What is happening at Stampede Reservoir?

Stampede has a lot of kokanee, but fish size is still small. Brett reported mostly 9-inch fish, with an occasional fish pushing 10.5 to 11 inches. Look around 60 feet of water and watch for schools 35 to 45 feet down.

What is happening at Bullards Bar?

Bullards Bar is following the same late-season kokanee pattern. Brett reported smaller fish deeper, roughly 65 to 85 feet down, and starting to push toward the North Fork arm and Frenchy Point.

What is working for kokanee?

T-Pex and Uncle Larry's spinners are the two clear tackle callouts from Brett for both Stampede and Bullards Bar. He also warned that late-August kokanee quality drops as fish gray out and jaws begin to hook.

What is the Oroville bite like?

Oroville is tough in August heat. Brett said the best window is early, usually until about 9 or 10 a.m. Trout can still be caught, while landlocked salmon get tougher and slide deeper as the day heats up.

What is working at Lake Oroville?

Brett called out big 360 rollers, white hoochies, green hoochies, micro hoochies, and naked anchovy presentations. He also reported seeing 6- to 7-inch salmon, which is a good sign for next year.

What is next for river salmon?

Brett expects the Feather River and Sacramento River salmon bite to build as ocean fish move into the river systems. By the end of August, he expects that bite to be game on.

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NorCal Fishing Report with Brett Brady | August 31, 2026 FAQ

Yes, but Brett reported smaller fish and declining late-season quality.

Brett reported fish roughly 65 to 85 feet down.

T-Pex and Uncle Larry's spinners are the clear tackle callouts.

Early morning is the best window because heat gets intense and the bite gets tougher later in the day.

Yes. Brett expects catch rates to build as ocean salmon move into the Feather and Sacramento river systems.