and hanging Maholo Nymphs and Midges in 9-16 feet below the surface.
The takes are quick and you have to be ready. Keep slack out of your line and keep your rod tip on the water. The best time to fish this technique is when there is a little chop on the water. Late mornings have been the best time.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fall fishing is getting off to a great start here at Frenchman Lake.
A man from Graeagle caught two 18 to 20 inch rainbows from his kayak while trolling flashers and power bait. While he was fishing he saw 3 fly fishermen catching some nice sized rainbows near Frenchman boat launch.
Another man from Reno, a regular at Frenchman Lake and often mentioned in this fishing report, caught 4 rainbows totaling 9 lbs. (1 fish weighed 3.07 lbs.!). He was bank fishing from the dam with night crawlers.
Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is now 3 CFS.
Try an attractor dry like a stimulator  with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds.  Heavy weed growth makes accurate casting a must. With cooler weather and shorter days the weeds should begin to break down soon.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Hot Creek 10/5/14
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.
This is hopper time in our region.
Windy periods are best to toss terrestrial patterns.
My hi-vis caddis & hi-vis para BWO are good choices to fish the faster slot water that has less weed.
Hopper imitations are good call in the early fall-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.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels have stabilized and anglers report good success for fish between 12 and 17 inches. Most anglers are having success with Power Bait.
Float tube anglers continue to report good fishing for trout primarily early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Best area seems to be in the area where the creek enters the lake.
Minnow imitations, natural baits and wooly buggers on a sinking line are all worth a try here.
Shore anglers report good luck on the west side of the lake and at the inlet where the creek enters the reservoir.
Other flies this time of year should include prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ears and damsel fly nymphs.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
At last visit, this lake was still weedy.
With the cold front, wind and rain that moved through last weekend, the weeds may start breaking up, though anglers should plan on bringing a small boat, canoe or float tube for best chance at success.
Anglers report fair fishing for 13 to 16 inch trout and a few bass.
Anglers should try PowerBait and worms or small spinners fished slowly.
Fly rodders should give hares ears, PT nymphs, zug bugs and prince nymphs along with wooly buggers a chance.
Fish are averaging 10 to 17 inches in size with most anglers using small spinners, minnow imitations or flies.
In mid to late October fishing for trout from shore should start picking up.

JIGGS/ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This once popular fishery has been dry for a number of years.
But lovers of Jiggs do not despair. Starting in mid to late July work will begin restoring the dam, deepening the area closest to the dam and adding bentonite clay to the bottom to help it hold water.
Work is to be completed in October and if we have a good winter, anglers should be able to fish it in the spring or summer of 2015!

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Grant - Gull - June - Silver Lakes and Rush Creek:
Rush Creek flow is up to 26 CFS and fishing has improved.
Try a humpie or stimulator with  a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 06, 2014
Kirman has been a little tough this week, it sounds like the brookies are starting to try to spawn and often they get a bit of lock-jaw when they're sitting on beds. There's been a few fish getting caught but overall it's been a little slow.            

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
While anglers are finding the bite to be on the slow side, the areas near Community Park and Casino Row are still producing. The fish are generally on the small side, but when a school comes through anglers have been able to reel in some bigger fish.
The area around Big Bend State Park has given up some good fish.
A couple of young anglers each brought in a trophy fish, one weighed in at 3.74 pounds and another at 14.78 pounds.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
George Lake - Mary Lake – Mamie Lake – Twin Lakes:
Fishing was better last week and all the lakes are well stocked.
Try Upper Twin with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or olive or try hanging a callibaetis nymph under an indicator

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:

Closed.

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!

