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.
Davis Lake Fishing Report | October 6, 2025
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides high-country trout and Delta striper trips. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Davis Lake trout are feeding aggressively in early October 2025. Cal Kellogg trolled a Mickey Finn pattern Metal Head trolling fly in the top 10 feet at 2 miles per hour and it was trout after trout up to about 22 inches. Bright-colored flies and spoons with an aggressive presentation are taking these fish as they feed up before winter. What is biting at Davis Lake right now?Rainbow trout, and they are on the chew. Cal Kellogg had trout after trout up to about 22 inches. The fish are looking to put on weight and hit targets of opportunity, so aggressive presentations are producing. What depth are the Davis Lake trout holding?Right up high, in the top 10 feet of the water column. Cal Kellogg kept his fly in that top 10 feet and it was game on. Give the fish something up top and you will be yelling fish on. What lures and colors are working at Davis Lake?A Mickey Finn pattern Metal Head trolling fly was the ticket. Bright-colored flies and bright-colored spoons with aggressive approaches take these feeding fish. Keep the colors bold to trigger reaction strikes. How is Cal Kellogg rigging and presenting?He trolled the Metal Head trolling fly in the top 10 feet at a target speed of 2 miles per hour from his kayak. Keep it shallow, keep it moving, and keep the colors bright for these aggressive fall trout. What is the outlook for Davis Lake and the high Sierra?A winter-type storm was moving in, and once it clears Cal Kellogg expects the high-country trout bite from Davis to Almanor to be an angler's paradise for the next few weeks. Get up high and get your trout on. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): Let's talk about Davis. I put on a Mickey Finn pattern Metal Head trolling fly. I kept it in the top 10 feet of the water column. Target speed: 2 miles an hour, and it was game on. Trout after trout up to about 22 inches. Bright-colored flies, bright-colored spoons, aggressive approaches will take those fish. Davis Lake October 6, 2025 FAQ What depth are Davis Lake trout in October 2025?In the top 10 feet of the water column, per Cal Kellogg. What speed should I troll at Davis Lake?About 2 miles per hour. What fly is working at Davis Lake?A Mickey Finn pattern Metal Head trolling fly in the top 10 feet. How big are the Davis Lake trout?Up to about 22 inches, looking to feed and put on weight. What colors work best at Davis Lake?Bright-colored flies and spoons fished with an aggressive presentation. What is the water temperature at Davis Lake?About 58 degrees first thing in the morning, warming to about 60 in the afternoon, and expected to drop after an incoming storm. Shop the Tackle Metal Head Fly - 2 Pack Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Davis Fishing Report | October 5, 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 The fall bite is on at Lake Davis on October 5, 2025, with the surface at 58.7 degrees. Capt. Cal Kellogg worked the top of the water column from a kayak and caught about 12 rainbows, including chrome, square-tail beauties. Top producers were a Mickey Finn Metal Head fly down 10 feet and an orange Trout Trix Minnow down 5 to 6 feet on lead core. How is the fishing at Lake Davis right now?Excellent. Capt. Cal Kellogg found prime fall conditions on October 5, 2025, with the surface at 58.7 degrees, and caught about 12 rainbows from his kayak. Several were beautiful, chrome, square-tail fish. He calls it redemption after a tough trip 10 days earlier. What depth are the fish holding at Lake Davis?Up high in the water column. Cal ran a lead core rig with the minnow down about 5 to 6 feet and a trolling fly down about 10 feet. Fish came in 17 to 26 feet of water off points and islands, holding near the top as fall cools the lake. What lures work at Lake Davis in the fall?Trolling flies and soft plastics. Cal's best was a Mickey Finn Metal Head fly with an added double hook. An orange Trout Trix Minnow on an action disc also produced, and he landed the first fish ever on the new Trout Trix Minnow Elite in UV clown. When should you run trolling flies versus soft plastics?Match water clarity. Cal says flies shine in nutrient-dense, lower-clarity lakes like Davis, and the more color in the water, the brighter the fly. In crystal-clear lakes he leans to soft plastics or spoons for their cleaner action. His target speed at Davis was 1.8 to 2.2 mph. