Spring Fishing Frenzy: Easy Wins for Trout, Stripers & Kings in California Waters

Spring Fishing Frenzy: Easy Wins for Trout, Stripers & Kings in California Waters

Spring has sprung, and California's lakes and rivers are teeming with fish! Whether you're a newbie angler or just looking for a relaxing day on the water, now's the perfect time to cast your line.
Sacramento River: Striper Central

Why It's Hot: Spring marks the pre-spawn period for striped bass, making them aggressive and eager to bite.

Top Tips:

  • Bait Choice: Live minnows are the go-to. Simply hook one through the back and let it swim naturally.
  • Location: Focus on areas with slower currents, like the edges of the river, where stripers like to hang out.
  • Technique: Anchor your boat and let the bait drift naturally. Patience is key—wait for that telltale tug!
  • Time of Day: Early mornings are prime time, but evening bites are picking up too.

Pro Insight: As water temperatures rise above 62°F, stripers begin to spawn. Post-spawn, they retreat to deeper, cooler waters.

Collins Lake: Trout Galore

Why It's Hot: Collins Lake is stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, making it a haven for anglers.

Top Tips:

  • Bait Choice: PowerBait in green, chartreuse or garlic flavors works wonders. For trolling, try pink Trout Trix worms paired with a flasher.
  • Depth: Trout are cruising between 10–25 feet deep. Use a simple weight or a diving device to reach them.
  • Technique: Trolling at 1.8–2.0 mph is effective. If fishing from shore, cast out and let your bait sit near the bottom.
  • Time of Day: Late morning to early afternoon sees increased trout activity, especially as the sun warms the water.

Pro Insight: Adding a scent attractant like Trigger Scent to your bait can double your hookups.

Don Pedro Lake: King Salmon & Rainbow Trout

Why It's Hot: The lake's rising water levels and clear conditions make it ideal for targeting big fish.

Top Tips:

  • Bait Choice: Frozen shad on a homemade harness is a favorite for both king salmon and rainbow trout.
  • Depth: Fish are being caught between 35–75 feet deep. Use a downrigger or weighted line to reach these depths.
  • Technique: Troll slowly and steadily. Keep an eye on your fish finder to locate schools.
  • Time of Day: Early mornings yield the best results, but fish can be caught throughout the day.

Pro Insight: The kokanee salmon bite is just a few weeks away. Prepare your gear now for this upcoming opportunity.

Quick Gear Guide

Target Species Best Bait Depth  

Hotspot Location
Striped Bass Live Minnows 5–12 ft Sacramento River Edges
Rainbow Trout PowerBait/Pink worms 10–25 ft Collins Lake
King Salmon Frozen Shad on harness 35–75 ft Don Pedro Lake


Bonus Tips for Beginners

  • Hooking Minnows: Insert the hook through the back, just behind the dorsal fin, allowing the minnow to swim naturally.
  • Using Flashers: Attach a flasher—a shiny, spinning device—ahead of your bait to attract fish from a distance.
  • Understanding "Bird Piles": Look for groups of birds diving into the water; they're feeding on baitfish, indicating predators like stripers or salmon are nearby.

Ready to Reel In?

Spring fishing in California offers unmatched opportunities for anglers of all levels. Grab your gear, pick a spot, and enjoy the thrill of the catch!

For more tips and gear recommendations, visit Catch America.
Check out our latest videos for visual guides and tutorials.

 

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