06-16-2004, 11:06 PM
Fishing report -- June 16
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
6/15/2004 10:23 pm
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to rapidly changing weather conditions in the Sierra and Northern Nevada, anglers are urged to call ahead to the sources listed at the end of each area description for reports on the latest road and water conditions.
FRENCHMAN LAKE: Lake fishing remains good with many limits being taken. Russell and Mike Rizzo of Sparks caught several 13-17-inch rainbows using nightcrawlers and anise oil near Big Cove on Saturday. Fly fishermen using sinking lines and size 12-16 stillwater nymphs. Snail patterns such as Weiscargo also effective. Evenings have seen a canus May fly hatch as well as midges. Streams are running fast and it’s difficult to find a slow spot to fish. Report of a 3 3/4 pound German brown caught last week near Guidici Ranch. The California Department of Fish and Game planted 60,000 6-inch rainbows on June 10. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
LAKE DAVIS: The fishing story continues to be about large fish and mixed results. Water surface temperature is running 65-66 degrees. The annual Rotary fishing derby was held last weekend. There were 28 prizes awarded for the longest trout, with first measuring 22 3/8 inches and 28th at 20 3/4 inches.
Trolling: Rated good for experienced anglers. Ed Dillard of Dillard’s guided fishing landed 23 fish on Saturday, eight fish on Sunday before 11 a.m. and eight fish to 20 1/2 inches on Monday evening. He has been trolling 8-10 feet below the surface using Wee Dick Nites, Needlefish and Peacock colored wooly buggers. Rapalas' is size 5, gold, have been producing. On June 10, Dale Fraser and Scott Buckelew shallow trolled Needlefish in the north end of the lake and landed six fish to 2.76 pounds. Some of the fish were caught in water 6-feet deep.
Fly-fishing: Spotty results, but exciting, as there has been a good Damsel hatch most everyday with fish working them on or near the surface. The surface activity is exciting, however the fish are very selective. A one or two fish day is good for most. After the Damsel hatch is over some anglers are fishing blood midge nymphs just off the bottom with good results. There has also been a hatch just before dark.
Shore: Rated spotty but improved. Several fishing contest winners were fishing from shore at Bluff Cove and Honker Cove point. Powerbait and inflated nightcrawlers continue to be the baits of choice.
Dollard’s Sierra Market (530) 832-5251. [url "http://www.dollardsmarket.com/"][#0000ff]www.dollardsmarket.com[/#0000ff][/url]. Email — [url "mailto:dollards@psln.com"][#0000ff]dollards@psln.com[/#0000ff][/url]. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
TRUCKEE RIVER: Fly-fishing remains excellent. The upper section between the town of Truckee and the Boca Bridge has seen a mid-day green drake hatch for the past week. It probably won’t last much longer. Evenings have seen good caddis and little yellow stone hatches from Truckee to Reno. Nymphing in the afternoons with birds nests and z-wing caddis pupa has also been effective. The river is fishing as well as it can now. A lot of action on lures through Reno. Try Panther Martins in black with yellow dots or black with gold. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
LITTLE TRUCKEE: Flows have come way down. PMDs are hatching mid-day and the fish are active. Flows will continue to drop all summer and fishing pressure will increase. Burk’s silhouette dun is a good match for the PMDs. HBI nymphs fished with a dry dropper combo can also be effective. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
PYRAMID LAKE: Fishing has really slowed. Fish have moved into deeper water and the water temperature is rising. Trolling with Flatfish down about 40 feet may yield a few. Closes to fishing June 30. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
CARSON RIVER: Flows are at 450 c.f.s. on the East Fork. Fishing should be excellent for the next couple of months. Caddis, little yellow stones and pale evening duns should be hatching any day now. Nymphing the bigger runs with bead head nymphs such as golden stones, caddis pupa and HBIs should do the trick. Make sure you are getting your nymphs all the way down to the bottom and do not get in a hurry to make another cast. Swinging your flies at the end of your drift is a good way to imitate emerging nymphs. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
SMITH CREEK RANCH: The damsels are out in force. The no-name damsel has been effective fished with an intermediate line. Callabaetis dries such as parachute Adam’s in size 16 has also been good. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
WINNEMUCCA RANCH: The Mormon crickets have almost migrated through the area. The fish are getting used to easy meals and will take a big dry cricket pattern willingly. Rust-colored wooly buggers have also been good. There is a tremendous damsel hatch going on. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SPARKS MARINA: Fishing has been good. Try worms under a slip bobber down about 15-20 feet. Fish are in deeper water. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Redding to Anderson area. Flows at 14,000 c.f.s. Fishing for rainbow trout is great with 15-25 fish days. Great bug hatch in the afternoon. Late afternoon until sunset. Lures working well include pheasant tails No. 16, prince nymphs No. 16 and caddis patterns and egg patterns.
