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Don Pedro Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing on Don Pedro Reservoir and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now 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 From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): The kokanee are really on the bite. We're catching kokanee, king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout, all on the same trip. The fish are generally being caught around 40 to 65 feet. The sweet spot is about the 50-55 range. We're still using the Simon Hot Tails, we're using T-Pex lures, Uncle Larry's Spinners. We had a triple the other day. One was a 2-pound kokanee. We had two king salmon, exactly 4 pounds each. Don Pedro Reservoir May 2026 FAQ What depth are kokanee holding at Don Pedro in May?From 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55 feet. What species are biting at Don Pedro Reservoir?Kokanee, king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout, often on the same trip. What lures work for Don Pedro kokanee?T-Pex lures, Simon Hot Tails, Uncle Larry's spinners, and micro hoochies. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in May 2026?Surface water is up to about 70 degrees. How big are the Don Pedro kings and kokanee?Monte landed two king salmon at exactly 4 pounds each and a 2-pound kokanee on one trip, plus a 3-pound rainbow. Who guides Don Pedro for Catch America?Capt. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Hawken Simon Hot Tails Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and guides Don Pedro Reservoir for Catch America. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now 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 From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): Active species what we've been catching is predominantly the rainbow trout. We're using lead core. I don't really need to use downriggers. We're running lead core, three to five colors. We are catching some Kings. Still waiting for the water temperature to pick back up. It's around the 53, 54, to 55 on the surface. Don Pedro Reservoir February 2026 FAQ What are anglers catching at Don Pedro in February 2026?Predominantly rainbow trout with a few early king salmon, per Capt. Monte Smith. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in February?About 53 to 55 degrees on the surface, and Monte is waiting for it to warm before the bite picks up. What is the water clarity at Don Pedro right now?Around 7 to 8 feet of visibility, maybe more. The water is clear. How full is Don Pedro in February 2026?About 28 to 30 feet from full capacity, which Monte says is in really good shape. What method is Monte using at Don Pedro?Lead core line, three to five colors, without downriggers so he can fish shallow water without snagging. What does Monte expect for the Don Pedro king salmon season?An outstanding year with larger fish, potentially 6 to 8 pound kings, from mid to late March through June. What trolling speed does Monte recommend at Don Pedro?A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and guides Don Pedro Reservoir for Catch America. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro is a great fall fishery in November 2025, with the lake rising from storms and seriously clear water. Capt. Monte Smith caught fish down to 75 feet on lead core, biting nonstop on the new Optimizer Junior in electric banana plus soft plastics, along with a king salmon. Surface temps cooled about 5 degrees to around 60. Run the Optimizer Junior at 2 to 3 mph. How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?Great. Capt. Monte Smith had a Catch America crew out and the fish were biting nonstop in November 2025. They caught a lot of fish on the new Optimizer Junior and some on soft plastics, plus a king salmon. There is hardly anyone on the water, making it a great time to fish. What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro in November?Down to 75 feet. Monte caught fish that deep on lead core, which tells him the lake has not turned over yet and the thermocline is still very deep. The bigger fish are down there, holding away from the smaller planters that make up much of the lake. What lures are working at Don Pedro right now?The new Optimizer Junior, which is half the weight of the original and really produced, especially the electric banana color. Monte also ran soft plastics for a few fish. He caught most of the morning's fish on lead core over several hours. How fast should you troll the Optimizer Junior?Monte says it is versatile: you can run it at 2 miles per hour, 3 miles per hour, or a little slower. There are also brand new colors out. He caught fish at a range of speeds this trip and calls the Optimizer Junior a must-have for the Don Pedro fall fishery. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We had a Catch America crew out trying out some new lures, soft plastics, and mainly the new Optimizer Junior. It's half its weight, so it really produced. The electric banana caught a lot of fish. We caught fish down to 75 feet today, so that tells me the lake has not turned over yet. The water has cooled off about 5 degrees, so it's down to about 60 on the surface. You can go 2 miles an hour, you can go 3 miles an hour. Don Pedro Reservoir November 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro in November 2025?Rainbow trout biting nonstop plus a king salmon, per Capt. Monte Smith. What depth are Don Pedro fish holding in November?Down to 75 feet on lead core, where the bigger fish are holding. What lure is working best at Don Pedro right now?The new Optimizer Junior, especially the electric banana color. What trolling speed works for the Optimizer Junior?Anywhere from 2 to 3 miles per hour, or a little slower. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in November?About 60 degrees on the surface, down roughly 5 degrees, with seriously clear water. Has Don Pedro turned over yet?No. Catching fish down to 75 feet tells Monte the lake has not turned over and the thermocline is deep. Shop the Tackle Junior Optimizer 2.25 inch Spoon Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and is a Catch America pro-staff captain who specializes in trolling Don Pedro. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro Lake is on fire in October 2025 with excellent water clarity, you can still see the downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. Kings are the main target, running 1.5 to 5 pounds, with bonus rainbows and a few fat 14 to 15 inch kokanee. Capt. Monte Smith runs frozen shad early, then switches to dodgers and lures when the wind picks up for steady action. What is biting at Don Pedro Lake right now?Kings are the main event. Capt. Monte Smith says it is all about kings, running 1.5 to 5 pounds, with bonus rainbows and two to three kokanee per trip. The kokanee are 14 to 15 inches, fat and healthy. One recent trip landed nine kings, five rainbows, and a German brown over 7.5 pounds. How clear is the water at Don Pedro Lake?Excellent. Monte can still see his downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. The lake continues to rise, and the Blue Oaks launch ramp is close to closing as the water nears the parking lot, so check ramp access before you go. What lures are working at Don Pedro Lake?Monte runs frozen shad early in the day, which produced a 2.5-pound king on one trip. When the wind picks up he switches over to dodgers and lures to keep the bite going. Adjusting to conditions has been the key to steady action. How big are the Don Pedro fish?Kings run 1.5 to 5 pounds and kokanee are 14 to 15 inches, fat and healthy, including some next-year fish. Monte's group also released a German brown over 7.5 pounds, a beautiful fish that swam off strong after a few photos. What is the outlook for Don Pedro Lake?Really good. Clear water, a rising lake, and a strong king bite have Don Pedro on fire. Watch the Blue Oaks ramp, which may close as water rises. Exact depths and trolling speed were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): It is really good fishing right now. We can still see a downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. It is all about kings. King salmon are anywhere from a pound and a half to five pounds. We ran frozen shad in an area for a while, and that produced a two and a half pound king. When the wind picked up, we changed over to dodgers and lures. Don Pedro Lake October 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro Lake in October?King salmon running 1.5 to 5 pounds, plus rainbows and a few 14 to 15 inch kokanee. How clear is Don Pedro Lake right now?Very clear, with the downrigger weight visible 12 to 13 feet down. What did the big fish weigh at Don Pedro?Monte's group released a German brown over 7.5 pounds. What lures work at Don Pedro in October?Frozen shad early, then dodgers and lures when the wind picks up. Is the Blue Oaks ramp open at Don Pedro?It is close to closing as the rising lake nears the parking lot, so check before launching. What depth and speed for Don Pedro kings?A specific depth and trolling speed were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | June 16, 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing on Don Pedro and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro Lake is fishing really well in mid-June 2025, kicking out kings, rainbows, and big kokanee up to 2.4 pounds. The lake is about four feet from full and very clear, with a 74 degree surface. Fish are stacked in a cold-water band from 50 to 75 feet, so target that layer where the fish are concentrated. Great steady action for a mixed bag. What is biting at Don Pedro Lake right now?Kings, rainbows, and big kokanee are all in play. Capt. Monte Smith reported really good fishing on June 16, 2025, catching kokanee up to 2.4 pounds with big shoulders on them. One young angler landed nine fish on a half-day trip, a mix of kings, kokanee, and rainbows.What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro?Fish are stacked from 50 to 75 feet in a small band of cold water. The 74 degree surface pushes the warm water and the fish deeper, so target that colder layer where the fish are concentrated. Watch your electronics and stay in that zone for steady multi-species action.How are anglers catching fish at Don Pedro?Monte is trolling the cold-water band from 50 to 75 feet for a mixed bag of kings, kokanee, and rainbows. A specific lure model was not named in this report. Run your confidence kokanee and trout trolling gear through that depth window where the fish are holding.What are the conditions at Don Pedro Lake?The lake is about four feet from maximum capacity and the water is still very clear. Surface temperature is 74 degrees but cools off fast with depth, concentrating fish in the cold band from 50 to 75 feet. Clarity and cold water down deep are pushing the bite into that layer.What is the outlook for Don Pedro Lake?Strong. The kokanee are big and the mixed bag is steady, making it a great option for half-day and family trips. Fish should keep stacking in the cold-water band as the surface warms. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): The lake's in great condition, about four feet from maximum capacity, water is still very clear. Water temperatures are 74 degrees on the surface, but it cools off pretty fast, so we're getting fish from 50 to 75 feet. We're catching kings, rainbows, and kokanee. And I'm talking big kokanee, up to 2.4 pounds.Don Pedro Lake June 16, 2025 FAQWhat species are biting at Don Pedro in June?Kings, rainbows, and big kokanee up to 2.4 pounds are all being caught.How deep are the fish at Don Pedro Lake?Fish are holding in a cold-water band from 50 to 75 feet as the surface warms to 74 degrees.How big are the kokanee at Don Pedro?Kokanee are running up to 2.4 pounds with big shoulders on them right now.What is the water clarity at Don Pedro?The water is very clear and the lake is about four feet from maximum capacity.Is Don Pedro good for family fishing trips?Yes. The steady mixed-bag action makes it great for half-day trips, including with kids.What lure is best at Don Pedro right now?A specific lure model was not named in this report. Monte is trolling the 50 to 75 foot cold band. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | June 9, 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and is a Catch America pro-staff captain who specializes in trolling Don Pedro. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro was a tough, full-moon bite on June 9, 2025, with surface temps 73 to 75 degrees and very clear water holding fish from 50 to 83 feet. Capt. Monte Smith did best around 75 feet on a Catch America gold dodger paired with an Uncle Larry's squid and a wiggle disc, with purple the top color. He tips his corn with Kokanee Slammer to boost bites in clear water. What is biting at Don Pedro Lake right now?Rainbows, king salmon, and kokanee are mixed together. Capt. Monte Smith caught rainbows and kings on a tough, full-moon day with a father and son aboard. The bite was challenging, but Monte adapted to the ultra-clear water and still put together a solid day. How deep are Don Pedro fish holding?Fish are spread from 50 to 83 feet in very clear water. Monte did his best work around 75 feet. With bright, full-moon conditions and high clarity, getting down to that depth was key to finding willing rainbows, kings, and kokanee. What lures are working at Don Pedro Lake?Monte's best setup was a Catch America gold dodger paired with an Uncle Larry's squid bait and a wiggle disc out front. Purple was clearly the top color. He tried small and big lures, and size did not seem to matter as much as color on this day. What scent is Monte using at Don Pedro?Monte tips his corn with Kokanee Slammer corn scent to draw more bites in the ultra-clear water. He notes a pink hoochie that produced the week before got no love on this full-moon day, so he stayed flexible. What is the outlook for Don Pedro Lake?Expect to keep adjusting. Lure effectiveness changed through the day, so rotate colors and stay on your electronics. Purple was best on this trip. With clear water and warm surface temps, keep your presentation down near 75 feet. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): Our best lure today was Catch America's gold dodger. Paired with Uncle Larry's, this big squid bait with a wiggle disc in front of it. At about 75 feet, we did very well with this today. Purple seemed to do the trick today. On my corn is this Kokanee Slammer. Don Pedro Lake June 9, 2025 FAQ Why was Don Pedro tough on June 9?A full moon, warm 73 to 75 degree surface temps, and very high water clarity made for a challenging bite. What depth were Don Pedro fish holding?From 50 to 83 feet, with the best action around 75 feet. What color worked best at Don Pedro?Purple was the top color across a range of lure sizes. What scent does Monte use at Don Pedro?Kokanee Slammer corn scent to boost bites in clear water. What species did Don Pedro produce?Rainbow trout and king salmon on this trip, with kokanee also in the mix. Did the pink hoochie work at Don Pedro?No. A pink hoochie that produced the previous week got no bites on this full-moon day. Shop the Tackle Kokanee Slammer by Monte Smith Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | March 14, 2025
Monte Smith slowed down to dodgers with hoochies and corn at Don Pedro after fast spoons stalled, boating rainbows and king salmon 15 to 50 feet down.
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