Fish On: California Opening Day river, lake and stream report

Here is this week's fishing report and a reminder that Saturday, April 28 is the Opening Day of California lake, river and stream fishing. This report covers water ways throughout Northern California, the Sierra, Nevada and Southern Oregon. To learn more about opening day or to get a California fishing license, go here.

ALMANOR LAKE, CALIF:
Brian Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service (539-283-4103) or (www.bigdaddyfishing.com) reports:

Well it looks like Spring has Sprung, I know we were thinking that was the case back in February but this time I think it is really here and conditions on the lake reflect that. The water is warming in most cases into the high 40's and even 50 degrees in select locations.
I have been working the lake in my usual spring manner trolling the shallows for the lake's trophy Browns, and while I will stop short of calling it wide open, I will say it is pretty darn good.
I have been concentrating my efforts at various points along the east shore and even the peninsula. The fish have been somewhat scattered so covering lots of water has been the key to our success.
The Browns have been running 2 to 7.5 pounds with a good number falling in the 3 to 4 pound range, and are aggressively grabbing out Trophy Sticks as well as a few other types of plugs.
We are also seeing a few Smallies in the 2 to 3 pound range.
I have a few days left for anyone interested in getting in on this exciting type of fishing, contact me for more information.
Kate Irwin of Upper Lake Calif. took time out of her Bass fishing schedule to come up to Lake Almanor with her dad for a little birthday Brown fishing. While she is a proven Bass Master (Just ask some of the sore lipped Smallies in Almanor) turns out she is pretty handy at catching Browns as well.
Thank you to all of you that came out, and stopped by to see us at the North State Sportsman Expo in Chico last weekend, we had beautiful weather and a great show. It was a pleasure to meet many new fishing enthusiasts as well as see some old friends. I look forward to seeing you on the water.

BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Rick and Patti Apted - Lake Sabrina Boat Landing (760-873-7425) (www.lakesabrinaboatlanding.com) reports:
Sabrina Lake:
4-19-12
Can you believe it – another Opener - # 39 – definitely a bit different than last year – but as Rick says “Every year’s a different year”.
What’s so different you ask – there’s open water showing and we still have 9 days till Opener! Temps are showing in the mid-50s till this weekend (21st & 22nd) then we are to hit the low-70s for the weekend – and the low’s – nothing below freezing till next Tuesday (can’t see the weather forecast any farther out) – a bit windy Monday – we just may be ice-free for Opener – but you never know – Mom Nature may have a few tricks up her sleeve – remember last year????
Been watchin’ the fish rise while listening to the birds in the mornings with a cup of coffee on the deck.
Are we killing you yet? – Come on up and join us – we open April 28th at 7:00am – we’ll be ready to cook breakfast till 11:00am then we’ll start up lunch till 4:00pm. Homemade pie and homemade ice cream will be available till we close. 
The roads are open to Lake Sabrina – ice and snow free – if you’re coming up early – please remember to watch for deer – yup – they’re on the move!
Forest Service and the campground hosts are working hard to get the   campgrounds available for Opening Weekend - BitterBrush, Bishop Park, Intake II, Four Jeffery and the Forks are expected to be open for Opener the last we heard.
Remember your polarized dark glasses and sunscreen – we saw a few anglers that looked a bit like cooked lobster last year.
As there still is snow around, the rays from the snow are deadly!
You can check www.weather.gov and enter Aspendell, Calif. on the site and it will give you a fairly good hint at the weather or check in with Howard at www.MammothWeather.com.
Lake Sabrina Boat Landing will serve Breakfast from 7:00am to 11:00am and Lunch until 4:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for now. The store hours are as follows:
Sunday          7:00 to 6:00pm
Monday         8:00 to 6:00pm
Tuesday         8:00 to 6:00pm     
Wednesday     8:00 to 6:00pm
Thursday       8:00 to 6:00pm
Friday           8:00 to 6:00pm
Saturday       7:00 to 7:00pm
And, of course, we'll have HOMEMADE pie, sodas, beer, wine, coffee, tea and hot cocoa!
This will be the first year Juanita will miss Opener - her 39th – she’s on a two week cruise – she’s doing awesome!
We’ve got pretty much the same crew coming back this year – Bryan, Len & Ginny - looking forward to seeing you all!
 
