Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fall fishing report for week of Oct. 29

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and California. The last day of fishing season for most waterways in California is Nov. 15, 2014.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fast action lures were getting more trout than any other method.  
Try the east side of the peninsula, from Bunell Point north to Big Cove, with downrigged No. 2 Needlefish or Speedy Shiners.
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 high 40’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.
The tigers are a bit more aggressive this time of year as they are a cross between a brown and a brook trout, both fall spawners.

BISHOP CREEK, AREA, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

BISHOP CREEK AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Lake Sabrina:
The Lake Sabrina Boating Landing is now closed.

BOCA RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake level very low here at only 20% 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.
 
BRIDGEPORT, RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707)
www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 26, 2014
The reservoir is still fishing very well, lots of fish in the 1 to 4 pound range being caught, mainly from the shore down near the dam.
Crawlers, power  bait and mice tails have all been doing well, also there's been a few fish being caught casting rapalas, thomas bouyants and kastmasters from the shore. Fly anglers are having the most success stripping streamers like wooly buggers, matukas, moal leeches and zuddlers.    

CARSON RIVERS, CALIF:
Carson River East (Upstream from Hangman's Bridge):
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.
Carson River West:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Since the first of October, Cave has been stocked with approximately 12,000 catchable rainbow trout.
Fishing has been good for 8 to 10 inch fish using the old standbys of worms or Power Bait.
Fly rodders should be using small olive buggers, Cave Lake specials, hares ears, small leeches and chironomids. There has been some good dry fly action mid morning and late afternoon. 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, 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:
Close to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
Convict Lake Resort (800-992-2260) (www.convictlake.com) reports:
Next weekend is the exciting Morrison's Bonus Cash Derby. Come join the fun on October 31st through November 2nd for a chance to win $2000 in cash prizes. We will be stocking 12 tagged fish with corresponding values from $50 to $1000. If you are interested in increasing your chances of landing a money fish, get out on the lake in a boat. If you want to reserve a boat call us at 760-934-3800Ex.1
The marina will be renting boats until the end of the fishing season. 
We have a limited number of cabins available for the derby weekend. Before they fill up, give us a call at 760-934-3800 Ex.1 to check on availability and lodging deals.
Catch of the Week: 
Gene Stegman from Seal Beach, CA landed a behemoth 7 pound 7 ounce Rainbow.  Gene was using a red/gold Thomas Buoyant and he was trolling along the North Shore. Congratulations Gene on an excellent catch! 
Other notable catches this week: 
Robert Nihei from La Mesa, CA with a fat 6 pound 15 ounce rainbow.
He was using an unknown fly while fishing at the Inlet.
Jacob Winkelman from San Dimas, CA landed a huge 5 pound 14 ounce Rainbow. Jacob was using a nightcrawler and was fishing near the Outlet.
Lonnie Sparks from San Diego, CA caught a 5 pound and 7 ounce Rainbow. He was using Red Power bait Eggs and was fishing the South Shore. 
Kyle Winkelman from San Dimas, CA hooked a stout 6 pound 10 ounce Convict Lake Rainbow. Kyle was using a Pink Power Worm while fishing near the Outlet.
Lucas Bailey from Camarillo, CA with a monumental 6 pound 3 ounce rainbow. Lucas was using Power bait and he was fishing along the South Shore.  
Smiling faces all around after landing this nice trout.
Tactics/Bait: 
Thomas Bouyants and Tasmanian Devils were doing well once again at the lake. The top colors were Bleeding Frog (Tasmanian Devils) and Red/Gold (Bouyants). These lures would also be great choices if you are planning on doing some trolling. Another good trolling lure is the Bikini Needlefish in the white/pearl. Power bait Power Eggs and Power Worms scored some nice fish. The top colors are pink, red and orange. Flies also hooked some lunkers this week. Go with a streamer like an Olive Wolly Bugger.
The most successful Power bait colors were White and Salmon Peach.  
The South Shore and Inlet were the hot spots.
The areas around the Outlet supplied a few nice fish this week. Other locations fishing well were the Windy Point, Hangman's Tree, Jetty 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, 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).
DFG stocked the lake on Monday, October 20th.
The next plant of trophy trout at the lake will be October 30th.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

