09-22-2004, 02:45 PM
Fishing report -- Sept. 22 [url "mailto:online@rgj.com"][/url]RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
9/21/2004 08:24 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: Saturday is free fishing day in California. The lake is fishing well, both from boats and shore. Jack Woodall of Reno caught a 6 1/2-pound rainbow off Lunker Point on Sept. 14 using Powerbait. Larger fish being seen near the boat ramp and in the narrows as the cooler weather brings them up from the bottom. Try green wooly buggers or Krokodile lures. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683. The Gilly, 358-6113.
LAKE DAVIS: The much-anticipated fall bite is on. Before Sunday’s dusting of snow, surface water temperatures were at 62 degrees. Good fishing reports have been coming in from all over the lake. Trolling woolly buggers in darker colors (brown, olive, and black) has produced nice limits of fish. Also, Wee Dick Nites trolled at a depth of 8-12 feet are attracting a good number of fish. Bank fishermen are also getting into the action using Powerbait and/or floating crawlers. Areas that have been hot are Fairview, Eagle Point and Mallard Cove. Fly-fishermen are reporting good hook ups from all the traditional sites on the north end, Freeman, Cow and areas around Jenkins using just about everything. We suggest using a Wiggly Tail Nymph in rust or olive. Wind has been a slight problem mid-morning to afternoon so move to a sheltered cove for good results. 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]. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. [url "http://www.renoflyshop.com/"]www.renoflyshop.com[/url].
TRUCKEE RIVER: Still fishing well. Flows are expected to rise this week. Try Panther Martins in black and yellow. Also, Mepp’s in 1/6-ounce size. Fly fishermen using copper johns under an indicator. The Gilly, 358-6113.
PYRAMID LAKE: Opens Oct. 1 and the opener is almost always good. Try wooly buggers in black, olive or chartreuse. Krokodiles in 1/4 ounce from shore, 1/2 ounce when trolling. Frog patterns or silver and red. The Gilly, 358-6113
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing should start to pick up here. There’s still a lot of algae, but cooler temperatures will bring the fish t the surface. Try worms off the bottom or Powerbait. Float tubers might try 1/4 ounce lures. The two 15-pound rainbows planted in June have still not been caught. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
BLUE LAKES: Lower Blue is a good choice. Those willing to hike in to Meadow Lake should get some good brook trout action. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930. (h) 775-265-1237
CARSON RIVER: The east fork continues to be fair. You can wade out pretty far. Try salmon eggs and worms. Fly guys doing well early and late with a Sierra trout fly. Mid-day nymphing is OK. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
HEENAN: This is the cutthroat fishery for California. Catch and release only and only open on Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s through Oct. Barbless hooks only. Cooler temperatures have helped a lot. Some algae along the shore. Float tubers have been doing pretty well nymphing in deeper water. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
CAPLES LAKE: You can no longer launch boats here. Must have a float tube or small aluminum boat. Shore fishing continue sto be fair. Try worms off the bottom or Powerbait. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
SMITH CREEK RANCH: Fishing is really picking up. Last week, anglers took fish between 2-5-pounds on the surface as well as with sub-surface flies. Adams’s dries size 16 and small nymphs such as calabaetis and hare’s ears are working. Fishing should only get better over the next few weeks. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Flows at 8,400 c.f.s. Anderson, Calif. King salmon are here and fishing is good. Nice, bright kings, 15-30 pounds with some up to 45 pounds. Limits some days. Fishing should continue to improve. Flatfish T-50's, and bouncing roe are best bet, both producing big fish. King salmon season will remain open until Jan. 14. Water level great, clear, and mild weather.
Lou Varela from Sparks recently caught a huge King salmon, 45 pounds, on the Sacramento River, fishing with guide Kirk Portocarrero.
Redding to Anderson: Fly fishing for rainbow trout is still great, 15-20 fish days. Wild rainbows up to 6 pounds. Working well are Micro Mayfly No. 16 and Fox's Pupahs. Globug bite has slowed, but will pick up again when the salmon start spawning.
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].
WILDHORSE: Fishing is good for all species. Perch are hot. Trout, bass and channel cats are good. Browns are about ready to spawn. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"]dunns@direcway.com[/url].
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing has been very good with the challenge being that the fish seem to be moving around a lot. Most fish are averaging 2½ to 3 pounds or better. Many fish have been brought in recently at 4 pounds or better.
