Fishing Reports
Fishing Report: Cal Kellogg - Collins Lake
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Collins Lake City / Region: Browns Valley, CA Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Windy with stable temperatures; earlier in the week had calm, warmer conditions Water Temperature: 67–68°F Water Clarity: Not specified Water Level / Flow: Not specified Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Fair to Good) Target Species: Rainbow Trout, Lightning Trout Most Active Depth Range: 17–25 ft, with some fish marked at 40–50 ft Most Effective Presentation: Trolling Best Time of Day: Not specified Successful Lures or Baits Used: #1 Bait: Pink Bubblegum Trout Tricks Minnow with Trigger scent Spoons starting to produce: Orange Trigger Spoon Junior Trinidad Tackle Popped Eye Spoons Other Techniques That Worked: Trolling at 1.8–2.3 mph (ideal speed: 2.0 mph) Using a variety of divers and recently added downriggers Notable Catches: One standout Lightning Trout caught at 20 ft, weighing 4.5–5 lbs Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Fish are present but not super active—focus on trolling with scented baits to trigger bites. Spoons are starting to produce, so it’s worth giving them some run time in your spread. Keep your trolling speed dialed in around 2.0 mph for the best action. Changes You’re Seeing: Trout activity is sluggish despite good numbers in the lake. Presence of immature threadfin shad may be influencing feeding behavior, although none found in stomachs yet. Water temperatures are beginning to rise, and fish are gradually moving deeper. Predictions for Next Week: Expect the deeper bite to improve as the water warms up—downriggers will become more essential. Spoon bite likely to get stronger, so be ready to swap out baits and experiment with colors.
Learn moreFishing Report: Bryan Roccucci - Lake Almanor
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Lake Almanor City / Region: Chester, CA – Northern Sierra Nevada Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Highly variable – calm, windy, cloudy, rainy (often all in one day) Water Temperature: Low to mid-50s°F Water Clarity: Improving – nice green color Water Level / Flow: Near full (only 2 feet below max pool) Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout Most Active Depth Range: 15–30 ft (some fish down to 35 ft) Most Effective Presentation: Fast approach: Trolling 3+ mph with hardware Slow approach: Finesse plastics with nightcrawlers Best Time of Day: Not specified Successful Lures or Baits Used: Optimizer Juniors (scented) Trigger Spoons (scented) Soft plastics tipped with nightcrawlers Brown Town scent effective on soft plastics Other Techniques That Worked: Matching aquatic insect hatches Varying trolling speed and presentations depending on the conditions Notable Catches: A beautiful 27" Brown Trout released after smashing a soft plastic soaked in Brown Town scent Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Be cautious—water temps are still cold, and safety should be a priority, especially on boats. Get on the water early before the afternoon winds pick up. Changes You’re Seeing: Hexfly larvae are starting to show up in stomachs—a key sign the spring bite is ramping up. Fish are responding to both fast and slow presentations, depending on weather shifts. Bug hatches are triggering short-lived surface feeding events. Predictions for Next Week: Expect improving action as the spring bite continues to build. Look for even more consistent brown trout appearances, especially with aquatic bug life ramping up. Keep working that 15–30 ft zone—adjust depth as temps continue to stabilize.
Learn more
Fishing Report: Wes Hoskin - Bridgeport Reservoir & Upper Twin Lakes
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Bridgeport Reservoir & Upper Twin Lakes City / Region: Eastern Sierra, CA Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Cool mornings with heavy afternoon winds Water Temperature: Bridgeport Reservoir: Mid-50s°F Upper Twin Lakes: 48°F in the morning, warming into the low 50s Water Clarity: Good for this time of year Water Level / Flow: Not specified, but accessible and fishable Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Trout Most Active Depth Range: Shallow water (trolling) Most Effective Presentation: Trolling Best Time of Day: Morning (before the brutal afternoon winds) Successful Lures or Baits Used: Gold Trigger Spoon with prism tape (Bridgeport) Bubblegum Trigger Worm with Action Disc (Upper Twin) Other Techniques That Worked: Bait fishing (Bridgeport Reservoir) Notable Catches: Multiple trout hookups reported (no specific sizes provided) Lure testing showing promising new patterns for the upcoming season Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Be cautious—water temps are still cold, and safety should be a priority, especially on boats. Get on the water early before the afternoon winds pick up. Changes You’re Seeing: Increasing water temps are gradually waking up the trout bite. Troll shallow and slow with action-enhancing tackle like discs and bubblegum worms. Predictions for Next Week: Trout activity expected to increase with continued warming. Look for an Eastern Sierra-specific lure package coming soon from Catch America.
