Fishing Report through December 21

Here is the fishing report for the week of December 14-21. This report covers rivers, streams and lakes in Northern California, Nevada and Southern Oregon.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Water clarity reduced to 6.5-feet and surface temps are dropping fast and currently at 39.8 degrees. Be wary of ice forming in some of the shaded and shallow coves that wind around the lake.
Lake levels are still very good and are currently at 4,486.6 feet. 
Trollers should check out the east shore and stick to the top 20 ft. of water using water clarity reduced attractors, like flashers or dodgers.
— Courtesy of Almanor Fishing Adventures Guide

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Bishop area is closed.
 
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The fishing season for Bridgeport Reservoir is closed.

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River: The fishing season for the East Carson River is closed upstream from Hangman’s Bridge.
West Carson River: The fishing season for the West Carson River is closed.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Low and clear. Anglers fishing the Chetco are reporting a mix of Chinook and Steelhead in the river.
Look for the lower river to be the best fishing as the water starts to drop.
ODFW is conducting a steelhead angler creel on the Chetco this year, along with Chinook Salmon scale collection, and winter steelhead broodstock collection. At times, these projects may interfere with an anglers fishing. Please be courteous to all ODFW personnel and volunteers.

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, CALIF:
The fishing season for Convict Lake is closed.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Crowley Lake is closed.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Jim and Jeanne of the J & J Grizzly Store (530-832-0270) (www.grizzlystore.portola-ca.com) reports:
Drove around the lake today to check ice conditions. The road around the lake is open with some icy spots, mostly on the west side.
Could not check Eagle Point because of a logging truck blocking the road.
Camp 5, Freeman, and Cow Creek have some open water. Mallard has significant open water. Honker Cove at the point has open water. All other areas have ice, not very thick yet; able to throw a rock and break through.
Have had good reports of limits at Mallard the last few days.
Worms or Power Bait (rainbow, sherbet to lemon twist)
We are having nights in the teens and days in the 40’s with lots of sunshine.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The weather lately has been cold enough to put a thin layer of ice on the lake, so be wary of early morning fishing, and try the dam for a fishing spot.
— Courtesy of the Wiggins Trading Post 

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Due to cold weather, fishing is pretty much over at Eagle Lake for the season. Warmer days might liven the fish up for those who want to try their luck though. Try using orange grubs scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil to try to lure the fish out of their winter slumber.
— Courtesy of Big Daddy Fishing

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The reservoir is frozen over, but the ice is thin and unsafe for fishing.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Ice conditions are unknown, but other area waters are frozen over.
At this point any ice should be deemed to be unsafe.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season for Fall River is closed.

FREMONT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Fremont Lake is closed.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
Fishing has been good all around the lake.
Reports of ice on the lake near Turkey Point in the early morning, and around the edges.
The fishing has been good from shore at Frenchman’s boat landing and around the dam.
The north end on the west side near Lunker’s Point has been good fishing. Most fishermen are using nightcrawlers and marshmallows or Power Bait (rainbow is the favorite).
The roads around the lake are still in good shape. There is a little ice on some places, especially in the early morning.
Just BE CAREFUL and watch out for others on the road.
There are still a lot of people going out to get Christmas trees.

FT. CHURCHILL COOLING PONDS, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Ft. Churchill Cooling Ponds is closed.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Hat Creek is closed.

HEENAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Heenan Lake is closed.

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for Hinkson Slough is closed.

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for Hobart Reservoir is closed.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Hoover Wilderness Area is closed.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 10 CFS. Nymph fishing is the best bet right now. Try small WD-40's Miracle Nymphs and Pheasant Tails.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
The fishing season for the June Lake Loop is closed.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Kirman Lake is closed.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing is great on this river with 1/2 lb. steelhead and even a few adults going over 6 lbs!
Looking to try something new; try out the Klamath angling experience! Productive flies include Red Copper Johns, Rubber Legs, Champagne Redd Reapers, Clown Eggs, Shrimp Pink Micro Spawns.
Don't forget to purchase a Steelhead Report Card!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River: Stocked rainbows are providing anglers with good fishing from Davis Camp past Casino row, and a few carry over fish from past plants are taking baits as well. Some anglers have found success for striped bass while throwing plugs and swimbaits in trout patterns.  Access to the Nevada side of the Colorado River below the bridge is limited due to construction.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston is producing some good fishing!  A favorite of rainbows seems to be # 18-20 dark Midge patterns suspended or swung on long. 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
The fishing season for the Mammoth Lakes Basin is closed.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK CALIF:
The fishing season for Markleeville Creek is closed.

