Lake Oroville fishing repor

Lake Oroville fishing repor | The Fish Sniffer

Freshwater

Lake Oroville fishing repor

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Lake Oroville

Kings and Rainbows Top Angling Menu, Boat Inspections Continue

OROVILLE - The Lake Oroville king salmon and rainbow fishing is going strong, but you need to troll deep with downriggers, according to Brett Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service.

“We are catching some giant rainbows (4–6+ lbs.) and kings up to 4.5 lbs. Troll Uncle Larry's hoochies 70–100 ft down in white or green. Add scent, anchovy, or sardine for extra strikes,” Brady advised.

On a recent trip. Brady reported, “What a butt-kicking day on Oroville. We went 13 fish for 17 kings to 5.9 pounds. We had three others to the back of the boat. We got on a bait ball – and left the fish while they were still biting.”

On the next day, he reported a good mixed bag of king salmon, rainbow trout and spotted bass. “We needed some wind. The lake was pretty flat all day. We caught the fish at 40 to 70 feet,” Brady explained.

DWR’s mussel inspection program in Oroville continues to protect State Water Project (SWP) infrastructure, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Mandatory watercraft inspections are required prior to launching at the Oroville Facilities (Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay). Watercraft that pass the inspection will receive a seal and can launch during designated ramp hours.

Watercraft Inspection Location/Decontamination Services are only available at the North Thermalito Forebay at Garden Drive and HWY 70 in Oroville. Hours of operation are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Watercraft inspections and decontamination services at DWR’s Oroville facilities are free. To pass an inspection, watercraft and trailers must not have any attached mussels and be clean and 100 percent dry. Watercraft with ballast bags/tanks, bilge, and motors must have a working battery and be operational to complete required inspections.

Be sure to bring your vessel’s keys! Sealed Vessel Launching: All trailered and personal watercraft with an intact blue seal will be permitted to launch at the following boat ramp facilities during the hours listed. Boat ramps at the Oroville facilities will no longer be open 24/7. Launching trailered boats or personal watercraft is not allowed at any other location.

The launch ramp hours are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.. at the Spillway and Bidwell Canyon ramps.

The Limesaddle and Loafer Creek facilities are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Thermalito Afterbay at Monument Hill ramp is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

The Thermalito Forebay at the North Forebay ramp is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

More from Issue 4406

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Volume 44 Issue 6 Out Now!

Main

By Fish Sniffer Staff7/9/2025

Check out the new issue of The Fish Sniffer Magazine for July 11, 2025!

Summer fishing is in full swing all over Northern California. Freshwater lakes are providing top notch action for bass, trout and landlocked salmon. Lake Berryessa, Shasta, New Melones and Don Pedro are very good for kokanee up to 18 inches and more. Some very nice landlocked kings as well as rainbow trout are coming to nets at Folsom and Oroville. The mountain streams are falling into very fishable shape and catching trout is picking up.

Saltwater fishing is going great guns, with the folks that were able to fish the 2 day Ocean Salmon season in June catching limits of big salmon all the way up and down the coast. Potluck fishing in San Francisco bay is excellent for both stripers and halibut, and rockfish and lingcod are filling sacks out of Bodega and Monterey Bays.

All you need to know about freshwater and saltwater fishing in Northern California is now available in the latest issue of The Fish Sniffer Magazine!

Fish of the Month

July’s Fish of the Month!

Fish of the Month

By Fish Sniffer Staff7/9/2025

July’s Fish of the Month goes to Captain Zach Gordon and deckhand Nate of Tahoe Sportfishing hauled a 37-inch, 17.4-pound mackinaw from Lake Tahoe’s sapphire depths on June 20.

Freshwater

Fantastic Days at Pyramid Lake

Freshwater

By Paul Kneeland7/9/2025

Pyramid Lake Nevada is home to the world famous Lahontan Cutthroat trout, including the Pilot Peak strain that have been growing in the lake for several years. The Pilot Peak trout are very aggressive and grow bigger and faster than the original Summit Lake strain. These trout make Pyramid Lake the best place in the world to catch a 10 pound – or even 20 pound --cutthroat trout!

