Note: Conditions in the Sparks Tribune fishing report are based on the latest possible information. But because of constantly changing weather and road conditions, please call for an updated report from the listed sources to verify conditions and ensure your safety on the water.

PYRAMID LAKE: Better weather has boosted the Lahontan cutthroat bite here. Boaters have been getting the best of the bite and several nice cutts were checked in weighing between 6 and 13-plus pounds. Reno fisherman James Faber picked up a 13-pound, 9-ouncer trolling a FlatFish. Best flies for Pyramid Lake: Black and Red Wooly Worms 4-6, Martini Olives 4, Purple Cowboy 4, and Tan and Black Tadpoles 8. Reno Fly Shop, 294 E. Moana Lane, Reno, 825-3474 or The Gilly, 1111 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, 358-6113.

TRUCKEE RIVER: The Truckee is challenging to fish with so much snow but there are still fish to be caught. Fly fishermen accessing the river on snowshoes have had some success. One angler recently reported catching a rainbow and two browns nymphing in the deep, slow pools. Although this is the toughest fishing of the year on the Truckee, it's also the time of the year when the biggest fish are caught. Try dead drifting small midge and mayfly nymph imitations under a strike indicator or fish large streamers very slowly on a sinking line. You'll find most of the fish holding in deeper, slower water so concentrate your efforts on those areas. Fish through the afternoon hours as the early morning and late evening fishing is poor. Best flies for the Truckee: Deep Sherbet Bottom Roller 6-8, Zebra Midges 18-22, WD-40 22, Copper Johns Red and Copper colors 18-20, Two-Tone Hunchbacks 18-20, Slump Buster Rust and Black colors 6, and Stanley Streamers 6. Reno Fly Shop, 294 E. Moana Lane, Reno, 825-3474 or Mark Fore & Strike, 786-3474 or 322-9559.

SPARKS MARINA: Action is still slow here and cold water temperatures continue making catching trout a challenge, but it’s not impossible to catch fish. Most urban ponds have received some stocking of pan size rainbows. When the weather is nice, try out your new Christmas fishing rods at the marina and bring along a youngster. Use nightcrawlers for the best action, but Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Roostertails also will catch fish if one is passing by and hungry. Use the easy-access fishing pier or try fishing from shore. The fish are spread out around the lake, so anglers who have patience should be able to catch trout anywhere. The Gilly, 1111 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, 358-6113.

FRENCHMAN LAKE: Road to the lake open, but the road around the lake is open only for 4-wheel drives with chains or snowmobiles otherwise, you will get stuck. With improving weather conditions, more ice fishers giving it a try on weekends. Nighttime temperatures have been dropping below zero, so the ice will be around for a while. Jigging nightcrawlers through the ice has been having the best results. A few ice fishermen were catching an occasional rainbow through the ice near the dam over the weekend. Wiggin’s Trading Post, Chilcoot, Calif. (530) 993-4683 or Reno Fly Shop, 294 E. Moana Lane, Reno, 825-3474.

WILDHORSE RESERVOIR: If you like to ice fish, you can’t beat Wildhorse. The Wildhorse Resort will be sponsoring its annual Presidents Day Trout Derby, in conjunction with the Elko Chamber of Commerce's Winter Festival. The derby organizers will be planting two tagged trout, worth $5,000 each, in addition to offering $600 in daily prizes for the first, second and third longest trout. Wildhorse Reservoir is located 62 miles north of Elko on State Highway 225, about a five hour drive from Reno. Dunn’s Wildhorse Resort, 775-758-6472.

LITTLE TRUCKEE RIVER: At best, anglers have to pick their spots and snowshoe in. Staying home and tying flies sounds like a better bet. Reno Fly Shop, 294 E. Moana Lane, Reno, 825-3474.

RED LAKE: Ice fishing has been pretty good here. Anglers have been picking up one or two 2 fish per day, both cutthroat and brook trout. Lots of snow on the ice from recent storms. The Gilly, 1111 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, 358-6113.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR: Because of heavy snowfall recently, the lake not accessible now accept by snowmobile. Road in to the lake is not plowed regularly, so situation isn't likely to improve any time soon. Tight Lines Guide Service, Grass Valley, (530) 273-1986 or Sierra Anglers Guide Service, Truckee, (530) 414-1374.

LAKE TAHOE: Better weather has made catching Mackinaw a bit easier now, but frequent snow showers remind anglers that it’s still winter. Mickey Daniels of Mickey's Big Mack Charters out of Carnelian Bay has been catching nice macks from depths between 250 and 350 feet, pulling minnows and flashers. On a recent trip, anglers caught macks up to 8 pounds. Mickey’s Big Mack Charters, Carnelian Bay, (800) 877-1462 or Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters, South Lake Tahoe, (530) 544-6552.

LAKE DAVIS: No new news from Lake Davis. Restocking of hatchery will begin after the lake and all tributaries test completely free of any chemical residue from the pike-eradication project. Progress in restoring the lake should resume after the tributary tests prove satisfactory. Dollard’s Sierra Market, Portola, CA (530) 832-5251 or Reno Fly Shop, 294 E. Moana Lane, Reno, 825-3474.

DONNER LAKE: Some freezing on the lake and launch ramp is snowed in. Few people even trying to fish. Tight Lines Guide Service, Grass Valley, (530) 273-1986 or Sierra Anglers Guide Service, Truckee, (530) 414-1374.