Fish Reports

The Thomas Lures Speedy Shiner the “go to” fast trolling trout and salmon lure      “The “Speedy Shiner” style of lure appears to date back to the 1960’s,” according to Peter Ridd of Thomas Lures, makers of the Speedy Shiner. “The lure originated in Maine. Back in those days a lot of companies were turning out spinning gear. It was customary then to offer a line of lures to go with your gear. The Speedy Shiner style lure was knocked off by a lot of different companies and there have been a lot of slightly different configurations of the spoon we market today.” These days our Speedy Shiners are offered in three different sizes – 2 ½, 3 ¼ and 4 inch models. They are also available in over 30 fish catching colors. Color is less important when trolling fast in the 2.5 to 4 mph range then when moving slowly at traditional trout speeds of 2.0 mph or less. And Speedy Shiners are very speed capable, with a great wiggling action from 1.8 up to 4 mph! If water clarity is good, go with natural colored lures. That means chromes paired with hues of blue or purple for spoons. If the water clarity is poor, super bright stuff like florescent orange can give you an edge. When the light level is low either early or late or when the sky is overcast, black can be an absolutely deadly color that few anglers ever think to try. For more information about Speedy Shiners visit them at Thomas lures – www.thomaslures.com

American River Salmon Move Into River Steelhead, Stripers Offer Solid Action

RANCHO CORDOVA – Releases to the American River remain low at 1640 cfs, but the fall full moon has arrived. “So salmon have started to make their way up the river,” reported Kailyr Perry of Kailyr’s Guide Service.

“Bank fisherman should toss spinners and spoons and drift eggs under bobber for best salmon success,” he advised.

Boat anglers should backtroll or anchor up with Kwikfish, Brad’s Killer Fish and plugs. Side drifting or boondoggling salmon roe is also effective for catching the Chinooks.

“Stripers and summer steelhead remain in good numbers. We are using jerk baits and paddle tails for stripers; as we go into this fall transition the bite will explode,” he stated.

“We’re catching steelhead up to 8 lbs., but most will be 2 lbs. to 4 lbs.,” Perry added. “Due to lower releases from Folsom and Nimbus dams, we will not get more water until late October or November unless we get heavy rains.”

• Dan Bacher

Camanche/Pardee Lakes Shore Anglers Get Ready for Trout Plants

BURSON – Fishing pressure remains light at both Camanche and Pardee reservoirs, due to the closure of the lake to private boats including kayaks. Trout plants at both reservoirs will resume in the fall after the surface water temperature cools down.

But catchamericafishing reported “trout limits for the crew renting pontoon boats and running Power Bait” on Camanche over the Labor Day weekend, so there are plenty of holdover rainbows in the lake to be caught.

The most recent fishing report from the Lake Camanche Recreation Company was when Victoria Flemings landed an 8.9 lb. channel catfish, winning first place in the Lake Camanche Catfish Competition. The derby featured 45 entries.

The boat ramps remain closed through the end of 2025 for launching outside water craft, although shore fishing, mussel-free rental boats, and camping are still available at Pardee and Camanche reservoirs.

Due to the spread of the golden mussel recently discovered in Northern California, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will keep boat launches closed to private vessels for the 2025 season. “This decision eliminates one of the primary ways that mussels spread, helping EBMUD keep its commitment to protect the environment and the public water system on behalf of its 1.4 million customers in the East Bay,” the agency said in a press release.

• Dan Bacher

Collins Lake Channel Cats, Panfish Roam The Shoreline

OREGON HOUSE – Catfish, panfish and black bass offer anglers their best chance of catching fish at Collins Lake now, although anglers fishing in deep water continue to catch some holdover rainbow trout.

“Your best bet for the catfish is to fish mackerel and crawlers from the shore,” advised Cal Kellogg at fishcallogg.com. “Channel cats up to 6 pounds are being caught by anglers fishing early and late in the day from dam to the campgrounds.”

One angler reported catching crappie and redear sunfish while fishing nightcrawlers and small jigs around brush and structure.