John Brassfield of Foresthill and I went up to Pyramid early on a +

Wednesday morning in mid-June. We arrived at the ramp from my home in Colfax about 6:30 am. It was a beautiful morning with an air temperature of 50 degrees. A breeze was blowing from the north as we launched the Fish Sniffer Rogue Jet 21 Coastal, but it didn’t prevent us from running to the north to Fox Bay. We ran up on the east side of the lake and started trolling north of Hell’s Kitchen and into Fox bay in 60 feet of water. We didn’t do much until we started seeing bait and fish marks on the Lowrance screen, and then we started catching fish. My first fish weighed 13 pounds on yellow/red spot B-21 spoon behind Vance’s cannonball flashers at 2.3 mph. We caught fish here and there, whenever we saw bait on the screen. Mostly fishing in 40 to 70 feet of water, all right on the bottom. We saw suspended fish at 30 feet deep or so, but never could get one to bite. The B-21 spoon was the hot ticket in the morning, plus I got a few on a 4 inch chartreuse/orange Silver Horde spoon. John got some on his orange frog Built to Bite jointed plug plus a couple on a blue/yellow 4 inch Apex. The cannonball flashers really made...

Freshwater

Five Species and Fun at Collins Lake

Freshwater

By Jack Naves7/9/2025

At this year’s annual family camping trip to Collins Lake June 17-19, we mixed water sports with fishing for three fun days at the modest-sized reservoir. With limited fishing time, we managed to boat five different species of fish, topped by a nice lightning trout.

Each summer, my family participates in a large camping trip to Collins Lake. The lake is only about an hour from my driveway in the Sacramento Area, which makes for an easy summer getaway. The cozy 1600-acre lake, which is northeast of Marysville, features trout, panfish, catfish, bass fishing, plus a sand swimming beach, playground, and other amenities. It’s a balanced blend of die-hard fishing and other activities.

This year, my family was joined by our two nieces in a cabin near the marina. The location is walking distance to the nearby store, swimming beach, and just uphill from the marina where I had the boat tied up. I’ve rigged up a makeshift rope attachment to my downrigger rail. It serves nicely for tubing and wakeboarding behind the outboard motor which is normally only used to power us to the next fishing hole.

After dinner on our first day at camp, my son Adam and I motored to some underwater islands near the center of the lake. I had noticed fish blowing up on bait, so I tied some Heddon Super Spook Jr. topwater baits onto our lines. I don’t do much bass fishing these days, but I spent enough time bass fishing back in the day to know a few things.

After reaching our spot, I deployed the electric motor, and we started fan casting. Suddenly, I heard some commotion on the surface of the lake. “Dad, look!” Adam exclaimed, and without hesitation I whipped my lure inside of some rings on the water’s...

Freshwater

Lake Almanor fishing report

Freshwater

By Almanor Fishing Assoc7/9/2025

Lake Almanor

Rainbows and Browns highlight catches in perfect conditions.

The conditions have been fantastic here at Almanor, following the cold windy conditions of a week ago. Cool mornings with warm afternoons and light breezes with some occasional gusty periods later in the day. Traffic on the lake is on the increase as we approach the big summer holiday of July 4th. The water level has reached its peak and is now on a slow decline currently sitting just above 4490.5. A drop of about 6 inches in the last week. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries have reduced to seasonal norms. Water temperatures are currently running in the upper 60’s ticking up into the low 70’s during the days. Bug hatches continue all over the lake with the Hex Fly being one of the main attractions. The trout are now widely spread throughout the entire lake. Action for trollers is happening at a variety of locations around the lake, from the dam to Big Springs which has proven to be a hot spot as of late. Both sides of the peninsula have also been giving up fish as is the west shore from Rocky Point to Almanor West giving anglers plenty of locations to visit. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings, with lots of options for anglers. Worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as dark colors have all produced fish this week. 25 to 45 feet seems to be holding the bulk of the active fish. The catch continues to be a mix Rainbows and Browns along with a few salmon. Bait fishermen have been netting a few fish at numerous locations including Dorado, the dam Rocky Point and Red Bank. Suspended baits like worms, crickets and meal worms...

Freshwater

Lake Berryessa fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Lake Berryessa

Take Your Pick of Hot Bass or Hot Kokanee and Trout Fishing

SACRAMENTO – Whether you want to fish for three species of black bass or for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, now is prime time to hit Lake Berryessa.

On his latest trip to Berryessa, Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing Experience reported catching and releasing over 30 bass.

“The top water bite was good in the morning with fish up to 4.5 pounds. The dropshot bite and small swimbaits were on fire with many doubles.,” he observed.

On his most recent trolling adventure, Nate Kelsch of Big Nate’s Guide reported a potluck catch of kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, king salmon and bass.

