Don Q's weekly fishing report for week of Dec. 6-12

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes an streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Dec. 6.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
As expected for this time of year, the fishing pressure is light and with the winds and rain, fishing has been difficult.
Everywhere on the lake is going to be a lot of bait fish.
Several private ramps are closed, although both public ramps remain open.
Smelt bait balls seem to be working the best for anglers on Lake Almanor. Almanor Fishing Adventures.

ANGEL LAKE, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The road has been closed for the season, so there will be no more fishing reports for Angel Lake until it opens next spring.

BIG SPRINGS RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the last day in February 2013.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

BLUE LAKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Road closed.

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CARSON RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013, above Hangman's Bridge.

CATNIP RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

CAVE LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The lake level is great and surface water temperatures are cooling.
This lake is good for 8 to 10 inch fish using small spinners, natural baits or Power Bait. Small wooly buggers, crystal buggers and Cave Lake specials seem to work here anytime.
Browns and brookies are cruising the shorelines looking for spawning habitat and food. Best fishing for browns is in low light conditions and on cloudy unsettled days.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
High flows are expected this week.
Anglers will want to check river flows before going fishing.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
A few bass have been showing up, but no trout due to the pike infestation.
Pike fishing has also been poor.
There are few if any trout left in the lake also due to the pike infestation.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK. CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Currently the lake is at 66% capacity and heavy rain has reduced the fishing pressure. Most fishermen have put their boats away for the winter.
The fishing has been good while trolling.
Cinnamon flies that were 5 feet down from Little Island to Eagle Point worked well.
Shore fishing was great at Eagle Point, Mallard Point, and Fairview.
— Western Outdoor News

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Rainbow and tiger trout are providing good action for anglers using Power Bait, small spinners or flies. The lake remains ice free.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir is still ice free but that may change with the arrival of colder temperatures predicted for the weekend.
Rainbow trout have been hitting on Power Bait, worms and small spinners.
The crappie and bass seem to have shut down completely.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steelhead fishing is continuing to be good, but is starting to slow down. Salmon spawning has also slowed down and has gotten out of the way of the Low Flow section.
Fly fishers have used Red Copper John’s and prince nymphs.
— Courtesy of Western Outdoor News

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until May 01, 2013.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow is at 5 CFS. CDC caddis or e/c caddis on the surface.
Some mid day baetis activity. Nymph fishing remains the most productive.
WD-40's, flashback pheasant tails, hares ears and sparkle caddis pupa.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water Conditions:
Good. Flows at 22 CFS as of 11/30.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. Mostly Midges in the mornings after it warms some, with a spattering of Baetis throughout the day.

ILLIPAH RESERVOIR, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
There was ice on the edges of this lake last week, but a group of Ely anglers had their limits of brown and rainbow trout by 11 a.m. The rainbows were between 12 and 16 inches while the browns ranged from 15 to 20 inches with one hooked jaw male coming in at around 22 inches and three pounds.
The water level has stabilized, though you can see the old dam.
The usual worms, Power Bait, spinners and natural colored nymphs should all work.
Hare’s ears, PT’s, and prince nymphs are good choices for this lake.
Fish black or olive wooly buggers on a full sink or sink tip line in three to ten feet of water and where the stream enters the lake.
The brown trout spawn is probably starting to wrap up here.

JAKE'S/BOIES RESERVOIR, ELKO COUYTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
This water level is very low, with ice on the edges in the early morning.
Bass fishing is done for the year, while trout fishing is picking up, though due to the low water, this small reservoir was not stocked and so trout fishing will probably only be fair. For trout, anglers should try spinners, the usual natural baits, Power Baits and streamers. Fly rodders should try hare’s ears, woolly buggers, and chironomids.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has continued to be great this week! Colored, muddy water is to be expected in the lower river near Klamath Glen.
In the river, near Hornbrook, the conditions couldn’t get any better for steelhead fishing! Most anglers report catching fish, change egg color if the fishing gets slow.
Best access to water is by boat.
Clown-eggs and micro spawns in yellow and pink seem to be the best flies to use; while Shrimp pink eggs have been getting the Steelhead.

Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch.

KNOTT CREEK RESERVOIR, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
Closed until the second Saturday in June 2013.

