Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fall fishing report for week of Oct. 15

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. 15-21, 2014.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This week the weather is expected to be nice and fishing should be good at the alpine lakes as the trout get ready for the long winter at high elevations.
Standard nymphs for the high lakes include soft hackles, hares ears, PT’s, small damsels, small 20-inchers and anything with olive or peacock herl.
Popular dries include renegades, royal trudes or coachmen, red or yellow humpies, stimulators, elk hair caddis, hoppers, ants and beetles.
If you aren’t a fly fisherman, bring a clear plastic bubble you can fill a bit with water and put a fly about three or four feet below it and give that a try with your spinning gear.
Smaller worms, rooster tails, spinners and even Power Bait are all working.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina:
10-12-14
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will close Oct. 19, 1 p.m. Fishing season ends Nov. 15.  
Only one week left in the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing season, but fishing season at the Lake continues until November 15th.
The Lake continues to drop at about 2-3 inches a day.
The catching part of fishing picked up a bit this week.
The DingleBerry Inlet is still your best bet with Nightcrawlers, Jigs (Sierra Slammers) or Power Bait. Trolling is still on the slow side. Drifting has not done much as there has not been much of a breeze (but the breeze part is going to change). Shore fishing with Power Bait, Nightcrawlers or tossing Lures.
Lillian Gilbert of Apple Valley made her PaPa Jeff proud catching her first trout on Salmon Eggs. Way to go, Lillian!
The deer are still visiting, both in the morning and evening – tis quite a sight to see them right out the back kitchen door – they particularly like the rhubarb leaves and apples in the yard. 
North Lake and Willow campgrounds are closed for the season.
Camp Sabrina is scheduled to close on Wednesday, October 15th – getting a bit cool at night for the potable water.
Temps are expected be in the low-70s on Columbus Day, a cold front comes in Monday evening along with some breezes and temps drop to the low-60s on Tuesday and then down to the high-50s on Wednesday and back up into the low-60s by next weekend. The lows are now getting down into the low-30s – yup, it’s Fall. DON’T FORGET YOUR JACKETS & YOUR WOOLIES! 
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 forecast for the higher elevation or take a look at Howard Sheckter, our local weather ‘guesser’ report at www.MammothWeather.com. 
Remember the sunscreen, ponchos and dark polarized glasses. The glare off the water is tough on the eyes.
And if you have allergies – PACK YOUR MEDS.
It’s tough breathing out there for some - what with runny noses, stuffed noses & watery eyes, believe us, we know!
One other important item – bug juice, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, cologne, perfume, or any other foo-foo juice is like a fish repellent. If you use any of these items you’re basically using fish repellant, and will need to wash your hands, then apply Bite-On fish attractant or rub your hands in worm dirt or pour some Salmon Egg juice on your hands… anything to get the foo-foo stink off your hands.
The Café is closed for the season. We will continue to be open for boat rentals, tackle, snacks and cold drinks until October 19th at 1:00pm.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parchers Resort (760-873-4177) (sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
Fish & Trail Report
Updated 10-5-14
Summary & 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 - 3lb range.
Jigs & trout worms were tops for the cast & retreive 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.
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.
Sierrally,
Jared Smith & the Parchers Resort Crew

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 12, 2014
The Reservoir is fishing very well right now both from boats and from the shore. Bait anglers seem to be doing the best with crawlers, mice tails and power bait. We've had a few good reports from anglers throwing lures like thomas bouyants, kastmasters and rapalas.
There are lots of fish in the 1 to 2 pound range being caught as well as pretty good numbers of fish in the 3 to 4.5 pound range.   