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): Lake Davis, October 5th. Surface temp 58.7 degrees. It is prime time. Lead core rod number one, rigged up with an orange Trout Trix minnow, running that action disc approximately a half inch off the nose. Target speed 1.8 to 2.2. Rod number two is armed with a Mickey Finn colored Metal Head trolling fly. I am going to run that minnow down approximately 5 to 6 feet, and this fly down about 10 feet. Lake Davis October 5, 2025 FAQ What is biting at Lake Davis in October 2025?Rainbow trout, about 12 for the day, including chrome square-tail fish, per Capt. Cal Kellogg. What depth are Lake Davis trout holding?Up high, with the minnow down 5 to 6 feet and the fly about 10 feet in 17 to 26 feet of water. What is the water temperature at Lake Davis?About 58.7 degrees on the surface, prime fall conditions. What lures work at Lake Davis in the fall?A Mickey Finn Metal Head fly and an orange Trout Trix Minnow, plus the new Trout Trix Minnow Elite. What trolling speed did Cal use at Lake Davis?A target speed of 1.8 to 2.2 miles per hour. When do trolling flies work best?In nutrient-dense, lower-clarity lakes like Davis, with brighter flies as water color increases. Shop the Tackle Metal Head Fly - Trophy Trout Trolling Fly Trix Minnows 3 inch - 5 Pack Trix Minnows Elite 3 inch - 5 Pack Shop Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFeather River Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Brett Brady Brett Brady runs Bare Bones Guide Service and guides trout, kokanee, and steelhead waters for Catch America. Shop Brett Brady's tackle. What is working right now Early fall steelhead are in the Feather River in October 2025. Capt. Brett Brady targets fast, shallow water 3 to 8 feet deep with a bait-based drift: a snap swivel, a number four hook on 8 pound fluorocarbon, a soft egg tied in an egg loop, and a homemade Slinky weight. Incidental salmon show up but the season is closed. Watch the flows, they drop fast. What is biting on the Feather River right now?Early fall steelhead. Capt. Brett Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service ran the Feather and landed several fresh, fast-fighting steelhead, including a double hookup, plus incidental salmon. The steelhead run pairs with the salmon spawn, usually starting late September into October as the water cools. Where do you find steelhead on the Feather River?In faster, shallower water, generally 3 to 6 or 8 feet deep. Brett looks for riffles with moving water rather than deep holes. The Feather has tremendous bank access through the Oroville wildlife area, so you can fish either side once you find a fast run. How does Brett rig for Feather River steelhead?Bait-based. Start with a snap swivel, then an 8 pound fluorocarbon leader about 3 to 4 feet long to a number four Gamakatsu or Owner hook tied with an egg loop. Warm, soft cured eggs go in the loop. A soft Slinky weight bounces over rocks without hanging up. What should anglers watch for on the Feather River?The flows. Brett warns the river can drop drastically and become dangerous, so check the information gauges before running a jet boat. Salmon are closed, so release them in the water without netting. As water drops, fish concentrate on the runs and the bite improves. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Brett Brady): So we're looking for steelhead, and we're going to be looking for water that's moving pretty fast and not too deep. Generally, three to six, eight feet is what we like to see. We got a number four Gamakatsu hook or Owner. We got eight-pound test fluorocarbon on about four-foot long leader. On our hook, we've tied a very special knot, it's called an egg loop. Feather River October 2025 FAQ When does the Feather River steelhead run start?About the same time salmon go on the spawn, usually late September into the first of October, per Capt. Brett Brady. What water do steelhead hold in on the Feather?Fast-moving, shallow water roughly 3 to 6 or 8 feet deep, on riffles rather than deep holes. What hook and leader does Brett use for steelhead?A number four Gamakatsu or Owner hook on about 3 to 4 feet of 8 pound fluorocarbon, tied with an egg loop. What bait works for Feather River steelhead?Warm, soft cured eggs set in the egg loop. Brett also notes nightcrawlers, spinners, and roe all produce. Can you keep salmon while steelhead fishing the Feather?No. Brett says the salmon season is closed, so release them in the water without netting, which counts as a take. How was the overall steelhead count that day?Brett landed about five steelhead plus a lot of squawfish, calling the Feather bite slow but with fish present. Shop the Tackle Shop Brady's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn morePyramid Lake Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) Nate Kelsch runs Big Nate's Guide Service and makes an annual first-week-of-October trip to Pyramid Lake. He