LAUGHTON, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:
This past week a father-son team caught several large stripers that weighed between 13 pounds and 18.5 pounds.
The pair was using lures between Davis Dam and Casino Row.
One lucky angler caught a 7.5 pound rainbow trout in the same area.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been good this week, and it’s expected to stay that way for a while. This time of year is quiet on the lake with cloudy and windy conditions. Mid-day seems to be the best time to fish, that’s when Baetis have been hatching! Anglers using sinking lines and retrieving small #16-20 mayfly nymphs and midge patterns seem to be getting some bites.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
Closed until July 15, 2013.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Hinkson Slough – North Pond – West Walker River
Closed until the second Saturday in February 2013.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Striper fishing has proven successful this past week.
Many anglers have been using Kastmasters in the one- to four-ounce range, depending on the depth you are trying to achieve.
Reports are that shad are hanging out in the six- to eight-foot depth in the Vegas Wash area. Kingman Wash and Callville Bay are providing good action along the points.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Striper action has slowed considerably at Cottonwood Cove, but just a couple miles north of Nevada Bay the fish are taking anchovies. While they might not be found in large numbers they are good size fish.
In a bit of a twist for Lake Mohave, the fish are focused on shad. Mohave is not known for holding large numbers of shad.
Near Willow Beach anglers have reportedly caught stripers in the 10- to 15-pound class while using AC Plugs and trout imitations.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current flow is 86 CFS.
Section up stream of the Benton Crossing Bridge is open all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Nymph fishing is the best bet. Try WD-40's , pheasant tails and caddis larva.
Lower Owens River:
Water flow has dropped to 125 CFS. Fishing is good.
Solid baetis hatch starting around noon.
Barr's emerger, flashback pheasant tails, juju baetis.


ORVILLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing is good, but the fish are starting to drop to deeper waters.
The top water bite has been turned on this past week with a lot of small fish biting at worms, Senkos, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits.
Anglers report bass between 2 to 4 pounds.
The lake is at 50% capacity.
Courtesy Western Outdoor News.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Water Conditions:
Good. As of 11/30 the flows are down to 84 CFS.
Fishing Conditions:
Good. With flows back to nice levels the fishing has improved.
Some nice chunky Crowley fish have moved up into the system.
Owens River Gorge:
Water conditions:
Great. Flow: 45 CFS.
This is a permanent flow required to be maintained by LADWP
Fishing Conditions:
As always excellent this time of year.
Warm in the canyon and no snakes, nettles and hungry fish.
Lower Owens River:
Water conditions:
Good. Flows are at 91 CFS as of 11/30.
Fishing conditions:
Excellent! Perfect wading
Fish Midges early until the sun hits the water and warms everything up. After that there is a pretty decent Baetis hatch for a few hours until it starts to cool down again. On overcast rainy days the hatches can be prolific.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) ('www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing conditions have been improving and should remain good throughout the week. Anglers have been successful with Red Copper Johns # 14-16, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Deceptive Crays and Dark Lords.
Come prepared for tough wading conditions! A wading staff and a PDF are highly recommended.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop

RUBY LAKE NWR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Little or no change here as bass fishing is done for the year here and it’s time to target trout in the collection ditch as well as in the ponds.
Fishing for trout has been fair to good as anglers report catching trout behind the hatchery, with a few reported in the Fingers area of the collection ditch as well as around Bressman Cabin.
Fishing the ponds for trout has been slow to fair.
The collection ditch is artificial lures only and wading is not allowed.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The River conditions have been great and the fishing has been good!
Water flows from the Dam are at 4,800 CFS.
Below Anderson is going to be darker waters.
Stone Fly Patterns, Rubber legs, as well as eggs, have been fishing well.
Large Rainbows have been found in the shallow waters.
Fish deep, with your leader’s length between 7.5- 8.5’ to the split shot.

Courtesy of The Fly Shop. 
Fishing Guides: HYPERLINK "http://www.theflyshop.com" The Fly Shop and Ted Fay Fly Shop.

