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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 moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) Nate Kelsch runs Big Nate's Guide Service on Lake Berryessa and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)'s tackle. What is working right now The bite is on at Lake Berryessa in May 2026. Capt. Big Nate Kelsch is smashing limits of big kokanee, plus lake trout and nice king salmon, from the surface down to marks at 60 feet. Run T-Pexes and Uncle Larry's spinners behind 6-inch offset dodgers, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Watch your electronics and drop on the fish. What is biting at Lake Berryessa in May?The bite is on. Capt. Big Nate Kelsch is getting limits of big kokanee every day, plus big lake trout and some real nice king salmon. Berryessa has the trophies again this year. Everything is coming on his Catch America kokanee tackle, and the fish are only getting bigger. What depth are Berryessa fish holding in May?Fish are spread from right up on the surface down to marks at 60 feet. Big Nate says the key is to keep your eyes on the electronics, watch where the fish show on the graph, and be ready to drop your gear on them to trigger a reaction. What lures are working at Lake Berryessa now?The top producers are T-Pexes and Uncle Larry's spinners, run behind 6-inch offset dodgers. Big Nate has also picked up a few on Hawken Hot Tails when he runs them, but it is tough to take the T-Pexes and Uncle Larry's off the line. Tip everything with Chrome Killer corn. How does Big Nate rig for Berryessa kokanee?Slow-troll a 6-inch offset dodger ahead of a T-Pex or Uncle Larry's spinner, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Everything in his Catch America kokanee kit is in play. Match your depth to the marks on the graph and drop on the fish. Exact trolling speed was not specified in this report. What is the guide's outlook for Lake Berryessa?Big Nate says fishing is great and the fish are getting bigger, calling Berryessa a trophy fishery again this year. He expects the strong kokanee, king, and lake trout bite to keep rolling through the spring. Water temperature and clarity were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): The bite is on, baby. We've been smashing big kokanee. We're getting limits of kokanee every day, big ol' lake trout, and some real nice king salmon. We're looking at 6-inch offset dodgers, T-Pexes, Uncle Larry's spinners. Tip it with Chrome Killer corn. We're catching fish still all the way up on the surface down to chasing marks at 60 feet. Lake Berryessa May 2026 FAQ What depth are Berryessa kokanee in May?From the surface down to marks at 60 feet, so watch your electronics and fish the graph. What is the best kokanee lure at Berryessa now?T-Pexes and Uncle Larry's spinners behind 6-inch offset dodgers. What corn does Big Nate use?Chrome Killer corn, tipped on his T-Pexes and spinners. What species are biting at Lake Berryessa in May 2026?Big kokanee, king salmon, and lake trout. What trolling speed does Big Nate recommend at Berryessa?A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. Who guides Lake Berryessa for Catch America?Capt. Nate Kelsch, known as Big Nate, of Big Nate's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Trolling Dodger 6 inch Hawken Simon Hot Tails Chrome Killer Corn Cure Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Motor Sports Guide Service on Folsom Lake and shares monthly Catch America reports. What is working right now Folsom Lake is full to the brim in May and the fish are dropping deeper, with bigger kings showing up. The best window is first light to 9 am. Fast-troll 3 mph with Trigger Shad on the top lines, Trigger Spoons in chrome down around 40 feet, and watermelon Junior Optimizers in the mid-depths. Slow down midday with big Brad's 360 flashers and a pink Trix Worm. What is biting at Folsom Lake right now?King salmon and rainbow trout, with the lake full to the brim and fish going a little deeper. Capt. Jerry Lampkin reports bigger kings showing, including a buddy's 24-inch, three to four pound fish. The morning bite from first light to about 9 am has been the best. What depth are the Folsom fish holding in May?It varies with the sun. Early, Trigger Spoons in chrome work down around 40 feet with Junior Optimizers in the mid-depths. As the sun climbs, kings come down deep around 55 to 60 feet. Top-line rainbows stay up high on the slow presentations. What lures work at Folsom Lake in May?Fast-troll Trigger Shad on the top lines way behind the boat, Trigger Spoons in chrome deep, and watermelon Junior Optimizers mid-depth. Jerry also runs the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon on sliders, plus a pink Trix Worm and big Brad's 360 flashers midday. What trolling speeds work at Folsom Lake?Jerry starts fast at 3 mph at first light with Trigger Shad and spoons. Once the sun rises he slows to 2 to 2.5 mph with big Brad's 360 flashers and cut plugs, then down to about 1.5 mph midday with a pink Trix Worm for rainbows hanging up top. What is the outlook for Folsom Lake?Good and improving. With the lake full, Jerry says the kings especially are only going to get bigger, so keep hitting Folsom. Get out early, as the gates open around 6 am and the best bite runs from daybreak to about 9. He heads to the Klamath in July. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): I've been starting off with fast trolling at three miles an hour with Rapalas and Trigger Shad on the top lines. And then, Trigger Spoons in chrome on the deep lines down around 40 feet or so, with the Watermelon Optimizer Juniors in the mid-depths. And the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon on the sliders. The pink Trix Worm has been working well. The Kings especially are only going to get bigger. Folsom Lake May 2026 FAQ What is biting at Folsom Lake in May 2026?King salmon and rainbow trout, with bigger kings showing as the lake fills. What time is the best bite at Folsom Lake?First light to about 9 am, with gates opening around 6 am. What lures work for Folsom kings in May?Trigger Shad, chrome Trigger Spoons, Junior Optimizers, and big Brad's 360 flashers down 55 to 60 feet. What trolling speed at Folsom Lake?3 mph fast at first light, slowing to 2 to 2.5 mph as the sun rises, then about 1.5 mph midday. What catches Folsom rainbows midday?A pink Trix Worm on the top line and the watermelon Popped-Eyed spoon on sliders. Who provided this Folsom Lake report?Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motor Sports Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Trigger Shad Diving Plug Trigger Spoon 2.25" Junior Optimizer Trolling Spoon Popped-Eyed Spoon Brad's 360 Evolution Flasher Trix Worms 3" Soft Bait Shop Trolling Spoons
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | October 6, 2025
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch Nate Kelsch, known as Big Nate, runs Big Nate's Guide Service on Lake Berryessa and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Nate Kelsch's tackle. What is working right now Lake Berryessa is on fire for big kokanee and king salmon in early October 2025. Nate Kelsch landed three limits by 10:30 with T-Pex lures behind 6-inch offset dodgers, his Chrome Killer Corn, and the new Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod. Everything came from 50 to 87 feet chasing marks. These are some of the biggest kokanee in the state right now. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Big kokanee and king salmon, and the bite is not slowing down. Nate Kelsch got three limits by 10:30 in the morning, with one, two, and three-year fish of excellent quality, including some of the biggest kokanee in the state and a big king. What depth are the Berryessa kokanee holding?Everything Nate Kelsch caught came from between 50 and 87 feet, chasing marks. Watch your electronics and put the gear right on the fish rather than fishing one set depth. What lures and colors are working at Lake Berryessa?Run a T-Pex behind a 6-inch offset dodgers with Chrome Killer Corn on the hooks. Nate Kelsch has used this same program for months and it keeps wrecking the fish. Specific colors were not specified in this report. What rod is Nate Kelsch using at Berryessa?The new Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod, a trout, kokanee, and king salmon trolling rod. He pairs it with the T-Pex, offset dodger, and Chrome Killer Corn setup and says everything worked flawlessly. What else is working at Lake Berryessa?Beyond the kokanee program, Trigger Spoons and Junior Trigger Spoons are producing right now, and Nate Kelsch has kits built around them. Trolling speed was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch): Big kokanee, big king salmon. Just really excellent quality on the fish. The T-Pex is wrecking all the fish for us, right behind the offset dodgers, my Chrome Killer corn, and the brand new Big Nate's trout, kokanee, king salmon trolling rod. We went out today, we got three limits by 10:30 this morning. Everything we caught today was between 50 and 87 feet, chasing marks. Lake Berryessa October 6, 2025 FAQ How good is the Lake Berryessa kokanee bite in October 2025?Excellent. Nate Kelsch got three limits by 10:30 in the morning with some of the biggest kokanee in the state. What depth are the Berryessa fish at?Between 50 and 87 feet, chasing marks. What is the top lure at Lake Berryessa right now?The T-Pex behind an offset dodger with Chrome Killer Corn. What rod does Big Nate recommend for Berryessa?His new Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod, a trout, kokanee, and king salmon trolling rod. Are king salmon biting at Lake Berryessa?Yes, big kings are in the mix along with the kokanee, all on the same setup. What is working besides the kokanee gear?Trigger Spoons and Junior Trigger Spoons are producing, and Nate Kelsch has kits built around them. Shop the Tackle T-Pex 1 inch - Kokanee & Trout Lure Trolling Dodger 6 inch Chrome Killer Corn Cure by Big Nate Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod Trigger Spoon 2.25 inch Junior Trigger Spoon 1.25 inch Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreAmerican River Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on the American River and Folsom Lake and reports for Catch America. What is working right now Fall kings are moving through the American River, with a solid mid-week push producing 12 to 14 pound fish that still cut up with nice red meat. Backtroll K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. Bank anglers are scoring on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. Mostly males so far, with females expected after the next rainstorm. What is biting on the American River right now?Fall king salmon. Guide Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service