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Bridgeport Reservoir 10/14/14
The RV Parks are open. Shore/tube fishing is possible. Water levels very low.
This fishery closes on 11/15. Opens the last Saturday of April 2015

CAPLES LAKE, CALIF:
John Voss of the Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888) (www.capleslakeresort,com) reports:
Fall fishing is showing us some awesome trout – caught trolling with a broken-back Rapala by Caples Lake Resort guests, Ken Richardson and group, on Saturday, October 11th.
The water temperature is 56 degrees and cooling.
The Fall colors in Hope Valley are still spectacular.
Caples Lake Resort will be open with cabin and boat rentals through October 19th. We will be in our “Fall shutdown” in November with Cabins 7 & 8 available. We will re-open up for the winter season Christmas through March.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is good for 10 to 12 inch trout.
The old standby of worms or Power Bait are both working.
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 even in the late fall on warm afternoons. 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 rooster tails should also be effective.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Dear Don,
At the Resort this week some nice sized fish were weighed in at the store but not the numbers we have seen in the past.
So if you prefer quality over quantity, the fishing is was right up your alley.
The second largest fish (7 pounds 10 ounces) of the season was hooked this past week. Another was just shy of 6 pounds. The fish seem to be holding a little deeper then they typically do this time of year. 
Anglers trolling with lead core are the most successful at about 6 to 7 colors. The trolling lure of choice this week was the White Pearl Bikini Needlefish.
Spoon lures (ie Thomas Bouyant) and Powerworm/Micetail rigs are working well but you need to get deep. 
Don't forget about the old reliable inflated nightcrawler or garlic Power bait.
Catch of the Week: 
Stacey McIntosh from Toluca Lake, CA hooked a monster 7 pound 10 ounce toad. Stacey was using a Red/Gold Thomas Bouyant and he was fishing near Hangman's Tree from a pontoon. Congratulations Stacey on a great catch! 
Other notable catches this week:
Steve St. Germain from San Marcos, CA caught a 5 pound 12 ounce lunker.
He was using yellow garlic Power bait and he was fishing the South Shore.  
Any other week this would of been the "catch of the week". Great fish Steve!
El Rancho Dons from Pico Rivera, CA landed a 3 pound 12 ounce rainbow while fishing at the Inlet. They were using Power bait.
Ed Kaiban from Glendora, CA hooked a 3 pound and 8 ounce rainbow.
He was using an orange Power worm and he was fishing north of the Inlet. 
LeRoy Klemmer from Palmdale, CA with a stout 4 pound 13 ounce rainbow. LeRoy was using a nightcrawler while fishing along the South Shore.  
Sue O'Brien from Pacerville, CA landed a beautiful 4 pounds rainbow. 
Sue was using a nightcrawler and she was fishing near the Jetty. 
Tactics/Bait: 
Thomas Bouyants was the lure of choice this week and are often the lure to use at Convict Lake. Red/Gold was the top performing color.
You can't go wrong with a red/gold Thomas Bouyants. 
A lot of different colors of Power bait were working especially anything with garlic. The most successful Power bait colors were yellow and orange. 
Don't forget about the old reliable inflated nightcrawler. 
The Hangman's Tree was fished very well this week. This was the location of the 7.10 pounder. The South Shore was also another hot spot.
Other locations fishing well were Inlet, Jetty, South and North Shore. 
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Sierra Slammers, Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Rooster Tails, 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: 
NOW RUNNING!! 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 start of the week looks to be quite pleasant. Looks to be a typical fall forecast. Highs are going to be in the low 60's and the lows in the mid 30's. The forecast is calling for mostly clear skies throughout the beginning of next week. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 7:00 am - 7:06 am and Sunset 6:26 pm - 6:17 pm. 
Stocking: 
No stockings are 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 10/14/14
As the season winds to a close on Crowley, we continue to see amazing fishing most days. The numbers of twenty inch fish have been staggering this fall.
Consistent areas are Hilton Bay, Sandy Pt., Alligator Pt., Layton Springs, & Six Bays. 9-13 feet.
The slope east of Sometimes Bay called Stormy Flats now has a concentration of fish. Good area for tube access in nice weather.
Success using the still water nymphing method depends on position & conditions in a given area. The fish can be concentrated in a location, but wind direction & barometric pressure will dictate how your day will go.
As a very general rule…try to position yourself in shallow water fishing towards deeper water. Fish the “lee”, or down current side of a drop-off or peninsula.
Streamer fishing has slowed down due to above average chironomid activity.
As the weather continues to become more seasonal patterns like Loebergs, Punk Perch, crystal Vanderleeches, & Agent Orange will once again be effective. 
Water temps are cooling & the fish are migrating to the “gut” of the lake.
The “Island” off Hilton Pt. 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.
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.  
CDFW has been planting micro sub-catchable sized fish-big brown trout food.
Special angling restrictions now in place.
Pinch those barbs down, love them and leave them, no scented or live bait please.
The boat launch closes on 10/31/14, the lake remains open for tubing and shore fishing with special regs until 11/15/14.

