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Folsom Lake Fishing Report | February 19, 2026
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America captain who fished Folsom Lake with Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service for a multi-species winter day. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Folsom Lake turned on a multi-species winter bite in mid-February 2026. Capt. Cal Kellogg and Capt. Jerry Lampkin trolled fast at 2.5 to 3 mph on lead core, about 2.5 colors out and only 5 to 7 feet deep, and nailed rainbows on a bright pink Trix Worm. When it slowed they dropped speed behind a reggae Mini Willow Dodger with a nightcrawler. A Trigger Spoon, Junior Optimizer, and Trigger Scent added rainbows and a bonus king. What is biting at Folsom Lake right now?A multi-species mix. Capt. Cal Kellogg and Capt. Jerry Lampkin caught rainbow trout, a bonus little king salmon, and bass in one February day. The rainbow bite has been epic the last couple of weeks. Kings are around but not the large ones of years past. How deep and how fast at Folsom?Fast and shallow to start. They ran lead core about 2.5 colors out at 2.5 to 3 mph, which put baits only 5 to 7 feet deep. When the bite slowed they dropped speed and switched to a dodger and crawler, then sped back up to find more fish. What lures are working at Folsom Lake?A bright pink Trix Worm on lead core drew fast strikes. A reggae Mini Willow Dodger with a nightcrawler produced when they slowed. The Trigger Spoon, Trigger Spoon Junior, and Junior Optimizer all boated fish, sweetened with Trigger Scent. How is Cal rigging at Folsom?A hybrid lead-core rig, which Cal likes for its no-stretch, direct-drive hookset. Run a pink Trix Worm or a spoon fast at 2.5 to 3 mph, about 2.5 colors out. When the bite dies, slow down behind a Mini Willow Dodger and a fat nightcrawler and grind out more bites. How do you fish Folsom when the bite is tough?Move and adjust. Jerry's rule is do not be afraid to run around Folsom. They started fast, slowed when it died, ran up the North Fork toward Anderson Creek for a king, then sped up again. Changing speed and location kept the count climbing. What is the Folsom Lake outlook?The rainbow bite has been epic for a couple of weeks and Jerry hopes the next month holds, though it depends on weather and lake level. Folsom is a harsh mistress, great one day and tough the next. Exact water temperature was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): Fish on! On the bright Trix Worm, baby. And how fast were we going, Jerry? Right about 2.5, 2.6, maybe even a three. That was two and a half colors, so I would estimate that was five, six, seven feet deep. When the bite slowed down, we dropped our speed and got right back into the hookups on a mini willow leaf dodger in the reggae color. Folsom Lake February 19, 2026 FAQ What is the best lure at Folsom Lake now?A bright pink Trix Worm trolled fast on lead core, plus a reggae Mini Willow Dodger with a nightcrawler when the bite slows. How fast should I troll Folsom?About 2.5 to 3 mph on lead core, roughly 2.5 colors out, which runs 5 to 7 feet deep. What species are biting?Rainbow trout, a bonus king salmon, and bass in a mixed February bag. Where are the fish at Folsom?They started at Folsom Point, then ran up the North Fork between the Peninsula Boat Ramp and Anderson Creek for a king. What scent are they using?Trigger Scent UV gel by Cal Kellogg, added to spoons like the Junior Optimizer. Is Folsom Lake an easy bite?No. Cal calls it a harsh mistress, great one day and a skunk the next. Move around and adjust speed to find fish. Who guided this trip?Capt. Cal Kellogg with Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Trix Worms 5-Pack Mini Willow Dodger Trigger Spoon Junior Trigger Spoon Junior Optimizer Spoon Trigger Scent by Cal Kellogg Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreCollins Lake Fishing Report | February 13, 2026
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain who fishes Collins Lake almost daily through spring. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Collins Lake is trolling well in February 2026. Work the top 10 to 15 feet at 2 mph on hybrid leadcore. Cal Kellogg's three best baits are a white Trix Minnow, a pink Trix Minnow, and a bubblegum pink Trix Worm. Average fish run 2 pounds with some to 8. As spring arrives he adds Metal Heads and Trigger Buggers for trophies. What is working at Collins Lake right now?Trolling the top 10 to 15 feet. Cal Kellogg is scoring on three baits: a white Trix Minnow, a pink Trix Minnow, and a bubblegum pink Trix Worm. Bait fishing still works, but trolling is clearly the best approach in early February. How deep and fast should I troll at Collins Lake?Shallow and steady. Cal works the top 15 feet, mostly the top 10, at 2 miles per hour on hybrid leadcore rigs, sometimes with a side planer. Bite windows are short, so be patient. You may get bites for an hour, then wait 90 minutes for more. How big are the Collins Lake trout?Average fish run about 2 pounds, with big fish up to 8. Cal had a couple of 7-pounders and an 8-pounder in recent days, plus a 4.5 to 5-pounder. April is trophy time, when 10, 11, and 12-pound fish come out. What are the water conditions at Collins Lake?Surface temperature is about 53 degrees, dropping to around 48 in the morning for a nice daily swing. It is exceptional to be trolling this well at this time of year. The lake is planted heavily, with 40,000 pounds of trout going in this year. What is the outlook for Collins Lake into spring?The bite gets better and better through March and April as overnight water temps stabilize at 56 degrees or above, usually by mid-March. Cal will pull Metal Heads and Trigger Buggers for double-digit fish while still running soft plastics for numbers. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): You want to be working the top 15 feet of the water column, and I have been scoring with three baits: the white Trout Trix Minnow, the pink Trout Trix Minnow, and the bubblegum pink Trout Trix Worm. I am trolling 2 miles an hour. Average fish, 2 pounds. Big fish, they range up to 8. April is trophy time here at Collins Lake. Collins Lake February 2026 FAQ What are the best baits at Collins Lake in February 2026?A white Trix Minnow, a pink Trix Minnow, and a bubblegum pink Trix Worm. How deep are the Collins Lake trout right now?In the top 10 to 15 feet of the water column. What trolling speed works at Collins Lake?About 2 miles per hour on hybrid leadcore rigs. How big are the Collins Lake trout?Average around 2 pounds, with fish up to 8 pounds recently. What is the water temperature at Collins Lake?About 53 degrees on the surface, dropping to around 48 in the morning. When is trophy time at Collins Lake?April, when 10, 11, and 12-pound trout come out. What will Cal pull for big Collins Lake trout in spring?Metal Heads and Trigger Buggers, while still running soft plastics for numbers. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5-Pack Trix Worms 5-Pack Metal Head Trolling Fly Trigger Bugger Trolling Fly Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | February 8, 2026
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George of Roger George Guide Service specializes in San Luis Reservoir stripers for Catch America. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir stripers are in a pattern-change mode in early February, with fish up in the upper water column and water warming to 60 degrees. Topwater and ripbaits are producing in the right coves in the morning, while spooning, jigging, and minnows work when you find feeding groups. Watch the weather. Passing fronts and sudden wind shut the bite off fast. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Striped bass. Capt. Roger George reports frequent pattern changes in early February, with some bigger fish taken on topwater and ripbaits in the right cove at the right time. A lot of fish are suspended in the upper level and can be finicky, so timing and location matter. How deep are the San Luis stripers holding?Many fish are up in the upper level of the water column, with water warming to as high as 60 degrees. There are suspended fish that will not touch a bait dropped on them, so read conditions. Fog, brightness, and wind all shift their feeding windows. What is working for San Luis stripers in February?Topwater and ripbaits in the morning in the right cove for bigger fish. Spooning, jigging, and fishing minnows produce when you locate feeding groups. Trolling has been up and down. Cover water and be ready to change with the conditions. How does weather affect the San Luis bite?Strongly. When a low-pressure front pushes through, the fish shut off. One trip went from dead calm to 20 mph west wind and the bite died. Watch your wind apps. Rapid rises and drops signal a front and tough fishing. Fish the windows between storms. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger expects change as a storm pattern arrives with rain and snow, which should raise the reservoir and cool the warm coves where algae was growing. He sees great windows between fronts and thinks conditions will look better than they have in a while. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): There's been a lot of pattern changes that guys are catching. Sometimes on topwater in the morning, but you got to find the right cove and the right time. A lot of those fish are up in the upper level right now. We got water that's getting up as warm as 60 degrees. The other day the fish just weren't biting, and then we realized there was a front going through. It went from dead calm to 20 miles an hour from the west. The fish shut off. San Luis Reservoir February 8, 2026 FAQ What species is San Luis Reservoir known for in winter?Striped bass. Roger George targets stripers here year round. How warm is the water at San Luis in February 2026?Up to about 60 degrees, warm enough that algae was growing in some coves. What lures work for San Luis stripers now?Topwater, ripbaits, spoons, jigs, and minnows, depending on the day and where feeding fish are found. Why did the stripers stop biting?A low-pressure front moved through, with wind jumping from calm to 20 mph, which shut the bite off. When is the best time to fish San Luis between storms?During the calm windows between passing fronts, before the wind starts spiking up and down. What specific lure brand did the guide name?No specific product was named in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Trolling Spoons