“If you want to catch trout, you need to fish deep, around 40 feet deep, until the surface water temperature cools down and the fall turnover begins,” he tipped. “You should troll with soft plastics, Berkley Gulp, PowerBait and Trix minnows. You can also drift Power Bait at the depth where the fish are holding.”

For spotted and largemouth bass, anglers should use soft plastics on drop shot rigs, swimbaits and spoons around offshore structure and bait schools.

The lake level is 26 feet from full. The surface water temperature is 77.3 degrees and the water is clear.

The Collins Lake Resort is preparing a trout planting schedule, tentatively starting mid-October, according to Ed Palma. Look for improving trout action with the arrival of fall rainbow plants and cooling water temperatures.

• Dan Bacher

Davis Lake Catfish and Black Bass Offer Best Late Summer Action

PORTOLA – The surface water temperature at Davis Lake is cooling with the cooler weather. The surface temperature was in the mid to high sixties at press time.

After rainbow and brown trout fishing slowed down during the “dog days” of August, the action is appearing to perk up, at least for trollers.

“One angler came in today with three nice trout, a mixture of rainbows and browns,’ said Jeanne Graham. “He was trolling Baby Simon lures at 15 feet deep.”

Graham hasn’t heard any reports from bank anglers or fly fishermen lately, but shore fishing and fly fishing should also pick up with the cooler weather. Bank anglers interested in hooking trout should toss out PowerBait and nightcrawlers at Mallard.

The brown bullhead bite is best on the north end of the lake at this time. Anglers should use worms and prepared dough baits for the 1 to 2 lb. catfish.

The largemouth bass are still hitting soft plastics and worms around the lake. South of Eagle Point and north of Lightning Tree are two of the better spots to target bass.

On July 23, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife planted 20,000 subcatchable rainbows in the reservoir.

Davis is holding 67,900 acre feet of water, 82 percent of capacity and 124 percent of average.

• Dan Bacher

Don Pedro Lake Trollers Battle Rainbows and Kings

LA GRANGE – The rainbow trout and king salmon fishing continues to be superb on Don Pedro Reservoir this September.

“I had another incredible day with return clients, Greg, Angela and Don, at Don Pedro,” said Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing after his most recent trip. “The fish were happy to see us and couldn’t wait to jump in the net. They had 14 rainbows, 3 king salmon and one spotted bass. There were a few missed and lost fish also in the game. The weather was perfect with a little breeze.”

The rainbows ranged from 1 to 2-3/4 pounds and the kings went up to 2 pounds. They trolled with custom spoons at 45 to 65 feet deep. The shallower rods, at 45 to 55 feet, produced most of the fish, Smith noted.

On his previous trip, Smith reported fast fishing for rainbows and kings.

“It was a short trip. It took a little over two hours to land 10 fish, all rainbows, and lose 10 in the process. It was a great day with guys Arik and Mark,” he stated. “They also caught and released five bass, including two largemouths and two spotted bass.”

The rainbows ranged from 1 to 2 pounds. Again, Smith trolled with homemade spoons at 45 to 65 feet deep.

“We’ve seen a lot of kings from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 pounds this season,” he added. “Next year those fish will be 4 to 6 pounds,” Smith concluded.

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

East Bay Lakes Roundup Perfect weather, light crowds and decent fishing!

ALAMEDA COUNTY – The weather is perfect, school is in, and the crowds are light, seasonal plants may have ended but there is still plenty of action to be had.

Lake del Valle - Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz continue their quest for DV smallies and are starting to see some decent numbers. Last week the pair took a total of 12 fish (the one Bluegill and 11 Smallmouth). The smallies were mostly on the dink side, except for one weighing 2 pounds. The fish were mainly caught on the western shore of the lake opposite Swallow Bay trolling 1/4 oz Panther Martin Spinners in a salamander pattern at 16-21 feet below the surface in 20–30-foot water columns at a speed of 2.0-2.4 mph.

