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Don Pedro Fishing Report | August 25, 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and guides trout, king salmon, and kokanee trips on Don Pedro Lake. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro is on fire in late August 2025. The water is perfect with a green tint, around 80 degrees on top and clear to about 10 feet. Capt. Monte Smith is trolling spoons fast for limits of rainbows and kings, plus next year's kokanee. Top spoons are the Speed Spoon, Optimizer Junior, and the Popped-Eyed Spoon, all with a touch of gel scent. Fish early, the bite is first thing in the morning. What is biting at Don Pedro right now?Rainbows, kings, and next year's kokanee. Capt. Monte Smith has had a tremendous three to four weeks, boating nice mixes of kings and rainbows and finishing with limits by late morning. The lake is loaded with bait, so the fish are chewing on a first-thing-in-the-morning bite. What are the water conditions at Don Pedro?The water is perfect with a green tint and clear to about 10 feet on a shark weight. Surface temperature is around 80 degrees, which just pushes the cold water deeper. Weekdays are wide open with only a couple of other boats after the holiday weekend. What lures are working at Don Pedro in August?Fast-trolled spoons. Monte is running the Speed Spoon, the Optimizer Junior, and the often-forgotten Popped-Eyed Spoon. He adds just a little gel scent to the back of each spoon so it bleeds slowly in the warm water. Do not overdo the gel or it weighs the spoon down. How do you fish the Popped-Eyed Spoon?It comes flat. Put a bend in it on the water and it will run at slow, medium, or fast speeds depending on how you bend it. Play with the bend and watch your speed. Monte says these will put fish in the boat, and do not overlook big baits in hot water. What is the best time to fish Don Pedro now?First thing in the morning. The bite has been the first few hours, and Monte gets off the water with limits before it gets too hot. Weekdays are ideal with almost no boat traffic, sometimes only two other boats in the area. Monte's outlook for Don PedroMonte calls this an exceptional time of year with the lake full of bait and an easy morning bite. Expect fast spoon action for rainbows and kings. Exact fishing depths were not specified in this report beyond fishing the cooler water below the warm surface. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): The water at Don Pedro is perfect. We can still see a shark weight about 10 feet. It's got that green tint to it, and we're running spoons, and we're running them fast. I'm putting my sauce on there, on the back of the spoon, just a little bit. It's a gel, and it slowly bleeds out a little scent. Don Pedro Lake August 25, 2025 FAQ What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in August?About 80 degrees on the surface, which pushes the cold water deeper. Clarity is around 10 feet with a green tint. What spoons work at Don Pedro?Speed Spoons, Optimizer Juniors, and the Popped-Eyed Spoon, all trolled fast with a little gel scent on the back. How much scent should I add?Just a little gel on the back of the spoon. Too much weighs the spoon down. A small amount bleeds scent slowly in the warm water. When is the bite best at Don Pedro?First thing in the morning, the first few hours. Monte finishes with limits before the day gets too hot. Are weekends or weekdays better?Weekdays. After the holiday weekend there is almost no boat traffic, sometimes only two other boats in the area. What species are in the mix?Rainbow trout, king salmon, and next year's kokanee. Who is the guide?Capt. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing, reachable at 209-581-4734. Shop the Tackle Speed Spoon Junior Optimizer Spoon Popped-Eyed Spoon Shop Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Trolling Spoons
Learn moreDon Pedro Fishing Report | August 18, 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 in great shape in mid-August 2025 with excellent 10 foot clarity and surface temps near 80 degrees. Capt. Monte Smith is trolling spoons 55 to 93 feet deep and boating 7 to 8 king salmon a day plus numerous rainbows. He runs his homemade spoons without dodgers, and recommends Optimizer Juniors as a spoon that works slow or fast. How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?Very good. Capt. Monte Smith had a great early day in mid-August 2025, catching a lot of fish. He boated seven or eight king salmon and numerous rainbows, keeping only three or four and releasing eight or nine kings. He expects the strong bite to hold as summer crowds thin out. What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro in August?Deep. Monte is fishing 55 to 93 feet and catching kings, rainbows, a few bass, and an occasional kokanee. Surface temperatures are around 80 degrees, so he is not fishing up top. Water clarity is an excellent 10 feet of visibility for late August. What lures work at Don Pedro right now?Monte runs his own homemade spoons, which are not for sale, without dodgers because of the clear water. For anglers, he recommends Optimizer Juniors, which troll well slow or fast. He also mentions Speedy Shiners for fast trolling and Excel spoons as options, though those are not Catch America products. What are the conditions at Don Pedro?Excellent. Clarity is about 10 feet and the surface is near 80 degrees. Monte says the lake is in great shape, and with school back in and vacations over there is hardly anyone out. He expects the good fishing to continue right through the fall. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We are fishing 55 to 93 feet deep, and we're catching kings, rainbows, and a few bass, and an occasional kokanee on my homemade spoons. You can run the Optimizer Juniors. That's a great spoon to use whether you're going slow or really fast. We're not running dodgers on our equipment. We had seven or eight kings today, numerous amounts of rainbows. Don Pedro Reservoir August 18, 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro in mid-August 2025?King salmon, with seven or eight a day, plus numerous rainbow trout and a few bass, per Capt. Monte Smith. What depth are Don Pedro fish holding?From 55 to 93 feet deep in the warm August water. What is the water clarity at Don Pedro?Excellent, about 10 feet of visibility, which Monte calls great for late August. What is the surface temperature at Don Pedro?Around 80 degrees, so Monte fishes deep rather than on the surface. What spoon does Monte recommend at Don Pedro?The Optimizer Junior, which trolls well whether you go slow or fast. Does Monte run dodgers at Don Pedro?No. He runs his lures without dodgers because the water clarity is so good. Shop the Tackle Junior Optimizer 2.25 inch Spoon Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Fishing Report | August 4, 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 king salmon and rainbow action is hot in early August 2025, with kings averaging 2 to 3.5 pounds and very plentiful at 40 to 75 feet. Kokanee are still around but hard to find as they enter spawn mode. Troll fast with heavier spoons like the Speed Spoon or Optimizer. Do not be afraid to run the bigger sizes for these aggressive kings. What is biting at Don Pedro right now?King salmon and rainbow trout, and the action has been really good. Capt. Monte Smith is focusing trips on kings, which average 2 to 3.5 pounds and are very plentiful and aggressive. Kokanee are still out there but hard to find, since they are constantly on the move and entering their spawning mode and colors.What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro?Fish are catching from 40 to 75 feet. The lake is falling a little but not drastically, so the bite has stayed very good. Surface temps are climbing with the weather, but the fish are holding in that 40 to 75 foot band. Warmer water actually has the kings chasing gear down.What lures work for Don Pedro kings?Troll fast with heavier spoons. Monte runs custom spoons, and Catch America offers similar Speed Spoons, which are a bit heavier so you can troll them faster. The Optimizer also produces, in both the Junior and the bigger sizes. Do not be afraid to run the bigger ones for aggressive kings.How should I present for Don Pedro kings?Troll fast with heavier spoons and run larger sizes than you might expect. The Speed Spoon is heavier so it holds depth at speed, and the bigger Optimizer gets attacked when the water is warm. These kings are acrobatic, so expect jumps and dives that can tangle nearby rods.What is the outlook for Don Pedro?Strong for kings. The bite has been very good and Monte is getting a lot of interest in these landlocked salmon. He would love to hook a 6 to 8 pounder like last year, but the plentiful 2 to 3.5 pound kings are a blast. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): The action has been really good. We're focusing all our trips basically on king salmon now. They're averaging 2 to 3.5 pounds, and they're very, very plentiful. We're still catching fish from 40 to 65-75 feet. You got to troll them pretty fast. The Speed Spoon, they're a little heavier. You can also use the Optimizer spoon, the Junior and the bigger ones.Don Pedro Lake August 4, 2025 FAQHow deep are the kings at Don Pedro in August?King salmon and rainbows are holding from 40 to 75 feet as the surface warms.What lures work for Don Pedro king salmon?Heavier spoons trolled fast, like the Speed Spoon, plus the Optimizer in Junior and larger sizes.How big are the kings at Don Pedro now?Kings are averaging 2 to 3.5 pounds and are very plentiful and aggressive.Are kokanee still biting at Don Pedro?They are still around but hard to find, constantly moving and entering spawn mode and colors.Should I use bigger spoons for Don Pedro kings?Yes. Do not be afraid to run the bigger Optimizer sizes. Aggressive kings will chase them down in warm water.What trolling speed works at Don Pedro now?Troll fast. Heavier spoons like the Speed Spoon hold depth at speed and the warm-water kings chase them. Shop the Tackle Speed Spoon Optimizer Spoon Junior Optimizer Spoon Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Fishing Report | July 7, 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 fishing is pretty darn good in early July 2025. Kings are still producing, kokanee are feisty at 2.5 pounds, and rainbows have slowed a touch. An 80 degree surface is pushing fish deep, 60 to 90 feet. Target kokanee early before the sun hits the water. Small profile hoochies have been the best producers. Book soon while the fish are at peak size. What is biting at Don Pedro right now?King salmon are still producing well, kokanee are around at about 2.5 pounds and full of fight, and rainbows have slowed a bit. Capt. Monte Smith reports the fishing is pretty darn good overall, with feisty, acrobatic kokanee that give small light rods all they can handle. Multiple species are showing on most trips.What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro?Fish are getting deeper as the surface climbs to nearly 80 degrees. Monte is catching kokanee anywhere from 60 to about 85 or 90 feet. With triple-digit weather coming, expect the fish to