07-22-2004, 12:46 PM
Fishing report -- July 21
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
7/20/2004 11:20 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: Fish are being caught all over the lake. Most anglers are using sinking lines and size 10 to 14 bead head nymphs, such as Rickards Stillwater nymphs, bird’s nests and prince nymphs. Frenchman usually fishes the best of any of the local lakes this time of year due to a little deeper water closer to shore which helps keep water temperatures down. Last Chance Creek below the dam is also fishing well. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683.
LAKE DAVIS: Fishing is rated as slow to fair depending upon the type of fishing one does. Water temperatures are running 69-72 degrees. Shore fishing at Mallard Cove and the southern tip of Honker Cove is rated as fair for fish up to 3 pounds. Trolling has been slow for all but the experienced. Trolling has been best in the afternoon at the 15-20-foot depth. Fly-fishing is rated as slow. The Damsel hatch has slowed to a crawl. Fish are being caught in water 8-12-feet deep off the points on the west side. Beadhead blood midges fished under an indicator have been working. Dollard’s Sierra Market (530) 832-5251. [url "http://www.dollardsmarket.com/"]www.dollardsmarket.com[/url]. Email — [url "mailto:dollards@psln.com"]dollards@psln.com[/url].
TRUCKEE RIVER: Water levels remain good for this time of year and water temperatures are warming. Fly fishermen doing well with grasshopper patterns from mid-morning to mid-afternoon all up and down the river. Still getting some caddis and yellow sally hatches coming off in the evenings. Dead-drifting crayfish in the deeper pools can also be effective and should only get better over the next month or so. Spinners using rooster tails and silver/gold Vibrex lures doing well. Rapalas also working. The fish are there to be caught, you just need to work a little harder. The Gilly, 358-6113. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
LITTLE TRUCKEE: Flows remain good. There is still some PMD action in the late morning and some caddis coming off right before dark. Nymphing with small HBI nymphs during the day has been producing. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
CARSON RIVER: Flows are down to 70 c.f.s. Still plenty of water for the East Carson. Look for Trico’s in the mornings and caddis and pale evening duns in the evening. This is a great time of year to fish the hopper dropper set up. Do not be afraid to cut off the dropper and just use a hopper also. Burk’s spent hopper is a great choice in sizes 8 and 10. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
GOODRICH CREEK: The Hexagenia hatch is in full swing. Rainbows and browns are feeding heavily on hex’s just before dark. The hopper season just got underway. This time of year, you can fish dry flies all day long. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
WINNEMUCCA RANCH: The weeds are getting pretty thick, but the fish are still active. Bead head nymphs fished with intermediate lines have been the best bet. Best in the mornings. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SPARKS MARINA: Anglers using bait are doing well. The freeway side is best. Try rainbow Powerbait early in the morning or late evenings or on overcast days. The Gilly, 358-6113.
SQUAW CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing still good here. Powerbait and nightcrawlers off the bottom and a variety of Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Rapalas. Float tubers using intermediate floating lines with wooly buggers and nymph patterns. Almost everything is working. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Flows at 15,000 c.f.s. Opening day for salmon was very slow and has been slow since then. Fish are coming up, but shooting up river and not sticking around to be caught. Daily counts are low right now. Don't despair, it should pick up as more salmon are on their way, watch for fishing to improve as the weeks pass.
Salmon counts for 2004 as of May 7 to date, 1,732 salmon passed over the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, last year-to-date, 1,536 salmon.
Fishing for rainbow trout is still great. 15-30 fish days. Great bug hatch in the afternoon. Best late afternoon until sunset. Lures working well include pheasant tails No. 16, micro May fly No. 16 and fox pupa’s.
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/"]www.sacriverguide.com[/url].
FEATHER RIVER: Flows at 7,500 c.f.s. Fishing for Kings slowed last week. Fishing is fair to good, up and down, when caught, chrome king salmon are bright fish, 12-25 pounds with occasional 30-pounder. Back-trolling Flatfish lures, green and gold, T-50’s, starting to catch a few on roe. 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/"]www.sacriverguide.com[/url].
WILDHORSE: Fishing is best for trout and channel cats after dark. Use lures imitating crawdads or perch. Bait with shrimp, shrimp mallows and a crawdad are working well. Small perch are abundant. Bass are working off crawdad imitations. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"]dunns@direcway.com[/url].
