Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Oct. 23-30

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Oct. 23-30.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service (530-283-4103) (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:
You know for sure the fall bite is on when the fish are on the surface and that is where we have been catching them.
In fact the deepest fish we have hooked up this week has been a salmon at 18 feet, it became the second fish of a double hook up.
Most of the fish have been coming from the surface to 10 feet.
Most of my time has been spent on the east side of the lake but one day this week we made a few passes on the west side and were rewarded with some beautiful fish.
It was late morning when we dropped in just north of Rocky Point and in about 20 minutes of trolling north we had a 4 pound Bow and a 3.5 pound Brown and let me tell you these fish are hitting like freight trains, ripping the line out of the outrigger releases and screaming drag off the reels.
If you add in a few aerobatic leaps you have the right combination for exciting fall fishing, and we are just getting started.
Look for the next few months to be action packed with some of the best fishing of the year.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing is good as the brookies are ready to spawn and the tigers become more aggressive.
We are done for the year for hoppers.
Fish are still being taken on both dry flies and small buggers as well as nymphs that have green or peacock herl in them. Early in the day, have the nymph about three feet below the indicator, but as the sun climbs in the sky, start fishing the dropper deeper. PT’s, blue copper Johns, olive hares ears, and olive soft hackles all should be productive. Small olive wooly and crystal buggers on a sink tip line should be productive as well.
The usual small spinners, worms and Power Bait are also effective here for bait and spin anglers. Start fishing off of the bottom and move up in the water column if you don’t get any hits.

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River West:
Low and clear with planter rainbows being caught near the bridges.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
As usual this report sees little or no change from previous weeks as Cave is fishing like Cave, with anglers reporting fair to good catch rates of 8 to 10 inch fish.
The usual worms, small spinners and minnow imitations should work for spin fishermen.
Fly rodders should be using small Cave Lake Specials, zug bugs, prince nymphs, hares ears, PT’s, and small wooly buggers. Expect sporadic hatches of mayflies throughout the day so hare’s ears, PMD’s and elk hair caddis should all be tried if insects are flying.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Chinook fishing in the estuary has been fair.
As the river continues to drop and it gets later in October, anglers will see more chinook in the estuary.
The Chetco estuary fishery is not just for boats, as the fishing dock located on the south jetty is one of the better places to catch chinook.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Time is running out on hooking a monster Alpers trout before the end of the 2013 fishing season.
We just stocked Alpers this week and will stock another 150 pounds the week of October 28th. 
Join the fun by participating in the Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby. 
The "Morrison's Cash Bonus Weekend" is just around the corner. It runs November 1-3 and there will be $2000 in cash prizes. 
Since the start of our fall derby on September 2nd, 53 anglers have qualified for the raffle comprised of $6,000 in Resort Prizes. 
We greatly appreciate all our customers that made 2013 a wonderful year.
During Customer Appreciation Days come take advantage of some great lodging specials and the opportunity to enjoy Convict Lake one last time before the snow flies.
Catch of the Week:
Congratulations to Tom Wolfanger from Sacramento, CA with a great catch from Convict Lake. Tom was using a Glitter Power bait and was posted up on the South Shore when he landed a 3 pound rainbow. Way to go Tom!
Other notable catches this week: 
Patty Kolstad/Dave & Tina Leslie from Long Beach with a great stringer caught out of Convict Lake.
They were using night crawlers and were fishing at the Inlet. 
To see more fish photos visit our 2013 Fishing Gallery.   
Jim Sadd of Sierra Madre, CA with an excellent catch. He landed a 2 pound 11 ounce rainbow using a Marvel Fly.
He was fishing at the Southwest Shore. 
Greg Gerarde of Redondo Beach, CA caught a beautiful 2 pound and 8 ounce rainbow.
Greg was using Hatchery Powerbait while fishing at the South Shore. 
Jane Gonzales of Newbury, CA hooked a 2 pound and 3 ounce rainbow. Jane was using Salmon Eggs and was fishing at the South Shore.
Tactics/Bait:
Some nice fish (2 pound plus) were caught this week with lures, gulp Power Worms and Marvel Flies.
Any type of spoon, Tasmanian Devil and Kastmasters were the hot lures.
The most successful Power bait colors were garlic cheese and salmon peach.
Any color with glitter worked well.
The Inlet and the South Shore were the hot spots this week.
Other locations to try are the Outlet, Windy Point, North Shore, Jetty, West Shore, Creek, Handicap Pier, and Hangman's Tree.
Here is a list of other baits/lures that can be productive:
Tasmanian Devil, Green or brown Marvel Fly Lures, Trout Teasers, Panther Martin, Needlefish, Rooster Tails, and Bite-on Fury Shad 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:
CASH BONUS WEEKEND IS JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! The Ambush at the Lake Fishing Derby started on Monday, September 2nd for a chance to win $6,000 in Resort Prizes!
Also mark your calendars for the Morrison's Cash Bonus Weekend on November 1-3. $2000 in cash prizes.   
Weather:
Last week we had beautiful weather thanks to an Indian summer.
This weekend and early next week is forecasted with the highs in the high-50s and the lows in the low-30s. Make sure to check the National Weather Service site before heading out. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate:  7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 7:08 am - 7:14 am and Sunset 6:04 pm - 6:06 pm.
Stocking:
150 pounds of Alpers were stocked in the lake on Wednesday, October 16th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Fishing here has been good in the Six Bays  area.
Try Stevie's Wonder  black/silver.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Fishing has been very good, according to Ranger Ben Johnson.
Anglers have been catching both rainbow and brown trout with some coming in at up to two pounds.
Bass having been hitting baits along the dam.
Anglers recently caught two three-pound fish, one on a night crawler and the other on a chartreuse spinnerbait.
Campgrounds remain open with all facilities available.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow trout action has been good for anglers using orange or Captain America Power Bait. Most fish are in the 11- to 13- inch range, though anglers have caught some fish as large as two pounds.

