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Shasta Lake Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides Shasta Lake and Northern California waters. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is in its fall lull the week of September 22, 2025, with scattered fish and cooling water. Kokanee are the target down deep, best from 100 to 130 feet, though that window is fading. Rainbows and browns are the feature fish, with browns starting to migrate up the river systems to spawn and big rainbows following to feed on eggs. On the Trinity River, steelhead season has kicked off out of Weaverville. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Kokanee, rainbows, and browns, but Shasta is in its typical fall lull with scattered fish. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is chasing bites up and down the water column. Kokanee are still in the mix but likely will not hold up much longer as fall sets in. What depth are the kokanee at Shasta Lake?Deep. Best depths are past 100 feet, mainly 100, 120, and 130 feet for kokanee, though some fish are higher in the system. Jeff did pretty well on kokanee this week but does not expect that depth pattern to last much longer. What are the feature fish at Shasta Lake this time of year?Rainbows and browns. The browns are starting to migrate up the river systems for their fall spawn. Jeff expects to lose a lot of the bigger rainbows too, since they follow the browns up to feed on their eggs. What are the conditions at Shasta Lake?Water temperatures are cooling and nighttime temperatures are dropping, so the lake is settling into a fall pattern. Jeff expects that trend to continue until winter. Fish remain scattered through the column, so cover water and watch electronics. What is happening on the Trinity River?Steelhead season just kicked off. Catch America partner guide Justin Thompson started his season out of Weaverville with a couple of great trips, harvesting hatchery steelhead and catching wild fish on top. Larger steelhead seen in the Klamath are headed into the Trinity system. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Shasta Lake has been fishing pretty good, still in that fall lull. Fish are all over the place. Best depths really are going to be past 100 feet, 100 foot, 120, 130 feet, especially for the kokanee. The rainbows and browns are kind of our feature fish this time of year, although the browns are going to start migrating up the river systems to do their fall spawning. Shasta Lake September 2025 FAQ How deep are the kokanee at Shasta Lake in September 2025?Best from 100 to 130 feet, though some fish are higher in the water column. What is the main bite at Shasta Lake this time of year?Rainbows and browns are the feature fish, with kokanee still in the mix but fading. Why are big rainbows following the browns at Shasta Lake?Browns migrate up the river systems to spawn, and rainbows follow to feed on their eggs. What are the water conditions at Shasta Lake?Cooling water and dropping nighttime temperatures, with the lake settling into a fall pattern. Is steelhead season open on the Trinity River?Yes. Guide Justin Thompson started his season out of Weaverville, catching hatchery and wild steelhead. Where are the bigger Trinity steelhead coming from?Larger steelhead seen in the lower Klamath are headed into the Trinity River system. Will the deep kokanee bite last at Shasta Lake?Jeff does not expect it to hold up much longer as the fall pattern sets in. Shop the Tackle Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
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 Lake Berryessa is fishing great in late September 2025 with big king salmon and monster kokanee near 19 to 20 inches. The number-one setup is a Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Capt. Nate Kelsch caught fish from 50 feet down to 88 feet, chasing marks to finish the day. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Big king salmon and monster kokanee. Capt. Nate Kelsch put clients Jim and Burt on big kings and kokanee he estimated near 19 to 20 inches. The fishing is great, and Nate finished the day by chasing individual marks and boating two fish back to back. What is the best setup for Berryessa right now?By far the number-one performer is a Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Nate says that recipe has been the top setup not only at Berryessa but across California and the nation. How deep are Berryessa fish holding in September?Nate caught fish from 50 feet down to about 88 feet, his deepest of the day. He chased marks late, dropping the dodger and T-Pex down onto individual fish and hooking them, then turning around to catch another. How do you tip a T-Pex for Berryessa kokanee?Tip the T-Pex with Chrome Killer corn behind the offset dodger. Nate points to his numerous videos for the full recipe. It has been the number-one kokanee and king setup on the lake. What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Berryessa remains fantastic. Nate noted that offset dodgers, T-Pexes, spinner hoochies, Trigger Spoon packages, and Chrome Killer scent were coming back in stock. Kokanee and kings should keep producing on the proven dodger and T-Pex program. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): We got big king salmon, monster kokes, just big, big fish. Those kokanee are probably 19s, maybe close to 20s. You already know what they came on, Catch America offset dodgers with T-Pex was by far the number one performing setup, tipped with the Chrome Killer corn. We caught fish today from 50 feet down to, I think, our deepest fish was 88 feet. Lake Berryessa September 22, 2025 FAQ What is biting at Lake Berryessa in late September?Big king salmon and monster kokanee near 19 to 20 inches. What is the top Berryessa setup right now?A Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer corn. How deep are Berryessa fish in September?From 50 feet down to about 88 feet. How big are the Berryessa kokanee?Nate estimated them near 19 to 20 inches. What do you tip the T-Pex with?Chrome Killer corn for the number-one kokanee and king recipe. Is Berryessa still fishing well in fall?Yes. Nate calls it fantastic and expects it to continue. Shop the Tackle Trolling Dodger 6 inch T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Chrome Killer Corn Cure Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | September 8, 2025
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 Kokanee, kings, and rainbows are still biting at Lake Berryessa in early September 2025, holding anywhere from 45 to 92 feet. Capt. Nate Kelsch is slow-trolling a 6-inch gold dodger ahead of a T-Pex tipped with Chrome Killer Corn. Berryessa is the top kokanee lake going, with big fat cokes still in play. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Kokanee are still eating and running big, with king salmon and rainbow trout mixed in. Capt. Nate Kelsch reported nice big fat cokes plus kings and a nice rainbow this week in cool, breezy conditions with a little rain. He calls Berryessa the top dog for kokanee this size.What depth are the fish holding at Lake Berryessa in September?Fish anywhere from 45 feet down to 92 feet, chasing marks through that band. Nate was working the whole column and picking off kokanee, kings, and trout rather than committing to one set depth. Watch your electronics and drop to the marks.What lures and colors are working at Lake Berryessa?The constant is a Catch America 6-inch gold dodger, which took the lead and caught most of the fish, followed by a T-Pex. Tip everything with Chrome Killer Corn, which Nate has been preaching about for months.How is Nate rigging and presenting at Lake Berryessa?Slow-troll a 6-inch gold dodger ahead of a T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer Corn. These setups have been working for months and keep producing. Nate says the corn gives you a good chance at just about anything that swims in this lake.What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?The kokanee bite is not over. Nate has been on fire and expects it to continue, with October and November trip dates filling fast. He also released his signature Kokanee and Trout Rod, limited to 100 units.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): We were fishing anywhere today from 45 feet and chasing marks all the way down to 92 feet. The tackle is the one thing that remains constant: our Catch America 6-inch gold dodgers, followed with our T-Pex. Tip them with Chrome Killer corn, and you have a good chance of catching just about anything that swims in this lake.Lake Berryessa September 8, 2025 FAQWhat depth are kokanee holding at Lake Berryessa in September?From 45 feet down to 92 feet, chasing marks through the column. Cover that band and drop to the fish you see on your electronics.What is the best kokanee setup for Lake Berryessa?A 6-inch gold dodger ahead of a T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer Corn.What species are biting at Lake Berryessa?Kokanee running big, king salmon, and rainbow trout.How are Camanche, Amador, and Pardee fishing?Camanche slowed this past week; best bet is near the river channel. Amador and Pardee have no trout plants yet, so target warm-water species like bass and crappie.What bait tips the lures at Lake Berryessa?Chrome Killer Corn. Nate has been preaching about it for months and says if you are not using it, you are missing out.Who guides Lake Berryessa for Catch America?Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) of Big Nate's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Trolling Dodger 6 inch - Kokanee & Trout T-Pex 1 inch - Kokanee & Trout Trolling Lure Chrome Killer Corn Cure by Big Nate Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | August 25, 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 Kokanee are the main event at Lake Berryessa in late August 2025, running up to 19 inches, with king salmon over 25 inches and some nice trout mixed in. Nate Kelsch runs Catch America 6-inch offset dodgers with T-Pex lures and his Chrome Killer Corn between 50 and 100 feet deep. It is the number-one kokanee setup up and down the state. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Kokanee are the main target and running enormous, with fish over 19 inches. King salmon over 25 inches and some nice trout are coming in the mix. Nate Kelsch says fishing remains good, though anglers are fighting a bit more to get their fish now. What depth are the fish holding at Lake Berryessa?Fish have been between 50 and 100 feet deep. Kokanee, kings, and trout are spread through that band, so cover the column and fish where you mark them. What lures and colors are working at Lake Berryessa?Run a Catch America 6-inch offset dodgers ahead of a T-Pex lure, tipped with Chrome Killer Corn. Nate Kelsch calls this the number-one kokanee setup of the season. Specific colors were not specified in this report. How is Nate Kelsch rigging and presenting?Slow-troll a 6-inch offset dodger ahead of a T-Pex with Chrome Killer Corn on the hooks, working the 50 to 100 foot range. It is the same program he has run all kokanee season. Trolling speed was not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Fishing remains great. Nate Kelsch plans to shift his focus toward king salmon and trout over the next two to three weeks as the kokanee season winds down. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch): Kokanee are enormous. We're getting fish up to over 19 inches. We got King salmon this week over 25 inches, we got some nice trout in the mix, all while fishing for Kokanee. Still using the same setups: our Catch America 6-inch offset dodgers with T-Pexes, by far the number-one setup this whole entire Kokanee season. The fish have been between 50 and 100 feet deep. Lake Berryessa August 25, 2025 FAQ How big are the kokanee at Lake Berryessa in August 2025?Kokanee are running up to over 19 inches, some of the biggest in the state, per Nate Kelsch. What depth are Berryessa kokanee holding?Between 50 and 100 feet deep. What is the best kokanee setup at Lake Berryessa?A Catch America 6-inch offset dodger with a T-Pex and Chrome Killer Corn. Are king salmon biting at Lake Berryessa?Yes, kings over 25 inches are coming in while fishing for kokanee, with some nice trout too. How is the trout bite at nearby Lake Camanche?Trout are still biting on PowerBait fished next to the river channel with long 7 to 10 foot leaders, and it looks to last through the summer. What is biting at Amador and Pardee?Warm-water species. Catfish on chicken liver, anchovies, mackerel, or squid, and bluegill or crappie on red worms under a bobber in 5 to 6 feet of water. Shop the Tackle Trolling Dodger 6 inch T-Pex 1 inch - Kokanee & Trout Lure Chrome Killer Corn Cure by Big Nate Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | August 18, 2025
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 Lake Berryessa is red hot in mid-August 2025, with limits of big kokanee the daily rule plus king salmon and trout. Everything is coming between 50 and 100 feet on T-Pexes run on offset dodgers. Tip them with Chrome Killer corn. Capt. Big Nate Kelsch calls the T-Pex the best lure on the lake right now. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Kokanee, and it is red hot. Capt. Big Nate Kelsch is getting limits of big kokanee pretty much every single day, plus king salmon and trout. He is catching just about everything, with donkey-sized, fat kokanee the highlight of a fantastic mid-August bite on Berryessa. What depth are Berryessa kokanee holding in August?Everything is coming between 50 and 100 feet. Cover that band and watch your graph, since kokanee, kings, and trout are all in that zone. Once you are in the right depth, the T-Pex behind an offset dodger does the work. What lures are working at Lake Berryessa?T-Pexes on offset dodgers, plain and simple. Big Nate says the T-Pex has been the best lure and remains the best lure, and if you are not running them you are missing out. Tip them with Chrome Killer corn for the scent and cure that has been producing his daily limits. How is Lake Camanche fishing?Trout have slowed but are still available. Anglers are renting boats and reaching them at deep-water points near the river channel with long 10-foot leaders and PowerBait. From shore, warm-water species are readily available: bass