LAHONTAN: The carp bite should start any day now. Wipers catfish, carp and bass can be caught in shallow water feeding on small bugs this time of year. Small nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 are a god bet. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing very well in the deeper, cooler water. The best areas are the south side near Eagle’s Nest and the Circus Camp. The Spaulding Tract near the airport has also been productive, with the early morning grab being best. Dragon fly nymphs, large dark brown leeches and minnow patterns have been the flies of choice. Most fish have been in the 2-3-pound range with a few as big as 5 pounds. [url "http://www.calvadaflyfishing.com/"]www.calvadaflyfishing.com[/url].
CROWLEY LAKE: The algae bloom is beginning to subside and fishing is picking up. McGee Bay and Hilton Bay have both been productive. The midge hatch and damsel fly hatch have the fish on the grab. Grey/black midge pupa in about 10-12-feet of water. Also try size 10-12 olive damsel nymphs on sinking lines along the weed lines with an erratic strip. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Still on the slow side. The water is pretty weedy. Nymphs, San Juan worms and crystal buggers. Cover a lot of water as the fish are spread out. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 153 c.f.s. and the river is fishing well. Trico spinners in the mornings. Micro May fly nymphs, buckskin nymphs and pheasant tails mid-day. Parachute caddis in the evenings. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 15 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. Some Trico activity early in the day. Little yellow stones around mid-day fish have been grabbing yellow sallies and yellow stimulators on the surface. Some afternoon caddis activity. Also try a hopper with a nymph or emerger as a trailer. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Float tubers at June Lake have been reporting some nice fish along the swim beach area. Cinnamon woolly buggers and leech patterns fished on a sink tip of full sink line fished slowly along the ledge has been the ticket. Rush Creek flows have slowed and fishing is pretty good with Royal Wulff's, Coachmen and Humpies. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com./"]www.performanceguideservice.com.[/url]
EAST WALKER RIVER: Flows are great, 213 c.f.s., but the water is warming. Water temperatures can reach 70 degrees this time of year so fish early and late, with the emphasis on early. Hopper patterns fished with or without a dropper can be productive. There may be some small May flies hatching in the evenings, but that is tough to count. Take a thermometer and quit fishing when the water reaches 70 degrees. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Water temperature is holding at 56 degrees. Thomas Buoyants in red and gold are working well as is Zeke’s Sierra Gold yellow. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
LOWER TWIN LAKES: A lot of fish being caught. Since June 28, there have been more than 20 fish 3 pounds or bigger landed. Powerbait, nightcrawlers, spin-a-lures and Rapalas are working the best. Robinson Creek is also doing well. Twin Lakes Resort (760) 932-7751.
SOUTH LAKE: The fishing remains very good although it has slowed a little. Trolling with a nightcrawler or red-headed Matuka has been great. Some activity with Rapalas or Cultivas on the troll. Most fish seem to be pretty high. Shore fishing with Powerbait or nightcrawlers is very good by the dam or in Boiler Cove. Behind the island is fantastic for views or fishing. White Stingers or Trout Traps have been awesome. Some good reports with Roostertails and gold Kastmasters. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The water level is very good with nice small pools to catch some great fish. Several large Alpers reported coming out this week using nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. Weir Pond has been very good with bait or fly-fishing. Many anglers reporting great results with Royal Coachmen and Hornbergs. Still good action with green bodied Mosquitoes. Small (T101) perch or red/gold Thomas Buoyants have been super. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: A popular spot for anglers, especially in float tubes. Fishing has been good with Powerbait or nightcrawlers doing best. Good results reported with Stingers and with Roostertails. Thomas Buoyants also doing very well. Intake 2 was stocked pretty heavily last week and that resulted in great fishing. Kids with Powerbait or a bobber and a Stinger have been catching dinner. Nightcrawlers have been bringing out a lot of fish. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: Fishing picked up for those hearty souls willing to brave the elements last week. With a bit of wind, thunder, lightning and rain, there were lots of limits still coming in from the inlet on nightcrawlers, eggs and Powerbait. Gold and red lures are the hot item for trollers along with wooly buggers, Rapalas and flashers with a worm. For those who enjoy just kicking back and drifting the length of the lake – worms and Powerbait are the ticket. Mosquitoes and wooly buggers with a bubble are producing hook-ups in the morning and evenings.
A couple larger fish were pulled out of the lake last week. Thomas Byrd of Bishop landed a 2 3/4 pounder on a nightcrawler. Lauri Harner, also of Bishop hooked a nice 2 1/4-pounder back at the inlet on a nightcrawler.
The lake is stocked on a regular basis by the Department of Fish and Game. Once again, the DFG stocked on Monday, July 12th with pan-size rainbows along with 25 trophy-size trout. Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, (760) 873-7425.
