Don Pedro Lake Fishing Report | February 2026
The report at a glance
Presentation
Old-school lead core, three to five colors, no downriggers, so the boat can run shallow water without snagging on rocks.
Lures and baits
Lead core presentation with a lure on a fresh leader. Monte named an Uncle Larry's spinner as an example. No single confirmed producing lure was specified.
Water temperature
53 to 55 degrees
Water clarity
Clear, about seven to eight feet of visibility
Water level
About 28 to 30 feet from full
Weather
Many foggy days
Advice for this week
Go through all your tackle and re-tie fresh leaders. Run your fingers down the line, and if you feel a nick, replace it so a trophy fish does not break off on an old leader.
Next week
Monte expects an excellent king salmon year. Last year produced two to three pound kings, and those fish should be at least a pound heavier this season, with a good population of larger fish. He has dates booked for kings from mid to late March through June.
Don Pedro is fishing tough but steady in February 2026. Capt. Monte Smith is catching mostly rainbow trout plus a few early king salmon on lead core, three to five colors, in shallow water. Surface temperature sits around 53 to 55 degrees with 7 to 8 feet of clarity. The lake is about 28 to 30 feet from full. Monte expects an outstanding king season this spring and summer.
How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?
Tough but steady. Capt. Monte Smith is catching rainbow trout with a few kings mixed in, though he says the bite has been slow and he has pushed some trips back. He has also fished nearby McClure and done pretty well there in February 2026.
What are the water conditions at Don Pedro in February?
Clear water with about 7 to 8 feet of visibility, maybe more. Surface temperature is around 53 to 55 degrees and Monte is waiting for it to warm. The lake is roughly 28 to 30 feet from full capacity. He notes the area could use more rain and snow.
How is Monte Smith rigging at Don Pedro?
Lead core, three to five colors, no downriggers. Monte likes running lead core in shallow water so he does not snag downrigger balls on rocks. To free a light hangup he gives a couple cranks or lifts the rod straight up. He rarely gets hung up this way.
What is the outlook for Don Pedro this spring?
Monte expects an outstanding king salmon year. Last season produced 2 to 3 pound kings, and those fish should be at least a pound heavier now, with a strong population of larger fish. He has dates booked for kings mid to late March through June and hopes for 6 to 8 pound fish.
What is Monte's tip of the week?
Go through all your tackle before you fish. Tie on fresh leaders and run your fingers down the line, and if you feel a nick, cut it off. Monte warns that an old leader can snap on a trophy fish. Fresh, strong leaders are cheap insurance.
Watch the full report
Don Pedro Reservoir February 2026 FAQ
Predominantly rainbow trout with a few early king salmon, per Capt. Monte Smith.
About 53 to 55 degrees on the surface, and Monte is waiting for it to warm before the bite picks up.
Around 7 to 8 feet of visibility, maybe more. The water is clear.
About 28 to 30 feet from full capacity, which Monte says is in really good shape.
Lead core line, three to five colors, without downriggers so he can fish shallow water without snagging.
An outstanding year with larger fish, potentially 6 to 8 pound kings, from mid to late March through June.
A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report.