BISHOP AREA, CALIF:
Jared Smith - Parcher’s Resort (760-873-4177) ( HYPERLINK "mailto:sierrasmitty@cebridge.net" sierrasmitty@cebridge.net):
South Lake:
The lake is still frozen solid as of yesterday afternoon with at least 12" or so of ice covering the lake surface. Ice conditions change very rapidly and with a near summer-like week of warm weather headed our way, the ice may or may not stick around.
Anglers hoping to fish South Lake on opener should use extreme caution making sure to stay away from any dark ice and be careful approaching the lake from shore as the icy banks are sketchy to say the least.
With a ton of holdover fish from 2011, including some monster trophy trout that were often seen but not caught last year, we're expecting some spectacular action to start off the season.
The lake level is much higher than normal for this time of year which will make the hike to the lake easier, although ice conditions may limit access...time will tell. The road is open and accessible all the way to the lake again this year.
Bishop Creek:
The snow is mostly gone below the 9,000 ft level and above that there are patches here and there but access should be MUCH improved over last year, even with the recent batch of snow we received last weekend.
Creek flows are mild which should mean very fishable stream throughout the canyon for opening weekend.
If the DFG does their usual opening week stocking, this should be a doosey of an opener for the creek anglers out there. 
North Lake / Lake Sabrina:
No updates on the road to North Lake, that's a 50/50 situation as far as we know. We've heard that there is some open water over at Sabrina which makes the ice fishing probability very low for opener. Keep an eye on their website for any updates with regard to conditions over there. 
So there it is...first report of the season. Look for our once weekly reports on our website or on our Facebook from now through October.
Sierrally,
— Jared, Judy & Steve Smith and the rest of the Parchers Resort gang

BISHOP CREEK, LOWER, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

BLUE LAKES, CALIF:
Peter Santley of the Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters (530-541-8208)
(www.tahoeflyfishing.com) reports:
Frozen but we should be able to get out there by the end of May this year!

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

BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
Opening Day April 28, 2012 - We took the pontoon boat out for a test run today, got a new trolling motor hooked up to it as well. 
We're ready for the opener!!
The surface temps on the Reservoir were from 56 to 60 degrees depending on where you were, water is nice and clear, looking forward to a great opener next Saturday!!

BUCKEYE CREEK, CALIF:
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game

CARSON RIVER, CALIF:
East Carson River:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28 for the river section upstream from Hangman’s Bridge.
West Carson River:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

CHETCO RIVER, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Closed until trout opener on May 26.

COMINS LAKE, WHITE PINE COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Comins has about 10 inches of ice, though on warm afternoons the edges are soft.  Fishing is poor due to the introduction and overpopulation of pike.

CONVICT LAKE AND CONVICT CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.
To be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

CROWLEY LAKE, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
The lake opens next Sat April 28.
The ice has been gone for months and the water level is high.
Fishing should be excellent. Recommended patterns are dark colored wooly buggers fished slow on full sink lines.

DAVIS LAKE, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email info@renoflyshop.com):
While the reports from Davis have not been quite as good as Frenchmens, the fishing continues to improve here.  Access is limited to the south and east sides of the lake at present.
Fish are cruising the shoreline in search of food.
Traditional flies like Woolly Buggers and Sheep Creek Specials will catch fish here. So will medium sized Nymphs (10 - 14) like a Prince, olive or black Birds Nest, Callibaetis and snail patterns.  Fishing Nymphs or Blood Midges under an indicator on windy days has been very good as well.

EAGLE LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season for Eagle Lake is closed.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Anglers are sure to find busy shorelines as the annual Tagged Fishing Event slated for Saturday and Sunday is sure to draw the attention of anglers hoping to catch the $50,000 fish.
Recent trout plants are providing anglers with good fishing opportunities.
The fish have been biting on small flies, Power Bait and night crawlers.
A registration fee of $30 must be paid at the Eagle Valley Resort in Ursine. For information call (775) 962-5293.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR, LINCOLN COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
The crappie bite has shown signs of turning on but remains very slow. Rainbow trout, on the other hand, are providing anglers with good fishing. The trout are hitting green-colored Power Bait and nightcrawlers.

FALL RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

FEATHER RIVER, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

FREMONT LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Wiggin’s Trading Post at Chilcoot (530-993-4683) reports:
We heard many good fishing reports from lake fishermen this past weekend.
The size of the rainbows is averaging 14" to 18".
Joe Chavez and Bryant Giesey from Reno caught a total of 9 fish using rainbow Power Bait and worms while bank fishing.
Frenchman Lake streams are running steady.
We expect a good stream opener on April 28th.
Frenchman and Chilcoot campgrounds are now open - the rest will open within the next three weeks.

FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR, CALIF:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email info@renoflyshop.com):
The fishing here this past weekend was nothing short of fantastic.
Shore fishermen as well as those in boats did well on a variety of flies.
Hanging Midges under an indicator in 4-12 feet of water is working well as is stripping snail patterns, Woolly Buggers, leeches and Callibaetis Nymphs with a type 2 sinking line.
The fish at Frenchman’s are in about the best shape of any fish in the area. Most are in the 13-16" class and can be caught throughout the day if the wind cooperates. Fly fishermen should concentrate on the north half of the lake for best results.

HAT CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

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

HINKSON SLOUGH, LYON COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Hinkson continues to fish well. Anglers are catching fish on a variety of methods from both shore and float tubes.
Stripping medium sized Nymphs, leeches, Sheep Creeks and Woolly Buggers with an intermediate or slow sinking line will work.
The best reports have been from anglers fishing size 12 - 14 Midges under an indicator.
Check this fishery out before it gets too warm.  The trout can get tough in those conditions......but then you can always fish for bass!

HOBART RESERVOIR, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The fishing season opens on May 01.

HOOVER WILDERNESS AREA, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

HOT CREEK, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Water flow at 17 CFS. The BWO hatch is in full swing and fishing is great.
Barrs Emerger and Midge pupa sub-surface  and CDC Baetis or Para Adams on the surface. The caddis are starting to become more plentiful. Brooks Hot Creek Caddis, CDC Caddis.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR, CALIF:
Doug Busey of Douglas County reported:
For those that choose not to camp near the rivers, I do have some good news. Indian Creek campground is scheduled to open on April 27th.
The water is still high and the weeds few.
The lake was planted in January with some large brown trout and cutbows.

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

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Grant Lake – Gull Lake – June Lake – Silver Lake:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.
To be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

JUNE LAKE LOOP, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Opens April 28, 2012. 
Best bet for fly fishers are Woolly Bugger or leech patterns fished on sink tip or full sink lines.
Our favorite places in the loop are Gull and Silver Lakes.

KIRMAN LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

KLAMATH RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Steady releases out of Iron Gate Dam have contributed to the Klamath being one of the better options over the past week.
The fishing has been fair to good.
Basically, anglers are into steelhead one day, and none the next.
Should be a great place to fish this weekend!
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

LAUGHLIN, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Colorado River:  
Anglers are finding slow fishing for rainbow trout left over from winter stocking activity, but striped bass action is beginning to improve.
The stripers have been very active near the Avi.

LEE VINING CREEK, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

LEWISTON LAKE, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Lewiston has been fishing fair to good! Sporadic insect hatches can produce surface feeding fish along the west side of the lake. Look for hatches of Callibaetis and small olive # 18-20 Baetis.
— Courtesy of the Fly Shop

LUNDY LAKE, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.

MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Opens April 28, 2012. The lakes are still under a sheet of ice.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

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

LAKE MEAD, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (www.ndow.org) reports:
Plastics are catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
One lucky angler reeled in a 4.5-pound largemouth bass near Temple Bar.
The fish hit a hard jerkbait.
Folks at Temple Bar Marina report the best action in the upper lake has been seen between mile markers 42 to 45, though the stripers are trending to the skinny side. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits continue to be somewhat effective.
Fishing guide Jim Goff reports that shad have come into the shallows to spawn and the striped bass action has picked up in the Vegas Wash area.  In the Hemenway area anglers are catching a few stripers while fishing at night.

LAKE MOHAVE, CLARK COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ndow.org" www.ndow.org) reports:
Willow Beach striper action has slowed considerably. There was one report of a six-pound striped bass this past week. Cottonwood Cove has seen improved fishing but the striper action is slowing down.
The best results have been in the late evening hours under spotlights.
Linda of Cottonwood Cove reported the winner of last weekend’s American Bass tournament weighed in a five-fish bag that topped 17 pounds.
Smallmouth bass have been running up to five pounds.  Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been taking plastics and jigs.

OREGON PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES, ORE:
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (800-720-ODWF) (www.dfw.state.or.us.com) reports:
Fishing for surfperch has been very good on the beaches near Bandon.
Anglers have also picked up a few redtail surfperch on the beaches near Coos Bay. Sand shrimp has been the best bait to use but sand worms can also work. 
Fishing for bottom fish is now closed outside of 30 fathoms.
Anglers can now retain Cabezon.
The marine fish daily bag limit is seven fish, of which no more than 1 may be a Cabezon from April 1 through September 30.
There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain the Near shore halibut season begins May 1. 
The first weekend for the All depth halibut season is May 10- 12.
Recreational Chinook salmon season is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.