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RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
7/20/2004 11:20 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: Fish are being caught all over the lake. Most anglers are using sinking lines and size 10 to 14 bead head nymphs, such as Rickards Stillwater nymphs, bird’s nests and prince nymphs. Frenchman usually fishes the best of any of the local lakes this time of year due to a little deeper water closer to shore which helps keep water temperatures down. Last Chance Creek below the dam is also fishing well. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683.
LAKE DAVIS: Fishing is rated as slow to fair depending upon the type of fishing one does. Water temperatures are running 69-72 degrees. Shore fishing at Mallard Cove and the southern tip of Honker Cove is rated as fair for fish up to 3 pounds. Trolling has been slow for all but the experienced. Trolling has been best in the afternoon at the 15-20-foot depth. Fly-fishing is rated as slow. The Damsel hatch has slowed to a crawl. Fish are being caught in water 8-12-feet deep off the points on the west side. Beadhead blood midges fished under an indicator have been working. Dollard’s Sierra Market (530) 832-5251. [url "http://www.dollardsmarket.com/"]www.dollardsmarket.com[/url]. Email — [url "mailto:dollards@psln.com"]dollards@psln.com[/url].
TRUCKEE RIVER: Water levels remain good for this time of year and water temperatures are warming. Fly fishermen doing well with grasshopper patterns from mid-morning to mid-afternoon all up and down the river. Still getting some caddis and yellow sally hatches coming off in the evenings. Dead-drifting crayfish in the deeper pools can also be effective and should only get better over the next month or so. Spinners using rooster tails and silver/gold Vibrex lures doing well. Rapalas also working. The fish are there to be caught, you just need to work a little harder. The Gilly, 358-6113. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
LITTLE TRUCKEE: Flows remain good. There is still some PMD action in the late morning and some caddis coming off right before dark. Nymphing with small HBI nymphs during the day has been producing. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
CARSON RIVER: Flows are down to 70 c.f.s. Still plenty of water for the East Carson. Look for Trico’s in the mornings and caddis and pale evening duns in the evening. This is a great time of year to fish the hopper dropper set up. Do not be afraid to cut off the dropper and just use a hopper also. Burk’s spent hopper is a great choice in sizes 8 and 10. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
GOODRICH CREEK: The Hexagenia hatch is in full swing. Rainbows and browns are feeding heavily on hex’s just before dark. The hopper season just got underway. This time of year, you can fish dry flies all day long. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
WINNEMUCCA RANCH: The weeds are getting pretty thick, but the fish are still active. Bead head nymphs fished with intermediate lines have been the best bet. Best in the mornings. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SPARKS MARINA: Anglers using bait are doing well. The freeway side is best. Try rainbow Powerbait early in the morning or late evenings or on overcast days. The Gilly, 358-6113.
SQUAW CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing still good here. Powerbait and nightcrawlers off the bottom and a variety of Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Rapalas. Float tubers using intermediate floating lines with wooly buggers and nymph patterns. Almost everything is working. Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Flows at 15,000 c.f.s. Opening day for salmon was very slow and has been slow since then. Fish are coming up, but shooting up river and not sticking around to be caught. Daily counts are low right now. Don't despair, it should pick up as more salmon are on their way, watch for fishing to improve as the weeks pass.
Salmon counts for 2004 as of May 7 to date, 1,732 salmon passed over the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, last year-to-date, 1,536 salmon.
Fishing for rainbow trout is still great. 15-30 fish days. Great bug hatch in the afternoon. Best late afternoon until sunset. Lures working well include pheasant tails No. 16, micro May fly No. 16 and fox pupa’s.
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/"]www.sacriverguide.com[/url].
FEATHER RIVER: Flows at 7,500 c.f.s. Fishing for Kings slowed last week. Fishing is fair to good, up and down, when caught, chrome king salmon are bright fish, 12-25 pounds with occasional 30-pounder. Back-trolling Flatfish lures, green and gold, T-50’s, starting to catch a few on roe. 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/"]www.sacriverguide.com[/url].
WILDHORSE: Fishing is best for trout and channel cats after dark. Use lures imitating crawdads or perch. Bait with shrimp, shrimp mallows and a crawdad are working well. Small perch are abundant. Bass are working off crawdad imitations. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"]dunns@direcway.com[/url].