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 December 1, 2012, water flow is currently 4,500 CFS.
The SACRAMENTO RIVER IS BLOWN OUT AS OF 12/ 01.
POOR WATER VISIBILITY.
PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR WATER CONDITIONS.
WATER SHOULD CLEAR UP 24 to 48 HOURS AFTER RAIN STORM. We will keep you updated. 
PRIOR TO STORMS: Fly fishing Sacramento River in Redding is red hot, awesome fishing!
Catching Rainbows from Redding 20 to 30 fish days.
Afternoons have been fantastic fly fishing in the Redding area.
South Redding and Anderson area of the Sacramento River has been producing steelhead also.
With the presence of salmon, egg patterns are working best now. 
Sucker Spawn # 14, Pheasant Tail # 14, Gordon Prince nymphs # 16, Cinnamon Pupahs # 14, PMD's #18 are working well also. 
Our guides are fishing daily, call or email us today.
We offer daily guided fishing trips, 7 days a week. 
All fly fishing gear is included on our guided fly fishing trips.
Daily drifting Redding, California and Anderson, California fly fishing
for wild rainbow trout.
Groups and Clubs welcome, we can accommodate ANY size group.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Fishing has been great this week! Water conditions near Dunsmuir are clear, while conditions near the Delta are good. Try using #16-#18 dark colored nymphs and copper johns.
Rainbows are biting flies that are deep near the rocks.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.
Fishing Guides: AA Outdoor Adventures.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
THE BIG MUDDY
The Sac has been blasted with amazing amounts of rain lately and is a muddy, debris laden mess.
Probably best to stay away from the creek for awhile.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
King Salmon:
As of December 1 , 2012. Water flows are at 4,500 CFS.
Sacramento River Salmon fishing is fair to good. Fishing is up and down. Beautiful bright salmon. 
Average hook up 2 to 4 salmon a day. Flatfish lures are best bet, Lures have been producing the largest King Salmon. 
Early mornings we are getting a few salmon first thing in the morning at first light, and as we move through the day getting hit on bright colored lures, your florescent pinks and yellows.
We have rain on the way, this will bring up more salmon to the area.
Expect to see larger fish now. Most fish have been weighing in at 25 pounds plus, also another 41 pounder. 
This is prime time fishing! November and December are known months on the Sacramento River to produce big salmon. 
The Anderson area is excellent for trout as well as salmon.
Call us today to schedule your trip.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIF:
The road is now closed for the season.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Some days are great and others could be better. Rainbow Trout and King Salmon are successful catches on the surface and up to 40 feet deep. Trout reports coming from Bridge Bay and near the Dry Creek area.
Courtesy of AA Outdoor Adventures Sports Fishing. 
Fishing Guide: HYPERLINK "http://www.philsprop.com" Phil's Propeller.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fall chinook will start entering the Smith as the rains start occurring.
No harvest of wild coho is allowed in the Smith River basin.

SOUTH FORK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Those anglers still hitting the water here are still having success and fishing for trout is good, while fishing for wipers is poor to fair and fishing for black bass is poor.
Trout are being caught in the coves on the east side of the lake, in the shallow flats at the south end of the lake, and along Jet Ski Beach. Actually, fish are being caught in less than 10 feet of water all around the lake. The water temperature has dropped to around 45 degrees and the water is clear.
Anglers are still finding soft mud along the backs of the coves, so launch float tubes from the rocky points and then kick back into the coves.
First thing in the morning it is frozen, and then when you try to get back out the same way in the warm afternoons, anglers are getting “stuck” in the mud.
The main boat ramp cove is fair to good for trout.
Unlike previous weeks, fishing appears to pick up later in the morning instead of at first light, so anglers can sleep in a bit if they want.
If fishing with chironomids, work in two to six feet of water with a very slow retrieve. The fish appear to be moving into the deeper water as the sun starts to climb in the sky about mid-morning and anglers should either use a 12 to 15 foot leader with chironomids and slip strike indicator or switch to a sink tip or sinking line with buggers, leeches, or hare’s ears to reach them.

TOPAZ LAKE:
Closed until January 01, 2013.