OWENS RIVER, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
Upper Owens River:
Current water flow is 75 CFS.
Fishing is closed below the Benton Crossing Bridge.
The section from the monument to Crowley opens April 28.
The river upstream of the bridge is open to fishing all year. Barbless artificials only. Zero limit. The water has become very murky again and fishing is poor. Try San Juan Worms and egg patterns

Lower Owens River:
We estimate the flow to be around 250 or so.
The hatches are still unpredictable. When it does happen expect to see BWO's in the am and Caddis from around noon into the afternoon hours.
Nymph fish with Barr's Emerger, FB Pheasant Tails and green rock worms.

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) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.shastacascade.com" www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Tough conditions on the Pit River. Look for your best chances along Pit # 3.
Pit # 4 and # 5 will be too high and off color this weekend.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

POORE AND SECRET LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

PYRAMID LAKE, WASHOE COUNTY, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (email at info@renoflyshop.com):
Fishing has definitely improved as there continue to be more fish in shallow water this week than in previous weeks.
Sunny calm days remain tough for most areas, even at places like Pelican where there are a few fish around.  
Fishing in a boat/float tube in the nets area can be productive but pay attention to the wind. Also the deeper beaches on the SW side of the lake between Sand Hole and Popcorn have produced some fish in the afternoons when the sun gets off the water.
When the wind blows hard from the right directions (NE or SE) the traditional beaches most people fish can produce pretty well. With the high water and hard to reach ledges, we continue to be at the mercy of the weather this season.
Good flies to try: Sinking lines – Bloody Mary, Black/Chartreuse, Popcorn beetles, Pyramid Pearls and a variety of other patterns have worked in the last week. Floating Line/Indicators – Mahalo nymphs and midges as well as midges with white beads all will work when the fish are in.  
At this point any day with a good wind, clouds or a storm is going to be better than 85 degrees and calm.

ROOSEVELT AND LANE LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
STRIPER FISHING EXCELLENT!
The crowds have been heavy at Colusa and Tisdale, but there have been some nice schools of fish to peck on too.
Anglers fishing live minnows on anchor are doing best (dragging or drifting spreads the fish out) but boaters throwing black worms and swim baits have also been hooking up.
There are some nice fish in the mix, too, as the big hens have made their presence known.
The unsettling thing is the water temperature is nearly 70 degrees!!
That means the fish are going to spawn any day now and there could be a mass exodus soon.
In other words, enjoy it while it’s hot because it won’t last long.
Down in the Sac Metro area and up to Verona and Knights Landing, anglers have been hooking plenty of mostly smaller males on blood worms, cut sardines and pile worms.

SACRAMENTO RIVER (LOWER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
River color is perfect all the way down to Anderson.
River conditions are low at 3,360 cubic feet per second.
Great conditions for wade fishing!
The fishing has been excellent the past couple days!
A few reports of good dry fly fishing after 12:30 PM.
Best nymphs have been orange and yellow egg patterns. # 6-8 Pat's Rubber Legs and just about any dark colored nymph in # 16 like a Pheasant Tail Nymph, Dark Lord, Eng Thing.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SACRAMENTO RIVER (UPPER), CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) ( HYPERLINK "http://www.shastacascade.com" www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Tough conditions! Fishermen may be able to find a couple rainbow trout up in Dunsmuir, near Lake Siskiyou, but the rest of the river is too high and blown out. Stay tuned for more information next week.
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND OCEAN, CALIF:
J.D. Richey of www.fishingwithjd.com (916-388-1956) reports:
GOOD SALMON FISHING!!
Well, salmon fishing remains good…mostly at points to the south and north of the Gate. The best fishing is South…down below Half Moon and the boats out of Pillar Point have been hitting New Year’s Island with excellent results. Up north, the Bodega Bay boats have also been finding fishing that ranges from scratchy one day to really solid the next.
So far, an outstanding start to the season!!
Inside the Bay, there are bass starting to head down from the rivers and there was a 44 pounder caught on eel at the Mothball Fleet.
Halibut fishing is waking up a bit too.

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 opens on Saturday, April 28.

LAKE TAHOE:
Gene St. Denis of Blue Ribbons Charters (530-544-6552) (www.blueribbonfishing.com) reports:
The Mackinaw fishing has been a little bit slow but it is picking up.
The Macks are running about 2-8 pounds with an occasional one in the double digit weight size.
I’ve been trolling 250-280 feet deep with Dodgers and minnows at the Tahoe City Shelf on the west side of the lake.