All anglers must have a Delta Enhancement Stamp while fishing on the Sacramento River, Lake Shasta and the Feather River. King salmon fishing opens July 16. Salmon counts for 2004 as of May 7 to date, 1,147 salmon passed over the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, last year-to-date, 633 salmon.
Guide services and information: Hank Mautz Professional Guide Service, (800) 355-3113. Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing, Kirk Portocarrero, (800) 670-4448 or (530) 221-6151. Web site: [url "http://www.sacriverguide.com/"][#0000ff]www.sacriverguide.com[/#0000ff][/url].
FEATHER RIVER: Catching nice chrome king salmon now, 12-20 pounds. Back-trolling Flatfish lures, green and gold, T50s, fishing between Oroville, Calif., and Gridley, Calif. Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing, Kirk Portocarrero, (800) 670-4448 or (530) 221-6151. Web site: [url "http://www.sacriverguide.com/"][#0000ff]www.sacriverguide.com[/#0000ff][/url].
WILDHORSE: Perch are hot, but you’ll catch four small fish for every keeper. Trout and bass are eating small perch and shrimp. Sharon Bjorlint caught two catfish, they weighed 12 pounds, 14 ounces and 8 pounds, 5 ounces. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"][#0000ff]dunns@direcway.com[/#0000ff][/url].
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing was mostly good last week. Most fish weighed in at 1½-3 pounds. The best action has been from Wildcat Point working north towards Pelican Point. Trolling with needlefish and other similar lures at about 10-30 feet seems to be producing the best results.
Still-fishing continues best using nightcrawlers under bobbers. Shore fishing has been marginally successful using nightcrawlers, Powerbait or a combination of the two from the jetty at Eagle Lake Marina. Some reports have come in that indicate success in the tules near Spaulding.
The fourth annual free fishing seminar is July 3. Held in the parking lot at Eagle Lake Marina. Sep Hendrickson and his fishing guides will explain the best ways to fish Eagle Lake. The seminar will include many free samples of fishing products as well as a free drawing for a complete rod and reel combo and other prizes. All ages and experience levels can benefit by the information.
Ample camping is available in the pines at the south shore of Eagle Lake with more than 200 campsites available first-come, first serve. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call the U. S. Forest Service at (530) 257-4188. For reservations, call toll free, (877) 444-6777. For current information on fishing conditions, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
CROWLEY LAKE: On the tough side last week. Some cool, breezy weather mid week had the fish off the bite but conditions settled by the weekend. Streamers have been the best bet as the midge hatch has been diminished. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Still on the slow side. The water is beginning to clear up. Prince nymphs, San Juan worms and crystal buggers. Most of the spawning fish have returned to the lake. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 297 c.f.s. and fishing is pretty tough. Try nymphing tight to the bank with cased caddis or buckskin nymphs. Flows above 200 c.f.s. severely limit dry fly opportunities.