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.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Yes, a report on Davis Lake! 
For the Fly Flingers in Boats or Float Tubes the best areas have been Lightning Tree, Fairview Point, Mosquito Cove, and along Five Tree Point shoreline. 
Stripping Jay Fair's Wiggle tails in Olive and Black have been good along with nymphing Chironomid and midge patterns. 
Waning Callibaetis hatches have also picked up some fish where there are lots of weeds such as the Mosquito Cove area. 
Highly recommended that you use nothing less than 4x leader or tippet here as the takes are aggressive! 
As the weeds start to disappear now with the colder temps those trolling hardware have had lots of success with needlefish, kastmasters, wedding rings, and small Dick Nites. 
Big Rainbows here as the average is around 18 inches!

DONNER LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With temps in the mid 60'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 has been good at depths from 70-90 feet and some smaller guys being caught along the shoreline.
Kokanee fishing has still be good with fat little guys ranging from 8-11 inches in 45-80 feet with most of the schools being between Loch Leven Lodge and China Cove as these are considered next year's Kokes. 
Paul Thomas sent in a report on Donner this week stating that he was catching turned Kokes along with next seasons Kokes, lost some bigger fish too, in about 40-60 feet of water around the China Cove area. 
He was using Spinner/Hoochie combination lures tipped with beige salmon eggs behind silver flashers. 
Paul stated that fish hit after he shut down the motor and the boat almost came to a complete stop.  Water temp was 57.  Awesome!  Thank you to Paul and Nancy Thomas for that report. 
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 LAKE, CALIF:
Bryan Roccucci of www.bigdaddyfishing.com (530-283-4103) reports:
Eagle Lake Fishing Report, October 24, 2014
The last several weeks have seen some outstanding fishing at the lake.
Most mornings have us releasing quite a few fish and keeping the cream of the crop for the limits. 20 to 25 fish mornings have been the general rule, and that is "Top Notch" trout fishing by anyone's standards.
Just when I though the bite was at its peak, Eagle Lake shifted into high gear!
On Fire, Wide Open and Stellar, are just a few of the words being used to describe the current action at the lake, oh yeah, I almost forgot this description. "We are hooking so many fish this is almost not relaxing" A nice problem to have. Those 20 to 25 fish mornings have now turned into 30 to 35 fish and then some, with a good number of larger (over 3 pound) fish starting to show.
The fish are near the surface, actively and aggressively chasing the tui chubs.
Dark colored, and bright colored soft plastics are literally getting "worn out", some days one working better than the other and some days both getting hit.
Double Hook-ups, Triple Hook-ups and even Quadruple Hook-ups!!
Why haven't we hooked 5 at a time? Well I'm only running 4 rods of course, and keeping all 4 rods in the water at the same time is almost impossible with the bite this strong.
If you have been wondering when is a good time to hit Eagle Lake for some action, that time is now!
Email me, Call me or lock down some dates via the web site whatever works best for you, but don't miss your chance at getting in on this (I'm lost for descriptive words here) "RIDICULOUSLY OFF THE CHARTS" trout bite going on now at Eagle Lake.
I have some availability during the next few weeks.
I look forward to seeing you on the water,

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Get out early and be ready to fish at first light.  Fish the east side of the lake by the springs at Eagle's Nest with lead core from 3 to 6 colors deep.  Options included Sure Catch Goldilocks, bikini Needlefish or Jay Fair flies.  
Bobber fishing with nightcrawlers has also been a good option as well.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water clarity has improved over the past week along with angling success. Some fly fishermen did well for brown trout using black ant patterns, while bait anglers did well off the dam and dock using Power Bait in rainbow or orange for the rainbow trout.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Water levels have risen following the rain storms almost 2 weeks ago.
Some anglers did well for crappie over the weekend with the warm daytime temps, while rainbows were taking Power Bait or nightcrawlers off the dam.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water Conditions are great and the fishing has been excellent.  The better hatches have been going off in the mornings.  
This is one of the rivers that will close on Nov. 15th.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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:
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 nightcrawlers.
Courtesy of Wiggin's Trading Post.