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Closed.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers targeting striped bass have had better success over the week by jigging deeper. Despite the abundance of live bait, fish are hitting on artificial lures. Sunrise continues to be the best time to hit the water. The black bass species are hitting occasionally on shad but primarily on lures in about 45-60 feet of water.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anchovies have been the top bait during the past week, and have been bringing in both stripers and catfish. Catfish have been hanging in the backs of coves with anglers finding the best action at night. Anglers are catching striped bass near Willow Beach or in coves, mostly in the early morning hours.
Bluegill and redear sunfish continue to be a popular game fish with anglers catching the fish on small jigs and night crawler pieces.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Crabbing has been good in the ocean from Bandon to Winchester Bay.
Fishing for bottom fish, including rockfish and lingcod will open back up to all depths starting October 1. The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two).
Retention of cabezon is now allowed but only one cabezon per day per angler.
The non-selective coho fishery is closed in the ocean.
Ocean fishing for Chinook is still open.
As of Sept. 21 there is still 35 percent of the nearshore halibut quota remaining.
The nearshore halibut is open 7 days a week inside the 40 fathom line through the earlier of the quota being met or Oct. 31.
The all-depth halibut season is closed for the year.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is steady at 50 CFS. The water is low and clear. Try caddis pupa, San Juan worms and egg patterns. The fish are scattered so cover lots of water.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow  has dropped to 175 CFS and fishing  is good. Not much surface action  but nymph fishing is great. WD40's , rainbow warriors, baetis emergers.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 10/5/14
Good “catching” here for medium rainbows and a few browns.  
Steady action while nymphing the deeper holes above the bridge.
Hopper activity kaput with the cooler/wet weather.
Water conditions are very good, although flows are very low.
You will find the river choked with weed in many sections down from the bridge. 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 49 CFS.
Short water tactics are necessary 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 soft 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, and Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area)
Flows are between 160-170 CFS, and conditions are near perfect for drifting the lower sections, and wading the wild trout area.
Numbers have been excellent off the drift boat, with a few bigs ripping line daily. There are solid hatches of fall caddis, tiny Trico mayflies, and some PMD’s. Birds nest patterns like Assassins, flashback PT’s, and hares ears make 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, green rock worms, or midge larva.
Have hi-vis caddis adults and hi-vis para mayfly adults for the morning hatch.
The chub and sucker spawn was immense 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 the “dip & strip technique” with heavy to moderate sinking tip lines.
Go to patterns are 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.

PROSSER RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is at 21% capacity and has been fishing great for the Smallmouth. 
Crayfish and minnow patterns have been good for the flyflingers and Crayfish crankbaits, Senkos, Panther Martin spinners, and live worms have been good for the rest.  Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results.  Smallmouth fishing here has been great in the evening hours!

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Valerie Taylor of Crosby Lodge (775-476-0400) (www.crosbylodge.net):
Hello all,
We couldn't have asked for better weather for the opening week of trout season. 
Opening day brought 1-plus foot rollers but it was sunny and in the mid 60's so we just didn't care...
The first big fish weighed in on opening day (October 1st) was a 15 pound, 12.8 oz 34 in hog brought in jigging from the bottom (80-90 feet) by my own hubby Larry Nunez (I got lucky with an 8 pound). 
We were fishing by boat off of Warrior Point using a Green P-Line minnow.
Today brought in a 17 pound, 0 oz and 32 7/8 in by John Thorton of Carmicheal, Calif., and a 13 pound, 0 oz and 31.25 in brought in by Nick Fissel of Roseville. Both fish were caught jigging at the Needles (color, etc not specified).
Al told, 38 fish were weighed in at Crosby Lodge since opening day and we can't wait to see what this season will bring.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Take care, Valarie Taylor
 Crosby Lodge

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Pyramid Lake is now open.
Early reports from opening day were pretty mixed.
The surface water temperature is still in the low to mid 60’s. This is fairly warm going into the season.
Boaters did the best trolling in 10-30 feet of water on the West side of the lake.
Shore anglers are going to have to deal with weeds for a few more weeks due to the warm water. Once the weather changes weeds will die off and the bottom will be more conducive to dragging flies and jigs along the bottom.
There were fish caught on most of the popular beaches in a variety of ways but Spin fishermen using lead head jigs seemed to do the best.
There is lots of bait (Tui Chubs) along the West and South end of the lake.
Seagulls are a dead giveaway to some of the numerous bait balls showing up in shallow water. There is plenty of action around these areas.
Minnow patterns fished with a fast sinking line for fly fishermen is a good way to go if you can figure out how to stay out of the weeds.
Using a float tube or a pontoon boat is also a good way to go if you are careful to keep an eye on the winds and weather.
Getting out into a little deeper water is an advantage right now.
Warrior Point is a great place to try out your float tube skills and there are plenty of fish and bait hanging out in this area.
Fishing should only improve as water temperatures cool and weeds die back.

