Check out the new Issue of The Fish Sniffer magazine for September 19, 2025
In this issue of The Fish Sniffer, we are looking forward to Fall, the best season of the year for some of us. The Fall is the time when all beings start to prepare for the tough winter season. For Fishing in Northern Californi, that means the trout, salmon, bass, panfish, stripers, catfish and all other species go on the bite to fatten up for the lean winter season Lakes like Eagle, Shasta, New Melones, Folsom and Berryessa and most others will feature some of the best fishing of the year. Striped bass fishing in the Delta will take off for stripers and the Bay and Ocean will see halibut, rockfish and lingcod go on the bite.
The golden mussel problem is still impacting boaters all over the state and has caused major boat launch closures and strict new inspection and quarantine rules several lakes in our area. These rules are starting to change, and some lakes like Oroville and Bullards bar are allowing boaters to launch the same day after an inspection. Be sure to check out the regulations at any lake you want to fish before you go.
All you need to know about fresh and saltwater fishing in Northern California is now available in the new issue of The Fish Sniffer Magazine!
By Fish Sniffer StaffLimits of Kokanee were the rule for everyone on board during the month of August!
What we're using
Jack Naves fished New Melones Lake in his 20’ North River Seahawk. He caught limits of kokanee jigging spinning rods teamed with Abu Garcia Revo SX30 spinning reels loaded with Power Pro 20-pound test braided line with Trilene XT 20-pound test clear leaders. He was using two-inch hot pink Buzz Bomb lures. He employed his Minn Kota trolling motor’s ‘spot lock’ feature to keep him steady.
Paul Kneeland fished Bucks Lake with John Brassfield of Foresthill in John’s 18-foot Duckworth. They caught rainbow trout to 19 inches using a Daiwa North Coast 8-foot ultralight graphite rod with an Okuma Convector low-profile line counter reel loaded with 8 lb test Okuma Soft Steel line. They trolled yellow winged Tasmanian Devils and bright yellow/red Speedy Shiners off the Canon Downriggers at 25 to 60 feet deep and 2.3 mph.
Dan Bacher fished for largemouth bass at Rucker Lake. He used a Berkley Ugly Stik GX2 6’6” medium action spinning rod, teamed up with a Shakespeare GX235 spinning reel filled with 8 lb test P-Line CX Premium Fluorocarbon Coated Line. He fished with wacky-rigged 5-inch Yamamoto Senkos in watermelon and green pumpkin/black flake on Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hooks in #1 and 1/0.
Fishing has been great for striped bass. Anglers are picking up limits of stripers, along with some halibut and an occasional white seabass while using live anchovies.
Rainbow trout and king salmon fishing continues to be superb on Don Pedro Reservoir. Trolling at 45 to 65 feet deep with homemade spoons and Apex lures is producing quality fish.
The upper section of the river closed after Sept. 15, but the lower section is producing bright Chinooks in the 15 to 25 lb. range. Anchor fish or troll with plugs and spinners.
Limits of rockfish, along with some lingcod and an occasional halibut, are the reward for anglers looking for fast action. Use jigs, swimbaits, bars, and baited shrimp flies for bottomfish.
Big channel catfish are hitting at night. Anglers are using an array of baits, including chicken liver, sardines, anchovies, and nightcrawlers.
King salmon have arrived in the river and are starting to hit plugs and roe drifted under bobbers. Fishing for steelhead and stripers is also productive.
Anglers report one of the best seasons for striped bass on the lower river out of Cuttings Wharf in many years. Your best bet is to troll with ¾- and 1-ounce Rat-L-Trap chrome and chartreuse lures.
Trollers can score limits of rainbow and brown trout while trolling deep. As the water cools this fall, expect improving bank fishing for trout.
Boaters trolling with live and dead bait continue to work for quality halibut. You might hook a white seabass while targeting halibut.
Kokanee salmon are hitting hoochies, spinners, and other lures tipped with white corn as they prepare for the fall spawn. Mackinaw fishing is also productive at 120 to 300 feet deep for anglers trolling plugs or live minnows.
Boaters are bagging rainbows up to 5 lbs. and kings up to 4.5 lbs. Rainbows are coming from 55–65 feet, while kings are coming from 85–95 feet.
The boat ramp remains closed, so shore fishing for trout is the only option. Recent trout plants near the dam and Pass Creek boat ramp have boosted rainbow and brown catches.
Largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass should start hitting spoons soon as the fish congregate on bait schools. For trophy channel catfish, fish with squid and anchovies.
A limited salmon season is open for anglers on sections of the Mokelumne River, with adjusted seasons and a daily bag limit of one fish.
The Lahontan cutthroat season will begin on Oct. 1. Expect epic trout action for boaters trolling lures and working jigs.
Limits of striped bass are the reward for anglers trolling with Yo-Zuri lures tipped with plastic worm tails on the Delta. Drifting live minnows and fishing with cut bait will improve as the water temperatures cool.
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