Largemouth remain another solid target, with a decent morning and evening bite and with water temperatures slowly dropping the bite window is stretching longer into the day. Additionally, the fish are moving into deeper water and are a bit easier to target in the cleaner water. Catfish are still more than available, panfish are at about their largest size of the season, and there are still some outliers such as the occasional striper. Weedless plastics, chatter baits, shallow divers and spinners will all work for bass.

Cut baits like anchovies and sardines are best for the cats and worms under a bobber or small jigs should produce both crappie and bluegill. There was a surprise DFW trout taken this week

A caution advisory for algae remains in effect but has had little effect on the fishing. The water level is good, and water temperatures have been between 75 degrees in the morning and 79 degrees in the afternoon.

Contra Loma – There has been little change to conditions, and the bite remains slow for mostly dink bass. Catfish action has been fair and should remain consistent for the next several weeks. There should also be a decent crappie bite. There is a caution advisory posted for algae.

Construction Notice - Intermittent Closures. Construction continues for the Uplands Facilities Improvements Project and North Dock Repair. Impacted areas include: West Shore Picnic Areas, East Shore Parking Area, and intermittent trail closures on the West Shore Trail near Channel Point and the north fishing dock. The swim lagoon remains closed.

Lake Temescal – Things are slow. Catfish action remains decent and there are still plenty of smaller panfish. Currently there are weed mats formed by filamentous algae and while it is not necessarily a health hazard, it has made finding open water a bit of a challenge. The lake should clear once the temperature drops. The Park District is installing an Oxygen Saturation Technology (OST) system into the lake in spring of 2025. There may be some limited park disruptions, but the addition of the system should be great for the water quality.

Lake Chabot - Continues to produce a decent number of smaller bass on plastics. There should still be plenty of catfish action and you can still count on a sunfish bite. If you’re searching for bass, try throwing plastics and crank baits along the West Shore Trail, or along the East Shore Trail out to Racoon Point, Possum Cove or by boat fishing the shallows near the Warm Water Landing.

Catfish action should be good for anglers fishing the shoreline across from the marina. There is a caution advisory posted for algae and algae may be present on much of the shoreline.

Shadow Cliffs – Remains slow with only a moderate mix of dink bass, some smaller sunfish and a fair catfish bite. Try fishing sardine wraps, anchovies and chicken livers with scent applied from the point closest to the boat launch, or the dock on the far side of the tube. The early morning and late evening are generally most productive.

Blue gill action has been good, and they are starting to reach some decent size. Try a mix of lures including small spinners, jigs and worms under a bobber. Fishing from the docks is generally most productive. There is a caution advisory posted for algae.

Quarry Lakes Park including Horseshoe Lake, Lago Los Osos, Shinn Pond – There has been little change in the action. The Horseshoe bass bite remains slow with mostly dinks but catfish should still be on the feed. There is a danger advisory due to algae at Niles Swim Beach and the beach is currently closed to swimming.

Lago Los Osos bass action has been good but for mostly dinks and the occasional fish to 2-pounds. Shinn bass action has been moderate with the occasional fish to 1.5-pounds.

Please Note: There have been some changes to the personal watercraft inspection process so please call ahead to if you are planning to launch on any of the EBRPD lakes. It’s better to be prepared than get turned away.

Please send me your pics! Or reach out to me for additional information at email: ctw1930@gmail.com, or by text at 571-481-8040.

• Chuck Wolf, EBRPD Angler’s Edge

Napa River Trollers Score Big on Striped Bass

NAPA – If you’d like to troll for stripers on the Napa River from Cuttings Wharf, then Dennis Grossi of Grossi’s Guide Service has a great report for you.

Dennis tells me that he experienced the best month of August he’s had on the water since he began guiding. Dennis has been putting his clients on limits to early limits of stripers on every trip.

Dennis is having his clients troll ¾ and 1 ounce Rat-L-Trap chrome and chartreuse lures 120 to 150 feet behind the boat for stripers averaging 6-7 pounds. The last of the outgoing tides have been the best, but the incoming tides have also been working for him. The good thing is that Dennis hasn’t had wind issues.