RUBY LAKE NWR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water temperatures are the key now. Unfortunately, last weekend’s storms were very detrimental to bass fishing here. You may still catch a few bass, but it’s probably going to be best in late afternoon. Don’t expect to catch a lot, but this time of year can produce some nice sized largemouth.
Water levels are low and Narciss is nothing more than a mud flat.
The main boat ramp is still usable, though care should be taken especially on the west side of the dock which has a drop off below the ramp.
The collection ditch is hit or miss for trout though it should start picking up.
Small olive buggers, hare’s ears, damsel/dragonfly nymphs and leech patterns should all work.
The ditch is artificial lures and flies only.
Fishing in the main part of the marsh for bass is fair to slow.
Dark colored soft plastics with either some sparkle or a contrasting colored tail rigged weedless and thrown right into the tules are your best bet for bass.
With the cooler water temperatures, slow down your retrieve.

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.
Fishing has been slow. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
October 6, 2014
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 5,000 CFS.
Salmon fishing the Sacramento River today was awesome, limits ! 
All of our boats catching fish. Fishing the Balls Ferry area, the recent rain brought lots of fish up. Lots of fish in the river now. This is Prime time.
Salmon averaging in weight over 20 pounds, several fish caught over 30 pounds. Using Flatfish lures is the hot ticket.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing on the upper Sacramento has been good this week.
Lots of happy anglers are coming off this river with reports of nice fish, and numbers of them. The best reports are coming out the upper half of the river, but don't discount the lower reach.
We are starting to get good reports from Pollard Rd down.
Nymphs suspended under October Caddis dries is an excellent plan!
Look for good hatches of October Caddis near sunset along the upper river, above Sims Rd. Bring a few October Caddis nymphs and if you're out fishing at sunset, throw October Caddis dries.
Productive nymph patterns include #18 Gordon's Amber Wing Prince, #16 Brown Micro Mayfly, #8 Brown or Black Rubber Legs.
Not too much dry fly fishing happening, but anglers working the edges of tail outs can bring fish up throwing Fat Alberts, Foam-U-Lators, Golden Stones and Cutter's E/C Caddis.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 10/5/14
Flows are at winter levels-very, very low.
The wading 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 limited deeper pools and runs.
Sotcher and Starkweather Lakes were planted this summer and have decent conditions for tubing.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow is now 7 CFS. Fishing is slow.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This lake is still covered with algae and the weeds beds and mats are numerous.
As the nights get longer and the days start cooling down, expect them to recede.
Surface water temperatures are in the low 60’s which is getting into prime territory for trout fishing. With the cooler temperatures trout are moving into shore especially in the morning and early evening hours.
For trout, fluorescent green or orange/yellow seem to be the preferred colors of Power Bait. Fly rodders continue to catch fish using chironomids, hare’s ears, wooly bugger and leech patterns. Leech patterns suspended under an indicator near weed beds and close to shorelines should work great this time of year. Ditto for chironomids, though fish those over muddy bottoms.
Bass are still holding in the rip rap on the dam with one angler this week having a good day fishing along the dam.
Soft plastics and crank baits should both work.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Kokanee fishing here has waned as kokes are turning and with water levels at 24% capacity ( that's correct) it's a must to have 4-wheel drive to launch and even that's been risky especially with the recent rain! 
Everyone is now utilizing the area east of the ramp to launch their boats now.  
Kokes are spread out all over now and some are even starting to turn! 
Spinners, Hoochies, and Radical Glow Tubes have been go to lures in colors with pink, orange, and Purple. 
Best Dodger colors have been copper with any Orange and Pink in it! 
Look for Macks underneath these schools of Kokes and some larger ones still hanging out in the deeper sections of the lake around the dam. 
Trout fishing has been best in the coves up and down from the campgrounds and boat ramp. 
Smallmouth fishing has been great here too in the Davis Creek arm and some of those that are being caught have been pretty nice