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 32 c.f.s. and a little off color. Small nymphs (sizes 18-22) such as hares ears and flash back pheasant tails are productive through out the day. Little yellow stones beginning to show up around mid-day. Some afternoon caddis activity. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Silver Lake is the best bet for the float tube fly angler. Most of the fish are stocked, but an occasional larger holdover fish is possible. Black crystal buggers, Twin Lakes specials and matukas. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
EAST WALKER RIVER: Water flow is 180 c.f.s. Hopper patterns have been working well. Try using a hopper dropper setup with a Burk’s HBI nymph as the dropper. The California section has seen a lot of pressure, but fishing remains good. The Nevada side has also been fishing great so far this spring due to excellent water levels. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN: All the lakes have been well stocked with Alpers trout. Lake Mamie is fishing well with olive zonkers, olive Twin Lakes specials and hares ear nymphs. Performance Guide Service, (760) 934-1957.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Try yellow Powerbait, green Powerworms or salmon eggs. Water temperature rising steadily, currently 56 degrees. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
LOWER TWIN LAKES: Fishing is excellent with many limits coming in. Average is up to 1 1/2-2-pounds. Brass spin-a-lures, Thomas Buoyants, Super Supers and Kastmasters are the lures of choice. Yellow Powerbait, or Sierra Gold, salmon eggs and inflated nightcrawlers have been the best bets. Report of a 5-pound, 20-inch German brown caught last week. Robinson Creek is also good with fish up to 3 1/2 pounds being caught. Twin Lakes Resort (760) 932-7751.
SOUTH LAKE: Fishing has been fantastic. There was a stocking last week. The best baits remain Powerbait or nightcrawlers and for lures either Thomas Buoyants or Super Dupers. Trolling has been great with a white Cultiva or best with a red-headed olive Matuka. Boats are beginning to work their way around the island. Water level is rising about a foot a day. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The creek was still good but it depended on the angler. Success with Powerbait or salmon eggs, but some anglers were working hard to catch fish. The water level is perfect and DFG has been stocking regularly. Anglers can catch fish, but should be ready to work a little. Yellow or Tan Stingers were pretty successful. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: Good fishing with Powerbait or salmon eggs. Some great reports with Stingers or Super Dupers. Red seemed to be important on the lures and flies. Intake 2 was busy last weekend. Lots of limits with green Powerbait or using a fly and bobber with an olive or red-headed olive Matuka. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: Many pan-size limits were caught in the inlets, most on nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. A few more trophy fish were planted by the DFG on June 8 along with the normal size planters. Only a couple of the trophy fish were caught last week. Trollers might want to try wooly buggers or matukas around the shoreline along with Thomas Buoyants and superdupers. The lake is up on the launching ramp. Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, (760) 873-7425.
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RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
6/15/2004 10:23 pm
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to rapidly changing weather conditions in the Sierra and Northern Nevada, anglers are urged to call ahead to the sources listed at the end of each area description for reports on the latest road and water conditions.
FRENCHMAN LAKE: Lake fishing remains good with many limits being taken. Russell and Mike Rizzo of Sparks caught several 13-17-inch rainbows using nightcrawlers and anise oil near Big Cove on Saturday. Fly fishermen using sinking lines and size 12-16 stillwater nymphs. Snail patterns such as Weiscargo also effective. Evenings have seen a canus May fly hatch as well as midges. Streams are running fast and it’s difficult to find a slow spot to fish. Report of a 3 3/4 pound German brown caught last week near Guidici Ranch. The California Department of Fish and Game planted 60,000 6-inch rainbows on June 10. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
LAKE DAVIS: The fishing story continues to be about large fish and mixed results. Water surface temperature is running 65-66 degrees. The annual Rotary fishing derby was held last weekend. There were 28 prizes awarded for the longest trout, with first measuring 22 3/8 inches and 28th at 20 3/4 inches.
Trolling: Rated good for experienced anglers. Ed Dillard of Dillard’s guided fishing landed 23 fish on Saturday, eight fish on Sunday before 11 a.m. and eight fish to 20 1/2 inches on Monday evening. He has been trolling 8-10 feet below the surface using Wee Dick Nites, Needlefish and Peacock colored wooly buggers. Rapalas' is size 5, gold, have been producing. On June 10, Dale Fraser and Scott Buckelew shallow trolled Needlefish in the north end of the lake and landed six fish to 2.76 pounds. Some of the fish were caught in water 6-feet deep.
Fly-fishing: Spotty results, but exciting, as there has been a good Damsel hatch most everyday with fish working them on or near the surface. The surface activity is exciting, however the fish are very selective. A one or two fish day is good for most. After the Damsel hatch is over some anglers are fishing blood midge nymphs just off the bottom with good results. There has also been a hatch just before dark.
