Legacy in Every Cast: Honoring Uncle Larry + Red-Hot Spring Fishing Across California

Legacy in Every Cast: Honoring Uncle Larry + Red-Hot Spring Fishing Across California

The fishing community lost a true original this week. Uncle Larry Barnes—yeah, THE Uncle Larry—passed away. If you’ve ever trolled with one of his spinners, you know why this is more than just another fishing report. It’s a tribute to a man whose tackle helped shape the way we fish for trout and kokanee.

But even as we say goodbye, Uncle Larry’s legacy is alive and well in the water. In fact, guides from all over Northern California reported jaw-dropping days this week—many of them while using his signature spinners.

Who’s Larry ‘Uncle Larry’ Barnes?

Uncle Larry wasn’t just a guy who made lures—he made legendary lures. He was the type of fisherman who'd share his secret sauce without blinking. Always smiling, always teaching. Whether it was at Sacramento Pro Tackle or out on the lake, Larry Barnes left a mark on every angler who crossed his path.

This week, the Catch America crew honored him the best way we know how: by running his spinners and crushing fish.

Captain Nate put it best: “This fish right here is a tribute to the innovation, expertise and attention to detail that Uncle Larry brought to trout and salmon trolling.”

Let’s dive into the action from the water.

Lake Amador: The Bottomless Creel

The crew lit it up at Amador this week. We’re talking a catch bag that looked like a sampler platter from the freshwater gods—big kings, chunky kokanee up to 17 inches, fat trout, even a few surprise crappie.

The game plan?

  • Gear Depth: Fish were scattered from 15 to 60 feet.
  • Hot Baits: Stick baits, Chrome Killer scent, and yes—Uncle Larry’s spinners.
  • Tactic Tip: Watch your sonar and chase marks. Fish are moving fast with rising temps.

Captain Nate says, “Run it all—Chrome Killer scent, spoons, stick baits. Just be ready, because it’s game on from top to bottom.”

Collins Lake: Pink Baits and Full Moon Problems

Meanwhile, Cal Kellogg’s crew has been hammering lightning trout and rainbows at Collins Lake.

Early in the week? Easy limits, day after day.

Later in the week? That pesky full moon rolled in and made the fish a little gun-shy. Short strikes were the name of the game—but Cal wasn’t about to let them win.

Here’s what worked:

  • Top Bait: Bubblegum pink Trout Trix Minnows, rigged with action discs.
  • Hook Upgrade: Swapped Mustad #4 singles for #8 red treble hooks—huge difference on short strikers.
  • Scent Game: Trigger scent. On every bait. Every time.

Trolling speeds were dialed in at around 2.0 mph, with slight bumps or drops depending on what Cal saw on the sonar.

Bonus tip? If you’re chasing lightning trout, don’t be afraid to drop a line as deep as 50 feet, especially if you spot a fat mark. That’s how Cal’s buddy landed a bruiser lightning just days ago.

Lake Camanche & Pardee: Great Stocking, Tough Access

Both lakes saw new plants this week, but there’s a catch—no boats allowed for now. That means your best shot is to be there the day of the plant with your shore gear locked and loaded.

What to bring?

  • PowerBait
  • Nightcrawlers
  • Mini jigs
  • Power Eggs

If you wait too long, these fish are heading straight for cooler, deeper water. Translation? Tougher bite if you miss the window.

Pro Tips for Tough Conditions

  • Fishing during a full moon? Don’t sweat it—you’ve still got options.
  • Downsize hooks to turn tentative bites into hookups.
  • Add action discs to your plastics for more wiggle.
  • Zigzag your troll pattern when you spot marks near your bait depth.

Don’t underestimate the power of scent—it’s like fish seasoning.

As Cal says, “I went through two bottles of scent this week. When they get picky, that little bit of flavor makes a big difference.”

Quick Reference: May Fishing Cheat Sheet


Lake

Target Species

Depth

Best Baits

Pro Tip

Lake Amador

Trout, Kings, Kokanee, Crappie

15–60 ft

Uncle Larry’s Spinners, Stick Baits

Chrome killer scent = multi-species magic

Collins Lake

Lightning & Rainbow Trout

15–30 ft (down to 50)

Pink Trout Trix w/ Action Discs

Switch to treble hooks on short strikers

Camanche/

Pardee

Freshly Planted Trout

Shoreline only

PowerBait, Mini Jigs, Nightcrawlers

Be there the day they stock!


Cast Out with Confidence

This week was about more than just the bite. It was about legacy, innovation and celebrating the anglers who helped shape this sport. Uncle Larry’s spirit lives on every time one of us trolls one of his spinners.

So grab your rods, rig up right and don’t forget your scent. Whether you're chasing lightning trout or soaking PowerBait from shore, May is putting on a show—and the fish are waiting.

Want more tips or gear that works?

Check out our Catch America lure kits and scent packages, or drop a comment with your own Uncle Larry story.

See you out there.