LAKE TAHOE:
A continuing 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.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
River flows are 496 CFS. Nice! Fishing has been fair to good for salmon.
A few steelhead are in the random reports flowing into the shop in Redding.
Definitely a good time to go check the fishing out and find a steelhead or three.
Expect better reports as always come November.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF AND NEV
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
The river got a little boost from last week’s rain but that only lasted a day or two. The flows have dropped drastically again as of September 30th.
Last week’s report has not changed much.
The Truckee continues to get lower and lower. The flows coming out of Lake Tahoe have dropped from 18 CFS two weeks ago to 8 CFS last week. It has also been cut back at Donner Lake to 38 CFS.
The only kind of fishable stretch of River is in the Canyon section between Boca Bridge and the Nevada State Line where the flows are between 60-80 CFS. (Still Really Low). By the time the river gets to Mogul the flows are only 19 CFS and 55 CFS through Reno.
The Nevada side of the river should be avoided by fisherman at this time.
These fish are already going to have a hard time making it through the fall season. It is looking more and more like we will need a few years of recovery for a sustainable trout population on the Nevada side of the river.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF and NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Nice weather all week with lows in the 30's and high in the low to mid 70's. 
Water temps have come down and that means one can fish all day now!  
Fish are pretty concentrated now and everyone should put in the back of their minds what the river looks like now.  Take a careful look at structure that is now out or partly out of the water for a reference later when the water does come up. 
Very little water coming out of Tahoe and very little water coming out of the dam at Boca. Even though water levels are now low the fishing has been pretty good with some good dry fly fishing if you know time and place. 
Great time to use a dry dropper rig and cover some water! 
Nymphing will consist of Stones trailed by PMD, Caddis, BWO and Midge patterns have been great. 
Also, Crayfish are done molting but don't pass up on throwing a crayfish pattern in those deep holes and stretches that one can find on the Big T. 
Streamer fishing and dry fly fishing has picked up recently below Boca. 
That means not just nymphing!  Explore different stretches of water and give your old spot a break or try and fish the area lakes. Still, most fish will be taken by high-sticking the pocket water.  Lots of things on the menu now such as Caddis, Stones, Mayflies (PMD's, PED's), BWO's, Baetis and Midges.  If you're fishing dries consider using 4x-6x leaders now and when nymphing 4x-5x tippet.
Nevada:
 Caution!  If you do fish the Truckee in Nevada please be aware that New Zealand Mudsnails have been found in sections of water there so please clean your shoes and gear accordingly to avoid aquatic hitch hikers!  
Study the water and turn rocks and see what is going on, also seine for what is in the drift.  Little things like this and slowing your approach to the river’s edge will greatly increase your chances of being successful. 
Again, make sure your box is stocked with every conceivable stage of bugs that are present now!  (x) = drawer number.

TRUCKEE RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Rob Anderson of www.renoflyfishingoutfitters.com (775-742-1754) reports:
Flows remain at 40 CFS.
The moss is starting to dissipate some and it is getting a little easier to get a good drift without collecting gunk on your flies.
There has been a really good Baetis hatch on most days. They are in the size 18 range. Fish are definitely targeting Baetis both on the surface and below.
The river remains pretty busy due to the low flows on the Truckee.
Even though it pays to get there early to get a good spot the hatch does not usually start until late morning. Don’t get impatient and take your time when approaching new water. Spend more time observing and less time blind casting.
Make sure you have some dry shake for dry fly fishing and use no more than 5X tippet or even 6X.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 06, 2014
The Twins are still reporting great fishing, lots and lots of fish in the half pound to 1.5 pound range with some fish up to around 5 pounds being reported.
Mice tails, power bait, crawlers, thomas bouyants, kastmasters, rapalas are all doing well from the shore and trolling anglers are using rapalas, thomas bouyants and needlefish. We've also had a few good reports from fly anglers in boats or tubes stripping buggers and matukas with soft hackle droppers.       

