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Sacramento River Fishing Report | August 1, 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Service on the upper Sacramento River and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Reach him at (530) 510-2925 to book a trip. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now The upper Sacramento River king salmon season opened August 1, 2026 at the world-famous Barge Hole near Anderson and Cottonwood. It was a slow opener with under a dozen fish caught, but Capt. Jeff Goodwin says prime fishing is only 2 to 3 weeks out. His go-to is back-bouncing Brad's KillerFish KF15 and KF16 plugs on 10 ounce weights, double-wrapped with fresh sardine and wild prawn. What is biting on the upper Sacramento River right now?King salmon are the target at the Barge Hole near Anderson and Cottonwood. August 1, 2026 was the official opener, and Capt. Jeff Goodwin called it a light, slow opener with fewer than a dozen fish caught. His daughter Gracie boxed the first fish. More salmon are arriving as the run builds. What technique is working for Sacramento River king salmon?Back-bouncing Brad's KillerFish KF15 and KF16 plugs on the bottom. Jeff runs 10 ounces of weight to reach bottom in the deep water, with 12 to 18 inch droppers and about a 48 inch leader. The lead gets the plugs down where the fish hold since they will not dive that deep alone. How do you wrap plugs for Sacramento River salmon?Double-wrap the plug with fresh sardine and a piece of wild-caught prawn. Jeff also wraps tuna and squid. Start with a loose wrap that keeps the hooks free so you do not tie them to the plug body, then add a couple of wraps on top. More bait draws more bites as long as it does not kill the action. How do you tune a Brad's KillerFish plug?Wrapping bait shifts the center of gravity, so a plug that ran straight can start leaning one way. The fix is the eye: if the plug swims to the right, turn the eye to the left. Test it beside the boat until it dives straight and dances side to side. Out of tune plugs will not get bit. What does massaging the plug mean?It means keeping continuous action on the plug so it never sits dead on the bottom. Pull up on the rod to make the plug dart to one side, then drop the tip so it flutters back. Salmon often hit on that flutter, so be ready for a hard, full-on strike that takes line right away. What is the guide's outlook for the Barge Hole?Jeff says the area is about 2 to 3 weeks out from really good fishing. August, September, and October are the prime months, and a late fall run from November through the end of December produces some of the biggest fish of the season. Eggs, boondogging, and hover fishing come later in the run. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): One of the favorite techniques for fishing out here in the Barge Hole is to back-bounce Brad's Killerfish. Today, we're using 15s and 16s as far as the size goes. We're running 12 to 18-inch droppers, and then about a 48-inch leader. We're using 10 ounces of weight today because we've got quite a bit of water, and we let out enough line to get down to the bottom. Sacramento River August 1, 2026 FAQ When did the upper Sacramento River salmon season open in 2026?The Barge Hole area opened August 1, 2026. Jeff notes his openers have always been July 16th and August 1st, though an open river does not mean the fishing is great yet. Where is the Barge Hole?On the upper Sacramento River near Anderson and Cottonwood, California, just below where Battle Creek dumps in. Salmon stack here and hold until the first October rains, then turn up Battle Creek to Coleman National Fish Hatchery. What weight do you use to back-bounce at the Barge Hole?Jeff ran 10 ounces of weight on opening day because there was quite a bit of water, letting out enough line to stay on the bottom. What leader and dropper lengths does Jeff Goodwin use?About 12 to 18 inch droppers and roughly a 48 inch leader, sometimes into the 50s. What baits do you wrap on Brad's KillerFish plugs?Fresh sardine and wild-caught prawn are the go-to, and Jeff also wraps tuna and squid. How do you know a plug is tuned correctly?Pull it up toward the bow of the boat. If it stays alongside the boat and dances side to side while diving straight, it is tuned. If it swims to the right, turn the eye to the left. When is the best salmon fishing on the upper Sacramento River?August, September, and October are prime, and a late fall run from November through the end of December brings some of the biggest fish. The opener itself was slow, about 2 to 3 weeks from really good fishing. Who guides the upper Sacramento River Barge Hole?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Service. Call or text (530) 510-2925 to book. Shop the Tackle Brad's KillerFish KF15 Brad's KillerFish KF16 Shop Capt. Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop River Salmon Gear
