Don Pedro Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
The report at a glance
Depth
Fish caught from about 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot in the 50 to 55 foot range. Some fish held on structure; downrigger weights run right on the bottom in one shallow area.
Presentation
Slow troll for kokanee and work the 50 to 55 foot zone with downriggers. Bite windows varied, some days fading early, other days not firing until around noon.
Lures and baits
Producing baits included the Simon Hot Tails and the T-Pex trolling lures, plus Uncle Larry's spinners and smaller profile micro hoochies. Monte also ran larger hoochies and some big Pro-Troll Kokanee Killers that drew hard strikes.
Water temperature
70 degrees
Water level
Still rising, with about 10 feet left before maximum capacity.
Advice for this week
Fish one spread for kokanee, kings, and rainbows and let the limits stack up. Keep your gear clean in the grass. Watch your sonar for fish holding on structure and be ready to run right on the bottom in shallow areas. Boat with caution around floating logs.
Next week
With the lake still filling and the water warming, Don Pedro should keep producing mixed bags of kokanee, king salmon, and trout through the spring.
Notable catch
On one trip Monte landed a triple, including a 2 pound kokanee.
Kokanee are on the bite at Don Pedro in May, with kings, rainbows, and the odd brown coming on the same trip. Fish are running 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55, under a 70-degree surface. Capt. Monte Smith is scoring on T-Pex lures and Simon Hot Tails, plus Uncle Larry's spinners and micro hoochies. Some days limits, plus bookend 4-pound kings.
What is biting at Don Pedro Reservoir right now?
Kokanee are really on the bite, with king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout all coming on the same trip. Capt. Monte Smith reports some days of kokanee limits, kings helping fill the salmon limit, and plenty of rainbows in the mix through a strong May.
What depth are the Don Pedro fish holding?
Fish are generally caught from 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55 feet. Surface water is up to 70 degrees. Some fish sit on structure. Monte ran downrigger weights right on the bottom in a shallow area and pulled a triple.
What lures work at Don Pedro in May?
Monte runs T-Pex lures and Simon Hot Tails, along with Uncle Larry's spinners and smaller-profile micro hoochies. One Saturday he scored on big Pro-Troll Kokanee Killers. A mix of profiles is producing right now.
How is Monte presenting at Don Pedro?
Slow-troll for kokanee off the downriggers, covering 40 to 65 feet. He runs weights near the bottom over structure in shallower areas, which produced a triple. The bite sometimes does not turn on until noon, so fish through the day.
What is the outlook for Don Pedro Reservoir?
Excellent. The water is still rising with about 10 feet to go before full, the weather is warming, and Monte calls it a great time to be out. Watch for heavy grass and large submerged logs. Boat with caution and give others room at the ramp.
Watch the full report
Don Pedro Reservoir May 2026 FAQ
From 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55 feet.
Kokanee, king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout, often on the same trip.
T-Pex lures, Simon Hot Tails, Uncle Larry's spinners, and micro hoochies.
Surface water is up to about 70 degrees.
Monte landed two king salmon at exactly 4 pounds each and a 2-pound kokanee on one trip, plus a 3-pound rainbow.
Capt. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing.