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Judy Allen at Annett's Mono Village (760- 932-7071) (www.monovillage.com):
Upper Twin Lake:
With the cooler temperatures, the Browns are coming up and will head to Robinson Creek in the next few weeks. 
Many have been spotted, but only a few have been caught.
The bigger rainbows are hitting on a variety of lures.
Dylon Brown landed a 4-pound, 8-ounce while fishing with a wooly Bugger.  Dylon is 10 years old and lives in Bakersfield.
Carol Kaplan from Los Angles caught a 4-pound, 1-ounce while trolling with a silver Rapala.
Nightcrawlers and garlic flavored Power Bait are also a good choice of bait.
Water temp. is at 54 degrees.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 06, 2014
The Virginias are still fishing excellent both from shore or tubes.
Fly anglers are stripping matukas, seal buggers and stillwater nymphs with soft hackle and zug bug droppers. Bait anglers are doing well with mice tails, power bait and crawlers. Lure anglers are having success with thomas bouyants, kastmasters and panther martins. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
Snow is gone, except for the peaks of the White Mountains just east of Bishop.
 The week was mostly clear with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to a high of 41 at 6:15am and as high as 74 degrees during the day. 
Fishing was good  but you had to work for them as DFW stocked Wednesday. 
Large trophy fish are continuing to come out from Big and Little Virginia with some large trophy's being returned to the lake.

Bait:
Nightcrawlers and Mouse-tails and salmon eggs all did well, along with chartreuse glitter, rainbow glitter power bait along with pink power worms all saw great action.

LURES: Small red/gold Buoyant's, Rebels, small gold spinners and the October Rooster stopped working when the temps rose this past week and now the 1/4-oz gold Phoebe is killing them on Big Virginia.

FLY AND BUBBLE:  Same as last 4 weeks:
#16-18 Mosquitoes, #14 Grey Hackle Yellow and Griffith's Gnat size 16 or 18, black fur ants and X-caddis size 14, Elk Hair Caddis (naked caddis) also size 14-16, and blue damsels in the weedy areas and bug eyed olive damsels below the surface when day temp is at its peak. 
If you want to sub-surface, be sure and fill the bubble and place a small "fly-weight" about 12-16" above the bubble and do it when there is a ripple on the water and reel in with a consistent pace without causing a wake. 
Also working were Dave's hopper size 12 and 14. 
Big Virginia, Little Virginia and Trumble Lakes conditions for the evening bite picked up after last weekend's storm, another week of great weather is expected.

FLY RODS: Olive Twin Lakes special (dirty tail my version "Dirty Doc"), black BH wooly buggers, all have been doing well when the weather is warmer during the day. 
Oberg's are also working great at Big Virginia (Guinea and Mallard and also the solid mallard olive) I have to give credit to Mr. Loe for this design. 
Midges:  Pheasant Tails #18, BH hare's ear#, small copper bead black zebra, and copper bead red zebra. 
Lots of Trophy's that were stocked by the County Enhancement program are still coming out of both lakes and still providing a great action. 
Scott Linkletter caught and released a 7 pound plus rainbow on a black fly. 

Backcountry:  Traffic has greatly reduced the fishing pressure and it should be a lot of fun working a small fly on most of the lakes. 
Be sure and watch the water surface for bug action, and if you go, try Griffith's Gnats, black fur ants, and small hoppers, parachute black gnats, olive elk hair caddis #16, my naked Caddis (olive elk hair trimmed down the center) and #18 X-Caddis and small lures, mostly gold. 
Some power bait is working but I recommend not using it as there are more fun ways to fish when hiking without the added bulk to your day-pack. 
I encourage everyone to keep only what they can eat, it is a resource that should be of value to everyone.  

