Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of Nov. 5-11

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Nov. 5-11, 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.
Launch out of Rec. 2 and troll out toward Goose Island and back with downrigged No.2 Needle fish or Speedy Shiners in the top 15 feet.  
As the sun goes up fish deeper.  
Nice, clean rainbows to 3 pounds are being caught.
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

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.

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.

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:
Running now is the Morrison's Bonus Cash Derby.
Come join the fun through Nov. 2nd for a chance to win $2000 in cash prizes. We stocked 12 tagged fish with corresponding values from $50 to $1000. 
Rick Vega was the first to land a money fish. It was a 4 pound 8 ounce Rainbow. I'll be sending out a derby update email early next week with all the winners and cash values. 
If you are interested in increasing your chances of landing a tagged fish, get out on the lake in a boat.
If you want to reserve a boat call us at 760-934-3800 Ex1. 
Our marina will remain open until the end of the fishing season, November 15th.
Catch of the Week: 
Congratulations to Dan Crose from Simi Valley, CA with two excellent rainbows pulled from Convict Lake along the North Shore. He was using a Thomas Buoyant when he scored a stout 4 pound 5 ounce rainbow for the "catch of the week". The second fish was 3 pounds 12 ounces. Great job Dan!    
Other notable catches this week:
Not to be outdone, Kathy Crose from Simi Valley, CA with two nice fish of her own. The first was a 3 pound 5 ounce Rainbow, the second a 2 pound 12 ounce Rainbow. Kathy was using a Thomas Buoyant fishing the North Shore. 
Mike Martinez from Moreno Valley, CA landed a 2 pound 4 ounce Rainbow. Mike was using a mini jig and was fishing along the North Shore.
Dan and Kathy Crose from Simi Valley, CA with a 20 pound 11 ounce stringer. The stringer included the 4 pound 5 ounce "Catch of the Week".
They were using nightcrawlers, Power bait and Thomas Buoyants while fishing the North Shore. 
Tactics/Bait: 
Thomas Buoyants, Power Worms (Pink & Red) and Mini Jigs were doing well at the lake this week.
The top trolling lures were Needlefish and Tasmanian Devils.
Power bait Power Eggs and Garlic Powerbait landed some nice fish. The most successful Power bait colors were Rainbow and Salmon Peach. 
Marvel Flies, Sierra Slammer Swimbaits or Sierra Slammer Worms would also be a great choice of tackle for this time of year. Some of the top Marvel Fly colors are olive, brown and purple. While using the Sierra Slammers try Baby Rainbow, Brookie or Golden. 
The North Shore was  the hot spot. Other locations fishing well were the Inlet, 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, 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 NOW RUNNING is the Morrison's Bonus Cash Weekend. It runs from Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. $2000 in cash prizes. 
Weather: 
Winter Storm Warning in effect from October 31, 05:00 PM PDT until November 1, 11:00 AM PDT.  By Monday the storm should move out of the area and the temps will be on the rise throughout the week. By Thursday the high is forecasted to be in the low-60's. Here is the National Weather Service link that is usually quite accurate: 7-Day Forecast Convict Lake.
Sunrise - Sunset:
Sunrise this week 7:21 am (11/1/14) - 6:27 am (11/7/14) and Sunset 5:59 pm (11/1/14) - 4:52 pm (11/7/14).
Stocking:  
400 pounds of trophy trout were planted at the lake on October 30th. 

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

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The marina is now closed but fishing is still allowed until Nov. 15.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Crowley Lake 11/4/14
Weather will improve this week, marina access is now closed. The lake remains open for tubing and shore fishing with special regs until 11/15/14. 
Consistent areas are Hilton Bay & Beaver Cove, Sandy Pt., Alligator Pt., Layton Springs, & Six Bays. 9-13 feet.
Success using the still water nymphing method depends on position and 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. It can still be a good option for off hatch periods.
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 and the fish are migrating to the “gut” of the lake. The “Islands” off Hilton Pt. are 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 ending, water clarity is very good.
Hot flies if the midge hatch is off are Assassins and crystal leeches.
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 planted sub-catchable sized fish, treat them kindly as they are the future of this fishery.
 Special angling restrictions now in place.
Pinch those barbs down, love them and leave them, no scented or live bait please. 

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.