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

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Temperatures have cooled off, but fishing is still hot at Frenchman Lake.
Briana Nickelson from Reno caught a nice rainbow trout south of the dam. 
Her catch weighed 3.27 lbs and was 20 inches long. 
She was floating nightcrawlers.
Bobby and John caught 2 18" rainbows at Crystal Point with power bait. 
A couple reportedly caught a 2 ½ lb. German Brown in the creek.
Trollers are doing well with nightcrawlers and Dodger flashers.
Please call us for current lake conditions and updates on the fishing.
Wiggin’s Trading Post.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed.

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 10/14/14
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.
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:
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:
There is about seven to ten feet of open water between the shore and the weeds, then about five feet of weeds and then open water.
There are even a few channels through the weeds so shore anglers are having a better time getting their bait to the fish and fishing has been good.
Two anglers contacted this week said they got their limit in a fairly short time.
Anglers should try Power Bait 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.

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 12, 2014
Kirman has been a little tough this week, it sounds like the brookies are still trying 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.
We expect it to pick up as soon as the fish move off their beds.

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.

MARLETT 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.

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 10/14/14
Fair “catching” here for medium rainbows and a few browns.
Some large migratory rainbows now holding in the deeper pools.
Steady action while nymphing the deeper holes above the bridge, although numbers have not been as good as recent weeks.
Hopper activity slowing down with the cooler weather in the morns.
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, & Agent Orange will get takes when used with a light sinking tip line.
Special angling regs in effect.
Open year around upstream from the Benton Crossing Bridge. Closed from the 
Same regs as Crowley Lake downstream from the monument to the lake proper, this section will then close on 11/15.
Middle Owens River (Bishop area) 10/14/14 
Flows have dropped to 134 CFS & conditions are very good drifting the lower sections, & wading the wild trout area.
Numbers have been excellent off the drift boat, 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 some hi-vis caddis adults & 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.
This fishery stays open year around. Special regs from the footbridge at Pleasant Valley campground to the fishing monument 4.5 miles downstream. 

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.

RUBY LAKE NWR, WHITE PINE, COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water temperatures continue to drop and bass fishing is pretty much done for the year. 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.
With cooler water temperatures, slow down your retrieve when fishing for bass.

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 10, 2014
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 5,000 CFS.
Limits of salmon being caught daily. Salmon fishing the Sacramento River today was awesome, limits !  All of our boats catching fish.
Fishing the Corning , CA  to  Balls Ferry area. 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.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
San Joaquin River 10/14/14
Flows are at winter levels-very, very low. 
This is a year around fishery.
Hwy 203 closes to vehicles after the first significant snowfall.

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:
Water temperatures have finally dropped into the high 50’s, and the algae, while still there, is definitely receding.
Weeds are dying back, though the warm afternoons are allowing them to hang on a bit longer than usual.
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.
Anglers report fair to good fishing along Jet Ski Beach and the south end.
The eastern shore on either side of Tomera Cove has been fishing well, especially for fly rodders using nymphs.

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.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 12, 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 4 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.       

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 12, 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 having success with thomas bouyants, kastmasters and panther martins.
Lots of nice 1 to 2 pound fish as well as a few going from 2 to 4 pounds lately. 