TOPAZ LAKE:
The 16th annual John Riordan Invitational Fishing Derby was held on Sunday-Monday-Tuesday with a total of 70 fishermen in the derby.
The winning trout was 3-pounds, 11 ¾ ounces German Brown trout caught by Butch Rachoff of Sacramento, California.
The second place trout weighed 2-pounds, 6.5-ounces and was caught by Ed Fabray of Carson City.
The third place trout weighed 2-pounds, 6.25-ounces and was caught by Suzanne Boerner of Carson City.
The fourth place trout weighed 2-pounds, 5.25-ounces and was caught by Todd Boerner of Carson City.
Ken Doyle of Markleeville, California took first-second-third places in the bass category, This was the first year for the bass category.
Doyle’s three bass weighed 3-pounds, 5-ounces; 3-pounds, 3-ounces and 3-pounds, 1-ounces.

TRINITY RIVER, CALIF:
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530-365-7500) (www.shastacascade.com) reports:
Conditions in and around Lewiston have been good!
Mid day insect hatches have put the brown trout on the surface.
A few anglers have been out catching fish on dry flies.
An adult steelhead or two has been caught on dry flies this week.
So, there are a few fresh fish in the Trinity which is amazing for this late in the season, but sometimes the steelhead keep coming into April in better years, this being one of them. 
— Courtesy of The Fly Shop

TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Five days of 80+ degree weather in late April tends to raise the water level in the Truckee. Today the river was pretty muddy throughout its entire length as the flows had risen to 696 CFS in Truckee, 1080 CFS at Boca, 999 CFS at Farad and 800 CFS through Reno.
Wait a few days to fish here until the temperatures return to a more normal range and the water clears up somewhat.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
Flows have been bumped up to 231 CFS.  
These are great flows for this time of year.
The bugs you see hatching now are mostly Caddis on sunny days.
BWOs and small stones are still hatching, but not as well in the beautiful weather we have been having lately. Lots of green drake Nymphs (size 14) and aquatic worms in many of the riffles. Nymph fishing continues to be good with a variety of flies. Try Golden Stones size 10, green drake Nymphs size 12 -14, San Juan Worms, small Zebra Midges, Baetis Nymphs and Olive Micro Mayflies.
The stream is getting a lot of pressure so expect a crowd, especially on the weekends.

TWIN LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

VIRGINIA LAKES, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

WALKER LAKE, MINERAL COUNTY, NEV:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (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 RIVERS, NEV:
The Truckee River Outfitters (775-853-7368) (info@renoflyshop.com):
East Walker River:
The flows have just been bumped up to 150 CFS. As irrigation season has started, it is a good idea to check the flows before you go.
The best action has been with small Nymphs and Midges though we have had some really good reports on dries and a few good reports on streamers.
The majority of fish being caught are in the 14 to 17 inch range with a few here and there that are going over 20.
Some patterns to try include Zebra Midges, WD-40, Flashback Emerger, GT Emerger, Midgeling, Para Adams, Blue Wing Olive’s and small Sculpins.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods Store in Bridgeport (760- 932-7707) (www.kenssport.com) reports:
East Walker – West Walker – Sceirine Ranch - Hunewill Pond:
East Walker River:
The river is flowing at 128 today and has been there for a few days now, the water temp is around 47 in the upper stretch.
The dry action seems to have slowed with the nicer weather but the Nymphing has still been pretty good. We've heard of some slow patches here and there, and it seems like some days they're not getting really grabby until 10or 11 in the morning but if you keep after them, make sure your bugs are deep enough and drifting good you  should be in the game.
Some patterns that are working well include Flashback Emergers, Rainbow Warrior, Zebra Midge, San Juan Worm, Flashback Pheasant Tail, WD-40 and Silver Streak. Haven't heard much from the Rosachi this week, if 
anyone has a report feel free to share!
West Walker River:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

Sceirine Ranch:
The Sceirine has been fishing well this week, dry dropper rigs have probably been doing the best.
A designated hitter or chubby Chernobyl on top and you can drop a Prince, Pheasant Tail, Dark Lord or various Midge patterns off the bottom.
Hunewill Pond:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.

WALKER RIVERS, CALIF:
Steve Osterman of Performance Guide Service (760-934-6101) (www.performanceanglers.com) reports:
East Walker River:
Flows are up a bit to 128 CFS.
The river is fishing pretty well. Nymph fishing is good with Midge emerger patterns. On the surface most small dry flies (20-22) will work as the fish are actively feeding on midges. Some improving Baetis activity around mid day.

WALKER RIVER, LITTLE, CALIF:
The fishing season opens on Saturday, April 28.
It will be planted this week by the California Department of Fish and Game.


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.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for South Tahoe Now and www.CarsonNow.org. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.