“Today I had another awesome crew out on Berryessa and these guys smacked ‘em,” said Kelsch. “We loaded up on some of the largest kokanee I have seen in a couple pf years, as well as some gorgeous trout. Once again we experienced a very soft bite early, that led to a lot of fish coming unbuttoned, but we made the most of it and waited for our bite window to open, and when it did these guys absolutely hammered them.”

“It was tough to keep the rods in the water! Every time I would refresh the Chrome Killer Corn, that rod would get pounded, so I kept busy refreshing bait, and chasing marks and the fish obliged,” he advised. “We haven’t changed tackle in months and there's no need when we keep putting up huge numbers, day in and day out!

“Today the depths were between 35 and 70 ft,, and couldn't get any fish to go any deeper, although I did chase some very deep marks. Berryessa is back and these fish are as healthy and fat as they come,” he said....

Freshwater

Bullards Bar fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Bullards Bar/Englebright Lakes

Kokanee Limits Are The Rule!

DOBBINS – If you want to catch a 10 fish limit of kokanee salmon, it’s hard to beat Bullards Bar Reservoir at this time.

“The fish are stacked in the main body near the dam and major points,” said Brett Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service. “Troll 70–80 ft deep with T-pex lures in red or purple. Don’t forget that scented corn tipped on the hook makes all the difference.”

His latest trip produced the top fishing in the early morning hours.

“We got 40 fish on Bullards Bar today, but it got a little rough after 9 a.m. We ended up throwing the kitchen sink at them.,” Brady advised. “It was like they wanted something different all the time. We trolled at 70 to 80 feet deep.”

Likewise, Rob Reimers of Rustic Rob’s Guide Service reported great kokanee success at Bullards Bar on his latest trip. “We had limits for two before it got hot this morning,” he said.

Bullards Bar is holding 906,198 acre-feet of water, 94 percent of capacity and 109 percent of average.

Few anglers have been on the water at Englebright Reservoir fishing for trout. However, this is generally a great time of year to hook rainbows and an occasional brown while trolling with Rapalas, Needlefish, Cripplures and nightcrawlers behind dodgers. Expect to hook holdover rainbows in the 12 to 18 inch range.

Englebright is holding 68,050 acre feet of water, 97 percent of capacity and 103 percent of average.

Dan Bacher

Freshwater

Collins Lake Fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Collins Lake

Target Trout In Deep Water

OREGON HOUSE – The trout fishing is going strong at Collins Lake, but you need to troll deep for success.

“The key is to troll at 30 feet deep in the main channel of the lake,” revealed Cal Kellogg at fishcalkellogg.com. “We’ve been catching the fish on Trout Trix Worms and Trinidad Tackle Popped Eye Spoons in orange and white. The fish are going up to 5 pounds.”

“Fishing isn’t red hot,” Kellogg said “We’re putting in our time to catch half-limits.”

Green sunfish and largemouth bass are also biting. A recent kids trip produced a 5 lb. largemouth and 7 green sunfish to 1 pound, Kellogg noted.

The last trout plant of 1,000 pounds of mixed rainbow and lightning trout for the spring went into the lake in May. Trout planting programs are currently scheduled to resume in October as surface temperatures allow.

The lake level is 9 feet from full and slowly dropping. The surface water temperature is 82 degrees and the water is clear.

Ed Palma at the Collins Lake confirmed that “the trout bite has fallen off a bit - or else there’s just fewer fishermen on the water, but we’re still seeing occasional big catches, and a few limits…and some surprising shoreline successes.” Palma cited the following catches:

Mark Yanuskiewicz caught a beautiful 9.5 lb rainbow trout using PowerBait. Stetson and Grayson caught a pair of Lightning Trout and three Rainbows also on PowerBait.

The Batham Family loaded up a brag-board’s worth of big trout that they hooked using a variety of Garlic PowerBait and Salmon Eggs- and looks like someone even made a First Catch.

Ilya and Anatoliy brought in four trout using PowerBait down by the dam including one that weighed in at over 4 pounds!...

Freshwater

Davis Lake Fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Davis Lake

Bait Fishing and Trolling Yields Trout Limits, Catfish Are Biting

PORTOLA – After a temporary slowdown, trout fishing on Davis Lake shifted back into high gear on the July Fourth Holiday Weekend.

“Yesterday I caught and released 11 rainbows, ranging from 17 to 20 inches long, while trolling Baby Simon lures in copper/red and orange at 18 feet deep,” said Ed Dillard of Dillard’s Guided Fishing. “The surface water temperature has been 73 to 74 degrees.”

