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Eagle Lake Fishing Report | September 22, 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 Eagle Lake is starting its fall run in late September 2025. The lake level is up slightly over last year, allowing safe launching from the south-end Marina ramp. Capt. Bryan Roccucci landed fish from 7 to 15 feet deep while working water 15 to 45 feet, with the trout feeding on tui chub. Brighter colors and orange, especially a Jay Fair Special, produced best on overcast days. How is Eagle Lake fishing right now?Fall is just kicking off. Capt. Bryan Roccucci landed all his fish from 7 feet on the shallow side to 15 feet deep, while working water 15 to 45 feet. The fish are holding over that deeper water, waiting for cooler temperatures to push them into the shallows. How deep are Eagle Lake trout holding?Not deep. The fish came from 7 to 15 feet, even though Bryan worked water 15 to 45 feet, sometimes over 40 to 45 feet, picking up a few on turns. As fall sets in and temperatures cool, expect more fish to move shallow. What are Eagle Lake trout feeding on?Mainly tui chub, which is standard for this time of year, plus lots of minnows in the lake. Match that forage with minnow-imitating patterns. Bryan's best producer had a darker brown tail with marabou and an iridescent flash mimicking those baitfish. What colors work at Eagle Lake in fall?Brighter colors and orange produced on overcast, dark-sky days. Bryan got a few fish on orange and the Jay Fair All Around Best, but by far his best producer was the Jay Fair Special with its brown marabou tail and iridescent body. What is the Eagle Lake water level and outlook?The lake level is up slightly over last year, and the big rock near the Marina low-water ramp is still underwater, so launching is safe. Bryan expects full-blown fall mode by mid-October as the water cools. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): All the fish we hooked and landed came from 7 feet on the shallow side, with the deepest being 15 feet. These fish are still out over the open water. We were working water anywhere from 15 to 30 feet, sometimes even out over 40 and 45 feet of water. The fish seem to be feeding mainly on the tui chub still. Eagle Lake September 22, 2025 FAQ What is the Eagle Lake water level in September 2025?Up slightly over last year, with the big rock near the Marina ramp still underwater, allowing safe launching. How deep are Eagle Lake trout in late September?Fish were caught from 7 to 15 feet while holding over 15 to 45 feet of water. What are Eagle Lake trout eating?Mainly tui chub, along with lots of minnows in the lake. What colors work at Eagle Lake right now?Brighter colors and orange on overcast days, with the Jay Fair Special the top producer. When will Eagle Lake fish move shallow?Bryan expects full fall mode by mid-October as water temperatures cool. Can you launch a boat at Eagle Lake now?Yes. The south-end Marina low-water ramp is usable, and Bryan launched a good-size boat without issue. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Almanor Fishing Report | September 8, 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain on Lake Almanor and Eagle Lake. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now Lake Almanor is fishing its best late-summer bite in years in early September 2025, with the water at 68.8 degrees and fish scattered lake-wide on pond smelt. Target 30 to 45 feet, with the high 30s to low 40s the sweet spot. Run fast with Trigger Spoons when fish are spread out, then slow down with pearl Trix Minnows and Brown Town scent when they tighten up. How is Lake Almanor fishing right now?Excellent. Capt. Bryan Roccucci calls it the best late-summer bite in recent memory. The water dropped to 68.8 degrees, below 70, and the fish are scattered all over the lake, aggressively feeding on the pond smelt population. How deep are Lake Almanor trout holding?The bulk of the actively feeding fish are running 30 to 45 feet, with the high 30s and low 40s the prime target. That is where Bryan sets most of his gear. Match your Trigger Spoons and minnows to that band. What lures work at Lake Almanor?When fish are spread out, Bryan fishes fast and the Trigger Spoons have been getting killed. When he finds a tight pocket of fish, he slows down and runs pearl Trix Minnows set up with Brown Town scent to look and smell like a pond smelt. How do you match the pond smelt bite?These fish are keyed on pond smelt, so imitate a minnow. Bryan runs pearl Trix Minnows and scents them with Brown Town so they smell like a minnow too. Change locations often, since he has been moving nearly every day to stay on active fish. What is the outlook for Lake Almanor?Bryan does not expect this late-summer bite to give up and sees it rolling right into fall. A little unsettled weather means playing the wind, but conditions are great. He is also starting Eagle Lake rainbow fly-trolling trips soon. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): This late summer bite just continues to impress. Best late summer bite in recent memory, for sure. We have been fishing fast when it presents itself, the Trigger Spoons have just been getting killed. The days when you find a tight pocket of fish, we are running the Trout Trix Minnows, the pearls, setting those up with the Brown Town scent. The bulk of the actively feeding fish are running 30 to 45 feet. Lake Almanor September 8, 2025 FAQ What is the water temperature at Lake Almanor?68.8 degrees, dropping a couple of degrees as fall approaches. How deep are Lake Almanor trout in September?30 to 45 feet, with the high 30s to low 40s the prime zone. What are Almanor trout feeding on?Primarily the lake's pond smelt population, though some bug activity remains. What spoon works at Lake Almanor?Trigger Spoons fished fast when the fish are scattered. How do you fish tight pockets at Almanor?Slow down with pearl Trix Minnows scented with Brown Town. Will the Almanor bite continue into fall?Bryan expects it to roll right into fall without giving up. Shop the Tackle Trigger Spoon Trix Minnows 5 Pack Brown Town Scent by Bryan Roccucci Shop Capt. Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreCollins Lake Fishing Report | September 2025
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a veteran Northern California trout and striper guide and a Catch America captain. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Collins Lake trout fishing has been great in September 2025, and Capt. Cal Kellogg proved a color rule in one day. Run dark flies like a black-and-green Metal Head in overcast or low light, and switch to a white fly under blue sky. Cal caught trophy rainbows up to 10 pounds trolling flies about 3 feet deep, 200 feet back, at 1.8 mph. How is the fishing at Collins Lake right now?Great. Capt. Cal Kellogg says trout fishing was strong all week in September 2025, with one exceptional day producing several very large rainbows, including a 10 pound trophy. He caught the fish by matching fly color to the light conditions, which made all the difference that day. What color fly should I use at Collins Lake?Match the light. Under overcast or low-light conditions, run a dark fly for a strong silhouette against the sky. Cal used a black-and-green Metal Head fly. When the sky turned blue and sunny, he switched to a white fly and it was game on. How is Cal rigging and presenting at Collins Lake?Trolling flies on a light setup. Cal ran his fly about 3 feet deep with a small trolling weight, 200 feet behind the boat, at 1.8 miles per hour. He notes a stinger hook was key, because the trout were nipping. No stinger, no fish that day. What is Cal's takeaway on lure color?Dark conditions call for a dark lure, ideally a black fly, which Cal calls a big-fish magnet. High, sunny skies with chop call for a light-colored fly, and you can even downsize. His double-digit rainbow came on a small white junior trolling fly, a number eight. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): The idea of running dark lures in dark conditions and light lures in light conditions was illustrated very well this week with several big trout. Started out the day overcast. I went to the black fly. After lunch, we got blue sky, I switched from black to white, and it was game on. There's a shot of the fly, a black and green metal head. Troll in 1.8 miles an hour, maybe 3 feet deep, 200 feet behind the boat. Collins Lake September 2025 FAQ What is biting at Collins Lake in September 2025?Rainbow trout, including trophy fish up to 10 pounds, per Capt. Cal Kellogg. When should I run a dark fly at Collins Lake?In overcast or low-light conditions, when a dark silhouette shows best against the sky. When should I switch to a white fly?Under blue sky and sunny, high-light conditions, when Cal switched and got immediate hookups. How deep and how far back was Cal trolling?About 3 feet deep with a trolling weight, 200 feet behind the boat. What trolling speed did Cal use at Collins Lake?About 1.8 miles per hour. What size fly caught the biggest trout?A small white junior trolling fly, a number eight, took the double-digit rainbow. Shop the Tackle Metal Head Fly - Trophy Trout Trolling Fly Shop Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Almanor Fishing Report | September 1, 2025
Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service on Lake Almanor and Eagle Lake and is a Catch America captain. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now The late-summer trout bite at Lake Almanor keeps rolling in early September 2025, one of the best in recent memory. Rainbow-pattern Trigger Spoons fished 25 to 45 feet down, with the high 30s to low 40s the sweet spot, are producing 15 to 20 fish days. Rainbows run 2.5 to 5-plus pounds, with browns and a few king salmon mixed in. What is biting at Lake Almanor in early September?The late-summer trout bite keeps impressing Capt. Bryan Roccucci, one of the best late-season bites in recent memory. Fish are all over the lake, some days more rainbow, some more brown, usually a mix, with a few king salmon thrown in. Water clarity is great and the lake is in excellent shape. What depth are Lake Almanor trout holding?Fish are 25 to 45 feet down, with the high 30s to low 40s the clear sweet spot. Rainbow-pattern Trigger Spoons fished in that band are getting killed, producing 15 to 20 fish days. Dial into that depth and stay on it for steady action. What lures are working at Lake Almanor now?Rainbow-pattern printed Trigger Spoons are the standout, fished 25 to 45 feet down. You can run fast gear or slow gear, dealer's choice, though Bryan spent most of the week on slower gear before bumping the throttle up a bit. The spoons are producing quality rainbows. How big are the Lake Almanor rainbows?Great quality. A lot of the rainbows run in the 2.5 pound class all the way up to 5 and 5-plus pounds. On the better days that adds up to 15 to 20 fish, making for a real pleasure of a bite across the lake right now. What is the outlook for Almanor and Eagle Lake?Almanor fishing is fantastic and steady even as crowds thin into fall. Bryan is also gearing up for Eagle Lake fly trolling and fly fishing trips a couple weeks out, chasing big, healthy fall rainbows, with new products coming to make fly trolling even better. A few mid-September and mid-October dates remain. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): The late-summer bite for the trout here at Lake Almanor just keeps rolling on. The rainbow pattern printed trigger spoons were just getting killed, 25 to 45 ft down with the high 30s to low 40s being the sweet spot. We're seeing 15 to 20 fish a day. A lot of those fish are rainbows in the 2.5 lb class all the way up to five-plus pounds. Lake Almanor September 1, 2025 FAQ What depth are Lake Almanor trout in early September?25 to 45 feet down, with the high 30s to low 40s the sweet spot. What is the best lure at Lake Almanor now?Rainbow-pattern printed Trigger Spoons fished in the sweet-spot depth. How many fish per day at Lake Almanor?Some days 15 to 20 fish, mostly rainbows. How big are the Almanor rainbows?From the 2.5 pound class up to 5 and 5-plus pounds. What species are biting at Lake Almanor?Mostly rainbows and browns, with a few king salmon mixed in. When does Eagle Lake fly trolling start?A couple of weeks out, targeting big, healthy fall rainbows. Shop the Tackle Trigger Spoon Shop Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Reservoir Fishing Report | September 1, 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro has good water clarity, 9 to 10 feet with a green tint, and rainbow trout are biting 50 to 75 feet down. Capt. Monte Smith is running spoons only, Optimizers, Trigger Spoons, and Speed Spoons, with a dab of Kokanee Slammer scent on the back. Kings may have moved on, so watch for them after the holiday. What is biting at Don Pedro Reservoir right now?Rainbow trout are biting steadily, with king salmon also in play. Capt. Monte Smith had two anglers hook up instantly on a recent trip, catching all rainbows. He notes the kings may have moved on a little and plans to check again after the holiday. What depth are the fish at Don Pedro Reservoir?Rainbows are coming from 50 to 75 feet down. Water clarity is really good for this time of year at 9 to 10 feet of visibility with a green tint, which Monte says actually helps him catch these fish. What lures are working at Don Pedro Reservoir?Spoons only. Monte is running Optimizers, Trigger Spoons, Speed Spoons, and his custom spoons. He is not running dodgers. Speedy Shiners and Excels also get named but are not Catch America products, so we do not link those. How is Monte scenting his spoons at Don Pedro?He puts a little dab of Kokanee Slammer scent on the back of the spoon. It is designed to catch salmon, not just kokanee, and has been helping him put king salmon in the boat at Don Pedro. What is the outlook for Don Pedro Reservoir?Monte expects a great fall fishery at Don Pedro and beyond once the weather cools from the 100 degree stretch. He plans to hit it hard again after the holiday once the water calms. A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): Water clarity at Don Pedro is really good, 9 to 10 feet of visibility with a green tint. We're still using spoons, Optimizer, Trigger spoons, Speed spoons, my custom spoons. We're not using any dodgers. My Kokanee Slammer Scent, a little dab on the back. We're catching these fish from 50 to 75 feet. Don Pedro Reservoir September 1, 2025 FAQ What depth are Don Pedro trout holding?From 50 to 75 feet down. What lures work at Don Pedro right now?Spoons only, including Optimizers, Trigger Spoons, and Speed Spoons, with no dodgers. What scent is Monte using at Don Pedro?A dab of Kokanee Slammer scent on the back of the spoon. How is the water clarity at Don Pedro?Really good, 9 to 10 feet of visibility with a green tint. Are king salmon biting at Don Pedro?The kings may have moved on a little, and Monte will check again after the holiday. Who guides Don Pedro for Catch America?Capt. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing. Shop the Tackle Optimizer Spoon Trigger Spoon Speed Spoon Kokanee Slammer Scent Shop Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | September 1, 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 keeps kicking out limits over Labor Day weekend 2025, with chrome fish, kings up to 5 pounds, Eagle Lake trout up to 4 pounds, and bonus catfish 15 to 20 pounds on the troll. Capt. Nate Kelsch runs a 6 inch offset Catch America dodger with the T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn, from 48 to 110 feet. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Berryessa keeps kicking out fish. Capt. Nate Kelsch reports daily limits of chrome, full-scaled fish, mixed with nice kings up to 5 pounds and Eagle Lake trout up to 4 pounds. Big catfish from 15 to 20 pounds are even coming on the troll on kokanee gear. The T-Pex setup is doing the damage.What depth are the fish holding at Lake Berryessa?Fish are spread anywhere from 48 feet down to 110 feet, so you have to chase the marks. You will see schools down deeper and fish sitting in the mud. If you are not comfortable dragging the bottom, run your gear about two to three feet above it for a good chance at those fish.What lures and colors work at Lake Berryessa?The best setup is a 6 inch offset Catch America dodger with the T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn. Nate calls it hands down the best kokanee setup all year, not just at Berryessa but up and down California. It has been lights out.How does Nate rig his Berryessa setup?Run the 6 inch offset dodger ahead of the T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn, and fish it from 48 to 110 feet. Chase the marks up and down the column, and keep gear two to three feet off the bottom when fish are in the mud.What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Excellent. Nate is getting limits daily with a lot of the fish still chrome and full-scaled, a sign the fishery is in great shape heading through September. The kings and Eagle Lake trout add bonus quality. Longer-term outlook was not specified in this report.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): Berryessa just keeps kicking out fish. We're still getting limits daily, mixing in a few nice Kings up to five pounds, and some nice big Eagle Lake trout up to four pounds. These 6-inch offset dodgers with the T-Pex, this has hands down been the best setup. We've been tipping them with Chrome Killer corn. Anywhere from 48 feet all the way down to 110 feet.Lake Berryessa September 1, 2025 FAQHow deep are the fish at Lake Berryessa now?Fish are spread from 48 to 110 feet. Chase the marks and keep gear two to three feet off the bottom when needed.What is the best kokanee setup at Lake Berryessa?A 6 inch offset Catch America dodger with a T-Pex, tipped with Chrome Killer corn.What species are biting at Lake Berryessa?Limits of chrome fish, kings up to 5 pounds, Eagle Lake trout up to 4 pounds, and bonus catfish 15 to 20 pounds.Are the Berryessa fish still fresh and chrome?Yes. A lot of the fish are still really chrome with full scales intact, a sign of a healthy fishery.Can you catch catfish trolling at Lake Berryessa?Yes. Nate has been getting catfish up to 15 to 20 pounds on the troll while fishing kokanee gear.How do I fish the bottom-holding fish at Berryessa?Run your gear about two to three feet above the bottom if you are not comfortable dragging it. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Trolling Dodger 6 inch Chrome Killer Corn Cure Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreWishon Reservoir Fishing Report | August 25, 2025
Report by Max Gross Max Gross is part of the Catch America team and shares weekly reports from Central California waters. What is working right now Wishon and its sister lake Courtright are fishing steady in late August 2025 with fresh plants of pan-sized rainbow trout. Max from Catch America recommends blade-and-crawler combos: run a 4 to 6 inch dodger with a spinner, or a dodger to a 24 to 36 inch leader and a slow death hook threaded with a worm. Both lakes were planted this week. How is the fishing at Wishon Reservoir right now?Steady at both Wishon and sister lake Courtright. Max reports Courtright got an unexpected plant last week and Wishon is being planted this week, so expect plenty of pan-sized planter rainbows. He says those planters are still fun to catch and become good eating with a little time. What is working at Wishon Reservoir?Blade-and-crawler combinations. Max runs a 4 to 6 inch dodger paired with a spinner such as his Max's Rings wedding-ring style or an Uncle Larry's spinner. That flash-and-bait presentation is the go-to for the planted rainbows at both lakes right