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.

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