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

Los Vaqueros Reservoir South Side of Reservoir Opens Back Up to Public, Catfish Is Best Bet

LIVERMORE – From September 2-4, the south side of the watershed was fully closed, including Los Vaqueros Road and the Los Vaqueros Marina. But on September 5 the road reopened to the public.

“We’re glad to welcome visitors back to the South side today after the temporary closure,” according to the Los Vaqueros Marina staff. “Road repairs are still underway, so please continue to drive with caution. As always, we appreciate your patience.”

Meanwhile, there have been six plants of channel catfish in Los Vaqueros this summer.

The latest plant by Tsai Enterprises was on August 19 when 1,000 pounds of catfish were stocked in the reservoir. They also stocked 1,000 pounds of channel cats on July 15.

Big fish honors go to Ricky, who caught a hefty channel catfish off the fishing pier. The size of the fish and the bait the fish was caught on were not provided.

For those targeting 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. Expect to catch channel cats averaging 2 to 5 pounds, along with some bigger fish.

“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.

If you are interested in renting a boat, the marina recommends calling ahead to check current wind conditions as they are unpredictable and can impact the ability to safely rent boats to visitors. Wind speeds change suddenly and boat rentals are typically suspended when they exceed 15 MPH and when heavy gusts are forecasted. Remember – rental boats are first come, first served. Weekends and some weekdays sell out quickly.

The reservoir is holding 145,000 acre feet of water. For more information, call (925) 371-2628.

New Melones Lake Go Deep For Kokanee Salmon

ANGELS CAMP – The kokanee season is near its end at New Melones Lake, but Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Sportfishing reported top-notch fishing for kokanee at this Mother Lode reservoir.

“Quick limit from New Melones this morning,” said Wise after his latest trolling adventure. “We saw easy pickings while pulling Mag Tackle and Paulina Peak gold dodgers with Apex lures, tipped with Pautzke’s fire corn and herring gel down to 110 feet.”

On a previous trip, he reported, “It was a fun morning on New Melones with three new clients and newbies to Kokanee fishing, they were greeted with a great bite and ended up with limits without losing one single fish.

“There were lots of familiar faces on the water this morning and Stan came thru like always, breakfast bananas were hurled at my boat and ate immediately. John Dahl and Joe were out as well,” Wise said.

Wise used Paulina Peak Tackle gold dodgers paired with Turtle lures and apex lures down to 110’ with Pautzke’s fire corn and herring gel.

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 1,635,838 acre feet of water, 68 percent of capacity and 120 percent of average.

• Dan Bacher

Lake Oroville Fishing Pressure Light for Kings and Rainbows Despite Great Bite

OROVILLE – Since so many anglers are fishing the Feather River for the chance to catch their first river salmon in 3 years, fishing reports from Lake Oroville have been scarce.

However, Bret Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service reported top-notch fishing on this most recent adventures at Oroville.

“Fishing has been fantastic,” said Brady. “We are catching rainbows up to 5 lbs. and kings up to 4.5 lbs. Rainbows are coming from 55–65 feet, while the kings are coming from 85–95 feet. Fish are in great condition and actively feeding.”

“There is very little fishing pressure,” he advised. “Focus on finding the bait—fish are concentrated wherever bait is present. Use Uncle Larry’s Pearl Squid (both colors), a 360 flasher in various colors, and a 5.5-inch dodger at 2–2.3 mph for best results.”

David Derby confirmed the excellent salmon and trout fishing on the lake on the Lake Oroville Fishing Reports Facebook Page:

“We caught five kings and three rainbows this morning west of the green bridge 80’ down. The fish were still biting when we left. We had a fun day,” he reported.

Meanwhile, Inspectors for DWR’s invasive mussel prevention program at Oroville found suspected golden mussels during a routine inspection of a pontoon boat on September 4.

“The pontoon was previously moored at the Pittsburg Marina and had been power washed prior to traveling to Oroville,” DWR reported in its weekly update. “Thanks to DWR’s mussel inspection program, the boat was prevented from launching at DWR’s Oroville facilities.”