On the following day, he anchored up near the island at 26 feet deep. The three anglers fishing with Dillard caught limits of rainbow trout ranging 14 to 19 inches long while fishing with rainbow PowerBait.

Bank fishermen are also catching trout at Davis. Jeanne Graham recommended fishing with Power Bait and worms at Camp Five, Mallard and Eagle Point.

“The trout are feeding heavily on scuds and damsel flies,” she stated. “Fly fishermen fishing scud and damsel fly patterns are hooking a lot of trout at Cow Creek and Jenkins Point.”

Some brown bullhead catfish are hitting at Mallard and Coot Bays. She hasn’t hear many reports on largemouth bass and bluegill lately.

Davis is holding 79,814 acre feet of water, 96 percent of capacity and 126 percent of average.

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   Dan Bacher
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Freshwater

Don Pedro fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Don Pedro Lake

Trollers Battle Kings, Rainbows and Kokanee

LA GRANGE - The solid king salmon, kokanee salmon and rainbow trout bite continues on Don Pedro Lake.

“Two return clients from the way northern part of California have fished with me three years now in search of king salmon,” reported Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing after his most recent trip “This year they added kokanee to their list. The fishing was slow to start, but the bite turned on and they ended up with two jumbo Don Pedro kokanee that weighed well over two pounds, and when these fish hit they buried the Phenix rod and head straight for the bottom.”

“At one point we had a triple. It turned out one was a trout, while the other two were kings. It was a great day with a such nice people,” said Smith. “But the bite really tapered off and they needed to get going on their long journey back home.”

“It was still a great day on Don Pedro with two people making more memories together,” he added.

On a previous trip, the anglers fishing with Smith caught 13 fish total, including kokanee, kings, and rainbows. They caught the fish while trolling 60–75 feet deep with pink glow Apex lures.

Don Pedro Lake is holding 1,902,345 acre feet of water, 94 percent of capacity and 114 percent of average. The lake level is 819.64 feet elevation.

Dan Bacher

Freshwater

East Bay Lakes fishing report

Freshwater

By Chuck Wolf7/9/2025

East Bay Lakes Roundup

Target Bass, Catfish and Panfish With Summer Conditions

ALAMEDA COUNTY – Alameda County – It’s that time of year when summer activities tend to take over our daily lives, sometimes keeping us off the water. It’s no surprise that reports get light, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t some great action to be had. You just have to fit it in. As with the last several reports, summer conditions have set in, and you need to focus on the fish that are most active at this time of year.

The East Bay Regional Parks District has planted catfish on all their five fishing lakes and plants will continue every other week until at least the end of August. There were no catfish plants this week, but these fish do not get fished out as quickly as the trout and action should be good.

Cats can be taken most times of the day. Mornings and evenings can be more productive than midday, especially if it gets hot, but even if you get on the water a little late, you can still expect some decent action.

Bluegill, and crappie can be taken even in the middle of the day, though am-pm is generally best for crappie.

Largemouth can be taken most times of the day, but by midday, they are generally hunkered down in the shade, or tight against the weeds or will move into slightly deeper water if it gets especially warm. Smallmouth do tend to follow the same pattern, but because they hold a bit deeper, the bite window can be good during more of the morning and evening.

Stripers are hit and miss but tend to feed early or late in the day. Carp can be taken most of the day.

If you’re looking...

Freshwater

Eagle Lake Fishing report

Freshwater

By Tim Noxon7/9/2025

EAGLE LAKE

Trout head to deeper water as the weather warms

Tim Noxon of Fish Traveler Guide Service gave us this report for Eagle Lake: After weeks of great nymphing on the shallow water rock piles, the shallow water at Eagle Lake has become too warm for the trout to feed in large numbers. This is "transition time" where the trout move on to their next feeding area and menu item. Instead of nymphs, the trout will be feeding on minnows. Where and when the minnow schools will show up is to be determined. The last couple of years the minnows have showed up in great schools, and the trout were feeding heavily on them. This can be anywhere from off Eagles Nest, to the South Basin, to off Wildcat point.

No minnow schools have shown up so far so we are trolling, covering as much water as possible.

We are fishing in water from 30-45 feet deep, and trolling spoons in gold/red patterns at 10-25 feet deep on down riggers or leadcore line. Thomas Bouyants, Speedy Shiners, Hot Ticket spoons and EX-cel spoons are all very good at this time of year. Chartruese can be another good color to catch these trout during the summer.

Most days we are boating limits or near limits to 3.5 lbs. Right now the best trolling areas are off Eagle's Nest on the east shoreline and between Wildcat Point and Shrimp Island on the west side of the lake.