FORT CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
We have received many good reports on the fishing at Frenchman Lake this past week.
James Ervin and some friends caught 4 rainbows while shore fishing by the dam early Wednesday, October 16th. They were using worms.
Brian Green and Kelly McGlaughlin limited out in a few hours while trolling near the dam. They were going about 30 ft deep using flashers and nightcrawlers. Kelly and Brian regularly fish Frenchman Lake and say they always go home with fish.
6 rainbows were caught on Saturday near Lunker Point by a group of young men fishing from their boat. They were also using nightcrawlers.
Wally Johnson caught a 22 inch German brown while fly fishing in white water riffles using a Caddis dry fly #16.
Frenchman campground is unlocked and may be used for dry camping.
The boat ramps are open but the docks have been pulled out.
Please call us for updates - Wiggins Trading Post (530) 993-4683.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closes the last Saturday in October.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2014.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is  down to 5 CFS. Try a hopper or stimulator with a buckskin nymphs caddis pupa or small pheasant tails as a dropper. Some decent dry fly fishing in the afternoon with CDC caddis and Hot Creek caddis. Colder nights and shorter days are helping to break down the heavy weed growth.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels here are below 50% of capacity.
Fishing has been fair to good, with the best fishing being early in the morning or late in the evening.
Bait anglers should stick to worms or Power Bait.
Fly rodders should be throwing black or olive wooly buggers, larger hares ears, prince nymphs, or zug bugs.
Browns should be running up the creek, so fishing the inlet end may produce some nice fish.
Take care driving in and out of this lake with the wet and muddy conditions due to the recent rains.

JAKES/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Like all area waters, trout fishing is good here with the cooler weather.
Bass fishing is slow with the cooler water temperatures.
The weeds have died off and anglers can now have some success fishing from shore, though if you don’t mind the cold, fishing from a float tube still gives you an advantage here.
Small spinners and minnow imitations as well as worms and Power Bait are good for bait anglers, while the usual assortment hare’s ears, prince and PT nymphs along with zug bugs, wooly buggers and crystal buggers should work for fly rodders.

JIGGS / ZUNINO RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Unfortunately, Jiggs has dried up.

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:
Silver Lake still seems to be the best for float tube fly rodders fishing black or purple woolly buggers on full sink lines doing  well.
Rush Creek flow is 36 CFS.
Royal coachmen, elk hair caddis ,prince nymphs and copper Johns.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Trout plants scheduled by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery have been postponed due to the federal government shutdown, but fishing has still been good.
According to Rusty at the Riviera Marina, the cooler weather has increased rainbow trout activity. Anglers reeled in a pair of fish weighing in at 4.2 and 3.2 pounds while fishing along Casino Row.
Nightcrawlers have been the bait of choice in the area.
The catfish bite remains strong with one local angler reeling in a channel catfish that topped 12 pounds just below the nature center. Catfish have been hitting anchovies.
Striped bass action has been light but should continue to improve.