Shore: Rated spotty but improved. Several fishing contest winners were fishing from shore at Bluff Cove and Honker Cove point. Powerbait and inflated nightcrawlers continue to be the baits of choice.
Dollard’s Sierra Market (530) 832-5251. [url "http://www.dollardsmarket.com/"][#0000ff]www.dollardsmarket.com[/#0000ff][/url]. Email — [url "mailto:dollards@psln.com"][#0000ff]dollards@psln.com[/#0000ff][/url]. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
TRUCKEE RIVER: Fly-fishing remains excellent. The upper section between the town of Truckee and the Boca Bridge has seen a mid-day green drake hatch for the past week. It probably won’t last much longer. Evenings have seen good caddis and little yellow stone hatches from Truckee to Reno. Nymphing in the afternoons with birds nests and z-wing caddis pupa has also been effective. The river is fishing as well as it can now. A lot of action on lures through Reno. Try Panther Martins in black with yellow dots or black with gold. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
LITTLE TRUCKEE: Flows have come way down. PMDs are hatching mid-day and the fish are active. Flows will continue to drop all summer and fishing pressure will increase. Burk’s silhouette dun is a good match for the PMDs. HBI nymphs fished with a dry dropper combo can also be effective. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
PYRAMID LAKE: Fishing has really slowed. Fish have moved into deeper water and the water temperature is rising. Trolling with Flatfish down about 40 feet may yield a few. Closes to fishing June 30. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
CARSON RIVER: Flows are at 450 c.f.s. on the East Fork. Fishing should be excellent for the next couple of months. Caddis, little yellow stones and pale evening duns should be hatching any day now. Nymphing the bigger runs with bead head nymphs such as golden stones, caddis pupa and HBIs should do the trick. Make sure you are getting your nymphs all the way down to the bottom and do not get in a hurry to make another cast. Swinging your flies at the end of your drift is a good way to imitate emerging nymphs. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
SMITH CREEK RANCH: The damsels are out in force. The no-name damsel has been effective fished with an intermediate line. Callabaetis dries such as parachute Adam’s in size 16 has also been good. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
WINNEMUCCA RANCH: The Mormon crickets have almost migrated through the area. The fish are getting used to easy meals and will take a big dry cricket pattern willingly. Rust-colored wooly buggers have also been good. There is a tremendous damsel hatch going on. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SPARKS MARINA: Fishing has been good. Try worms under a slip bobber down about 15-20 feet. Fish are in deeper water. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Redding to Anderson area. Flows at 14,000 c.f.s. Fishing for rainbow trout is great with 15-25 fish days. Great bug hatch in the afternoon. Late afternoon until sunset. Lures working well include pheasant tails No. 16, prince nymphs No. 16 and caddis patterns and egg patterns.
All anglers must have a Delta Enhancement Stamp while fishing on the Sacramento River, Lake Shasta and the Feather River. King salmon fishing opens July 16. Salmon counts for 2004 as of May 7 to date, 1,147 salmon passed over the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, last year-to-date, 633 salmon.
Guide services and information: Hank Mautz Professional Guide Service, (800) 355-3113. Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing, Kirk Portocarrero, (800) 670-4448 or (530) 221-6151. Web site: [url "http://www.sacriverguide.com/"][#0000ff]www.sacriverguide.com[/#0000ff][/url].
FEATHER RIVER: Catching nice chrome king salmon now, 12-20 pounds. Back-trolling Flatfish lures, green and gold, T50s, fishing between Oroville, Calif., and Gridley, Calif. Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing, Kirk Portocarrero, (800) 670-4448 or (530) 221-6151. Web site: [url "http://www.sacriverguide.com/"][#0000ff]www.sacriverguide.com[/#0000ff][/url].
WILDHORSE: Perch are hot, but you’ll catch four small fish for every keeper. Trout and bass are eating small perch and shrimp. Sharon Bjorlint caught two catfish, they weighed 12 pounds, 14 ounces and 8 pounds, 5 ounces. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"][#0000ff]dunns@direcway.com[/#0000ff][/url].
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing was mostly good last week. Most fish weighed in at 1½-3 pounds. The best action has been from Wildcat Point working north towards Pelican Point. Trolling with needlefish and other similar lures at about 10-30 feet seems to be producing the best results.