The Spalding boat ramp is in the water this year, but the ramp and bay are still very shallow. Smaller boats and kayaks are still launching there as of this time.

For more information, or to get a current fishing report, give Tim a call at 916-201-4648

Freshwater

Folsom Lake Fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Folsom Lake

Kings and Rainbows Are Hitting At Wide-Ranging Depths

FOLSOM - Despite windy conditions, the trout and salmon were hitting during the latest guided trip on Folsom Lake by Wes Ward of Angling Wes Guide Service.

“Today, the wind was blowing pretty good all morning, and the bite was on.,” reported Ward. “I couldn’t hit the area I wanted to start the day at due to the wind, so I headed toward Folsom Point to hide. The first trout hit the deck just a few minutes after dropping lines. A couple more dinks came quickly.”

“Hoochies, spoons, and apexes with a variety of attractors in different colors produced trout all day all over the water column from 15’-75’. Our best trout of the day was a Folsom Silver Bullet near the South Fork,” said Ward.

“Big fish of the day was a fat king hooked in open water in front of the Dyke that clobbered a green hoochie. We picked up another king as the wind was lying down in the early afternoon off the peninsula,” added Ward.

“The wind and waves made boat control challenging, but perseverance paid off as we worked thru it. Final count for the day was 10+ trout, mostly skinny dinks, 2 kings, a couple of bass, and a bonus pike minnow that fooled us as it was tearing line off reel.,” he concluded.

Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motor Sports Guide Service also reported topnotch fishing on his latest trolling adventure at Folsom.

“We had a pretty good day today,” said Lampkin. “We released 2 limits of rainbows to 20 inches and a 24 inch, 4+ pound king. We kept 2 bleeder bows for supper. All of our fish hit 360 flashers/hoochie combinations in green/green, chrome/pink and white, and chrome/purple UV.”

“The surface temperature...

Freshwater

Los Vaqueros fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Los Vaqueros Reservoir

Catfish Plants Spark Up Fishing Success

LIVERMORE – Summer channel catfish plants are in full swing at Los Vaqueros Reservoir. The latest plant by Tsai Enterprises was on July 2 when 1,000 pounds of catfish were stocked in the reservoir. They also stocked 1,000 pounds of channel cats on June 17.

For those wishing to target catfish, chicken liver and anchovies are the best choices of bait. There has been a steady number of catfish being caught around the reservoir. South Cove, Cowboy Cove and Oak Point are some of the popular spots, according to the Los Vaqueros Marina.

“Striper fishing is mixed with both shakers and legal sized fish being caught from around the reservoir,” the marina reported. “Cut anchovies or shad are the baits of choice, either from shore or a boat. Cowboy Cove and Howden Cove seem to be the hot spots for stripers. Just a reminder: stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.”

Although trout plants are suspended until the fall, there are still plenty of rainbow trout out in the lake for anglers to catch. The last plant of the spring of 2,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout went into the lake on May 14.

“Shore anglers have the most success using garlic scented PowerBait followed by night crawlers. Trolling is doing fairly well, especially in the backs of coves. Light tackle is important for catching trout. 4-6-pound test is plenty. Fishing has been good. On days the winds allow boats we have seen a number of limits as well as anglers with just a couple. Remember: Limit is 5 per angler for the day,” the marina stated....

Freshwater

New Melones fishing report

Freshwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

New Melones Lake

Trollers Bag Kokanee Salmon Limits

ANGELS CAMP - Anglers embarking on trolling adventures now on New Melones Reservoir are hooking limits of quality kokanee salmon

“I had the pleasure of having Nick and Cameron back out on New Melones to fill the smoker,” said Kyle Wise of HeadHunter SportFishing. after a recent trolling adventure. “Paulina Peak Tackle gold dodgers paired with orange/gold spinners made easy work of their limits by 7:20, then back to the marina to get our breakfast tacos at the broken prop grill.”

“Even with the lake dropping, the bite remains red hot if you stay on top of them daily. If you’re looking to get out to fill the smoker or just learn how, we have trips departing the marina daily,” he added.

“There were three generations on the boat this morning and Captain Bryan McGinty put them on the fish early and was able to beat the heat.,” said Wise on his following angling adventure. “It sounds like Jpex and Turtle lures made quick work of it for them.”

Boaters interested in participating in the new seal program can obtain a quarantine seal to attach to your boat and trailer at this time. Please visit the Glory Hole boat launch location between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to obtain one from a park ranger free of charge, to begin the 30-day quarantine period prior to any future boat launching at New Melones.”