TRINITY LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The conditions have been excellent, while fishing has been good.
Due to the recent rains, new fish have moved in. The river is flowing at a clear, low 350 CFS. Steelhead have made an appearance and expected to be great through February. Salmon are keeping steelhead busy, steels looking for those egg patterns.
Courtesy of The Fly Shop.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Kirk and Lisa Portocarrero at outdooradventures@sacriverguide.com and www.sacriverguide.com (1-800-670-4448) report:
December 1 , 2012 Fishing report
Currently, Water is at 300 CFS. Water too high today, not able to fish looks like Friday before we can get out. 
Steelhead Fishing is fantastic! Red hot, Excellent fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity River from Lewiston to Pigeon Point is fishing very well.
Fishing is better during the week days to avoid the crowds. With 10 to 15 hook ups a day now, for the seasoned fly fisherman. 
Flies working best are Stone flies, Copper John's, and Egg patterns.
Fish are biting throughout the day, hatches happening between 1 and 3 pm.
Egg patterns working better in the morning hours, then turning to flies later in the day.
Steelhead in early morning in shallow riffles and the later in the afternoon, when the river gets busier, steelhead are moving into the deep holes. 
Bait fisherman using lures and producing nice Steelhead, as well. 
We will be fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River from now through the month of March.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
No Lahontan cutthroat have been reported or seen at Walker Lake since 2009. Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

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 now 23 CFS. Fishing is tough. WD-40's, buckskin nymphs, copper John's and Prince Nymphs.

WALKER RIVER, EAST, CALIF:
Kent Rianda of The Trout Fly and Troutfitter (760-934-2517) (www.thetroutfitter.com) reports:
Water conditions:
Poor. Flows steady for more than a week at 23 CFS as of 11/30.
Fishing conditions:
Good. Flows now down into the 20's. Fish are going to be stacked in the deepest water they can find at this point. Mostly small midges and mayflies.


WALKER RIVER, WEST, CALIF:
Closed until the last Saturday in April 2013.

WASHOE LAKE, WAHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Washoe Lake dried up in 2004 and, although it is presently full and has been restocked, the fish population, consisting mostly of channel catfish and white bass, is small. Fishing is expected to be poor.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water has cooled down significantly here and is now in the mid to high 30’s with ice forming in the back of coves and along some of the shallow shorelines on cold mornings. It won’t be long before the fishing is over here.
Pete Kaufman and Nate Johnson had a great Sunday morning here last weekend with no one else on the lake for the first couple of hours they fished. The two Elko anglers caught fish in the 16 to 22 inch range using chironomid patterns and Nate’s nasties.
The cooler conditions have the trout moving into shallower water so shore fishing in the vicinity of the state park has been good with many shore anglers reporting limits of three to five pound bowcutts using either Power Bait or nightcrawlers.
Fish of similar size have also been report along the rock wall south of the State Park boat ramp catching. Rainbows are coming in between 16 and 20 inches.
Fly fishermen are still reporting good fishing in three to five feet of water using gold ribbed hare’s ears, chironomids, and wooly buggers.
The state park boat ramp is still usable, though the dock is no longer in the water. However, the small ramp in the Hendricks Arm is not useable.
Wiper fishing has really slowed down with the cooler water conditions, though if you want to fish for them, minnow imitations, such as crankbaits or rapalas that are black over silver or white, and trout or perch imitators seem to be the best.
No word on any perch being caught.
The outflow of the dam has slowed to around 10 CFS making for fair fishing conditions in the tailwater below Wild Horse Dam.

WILLOW BEACH, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are finding good action for large stripers. The fish are biting A.C. Plugs and other trout-imitating swimbaits. Three fish weighing in at 16.16 pounds, 17 pounds and 27.76 pounds came in during the past week. Rainbow trout continue to hit small spinners and other traditional trout baits following the weekly plants on Fridays.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level has stabilized at about 10% full and should start rising.
Fishing is slow for the warm water species here, and with few trout in this lake, there will be no new reports on this water until spring.

WILSON RESERVOIR, ELKO COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The water level is low, though it is starting to clear a bit.
Fishing for bass is slow, but trout fishing is fair to good.
Gold ribbed hare’s ears continue to be catch fish along with chironomids.
Larger presentations have been also been productive so try natural baits (worms/Power Bait), spinners and large natural colored flies like wooly buggers and leech patterns can also be effective this time of year.
If the area gets any significant precipitation this weekend, anglers may want to give the road a few days to dry out before heading here.

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