Reports From The Water

Collins Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a veteran Catch America captain who guides trout on Collins Lake and stripers on the Delta. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Collins Lake trout are holding in cool water 35 to 45 feet down in August 2025. Troll at 2 mph behind a number 3 dodger with a blue and white Junior Trigger Spoon, a white glow Pinhead Spoon, a white Trix Minnow, or a translucent purple Trix Worm. Bank anglers can mooch garlic green PowerBait over 40-foot marks. What depth are Collins Lake trout holding in August?The magic depth is 40 to 45 feet, with baits run anywhere from 35 to about 40 feet down. Capt. Cal Kellogg caught trout on every trip by finding deep water and staying over the marks, since that is where the cool water sits in late summer at Collins Lake. What lures are working at Collins Lake right now?Cal caught fish on four lures. A blue and white Junior Trigger Spoon took the lightning trout, a white glow Pinhead Spoon produced steadily, and both a white Trix Minnow and a translucent purple Trix Worm added fish. Small-profile spoons are outfishing bigger ones because the shad are tiny. How should I rig and troll for Collins Lake trout?Pull spoons behind a number 3 Chinook dodger with 60 feet of line out at 2 miles per hour. Key speed is 2 mph. Get baits down 35 to 40 feet over deep water. Cal ran the Pinhead Spoon and Junior Trigger Spoon this way. Small profiles match the tiny shad the trout are eating. Can you catch Collins Lake trout from the bank?Yes. Fish garlic green PowerBait, the same bait Cal fishes in the dead of winter, but out over deep water. From a boat, find 40-foot marks and drop a 1-ounce sinker so you sit vertical, then mooch the bait 38 to 40 feet down. Bank anglers may also pick up fish at night. Where is the best area on Collins Lake?Cal's best water ran from the mouth of the narrows down to the second marina. Work that deep water, stay over the marks, and grind it out. The earlier you get on the water the better, though fish are catchable all day right now. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): I trout fished every time I was on the lake and I caught trout on every single trip, and I caught them on four different lures. The magic depth out there right now is 40 to 45 feet. Get your baits down anywhere from 35 to maybe 38, 40 feet deep, 2 miles an hour. Collins Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ What is the best trolling speed for Collins Lake trout?2 miles per hour, with baits down 35 to 40 feet behind a number 3 dodger. Why are small spoons working better at Collins Lake?The shad are very tiny right now, so small-profile spoons like the Junior Trigger Spoon and Pinhead outfish traditional-sized spoons. What color Trix Worm is catching Collins Lake trout?Translucent purple, fished behind a dodger at 2 mph. What are Collins Lake trout eating in August?Primarily plankton, with a few small shad starting to show up in stomachs. What bank bait works at Collins Lake now?Garlic green PowerBait fished over deep water, with a 1-ounce sinker to stay vertical over 40-foot marks. How big are Collins Lake trout right now?Holdover rainbows up to about 3 pounds and lightning trout up to about 2 pounds. Shop the Tackle Junior Trigger Spoon Pinhead Spoon Kit Trix Minnows 5 Pack Trix Worms 5 Pack Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear

St. Clair Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Pete Fisher Pete Fisher of the Gig Harbor Fishin Club shared this St. Clair Lake report for Catch America. What is working right now St. Clair Lake in Thurston County gave up trout and a bass on a naked natural-pattern Trout Trix Minnow run 10 feet on the downrigger. The water is very stained at 72 degrees, so dark presentations and added scent outfished bright colors. This 233-acre lake is a maze of potholes and channels, so follow the rule and do not leave fish to find fish. What is biting at St. Clair Lake right now?Trout and bass. Over about three hours, the angler caught four fish, three trout and a bass, all on a naked natural-pattern Trout Trix Minnow. St. Clair reportedly holds coastal cutthroat, brown trout, rainbow trout, and black crappie. What lure is working at St. Clair Lake?A natural-colored Trout Trix Minnow, fished naked, was the clear producer, run 10 feet down on the downrigger. There was also a takedown on a three-way swivel setup pairing that natural Trix Minnow with a fish flash. What depth for St. Clair Lake trout?Run the Trout Trix Minnow 10 feet on the downrigger. The lake depth changes fast, from over 50 feet down to 13 feet as you work the channels, so the fish came while moving over both deeper pockets and shallower water around 25 feet. How does water clarity affect St. Clair Lake?The water is very stained, so dark presentations worked and bright presentations drew no hits. Pairing dark baits with added attractant produced better with any presentation. Water temperature was 72 degrees. What is the key tip for St. Clair Lake?Do not leave fish to find fish. After marking fish elsewhere without takedowns, the angler returned toward the first hookup spot and connected again. On a lake of connected potholes and channels, sticking near productive water pays off. Watch the full report From the report (Pete Fisher): That natural-colored Trout Trix Minnow from catchamerica.com, ten feet on the downrigger. I caught three trout and a bass, all on a naked Trout Trix Minnow in natural pattern. The water is very stained, and so we were using dark presentations. Tried some bright presentations, no hits. St. Clair Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ What lure works at St. Clair Lake?A naked natural-pattern Trout Trix Minnow, run 10 feet on the downrigger. What depth are St. Clair trout holding?About 10 feet on the downrigger, while working water from over 50 feet down to around 13 to 25 feet. Why do dark presentations work at St. Clair?The water is very stained, so dark baits with scent outfished bright colors. What species live in St. Clair Lake?Coastal cutthroat, brown trout, rainbow trout, and black crappie, plus the bass caught on this trip. How big is St. Clair Lake?It is a 233-acre lake made of potholes connected by channels in Thurston County. What is the water temperature at St. Clair Lake?About 72 degrees, and very stained. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows Shop Trout Gear

Klamath River Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and reports on the Klamath and Rogue rivers. What is working right now The Klamath River steelhead bite has slowed in mid-August 2025, with the river caught between the steelhead and salmon runs. Jerry Lampkin still picks up one or two on soft beads, roe, and Hot Shots. The nearby Rogue River king salmon bite is picking up. A 22-pound king came on a flasher and anchovy, and a 15-pound king on a trolled three-quarter-ounce gold Kastmaster. What is biting on the Klamath River right now?The epic steelhead bite has slowed. Jerry Lampkin is still getting one or two fish on soft beads, roe, and the occasional Hot Shot. A little jack salmon hit roe one morning, but the big kings have not shown yet. Why is the Klamath bite slow in mid-August?The river is caught between the steelhead run and the salmon run, and the salmon run really has not started. Some tribal anglers also said the river mouth may be blocked off a bit, which could be part of the problem. How is the Rogue River king salmon fishing?Picking up quite a bit, usually a couple of weeks ahead of the Klamath king run. Jerry Lampkin scored a 22-pound adult king on a flasher and an anchovy, plus a 15-pound king on a trolled three-quarter-ounce gold Kastmaster. What baits and lures are working right now?On the Klamath, soft beads, roe, and Hot Shots. On the Rogue, a flasher with an anchovy or a trolled gold Kastmaster. These are not Catch America products, so match them with comparable trolling and drift gear. What is the outlook for the Klamath and Rogue?Jerry Lampkin plans to head back to the Rogue this week. Note he is not guiding the Rogue himself, so contact local guides like Kevin or Jeff to get in on that king bite. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): Last week's epic steelhead bite is pretty much over. It's slowed down a lot this week, but we're still getting one or two on soft beads, roe, and occasionally on a hot shot. The Rogue is picking up quite a bit. We went up there and scored a nice 22 lb adult on a Brad's flasher and an anchovy, and we ended up getting a nice 15 lb King on a 3/4 oz gold Kastmaster trolled. Klamath River August 18, 2025 FAQ Are steelhead still biting on the Klamath River?Only a few. The bite has slowed to one or two fish on soft beads, roe, or a Hot Shot, per Jerry Lampkin. Has the Klamath salmon run started?Not yet. Only a small jack salmon was caught on roe. The big kings have not arrived. What caught the big kings on the Rogue River?A 22-pound king hit a flasher and anchovy, and a 15-pound king took a trolled three-quarter-ounce gold Kastmaster. Why might the Klamath mouth be affecting the bite?Some tribal anglers said the river mouth may be blocked off a little, which could be slowing the fishing. Is Jerry Lampkin guiding the Rogue River?No. He recommends contacting local guides such as Kevin or Jeff to fish the Rogue. What was the water like on the Klamath?Specific water temperature and clarity were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Tackle Shop Salmon Gear