For questions about this suspension and the new protocol, contact a New Melones staff member at 209 459-7290 or visit the New Melones website.

New Melones is holding 2,003,005 acre feet of water, 83 percent of capacity and 134 percent of average.

Freshwater

Rio Vista fishing report

Freshwater

By Ken Baccetti7/9/2025

Rio Vista/Delta

Trollers, Pluggers Nail Striped Bass on San Joaquin River

RIO VISTA – The striper bite for trollers and pluggers in the Delta has been consistent according to legendary troller Mark Wilson. Mark told me that wind has been hindering anglers, but when they can get out on the water, they’re catching fish.

Mark went on to say that some of his friends found a decent striper bite in the Liberty Island area shallow water plugging. Mark continued to say that the trolling bite can be productive if you put in the time. Trollers are finding decent numbers of stripers trolling deep diving P-Line Predators and Yozuri lures on the San Joaquin River from Eddos Marina to the Antioch Bridge.

Meanwhile, the sturgeon bite continues to be good, but I’m getting this information from private anglers since most of the 6-pack charter boat captains have moved their boats down to San Francisco Bay. Wind has also kept anglers off the water on some days.

I’m hearing that the powerlines on the Sacramento River, below Rio Vista, has been productive on both the incoming and outgoing tides for those anglers anchoring in 35 feet of water. Salmon roe continues to be the bait of choice.

It is to be noted that sturgeon fishing will close from June 30th until October 1st from the west side of the Carquinez Bridge east to downstream of the confluence of the Feather River on the Sacramento River and downstream of the I-5 bridge on the San Joaquin River.

Ken Baccetti, President of the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), Isleton-Delta Chapter.

Freshwater

Shasta Lake fishing report

Freshwater

By Rob Hower7/9/2025

SHASTA LAKE

Shasta lake is sitting around 31’ to crest and the surface water temperature 77 degrees. The lake is a bit cooler this time of year due to the cooler weather we’ve had and some thunderstorms. This has probably caused the slower Rainbow bite, which has made it much more difficult to get limits. We’re still seeing the shad baitfish getting bigger. But we definitely are not seeing lots of shad balls, and we are still waiting for big bait balls to show. The trout bite has been in kind of a small window generally right after sunrise. Then tapering off and only picking up one here and there. However, the last few days the bite has turned on. Today it was multiple limits of Rainbows before 10:00am. We’ve noticed a small pattern in the early morning -- pink and orange spoons are picking up most of the fish. I personally started changing colors to match the shad tone. I’m going to start using white spoons with silver backs probably in another week. We normally run around 2.3 mph, but lately the trout seem to like it around 2.1 mph right now. If you find fish in a certain area, stay there and work it for a while. I’ve been doing circles in good areas and it has definitely paid off for us. The Rainbows and Browns have been hanging around the 45’-55’ deep. This will start to change with the warmer weather that comes in July and the trout will go deeper.

The Kokanee bite has been very good this year. They have been hanging around the steep drop offs and they also are in that 55’ range. They still have been going for the typical colors pinks and orange with small spoons and hootchies behind dodgers. Boats...

Freshwater

Truckee Area Lakes fishing report

Freshwater

By Mountain Hardware & Sports7/9/2025

Truckee Area Lakes

Donner and Stampede Kokanee Lead Summer Angling Parade

TRUCKEE - Donner Lake: Donner Lake is fishing well with surface temps in the low 60s°F and full lake levels. Kokanee are active in the mornings, schooling between 25–35 feet. Trolling pink or chartreuse hoochies behind dodgers is producing best. Mackinaw are holding deeper—try white tube jigs or silver dodgers at 100–120 feet. Shore anglers are hooking rainbows near the boat ramps and west-end docks using PowerBait, inflated worms, and various lures. The bite slows after 10 a.m., so early starts are key, especially with heavier boat traffic expected for the holiday week. Donner Lake capacity is currently at 100%.

Boca Reservoir: Fishing at Boca Reservoir remains productive for both boaters and shore anglers. Kokanee are biting at 40–50 feet near the dam and west shore—orange Dick Nites, pink wedding rings, and small dodgers are best. Recently stocked rainbows are biting on PowerBait, worms, and spoons near the inlet and campground. Surface temps are in the upper 50s°F, pushing trout deeper by midday. Mornings are most productive before crowds and boat activity picks up. Boca is currently at 90% capacity, and shore access is excellent. Boca Reservoir is at 90% capacity.