NOTE: 
If the trout bleeds, it’s yours; PLEASE don’t toss it back into the lake as it will die.  If you care about the resource please be careful when releasing fish back into the lake. Also, IT ATTRACKS BEARS!

VIRGINIA LAKES AREA, CALIF:
Blue Lake:
Don and Elaine Quilici of Carson City reported catching and releasing many small Brook Trout (5-8 inches) while they were spincasting with small red/white striped lures.

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 fly fishing on the East Walker is starting to pick up some.
Cooler weather associated with the fall season has helped tremendously.
The water is low at 22 CFS but it is cool enough now to not be so much of an issue. Don’t expect the flows to change much over the next few months.
Grasshoppers are fewer and fewer with the cold overnight lows and fish are really keying in on smaller bugs.
Baetis and Midges are the way to go for Nymphing.
It is still worth fishing a dry dropper rig but most of the takes are going to be on the nymphs.
Fish are still really spread out on the California and Nevada sides of the river. Take some small flies and get good drifts.
Wear neutral clothing and take your time approaching runs and pools.
The East Walker should be a good option for fishing the next couple of months.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
October 06, 2014 
The East is still running around 23 CFS right now. We've still been getting some decent reports from the river even though it's low. The key is to search out the deeper pools and slots where the fish will be hanging out.
The water temps have cooled down significantly and the fish are plenty healthy to be caught and released.
Dry dropper rigs have still been the most productive though we have had some good reports on streamers.
Patterns to try include zuddlers, jj special, moal leech, flashback emerger, copper john, zebra midge, micro mayfly, san juan worm, chubby chernobyl, madam x and stimulator.                    
Sceirine Ranch:
October 06, 2014
Haven't had any anglers on the ranch this week, if you want to book some time down there just give us a call!  
Hunewill Pond:
October 06, 2014
We haven't had anyone on the pond this week but the weather is still getting cooler so it should be fishing well, if you want to book some time out there just give is a call.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 21 CFS.  Low and slow. Try the Lower Owens.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
East Walker River 10/5/14
Flows currently at 21 CFS.
I was taught if you do not have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all…

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 06, 2014
The West is still hanging in there in spite of the low water flows, you'll need to search out the deeper pockets and pools where the fish are hanging out and sneak in on them for success.
Fly anglers are using dry/dropper rigs with hoppers or stimulators on top and a soft hackle, copper john or pheasant tail underneath. Bait anglers are using salmon eggs and mini crawlers and lure anglers are going with panther martins, roostertails and mepps spinners.  

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
West Walker River 10/5/14
Flows are very low but the water is clear.
You will be hard pressed to find a pool that is 3 feet in depth.
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.
If you can find a deeper pool around stocking points the LOEBERG is a deadly fly here. Light sinking tip, or just let it settle with a floating line.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
With the recent cold weather the surface water temperatures have cooled down into the mid 50’s. With this week’s projected highs in the 70’s the conditions are ripe for some great trout fishing here.
With the cooler temps and the high winds of last weekend, the algae should start disappearing. The water along the state park beach has been fairly clear for the past couple of weeks.
Expect fish to start moving into the southern end of the lake as water cools down.
Most shore anglers are having success using Power Bait or worms.
Launching large boats is not recommended at all. Only car toppers or boats that can be hand carried to the water are recommended.
Fly rodders continue to have some success with buggers, hare’s ears, leech patterns and chironomids fished from float tubes or kick boats. Just make sure you are using a full sink line and give it time to get the flies down deep.
If fishing chironomids a slip-strike indicator allowing you to fish the fly right on the bottom with a floating line.

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.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Wilson is 40 percent full and the boat ramp is out of the water. The surface water temperature is hovering around 60 degree. There is a ring of weeds around the edge. The water is turbid and fishing is fair for both trout and bass.
The lures, baits and flies that work at South Fork Reservoir should work here. Expect poor road conditions for a few days though with the dry warming trend it should be good to go sometime this weekend.

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