Learn moreBullards Bar Reservoir Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Capt. Brett Brady Brett Brady of Barebones Guide Service is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides Bullards Bar Reservoir. Shop Brett Brady's tackle. What is working right now Bullards Bar Reservoir is picking up in February 2026 after a stormy, fluctuating January. Capt. Brett Brady took nice trout up to 3 pounds throwing the Brady Bug. Kokanee are still scattered and not worth targeting yet. The hot action is spotted bass, with reports of 8 and 9-pounders on every point. Lower-elevation lakes are coming into good shape as spring nears. What is biting at Bullards Bar Reservoir right now?Trout are picking up, with Capt. Brett Brady taking nice fish up to about 3 pounds on the Brady Bug. The bite is fair but improving after a tough January. The real hot action is spotted bass on every point, with reports of 8 and 9-pound fish. How is the kokanee fishing at Bullards Bar?Slow. The kokanee are still really scattered and Brett is not targeting them much at all yet. He expects the kokanee bite to pick up quite a bit next month, especially if the region gets some rain and incoming water into the streams. What lure is catching Bullards Bar trout?The Brady Bug. Brett took nice trout up to 3 pounds on it this month as the fishing started to improve. Trout fishing remains fair overall but should climb as warmer weather and rain arrive. What are the water conditions at Bullards Bar Reservoir?Stabilized. After January storms caused wild elevation swings and heavy debris, things have settled and the lake looks beautiful with only minor floating debris. January was very dry, and Brett says the fishery really needs rain and incoming water to take off. How are the nearby lakes fishing?Lower-elevation lakes are coming into really good shape. Brett points to Bullards Bar, Englebright, and Collins Lake as improving. Oroville is slow, kicking out only a few kings around 3 to 5 pounds until the bait pulls together and groups the fish up. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Brett Brady): We got some nice trout today up throwing the Brady bug, up to about 3 pounds on those. The trollers, not so much on the kokanee, that is still really scattered. But the big ticket out here right now has been the spotted bass fishing. I have heard reports of fish, 8, 9 pounds. That is some nice spots. Bullards Bar Reservoir February 2026 FAQ What is biting at Bullards Bar Reservoir in February 2026?Trout up to 3 pounds on the Brady Bug, plus hot spotted bass fishing. How big are the Bullards Bar spotted bass?Reports of 8 and 9-pound fish on nearly every point. Is the kokanee bite on at Bullards Bar yet?No. Kokanee are still scattered and not worth targeting until next month. What lure works for Bullards Bar trout?The Brady Bug, which took nice trout up to 3 pounds. What are the conditions at Bullards Bar Reservoir?Stabilized and beautiful after stormy January swings, with only minor debris. How is Lake Oroville fishing right now?Slow, with only a few kings around 3 to 5 pounds until the bait groups up. Which nearby lakes are improving?Bullards Bar, Englebright, and Collins Lake are coming into good shape. Shop the Tackle Brady Bug 5-Pack Shop Brett Brady's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreSacramento River Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Fishing is a Catch America pro-staff captain who guides the Sacramento River and Shasta Lake. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now The Sacramento River is fishing well for rainbow trout in February 2026. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big rainbows, some in the 6 pound range with many at 16 to 18 inches, by bobber dogging beads behind spawning king salmon that are dropping eggs. On Shasta Lake he will fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons for browns. What is biting on the Sacramento River right now?Rainbow trout, and the fishing is productive. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big, beautiful rainbows, a few in the 6 pound range this year and many running 16 to 18 inches. King salmon are in the river spawning, and hungry trout stack behind them to feed on dislodged eggs. How is Jeff catching the Sacramento River rainbows?Bobber dogging with beads. He fishes beads that imitate the single eggs salmon drop into their redds. The trout sit back and wait for eggs to wash down the bottom, so beads are king for Jeff right now. Water-tested trout and steelhead beads are coming soon to Catch America. How long will the Sacramento River bite last?The Sacramento River should run strong through March, and Jeff has a couple more weeks on this fishery before he shifts to Shasta Lake. Guides are available to run trips while the egg bite stays hot behind the spawning salmon. What will Jeff fish on Shasta Lake next?He plans to fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, run off divers and side planers. He will also push Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons, which have been very productive in spring for browns. What are the Shasta Lake conditions?Good. The lake is in great condition with minimal debris and nice, cool water temperatures, which is exactly what is needed. Jeff will report an update on the Shasta fishery next month as he transitions off the Sacramento River. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): We have some pretty good rainbow trout fishing going on in the Sacramento River. I have had a few in the six pound range this year, but a lot of them are running 16 to 18 inches. We have been bobber dogging for the most part, and we are fishing beads. We are going to fish heavy on the Brad's KCs and MCPs, stuffing them with tuna. Optimizer junior slimlines have been very productive. Sacramento River February 2026 FAQ What is biting on the Sacramento River in February 2026?Big rainbow trout, some in the 6 pound range and many at 16 to 18 inches. How are the Sacramento River trout being caught?Bobber dogging with beads that imitate salmon eggs behind spawning kings. Why are the trout sitting behind the salmon?Spawning king salmon drop eggs into their redds, and trout wait to feed on them. How long will the Sacramento River bite last?It should run strong through March. What lures will Jeff fish on Shasta Lake?Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons. What spoon works for Shasta Lake browns in spring?The Junior Optimizer Slimline has been very productive. What are the Shasta Lake conditions?Great condition with minimal debris and cool water temperatures. Shop the Tackle Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug Brad's Mini Cut Plug 2-Pack Junior Optimizer Slimline Shop Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | February 2026
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 tough but steady in February 2026. Capt. Monte Smith is catching mostly rainbow trout plus a few early king salmon on lead core, three to five colors, in shallow water. Surface temperature sits around 53 to 55 degrees with 7 to 8 feet of clarity. The lake is about 28 to 30 feet from full. Monte expects an outstanding king season this spring and summer. How is the fishing at Don Pedro right now?Tough but steady. Capt. Monte Smith is catching rainbow trout with a few kings mixed in, though he says the bite has been slow and he has pushed some trips back. He has also fished nearby McClure and done pretty well there in February 2026. What are the water conditions at Don Pedro in February?Clear water with about 7 to 8 feet of visibility, maybe more. Surface temperature is around 53 to 55 degrees and Monte is waiting for it to warm. The lake is roughly 28 to 30 feet from full capacity. He notes the area could use more rain and snow. How is Monte Smith rigging at Don Pedro?Lead core, three to five colors, no downriggers. Monte likes running lead core in shallow water so he does not snag downrigger balls on rocks. To free a light hangup he gives a couple cranks or lifts the rod straight up. He rarely gets hung up this way. What is the outlook for Don Pedro this spring?Monte expects an outstanding king salmon year. Last season produced 2 to 3 pound kings, and those fish should be at least a pound heavier now, with a strong population of larger fish. He has dates booked for kings mid to late March through June and hopes for 6 to 8 pound fish. What is Monte's tip of the week?Go through all your tackle before you fish. Tie on fresh leaders and run your fingers down the line, and if you feel a nick, cut it off. Monte warns that an old leader can snap on a trophy fish. Fresh, strong leaders are cheap insurance. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): Active species what we've been catching is predominantly the rainbow trout. We're using lead core. I don't really need to use downriggers. We're running lead core, three to five colors. We are catching some Kings. Still waiting for the water temperature to pick back up. It's around the 53, 54, to 55 on the surface. Don Pedro Reservoir February 2026 FAQ What are anglers catching at Don Pedro in February 2026?Predominantly rainbow trout with a few early king salmon, per Capt. Monte Smith. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in February?About 53 to 55 degrees on the surface, and Monte is waiting for it to warm before the bite picks up. What is the water clarity at Don Pedro right now?Around 7 to 8 feet of visibility, maybe more. The water is clear. How full is Don Pedro in February 2026?About 28 to 30 feet from full capacity, which Monte says is in really good shape. What method is Monte using at Don Pedro?Lead core line, three to five colors, without downriggers so he can fish shallow water without snagging. What does Monte expect for the Don Pedro king salmon season?An outstanding year with larger fish, potentially 6 to 8 pound kings, from mid to late March through June. What trolling speed does Monte recommend at Don Pedro?A specific trolling speed was not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Smith's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on Folsom Lake and reports for Catch America. What is working right now Folsom Lake rainbow trout fishing has been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks in February 2026. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service reports perfect water color and stable levels. King salmon are slow but two small kings to about 14 inches and one 22 inch king are a good sign that natural spawning kings are returning. He asks anglers to release the kings. How is the fishing at Folsom Lake right now?The rainbow trout fishing has been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks in February 2026. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service says the bite has been really, really good. King fishing is slower, but he is encouraged by signs of natural king reproduction in the lake. Are king salmon biting at Folsom Lake?Not much, but the signs are positive. Jerry landed two kings to about 14 inches, plus one 22 inch king earlier in the week. With no king plants for the last two years, those fish show natural spawning is happening again, so he asks anglers to release the kings. What are the water conditions at Folsom Lake?Good. Jerry says the water color is perfect and the level is not fluctuating much, which helps because Folsom's constant fluctuations make it a hard lake to fish. He notes the area badly needs more water and is looking ahead to next month. Should I keep or release Folsom kings?Release them. Jerry encourages everyone he fishes with to return and release the king salmon so the naturally spawning fish can continue up the river to reproduce. Protecting them now is the best thing anglers can do while the natural run rebuilds. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): The rainbow trout fishing has just been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks. King fishing's not so much. We did end up with two kings to about 14 inches today, which shows that the natural spawning kings are spawning again in the lake. We did get one 22-inch king on Monday last, which was a real good sign. The water right now, the color is perfect. Folsom Lake February 2026 FAQ What is biting at Folsom Lake in February 2026?Rainbow trout, with an epic bite for the last two to three weeks, per Jerry Lampkin. Are king salmon biting at Folsom Lake?Slowly, with a couple of small kings to 14 inches and one 22 inch fish showing natural spawning. What is the water color at Folsom Lake right now?Perfect, and the level is not fluctuating much, which Jerry says helps the fishing. Should I release king salmon at Folsom Lake?Yes. Jerry asks anglers to release kings to protect the naturally spawning run. Why is Folsom Lake hard to fish?Its water level fluctuates a lot with weather and river flows, though it is stable right now. What depth or lures did Jerry report at Folsom?Specific depths and lures were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreTruckee River Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Catch America Guide Matt Heron Matt Heron runs Matt Heron Fly Fishing on the Truckee River system and reports for Catch America. What is working right now The Truckee River is producing rainbows and browns as winter shifts toward spring. Down in the canyon the water has color, so fish 2X and 3X nymphing rigs with eggs and size 14 to 16 Baetis. Above Boca on the gin-clear Little Truckee, drop to 5X and 6X with tiny flies, size 18 to 22. The Nevada-side dry-fly fishing is starting to get good. What is biting on the Truckee River right now?A solid mix of rainbows and browns. Catch America guide Matt Heron reports a good morning in the canyon, a midday lull, then fish picking up again in the early afternoon. The water has a little color down low, which lets you fish heavier tippet. What flies are working on the Truckee River?Eggs and Baetis are the go-to. Fish any color of egg and Baetis in sizes 14 and 16 down in the canyon. Above Boca on the Little Truckee, still eggs, Baetis, and worms, but go smaller. A big gaudy stonefly or rubber legs works occasionally as an attractor. What tippet should you use on the Truckee?In the colored canyon water, fish 2X and 3X, maybe a little 4X, with most fish hooked on 3X so you can go heavier. Above the Little Truckee, where it is lower and gin clear, drop to 4X and 5X, and 5X to 6X for nymphing. Where is the dry-fly fishing best on the Truckee?The Nevada side of the Truckee, where dry-fly fishing is starting to get good as it usually does in February. Sunny weather is less ideal for Baetis hatches, but incoming weather later in the week should get the bugs popping. What is the outlook for the Truckee system?Matt is looking forward to weather moving in to trigger Baetis hatches and better dry-fly fishing. The Middle Fork of the Feather to the north is