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.  Best areas for the boat guys have been Mallard Cove to Grizzly.  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: 
Great weather this week if you need to get your fix. 
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 years Kokes. 
Paul Thomas sent in a report on Donner Lake about 2 weeks ago 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:
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:
Thanks to late summer rains, the reservoir is full. Anglers are finding success for rainbow trout with rainbow-sparkle Power Bait, salmon eggs, or half-ounce silver jigs with red spots. The campground is still fully open and winterizing is not scheduled for another few weeks.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Action has been a little slow this past, but the rainbow trout that have been caught hit on rainbow Power Bait near the dam.
The group use area at the state park has reopened with 40 new full-hook-up RV sites that are now available on a first-come first-serve basis.

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 good.  
The better hatches have been going off in the mornings so come early.  
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:
The Fall Season on Hat Creek is a favorite time of year on the creek for locals.
Other North Rivers get most of the attention and angling traffic, so it's not uncommon to have it entirely to yourself to enjoy the morning Trico Hatches.
Caddis flies are common during the evening rise, and there are even a few of the giant October Caddis to get the bigger fish in the creek excited.
Dry fly opportunities abound, while dead-drifting nymphs – or even suspending dropper nymphs below big attractor dry flies – can also be quite productive.
On overcast days, there can be some phenomenal blue-winged olive hatches. These tiny mayflies respond to changes in barometric pressure, and hatch whenever a storm front moves through the area, stimulating some great midday dry fly action on all of our regional streams, including Hat Creek.
For a real challenge, try to trick the finicky trout that live in Hat Creek's most demanding section of technical water: the clear, smooth micro-currents of Carbon Flats.
Courtesy of the Fly Shop.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed.

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

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is up a bit to 5 CFS. Try an attractor dry  like a stimulator  with a nymph as a dropper WD-40, green rock worms or scuds. 
Weed's are beginning to break down .

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
Lake continues to fish well but if you're looking for the bigger fish you'll have to work hard.   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 for 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. 
Lake is too  low to launch boats now unless they're small aluminum ones.  
Lake is at 54% capacity and it's a great escape from the masses that descend on Truckee on the weekends. 

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open April 25, 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 20 CFS and fishing is fair. Try a humpie or stimulator with  a hares ear or pheasant tail dropper.


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

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The so-called "middle Klamath" is the rugged, remote section of the river starting at Weitchpec and running upstream through Somes Bar, Orleans, Happy Camp, and the Seiad Valley.
Highway 96 paralells the river through much of this section.
There's a lot of fantastic steelhead water in this section of the Klamath, and not much angling traffic. In fact, our friends at the Marble Mountain Ranch are located smack dab in the middle of all of it, and usually have the river to themselves from early October through November.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
Anglers are finding continued success for hatchery trout that were planted in early October. A variety of baits and lures have proven effective and one more for the list is the floating mice tail. Though 20,000 fish were planted in late September and early October, catch-and-release fishing is still a good method of extending fishing opportunity. Most of the stripers coming in are in the five- to seven-pound range and have been hitting anchovies and trout-imitations.

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.

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:
Wind and snow slowed fishing here. Better weather in the forecast.

MARLETTE LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:

Closed.

MARTIS LAKE, CALIF:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports:
CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF WEEDS AND SPORADIC FISH LOSS!

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
Closed.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The striper bite has been quite slow, but the action should improve as the cold front comes through and temperatures drop. Striped bass will start moving up in the water column where anglers can find improved fishing at depths between 25 and 40 feet. There has been an abundance of bait, mainly small gizzard shad, which explains the sluggish striper action.
Catfish are still hitting on anchovies or corn.
The bite for smallmouth and largemouth bass will slow down as the water turns cooler as well.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers have reported moderate success for stripers with anchovies the top bait when fished on a drop shot rig. Anchovies have been a top bait setup on a drop shot rig. This bait is also popular for catfish while working the backs of coves.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Flow is now 54 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 85 CFS and fishing  is good. A mid day BWO hatch is bringing the fish to the surface.
Para Adam's or sparkle dun.  Nymphing with Barr's graphic caddis, olive pheasant tails or copper zebra midges  very productive.


OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters Guide Service (760-935-4250) (www.sierradrifters.com) reports:
Upper Owens River 11/4/14
No snow or mud, access remains good.
The “catching” is picking up, look for the cooler weather to trigger more bigs making a move upstream from Crowley. Most of the fish are in the 13-16 inch range. Some nice pods of 14 inch browns, with a few “Zilla’s” now in the upper sections.
Steady action while nymphing the deeper holes above the bridge.
Hoppers are toast.
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 Bridge to the fishing monument until the Saturday of Memorial Day 2015. Same regs as Crowley Lake downstream from the monument to the lake proper, this section will then close on 11/15.

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.

PINE FOREST COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Onion Valley Reservoir: 
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Blue Lakes: 
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.
Knott Creek Reservoir: 
Closes to fishing Nov. 15, will re-open second Saturday in June, 2015.

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

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 good for the flyflingers and Crayfish crankbaits, Senkos, Panther Martin spinners, and live worms have been good for the rest.  Fishing outside the inlets and around the dam has produced the best results.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon fishing:
November 3, 2014
King Salmon fishing on the Sacramento River.
Water flow is currently 5,000 CFS.
Limits of salmon being caught daily. The chromers are here. Bright chrome salmon are arriving.
Combo trips - salmon, trout and steelhead trips have been great catching salmon the first half of the day and catching trout & steelhead the rest of the day. 
Bring the rain gear, just in case.
Weather is cooler now, this expected in November. But so are the BIG, monster salmon. The month of November is known for producing the large salmon on the Sacramento River.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fall is a special time of year on the Lower Sacramento River.
The nights begin to cool, the colors start to change, and the fishing for trout and steelhead is at its peak. Starting in September, the water starts to recede from the high flows of summer, and shortly thereafter first of the Fall run of Chinook Salmon begin to arrive. As salmon begin to lay their eggs in the tailouts - usually by the first week in October - fat hungry Rainbow Trout move into the shallows as well to gorge themselves on the eggs and aquatic insects kicked up by the spawning Salmon.
There are still caddis hatching in the evenings, and on slightly overcast days in October and November we can see some good Baetis hatches, too.
One of the biggest highlights of the fall season is the arrival of Steelhead in the lower reaches of the river, from Anderson down to Los Molinos.
These lower floats take you through some beautiful, rural countryside decorated by monstrous valley oaks and pock-marked by molten rock left over from the region's volcanic past.
When our guides drift this lower river they will frequently hook into one or two of these angry brutes in a day (although landing them is often an entirely different story!), along with the healthy resident rainbows that the Lower Sac is famous for.
Courtesy of the Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Winter Months on the Upper Sac provides some great late-season opportunities for die-hard trout anglers. The mornings and evenings are often cold in the narrow river canyon, but midday sunshine can warm the river up and provide some good action on nymphs and streamers for some of the river's bigger fish holding in the deeper pools.
And anglers fishing the Upper Sac in the winter months should always be prepared with a few blue-winged olive dry flies, as overcast afternoons can have some memorable Baetis mayfly hatches.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
Salmon S-L-O-W
Another rugged week for salmon anglers here, though there was an odd push of jacks one day last week that moved through the Metro area. Other than that, the handful of trollers still working from Rio Vista to Verona are reporting skunks pretty much across the board.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER/RED’S MEADOW, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports: 
Road Closed.

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 to 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.

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:
Steelhead fishing on the Trinity River has been picking up.  No more adult salmon may be taken, and the jacks have been in the river for a very long time.
The river upstream from the North Fork current has dropped to being fishable.
Smolts have mostly been washed down the river, and steelhead fishing has been starting to take over.  The whole river to the South Fork should be in good enough condition to fish in a few days. Try red copper John's, Psycho prince nymphs, and stone flies dead-drifted under indicators. Back-trolled Hot Shots and Brad's wigglers have been good for lure fishermen.  
Courtesy of Western Outdoor News.

TRUCKEE RIVER, CALIF & NEV:
Mountain Hardware and Sports of Truckee (530-587-4844) (mountainhardwareandsports@gmail.com) reports: 
California:
Nice weather for this time of year. Very cold temps in the morning so dress accordingly! Water temps are good but will continue to drop as temps in the wee hours of the morning are getting into the teens-low 20's.   Expect daytime temps to range from the mid 50's early in the week to mid 60's by the end of the week. 
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.

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

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:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 20 CFS. Low and slow. Try the Lower Owens.

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

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