HAT CREEK, UPPER, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

HAT CREEK, UPPER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing here is at its best early in the day before the sun gets high in the sky, and then right at sunset.  The Power house No. 2 riffle is still worth checking out.  
This is one of the rivers that will close on Nov. 15.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Illipah was stocked with 7500 fish earlier this week. Fishing continues to be good for anglers though now more smaller fish are being caught.
Brown trout are very active as they enter their fall spawning season and anglers do report some success for browns.
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. Other flies this time of year should include prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ears and damsel fly nymphs.
Shore anglers report good luck on the west side of the lake and at the inlet where the creek enters the reservoir primarily with Power Bait, nightcrawlers are also working.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
With this lake being stocked a while ago with a healthy planting of DFW trout this lake will fish great for months now! 
If you're looking for bigger fish here you're going to have to fish the face of the dam more as there is always some big fish hanging on the ledges of the dam. 
Fishing small apex's about 25-35 feet down has been the ticket here fo boaters as some anglers can't keep trout off their hooks! 
Small trout in the 12-14 inch range but numbers are high. 
Look for larger trout on the bottom in 45-55 feet of water or off the face of the dam with small minnow or crayfish imitations. 
As water levels drop slightly the only launch feasible for boats is the one at Pass Creek not Woodcamp!  
Lake is at 61% capacity and it's a great escape from the masses that descend on Truckee on the weekends. 

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The wind really helped clear some of the weeds out and shore fishing is definitely getting easier here. There is open water between the shore and a small ring of weeds. There are also channels through the weeds so shore anglers are having a better time getting their bait to the fish and fishing has been good.
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:
Construction is almost complete at this Elko County Reservoir that has been dry for the past five or six years. All that is left is some mechanical work on the outflow mechanism for irrigation, rip rap on the dam and the spillway channel and a bentonite clay “wall” around the deep water pool in the middle of the lake.
With some help from Mother Nature in the form of snow this winter, and anglers may be lucky enough to be fishing this beautiful little gem by early summer.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 26, 2014
We haven't had any reports from Kirman this past week, hopefully the brookies are done with their spawn and things are back to normal up there, if anyone has a report we'd love to hear it!       

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
We should see better Steelhead reports any day. As soon as we get some cooler weather. Rain will make a big difference in getting steelhead in the lower river, where the waters are cooler, to migrate into the upper reaches near Hornbrook.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Action has improved slightly for the striped bass in the area.
Following the trout plants, anglers have found greater success using trout imitation lures to catch the stripers, although anchovies still remain the top bait. Trout are dispersing from stocking sites and in the area of Sunshine Peninsula, anglers are catching near limits using rooster tails and Panther Martins.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been fair to good. Best reports are generated by anglers fishing early in the mornings. Fishing #16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs or #16 Black A.P.s has been the most productive techniques. Retrieving leeches on full sinking on a sinking line is also a productive method of angling with a fly rod on Lewiston. 
Lewiston is known for its big, bad bows. Best fishing happens mid day.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

MAMMOTH LAKES, BASIN, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

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.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Striper have been out early, so for those that make it out in the gray light, better success has been had.
Various lures and artificial baits have been more productive than using live bait over the past week.
Boulder Basin continues to be a hotspot with anglers trolling through the Boulder Beach area.
Smallmouth bass are hitting on dropshots mostly near rocky shelves and points.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have had fair success working the coves.
Largemouth bass are taking plastics in darker colorations in about 25 feet of water. Catfish have been hitting on anchovies at night. The striped bass, while rather elusive for some, have been found to take topwater baits early.

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.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
It continues to fish well.  September, and into October are high season months here, but bring a staff, as the rocks and boulders in here are unforgiving.  
This is one of the rivers that will close on Nov. 15.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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 good for Smallmouth Bass. 
Thank you to Mike Campbell for complimenting our fishing staff.  Glad you had a good time. Fishing has been tough on most our lakes this year so it's nice to hear about some positive results. 
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 inlets and around the dam has produced best results.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Valerie Taylor of Crosby Lodge (775-476-0400) (www.crosbylodge.net):
Good Morning,
We've had a lot of wind so catching anything of size was slow. 
Biggest fish this week was Michael Peckham of Meadow Vista, CA (23 lbs 13.6oz 34.75in 10/21/14), at Hells Kitchen using a Gvf Green and Red plug.
Next up was Alex Riddle of Fallon, NV (14 lbs 15.2oz 31 1/8in (10/21/14)) fishing at Warrior in a boat and using a green Apex.
Last was just pulled out this morning by Bill Pugh of Reno, NV (12 lbs 12.8oz 30.75in 10/26/14) fishing at Popcorn from shore (no other info noted).
Take care,
Valarie Taylor

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.
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.
Several anglers report success fishing the ditch and catching trout between two and five pounds over the past week.
Small olive buggers, hare’s ears, damsel/dragonfly nymphs and leech patterns should all work.
The ditch is artificial lures and flies only.
Unit 21 still has fairly good water and has been stocked with trout.

