Don Pedro Fishing Report | July 7, 2025
The report at a glance
Depth
Fish are getting deeper as the surface warms, holding anywhere from 60 to about 85 or 90 feet. Target kokanee early before the sun gets on the water.
Presentation
Slow troll small profile lures. Monte's best action came on very small hoochies fished behind the gear, so keep the profile compact for these summer fish.
Lures and baits
Small hoochies, kept as small as possible
Fished behind a dodger and tipped with scent
Best time
Early morning, before the sun gets on the water
Water temperature
Surface temps in the upper 70s near 80 degrees
Water clarity
Dropping slightly, about 8 to 10 feet of visibility
Water level
Lake level receding a little.
Advice for this week
Get out early and work the fish before the sun climbs, since the bite can slow once light is on the water. With fish at peak size and starting to color up, now is the time to go.
What is changing
Lake level receding a little. Water clarity dropping slightly. Surface temps in the upper 70s near 80 degrees pushing fish deeper. Kokanee scattered in open water and starting to school.
Next week
Kokanee are gaining momentum as they school up, and the kings keep producing. Monte expects a strong season and is booking trips.
Notable catch
Kokanee up to 2.5 pounds, at peak size and starting to color up. One fish showed a pronounced kype and turning scales.
Don Pedro fishing is pretty darn good in early July 2025. Kings are still producing, kokanee are feisty at 2.5 pounds, and rainbows have slowed a touch. An 80 degree surface is pushing fish deep, 60 to 90 feet. Target kokanee early before the sun hits the water. Small profile hoochies have been the best producers. Book soon while the fish are at peak size.
What is biting at Don Pedro right now?
King salmon are still producing well, kokanee are around at about 2.5 pounds and full of fight, and rainbows have slowed a bit. Capt. Monte Smith reports the fishing is pretty darn good overall, with feisty, acrobatic kokanee that give small light rods all they can handle. Multiple species are showing on most trips.
What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro?
Fish are getting deeper as the surface climbs to nearly 80 degrees. Monte is catching kokanee anywhere from 60 to about 85 or 90 feet. With triple-digit weather coming, expect the fish to keep seeking colder water deeper. Water clarity has dropped a bit, with about 8 to 10 feet of visibility now.
What lures are working at Don Pedro?
Small hoochies, as small as you can get, and small profile Apex lures have been the best producers. Apex is not a brand we carry, so match that small profile from your own box. Target kokanee early before the sun gets high on the water, since the bite slowed once the sun came up over the hill.
How big are the kokanee at Don Pedro?
Kokanee are running about 2.5 pounds and are full of fight, jumping and diving to throw the hook. Some fish are starting to show a pronounced kype and turning color, a sign they are entering spawn mode. Monte would not be surprised to see a 3 pound kokanee come out of Don Pedro this season.
What is the outlook for Don Pedro?
Good, but the peak-size window is now. Kokanee are gaining momentum schooling up but are also starting to color and kype, so Monte says do not wait if you want them at their biggest. King salmon should keep producing. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.
Watch the full report
Don Pedro Lake July 7, 2025 FAQ
Kokanee are holding from 60 to about 85 or 90 feet as the surface warms to nearly 80 degrees.
Small hoochies and small profile lures. Apex is a brand we do not carry, so match the small profile locally.
About 2.5 pounds and very feisty, with some starting to kype and color up for the spawn.
Early, before the sun hits the water. The bite slowed once the sun came up over the hill.
Yes. Kings are still producing well, while rainbows have slowed down a little.
Monte says it would not surprise him to see a 3 pound kokanee come out of Don Pedro this season.