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
John and Carolyn Webb of the Virginia Lakes Resort (760-647-6484) (vir@qnet.com) report:
October 5-11, 2014 VLR Fish Report 
Weather: - (sunrise/sunset)
Sunday -          34º  6:54-6:34 - Clear and warm with a high of 72 degrees
Monday -         36º  6:52-6:37 - Clear and calm with a high of 78 degrees
Tuesday -         37º  6:56-6:31 - Clear and calm with water at 49º at 8am and 52 at 11:30am, clouds building by 1pm
Wednesday -    39º  6:57-6:29 - Clear and warm, 12noon clouding up
Thursday -       41º  6:51-6:28 - Clear and warm
Friday -            34º  6:52-6:26 - Clear and warm
Saturday -        32º  7:00-6:25 - Overcast and calm, cleared by 1pm
Aspens from the resort to 3 miles toward US395 have pretty much blown off, and the remaining aspens from that point to US 395 are a beautiful yellow with some green remaining and now orange all along the Virginia Lakes road, and some are in a multitude of colors and WILL peak this weekend which is the normal time for this elevation, but it's hard to speculate with the cold morning temperatures we've been experiencing for the last few days.  Watch the Mono County Tourism site for more details. 
Snow is gone, except for the peaks of the White Mountains just east of Bishop.  
Fishing was good but you had to work for them. 
Large trophy fish seem to be hiding and only a few have come out but have been returned to the lake or anglers are just not bringing them to weight. 
Lots of limits came out this week, and the parking lot was a mass of confusion on Saturday with everyone on their last trip of the season looking for some great trout angling.
BAIT:
Salmon eggs were the number one bait for the week, mouse-tails, and a few crawlers worked on and off along with rainbow glitter power bait along with pink power worms.
LURES: 
Not much news, but try small red/gold Buoyant's, and small gold spinners 
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, Deer Hair Caddis 16, when 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 Black Gnats size 12 and 14. 
Big Virginia, Little Virginia and Trumble Lake conditions for the evening bite are still favorable if you know the temperature to fish and the ripple to watch.
FLY RODS: 
Black Matuka's, BH olive wooly buggers, and Hornberg's have all been doing well during the day.  Hornberg's are also working great at Big V.  Midges:  Pheasant Tails #18, BH hare's ear#, small copper bead black zebra, and copper bead red zebra. 
Trophy trout stocked by the County Enhancement program during the summer are sporadically coming out of both lakes and providing a great action. 
You have to work your magic and get through the crowds.  
BACKCOUNTRY: 
Lack of hikers has greatly reduced the fishing pressure and the water temperature is starting to drop at higher elevations so you will have to work for them.  You might get some action late morning or early evening on small flies on most of the lakes, so 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, and small lures, mostly gold. 
Some power bait is working but I continue to recommend not using it as there are more fun ways to fish when hiking without the added bulk to your daypack. 
I encourage everyone to keep only what they can eat, it is a resource that should be of value to every angler in the Eastern Sierra.
If the trout bleeds, it’s yours; PLEASE do NOT 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!
This is my last report for the season, and should anything develop, I'll post it on the web-site. 
Have a great winter, and let's pray for a lot of snow for water to refill all the reservoirs, lakes and streams with plenty for the ski resorts.
May you all have a Happy, Healthy 2015, see you on the water in late April!
Carolyn

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, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker River:
October 12, 2014 
The East is running about 20 CFS right now but with the lower water temperatures it's actually not fishing too bad.
The best sections to fish are still either down below the bridge on the California side or all the way down to the Nevada side.
Dry/dropper rigs are still the best thing going though there has been a few good reports on streamers.
Most anglers are reporting 4 to 8 or 9 fish for a half day on the water with some fish pushing the 20 inch mark.
Patterns to try include zuddlers, moal leeches, jj special, chubby chernobyl, fat albert, madam x, stimulator, flashback emerger, san juan worm, zebra midge, rainbow warrior, silver streak, miracle nymph and top secret midge.                    
Sceirine Ranch:
October 12, 2014
We had a few anglers on the ranch over the weekend and they had a great time, most of them reported landing 9 or 10 fish with most of them running in the 16 to 20 inch range. Dry/dropper rigs were also the best here this weekend with the same patterns as listed above working.
Hunewill Pond:
October 12, 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 us 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 10/14/14
Flows currently at 21cfs. I was taught if you do not have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all…
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:
October 12, 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 10/14/14
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.
This fishery is open year around along Hwy. 395 with special regs after 11/15.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water temps are in the 50’s, the algae and weeds are starting to clear and fishing is picking up.
Trout should be moving into the shallows looking for food early morning and late evening, then hanging off shore in a bit deeper water during the day.
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% full and the boat ramp is out of the water and not useable.
The surface water temperature is just under 60 degrees and fishing is starting to pick up for trout.
While the weeds are dying back a bit, the algae is still in full bloom. The water is turbid with algae and fishing is fair for both trout and bass.
Same lures, baits and flies that work at South Fork Reservoir should work here.

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