Lakes, Bait, and Big Bites—Let’s Get Into It
From NorCal rivers to Sierra lakes, fish are on the move and biting. If it swims, it’s on the menu this week. Trout, kokanee, kings, stripers—you name it. We’ve rounded up what the guides are seeing and where the hot bites are happening. Let’s break it down by zones, tactics and a few can't-miss tips.
LAKE & RIVER ACTION: What’s Hot Right Now
Lake Shasta (Trout & Salmon)
Conditions: Water’s warming fast, and clarity is great.
Bite: Solid trout fishing from the surface down to 25 feet.
Top Picks:
- Trigger Spoons (bright colors)
- Nightcrawlers behind a dodger
-
Side planers help get your bait away from the boat in shallow water.
Beginner Tip: Side planers let you troll lures out to the sides instead of directly behind your boat. Helps avoid spooking fish.
Depths: 60–100 feet
Gear Tips:
- Brined anchovies behind 6-inch Sling Blades
- Quality sonar is key—fish are hugging tight to bait schools
Lake Berryessa (Trout, Kokanee, Kings)
Summary: If you want variety, this is the spot.
What's Working:
- Yozuri minnows and shad-pattern spoons
- Trout in the top 10 feet
- Kokanee a bit deeper (20–30 feet)
-
Kings down at 50–70 feet
Pro Move: Use scent! Garlic, anise or even Pro-Cure gel on your lures makes a difference, especially for kokanee.Conditions: Crystal clear and loaded with fish
Tactics:
- Shore or boat? Doesn’t matter. Trout are everywhere.
- Use small Rapalas, spinners, or worms under a bobber
- No downriggers needed
Beginner Friendly: Great place for kids or casual fishing. Cast from shore with a worm and let the magic happen.
Delta Region (Striped Bass & More)
What’s Happening:
- Stripers are rolling through!
- Live minnows are top choice
- Try drifting or back-bouncing around 8–15 feet deep
Licensing Note: All river guides using bait must carry a USCG license. Always double-check your guide’s credentials!
Top Tactics & Gear This Week
Target | Depth | Lure/Bait |
Pro Tip |
Rainbow Trout (Shasta) | 0–25 ft | Trigger Spoons, worms | Troll slow, use side planers |
King Salmon (Don Pedro) | 60–100 f | Brined Anchovies + Sling Blades | Use sonar to find bait balls |
Kokanee (Berryessa) | 20–30 ft | Spinners, corn-tipped hoochies | Add scent for better results |
Stripers (Delta) | 8–15 ft | Live minnows | Drift with current flow |
WEEKEND GAME PLAN
Here’s your pick-three based on your vibe:
- Want Easy Shore Action? Go to Collins Lake and toss a spinner or float a worm.
- Chasing Trophy Kings? Don Pedro. Go deep with brined bait and good sonar.
-
Looking for Variety? Berryessa is your buffet. Kokanee, trout, and kings—all in one spot.
Angler Tip of the Week
“Fish don’t live in ugly places. Even if you’re not catching, you’re still winning.”
Keep your drag set loose, your hooks sharp, and your cooler ready.