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.

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...

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....

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!...

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

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

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....

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.

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:...

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.

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...

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...