“Staff immediately contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for further inspection and decontamination at another facility. The vessel was quarantined and will not be allowed to launch at a DWR reservoir until CDFW confirms that it is free of mussels,” DWR continued.

DWR launched its mandatory invasive mussel inspection program for the Oroville facilities – Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, and Thermalito Afterbay – in May 2025. Inspection and vessel decontamination services remain free. More details about DWR’s mussel inspection program are available at water.ca.gov/mussels.

The launch ramp hours are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Spillway and Bidwell Canyon ramps.

The Limesaddle and Loafer Creek facilities are open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Thermalito Afterbay at Monument Hill ramp is open daily from 1.5 hours before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.

The Thermalito Forebay at the North Forebay ramp is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

Lake Oroville is holding 2,232,380 acre feet of water, 65 percent of capacity and 111 percent of average. The lake level is 811.51 feet in elevation.

• Dan Bacher

Russian River Largemouth Bass Were Biting Before Low Flow Closure

GUERNEVILLE – The Russian River is closed to all fishing, due to the CDFW’s low flow closure that requires flows to be above 300 cfs at the Hacienda Crossing for anglers to fish. The flows were 170 cfs at press time, according to Scott Heemstra at King’s Sport & Tackle.

Before the low flow closure, Andrew Ahn, fishing guide, reported catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass on his last fishing adventure on the Russian:

“My good friend Bob, a client from my first year guiding, took me out yesterday and today. Yesterday was a photo safari of our local wildlife: we got otter, mink, and birds galore.

“Today we fished and we fished hard. My only goal was to get him a three pounder! And I got him a three pound two ounce largemouth.

“The fishing wasn’t horrible but we lost a lot more fish, including some better ones, then we brought in. Nobody’s fault; sharp barbless hooks and good fighting bass seem to be fisherman’s banes some days.

“The big surprise was Bob got the biggest smallmouth so far this year at about a pound. Man do they fight, we thought it was another giant largemouth.”

On their previous trip, Ahn reported:

“Mac asked to go out again today and he asked Steve to join him. I was more than happy to go out with these two great fishermen. Heck, Steve became a regular this year and is the best Senko man this year.

“The bass didn’t oblige us for what I was hoping to be an epic day. I don’t know what was going on, but the bass sure weren’t playing like a normal late August day. I worry the water is getting too picked on; but since this week is the last week I will do the best I can.”

“In the end they brought in about a dozen fish between them. Biggest around 2 lbs. or so. But they did get one double up between them.”

Sonoma Regional Parks has lowered and removed the summer dam at Healdsburg, according to Kristine Rue, Maintenance Supervisor.

• Dan Bacher

Lake Berryessa Catfish, Salmon and Bass Highlight Early Fall Catches

SACRAMENTO – Cal Kellogg of fishcalkellogg.com reported experiencing the “most interesting trip I’ve ever had on Lake Berryessa” while fishing with Nate Kelsch from Big Nate’s Guide Service. Their target was lunker catfish – and they caught those, as well as a smallmouth and largemouth bass.

“We went into a cove and marked what we thought were channel catfish,” said Kellogg. “The fish were exploding on bait that jumped onto the shoreline to flee the big predators.”

“Over 40 feet of water, we put squid and anchovies on our hooks. Kelsch hooked and landed a channel cat over 20 pounds at 15 feet below the surface. We missed another fish and I then I hooked and landed a catfish weighing about 12 pounds,” Kellogg continued.

“We also caught and released a 3 lb. smallmouth on an anchovy and a 3-1/2 lb. largemouth on a whole squid,” noted Kellogg. “There didn’t appear to be any small catfish there – there were only huge marks on the fish finder.”

The kokanee, king salmon and rainbow trout action at Berryessa is also going strong.

On his latest trolling adventure, Nate Kelsch reported, “Today I had the pleasure of taking Dave, Amy and Lyle out on Berryessa for a potluck trip and they absolutely smashed the donkeys, scoring the largest kokanee that I’ve seen since 2021, big king salmon and some beautiful trout. What a day! These potluck trips are a blast as I try to get you a nice combo of what this amazing fishery as to offer.”