Stampede Reservoir: Stampede Reservoir continues to be the top Kokanee spot in the region. Fish are aggressive and schooling between 15–30 feet, especially near the Little Truckee arm and island. Productive setups include pink hoochies, purple squids, and orange dodgers. As the sun rises, adjust depth accordingly—Kokanee go deeper after 9 a.m. Trout are cruising near coves and inlets early, while bass are active in 10 feet of water. Surface temps are in the upper 50s°F, and lake levels are at 100%. Early mornings offer the best bite. Stampede Reservoir capacity is currently at 100%.

Prosser Creek Reservoir:...

Freshwater

Truckee/Little Truckee fishing report

Freshwater

By Miles Zimmeramn7/9/2025

Truckee/Little Truckee Rivers

Increased Water Releases Spur Trout Fishing Slowdown

TRUCKEE - We’ve seen some pretty drastic changes on the Truckee this week and subsequently a slowdown in the fishing, which was incredible just a few weeks ago. The changes come from an increased release from Lake Tahoe and decreased release out of Boca. In Tahoe City this water is coming off the top of Lake Tahoe, and it is entering into the river system at a much warmer water temp. When coupled with the weather in the upper 80’s, this has caused water temps to rise fairly quickly. This has thrown the fish in a bit of a loop, and we are seeing less activity, especially along the upper sections of the river.

While we are still seeing a good number of small fish hit the net, the larger fish are a bit more elusive this week. For those looking to fish areas of the river upstream of the Boca confluence, we ask that you carry a thermometer with you. Taking periodic temperature readings of the water and calling it when temps hit 66 degrees. Because of the cool releases out of Boca, we are still seeing water temps cool enough in the canyon (Boca to stateline) to be able to fish all day. Given the drop in flows out of Boca, the canyon is also dropping into prime shape this week, and we encourage you to head downstream in the coming months instead of focusing on the sections here in town. The fishing will be much better down in the canyon during the warmest months of the year.

We have seen the Crawdad bite really pick up over the last few weeks. Crawdads and golden stone nymphs will be prime choices for anchor flies on your tightline set...

Freshwater

East Walker river fishing report

Freshwater

By Kens Sporting Goods7/9/2025

East Walker River

Flows and warm weather slow the fishing

The flows on the East are about 132 cfs right now and so far the temperatures are holding out and the fish are still very happy and healthy. The weather has been getting warmer so we’ll keep you posted as to when it may be time to give the fish a break down there. This is kind of the time of year when the best time to be down there is early in the day and later in the day, maybe up until 11 or so in the morning then from 5 or so in the evening until dark. We’ve had lots of good reports coming in and a few not so good reports as well. It sounds like first thing in the morning they’re getting some fish on streamers then progressing on to nymphs as the morning wears on. It also sounds like there are some decent numbers of fish moving back into the “Miracle Mile” section as we’re getting some decent reports here and there from that section. There’s also been some decent dry action late in the evening with some caddis and attractor dries. Some patterns to try: elk hair caddis, E/C caddis, parachute Adams, chubby chernobyl, dead drift crayfish, sculpzilla, double bunny, darth baetis, flashback emerger, silver streak, copper John, zebra midge, pheasant tail, hare’s ear. Report courtesy of Kens Sporting Goods.

Freshwater

West Walker river fishing report

Freshwater

By Kens Sporting Goods7/9/2025

West Walker River

Water is cold but warming and fishing will get better.

The flows on the West have come down quite a bit this past week with ranges from around 280 to 32ocfs depending on what time of the day you’re up there. The reports have been just ok from up there so far so it sounds like the fish aren’t too active just yet. The water may be a bit too cold still for them to liven up. If I was heading up there I’d give crawlers or eggs a try for bait, panther martins and vibrax lures for spinners and for flies I might try a prince or hares ear near the bottom. Report courtesy of Kens Sporting Goods.

Saltwater

Bodega/Tomale Bay fishing report

Saltwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Bodega Bay/Tomales Bay

Rockfish Action Sizzles, Big Halibut Boated

BODEGA BAY – The New Sea Angler has been finding superb action on shallow water rockfish and lingcod off the Sonoma County Coast

“The fishing has been phenomenal,” said Captain Rick Powers of Bodega Bay Sportfishing on July 6. “We’ve been catching limits of shallow water rockfish every day, along with an average of one lingcod per rod. We have been catching quality canary, brown, copper and vermilion rockfish – no school fish.”