For trolling and still-fishing from boats, depths have ranged from just a few feet early mornings to 20-35 feet during the day. Still-fishing is best using nightcrawlers under slip bobbers. Trolling has been doing well with a variety of Needlefish, trolling flies and Rainbow Runners. The best areas continue to be Eagles Nest, Pikes Point, out from the Eagle Lake Marina Jetty and Wildcat Point. Many boats have been working the Youth Camp area and the south shore area near Merrill Campground. The best times continue to be early morning hours with increasing mid-day and evening action. Shore fishing has been best from the jetty using nightcrawlers and/or Powerbait.
Ample camping continues to be available with many seniors enjoying the area now that schools are back in. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call the U. S. Forest Service at (530) 257-4188. For current information on fishing conditions, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
CROWLEY LAKE: Fishing here doesn't get much better. The fish have really been on the grab. The whole lake is fishing well so no particular area is better than another. Midge fishing has been the most productive with black/red or black/gray pupa patterns. Streamer fishing has also been good with matukas or olive zonkers. Barbless artificials only. Limit is two fish ,18-inches or better. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Some larger fish can be had for the angler willing to work hard and cover as much water as possible. Work along the under-cut banks with zug bugs, prince nymphs and bead head hares ears. Swinging a matuka through the deeper holes can also be fun. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 351 c.f.s. This high flow has brought fishing here to a standstill. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 6 c.f.s. Not much change in conditions. Good dry fly action early in the day with midge emergers. Small nymphs (sizes 18-22) such as hares ears and flash back pheasant tails mid-day and caddis on top in the evening. Don’t forget the good old hopper and dropper. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
Performance Guide Service, (760) 934-1957.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Pretty good fishing now at Silver Lake. Black woolly buggers and claret colored marabou leeches. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
EAST WALKER: Flows remain excellent at 152 c.f.s. Everything from streamers to nymphs and dries have been working. Hoppers the best bet. Try it in the shallow pools around the edges for big browns and in the faster water for rainbows. Nymphing with small bead head nymphs is working and streamers in low light conditions also working well. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Needlefish and Kastmasters worked well last with a 7-pounder and 5-pounder reported. Also try Powerbait, Phoebes and nightcrawlers. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
SOUTH LAKE: Not a lot of fishing over the weekend because of the weather but early last week it was pretty good. We still are not seeing any browns but lots of limits of stocker trout and a little larger. Powerbait and Sierra Gold were very good and some pretty good action starting with salmon eggs. The snowy, cold weather should start to bring the fish up closer to the surface. On Friday we checked the lake with a fish finder and saw lots of fish at about 30 to 40 feet trolling 100 yards off the Rockslide. This week should be good trolling flashers and a nightcrawler or a Needlefish or Rapala deep by the Rockslide. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The creek is still flowing pretty heavy on the South fork side but finding a small hole and using Salmon Eggs or nightcrawlers has been very productive. The Dupont Paints Tournament that was set for South Lake switched to the creek and most reported very good fishing. Green-bodied mosquitoes, bead-headed Prince Nymphs, and olive Matukas were very productive at Weir Pond and in the Table Mtn. area. Small Panther Martins did well by Willow Campground and across the road. The wind was still a factor for fishing but good anglers were catching lots of fish. The wind was blowing a lot of leaves and taking some of the color away. The middle fork is running a bit slower and is a lot easier to fish. Salmon Eggs and nightcrawlers with a little Powerbait have been good. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: Intake 2 is still under the control of the contractors so no fishing. North Lake was still pretty slow last week. Some action with Powerbait and a few reported decent results with Salmon Eggs. The wind was pretty stiff so no float tubers, which is a great way to fish North Lake. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: The lake is down to the two natural lakes and fishing has been great for most. The inlet has been producing quite nicely with lots of Brook trout along with rainbows showing up on stringers. Worms are the attractant of choice, but Powerbait and eggs are running a close second and third.
With two natural lakes, there are two inlets and outlets. Both outlets are producing plenty of action for anglers using worms and Thomas Buoyants. Trolling wooly buggers in the morning or evening has bagged a few larger fish as has trolling around the shore. Frog patterns with lead core at four colors has generated a bit of excitement. Float tubers not minding a bit of a walk are enjoying the tranquil setting and catching plenty of fish.
Visit [url "http://www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com/"]www.LakeSabrinaBoatLanding.com[/url] for more pictures and information or email at [url "mailto:LakeSabina@msn.com"]LakeSabina@msn.com[/url]. For boat rental information and reservations, call (760) 873-7425.
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9/21/2004 08:24 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: Saturday is free fishing day in California. The lake is fishing well, both from boats and shore. Jack Woodall of Reno caught a 6 1/2-pound rainbow off Lunker Point on Sept. 14 using Powerbait. Larger fish being seen near the boat ramp and in the narrows as the cooler weather brings them up from the bottom. Try green wooly buggers or Krokodile lures. Wiggin’s Trading Post (530) 993-4683. The Gilly, 358-6113.