“I can’t preach enough about the Tackle that we are using, which is all available in my Kokanee Kit from Catch America!!! These 6 in Offset Dodgers. Tpex lures and Uncle Larry’s Spinners, tipped with Chrome Killer Corn, are unstoppable on all species! We fished from 40 ft to 95 ft and had success at all depths at speeds from .8 to 1.5 mph.”

Kelsch is now booking potluck trips, catfish trips and crappie/bass trips on Berryessa.

Black bass fishing continues to be solid at Berryessa. “There were a lot of firsts this week on Berryessa,” said Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing after his most recent guide trip. “Two anglers caught their first top water bass and first dropshot bass. I am sure they will be trying these the next time they go out. The spoon bite is just about to start; it should be a great fall bite.”

Reclamation now requires all boats launching at Lake Berryessa to participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels. All vessels wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa will be inspected, according to the Bureau of Reclamation:

A red quarantine seal will be applied for 30 days during which the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Vessels that have finished the 30-day quarantine may return to the lake and have the seal removed by authorized staff and will be allowed to launch.

For questions about this new protocol and vessel decontamination, contact BOR-Berryessa@usbr.gov.

Lake Berryessa is holding 1,382,092 acre feet of water, 86 percent of capacity and 117 percent of average.

• Dan Bacher

Eagle Lake

Fat Rainbows reward fishermen at Eagle Lake.

Tim Noxon of Fish Traveler Guide Service gave us this report from Eagle Lake. The fishing has been kind of slow at the lake with people struggling to find the trout.  Some of the fish we are taking trolling are tipping the scales in the high 3 to high 4 lb range.  We did pick up a 5lb 1oz ELT a few weeks back as well. Right now we are catching these fish trolling naked night crawlers over shallow structure in deep water. We keep the bait near the structure on the edge of deep water, trolling slowly with the nightcrawler wiggling nicely. The trout fishing will pick up as the lake cools off in the coming fall weather. As the bite picks up trollers will catch them on Thomas Bouyants, Excel and Needlefish spoons, as well as the traditional Jay Fairs trolling flies. October and November are usually the best months to catch big Eagle Lake rainbows. You are welcome to check in with me anytime for a current report before heading up to Eagle Lake to fish. Tim Noxon, Fish Traveler Guide Service. 916-201-4648 or www.fishtravelerguideserviceeaglelake.com Looking to rent a cabin for the fall season? Contact John & Linda Hembree at 209-768-5581.

Feather River Anglers Score Salmon Limits on River

OROVILLE – The salmon season closed after September 15 in the Feather River from the unimproved boat ramp above the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall to 200 yards above the Live Oak boat ramp.

The section from 200 yards above the Live Oak boat ramp to Highway 99 bridge remains open through October 31. The bag limit is one Chinook salmon: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202686&inline

Before the closure of the upper section of river, Justin Leonard of Out Cast Guide Service reported solid Chinook salmon action, with some slower days mixed in.

“It was a tough morning,” said Leonard on September 12. “The releases to the river dropped over the last couple of days. But we still ended up with limits of salmon for six people. The fish ranged from 8 to 22 pounds.”

“We caught all of the fish while boondoggling with roe. There are a ton of fish in the river now. Anglers are now finding decent salmon action downriver. We will be fishing the lower river once the closure of the upper river goes into effect,” he concluded.

Folsom Lake Fishing for Black Bass, Trout and Salmon Should Improve With Cooler Weather

FOLSOM – Since the Labor Day weekend brought big crowds of recreational boaters to Folsom Lake, the lake has quieted down. Few anglers have reported on their success at Folsom since the rainbow trout and king salmon bite slowed down.

However, the fishing for trout, salmon and black bass should improve with the arrival of cooler weather.

One local angler reported catching and releasing around a dozen bass while fishing with jigs. The fishermen said the five biggest fish weighed a total of 18 pounds, according to Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing.

