I flew there from Vancouver in 2000. It was impossible to get clearance from Stead field itself (limited to competitors etc) but slots were available at Reno Intl. The challenge of arriving on time for a slot from Canada seemed (and was!) a bit of a challenge at the time and so in the event I went to non towered Quincy, CA, about a 2 Hr drive away. Now I'd go straight to Reno and benefit from shuttle buses, etc..
Things may have changed at Stead, of course - worth a call.