 

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Power Trolling Rainbows: When Small Baits Hit Big

Morning Mayhem: Rod Bent. Wind Howling. Fish On! Picture this: wind spinning your boat, the trolling motor working overtime and your rod doubled over 200 feet back. You’re ripping at 2.7 MPH, running a spoon no bigger than a pinky—and boom: hook up. That’s exactly how Cal Kellogg kicked off a trout mission at Collins Lake, proving that downsizing your bait doesn’t mean downsizing your catch. Rainbow Trout: The Fast Bite Fixer When big plugs aren’t producing and the bite drags, it’s time to size down and speed up. Cal ditched Rapalas and speedy shiners for a copper Catch America Pinhead Spoon trolled just two feet under the surface. Result? A fat rainbow crushed it. Depth: 1–2 ft under ~175–200 ft behind the boat Speed: 2.6–2.7 MPH power troll Lure: Pinhead Spoon (Copper) Line Setup: 8 lb fluorocarbon leader, no weight Pro Tip: “When the bite’s finicky, sometimes that small spoon at high speed is the only thing they’ll hit.” “Big Spoon Energy? Not Today.”All the popular speed trolling lures are big—great when fish chase. But when trout sulk, a small-profile pinhead mimics natural pond smelt and catches picky fish without sacrificing speed. The Speed Trolling Comeback Story Trolling fast isn’t fresh—it’s retro-cool. In the ‘60s, anglers pulled Rapalas at high speeds for browns and rainbows. Trolling then slowed down to 1–1.5 MPH for finesse. Suddenly speed trolling made sense again—and trout followed. TROUT TROLLING CHEAT SHEET Species Best Lure Depth Pro Tip Rainbow Trout Catch America Pinhead Spoon 1–2 ft deep Troll fast with a small profile when fish are picky Time to Cover Water—Fast The bite may not be wide open but trout are still hungry. Tie on your copper pinhead spoon, dial your speed in and cover water. Slow reveals but speed seals the deal.Just don’t forget: revive your catch right. Use a net with current flow through their gills and take an extra few seconds to set them free healthy. Catch and release done right improves survival rates. Want to replicate this setup? Grab a Catch America pinhead spoon (copper) and pair it with light 8 lb fluoro and a reliable spinning or trolling rod. All available at Catch America’s online store where it’s built for big trout action.Ready to nail the next bite? Pinhead spools are waiting. Head to Catch America, stock up and hit the water. The bite’s on and your next rainbow is waiting in the fast lane.

Learn more

Where the Pros Are Fishing: Mid-Summer Hotspots Across California

Looking for the best bite in mid-summer? We've got the inside scoop straight from the Catch America team. From slab kokanee to monster stripers, here's where our top guides are fishing, what they’re targeting and how you can get in on the action.   Big Browns, Bigger Kokanee – Bryan Roccucci at Bucks Lake Bryan Roccucci of Big Daddy’s Guide Service is wrapping up his brown trout mission at Lake Almanor and heading over to Bucks Lake come August. Why? Because the kokanee bite is going full throttle. We're talking chunky, hard-fighting kokanee, tightly schooled and ready to hammer your gear. These fish are only getting bigger by the day. If you're looking to fill the box and have a blast doing it, Bucks Lake in early August should be your destination. "Bryan is hands-down the best guide on that lake. Period." Rainbows, Kings & Everything in Between – Jeff Goodwin at Shasta Captain Jeff Goodwin is a staple on Lake Shasta and he’s not going anywhere. Over the next month, he’s chasing rainbows, kings, and kokanee. Shasta’s a buffet of options—and Jeff’s fishing the whole menu. It’ll be hot (and we mean melt-your-sunscreen hot), but the fishing is red-hot too. Jeff didn’t even mention the bass or catfish—because he didn’t need to. The trout and salmon bite is that good. Kel shared a memory from a scorcher of a day (115°F!) where he and Gary Morales landed 35+ trout in two and a half hours. “That’s Shasta for you—just find the thermocline and get after it.” Slab Kokanee & Sleepy Giants – Monte Smith at Don Pedro Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing is locked in on Don Pedro Reservoir and he’s not even thinking about rainbow trout right now. Why? Because the kokanee are absolute tanks. We’re talking football-shaped fish tipping the scales over two pounds. These are some of the biggest kokanee in the state right now and Monty’s got them dialed. Later, when the bite cools off, he’ll pivot to rainbows—which are also world-class at Don Pedro. “Don Pedro is one of California’s most underrated fisheries. Don’t sleep on it.” Trophy Stripers, San Luis Style – Roger George You’ve probably never striper-fished like this before. Roger George is the only licensed guide on San Luis Reservoir and he’s a trophy hunter through and through. This isn’t delta trolling or bay casting—Roger’s using downriggers, swimbaits and plugs to work structure and flats for monster striped bass. Big numbers, big fish, big gear. “He’s got it wired. San Luis is a beast of a lake, but Roger makes it look easy.” The Moving Legend – Captain Kevin Brock You want a salmon slayer? A kokanee ninja? A jack-of-all-fisheries? That’s Captain Kevin Brock. Over the next six weeks, Kevin’s schedule is stacked: Lake Oroville, Bullards Bar, Feather River and even up to Gold Beach, Oregon, chasing ocean-fresh kings in the mouth of the Rogue. The man is a machine—and if you follow his trail, you’ll land fish. “Kevin’s been a full-time guide since the '90s, and the gas station knows him by name.” Berryessa Bragging Rights – Big Nate’s Guide Service Captain Nate Kelsch, aka Big Nate, isn’t budging from Lake Berryessa. And why would he? The kokanee bite is on fire, with bonus rainbows and kings filling out limits. If the kokanee slow down, Nate will shift gears and chase kings—but right now, it’s all about those silvery torpedoes. “Book a trip with Nate and you’ll catch fish, laugh hard and probably learn a few dad jokes along the way.” Steelhead Soul Searching – Jerry Lampkin on the Klamath Captain Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motorsports is taking a well-earned break from Folsom Lake and doing what we all dream of—river drifting for steelhead on the Klamath. Jerry just retired from his day job and is chasing chrome in style, making runs into Oregon and soaking up the scenery along the way. But don’t worry, he’ll be back on Folsom and the Delta when fall rolls around. Bonus Tip: Follow the Guides, Find the Fish Whether you’re after kokanee, kings, stripers or steelhead, the Catch America guide team has you covered. Want to level up your skills fast? Book a trip with one of these pros. You’ll learn more in one day than in a month of DIY fishing. Final Cast Summer’s heating up and so is the bite. Don’t waste time guessing—these are the places, species and guides making waves right now. So grab your gear, line up that trip and maybe even treat yourself to a guided day with one of our legends. Tight lines, friends—and keep an eye out… Cal’s got a few secret spots coming soon. Hit that subscribe button and ring the bell so you don’t miss a cast, a tip or a trophy catch. Thanks for being part of the Catch America crew.