Still-fishing continues best using nightcrawlers under bobbers. Shore fishing has been marginally successful using nightcrawlers, Powerbait or a combination of the two from the jetty at Eagle Lake Marina. Some reports have come in that indicate success in the tules near Spaulding.
The fourth annual free fishing seminar is July 3. Held in the parking lot at Eagle Lake Marina. Sep Hendrickson and his fishing guides will explain the best ways to fish Eagle Lake. The seminar will include many free samples of fishing products as well as a free drawing for a complete rod and reel combo and other prizes. All ages and experience levels can benefit by the information.
Ample camping is available in the pines at the south shore of Eagle Lake with more than 200 campsites available first-come, first serve. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call the U. S. Forest Service at (530) 257-4188. For reservations, call toll free, (877) 444-6777. For current information on fishing conditions, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
CROWLEY LAKE: On the tough side last week. Some cool, breezy weather mid week had the fish off the bite but conditions settled by the weekend. Streamers have been the best bet as the midge hatch has been diminished. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Still on the slow side. The water is beginning to clear up. Prince nymphs, San Juan worms and crystal buggers. Most of the spawning fish have returned to the lake. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 297 c.f.s. and fishing is pretty tough. Try nymphing tight to the bank with cased caddis or buckskin nymphs. Flows above 200 c.f.s. severely limit dry fly opportunities.
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 32 c.f.s. and a little off color. Small nymphs (sizes 18-22) such as hares ears and flash back pheasant tails are productive through out the day. Little yellow stones beginning to show up around mid-day. Some afternoon caddis activity. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Silver Lake is the best bet for the float tube fly angler. Most of the fish are stocked, but an occasional larger holdover fish is possible. Black crystal buggers, Twin Lakes specials and matukas. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"][#0000ff]www.performanceguideservice.com[/#0000ff][/url].
EAST WALKER RIVER: Water flow is 180 c.f.s. Hopper patterns have been working well. Try using a hopper dropper setup with a Burk’s HBI nymph as the dropper. The California section has seen a lot of pressure, but fishing remains good. The Nevada side has also been fishing great so far this spring due to excellent water levels. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN: All the lakes have been well stocked with Alpers trout. Lake Mamie is fishing well with olive zonkers, olive Twin Lakes specials and hares ear nymphs. Performance Guide Service, (760) 934-1957.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Try yellow Powerbait, green Powerworms or salmon eggs. Water temperature rising steadily, currently 56 degrees. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
LOWER TWIN LAKES: Fishing is excellent with many limits coming in. Average is up to 1 1/2-2-pounds. Brass spin-a-lures, Thomas Buoyants, Super Supers and Kastmasters are the lures of choice. Yellow Powerbait, or Sierra Gold, salmon eggs and inflated nightcrawlers have been the best bets. Report of a 5-pound, 20-inch German brown caught last week. Robinson Creek is also good with fish up to 3 1/2 pounds being caught. Twin Lakes Resort (760) 932-7751.
SOUTH LAKE: Fishing has been fantastic. There was a stocking last week. The best baits remain Powerbait or nightcrawlers and for lures either Thomas Buoyants or Super Dupers. Trolling has been great with a white Cultiva or best with a red-headed olive Matuka. Boats are beginning to work their way around the island. Water level is rising about a foot a day. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The creek was still good but it depended on the angler. Success with Powerbait or salmon eggs, but some anglers were working hard to catch fish. The water level is perfect and DFG has been stocking regularly. Anglers can catch fish, but should be ready to work a little. Yellow or Tan Stingers were pretty successful. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: Good fishing with Powerbait or salmon eggs. Some great reports with Stingers or Super Dupers. Red seemed to be important on the lures and flies. Intake 2 was busy last weekend. Lots of limits with green Powerbait or using a fly and bobber with an olive or red-headed olive Matuka. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: Many pan-size limits were caught in the inlets, most on nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. A few more trophy fish were planted by the DFG on June 8 along with the normal size planters. Only a couple of the trophy fish were caught last week. Trollers might want to try wooly buggers or matukas around the shoreline along with Thomas Buoyants and superdupers. The lake is up on the launching ramp. Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, (760) 873-7425.
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