MARLETTE LAKE, CARSON CITY & WASHOE COUNTIES, NEV:
The fishing season for Marlette Lake is closed.

MASON VALLEY W.M.A., LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Mason Valley W.M.A. is closed.

MATHER LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Cold and windy weather conditions slowed fishing activity through the weekend and into the beginning of the week.
Anglers willing to brave the conditions did find good fishing for striped bass along the shoreline in the Hemenway area and from Vegas Wash to Government Wash. Early morning hours have been the most productive with shad imitations and live shad both catching fish.  
Action and fishing activity near Temple Bar has slowed.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
According to the folks at Cottonwood Cove, temperatures have been cold enough to keep some anglers away, but those who brave the chill can find striped bass in the nearby coves.
At Willow Beach large stripers are still showing following weekly trout plants by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery.
Trout anglers are finding success with traditional trout baits and hardware.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The reopening of recreational crabbing in the ocean has been delayed until December 15.
Recreational crabbing inside the estuaries remains open year round.
Fishing for bottomfish is open at all depths.
Anglers are reporting that bottomfishing has been spotty.
Anglers fishing from boats may no longer retain Cabezon because the quota of 15.8 metric tons will have been met.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River: Current water flow is 76 CFS.
Fishing is closed below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
The river upstream is open to fishing all year.
Barbless artificials only. Zero limit.
Fishing is slow with winter now upon us. Nymphing is the best bet. Try standard Nymph patterns like Pheasant Tails or Hares Ears.
Lower Owens River: Water flow is 104 CFS. Flows are still dropping. Water temp is 40 and the fish are sluggish. Insect activity is virtually non-existent. Patience is the key. Lots of perfect drifts are necessary for success.
Olive WD-40's, Caddis larva and small Pheasant Tails.

PINE VALLEY COMPLEX, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season for the Pine Valley Complex is closed.

PIT RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
This is a great week to find yourself on the Pit River! From Pit # 3 all the way down through Pit # 5, conditions are perfect and the rainbows are eating # 16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, # 6 Pat's Rubber Legs, Shafer's 3-D, Tan Birds Nests, Black Birds Nests! 
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

POORE AND SECRET LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Poore and Secret Lakes is closed.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
George and Carla Molino of the Pyramid Lake Store (775-476-0555) (www.fishpyramid.com) reports:
Fishing has been really slow, probably due to a combination of the full moon, the eclipse, the cold weather and it is just before Christmas.
When boats have been catching a half dozen fish or the shore fishermen have been catching a couple of fish, it has been a good day of fishing.
That should change in the near future.
The water temperatures are in the 40’s.

RANCHO SECO PARK LAKE, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

ROOSEVELT AND LANE LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Roosevelt and Lane Lakes is closed.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
River flows are 5,680 cubic feet per second.
Fishing has been good!
Best flies have been # 6 Pat's Brown Rubber Legs, Skip's Nymph, # 16 Olive S&Ms, # 16 Tan Bird's Nests. Don’t forget that the best chances for dry fly fishing are on over-cast, cold days.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The Upper Sac is fishing great! Dry fly fishing triggered by BWO hatches have lead to some pretty outstanding catches. There’s plenty of good Nymphing water and Rainbow Trout are out there waiting for just the right fisherman and lure!
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

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

SILVER CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season for Silver Creek is closed.

SMITH RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
The Smith is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size.
The Smith is now closed for trout fishing.
Steelhead will start entering the Smith as more rain occurs in the area. Most of the angling opportunity will be catch and release of wild fish; however, adipose fin clipped Coho and steelhead can be harvested in the Smith.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The fishing season for Topaz Lake is closed.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
The fishing on the Trinity is good right now, and therefore is a very popular river. Best results seem to occur in the AM hours and then after 3:30 PM. Productive flies include: # 12-14 Red Copper Johns, Psycho Princes in various colors, PT Nymphs, Rubber Legs.
Bring egg patterns in pink, orange, clown egg.
Don’t forget that Mornings have been icy so make sure to dress ultra warm and bring a Steelhead Card and a fishing license.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Twin Lakes is closed.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season for Virginia Lakes is closed.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
No fish have been reported or seen at Walker Lake so far this fishing season.
Mineral County Road Dept. has done some work on the State Parks Launch. Launching is improved but you still need four wheel drive.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:  Most recent flow 34 CFS. No change here. Water is low and cold and fishing is tough. Try red or gray Midge pupa.       

WILLIAM LAND PARK POND, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.