keep seeking colder water deeper. Water clarity has dropped a bit, with about 8 to 10 feet of visibility now.What lures are working at Don Pedro?Small hoochies, as small as you can get, and small profile Apex lures have been the best producers. Apex is not a brand we carry, so match that small profile from your own box. Target kokanee early before the sun gets high on the water, since the bite slowed once the sun came up over the hill.How big are the kokanee at Don Pedro?Kokanee are running about 2.5 pounds and are full of fight, jumping and diving to throw the hook. Some fish are starting to show a pronounced kype and turning color, a sign they are entering spawn mode. Monte would not be surprised to see a 3 pound kokanee come out of Don Pedro this season.What is the outlook for Don Pedro?Good, but the peak-size window is now. Kokanee are gaining momentum schooling up but are also starting to color and kype, so Monte says do not wait if you want them at their biggest. King salmon should keep producing. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We had a couple trips last week and produced some very nice kokanee. Kokanee are 2.5 pounds and full of fight. We're catching kokanee anywhere from 60 to about 85, 90 now. Our best lures here lately have been small hoochies, very small hoochies. Small profile Apex lures as small as you can get.Don Pedro Lake July 7, 2025 FAQHow deep are kokanee at Don Pedro in July?Kokanee are holding from 60 to about 85 or 90 feet as the surface warms to nearly 80 degrees.What lures work for Don Pedro kokanee now?Small hoochies and small profile lures. Apex is a brand we do not carry, so match the small profile locally.How big are the kokanee at Don Pedro?About 2.5 pounds and very feisty, with some starting to kype and color up for the spawn.When should I target kokanee at Don Pedro?Early, before the sun hits the water. The bite slowed once the sun came up over the hill.Are king salmon still biting at Don Pedro?Yes. Kings are still producing well, while rainbows have slowed down a little.Will Don Pedro produce a 3 pound kokanee this year?Monte says it would not surprise him to see a 3 pound kokanee come out of Don Pedro this season. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee 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 Fishing Report | June 9, 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 produced a respectable 12-fish mixed bag on a tough June 9, 2025 outing against a full moon. Fish are schooled and mixed, from 50 to 83 feet. Purple was the hot color. Troll a Gold Trolling Dodger with Uncle Larry’s UV Squid and Uncle Larry’s Hoochies, tipped with Kokanee Slammer corn for scent. What is biting at Don Pedro right now?A mixed bag. Capt. Monte Smith ended a tough June 9 day with 12 fish: six rainbows, a king, and five kokanee. The kokanee bite is starting to pick up, with respectable 14.5 to 15 inch fish that are fat and healthy and beginning to school up. It was a pick-scratch bite fighting a full moon.What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro?Fish are catching from about 50 to 83 feet, and they are all mixed in rather than separated by species. Water temps are rising fast, 73 to 75 degrees on the surface, but cooling quickly with depth. Monte marked lots of fish on the LiveScope holding in tight schools through that band.What lures and colors are working at Don Pedro?Purple was the hot color, and pink that worked last week was not producing. Troll a Gold Trolling Dodger paired with Uncle Larry’s UV Squid and Uncle Larry’s Hoochies around 75 feet. Tip your gear with Kokanee Slammer corn to add scent appeal.How is Monte finding and presenting to fish?He runs the LiveScope to find tight schools, then circles back once he lands a fish to confirm the species. The fish are schooling up as kokanee season builds. Match the purple color, run Uncle Larry’s Hoochies and UV Squid behind the dodger, and tip with corn and scent.What are the conditions at Don Pedro?The lake is six to seven feet from full and in great shape. Water clarity is crazy clean, almost too clean, so fish can see gear from a long way off. Surface temps are rising through the low to mid 70s. A full moon made the bite a tough pick-scratch on this trip.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We ended the day with 12 fish. We had six rainbows, a king, and five kokanee. Kokanee bite is really starting to pick up. We had respectable 14 and a half, 15-inch fish, and they're fat, they're healthy, they're starting to school up. We're catching fish just 50 to about 83 feet, and these fish are all mixed in.Don Pedro Lake June 9, 2025 FAQHow deep are the fish at Don Pedro in early June?Fish are holding from 50 to 83 feet, all mixed in rather than separated by species.What color is hot at Don Pedro right now?Purple was the hot color. Pink that worked the prior week was not producing on this trip.What lures work at Don Pedro now?A Gold Trolling Dodger with Uncle Larry's UV Squid and Uncle Larry's Hoochies, tipped with Kokanee Slammer corn.How big are the kokanee at Don Pedro?Respectable 14.5 to 15 inch fish that are fat, healthy, and starting to school up.Why was the bite tough at Don Pedro?A full moon made it a pick-scratch bite, though a window opened around noon to put more fish in the boat.What is the water clarity at Don Pedro?Crazy clean, almost too clean, so fish can see gear from a long way off. Shop the Tackle Uncle Larry's UV Squid Uncle Larry's Hoochies Kokanee Slammer by Monte Smith Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
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