Learn moreRogue River Fishing Report | July 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Service and fishes the Rogue River, Sacramento River, and Shasta Lake for Catch America. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now King salmon are in the Rogue River estuary at Gold Beach in July, with Capt. Jeff Goodwin boxing a nice one on a busy day. He fishes Gold Beach through the end of August. The Sacramento River salmon season opened July 16 with a great opener below Woodbridge, and Shasta Lake stays steady with limits the rule through August. Fall salmon is coming on strong. What is biting on the Rogue River right now?King salmon. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is fishing the Rogue River estuary in Gold Beach, Oregon, and put a really nice king in the box not long before this report. It is a busy scene with boats everywhere, and he fishes Gold Beach through the remainder of July and end of August. Where are the Rogue River kings holding?In the estuary at Gold Beach, where fresh kings stage before heading up the system. The salt-influenced lower river draws crowds of boats this time of year. Jeff targets these bright estuary fish through late July and into the end of August. What other fisheries is Jeff running in July?The Sacramento River salmon season opened July 16 with a great opener below Woodbridge, and fish are already pushing far up the system. Shasta Lake has stayed steady, with limits pretty much the rule, and that should hold through August as boats shift to salmon. What is the salmon outlook for the season?Excellent. Jeff expects a fantastic Sacramento River season and all his boats are pulling off into salmon country for the rest of the year, running August through December. He sees plenty going on for a strong fall salmon run. What gear is Jeff using on the Rogue?No specific Catch America product was named in this report. Exact depths, water temperature, and trolling speed were not specified. Jeff focuses on the estuary king bite at Gold Beach and the opening Sacramento River run. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Today we're out here on the beautiful Rogue River in the estuary in Gold Beach, Oregon, and we're fishing for king salmon. Just put a really nice one in the box not too long ago. We're also fishing the Sacramento River. That fishery had just started July 16th. Had a great opener down below Woodbridge. Wrapping up trips on Shasta Lake. Shasta Lake has been pretty steady, pretty much limits are the rule. Rogue River July 2026 FAQ What is biting on the Rogue River in July 2026?King salmon, in the estuary at Gold Beach, Oregon. When did the Sacramento River salmon season open?July 16, with a great opener below Woodbridge. How is Shasta Lake fishing in July?Steady, with limits pretty much the rule, holding through August. How long will Jeff fish the Rogue River?Through the remainder of July and into the end of August. What is the fall salmon outlook?Strong, with boats fishing salmon country August through December. Who guides the Rogue River for Catch America?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake's late-spring season has kicked off, with king salmon and kokanee leading the way. Kings are down deep on flasher and bait combos with anchovies and herring, while kokanee sit around 35 to 40 feet in the Sacramento and McCloud arms. The lake is about 15 feet from full. On the Sacramento River, wild rainbows are coming on bobber dogging and side-drifting beads. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?King salmon and kokanee are leading, with rainbows and browns in the mix. Capt. Jeff Goodwin says the late-spring, early-summer season has kicked off with good water conditions, and this year is producing some good-size kings that are easy to target in certain areas. What depth are the Shasta kings and kokanee holding?The kings are down deep in specific areas of the lake. Kokanee are sitting right around 35 to 40 feet in the upper Sacramento arm and McCloud arm, where they are easy to mark and access. The lake is about 15 feet from full. What is working for Shasta Lake salmon?The kings are keying on flasher combos and bait combos, anchovies, herring, and similar baits. Jeff concentrates on this early salmon bite from May into June and sometimes July. Give the flasher and bait setups a try down deep. What is working on the Sacramento River?It is a catch-and-release fishery, and this is the time of year for good numbers of wild rainbow trout. Jeff does best bobber dogging or side-drifting bead presentations. Those two techniques have been most productive on the river. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake?Steady and strong. Jeff expects the king bite to continue through June, with the trout bite really picking up next month. Good water conditions and good-size kings set up a solid late-spring into summer. No specific Catch America product was named in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Currently we're catching Kokanee and King Salmon. There's some rainbows in the mix, and browns in the mix. Right now it's hard to beat the King fishing. A lot of these fish are going to be down deep. They're really keying in on flasher combos, and bait combos, anchovies, herring. Kokanee right now, hey, it's hard to beat the upper sections of the Sacramento arm and the McCloud arm. Fish are sitting right around 35, 40 feet. Shasta Lake May 2026 FAQ What is biting at Shasta Lake in May 2026?King salmon and kokanee, with rainbows and browns mixed in. What depth are Shasta kokanee holding?Right around 35 to 40 feet in the Sacramento and McCloud arms. What are Shasta kings biting on?Flasher combos and bait combos with anchovies and herring, fished down deep. How full is Shasta Lake?About 15 feet from full, which Jeff says is about as full as it will get this year. What works on the Sacramento River wild rainbows?Bobber dogging and side-drifting bead presentations, on a catch-and-release fishery. Who guides Shasta Lake for Catch America?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreSacramento River Fishing Report | April 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing guides striped bass on the Sacramento River and trout on Shasta Lake as a Catch America captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now The April 2026 striped bass season on the Sacramento River near Colusa has been good and steady. Fish that dropped down last week pushed back up into the Colusa area on a stable water cycle. Drifting minnows is the ticket, and with higher water, pocket fishing softer edges stationary is also effective. Water temps are in the high 50s and climbing toward the 60s. How is Sacramento River striper fishing in April?Good and steady, status quo for a solid season. Capt. Jeff Goodwin reports fish that dropped down last week have moved back up into the Colusa area he is fishing, helped by a steady water cycle after earlier fluctuations that had the fish moving around quite a bit. What technique works for Colusa stripers now?Most anglers are drifting minnows, and that has been the ticket. With some of the higher water, pocket fishing or working softer edges stationary has also been really effective. Adjust to the flow: drift the steady water and hold on the soft pockets when it comes up. What are the Sacramento River water conditions?Water is on a steady cycle now after fluctuations moved fish around earlier in the season. Temperatures are pushing up into the high 50s and should climb into the 60s soon. A little spawning has already happened, and fresh fish are in the system. What is the spawn outlook for Sacramento stripers?A bit of spawning activity has already occurred, and Jeff expects a lot of fish to spawn over the next week or two, then start making their way back down into the Delta. So the Colusa window is prime right now before those fish drop out of the system. What is next for Jeff Goodwin?After the April striper wrap-up on the Sacramento River, Jeff heads back to Shasta Lake for May, pursuing kokanee salmon, rainbows, browns, and likely some king salmon. No Catch America products were named in this striper report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): I'm reporting on our striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River. We're on a really steady cycle of water, and we're also seeing lots of those fish that went back down last week back up in the area that we're fishing, which is the Colusa area. Most of us have just been drifting minnows, and that seems to be the ticket. Sacramento River April 2026 FAQ Where are the Sacramento River stripers biting?In the Colusa area, where fish have moved back up on a steady water cycle. What is the best technique for Colusa stripers?Drifting minnows, with pocket fishing softer edges effective in higher water. What is the Sacramento River water temperature?Pushing into the high 50s and expected to climb into the 60s soon. Have the Sacramento stripers spawned yet?A little spawning has happened, with more expected over the next week or two. Where do the stripers go after spawning?They make their way back down into the Delta. Where is Jeff Goodwin fishing next?Back on Shasta Lake for May, targeting kokanee, rainbows, browns, and king salmon. Shop the Tackle Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | March 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Services on Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is set up for better trout fishing in March. Rainbows have been sluggish as they stage for the spring spawn, but the brown trout bite has picked up and more fish are hitting the net. On the Sacramento River near Redding, low flows around 4,000 CFS have left skinny water and a slightly slower wild rainbow bite before the spring striper transition. