Fishing Report - August 16, 2026

The East is running at about 221 cfs today. The water temps on the river have been in the low 60's at daybreak but unfortunately rising to the high 60's well before noon each day. It's still getting pretty hot during the day so it's best to fish early until about 10am or so then maybe head to the West Walker where the water temps are much lower.   

We haven't had any reports on the ranch for a while, when the weather cools down a bit hopefully we'll get some reports for you. 

We didn't have anyone on the pond this week but when we do I'll pass on the information.  

                                                                                                                                      Below is the report from June 07, 2026 for reference:

We received a couple of complaints about the weeds on the pond this week so I took some time this morning and went out there myself to have a go. There are definitely a lot of weeds in the pond right now, launching my tube was a little difficult as there are some thick matts of weeds up against the North shore, likely from the wind blowing the weeds up there after mowing. Once I got out 20 or 30 feet I noticed it was really too weedy to fish, my plan was to just kick around the pond looking for some water that was somewhat weed free. As I moved towards the West side of the pond I ran into a pretty good clearing and started throwing some casts with a small leech pattern and a soft hackle dropper, first or second cast I got hit, a couple casts later I hooked and landed a nice 16" rainbow. I fished this area for a half hour or so and landed 2 more fish, farmed 3 or 4 and got hit several more times without hooking up. I moved on to see what kind of shape the rest of the pond was in, as I kicked over to the South side it was very weedy, too weedy to really bother fishing then when I got over to the East side I ran into another much larger clear area and in short order was able to catch a couple more 14" to 16" bows and farm several more. All in all I'd say there is about 10 or 15% of the pond that is fishable, I did hook up some weeds now and then but it wasn't that bad in the more clear areas. That being said I would let you know that if you're willing to tolerate these conditions you should be able to have a pretty good time on the pond. I'll try to keep a close eye on the conditions and if it gets bad enough that there are no clear areas to fish I'll let you know. 

The Reservoir is still fishing very well as long as you're up in the inlet channels. The East Walker channel, and the Buckeye Bay channels have all been producing lots of very nice 2 to 5 pound rainbows, mostly with bait. Pinched crawlers, mice tails, power bait and inflated crawlers have all been doing well. We didn't get any fly reports this past week but if you're stillwater nymphing up in those channels you should be able to have a pretty good time. 

We didn't get any reports from Kirman this week, hopefully we'll get some news to share in the upcoming week. 

We had some very good reports from the Twins this past week, mostly from anglers trolling deep with small wobbling spoons. Downriggers sending lures down around 60 feet or lead core rigs fishing 6 to 8 colors have been getting into lots of rainbows up to around 3 pounds and lots of Kokanee. There has also been some decent action from the shore fishing with mice tails, pinched crawlers, power bait and inflated crawlers. 

We had some pretty good fly fishing reports from the West this week with anglers reporting having 15 to 20 fish days with dry/dropper rigs. One of the things that seemed to help them have this kind of success was covering lots of water, the river is pretty low so whether you're lure, bait or fly fishing it is good to work as much water as you can, this will mean doing some hiking and getting away from some of the more heavy traffic areas.  

It sounds like the Virginias are still producing very well from the shore as well as from tubes. Shore anglers are doing well with pinched crawlers, inflated crawlers, mice tails and power bait, early and lat in the day when the sun is off the water you could also throw some Kastmasters and Thomas Bouyants. Fly anglers are doing the best with intermediate sink lines with small leech patterns and soft hackles.  

Ken's Hours: Sunday through Thursday - 8am - 6pm, Friday and Saturday 8am - 7pm 

Location: Bridgeport Ballfields, 1002 Aurora Canyon Road, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Hours: Thursday through Monday  from 7:30am to 3:30pm (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Expected to be open through October

NO: Wake sport ballast tank boats cannot be inspected and decontaminated at this WID station. Please stop in Bishop or Crowley Lake. 

Aug. 24, 2026 - Monday Night Trap Shoot - Bridgeport Gun Club Trap Range - 4:00pm

Aug. 31, 2026 - Monday Night Trap Shoot - Bridgeport Gun Club Trap Range - 4:00pm

Sept. 1, 2026 - Dove Season Opener

Sept. 4, 2026 - Bridgeport - "Walk-A-Bout" 5pm - 7pm - Registration @ Big Meadow Brewery

Sept. 5, 2026 - Fishin' Mission Foundation Western Night Concert & BBQ - Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! Also, come in to get tickets for the Fishin' Mission Foundation's Summer Raffle, "His and Hers E-Bikes! Approximate value, $4000!

Sept. 6, 2026 - Burgers, Beers & Bags - Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Dept. sponsored Cornhole Tournament - 11:30am - Big Meadow Brewery

Sept. 7, 2026 - East Walker River Clean-up Day

Sept. 7, 2026 - Monday Night Trap Shoot - Bridgeport Gun Club Trap Range - 4:00pm

Sept. 13, 2026 - Pre Thanksgiving Prize Shoot - Bridgeport Gun Club Trap Range                                10:00am - Last Shoot of the Year

Sept. 20, 2026 - Range Clean Up Day - Bridgeport Gun Club Rifle Range - 10:00am

Sept. 26, 2026 - Ridge Rambler 5K & Half Marathon