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 27, 2014
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 5,000 CFS.
Limits of salmon being caught daily. With recent rain and  a few days to let the water settle , the chromers are here . Bright chrome salmon are arriving.
Combo trips - salmon, trout and steelhead trips have been great, catching salmon first half of the day and catching trout & steelhead the rest of the day. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Releases out of Keswick Reservoir are 4,451 CFS.
Time to start fishing egg patterns! King Salmon are just starting to lay eggs and the rainbows are definitely keying on those tasty orange colored treats. Expect egg patterns to dominate the menu through October.
The fishing has been good, but sometimes there's a lull in the bite.
Not every riffle, run has eager rainbows in it. There is decent wade access, but the best way to fish this river is out of a drift boat. 
#4 Brown Rubber Legs and small brown #18 mayfly patterns like Hogan's S&M, Mercer's Micro Mayfly are solid, proven patterns.
Dry fly fishing really isn't happening, but if you stick around near riffles and shallow water until sundown, you might find a few fish sipping off the surface, eating black caddis. Have Mercer's Missing Link in #16-black. You should do well. Bring a good hook set and really pay attention to the indicator when drifting in a boat. The takes can be super subtle. It's really easy to miss your best opportunities. Best fishing happens late morning through the afternoon. The sweetest time to be on the water is at sunset.
Expect good fishing and stable conditions through October. 
A few of the hot flies have been egg patterns, #18 Super Flash PTs, TB Peaches & Cream, Bat Wing Emerger, Micro Mayflies in brown and black, #16-18 BH Pheasant Tail Nymphs. Brown Rubber Legs in #6-8 are always good.
Courtesy of the Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This is hands-down the best time of the year to fish the Upper Sacramento.
Fishing has been fun along the entire length of this stretch of the River. From where the waters enter what will someday reemerge as Lake Shasta all the way upstream to Dunsmuir, CA., there's 35 miles of trout-water offering good fishing.
October Caddis are coming off at sunset. Expect good hatches of October Caddis through late October.
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.
Productive nymph patterns include #18 Gordon's Amber Wing Prince, #16 Brown Micro Mayfly, #8 Brown or Black Rubber Legs.
Not too much much dry fly fishing happening, but anglers working the edges of tailouts can bring fish up throwing Fat Alberts, Foam-U-Lators, Golden Stones and Cutter's E/C Caddis.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Cover lots of water and target the first 5 feet with crankbaits and spinnerbaits for bass.  If you can find shade on hard structure, like rock or wood in the afternoon, head for that.  Best bet has been the first two, and last two, hours of the day.  Look for bass rounding up the baitfish.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Earlier this week the surface water temperature at the lake hovered between 52 and 54 degrees, though with the cooler temperatures predicted over the next week it should drop down to around 50 soon.
With the cooler temperatures trout are moving into shore especially in the morning and early evening hours.
A number of large catfish have been caught over the past couple of weeks ranging in size from about 10 pounds all the way up to a 26 and ½ pounds! Congratulations to Terrie Lee Smith on the 26 and ½ pounder caught on Thursday near the dam. Wish we had a picture of it.
Almost all of the catfish were caught with worms.
Fly rodders continue to catch trout 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. Several fly fishermen report luck with either red or blue copper Johns below an indicator in the shallows close to shore. Ditto for chironomids, though fish those over muddy bottoms.
Bass fishing has slowed down considerably, though this time of year is good for larger bass. 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 the aforementioned copper Johns.
Fishing has been good for trout at either end of the dam in the coves.
Most shore anglers are using worms though some are having success with green Power Bait.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake is stable now at 22% capacity and fishing has been decent for Rainbows, Macks, and Smallies. 
Small boats can still launch to the right of the ramp as they are concentrating their efforts outside the inlets and the deeper sections around the dam. 
Shore fishing has been sporadic for the Bows with power bait, nightcrawlers, and various hardware. 
Smallies are suspended along shelves in the Davis Creek arm and most are being taken on suspending baitfish patterns, Crayfish patterns, and various Jigs worked down these shelves. 