Learn moreFishing Report:Brett Brady - Sacramento River Delta
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Sacramento River Delta City / Region: Northern California / Delta Region Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Glassy calm morning, perfect sunrise light Water Temperature: Not specified Water Clarity: Not specified Water Level / Flow: Not specified, but described as ideal fishing conditions Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Striped Bass (Stripers) Most Active Depth Range: Not specified Most Effective Presentation: Casting (Blade Runner spoons), Bait fishing (live minnows) Best Time of Day: Morning (sunrise bite was lights-out) Successful Lures or Baits Used: Blade Runner spoons (green/black pattern) Live minnows (as backup) Other Techniques That Worked: Not specified, but spoon casting was dominant Notable Catches: Conservative estimate: 60–70 fish in one outing Multiple triples and doubles Fast limits Memorable moment: Father-son duo landing fish non-stop Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: If you’re heading out now, expect the action to slow—most of the striper run is done, and the fish are spawned out. Blade Runner spoons in green/black crushed it—definitely one to keep in the arsenal for next season. Changes You’re Seeing: Striper season is wrapping up—fish are dwindling and most have already spawned. Boat pressure was light, and that made for wide-open action during the finale. Predictions for Next Week: With the striper run winding down, look for fishing pressure and productivity to shift elsewhere—time to start thinking about summer species and freshwater transitions.
Learn moreFishing Report: Monte Smith - Don Pedro Lake
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Don Pedro Lake City / Region: Tuolumne County / Sierra Foothills, California Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Not specified (clear water and rising levels suggest stable, fair weather) Water Temperature: Not specified Water Clarity: Clear (12–13 feet visibility) Water Level / Flow: Nearly full and rising daily; Blue Oaks ramp is closing soon due to high water Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Kokanee Salmon King Salmon Rainbow Trout German Brown Trout Most Active Depth Range: 40–70 ft Most Effective Presentation: Early: Frozen shad Midday: Dodgers with Apex lures and corn Windy: Spoons (for improved boat control) Best Time of Day: Early morning bite best with shad; technique changes throughout the day Successful Lures or Baits Used: Frozen shad (early king salmon) Dodgers and Apex lures tipped with corn Spoons (in breezy conditions) Other Techniques That Worked: Varying setback lengths (longer setbacks = more strikes) Targeting fish in known holding zones Notable Catches: 7.5 lb German brown trout (27"+, released) King salmon up to 5 lbs Multiple limits: e.g., 3 anglers caught 9 kings, 5 rainbows, and the big brown Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Fish are starting to group up, so key in on consistent zones. Use longer setbacks for more strikes—don’t be afraid to experiment with distance. Switch techniques with conditions: shad early, hardware as the day progresses or if wind picks up. Changes You’re Seeing: Kokanee action is becoming consistent for the first time this season. Water levels are high and continuing to rise—adjust launch plans accordingly. Increased catch consistency across species, with some quality browns mixed in. Predictions for Next Week: Kokanee size and numbers will keep improving heading into summer. Continued strong trout and king action expected as water stays high and stable. Bookings are open through July—now’s the time to lock in a prime day on the water.