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:
Try Lake George with Doc's Twin Lake Special black or brown.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2014.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Hinkson Slough - North Pond - West Walker River - Crappie Pond:
Closed until the second Saturday in February, 2014.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The recreational Dungeness crabbing is open in the ocean.
Crabbing has been better in the ocean than inside the local bays.
Fishing for bottom fish including rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon is now open at all depths.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish and a separate daily limit for lingcod (two). Retention of 1 cabezon per day is still allowed.
Chinook salmon fishing in the ocean remains open until Oct. 31.
The ocean has been extremely rough the past week making it difficult for anglers to get out.
Fishing for coho in the ocean closed on Sept. 30.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow remains at 57 CFS. Special regulations still in effect upstream of the Benton Crossing Bridge and from the monument to Crowley Lake.
The section from the bridge to the monument is closed.
Fishing is fair. Try egg patterns, San Juan worms ,Prince nymphs and copper John's.  Elk hair caddis or cdc caddis on the surface.
It's important to cover lots of water as the fish are scattered
Lower Owens River:
Water flow has dropped steadily this last week and is now 100 CFS.
Fishing is good Try WD-40's,  pheasant tails and hares ears.

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.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
A report of beautiful weather but shore fishing was slow for the fisherman.
Another report of catching a good number of shakers while trolling at 30 feet deep with green and red colored lures on the east side of the lake.

RUBY LAKE NAT. WILD. REFUGE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels are low and several of the Units are unfishable. Those include 10, 13, 14 and 20.
Weeds are up and travel through shallower parts of the marsh or through the tules is difficult.
Bass fishing is slow and is pretty much done for the year. Late afternoon is the best time for bass but even then, expect few fish.
Fishing the dikes is difficult as the water levels are very low both here and in the main marsh.
You can’t launch a boat at Narciss.
However, expect trout fishing to pick up, especially in the spring ponds and the collection ditch.
With the end of the government shutdown, the refuge is now open to fishing and hunting.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
As of October 20, 2013  water flow is currently 6,250 CFS.
Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River is going great and we are catching  big, King salmon now. Salmon fishing is great. Still catching LIMITS. 
All our boats are limiting out, RED HOT FISHING NOW.
Wide open salmon fishing. 
All the fish have moved up river now, fishing Anderson is the best bet if you want to go home with fish. Flatfish lures working best, turning to roe later in the day, using Pautzke Red cure. 
Weather perfect. The month of October being almost a guarantee of catching salmon. 44 pound salmon caught over the weekend. 
Balls Ferry Area in Anderson, CA for King Salmon on the Sacramento River fishing is starting to pick up. All the salmon are headed up river and this will be the place to be in about a week.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Fly fishing:
As of October 20, 2013, water flow is currently 6,250 CFS.
Lower Sacramento River fly fishing report, fly fishing is excellent. 
Early morning and late afternoons best.
Posse Grounds area- Redding, fishing well.
Using Prince nymphs, Iron Sallies, Pheasant Tails, Poxyback PMD's, Black Rubber Legs and Green Gidgets. 
Call or email us today. We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week.  Drift  boats or Jet boats available. 
We cater to all methods of fishing.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
Spin fishing:
As of  October 20, 2013, water flow is currently  6,250 CFS.
Spin fishing for Trout and Steelhead on the Sacramento River has been awesome. We have been using roe clusters with 4 pound test, on light action rods. Some days we have been back trolling small Flatfish and Hot shots. These fishing trips are taken by jet boats, and can hold up to 6 people comfortably. Lots of action. Great for the kids, families, and larger groups.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Rick and Tresa Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service (888-975-0990) (www.fishtightlines.com) report:
10/20
It was a slow start to the morning, then I figured out why?
Bananas on the boat???
Sacramento River Salmon Fishing…some of my best days on the water, when I was cleaning fish I turn around to see everyone eating a banana.
I know some take this serious but I have fun with it.
We ended the day with one fish per rod (3) which was a good average from what I saw and what I was told by others.
The best part of the whole day was the joking about the bananas and the fact that all three of these guys caught their first King Salmon.
These guys took the ribbing well and did a great job today.
We trolled Flat Fish down river in the Sacramento Metro area.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Flow is  down to 6 CFS. Try attractor dry flies like stimulators, sierra brite dots and royal wullfs.
Recent snow could affect road closures.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
October  20,  2013 Shasta Lake guided fishing - Northern California fishing Lake Shasta.  We offer daily guided fishing on Lake Shasta.
Lake Shasta fishing has been great !  Catching salmon and trout now,  Rainbow trout  on the surface and salmon, 100 plus  feet deep.
The Dry Creek area, using Cripp Lures and Wiggle Hoochies. 
Seeing smaller fish now, really working for the bigger fish.
Lake Shasta is place to be for lots of action and great trout fishing & salmon fishing. Bass fishing is fair.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Very little change here, though surface water temperatures are dropping with readings in the low 50’s and dropping.
Trout fishing is good and anglers report good luck fishing from both boats and shore. The algae is clearing up and weeds are starting to die, though at the south end of the lake.
Jet Ski Beach has produced a fair number of 15 to 20 inch fish over the past couple of weeks with the occasional 22-24 inch fish being taken.
Several anglers report good luck at the south end of the lake in shallow water using a brown and gray verigated wooly fished on an intermediate line in three to six feet of water.
Chironomid fishing below an indicator is still effective, just move in a bit to shallower water. Leech patterns, hares ears and buggers will all work at one time or another.
Anglers continue to catch black bass using crankbaits, soft plastics, and wooly buggers, just slow your presentation down as the water cools. Look for bass on structure and in feeding lanes, moving into shallower water on warm sunny afternoons. Now is the time to catch large smallmouth bass as they put on the feedbag in preparation for winter.
Catfish are occasionally being caught, with the best time being late in the afternoon to early evening.