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 429 CFS. Interested in catching steelhead by skating dries? Right now is the time to do it. Get on this river within the next couple weeks or at least while weather conditions remain warm. Warm weather means water temps will stay within the 55-65° range.
Steelhead seem to follow or chase after swung flies on the surface or sub-surface more aggressively when water temps are above 50°.
Over all, water conditions are good this week and fishing is good.
Expect to get into one steelhead, maybe 2. Get more than 3 and you're probably going to find double digits because you're surrounded by Steelhead. Enjoy!
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Nice weather until the weekend. 
Some inclement weather for this weekend in the form of rain. 
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. 
Almost no water coming out of Tahoe and most anglers if they are going to fish the river will fish downstream of the Boca outlet. 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 or October Caddis 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 BWO's, Baetis, Midges, October Caddis, Stones, and waning hatches of Caddis and PMD's. 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:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
Done.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 26, 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:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:  
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 26, 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.
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:
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 26, 2014 
The East is still running at about 20 CFS, we probably won't see much change for the rest of this year, unless we get some much needed snow and/or rain.
The fishing has been hanging in there with the section and the Nevada side of the river still being the best areas.
The water temps are down and the oxygen levels are up so the fish are healthy and there's no threat at this point of them being over stressed.
Dry/dropper rigs have still been the best technique to try down there though we have had a couple good reports on streamers.
Patterns to try include: zuddler, moal leech, sculpzilla, madam x, stimulater, humpy, flashback emerger, san juan worm, zebra midge, rainbow warrior, silver streak and flash bang midge.                    
Sceirine Ranch:
October 26, 2014
The ranch is also still hanging in there, there's only been a few anglers on the property this week but they all seemed to do pretty well.
The fish are concentrated in the deeper pools and runs just like the other stretches and anglers who are focusing on those areas are doing the best.   
Hunewill Pond:
October 26, 2014
We had a couple clients on the pond this week and they did excellent!
The weeds are still a little bit of a problem but as long as they kept their flies clean and kept them in the upper couple feet of the water column they did great!
Lots of fish were caught with the larger ones going around 22 inches.
It sounds like the best technique was to fish streamers with small midge droppers. Patterns to try are seal buggers, wooly buggers, matukas, midglings, zebra midge, flashback emerger and soft hackles. 

WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
October 26, 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.
We've had reports of some nice fish up to around 4 pounds along the West.       

WALKER RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Surface water temperatures have dropped to around 50 degrees and trout are moving into the shallows looking for food early morning and late afternoon.
The algae has died back and while there are still pockets of green water, much of the lake is clearing.
Most shore anglers are having success using Power Bait or worms.
Launching boats from trailers is not recommended at all. Only car toppers or boats that can be hand carried to the water are recommended.
Fishing has been fair to good for both size and number of fish.
With the lake at about 14% of capacity, the fish that are left are somewhat concentrated, though NDOW hasn’t stocked the lake in over a year.
Fly rodders are having success with buggers, hare’s ears, leech patterns and chironomids fished from float tubes or kick boats. Fish the nymphs under an indicator and the buggers and leech patterns with an intermediate sink line in the shallows early in the morning. 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 now in the low to mid 50’s with trout fishing starting to come on.
While the weeds are dying back, the algae is still around and the water is green.
Fishing for bass is slow, while fishing for trout is fair to good.
The lures, baits and flies that work at South Fork Reservoir should work here.
If you are in the area chukar, deer or elk hunting, bring a fishing pole.

WHISKEYTOWN LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The lake and ramps are in great shape and the kokanee fishing has been good for fish from 13 to 16 inches.  Troll a pink Apex behind a Sling Blade in the channel at the bridge or the coldwater curtain.  Try an Uncle Larrys spinner, with pink and white beads, tipped with shoepeg sweet corn, the long kernel corn you can get in the grocery store.  You have to keep the hooks tipped with corn, so if you aren't getting a hit, check to see if your corn is gone.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 2015.

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