LAKE DAVIS: The much-anticipated fall bite is on. Before Sunday’s dusting of snow, surface water temperatures were at 62 degrees. Good fishing reports have been coming in from all over the lake. Trolling woolly buggers in darker colors (brown, olive, and black) has produced nice limits of fish. Also, Wee Dick Nites trolled at a depth of 8-12 feet are attracting a good number of fish. Bank fishermen are also getting into the action using Powerbait and/or floating crawlers. Areas that have been hot are Fairview, Eagle Point and Mallard Cove. Fly-fishermen are reporting good hook ups from all the traditional sites on the north end, Freeman, Cow and areas around Jenkins using just about everything. We suggest using a Wiggly Tail Nymph in rust or olive. Wind has been a slight problem mid-morning to afternoon so move to a sheltered cove for good results. 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]. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474. [url "http://www.renoflyshop.com/"]www.renoflyshop.com[/url].
TRUCKEE RIVER: Still fishing well. Flows are expected to rise this week. Try Panther Martins in black and yellow. Also, Mepp’s in 1/6-ounce size. Fly fishermen using copper johns under an indicator. The Gilly, 358-6113.
PYRAMID LAKE: Opens Oct. 1 and the opener is almost always good. Try wooly buggers in black, olive or chartreuse. Krokodiles in 1/4 ounce from shore, 1/2 ounce when trolling. Frog patterns or silver and red. The Gilly, 358-6113
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing should start to pick up here. There’s still a lot of algae, but cooler temperatures will bring the fish t the surface. Try worms off the bottom or Powerbait. Float tubers might try 1/4 ounce lures. The two 15-pound rainbows planted in June have still not been caught. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
BLUE LAKES: Lower Blue is a good choice. Those willing to hike in to Meadow Lake should get some good brook trout action. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930. (h) 775-265-1237
CARSON RIVER: The east fork continues to be fair. You can wade out pretty far. Try salmon eggs and worms. Fly guys doing well early and late with a Sierra trout fly. Mid-day nymphing is OK. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
HEENAN: This is the cutthroat fishery for California. Catch and release only and only open on Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s through Oct. Barbless hooks only. Cooler temperatures have helped a lot. Some algae along the shore. Float tubers have been doing pretty well nymphing in deeper water. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
CAPLES LAKE: You can no longer launch boats here. Must have a float tube or small aluminum boat. Shore fishing continue sto be fair. Try worms off the bottom or Powerbait. Woodfords Station, (530) 694-2930.
SMITH CREEK RANCH: Fishing is really picking up. Last week, anglers took fish between 2-5-pounds on the surface as well as with sub-surface flies. Adams’s dries size 16 and small nymphs such as calabaetis and hare’s ears are working. Fishing should only get better over the next few weeks. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
SACRAMENTO RIVER: Flows at 8,400 c.f.s. Anderson, Calif. King salmon are here and fishing is good. Nice, bright kings, 15-30 pounds with some up to 45 pounds. Limits some days. Fishing should continue to improve. Flatfish T-50's, and bouncing roe are best bet, both producing big fish. King salmon season will remain open until Jan. 14. Water level great, clear, and mild weather.
Lou Varela from Sparks recently caught a huge King salmon, 45 pounds, on the Sacramento River, fishing with guide Kirk Portocarrero.
Redding to Anderson: Fly fishing for rainbow trout is still great, 15-20 fish days. Wild rainbows up to 6 pounds. Working well are Micro Mayfly No. 16 and Fox's Pupahs. Globug bite has slowed, but will pick up again when the salmon start spawning.
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].
WILDHORSE: Fishing is good for all species. Perch are hot. Trout, bass and channel cats are good. Browns are about ready to spawn. Wildhorse Resort, 758-6471 or email: [url "mailto:dunns@direcway.com"]dunns@direcway.com[/url].
EAGLE LAKE: Fishing has been very good with the challenge being that the fish seem to be moving around a lot. Most fish are averaging 2½ to 3 pounds or better. Many fish have been brought in recently at 4 pounds or better.
For trolling and still-fishing from boats, depths have ranged from just a few feet early mornings to 20-35 feet during the day. Still-fishing is best using nightcrawlers under slip bobbers. Trolling has been doing well with a variety of Needlefish, trolling flies and Rainbow Runners. The best areas continue to be Eagles Nest, Pikes Point, out from the Eagle Lake Marina Jetty and Wildcat Point. Many boats have been working the Youth Camp area and the south shore area near Merrill Campground. The best times continue to be early morning hours with increasing mid-day and evening action. Shore fishing has been best from the jetty using nightcrawlers and/or Powerbait.