SMITH RIVER, OREGON:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Trout season in the Smith River basin closed Sept. 16.
Check the regulations for gear and harvest restrictions.

LAKE TAHOE:
A report of average sized Mackinaw trout caught while trolling with flasher blades and minnows near Homewood on the west side of the lake.
Another report of average sized Mackinaw trout caught while trolling with flasher blades and minnows, just south of the Cave Rock Landing.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2014.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
October 20, 2013 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 350 CFS.
Trinity River Salmon fishing and steelhead fishing is awesome ! 
Trinity River is wide open fishing, we are fly fishing and spin fishing the river, fishing from Lewiston to Junction City. 
Fly fisherman are using eggs patterns and doing very well.
Please give us a call to reserve your day on the water.
Trinity River fishing is conveniently located 40 minutes West of Redding, CA  fishing from the town of Weaverville, California.

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:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow has been up and down and is currently 28 CFS.
Fishing is tough. Midge patterns ,baetis emergers and pheasant tails.
Early am or last hour of the day.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir continues to drop as the current capacity is down to 19%.
Surface water temperatures on Thursday were in the low 40’s and most of the algae has died off. However, the south end of the lake is turbid due to its shallowness and the wave action due to winds.
Bass fishing has been fair with anglers taking a few bass off of points and structure. Trout fishing has been good and should continue to be good until the ice comes on.
Shore anglers seem to be sticking with Power Bait or worms with more success as the trout move into the shallower water in search of food.
Several groups report limits of 16 to 18 inch fish along the beach by the state park boat ramp.
Boaters are also having success with baits and lures.
Fly rodders will have their best luck with hare’s ears, chironomids, leech patterns, crystal buggers and wooly buggers.
Fishing the stream below the dam continues to be good.
The fish cleaning station is closed for the winter with the freezing nighttime temperatures and the state park campground will be undergoing some renovations so sections of it may be closed periodically, but there should be campsites available for use at all times.
The five fish trout limit is now back in effect.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake is down to around 5% of capacity and turbid.
It is probably not worth the trip.
This fishery is probably gone until we get enough moisture to recharge both it and the surrounding lands.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The outflow has been shut off with the water level at approximately 30% of capacity. The weeds and algae are dying back, though anglers will still have to contend with the weeds along some of the shorelines.
The boat ramp is out of the water by 20 to 30 feet and unless it is a car topper, launching a boat here is not recommended.
Like most of the waters in the region, trout fishing is good and bass fishing is fair for numbers, but better for size. Fishing has been fair for trout with fish averaging 11to 14 inches, with anglers doing fair along the shorelines near the boat ramp.
The same presentations and techniques that would work at South Fork should work here.
Surface water temperatures are in the low 50’s.

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