LAHONTAN: The carp bite should start any day now. Wipers catfish, carp and bass can be caught in shallow water feeding on small bugs this time of year. Small nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 are a god bet. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing very well in the deeper, cooler water. The best areas are the south side near Eagle’s Nest and the Circus Camp. The Spaulding Tract near the airport has also been productive, with the early morning grab being best. Dragon fly nymphs, large dark brown leeches and minnow patterns have been the flies of choice. Most fish have been in the 2-3-pound range with a few as big as 5 pounds. [url "http://www.calvadaflyfishing.com/"]www.calvadaflyfishing.com[/url].
CROWLEY LAKE: The algae bloom is beginning to subside and fishing is picking up. McGee Bay and Hilton Bay have both been productive. The midge hatch and damsel fly hatch have the fish on the grab. Grey/black midge pupa in about 10-12-feet of water. Also try size 10-12 olive damsel nymphs on sinking lines along the weed lines with an erratic strip. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Still on the slow side. The water is pretty weedy. Nymphs, San Juan worms and crystal buggers. Cover a lot of water as the fish are spread out. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 153 c.f.s. and the river is fishing well. Trico spinners in the mornings. Micro May fly nymphs, buckskin nymphs and pheasant tails mid-day. Parachute caddis in the evenings. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 15 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. Some Trico activity early in the day. Little yellow stones around mid-day fish have been grabbing yellow sallies and yellow stimulators on the surface. Some afternoon caddis activity. Also try a hopper with a nymph or emerger as a trailer. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Float tubers at June Lake have been reporting some nice fish along the swim beach area. Cinnamon woolly buggers and leech patterns fished on a sink tip of full sink line fished slowly along the ledge has been the ticket. Rush Creek flows have slowed and fishing is pretty good with Royal Wulff's, Coachmen and Humpies. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com./"]www.performanceguideservice.com.[/url]
EAST WALKER RIVER: Flows are great, 213 c.f.s., but the water is warming. Water temperatures can reach 70 degrees this time of year so fish early and late, with the emphasis on early. Hopper patterns fished with or without a dropper can be productive. There may be some small May flies hatching in the evenings, but that is tough to count. Take a thermometer and quit fishing when the water reaches 70 degrees. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Water temperature is holding at 56 degrees. Thomas Buoyants in red and gold are working well as is Zeke’s Sierra Gold yellow. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
LOWER TWIN LAKES: A lot of fish being caught. Since June 28, there have been more than 20 fish 3 pounds or bigger landed. Powerbait, nightcrawlers, spin-a-lures and Rapalas are working the best. Robinson Creek is also doing well. Twin Lakes Resort (760) 932-7751.
SOUTH LAKE: The fishing remains very good although it has slowed a little. Trolling with a nightcrawler or red-headed Matuka has been great. Some activity with Rapalas or Cultivas on the troll. Most fish seem to be pretty high. Shore fishing with Powerbait or nightcrawlers is very good by the dam or in Boiler Cove. Behind the island is fantastic for views or fishing. White Stingers or Trout Traps have been awesome. Some good reports with Roostertails and gold Kastmasters. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The water level is very good with nice small pools to catch some great fish. Several large Alpers reported coming out this week using nightcrawlers or salmon eggs. Weir Pond has been very good with bait or fly-fishing. Many anglers reporting great results with Royal Coachmen and Hornbergs. Still good action with green bodied Mosquitoes. Small (T101) perch or red/gold Thomas Buoyants have been super. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: A popular spot for anglers, especially in float tubes. Fishing has been good with Powerbait or nightcrawlers doing best. Good results reported with Stingers and with Roostertails. Thomas Buoyants also doing very well. Intake 2 was stocked pretty heavily last week and that resulted in great fishing. Kids with Powerbait or a bobber and a Stinger have been catching dinner. Nightcrawlers have been bringing out a lot of fish. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: Fishing picked up for those hearty souls willing to brave the elements last week. With a bit of wind, thunder, lightning and rain, there were lots of limits still coming in from the inlet on nightcrawlers, eggs and Powerbait. Gold and red lures are the hot item for trollers along with wooly buggers, Rapalas and flashers with a worm. For those who enjoy just kicking back and drifting the length of the lake – worms and Powerbait are the ticket. Mosquitoes and wooly buggers with a bubble are producing hook-ups in the morning and evenings.
A couple larger fish were pulled out of the lake last week. Thomas Byrd of Bishop landed a 2 3/4 pounder on a nightcrawler. Lauri Harner, also of Bishop hooked a nice 2 1/4-pounder back at the inlet on a nightcrawler.
The lake is stocked on a regular basis by the Department of Fish and Game. Once again, the DFG stocked on Monday, July 12th with pan-size rainbows along with 25 trophy-size trout. Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, (760) 873-7425.
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