Ample camping continues to be available with many seniors enjoying the area now that schools are back in. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call the U. S. Forest Service at (530) 257-4188. For current information on fishing conditions, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
CROWLEY LAKE: Fishing here doesn't get much better. The fish have really been on the grab. The whole lake is fishing well so no particular area is better than another. Midge fishing has been the most productive with black/red or black/gray pupa patterns. Streamer fishing has also been good with matukas or olive zonkers. Barbless artificials only. Limit is two fish ,18-inches or better. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
UPPER OWENS RIVER: Some larger fish can be had for the angler willing to work hard and cover as much water as possible. Work along the under-cut banks with zug bugs, prince nymphs and bead head hares ears. Swinging a matuka through the deeper holes can also be fun. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
LOWER OWENS: Water flow is 351 c.f.s. This high flow has brought fishing here to a standstill. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url]
HOT CREEK: Water flow is at 6 c.f.s. Not much change in conditions. Good dry fly action early in the day with midge emergers. Small nymphs (sizes 18-22) such as hares ears and flash back pheasant tails mid-day and caddis on top in the evening. Don’t forget the good old hopper and dropper. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
Performance Guide Service, (760) 934-1957.
JUNE LAKE LOOP: Pretty good fishing now at Silver Lake. Black woolly buggers and claret colored marabou leeches. [url "http://www.performanceguideservice.com/"]www.performanceguideservice.com[/url].
EAST WALKER: Flows remain excellent at 152 c.f.s. Everything from streamers to nymphs and dries have been working. Hoppers the best bet. Try it in the shallow pools around the edges for big browns and in the faster water for rainbows. Nymphing with small bead head nymphs is working and streamers in low light conditions also working well. Reno Fly Shop, 825-3474.
UPPER TWIN LAKES: Needlefish and Kastmasters worked well last with a 7-pounder and 5-pounder reported. Also try Powerbait, Phoebes and nightcrawlers. Mono Village Resort (760) 932-7071.
SOUTH LAKE: Not a lot of fishing over the weekend because of the weather but early last week it was pretty good. We still are not seeing any browns but lots of limits of stocker trout and a little larger. Powerbait and Sierra Gold were very good and some pretty good action starting with salmon eggs. The snowy, cold weather should start to bring the fish up closer to the surface. On Friday we checked the lake with a fish finder and saw lots of fish at about 30 to 40 feet trolling 100 yards off the Rockslide. This week should be good trolling flashers and a nightcrawler or a Needlefish or Rapala deep by the Rockslide. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
BISHOP CREEK: The creek is still flowing pretty heavy on the South fork side but finding a small hole and using Salmon Eggs or nightcrawlers has been very productive. The Dupont Paints Tournament that was set for South Lake switched to the creek and most reported very good fishing. Green-bodied mosquitoes, bead-headed Prince Nymphs, and olive Matukas were very productive at Weir Pond and in the Table Mtn. area. Small Panther Martins did well by Willow Campground and across the road. The wind was still a factor for fishing but good anglers were catching lots of fish. The wind was blowing a lot of leaves and taking some of the color away. The middle fork is running a bit slower and is a lot easier to fish. Salmon Eggs and nightcrawlers with a little Powerbait have been good. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
NORTH LAKE AND INTAKE II: Intake 2 is still under the control of the contractors so no fishing. North Lake was still pretty slow last week. Some action with Powerbait and a few reported decent results with Salmon Eggs. The wind was pretty stiff so no float tubers, which is a great way to fish North Lake. Bishop Creek Resorts 760-873-4484.
LAKE SABRINA: The lake is down to the two natural lakes and fishing has been great for most. The inlet has been producing quite nicely with lots of Brook trout along with rainbows showing up on stringers. Worms are the attractant of choice, but Powerbait and eggs are running a close second and third.
With two natural lakes, there are two inlets and outlets. Both outlets are producing plenty of action for anglers using worms and Thomas Buoyants. Trolling wooly buggers in the morning or evening has bagged a few larger fish as has trolling around the shore. Frog patterns with lead core at four colors has generated a bit of excitement. Float tubers not minding a bit of a walk are enjoying the tranquil setting and catching plenty of fish.
Visit [url "http://www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com/"]www.LakeSabrinaBoatLanding.com[/url] for more pictures and information or email at [url "mailto:LakeSabina@msn.com"]LakeSabina@msn.com[/url]. For boat rental information and reservations, call (760) 873-7425.
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