Plug Tuning For Salmon
How to tune and wrap plugs for river kings.
Fishing Reports
Reports From The Water
Find recent bite updates by water, species, and guide. Then jump into the gear and videos connected to those reports.
Latest From The Water
Recent Reports
Quick updates from guides and anglers, organized so shoppers can find the bite faster.
Browse By Water
Lake & River Reports
Start with where you fish, then narrow into the newest bite information.
Lake ReportsLake Berryessa
Kokanee, trout, dodgers, spoons, and guide updates.
Lake ReportsShasta LakeReservoir trout, landlocked kings, depth, and baitfish lanes.
Lake ReportsLake OrovilleOpen-water trolling updates for trout and salmon.
River ReportsSacramento RiverPlug tuning, wraps, scent, and river salmon conditions.
Browse By Species
Reports By Bite
Jump straight to the reports that match what you are chasing.
Species ReportsTrout
Spoons, minnows, flies, plastics, scent, and reservoir trolling.
Species ReportsKokaneeDodgers, hoochies, spinners, corn, depth, speed, and scent.
Species ReportsSalmonRiver and ocean reports with flashers, plugs, bait, and scent.
Species ReportsStriped BassDelta trolling, baitfish color, current, and water movement.
Browse By Guide
Guide Reports
Follow updates from the guides behind the gear and on-water programs.
Guide ReportsBig Nate
Lake Berryessa kokanee, trout, scent, and trolling updates.
Guide ReportsJeff GoodwinNorthern California salmon, trout, and kokanee reports.
Guide ReportsAustin MoserNorthwest salmon updates, flashers, plugs, and bait programs.
Guide ReportsDavid JohnsonOregon salmon reports and changing river conditions.
Gear From Reports
Shop What Shows Up
Find the tackle families most often connected to current reports.
Report GearSpoons
Search baits for trout, landlocked salmon, and open water.
Report GearDodgersFlash and kick for kokanee, trout, and light trolling spreads.
Report GearFlashersRotating flash for salmon and larger trolling presentations.
Report GearHard BaitsPlugs and bait profiles for trout and salmon programs.
Report GearScentsGuide-used scent options for trolling setups.
Watch In Page
Report Videos & Tutorials
Helpful videos stay on the page so shoppers can learn without leaving Catch America.
Salmon Gear Breakdown
Flash, bait, and hardware for big salmon water.
Kokanee Trolling Setup
Dodgers, scent, speed, and presentation notes.
Fishing Report FAQ
How To Use Reports
Use reports to understand conditions, then match the presentation to your water.
How often are reports updated?
Reports are added as new guide updates, field notes, and fishing conditions come in.
Why do some reports not show photos?
If a report does not have a useful image, the page shows the report without a blank or broken image area.
Where should I go after reading a report?
Use the gear links and species pages to find the tackle family mentioned in the report, then choose the setup that fits your water.
Lake Berryessa Fishing Report | December 2025
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) Nate Kelsch runs Big Nate's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain, fishing here alongside Cal Kellogg. Shop Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)'s tackle. What is working right now Lake Berryessa is producing big trout on soft plastics. Capt. Nate Kelsch and Cal Kellogg ran Trout Trix Minnows, the larger Trix Minnow XL, and Trout Trix Worms in shad, chartreuse, purple, and pink, plus a couple of Trigger Spoons. They stuck 17 to 20 hookups including hefty Eagle Lake trout, with the soft plastics hooking fish cleanly in the jaw. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Big rainbow and Eagle Lake trout, piling up on soft plastics. Capt. Nate Kelsch, out with Cal Kellogg, said the soft-plastic bite is popping loose at Berryessa. They had 17 to 20 hookups on the day, including several big fish, after a slow, foggy run out. What lures are working at Lake Berryessa?Soft plastics. They ran regular Trout Trix Minnows, the larger Trix Minnow XL, and Trout Trix Worms, plus a couple of Trigger Spoons. Real shad and minnow looks, a chartreuse, a purple minnow, and a pink worm all produced fish. Why do soft plastics work so well at Berryessa?Like bass on soft plastics, trout grab a bait that looks and feels real and hang on. The Trout Trix Minnows and worms loop around the lower jaw and hook fish so they are not getting away. Nate got fish on every style they tried. How were they fishing at Lake Berryessa?They ran the soft plastics on the troll, including off a downrigger, after a slow run through a solid wall of fog. A mix of the older Trix Minnow and worm styles and newer prototypes all got bit. Exact depths and trolling speed were not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?The soft-plastic trout bite is strong at Berryessa and Nate expects it to keep producing big fish. Cal notes these baits work all over the world, and Berryessa is proving it. Run the Trout Trix series to catch more and bigger fish. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): We just put in some Trout Trix Minnow, a regular size one, and one of our new ones, slightly larger. We have a real shad, minnowy-looking one out, and a chartreuse. We also have a couple of Trigger Spoons out. We got big fish, we got about 17 to 20 hookups already. That's a big old Eagle Lake trout on the Trix Minnow. Lake Berryessa December 2025 FAQ What is the best lure at Lake Berryessa right now?Soft plastics, including Trout Trix Minnows, the Trix Minnow XL, and Trout Trix Worms, plus Trigger Spoons. What colors are working at Berryessa?Shad and minnow patterns, chartreuse, a purple minnow, and a pink worm all caught fish. How many fish did they catch?About 17 to 20 hookups, including several big fish. What species were caught at Berryessa?Big rainbow trout and hefty Eagle Lake trout. Why do soft plastics hook trout well?They loop around the lower jaw and hold, and fish grab the realistic bait and hang on. Who guided this Lake Berryessa report?Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) alongside Cal Kellogg for Catch America. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows Trix Minnow XL Trix Worms Trigger Spoon Shop Big Nate'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 moreFrench Meadows Reservoir Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain who bank fished French Meadows Reservoir with Nate for this report. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Bank fishing is on fire at French Meadows Reservoir in November 2025. Cal Kellogg and Nate limited on rainbows and browns fishing bait from a rocky point where shallow flats meet the main channel. The water is a frigid 32 degrees. Vary your cast distance to find the right drop, watch for rising fish, and fish the new Catch America 7 foot 6 inch Spinning Rod Cal designed for trout. What is biting at French Meadows Reservoir right now?Rainbows and browns, and the bite came fast. Cal Kellogg and Nate limited out bank fishing bait from a rocky point. One cast got hit within 10 seconds. Fish were feeding tight to structure where shallow flats meet the main river channel. Where should I bank fish at French Meadows Reservoir?On a point that divides shallow feeding flats from the main channel, near submerged stumps and rock. French Meadows was a logged meadow before it was dammed on the Middle Fork of the American River tributaries, so structure is everywhere. Trout patrol these edges hunting forage. What is the key bank fishing tip at French Meadows?Vary your cast distance to find the productive drop. Nate got bit on a longer 8-second drop when a 4-second drop nearby was slower. Watch for rising fish and move to them. Nate spotted four fish rise 20 feet away, cast over, and hooked a brown two minutes later. What rod is Cal using at French Meadows?The new Catch America Spinning Rod, a 7 foot 6 inch fiberglass, medium-action rod Cal designed for bank fishing trout. Its soft cork grips, forgiving tip, and stout mid-section cushion the fight while giving enough backbone to control a 6 to 10-pound trout. What are the conditions at French Meadows Reservoir?Cold. The water is about 32 degrees, so the fish are cold-water hungry and fry up as excellent eating. Expect snaggy rock, so work fish out carefully rather than breaking off, and use a high, tight line to track the bite like a strike indicator. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): Nate just threw that rod in, guys. He literally had that out there for 10 seconds and it was getting hit. That water is about 32 degrees. We got a beautiful rainbow, big old male, long, lean, getting ready for winter. We saw some fish rising over here, so I decided to make a little cast, and there she was, a beautiful brown. French Meadows Reservoir November 2025 FAQ What is biting at French Meadows Reservoir in November 2025?Rainbows and browns on bait, with a fast bank bite off a rocky point. What is the water temperature at French Meadows Reservoir?About 32 degrees. Where should I fish from the bank at French Meadows?A point dividing shallow flats from the main channel, near stumps and rock structure. What is the best bank fishing tip at French Meadows?Vary cast distance to find the right drop, and move to rising fish. What rod does Cal Kellogg recommend for bank fishing trout?The Catch America 7 foot 6 inch fiberglass medium-action Spinning Rod he designed. Why is French Meadows so full of structure?It was a logged meadow before being dammed, leaving stumps and rock throughout. What river feeds French Meadows Reservoir?Tributaries of the Middle Fork of the American River. Shop the Tackle Catch America 7 foot 6 inch Spinning Rod Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and guides Don Pedro Reservoir for Catch America. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro is a great fall fishery in November 2025, with the lake rising from storms and seriously clear water. Capt. Monte Smith caught fish down to 75 feet on lead core, biting nonstop on the new Optimizer Junior in electric banana plus soft plastics, along with a king salmon. Surface temps cooled about 5 degrees to around 60. Run the Optimizer Junior at 2 to 3 mph. How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?Great. Capt. Monte Smith had a Catch America crew out and the fish were biting nonstop in November 2025. They caught a lot of fish on the new Optimizer Junior and some on soft plastics, plus a king salmon. There is hardly anyone on the water, making it a great time to fish. What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro in November?Down to 75 feet. Monte caught fish that deep on lead core, which tells him the lake has not turned over yet and the thermocline is still very deep. The bigger fish are down there, holding away from the smaller planters that make up much of the lake. What lures are working at Don Pedro right now?The new Optimizer Junior, which is half the weight of the original and really produced, especially the electric banana color. Monte also ran soft plastics for a few fish. He caught most of the morning's fish on lead core over several hours. How fast should you troll the Optimizer Junior?Monte says it is versatile: you can run it at 2 miles per hour, 3 miles per hour, or a little slower. There are also brand new colors out. He caught fish at a range of speeds this trip and calls the Optimizer Junior a must-have for the Don Pedro fall fishery. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We had a Catch America crew out trying out some new lures, soft plastics, and mainly the new Optimizer Junior. It's half its weight, so it really produced. The electric banana caught a lot of fish. We caught fish down to 75 feet today, so that tells me the lake has not turned over yet. The water has cooled off about 5 degrees, so it's down to about 60 on the surface. You can go 2 miles an hour, you can go 3 miles an hour. Don Pedro Reservoir November 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro in November 2025?Rainbow trout biting nonstop plus a king salmon, per Capt. Monte Smith. What depth are Don Pedro fish holding in November?Down to 75 feet on lead core, where the bigger fish are holding. What lure is working best at Don Pedro right now?The new Optimizer Junior, especially the electric banana color. What trolling speed works for the Optimizer Junior?Anywhere from 2 to 3 miles per hour, or a little slower. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in November?About 60 degrees on the surface, down roughly 5 degrees, with seriously clear water. Has Don Pedro turned over yet?No. Catching fish down to 75 feet tells Monte the lake has not turned over and the thermocline is deep. Shop the Tackle Junior Optimizer 2.25 inch Spoon Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Almanor Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service on Lake Almanor and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now Lake Almanor is rolling in late November 2025 with a strong rainbow bite and a few browns mixed in. Bryan Roccucci works the water from the surface down to 25 feet over 27 to 40 feet of bottom. Slow-troll a Trix Minnows scented with Brown Town on the pond smelt pattern. Water temps are in the upper 40s to low 50s, and reports are coming from all over the lake. What is biting at Lake Almanor right now?Mostly rainbows with a few browns mixed in, and the fish are very responsive and eager to hit. Bryan Roccucci traded a hot Eagle Lake fall bite for this one, and reports are coming from all over the lake, including the East Shore, West Shore, and Peninsula. What depth are the Lake Almanor fish holding?From the surface down to about 25 feet, over roughly 27 to 40 feet of water. Keep your slow-troll gear in that top band where the fish are feeding on pond smelt. What lures are working at Lake Almanor?Slow-trolled soft plastics. Bryan Roccucci is rigging Trix Minnows scented with Brown Town and putting them down in the top 25 feet, and it is getting results on the pond smelt bite. How is Bryan Roccucci presenting at Lake Almanor?He runs the slow game, keeping scented Trix Minnows from the surface to 25 feet to match the fish feeding on the lake's pond smelt. Trolling speed was not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Lake Almanor?This late fall into early winter bite should continue all the way into December. Water temps are in the upper 40s to low 50s, a long way from freezing, though weather can shift fast in the mountains, so come prepared. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): Bulk of the catch right now is made up of rainbows with a few browns mixed in. We're working the water from the surface down to about 25 feet, over about 27 to 40 feet of water. The diet of these fish is made up primarily of the lake's pond smelt. I'm running the slow game, rigging up the Trout Trix Minnows, scenting them up with the Brown Town scent. Lake Almanor November 2025 FAQ What is biting at Lake Almanor in November 2025?Mostly rainbows with a few browns, and the fish are responsive and eager, per Bryan Roccucci. What depth are Lake Almanor fish holding?From the surface down to about 25 feet, over 27 to 40 feet of water. What is the best setup at Lake Almanor right now?A slow-trolled Trix Minnow scented with Brown Town. What are the Lake Almanor fish eating?Primarily the lake's pond smelt population. What is the water temperature at Lake Almanor?Upper 40s to low 50s depending on time and location, a long way from freezing. How long will the Lake Almanor bite last?This late fall into early winter bite should continue all the way into December. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 3 inch - 5 Pack Brown Town Scent by Bryan Roccucci Shop Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreEagle Lake Fishing Report | November 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain on Eagle Lake and Lake Almanor. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now Fall trout fishing is as good as it gets at Eagle Lake in November 2025. Capt. Bryan Roccucci is top-line fly trolling, working the surface down to about 10 feet. Early under fog or cloud cover the fish sit in the top 5 feet, then slide to 10 or 12 feet when the sun comes out. A hot orange fly and a tui chub pattern are doing most of the work across the south end and both shores. How is Eagle Lake fishing right now?It is prime time. Capt. Bryan Roccucci reports fantastic fall conditions with top-line fly trolling under mild weather, some rain, and a few foggy mornings. Fish are hanging in the top 5 to 10 feet, and the south end plus both shores are all producing. How deep are Eagle Lake trout in November?Shallow. Early under fog or cloud cover the fish are usually in the top 5 feet near the surface. When the sun comes out and the lake goes flat, they slide offshore and drop to 10, sometimes 12 feet, so do not be afraid to drop your lines down to them. What flies work at Eagle Lake right now?The two flies doing most of the work are a hot orange pattern and a tui chub pattern. Orange is a traditional Eagle Lake producer, while the tui chub mimics the minnows the fish are still chasing offshore. Bryan scents them with a fly spray to boost bites. What are Eagle Lake trout feeding on?Still mostly tui chub minnows out over open water, which is why the tui chub fly produces offshore. But Bryan is seeing increasing signs they are feeding on the rocks too, finding snails and daphnia in the fish he cleans. They are hunting both zones. What is the outlook for Eagle Lake?Excellent. A couple of mild weather fronts should stay fishable, and the fall pattern should continue right through November. Bryan has about one more week at Eagle before heading to Lake Almanor for late fall and early winter fishing. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): We continue to work the Jay Fair trolling flies on the top line rigs, covering the water from the surface down to about 10 feet. Early in the morning under cloud cover or fog, the fish will usually be in the top 5 feet. The two flies that are doing most of the work for us right now is the hot orange and the tui chub pattern. The south end of the lake, the east shore, the west shore, all producing fish. Eagle Lake November 2025 FAQ How deep are Eagle Lake trout in the fall?In the top 5 feet early under fog, dropping to 10 or 12 feet when the sun comes out. What flies work at Eagle Lake in November?A hot orange pattern and a tui chub pattern on top-line rigs. What are Eagle Lake trout eating?Mostly tui chub minnows offshore, plus some feeding on the rocks where Bryan finds snails and daphnia. Where are the fish biting at Eagle Lake?The south end and both the east and west shores are all producing. How long will the Eagle Lake bite last?Bryan expects the fall pattern to continue right through November. Does Bryan scent his flies at Eagle Lake?Yes, he uses a fly scent spray on the hot orange and tui chub flies. That specific product was out of stock at publication. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreEagle Lake Fishing Report | October 25, 2025
Report by Catch America This Eagle Lake fall fly trolling report comes from the Catch America guide team. The guide is not named in this report. What is working right now Eagle Lake trout are biting steadily in late October 2025 despite hail, rain, and wind. Fish are holding in the top few feet over 20 to 40 feet of open water, not yet in the shallows. Run J-Fair trolling flies on top-line rigs, with hot orange the standout color. A new water-based Fly Spray in Minnow Mayhem keeps marabou fluffing naturally and outfished unscented flies in a same-day test. What is biting at Eagle Lake right now?Trout, and plenty of them. The Catch America crew landed a lot of fish through hail, rain, and wind on their late October trips. Fish are up in the top few feet of the water column, holding over 20 to 40 feet of open water rather than crowding the shallows so far. What depth are the trout holding at Eagle Lake?Right up in the surface few feet, but positioned over 20 to 40 feet of open water. There have not been many fish in the shallows yet. The cooling trend is expected to push trout shallow soon for a classic fall Eagle Lake bite. What flies and colors work at Eagle Lake in fall?J-Fair trolling flies on top-line rigs, with hot orange doing most of the damage. Orange is predominantly a strong color at Eagle Lake. A few fish came on other colors, but the trout clearly wanted orange on this day. What scent is being used on the flies?A new water-based Fly Spray in the Minnow Mayhem formula. Because it is water-based, it does not pack down the marabou like oil-based