Learn more
Kayak Fishing Safety Gear: 4 Must-Haves That Could Save Your Life!

Kayak Fishing Safety Gear: 4 Must-Haves That Could Save Your Life!

Picture this: sunrise painting the lake in fiery colors, a cool breeze rippling across the water and your paddle slicing through glassy calm. You’re ready to chase fish and make some memories—but before you cast that first lure, there’s one thing you need dialed in: safety. Because nothing ruins a day on the water like finding yourself swimming in it unexpectedly. So let’s talk about the gear that can literally save your life when kayak fishing. Kayak Fishing Safety Gear: Your Lifeline on the Water While hooking big fish is a thrill, staying safe is the real win. Here’s the essential lineup every kayak angler should have on board: Life Jacket – Non-Negotiable This one’s a no-brainer. If your kayak flips on a windy day or you lose balance reaching for a rod, a life jacket is the only thing keeping you from becoming fish food. It might not keep you dry, but it’ll keep you alive—and that’s a pretty solid trade-off. Pocket Knife – Your Quick-Release Plan Keep a pocket knife close, ideally stashed in your life jacket. Picture this: your downrigger snags the bottom while you’re still moving and suddenly your kayak’s getting dragged backward. A quick slice of the line can save you—and your kayak—from going under. Bonus tip? Bring a spare knife in case one takes a dive. Orange Safety Flag – Be Seen, Stay Alive A bright orange flag might seem like overkill until a speedboat barrels across the lake without spotting you. A kayak sits low in the water and can be practically invisible to boaters, especially on busy lakes. That little flag could keep you from becoming a tragic headline. Paddles – Your Last-Resort Lifeline Let’s say your electric motor dies. No problem—you’ll pedal! But what if those pedals jam up or break? Without paddles, you’re just a human bobber waiting for a rescue. Paddles might not win you any speed contests, but they’ll get you back to shore when all else fails. Bonus Tip: Walkie-Talkies Not strictly a safety device, but they sure help. Instead of screaming across the lake to your fishing buddy, a simple “Hey, come over here!” on a walkie-talkie keeps things chill and coordinated. Plus, if you do run into trouble, it’s another line of communication. Safety Gear Why You Need It Pro Tip Life Jacket Keeps you afloat if you flip or fall in Wear it snug—not loose—so it doesn’t ride up. Pocket Knife Cut snags, free tangled lines, emergency situations Keep one in your vest and a spare in the kayak. Orange Safety Flag Makes you visible to boaters on busy lakes Mount it high for max visibility. Paddles Backup if motors or pedals fail Stow them within easy reach. Walkie-Talkies Easy communication across the lake Test batteries before heading out.   So there you have it—the four must-haves that could mean the difference between a great fishing story and an epic rescue tale. Don’t hit the water without them. Stay safe, fish smart and remember: a kayak trip’s only fun if you make it back to tell the tale! Ready to gear up? Check out our kayak fishing safety essentials and keep your adventures rolling!

Learn more