is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)'s tackle. What is working right now Pyramid Lake was on fire for the October 2025 opener. Capt. Nate Kelsch and crew put 105 Lahontan cutthroat trout in the boat, with 20-plus fish in the teens and some to 23 pounds. They vertical-jigged 1 to 3 ounce P-Line Laser Minnows and Sierra Spoons over fish stacked from 40 to 80 feet. Use the new Big Nate rod for the fight. How is the fishing at Pyramid Lake right now?Lights out. Nate reported 70 to 90 fish a day, and the best day hit 105 Lahontan cutthroat to the boat in five to six hours. Quality was incredible, with 20-plus fish in the teens and up to 23 pounds. Nate called it his best day in 20 years. What depth are the fish holding at Pyramid Lake?The cutthroat were stacked from 40 to 80 feet, with marks littering the graph from 50 down to about 80 feet inside bait balls. Pull up over the top of active fish and drop your jig into that zone to stay on them. What lures work at Pyramid Lake?Nate jigged 1 to 3 ounce P-Line Laser Minnows in Wonderbread and Sierra Spoons, plus triple-style jigs built for vertical presentations. These are competitor jigging spoons and minnows, not Catch America products, but they hammered the stacked cutthroat all day. How do you jig for Pyramid Lake cutthroat?Pull up over the top of the fish, drop the jig to the right zone, and let it flutter down. The fish usually hit on the flutter on the way down, then you lift and let it flutter again. All barbless hooks, no scent, staying right on top of the bait balls. What rod is Nate using at Pyramid Lake?The brand new Big Nate Catch America Kokanee and Trout Trolling Rod. Nate fought fish on it all day and showed off how deep it bends into these heavy cutthroat. It was his favorite rod of the trip. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): We are jigging for these fish. We're using anything from 1 ounce to 3 ounce P-Line Laser Minnows, Sierra spoons. We're pulling up over the top of these fish, dropping, letting it flutter down. Generally, these fish are going to hit on the flutter on the way down. We ended our day with 105 fish to the boat. Pyramid Lake October 2025 FAQ What depth are the cutthroat at Pyramid Lake?Stacked from 40 to 80 feet, with marks from 50 down to about 80 feet inside bait balls. What technique works at Pyramid Lake?Vertical jigging. Pull up over the fish, drop the jig, and let it flutter down. The fish hit on the fall. What color was best at Pyramid Lake?A Wonderbread P-Line Laser Minnow accounted for fish in this report. What is the keeper limit at Pyramid Lake?Two fish per day: two from 17 to 20 inches, or one from 17 to 20 inches and one over 24 inches. Do you use scent at Pyramid Lake?No. Nate fished barbless hooks with no scent, relying on the jigs and vertical presentation. How big do the fish get at Pyramid Lake?Nate landed 20-plus fish in the teens and up to 23 pounds on this trip, calling it his best day in 20 years. Who guides Pyramid Lake for Catch America?Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) of Big Nate's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Big Nate's Kokanee & Trout Rod Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreAmerican River Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on the American River and Folsom Lake and reports for Catch America. What is working right now Fall kings are moving through the American River, with a solid mid-week push producing 12 to 14 pound fish that still cut up with nice red meat. Backtroll K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. Bank anglers are scoring on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. Mostly males so far, with females expected after the next rainstorm. What is biting on the American River right now?Fall king salmon. Guide Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service is fishing the American in a drift boat while the big boat sits out Folsom's mussel closure. The kings are showing a little color but still cut up nicely with red meat, and they have all been males so far. What technique is working for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. Jerry landed nice 12 to 14 pound kings this way. These are not Catch America products, so we name them without a shop link. Bank anglers are doing well on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. When is the bite best on the American River?A nice push of fish moved through mid-week, on Thursday, after a slow Tuesday start. On Friday the push moved up as soon as the sun hit the water, so early morning before the fish move off has been the productive window. When will more American River salmon arrive?So far the fish have all been males. Jerry expects the females to show up with the next rainstorm moving through, which