“Your top prospect for bass now is to use drop shot rigs with soft plastics and jigs in 20 to 30 feet of water,” advised Paganelli. “Keep your eye on the water level. If the lake begins dropping again, then you should go down to 30 to 40 feet deep.”

The open launch ramps are Granite Bay Stage 2, Brown’s Ravine Main Ramp and Brown’s Ravine Hobie Ramp.

Folsom Lake is holding 468,870 acre feet of water, 47 percent of capacity and 89 percent of average. The water level is 411.87 feet in elevation.

Here are the new boating requirements:

Vessels completing the 30-day quarantine may return to Folsom Lake have the seal removed by authorized staff, and be allowed to launch. Boaters wishing to return to the lake in the future will have the option to have their boat sealed upon exiting the water and will not be required to quarantine thereafter as long as the seal remains intact.

All trailered vessels are subject to the inspection, quarantine and seal program. Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells, outrigger canoes and rowboats are not subject to the inspection, quarantine and decontamination requirements. Hand-launched watercraft with electric trolling motors, such as fishing kayaks, are also exempt from these requirements.

DBW maintains a list of contacts at: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections.

Additional information on the golden mussel prevention program including inspection site locations, frequently asked questions and hours can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/FolsomLakeGoldenMussels.

• Dan Bacher

Lake Almanor   Good fishing all over the lake.    The weather returned to pleasant following days that featured afternoon thunderstorms. The conditions are almost identical to the last report, with little changing out on the water. The water level continues its slow decline of about 1/10 of a foot/day and currently sits at 4486. Flows on all the lake’s tributaries are at seasonal norms. Water temperature is at or near 70. Bug hatches continue in many areas of the lake, but a good number of fish, including trout and Smallies, have shifted their attention back to the lake’s pond smelt population. The trout are now spread throughout the entire lake. With localized dense pockets of fish tightly grouped on bait. Find one of these groups and stay on them for some wild bites. Action for trollers is happening at a variety of locations around the lake, from the dam to Big Springs. Both sides of the peninsula have been giving up fish as well. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of offerings recently. Slow trolled worms and plastics along with fast trolled spoons in bright as well as bait fish patterns have both produced fish this week. 35 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 several locations including the dam and east shore around Dorado as well as eastern side of the peninsula. Fly anglers suspending nymphs under indicators are tempting the fish that are keyed in on the aquatic larvae  Bass anglers have been throwing jigs on rocky points and shore lines for smallies keyed in on smelt as their food source. Lots of trout stacked up in Hamilton Branch, enjoying the cooler incoming water. Shore anglers are connecting with some, please pack out what you pack in. Report courtesy of Lake Almanor Fishing Association

Lake Tahoe Kokanee on Fantastic Bite in August

Fishing remains consistent on Lake Tahoe with surface temps in the mid-60s°F. Kokanee are concentrated on the west shore between DL Bliss and Sugar Pine, running 40–60 feet deep and up to 17” long. Mackinaw are deeper—120–300 feet—near the Cal Neva Hole and South Lake, with fish hitting on trolled plugs or jigged minnows. Trout are around 100 feet, hitting Rapalas for boat anglers. Shore anglers are picking up the occasional trout around 30 feet off the bank. Boat traffic has slowed but can still spike with weather; best action is early or late.

The folks at Tahoe Sportfishing gave us this report: “We were pleasantly surprised with August. The kokanee salmon showed up in numbers that we haven’t seen in a year or two. They went from being tightly schooled in one area to being spread out and schooled up thick about 80 feet down all across the South Shore. By the end of the month, we started to see the first signs of them turning, but the fishing remained excellent. We landed over 3800 kokanee for our clients in the month of August. We’re also seeing some nice lake trout underneath the salmon schools and picking up a few each trip.”

The kokanee are averaging 12-14 inches but we are seeing multiple 15-17 inchers daily. There are bigger ones out there as well – our biggest of the season is 20 inches.

We are picking up Mack’s on the kokanee gear almost every trip, but if you want to just target Mack’s we are using live bait bouncing the bottom. We have been strictly using Tahoe Trolling Company flashers number 9’s and 10’s with a wedding ring or hootchie tipped with white corn.