now. How do I rig a slow death hook at Wishon?Run a dodger to a 24 to 36 inch leader, depending on dodger size, then tie on a slow death hook and thread a worm on it. Max says the jagged walleye-style hook holds the worm through many bites, so you get plenty of use out of each one. Why are Wishon and Courtright fishing similar?They are sister lakes that feed water back and forth to generate power, so conditions track together. Max notes Courtright usually gets planted less than Wishon, so this week's plants at both mean strong numbers of pan-sized rainbows across the pair. Watch the full report From the report (Max Gross): Right now, the fishing has been steady at both lakes. Blade and crawler combinations are going to be the way to go. I'll run a 6-inch dodger or a 4-inch dodger, and then I'll either run my Max's Rings, or you'll see the Uncle Larry's as well. Another combination is just running a dodger to a leader, like a 24 to 36-inch leader, and then a slow death hook. Wishon Reservoir August 25, 2025 FAQ What are anglers catching at Wishon Reservoir in August 2025?Pan-sized planter rainbow trout, freshly stocked at both Wishon and Courtright this week. What is the best setup for Wishon right now?Blade-and-crawler combos: a 4 to 6 inch dodger with a spinner, or a dodger and leader to a slow death hook with a worm. What size dodger does Max run at Wishon?A 4 inch or 6 inch dodger. Max says he does not go bigger than that. What leader length works with a slow death hook at Wishon?A 24 to 36 inch leader off the dodger, depending on the size of the dodger. Was Courtright Reservoir planted recently?Yes. Max reports Courtright got an unexpected plant last week and Wishon is being planted this week. What depth or trolling speed does Max recommend at Wishon?A specific depth and trolling speed were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Mustad Slow Death Hook Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | August 25, 2025
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Services on Shasta Lake and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is fishing really good, with most trout holding 80 to 85 feet, some at 75, in 78 to 80 degree water. Big rainbows are showing. Run small spoons or plastics behind white or chrome flashers, and Trout Trix Minnows are producing heavy, bite-after-bite action. Shad-pattern lures are best right now. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Rainbow trout, and the fishing has been really good. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is finally seeing some big rainbows. Browns are still light for this time of year, but he expects them in fall, winter, and spring. Conditions are very good with water temps around 78 to 80 degrees. What depth are the trout at Shasta Lake?Most fish are holding at the 80 to 85 foot mark, with some days producing at 75 feet. That 80 to 85 foot band has clearly been the best zone this week as warm surface water keeps fish deep. What lures are working at Shasta Lake?Small spoons and plastics run behind flashers, especially white or chrome flashers. The Trout Trix Minnows are hard to beat, getting chewed up bite after bite. Anything in the shad category is what these fish are eating right now. How should you rig at Shasta Lake?Run small spoons by themselves, off divers, or behind white and chrome flashers. Pair them with Trout Trix Minnows in shad patterns. Jeff goes through a ton of minnows daily because the bite is so steady. A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake?Jeff expects continued good rainbow action and better brown trout numbers heading into fall, winter, and spring. The shad-focused bite behind flashers should keep producing. Exact colors beyond the shad category and white or chrome flashers were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Shasta Lake has been fishing really good. Our fish have been caught at the 85-foot mark, some days 75 feet, but 80 to 85 feet has definitely been the best. Small spoons, any kind of plastics right now behind flashers, especially in the white. These Trout Trix Minnows, it's hard to beat those guys. Anything in the shad category. Shasta Lake August 25, 2025 FAQ What depth are Shasta Lake trout holding in late August?Most fish are at 80 to 85 feet, with some at 75 feet. What lures work at Shasta Lake right now?Small spoons and plastics behind white or chrome flashers, plus Trout Trix Minnows in shad patterns. What are Shasta trout feeding on?Shad, so shad-category lures are best. What is the water temperature at Shasta Lake?Around 78 to 80 degrees. Are big browns showing at Shasta yet?Not many yet. Jeff expects better brown numbers in fall, winter, and spring. Who guides Shasta Lake for Catch America?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Services. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon 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
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