On his latest fishing trip, the 8 anglers aboard the New Sea Angler landed 80 rockfish and 10 lingcod to 14 pounds. On his previous trip, the 16 anglers bagged 160 rockfish and 16 lingcod to 15 pounds.

Anglers are using an array of offerings for the bottomfish, including baited shrimp flies, bars, jigs and swimbaits.

The recreational groundfish regulations in the San Francisco Management Area (from Point Arena to Pigeon Point) are available here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=185056&inline

Powers fished both days during the opening weekend of the limited salmon season on June 7 and 8. The boat returned to the dock with 4 Chinook salmon to 9 pounds for the 25 anglers aboard the New Sea Angler on June 7 and 11 Chinook salmon to 12 pounds on June 8. They trolled with anchovies off the Sonoma County Coast.

Anglers are beginning to pick up some halibut out of Lawson’s Landing on Tomales Bay. Mike Mack caught a 28 lb. halibut on July 4, the largest one weighed in this year to date.

“I don't know what bait and where he caught it, but I suspect a jacksmelt and near Hog Island, as that has been his method as of late,” said Vogler.

Big fish honors also go to Cannon Brunkhorst who caught a 20 lb. halibut. The fish...

Saltwater

Fishermans Wharf/Berkeley fishing report

Saltwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Fisherman’s Wharf/Berkeley

Live Bait Drifters Battle Stripers and Halibut

SAN FRANCISCO – Anglers targeting striped bass, halibut and leopard sharks are experiencing stellar fishing on

San Francisco Bay and in the ocean just outside of the Golden Gate.

“What an epic bite today,” reported Captain James Smith of California Dawn Sportfishing on Sunday, July 6. “Both

boats checked in with limits of jumbo halibut and the California Dawn 1 checked in with limits of bass as well. We got

‘em big time in the ocean.”

The final count for the California Dawn 1 was 22 limits of striped bass (44) to 15 pounds and 22 limits of halibut

(44) to 31 pounds. The California Dawn 2 came back with 26 limits of halibut (52) to 30 pounds.

Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing said he’s been putting his customers on both halibut and striped bass in

numerous locations. F-Buoy and the Berkeley Flats, the backside and frontside of Alcatraz Island, and the south side

of Angel Island have all been productive.

The key, according to Capt. Craig, is to move around to these locations until you find the fish. Other locations that

can be very productive, if the weather and ocean conditions cooperate, is the north and south bars out the Golden

Gate on the outgoing tide.

Meanwhile Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions said he’s been targeting mainly stripers for his clients in

the bay, but when the tides and ocean conditions look good, he’s been drifting Seal Rock and the north and south

Bars out the Gate (see the attached photos).

Also in the bay, Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Sportfishing Charters stated that he has been drifting live bait

targeting halibut and striped bass for his customers.

Capt. Steve also said, as a change of pace, he...

Saltwater

Monterey Bay fishing report

Saltwater

By Dan Bacher7/9/2025

Monterey Bay

Rockfish Enthusiasts Target Coastal Reefs

MONTEREY – Full limits of rockfish, along with a few lingcod, are the rule for charter boats departing from Monterey.

The 26 anglers aboard the Checkmate on July 5 landed limits of rockfish (260) and 2 lingcod. The 20 anglers aboard the Carline landed limits of rockfish (200) the same day, according to Steve Semler at Chris’ Fishing Trips.

The 21 anglers aboard the Checkmate celebrated the Fourth of July by bagging limits of rockfish and 7 lingcod.

The anglers have been fishing in less than 20 fathoms of water with shrimp flies, bars, jigs, swimbaits and Point Wilson Darts. Blues, blacks and vermilions are making up most of the rockfish bag limits,

The rockfish season will continue to run through Dec. 30, 2025. Here are the depth restrictions now in place:

May 1 – Sept. 30: 20 fathoms inshore fishery

Oct 1 – Oct. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery

Nov. 1 – Nov. 30: 20 fathoms inshore only fishery

Dec. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery

Salmon fishing was great on the opening day of the limited salmon season on June 7. The 25 anglers aboard the Checkmate came back with 46 kings, just four fish short of full limits. Fishing was much slower on the following day; the Checkmate checked in with 2 salmon, while the Caroline didn’t return with any salmon.

The quota of 7,000 fish was reached for the summer salmon season.

Rockfish action is also going strong off Santa Cruz. “The rockfishing was good near 4 Mile Beach in the morning before the wind came up,” said Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine on July 5.

“The halibut are still being caught near Capitola and Pajaro. The anglers reported a little better action on halibut...