should add fresh fish to the river and improve the action. What is the outlook for the American River and Folsom?Kings can be fished on the American until the season closes October 31, after which Jerry switches to steelhead plugs for the rest of the year. The big boat returns to Folsom Lake in mid-November once the mussel closure lifts. Exact depths were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): The American is providing some nice Kings. We managed one really nice 12-14 lb King on a K16 Kwikfish backtrolled. We were primarily backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. The fish we're getting have all been males right now, but I'm sure the ladies will show up with this next rainstorm. American River October 2025 FAQ What is the best technique for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. How big are the American River salmon?Nice fish in the 12 to 14 pound range, mostly males so far. What are bank anglers using on the American River?Flying C and Blue Fox spinners have been producing from the bank. When does the American River king season close?October 31, after which anglers switch to steelhead plugs. When will female salmon show up?Jerry expects females to arrive with the next rainstorm. Why is the guide fishing the American instead of Folsom?Folsom boats are held out by a golden mussel closure until mid-November. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and is the exclusive State Park guide at San Luis Reservoir, specializing in trophy stripers over 20 pounds. What is working right now Striper fishing at San Luis Reservoir is slow through the October 2025 full moon and likely stays that way for the rest of the week. The lake is stable near 50 percent, about 1.1 million acre-feet. Troll the 50 to 70 foot range at about 2.2 mph with 5 to 6 inch plugs run 100 to 120 feet behind the boat. Stripers are chasing faster baits right now, so speed your presentation up. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Striped bass are the target and the bite is fairly slow, tied to the full moon. Capt. Roger George expects it to stay slow for the rest of the week. The lake has stabilized near 50 percent capacity, roughly 1.1 million acre-feet, with steady inflow helping pattern the fish. What depth are stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?Troll the 50, 60, and 70 foot range, which has been most productive. Run your lures 100 to 120 feet behind the boat at about 2.2 mph. Stable water levels and settling temperatures are helping keep the fish patterned in that band right now. What lures are working for San Luis stripers?Run 5 to 6 inch plugs such as Rapala, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Yo-Zuri baits, plus Missouri minnows, 100 to 120 feet back at 2.2 mph. Catch America does not carry these plugs, so match the size and profile from your own box. Speeding up the retrieve is paying off. How should I present baits for stripers right now?Work plugs and jigs faster than usual. Roger George says the stripers are chasing everything, so match that faster action and speed your presentation up. Keep baits 100 to 120 feet behind the boat around 2.2 mph in the 50 to 70 foot zone. When is the best striper bite around the full moon?The best window is three to four days before a full moon, and the day of the full moon can be good too. The days right after tend to slow down, since the stripers have fed and sit suspended for a couple of days. Fish the front side of the moon. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The fishing has been fairly slow, and it is going to continue probably for the rest of the week with this full moon. As far as trolling, the 50, 60, 70 foot range has been good. I usually get back about 100, 120 feet behind the boat with things like Rapalas, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, Yo-Zuri, a lot of those five, six inch lures at about 2.2 miles per hour. They are chasing everything right now, so going faster might just serve you well. San Luis Reservoir October 2025 FAQ Why is striper fishing slow at San Luis Reservoir this week?A full moon phase is slowing the bite, and Roger George expects it to stay slow for the rest of the week. Stripers tend to feed hard before the full moon and then sit suspended for a couple of days after. What is the water level at San Luis Reservoir right now?The lake is right around 1.1 million acre-feet, about 50 percent capacity, and starting to stabilize with only a couple of inches of change per day, which helps pattern the fish. What trolling speed works for San Luis stripers?About 2.2 mph, with lures run 100 to 120 feet behind the boat. Roger George also suggests working plugs and jigs faster right now, since the stripers are chasing faster baits. What depth should I troll for stripers at San Luis?The 50, 60, and 70 foot range has been most productive this week. What size lures for San Luis stripers?Five to six inch plugs like Rapala, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Yo-Zuri, plus Missouri minnows. These are not Catch America products, so match the profile from your own gear. When is the best time to fish around a full moon for stripers?Three to four days before the full moon, and often the day of the full moon. The days after usually fish poorly for stripers. Who guides San Luis Reservoir?Capt. Roger George of Roger George Guide Service, the exclusive State Park guide at San Luis, with over 12 years on the lake targeting trophy stripers. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing and is a Catch America pro-staff captain who specializes in trolling Don Pedro. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Don Pedro Lake is on fire in October 2025 with excellent water clarity, you can still see the downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. Kings are the main target, running 1.5 to 5 pounds, with bonus rainbows and a few fat 14 to 15 inch kokanee. Capt. Monte Smith runs frozen shad early, then switches to dodgers and lures when the wind picks up for steady action. What is biting at Don Pedro Lake right now?Kings are the main event. Capt. Monte Smith says it is all about kings, running 1.5 to 5 pounds, with bonus rainbows and two to three kokanee per trip. The kokanee are 14 to 15 inches, fat and healthy. One recent trip landed nine kings, five rainbows, and a German brown over 7.5 pounds. How clear is the water at Don Pedro Lake?Excellent. Monte can still see his downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. The lake continues to rise, and the Blue Oaks launch ramp is close to closing as the water nears the parking lot, so check ramp access before you go. What lures are working at Don Pedro Lake?Monte runs frozen shad early in the day, which produced a 2.5-pound king on one trip. When the wind picks up he switches over to dodgers and lures to keep the bite going. Adjusting to conditions has been the key to steady action. How big are the Don Pedro fish?Kings run 1.5 to 5 pounds and kokanee are 14 to 15 inches, fat and healthy, including some next-year fish. Monte's group also released a German brown over 7.5 pounds, a beautiful fish that swam off strong after a few photos. What is the outlook for Don Pedro Lake?Really good. Clear water, a rising lake, and a strong king bite have Don Pedro on fire. Watch the Blue Oaks ramp, which may close as water rises. Exact depths and trolling speed were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): It is really good fishing right now. We can still see a downrigger weight 12 to 13 feet down. It is all about kings. King salmon are anywhere from a pound and a half to five pounds. We ran frozen shad in an area for a while, and that produced a two and a half pound king. When the wind picked up, we changed over to dodgers and lures. Don Pedro Lake October 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro Lake in October?King salmon running 1.5 to 5 pounds, plus rainbows and a few 14 to 15 inch kokanee. How clear is Don Pedro Lake right now?Very clear, with the downrigger weight visible 12 to 13 feet down. What did the big fish weigh at Don Pedro?Monte's group released a German brown over 7.5 pounds. What lures work at Don Pedro in October?Frozen shad early, then dodgers and lures when the wind picks up. Is the Blue Oaks ramp open at Don Pedro?It is close to closing as the rising lake nears the parking lot, so check before launching. What depth and speed for Don Pedro kings?A specific depth and trolling speed were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Fishing Report | September 29, 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 fishing excellent in late September 2025 with lots of rainbow trout and king salmon from 2 to 3.5 pounds. Capt. Monte Smith trolls spoons to cover water fast, catching fish from 40 to 75 feet, with the real action at 45 to 55 feet. Bait sits in the 30 to 45 foot range. Watch for grebes and other signs of life to find the schools. How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?Excellent. Capt. Monte Smith had several trips this past week with lots of rainbows and several king salmon from 2 to 3.5 pounds. One grandfather and grandson group had 20 fish to the boat. A cloudy front on September 29 slowed things, but they still worked out 10 fish. What depth are the fish holding at Don Pedro in September?Monte is catching fish from 40 to 75 feet, but the deep fish near 75 feet are mostly just hanging in cold water. The real action is shallower, right around the 45 to 55 foot mark. Bait is showing in the 30 to 45 foot range on his electronics. How is Monte presenting at Don Pedro?Trolling spoons. Monte says it is one of his all-time favorite methods because he can cover a lot of water and find where the active fish are quicker. He watches the live scope and looks for grebes and any sign of life to locate the schools of fish and bait. What is the outlook for Don Pedro king salmon?Strong. With this year's kings running 2 to 3 pounds, Monte expects those fish to be at least 2 pounds heavier next year. The water is in great shape and he expects the good fall action to continue. Shark weights are still showing down 10 to 11 feet. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): We've been doing excellent, and I mean excellent. Lots and lots of rainbows and several, several king salmon, all from 2 to 3.5 lb. Trolling spoons is one of my all-time favorite things to do. We can cover a lot of water. We're looking for grebes, any sign of life. We're seeing a lot of bait in that 30 to 45 ft range. We're catching fish from 40 to 75, but the real action is up shallower, right around the 45, 55 ft mark. Don Pedro Reservoir September 29, 2025 FAQ What is biting at Don Pedro in late September 2025?Lots of rainbow trout plus king salmon from 2 to 3.5 pounds, per Capt. Monte Smith. What depth are Don Pedro fish holding?From 40 to 75 feet, with the best action at 45 to 55 feet. Where is the bait at Don Pedro right now?In the 30 to 45 foot range, showing on Monte's electronics. What technique is Monte using at Don Pedro?Trolling spoons to cover water and locate active fish quickly. How do you find fish at Don Pedro?Watch the live scope and look for grebes and other signs of life over bait schools. How big will next year's Don Pedro kings be?Monte expects this year's 2 to 3 pound kings to be at least 2 pounds heavier next year. Shop the Tackle Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFrench Meadows Reservoir Fishing Report | September 29, 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 The fall trout bite is underway at French Meadows Reservoir in late September 2025. Capt. Cal Kellogg smoked full limits off the bank by 10 a.m., with trout cruising just beyond the drop-off. Fish PowerBait or worms and scent them with Power Powder or Trigger Scent. Work the structure and do not cast too far. How is the fishing at French Meadows Reservoir?On fire. Capt. Cal Kellogg went up two days before this late September 2025 report and smoked them from the bank, landing full limits of trout by 10 a.m. The fall trout bite is underway in the Sierras, with fish cruising right out beyond the drop-off. How do you bank fish French Meadows right now?Set up and work the structure. Cal drops baits just beyond the drop-off where the trout cruise, and stresses you should not cast out too far. Get comfortable and fish the near structure. He had full limits before mid-morning doing exactly that. What bait and scent work at French Meadows?Bring PowerBait and worms, and add scent. Cal recommends Power Powder and Trigger Scent to boost your bank presentation. That simple setup put full limits of French Meadows trout on the bank for him fast. When is the best time to fish the fall trout bite?Now. Cal says the fall trout bite is underway across the Sierras and calls it epic. Cooler nights push the fish to feed, so get to your favorite high-mountain lake, set up on the structure beyond the drop-off, and you should have a smile on your face. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): I went up to French Meadows Reservoir two days ago and I absolutely smoked them while fishing off the bank. The fall trout bite is underway in the Sierras. They were cruising right out beyond the drop-off. I had full limits of trout by 10 a.m. If you're a bank fisherman, get some PowerBait, get some worms, get some Power Powder, get some trigger scent, work the structure, don't cast out too far. French Meadows Reservoir September 29, 2025 FAQ What is biting at French Meadows Reservoir in September 2025?Rainbow trout on a strong fall bank bite, per Capt. Cal Kellogg. Where are the trout holding at French Meadows?Cruising just beyond the drop-off, within reach of bank anglers. What bait works from the bank at French Meadows?PowerBait and worms, scented with Power Powder or Trigger Scent. How far should I cast at French Meadows?Not too far. Cal says work the near structure rather than casting way out. How fast can you limit at French Meadows right now?Cal had full limits of trout by 10 a.m. fishing off the bank. Is the Sierra fall trout bite on?Yes. Cal says the fall trout bite is underway and epic across the high country. Shop the Tackle Power Powder by Cal Kellogg Trigger Scent UV Gel by Cal Kellogg Shop Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn more