Shasta Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing guides trout, kokanee, and salmon on Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River as a Catch America captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake is fishing really good in mid-August 2025. Big rainbows are holding 70 to 80 feet down near the dam and I-5 bridge, while thick, football kokanee are schooled deep at 100 to 125 feet near structure. Run dodgers and small spoons, or pearl white Trix Minnows with a white 360 flasher. Uncle Larry's spinners in pink and orange are hot for kokanee. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?Fishing is really good, led by a lot of big rainbows that turned on about a week ago, plus a handful of browns and strong late-season kokanee. Capt. Jeff Goodwin says now through the end of September is the time for the big-rainbow spectacle on Shasta Lake. What depth are Shasta Lake kokanee and rainbows holding?Kokanee are deep, schooled at 100 to 125 feet close to structure, and easy to spot on the graph. Rainbows are shallower, in the 70 to nearly 80 foot range, and Jeff is fishing them lower in the system toward the dam and the I-5 bridge area. What lures and colors are working at Shasta Lake?Dodgers and small spoons are very productive. Pearl white Trix Minnows shine, especially paired with a white 360 flasher. For kokanee, Uncle Larry's spinners in gold, orange, and pink are strong. Keep spoons small since the shad are barely 2 inches right now. How should I present baits at Shasta Lake in August?Run a dodger with a small spoon or a pearl white Trix Minnow behind a white 360 flasher. If you do not want to dodger fish, pull a spoon off a downrigger or a diver and you will still get them. Match the small shad with compact lures. How do the Shasta Lake kokanee look?Most kokanee run around 18 inches and are exceptionally big and thick across the back, like footballs. They are starting to turn, getting darker with hooking jaws and full bellies of eggs or milt, but they still cut and eat nicely. Late-season is the time to target them. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): The fishing remains really good. We're really getting a lot of big rainbows. Kokanee, you need to look down deep for them, in that 100, 125-foot mark now. The rainbows, mostly in that 70, starting to push that 80-foot mark. Trout Trix Minnows are pretty darn good, especially the pearl white colors. Shasta Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ How deep are Shasta Lake kokanee in August?Schooled at 100 to 125 feet, close to structure. How deep are Shasta Lake rainbows holding?In the 70 to nearly 80 foot range, mostly toward the dam and I-5 bridge areas. What is the best trout lure at Shasta Lake now?Pearl white Trix Minnows run with a white 360 flasher, plus dodgers with small spoons. What color spinners work for Shasta kokanee?Uncle Larry's spinners in gold, orange, and pink. How big are the Shasta Lake kokanee?Around 18 inches, very thick and football-shaped, though starting to turn dark. Why keep spoons small at Shasta Lake?The shad are barely 2 inches, so small lures match the forage best. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5 Pack Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear

San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and reports on San Luis Reservoir striper fishing for Catch America. What is working right now The San Luis Reservoir striper bite has improved considerably. Fish are moving around chasing bait from 50 to 70 feet, with boils near shoreline at times. Water temps are near 80 degrees and the lake is coming up gradually. Pick a calm, low-wind day and you can score, including quality fish like the 17.2 pounder Roger George landed. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Stripers, and the bite has improved considerably. Capt. Roger George found a beautiful fish that went 17.2 pounds on this trip. Fish are moving around chasing bait, so you still have to hunt, but the overall bite is much better than it was. What depth are the stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?Roger found the fish at about 70 feet, with fish anywhere from 50 to 70 feet. They are moving quite a bit chasing bait, and there are shoreline boils at times, so cover water and stay ready to react to surface activity. What techniques work at San Luis Reservoir?Trolling, casting the shoreline, and jigging can all work. Some anglers are casting to shore during boils. The fish are chasing bait and pushing it up, so keep an eye out for surface action and target it when the wind lays down. How do conditions affect the San Luis bite?Water temps are close to 80 degrees depending on the day, and algae is getting tougher. The lake is coming up gradually, which is improving the bite. Your best days are calm ones without heavy wind. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger rates trolling, casting, and jigging about a three to four out of ten, and expects it to keep improving in the near future. The gradual rise in lake level is a positive. Specific lures and colors were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The bite has improved considerably. We found the fish at about 70 feet. We're finding anywhere from 50 to 70. These fish are moving around quite a bit right now, chasing bait. There's boils at times that are happening near shoreline. We did find a really nice fish that went 17.2. San Luis Reservoir August 18, 2025 FAQ What depth are San Luis stripers holding in mid-August?Anywhere from 50 to 70 feet, with fish found at about 70 feet on this trip. What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir?Close to 80 degrees, depending on the day. Is the San Luis bite getting better?Yes, it has improved considerably and is expected to keep improving as the lake rises gradually. What was the biggest striper caught?A fish that went 17.2 pounds. When is the best time to fish San Luis right now?On calm days without heavy wind, when boils and bait activity show up near shoreline. How does Roger rate the bite?About a three to four out of ten for trolling, casting, and jigging. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear

Bucks Lake Fishing Report | August 18, 2025

Report by Capt. Bryan Roccucci Bryan Roccucci runs Big Daddy's Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Bryan Roccucci's tackle. What is working right now The Bucks Lake kokanee bite is wide open, with 20 to 40 fish a day. Capt. Bryan Roccucci trolls 35 to 45 feet with a gold dodger and T-Pexes, sliding out to 55 to 60 feet mid-morning. Add Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies behind silver blades, tipped with corn scented in tuna oil and Goomba Garlic. What is biting at Bucks Lake right now?Kokanee, and the bite is wide open. Capt. Bryan Roccucci has been taking 20 to 40 fish a day during what he calls Kokanee Fest in early August at Bucks Lake in Plumas County. The fish are still in good shape with excellent meat. What depth are the kokanee at Bucks Lake?For the last two weeks, 35 to 45 feet has produced almost every fish. When the schools get chopped up mid-morning, Bryan slides out into deeper water, 55 to 60 feet, and finds eager fish ready to bite down there as well. What lures and colors are working at Bucks Lake?A gold dodger in front of T-Pexes has been the main producer. He has also added Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies run behind silver blades, and those are getting bit too. Corn on the hooks of both is key. How is Bryan scenting his gear at Bucks Lake?He runs corn on the hooks of both the Uncle Larry's Hoochies and the T-Pexes, scented up with tuna oil and a little Goomba Garlic to spice it up. That scent combo has been part of the daily program. What is the outlook for Bucks Lake?There are probably a couple more weeks where the fish stay in decent shape, with a little gray showing and longer noses on males. Bryan recommends the Bucks Lake kokanee bite for the rest of the month before he heads back to Lake Almanor for trophy trout. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Bryan Roccucci): 35 to 45 feet for the last two weeks with some sort of gold dodger in front of the T-Pexes has been producing almost every fish. We've added in some Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies behind silver blades. We're running the corn on the hooks, scented up with tuna oil and a little bit of the Goomba Garlic. Bucks Lake August 18, 2025 FAQ What depth are Bucks Lake kokanee holding?Mostly 35 to 45 feet, sliding out to 55 to 60 feet mid-morning when the schools break up. What is the best kokanee setup at Bucks Lake?A gold dodger ahead of a T-Pex, with corn scented in tuna oil and Goomba Garlic. What hoochie color is working at Bucks Lake?Pink Tiger Uncle Larry's Hoochies run behind silver blades. How many kokanee are anglers catching?Between 20 and 40 fish a day during the early August bite. How long will the Bucks Lake kokanee bite last?Probably a couple more weeks, with fish in decent shape through the rest of the month. Who guides Bucks Lake for Catch America?Capt. Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy's Guide Service. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Uncle Larry's Hoochies Goomba Garlic Shop Bryan Roccucci's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear

Bucks Lake Fishing Report | August 11, 2025

San Luis Fishing Report | August 11, 2025

San Luis Reservoir fishing report with newer 2026 report routing and trolling tackle links.

Shasta Lake Fishing Report | August 11, 2025

Shasta Lake fishing report with newer 2026 report routing and salmon/trout tackle links.