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Brown trout have picked up nicely at the tail end of last week and the start of this week, putting more fish in the net. Rainbow trout have been less active, with many staging for their spring spawn. Capt. Jeff Goodwin thinks the trout fishing should improve. Why are the Shasta rainbows slow right now?A lot of the rainbows are moving up and getting ready for their spring spawn, which is keeping them less active. That is normal for March. The good news is the browns are biting better and filling the gap while the rainbows stage. How is the Sacramento River fishing near Redding?The river is running low, around 4,000 CFS, because they are holding back flows to store water in Shasta. That leaves skinny water in the Redding area and a slightly slower wild rainbow bite than usual, though March is normally a good time for them. What is coming next for Jeff Goodwin's fishery?Around mid-March the operation transitions to the spring striped bass fishery. Jeff moves his boats down to the Colusa area for stripers, leaving the Redding-area venues idle for about five or six weeks while he runs striper trips into the second week of May. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake?Jeff expects better trout fishing and looks forward to a strong spring striped bass run. Low river releases should continue through April to store water before the wet weather stops. Specific lures, depths, and colors were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): I think we could see some better trout fishing on Shasta Lake. The rainbow trout just really haven't been very active, and a lot of those rainbows are getting ready for their spring spawn. We are seeing a better bite with the browns. The river is running pretty low, we're sitting at about 4000 cfs. Shasta Lake March 2026 FAQ Are trout biting at Shasta Lake in March?Browns have picked up, while rainbows are slower as they stage for the spring spawn. Why are Shasta rainbows less active?Many are moving up and preparing for their spring spawn. What is the flow on the Sacramento River?About 4,000 CFS, kept low to store water in Shasta, leaving skinny water near Redding. When does the striped bass season start?Around mid-March, when Jeff moves boats to the Colusa area for spring stripers. What lures is Jeff recommending?Specific lures were not specified in this report. Who guides Shasta Lake for Catch America?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Services. Shop the Tackle Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreSacramento River Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides the Sacramento River and Shasta Lake. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now The Sacramento River is fishing well for rainbow trout in February 2026. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big rainbows, some in the 6 pound range with many at 16 to 18 inches, by bobber dogging beads behind spawning king salmon that are dropping eggs. On Shasta Lake he will fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons for browns. What is biting on the Sacramento River right now?Rainbow trout, and the fishing is productive. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big, beautiful rainbows, a few in the 6 pound range this year and many running 16 to 18 inches. King salmon are in the river spawning, and hungry trout stack behind them to feed on dislodged eggs. How is Jeff catching the Sacramento River rainbows?Bobber dogging with beads. He fishes beads that imitate the single eggs salmon drop into their redds. The trout sit back and wait for eggs to wash down the bottom, so beads are king for Jeff right now. Water-tested trout and steelhead beads are coming soon to Catch America. How long will the Sacramento River bite last?The Sacramento River should run strong through March, and Jeff has a couple more weeks on this fishery before he shifts to Shasta Lake. Guides are available to run trips while the egg bite stays hot behind the spawning salmon. What will Jeff fish on Shasta Lake next?He plans to fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, run off divers and side planers. He will also push Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons, which have been very productive in spring for browns. What are the Shasta Lake conditions?Good. The lake is in great condition with minimal debris and nice, cool water temperatures, which is exactly what is needed. Jeff will report an update on the Shasta fishery next month as he transitions off the Sacramento River. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): We have some pretty good rainbow trout fishing going on in the Sacramento River. I have had a few in the six pound range this year, but a lot of them are running 16 to 18 inches. We have been bobber dogging for the most part, and we are fishing beads. We are going to fish heavy on the Brad's KCs and MCPs, stuffing them with tuna. Optimizer junior slimlines have been very productive. Sacramento River February 2026 FAQ What is biting on the Sacramento River in February 2026?Big rainbow trout, some in the 6 pound range and many at 16 to 18 inches. How are the Sacramento River trout being caught?Bobber dogging with beads that imitate salmon eggs behind spawning kings. Why are the trout sitting behind the salmon?Spawning king salmon drop eggs into their redds, and trout wait to feed on them. How long will the Sacramento River bite last?It should run strong through March. What lures will Jeff fish on Shasta Lake?Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons. What spoon works for Shasta Lake browns in spring?The Junior Optimizer Slimline has been very productive. What are the Shasta Lake conditions?Great condition with minimal debris and cool water temperatures. Shop the Tackle Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug Brad's Mini Cut Plug 2-Pack Junior Optimizer Slimline Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Dropping water temperatures are pulling Shasta Lake trout up top for winter. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is now spending nearly all his time in the upper water column, working side planers and divers, with occasional downrigger checks deeper. Rainbows and browns are the main show, with big post-spawn browns targeted around Thanksgiving. On the Sacramento River, hatchery steelhead are keyed on eggs behind spawning king salmon. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Rainbows and brown trout are the main show. Dropping water temperatures are bringing fish up to the surface, making them easier to find. Capt. Jeff Goodwin expects nice rainbows through January and February, and is starting to target big browns coming back after their fall spawn. What depth are the Shasta Lake trout holding at?Up top. Most bites are coming near the surface, so Jeff spends about 99 percent of his time working the upper water column with side planers and divers. He still drops a downrigger or two now and then to check deeper water, but the top bite is best. When is the best time for big browns at Shasta Lake?Around Thanksgiving. That is when Jeff likes to start looking for the bigger browns coming back into the system after spawning. It is a prime window to catch some of the biggest fish to open the winter season. What is happening on the Sacramento River?Hatchery steelhead fishing runs from the second half of December into January. After a great king salmon return, trout and steelhead are hanging behind spawning salmon and keyed on eggs. Jeff side drifts with bobbers or pencil lead to get down to holding fish in this barbless fishery. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River?Strong. Jeff has a great winter season ahead, with nice rainbows expected on Shasta through February and March, and quality steelhead and rainbow opportunities on the Sacramento River from mid-December onward as the fish key on eggs. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): We have some dropping water temperatures, which means we are finally starting to see more fish coming up to the surface. We are going to spend 99 percent of our time up top looking for those bites on side planers and divers. These trout are hanging out with the spawning salmon now and they are really keyed in on eggs. So we are side drifting with bobbers or with pencil lead. Shasta Lake November 2025 FAQ Where are the Shasta Lake trout in November 2025?Up top near the surface, worked with side planers and divers. What are the main species at Shasta Lake this time of year?Rainbows and brown trout, with big post-spawn browns targeted around Thanksgiving. When is Sacramento River steelhead season?From the second half of December into January for hatchery steelhead. What are Sacramento River trout feeding on?Eggs, holding behind spawning king salmon after a strong salmon return. How does Jeff fish the Sacramento River for steelhead?Side drifting with bobbers or pencil lead to reach holding fish in a barbless fishery. Why are the Shasta Lake trout moving shallow?Dropping water temperatures are pulling fish up into the upper water column. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake trout into winter?Nice rainbows are expected through February and March. Shop the Tackle Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | October 13, 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing guides trout and salmon on Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River as a Catch America captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is a bit slower in the mid-October fall transition, but 2 to 4 pound rainbows are coming from deep, at 125 to 150 feet on sonar. Work the top 10 feet with side planers and divers as the surface cools, hunting shad boils near shore. On the Sacramento River, salmon in the Redding and Balls Ferry areas have trout and steelhead keyed on bead presentations. How is Shasta Lake fishing in mid-October?A little slower than peak, because the fall transition has fish spread out and harder to dial in. Even so, Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching nice 2 to 4 pound rainbows. Most success is coming from deep water at 125 to 150 feet, marked and caught on sonar. What depth are Shasta Lake trout holding now?The main bite is deep, 125 to 150 feet, where you can spot fish on sonar. Some surface fishing is also on, working the top 10 feet of the water column with side planers and divers. That shallow bite should grow as the surface keeps cooling. How should I fish Shasta Lake