Learn moreFishing Report: Jeff Goodwin - Shasta
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: Shasta Lake City / Region: Northern California, Shasta County Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Not explicitly stated, but water clarity and surface temps suggest calm, clear conditions Water Temperature: Surface near 70°F Water Clarity: Perfect — excellent light penetration Water Level / Flow: Not specified; thermocline starting to form Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Kokanee Salmon (plus mentions of wild rainbow trout and king salmon in nearby waters) Most Active Depth Range: 35–50 ft Most Effective Presentation: Trolling Best Time of Day: Not specified — consistent limits suggest all-day action Successful Lures or Baits Used: Catch America Dodgers paired with Uncle Jerry’s Spinner Rigs Garlic and tuna oil-cured corn (key difference maker) Other Techniques That Worked: Trolling speeds between 1.1 and 1.5 mph (bites even up to 2.0 mph) Notable Catches: Consistent limits of chrome-bright kokanee, 14–16 inches long Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Dial in trolling speeds between 1.1–1.5 mph for best results (don’t be afraid to push up to 2.0 mph if bites slow) Use garlic/tuna oil-cured corn for that extra edge on kokanee Watch for thermocline development as water warms — expect fish to adjust depth soon Changes You’re Seeing: Unprecedented early-season kokanee action with limits common Thermocline beginning to form, signaling a shift in fish behavior soon Predictions for Next Week: Continued strong kokanee action expected through summer New kokanee gear packages launching soon to keep you ahead of the bite Regional Notes: Sacramento River reports hot wild rainbow trout bite Whiskeytown slower currently Trinity Lake kokanee and king salmon still showing solid
Learn moreFishing Report: Roger George -San Luis
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: San Luis Reservoir City / Region: Central California / Merced County Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Not specified, but post-full moon and algae bloom suggest stable, warm weather Water Temperature: Not provided Water Clarity: Poor in areas due to algae bloom; better in main lake sections Water Level / Flow: Dropping rapidly — down 30 ft in 30 days (now at 1.5M acre-ft of 2.1M capacity) Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️✰✰✰ (2.5/5) Target Species: Striped Bass Most Active Depth Range: 50–70 ft Most Effective Presentation: Deep trolling or casting Best Time of Day: Not specified — fish still recovering from post-full moon slump Successful Lures or Baits Used: Deep-diving Lucky Craft-style lures Other Techniques That Worked: Not specifically noted, but fish are structure-oriented; focus on trolling or casting in clearer main lake zones Notable Catches: Average size: 21–24 inches Condition: Fat, healthy fish despite tough conditions Bonus Tip: Always fizz deep-caught fish to ensure a proper release Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Don’t chase fish into murky areas — the main lake is holding better clarity and more cooperative fish Use deep-diving plugs to reach the 50–70 ft range Have descending devices or fizzing needles handy to release fish caught from depth properly Changes You’re Seeing: Fish still shaking off post-full moon lockjaw Algae bloom making it harder to locate clear water — clarity is shifting day to day Reservoir level is falling fast, pushing fish to adjust to new structure and pressure Predictions for Next Week: Things should improve as stripers acclimate to changing clarity and stabilizing pressure Expect more active fish as the algae thins and moon phase becomes more favorable
Learn more
Fishing Report: Brian Thomas-New Melones
Catch America – Fishing Report Location & Conditions Body of Water: New Melones City / Region: Not specified in report Date of Report: May 19, 2025 Weather Conditions: Flat calm, light winds — great boating conditions Water Temperature: 67°F Water Clarity: Crystal clear Water Level / Flow: Not specified, but conditions are stable Fishing Overview Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Target Species: Trout (based on fish size, tactics, and spoon/hoochie combo) Most Active Depth Range: Not specified, but likely upper 20–40 ft based on presentation and time of year Most Effective Presentation: Morning: Trolling near structure Afternoon: Drift fishing Best Time of Day: Morning for trolling; afternoon for drift bite Successful Lures or Baits Used: UV-enhanced spoons Mini hoochies in natural patterns Other Techniques That Worked: Using longer fluorocarbon leaders in clear water Notable Catches: Fish in the 15–17" range, consistently healthy and abundant Daily limits nearly guaranteed Guide’s Tips & Notes Advice for This Week: Use long fluorocarbon leaders to stay stealthy in clear water Focus on structure early in the day and shift to a drift bite as the sun climbs Changes You’re Seeing: Conditions have stabilized with calmer winds, improving catch consistency Fish are uniformly healthy, with strong average size Predictions for Next Week: Expect continued strong limits if the clear water and calm conditions hold Early birds will continue to do best trolling near structure ⚠️ New Regulations Alert: Gate Hours: Fri–Sun: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM Mon–Thurs: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Plan accordingly — these weekday hours can sneak up on you!
Learn more
