By Catch America
The Short Answer
Reservoir kings can be targeted with flashers, hoochies, spoons, plugs, and baitfish presentations. Pick the presentation by speed and control: flashers and bait are slower attraction systems, while spoons and plugs run clean as search tools.
Part of the Landlocked King Salmon cluster: Start with the Landlocked King Salmon Trolling Setup for Western Reservoirs, then use this spoke to dial in the specific setup.
When should I use a flasher for reservoir kings?
Use a flasher when you need a larger attraction profile and a slower salmon trolling presentation.
When should I use a hoochie or squid?
Use hoochies and squid behind the right attractor when kings respond to a compact trailing bait profile.
When should I use spoons?
Use spoons clean at faster trolling speeds. Do not place fast-troll spoons behind a dodger.
When should I use plugs or cut plugs?
Use plugs and cut-plug style baits when kings are feeding on baitfish or when the source lake reports point toward baitfish presentations.
Which reports should I check?
Check Oroville, Berryessa, Folsom, Shasta, Don Pedro, New Melones, and Almanor reports for the freshest lake-specific clues.
Watch the Setup
Transcript and Research Notes
The landlocked king research set emphasized depth control, flashers or dodgers, downriggers, speed control, setback and leader length, plugs, scent, hoochies or squid, spoons, and baitfish presentations.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to use this guide?
Start with the short answer, then choose the section that matches your water, speed, and target fish for Flasher, Hoochie, Spoon, or Bait: What to Troll for Reservoir Kings.
Are all product links live?
Yes. This page only links products that were active and in stock at the time this guide was updated.
Should I use a dodger with spoons?
No. Fast-troll spoons should run clean. Dodgers belong with slower attractor setups such as kokanee gear, hoochies, flies, spinners, scent, and cut-plug systems.
What if a source does not give a depth or speed?
Omit the number and test on the water. This guide does not invent missing depth, speed, color, or rigging facts.
Which collection should I shop first?
Use the collection linked in Shop the Tackle, then narrow by species, lure type, and the way you fish.
How often should this be refreshed?
Refresh it after major seasonal shifts, new guide videos, new fishing reports, or product availability changes.
Shop the Tackle
- Optimizer Size 4 4.25" - Trout & Salmon Trolling Spoon
- Optimizer Size 3 3.625" - Trout & Salmon Trolling Spoon
- Brad's KillerFish KF15 4.75" - King Salmon
- Brad's KillerFish KF16 5.25" - King Salmon
- Brad's 360 Evolution Flasher Releases - Green - 2 Pack
- Wing Hoochies 2" - Trout & Landlocked King Squid
- Trolling Dodger 6" - Kokanee & Trout
- Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug 2.25" - Kokanee & Salmon
- Landlocked Salmon
- King Salmon (Chinook)