scents, so the feathers still fluff in the water. In a same-day test, the scented flies outperformed the unscented ones. What is the outlook for Eagle Lake?Strong. The crew is fishing the rest of the week through more funky weather, and the fish are biting with a lot of bent rods. The cooler trend should push trout into the shallows for a traditional fall bite. Only a few guide days remain for late October into early November. Watch the full report From the report (Catch America): We are running the J-Fair trolling flies on the top line rigs. Fish are all up in the top few feet of the surface. We are still out over a little more of the open water, 20 to 40 feet deep water right now. It just felt like an orange day, so running the J-Fair trolling flies, hot orange did most of the damage. Eagle Lake October 2025 FAQ What is the best fly color at Eagle Lake in fall?Hot orange did most of the damage. Orange is predominantly a strong color at Eagle Lake. How deep are the Eagle Lake trout in late October?Up in the top few feet of the surface, holding over 20 to 40 feet of open water. How should I rig for Eagle Lake trout right now?Run J-Fair trolling flies on top-line rigs near the surface. Does scent help on trolling flies at Eagle Lake?Yes. The water-based Minnow Mayhem Fly Spray keeps marabou fluffy and outfished unscented flies in a same-day test. What are Eagle Lake trout feeding on?Tui chub minnows, which is why the minnow-imitating scent and flies are producing. Are the Eagle Lake trout in the shallows yet?Not many. Fish are still over open water, but a cooling trend should push them shallow soon. Who guided this Eagle Lake report?The guide is not named in this report. It comes from the Catch America fall fly trolling trips. Shop the Tackle Shop Trolling Flies Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Almanor Fishing Report | October 19, 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides Lake Almanor. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now Lake Almanor trout have moved shallow as water dropped below 60 degrees in mid-October 2025. The bite is now surface to 25 feet along the East Shore and the Peninsula, with downriggers set 3 to 7 feet down. Capt. Bryan Roccucci is slow-trolling Trix Minnows dressed with Brown Town scent to match the pond smelt the trout are feeding on. What is biting at Lake Almanor right now?Trout, and the fishing has been good despite wind and light rain stirring the water. Cooler temperatures have pushed a lot of fish shallow. You pick through some smaller fish along the East Shore and Peninsula, but there are plenty of nice ones mixed in. What depth are the trout holding at Lake Almanor?Shallow. With water temps below 60 degrees and in the mid to upper 50s, the bite is now surface to 25 feet, a change from the 35 to 45 foot depths of weeks past. Capt. Bryan Roccucci set downriggers 3 to 7 feet down for good action. What lures and scent are working at Lake Almanor?Bryan is pulling Trix Minnows set up with Brown Town scent, matching the hatch on trout that are feeding heavily on pond smelt. The slow game has produced the best results this week. How should I present at Lake Almanor?Stick with a slow trolling approach to match the pond smelt. Run the Trix Minnow shallow on downriggers set 3 to 7 feet down along the East Shore and Peninsula. Fast gear is always an option this time of year, especially in wind, but Bryan focused on the slow bite. What are the conditions and outlook at Lake Almanor?Water temps are dropping into the mid to upper 50s and the fall drawdown has stalled, so the lake level has held steady. Bryan expects the shallow pattern with fish in the top 10 feet to continue as the trout stay keyed on pond smelt. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): Water temps are dropping, we are now below 60 degrees, hovering in the mid to upper 50s. It has actually brought a lot of fish more shallow. This last week has pretty much been a surface to 25 foot bite. We were setting some downriggers 3 to 7 feet down. We are pulling the Trout Trix Minnows, setting those up with the Brown Town scent, matching the hatch on the minnow-feeding fish. Lake Almanor October 2025 FAQ How deep are the trout at Lake Almanor in October 2025?Surface to 25 feet, with downriggers set 3 to 7 feet down producing good action. What lure works at Lake Almanor right now?Trix Minnows dressed with Brown Town scent, matching the pond smelt forage. What is the water temperature at Lake Almanor?Below 60 degrees, hovering in the mid to upper 50s. Where are the trout biting at Lake Almanor?Along the East Shore and the east side of the Peninsula, close to the surface. What are the Lake Almanor trout feeding on?Pond smelt, so a slow minnow presentation matches the hatch. Should I fish fast or slow at Lake Almanor?Slow. Bryan focused on the slow game, though fast gear is an option in wind. Is the Lake Almanor lake level dropping?No, the fall drawdown has stalled and the level held steady this week. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5-Pack Brown Town Scent by Bryan Roccucci Shop Bryan Roccucci'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 more