fishing really well on nymphing floats. These fly patterns are not Catch America products, so we name them without shop links. Watch the full report From the report (Catch America Guide Matt Heron): We are fishing 2 and 3X with most of our nymphing rigs. Eggs and Baetis have been the go-to, any color of egg and then Baetis, size 14s and 16s. If you're fishing above Boca, the water is gin clear, so up there maybe 4 and 5X, smaller flies, but still eggs, Baetis, worms. The dry fly fishing is more on the Nevada side. Truckee River February 2026 FAQ What flies work on the Truckee River in February?Eggs and Baetis in sizes 14 to 16 in the canyon, and smaller flies, size 18 to 22, on the clear Little Truckee. What tippet for the Truckee canyon?2X and 3X, maybe a little 4X, with most fish coming on 3X. What is the flow on the Little Truckee?Around 47 CFS, in the high 40s, which is totally normal for this time of year. Where is dry-fly fishing best on the Truckee?The Nevada side, which is starting to get good in February. What other water is fishing well nearby?The Middle Fork of the Feather to the north is fishing really well on nymphing floats. Who is the guide for this report?Matt Heron of Matt Heron Fly Fishing. Shop the Tackle Shop Catch America Flies Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreLake Roosevelt Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Capt. Austin Moser Austin Moser guides big-trout and kokanee trips across Washington waters including Rufus Woods and Lake Roosevelt for Catch America. Shop Austin Moser's tackle. What is working right now Winter fishing with Capt. Austin Moser split two Washington waters in February 2026. Rufus Woods gave up giant triploid and wild redband rainbows up to 10 pounds on jigs tipped with a trimmed Trix Minnow. On Lake Roosevelt, troll T-Pexes in gold and orange and Hawken Hot Tails behind planer boards for kokanee and triploids, sweetened with pink corn and Trophy Kokanee scent. What is biting on Rufus Woods in winter?Big triploid rainbows and wild redband rainbows are the prize on Rufus Woods. In brutal 17-degree, snowy conditions, the crew jigged up a 10-pound redband, a landlocked steelhead native to the water. Austin adds a trimmed Trix Minnow to his jig for extra attraction, since the fish bite it hard. What lures work for Lake Roosevelt kokanee and trout?Troll T-Pexes from Catch America, especially the gold and orange color, which got bit repeatedly. Hawken Hot Tails rigged with a fly or beads also produced. Roosevelt is known for big kokanee, with triploid rainbows as steady by-catch. Adjust the T-Pex bead spacing to tune the action. How do you sweeten baits on Lake Roosevelt?Austin runs pink-dyed corn tipped with a Gulp maggot so the bait stays put, then adds his Trophy Kokanee scent, which he developed and Catch America produces. The scent draws kokanee, trout, and even sockeye. The maggot holds the fragile corn in place so you always have bait working. How is Austin rigging planer boards on Lake Roosevelt?He runs planer boards off a tower system with 150 feet of line per side, covering 300 feet of water per pass. Lures go out 130 feet behind the board, clipped on, spaced 20 to 30 feet apart to cut tangles. Line counter reels keep everything dialed in. How tough are the winter conditions up there?Very tough. The crew fished two days in 17-degree cold with non-stop snow and freezing lines, plus wind that dictated how they fished. Austin notes some Februarys are prime, with several fish over 20 pounds landed in past years, but it varies year to year. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Austin Moser): This lake is known for really big kokanee, and we're really hoping to get one today. So, we're going to run these T-Pexes from Catch America. We've been getting a lot of bites on this T-Pex, and that is the gold and orange color. We also got a new scent on the market called Trophy Kokanee, which I developed. Lake Roosevelt February 2026 FAQ What was the biggest fish on Rufus Woods?A 10-pound wild redband rainbow, a native landlocked steelhead, caught on a jig. What T-Pex color worked on Lake Roosevelt?Gold and orange, which got bit repeatedly while trolling. How does Austin add scent for kokanee?Pink-dyed corn with a Gulp maggot to hold it, plus his Trophy Kokanee scent from Catch America. How far behind the planer board does Austin run lures?About 130 feet behind the board, spaced 20 to 30 feet apart to reduce tangles. Is Lake Roosevelt good for kokanee?Yes, it is known for really big kokanee, with triploid rainbows as steady by-catch. Is February prime time on these Washington waters?It varies. Some Februarys are excellent with fish over 20 pounds, but conditions change year to year. What did Austin tip his jig with on Rufus Woods?A trimmed Trix Minnow from Catch America, cut down so fish still reach the hook. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Hawken Simon Hot Tails Trix Minnows 5 Pack Trophy Kokanee UV Scent Shop Austin Moser's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
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