is fishing the American in a drift boat while the big boat sits out Folsom's mussel closure. The kings are showing a little color but still cut up nicely with red meat, and they have all been males so far. What technique is working for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. Jerry landed nice 12 to 14 pound kings this way. These are not Catch America products, so we name them without a shop link. Bank anglers are doing well on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. When is the bite best on the American River?A nice push of fish moved through mid-week, on Thursday, after a slow Tuesday start. On Friday the push moved up as soon as the sun hit the water, so early morning before the fish move off has been the productive window. When will more American River salmon arrive?So far the fish have all been males. Jerry expects the females to show up with the next rainstorm moving through, which should add fresh fish to the river and improve the action. What is the outlook for the American River and Folsom?Kings can be fished on the American until the season closes October 31, after which Jerry switches to steelhead plugs for the rest of the year. The big boat returns to Folsom Lake in mid-November once the mussel closure lifts. Exact depths were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): The American is providing some nice Kings. We managed one really nice 12-14 lb King on a K16 Kwikfish backtrolled. We were primarily backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. The fish we're getting have all been males right now, but I'm sure the ladies will show up with this next rainstorm. American River October 2025 FAQ What is the best technique for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. How big are the American River salmon?Nice fish in the 12 to 14 pound range, mostly males so far. What are bank anglers using on the American River?Flying C and Blue Fox spinners have been producing from the bank. When does the American River king season close?October 31, after which anglers switch to steelhead plugs. When will female salmon show up?Jerry expects females to arrive with the next rainstorm. Why is the guide fishing the American instead of Folsom?Folsom boats are held out by a golden mussel closure until mid-November. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Tackle Shop Salmon 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 moreKlamath River Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and chases salmon and steelhead across Northern California and Oregon rivers. What is working right now The Klamath River had a hot king run in late September 2025, with 20 to 30 kings released in a day plus steelhead and jacks before fish moved upriver. Jerry Lampkin scored on Brad's Laser Minnows and by side-drifting and boondogging roe. On the Chetco he landed a 26-pound hatchery hen on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat spinner. How is the Klamath River salmon fishing?Hot early in the week. Jerry Lampkin's boat released around 20 to 30 kings in a day plus a couple of steelhead and lots of jacks, which bodes well for future returns. The action slowed later in the week as those fish pushed up into the upper river. What are Klamath kings biting on?Brad's Laser Minnows produced well, and Jerry also released fish side-drifting and boondogging roe. In Blake's Riffle the action was nonstop until the sun hit the water, then it tapered off for the day. How is the Rogue River fishing?Slow to start. Jerry lost his first two fish, then picked up a couple of jacks for the smokehouse on Brad's Laser Minnows later in the afternoon. It was a grind compared to the Klamath earlier in the week. What about the Chetco River?The Chetco holds big fish and fished smoother than the Rogue. Jerry scored a 26-pound hatchery hen right off the bat on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat style spinner. He rated it a fun, big-fish river worth trying early in the season. What is the outlook across these rivers?The Klamath fish moved way up the river, so the lower stretches slowed. Jerry planned to head home to the American River next to target kings. Water depth and temperature were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): On Tuesday, we came back to the Klamath, and the four of us in my boat released about 20 or so kings. Some of the guys are saying more like closer to 30. We scored a nice 26-pound hatchery hen right off the bat on a chrome flasher with a Mexican hat style spinner. We still managed to release eight side drifting and boondogging roe. Klamath River September 22, 2025 FAQ How many kings did the Klamath produce?Jerry's boat released around 20 to 30 kings in a single day, plus steelhead and jacks. What lure worked for Klamath and Rogue salmon?Brad's Laser Minnows, along with side-drifting and boondogging roe. What caught the big Chetco fish?A 26-pound hatchery hen came on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat style spinner. Why did the Klamath bite slow down?The fish moved up into the upper portions of the river, leaving the lower stretches slower. Are there a lot of jacks in the Klamath?Yes, lots of jacks, which Jerry says bodes well for next year's returns. What is next for the report?Jerry planned to head home to the American River to target kings. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
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