Don Pedro Reservoir Fishing Report | July 21, 2025
2025-07-21

Don Pedro Reservoir Fishing Report | July 21, 2025

Tuolumne County
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Don Pedro Reservoir
Kokanee salmon king salmon rainbow trout

Water Conditions

Weather
Weather
Warm summer conditions
Water Temp
Water Temp
Surface temps 80°F+ in some areas; colder band deeper
Water Clarity
Water Clarity
Good; nice color
Water Flow
Water Flow
Stable; not much water being released

Fishing Overview

Target Species
Kokanee salmon, king salmon, rainbow trout
Depth Range
50–80 feet; bait balls holding 30–50 feet
Presentation
Troll Uncle Larry's hoochies, small T-pex, or Uncle Larry’s spinners behind bent Catch America 6” dodgers for added whip.
Best Time
Early morning and late afternoon bite windows
Successful Lures
Uncle Larry’s hoochies T-Pex Uncle Larry’s spinners Catch America 6” dodgers (bent for whip action) Kokanee Slammer
Other Techniques
Shortening leaders to increase dodger whip Using side-hole on dodgers for irregular action Rotating scents: Kokanee Slammer, crawfish, herring

Guide’s Tips & Notes

Advice for This Week
Stick with small presentations and erratic dodger action to trigger bites from migrating kokanee. Don’t hesitate to experiment—constantly swap lures, scents, and leader lengths until you dial in the bite.
Changes We’re Seeing
Kokanee are beginning their migration toward steep shorelines and structure. They’re slowing their feeding and shifting out of open water. Kings are unusually shallow, likely due to active feeding.
Predictions for Next Week
Expect an improving king salmon bite in the coming weeks as conditions set up for a strong late-summer and fall fishery. Kokanee are still catchable, but timing and presentation are becoming more critical.

Recommended Gear for This Trip

Uncle Larry's Hoochies

Uncle Larry's Hoochies

$4.99 USD
$4.99 USD

Uncle Larry’s done it again—these are some of the best hoochies we’ve ever carried!
Packed with vibrant colors and unmatched action in the water, they’re absolute magnets for trout and kokanee. Available in a wide range of color options—grab yours before they’re gone!

Shop this product
T-Pex

T-Pex

$5.91 USD
$5.91 USD $6.95 USD

The Catch America T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Trolling Lure delivers an irresistible action that Kokanee and Trout can't resist. Built with premium materials, this lure is designed for durability and performance in every fishing trip.

Shop this product
Uncle Larry’s Power Spinner

Uncle Larry’s Power Spinner

$6.25 USD
$6.25 USD

Power Spin lures deliver unmatched action and vibration to attract trout fast. Built with premium materials and a unique bait-holding spring.

Shop this product
CA Trolling Dodger 6"

CA Trolling Dodger 6"

$11.17 USD
$11.17 USD $7.70 USD

The Catch America 6″ Stainless Steel Trolling Dodger delivers a wide swinging action with low drag, making it an essential tool for attracting big fish. Engineered for salmon, trout, walleye, and Lakers/Mackinaw, this dodger creates flash, vibration, and a lifelike darting motion that entices strikes. Now available in 24K Gold, Silver, and Copper finishes!

Shop this product
Monte's Kokanee Slammer™

Monte's Kokanee Slammer™

$7.96 USD
$7.96 USD $9.95 USD

Monte Smith’s Top Secret Kokanee Slammer™ is packed with amino-based tuna & herring oils to trigger aggressive strikes. Add it to your lures and watch your catch rates soar!

Shop this product