on Senkos, Ned rigs, drop-shots, and small swimbaits, crappie on small jigs, and catfish on chicken liver and squid. No live minnows are allowed at Camanche. What is the guide's outlook for Berryessa?Big Nate says Berryessa remains hot with limits every day, and expects the strong kokanee bite to keep rolling. He is also running spoon kits for optimizers, trigger spoons, and trigger spoon juniors, and highlights Chrome Killer scent and the new Chrome Killer UV gel. Water temperature was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): Fishing remains red hot out at Berryessa. Kokanee fishing, limits are the rule. Everything that we're catching right now is between 50 and 100 feet. You already know what we're using: T-Pexes. It's been the best lure, it remains the best lure. We're using the Chrome Killer corn that I've been telling you about. Lake Berryessa August 18, 2025 FAQ What depth are Berryessa kokanee in August?Between 50 and 100 feet, along with kings and trout. What is the best kokanee lure at Berryessa now?The T-Pex run on an offset dodger, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Are anglers getting kokanee limits at Berryessa?Yes, limits of big kokanee are the daily rule. How is Lake Camanche trout fishing?Slowed but available, best from rented boats at deep-water points with 10-foot leaders and PowerBait. Can you use live minnows at Lake Camanche?No, live minnows are not allowed at Lake Camanche. What scents does Big Nate recommend?Chrome Killer corn, Chrome Killer scent, and the new Chrome Killer UV gel. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Chrome Killer Corn Cure Chrome Killer Scent Chrome Killer UV Gel Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing guides trout, kokanee, 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 fishing really good in mid-August 2025. Big rainbows are holding 70 to 80 feet down near the dam and I-5 bridge, while thick, football kokanee are schooled deep at 100 to 125 feet near structure. Run dodgers and small spoons, or pearl white Trix Minnows with a white 360 flasher. Uncle Larry's spinners in pink and orange are hot for kokanee. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Fishing is really good, led by a lot of big rainbows that turned on about a week ago, plus a handful of browns and strong late-season kokanee. Capt. Jeff Goodwin says now through the end of September is the time for the big-rainbow spectacle on Shasta Lake. What depth are Shasta Lake kokanee and rainbows holding?Kokanee are deep, schooled at 100 to 125 feet close to structure, and easy to spot on the graph. Rainbows are shallower, in the 70 to nearly 80 foot range, and Jeff is fishing them lower in the system toward the dam and the I-5 bridge area. What lures and colors are working at Shasta Lake?Dodgers and small spoons are very productive. Pearl white Trix Minnows shine, especially paired with a white 360 flasher. For kokanee, Uncle Larry's spinners in gold, orange, and pink are strong. Keep spoons small since the shad are barely 2 inches right now. How should I present baits at Shasta Lake in August?Run a dodger with a small spoon or a pearl white Trix Minnow behind a white 360 flasher. If you do not want to dodger fish, pull a spoon off a downrigger or a diver and you will still get them. Match the small shad with compact lures. How do the Shasta Lake kokanee look?Most kokanee run around 18 inches and are exceptionally big and thick across the back, like footballs. They are starting to turn, getting darker with hooking jaws and full bellies of eggs or milt, but they still cut and eat nicely. Late-season is the time to target them. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): The fishing remains really good. We're really getting a lot of big rainbows. Kokanee, you need to look down deep for them, in that 100, 125-foot mark now. The rainbows, mostly in that 70, starting to push that 80-foot mark. Trout Trix Minnows are pretty darn good, especially the pearl white colors. Shasta Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ How deep are Shasta Lake kokanee in August?Schooled at 100 to 125 feet, close to structure. How deep are Shasta Lake rainbows holding?In the 70 to nearly 80 foot range, mostly toward the dam and I-5 bridge areas. What is the best trout lure at Shasta Lake now?Pearl white Trix Minnows run with a white 360 flasher, plus dodgers with small spoons. What color spinners work for Shasta kokanee?Uncle Larry's spinners in gold, orange, and pink. How big are the Shasta Lake kokanee?Around 18 inches, very thick and football-shaped, though starting to turn dark. Why keep spoons small at Shasta Lake?The shad are barely 2 inches, so small lures match the forage best. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5 Pack Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreBucks Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now The Bucks Lake kokanee bite is wide open, with 20 to 40 fish a day. Capt. Bryan Roccucci trolls 35 to 45 feet with a gold dodger and T-Pexes, sliding out to 55 to 60 feet mid-morning. Add Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies behind silver blades, tipped with corn scented in tuna oil and Goomba Garlic. What is biting at Bucks Lake right now?Kokanee, and the bite is wide open. Capt. Bryan Roccucci has been taking 20 to 40 fish a day during what he calls Kokanee Fest in early August at Bucks Lake in Plumas County. The fish are still in good shape with excellent meat. What depth are the kokanee at Bucks Lake?For the last two weeks, 35 to 45 feet has produced almost every fish. When the schools get chopped up mid-morning, Bryan slides out into deeper water, 55 to 60 feet, and finds eager fish ready to bite down there as well. What lures and colors are working at Bucks Lake?A gold dodger in front of T-Pexes has been the main producer. He has also added Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies run behind silver blades, and those are getting bit too. Corn on the hooks of both is key. How is Bryan scenting his gear at Bucks Lake?He runs corn on the hooks of both the Uncle Larry's Hoochies and the T-Pexes, scented up with tuna oil and a little Goomba Garlic to spice it up. That scent combo has been part of the daily program. What is the outlook for Bucks Lake?There are probably a couple more weeks where the fish stay in decent shape, with a little gray showing and longer noses on males. Bryan recommends the Bucks Lake kokanee bite for the rest of the month before he heads back to Lake Almanor for trophy trout. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): 35 to 45 feet for the last two weeks with some sort of gold dodger in front of the T-Pexes has been producing almost every fish. We've added in some Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies behind silver blades. We're running the corn on the hooks, scented up with tuna oil and a little bit of the Goomba Garlic. Bucks Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ What depth are Bucks Lake kokanee holding?Mostly 35 to 45 feet, sliding out to 55 to 60 feet mid-morning when the schools break up. What is the best kokanee setup at Bucks Lake?A gold dodger ahead of a T-Pex, with corn scented in tuna oil and Goomba Garlic. What hoochie color is working at Bucks Lake?Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies run behind silver blades. How many kokanee are anglers catching?Between 20 and 40 fish a day during the early August bite. How long will the Bucks Lake kokanee bite last?Probably a couple more weeks, with fish in decent shape through the rest of the month. Who guides Bucks Lake for Catch America?Capt. Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Uncle Larry's Hoochies Goomba Garlic Shop Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | August 11, 2025
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 Lake Berryessa kokanee fishing is phenomenal in mid-August 2025, with fish over 19 inches pushing 2.5 to 3 pounds. Slow-troll a 6-inch offset dodger with a T-Pex from 50 to 100 feet deep. For trout, fast-troll Trigger Spoons and Trigger Spoon Juniors 30 to 50 feet down at 2.3 to 3 mph. Kings are showing but still inconsistent. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Kokanee are the main event and running big, over 19 inches and 2.5 to 3 pounds. Capt. Nate Kelsch says the fishing is phenomenal. King salmon are showing, with some days producing four to eight hookups and other days none, because the bait is still high in the water column. How deep are Berryessa kokanee holding in August?Nate is finding nice, big kokanee from 50 feet all the way down to 95 or even 100 feet. Look over structure and open water above the river channels. Run a 6-inch offset dodger with a T-Pex to reach them. What lures work for Berryessa kokanee and trout?For kokanee, the same Catch America setup keeps producing, a 6-inch offset dodger with a T-Pex, and all colors are working. For trout, Nate runs Trigger Spoons and Trigger Spoon Juniors 30 to 50 feet down. What trolling speed for Berryessa trout?Nate fast-trolls Trigger Spoons and Trigger Spoon Juniors between 2.3 and 3 mph for trout right now. Kokanee come on the slower dodger and T-Pex presentation, so keep the two techniques separate. What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Nate expects to start smashing kings within about a month once the bait drops down the column. Kokanee should stay strong. He also noted the Chrome Killer scent is now available in a UV gel. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): Fishing is phenomenal at Berryessa still. Kokanee up to over 19 inches, we are talking about two and a half, three-pound fish. The kokanee are coming on the same Catch America setups, our 6-inch offset dodgers with our T-Pexes. All colors are working, I would say 50 feet all the way down to 95, even 100 feet. Trout fishing is still great, running Trigger Spoons and Trigger Spoon Juniors between 2.3 on up to 3 miles an hour. Lake Berryessa August 11, 2025 FAQ How big are Lake Berryessa kokanee in August 2025?Over 19 inches, roughly 2.5 to 3 pounds, per Capt. Nate Kelsch. What depth are Berryessa kokanee holding?From 50 feet down to 95 or even 100 feet, over structure and river channels. What is the best kokanee setup at Berryessa?A 6-inch offset dodger with a T-Pex, with all colors working. How do you target Berryessa trout right now?Fast-troll Trigger Spoons and Trigger Spoon Juniors 30 to 50 feet down at 2.3 to 3 mph. Are king salmon biting at Berryessa?They are showing but inconsistent, from zero to eight hookups a day, because the bait is still high in the column. Is Chrome Killer scent available as a gel?Yes. Nate says the Chrome Killer scent is now available in a UV gel in addition to the oil. Shop the Tackle Trolling Dodger 6 inch T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Trigger Spoon Junior Trigger Spoon Chrome Killer UV Gel by Big Nate Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | August 4, 2025
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) Nate Kelsch runs Big Nate's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)'s tackle. What is working right now Lake Berryessa kokanee fishing is fantastic, with daily limits and fat fish over 18 inches, plus king salmon and Eagle Lake trout in the mix. Capt. Nate Kelsch runs 6-inch Catch America offset dodgers with T-Pexes and Chrome Killer corn. Fish are anywhere from 50 to 110 feet and moving daily, so chase the deep marks. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Kokanee, and limits are the rule daily. Capt. Nate Kelsch has been getting three to four limits of big, football-fat kokanee up to over 18 inches, with king salmon and Eagle Lake trout mixed in. The kokanee are in pre-spawn mode and moving as the water drops. What depth are the kokanee at Lake Berryessa?Fish are anywhere from 50 feet down to 110 feet, and they move every day based on boat pressure and the dropping lake level. Watch your electronics, and when you see deep marks on the graph, chase them. Those deeper fish are often the biggest, the donkeys. What lures and colors are working at Lake Berryessa?Nate's number one setup is a 6-inch Catch America offset dodger pulling T-Pexes, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. That combination has produced fish every single day for months at Berryessa. How is Nate rigging at Lake Berryessa?Slow-troll a 6-inch offset dodger ahead of a T-Pex, with Chrome Killer corn on the hooks. Good electronics are essential to find the deep, constantly moving marks. A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Berryessa is fishing great and should keep fishing great through the end of the year. King salmon will become more prevalent later as the bait balls drop, and Nate plans to run king salmon trips then. Kokanee are in good shape and still eating well. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): Limits are the rule daily. We've been getting three to four limits of big kokanee up to even over 18 inches. Everything's coming on my number one setup, those 6-inch Catch America offset dodgers with T-Pexes. Chrome Killer corn. Fish are anywhere right now from 50 feet down to 110 feet. If you see deep marks on the graph, chase the marks. Lake Berryessa August 4, 2025 FAQ What depth are Lake Berryessa kokanee holding in early August?Anywhere from 50 feet down to 110 feet, moving daily with boat pressure and the dropping lake level. What is the best kokanee setup at Lake Berryessa?A 6-inch Catch America offset dodger with a T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. How big are the Berryessa kokanee?Fat, football-healthy kokanee up to over 18 inches, with three to four limits a day. Are king salmon biting at Lake Berryessa?Some kings are in the mix, and they will become more prevalent later in the year as the bait balls drop. Why do the fish move so much at Berryessa?They are in pre-spawn mode and the water is dropping out of the lake, which shifts them day to day. Who guides Lake Berryessa kokanee for Catch America?Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) of Big Nate's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Trolling Dodger 6 inch T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Chrome Killer Corn Cure Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
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