this month?Target deep fish at 125 to 150 feet on sonar, or work the top 10 feet with side planers and divers. Look for shad boils and trout working them near shore. You can cast to those fish like a bass angler or troll, but stick closer to shore as it cools. How is the Sacramento River fishing?Good. Wild rainbows and steelhead are stacked around salmon in the Redding and Balls Ferry areas, waiting on dropped eggs. Bead presentations are number one, dialed to color and set behind pockets holding Chinook. Cast below spawning beds to pick up rainbows. The hatchery steelhead run likely lasts into January or February. What is the outlook for Shasta and the Sacramento?Jeff expects Shasta to build over the next few months as the surface cools and the shallow bite develops. Sacramento River rainbow and steelhead fishing runs nearly year-round. No Catch America products were named in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Shasta Lake has been pretty good, although it's a little bit slower. Most of the success has come from really deep. We're talking 125 to 145, 50 ft even. You can fish the top 10 foot of the water column with side planers and divers. On the Sacramento River, bead presentations are number one. Shasta Lake October 13, 2025 FAQ How deep are Shasta Lake trout in mid-October?Mostly deep, 125 to 150 feet, marked and caught on sonar. How big are the Shasta rainbows right now?Nice specimens in the 2 to 4 pound range, mostly rainbow trout. Why is Shasta Lake slower in October?It is the annual fall transition, which spreads fish out and makes them harder to dial in. What works on the Sacramento River now?Bead presentations behind pockets holding Chinook, dialed in on color. When does the Sacramento hatchery steelhead run end?Likely around January or February. What surface technique works at Shasta Lake?Side planers and divers in the top 10 feet, targeting trout on shad boils near shore. Shop the Tackle Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | October 6, 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Service and guides Shasta Lake and Sacramento-area salmon and steelhead for Catch America. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is fishing pretty good in early October 2025, mostly rainbow trout with a few browns and little salmon. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is finding most of his fish deep, around 125 feet, with the water still 69 degrees up high. He recommends white presentations, white dodgers and white flashers trailing spoons or little grubs. Browns should move higher come November and December. How is the fishing at Shasta Lake right now?Pretty good, per Capt. Jeff Goodwin. It is mostly rainbow trout with a couple of browns. He is not seeing much salmon and has not targeted kings, and the kokanee are pretty much done after the last rains pushed them out of his areas. What depth are the fish holding at Shasta Lake in October?Deep. Jeff got most of his fish around 125 feet in early October 2025. The surface is still 69 degrees up high, so the fish are staying down. He fished shallower last week and mostly found bass, so he recommends going deep. What lures and colors work at Shasta Lake now?White presentations. Jeff runs white dodgers and white flashers with something trailing behind them. Spoons are great and little grubs are great. He says white is always a good call this time of year on Shasta as the lake transitions toward fall. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake?Jeff expects the pattern to shift as the weeks pass and the lake cools with new, cold water. He says browns should start showing higher in the system come November and December. For now the rainbow trout fishing is solid for anglers willing to fish deep. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Mostly rainbow trout. I've caught a couple of browns. Not seeing much salmon. The kokanee are pretty much done. I got probably most of my fish today at 125 ft. White presentations are always good this time of year, white dodger, white flashers, anything trailing them. Spoons are great. Little grubs are great. It's still 69 degrees up high, so the fish are still down deep. Shasta Lake October 6, 2025 FAQ What is biting at Shasta Lake in October 2025?Mostly rainbow trout with a couple of browns, per Capt. Jeff Goodwin. Salmon and kokanee are scarce. What depth are Shasta Lake trout holding?Deep, around 125 feet, where Jeff got most of his fish. What is the water temperature at Shasta Lake?About 69 degrees up high, so the fish are still holding deep. What lures work at Shasta Lake right now?White dodgers and white flashers trailing spoons or little grubs. When will Shasta brown trout move shallower?Jeff expects browns higher in the system come November and December as the water cools. Are kokanee still biting at Shasta Lake?No. Jeff says the kokanee are pretty much done and left the areas he had been fishing. Shop the Tackle Shop Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
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