Rio Vista/Delta Trolling, Bait Fishing Produces Striper Limits

RIO VISTA – The striper bite for trollers in the Delta continues to be excellent, according to legendary trolling expert Mark Wilson. Mark tells me that he and his friends have been concentrating on the Sacramento River below Rio Vista.

Mark said he’s been trolling the West Bank from Sandy Beach down river to the Red Barn for 20 to 30 keepers per trip, releasing all but their limits. He’s trolling any green colored Yozuri or P-Line Predator deep diving lures in 12 to 15 feet of water for his best action.

Mark added that when the wind prevents them from trolling the West Bank, he’s been going into Broad or Montezuma Sloughs. Both sloughs are holding stripers averaging 7 pounds similar to the main river. Mark is finding that the incoming tide has been more productive, but he’s also catching stripers on the outgoing tide as well.

There is no sturgeon report this month as sturgeon fishing closed on June 30th 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. Sturgeon fishing will resume again on October 1, 2025, so look for a sturgeon report once the fishery opens after October 1st.

Cal Kellogg of fishcalkellogg.com reported catching some quality stripers lately. On his latest solo trip, Kellogg reported catching and releasing a 22 lb. striper and catching and keeping an 8 lb. striper in the Delta.

“The big fish measured 40 inches long,” said Kellogg. “I saw good marks on my fishfinder on the San Joaquin River between the Mokelumne and the mouth of Fisherman’s Cut. I put on a bluegill for bait in 18 feet of water. I turned the reel and I felt pressure. I lifted on the rod – and it almost pulled the rod out of my hands. After I released the 22 pounder, I caught the 8 lb. fish, also on a live bluegill.”

On a guided trip he made to the same area, the striped bass weren’t biting the bluegill, but they were hitting anchovies. “The two anglers fishing with me landed two keepers and released six shaker stripers before the wind came up,” Kellogg added.

In addition, Kellogg reported hooking and releasing a 15 lb. striper while fishing a swimbait from his boat after he saw the fish go under the boat while in his slip at B&W Resort.

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

Truckee Area Lakes Donner Kokanee and Mackinaw, Boca Browns Lead Early Fall Angling Parade

TRUCKEE – Donner Lake: Fishing is steady for all species. Kokanee are hanging around 50 feet, while macks are sitting deep at 120 feet and taking large plugs or spoons. Rainbows are the best bet for shore anglers, with China Cove and the west-end ramps producing on worms and PowerBait. Midday boat traffic can slow things down, but evenings pick back up nicely.

Boca Reservoir: The reservoir is fishing consistently for both boat and shore anglers. Surface temps sit in the low 60s°F, with rainbows and browns near the dam hitting worms, eggs, and spoons. Kokanee are around 50 feet. Bank anglers are doing well near the west-end creek, while trollers are connecting with sierra spoons or dodgers tipped with crawlers. Boca Reservoir is 80% full with easy access.

Stampede Reservoir: Surface temps are in the low 60s°F and the bite is still strong. Kokanee are running around 60 feet near the island and dam for boat anglers. Shore anglers chasing trout are finding good success off the dam and drop-offs, especially mornings and evenings.

Prosser Creek Reservoir: Bass and trout are both active at Prosser Creek Reservoir. Surface temps sit in the low 60s°F, with water levels around 80% full. Bass are holding in coves, while trout are 40–60 feet down. Trollers are scoring with Rapalas, while shore anglers at the dam are picking up trout at sunrise and sunset with worms, eggs, or PowerBait.

Jackson Meadows: The boat ramp remains closed, so shore fishing is the only option. Recent stocking near the dam and Pass Creek boat ramp has the bite strong, and with minimal boat traffic, pressure is light. Mornings are especially productive.

• Mountain Hardware, Truckee

Bodega Bay/Tomales Bay Rockfish and Lingcod Bite Continues At Fast Pace

BODEGA BAY – Anglers aboard the New Sea Angler found solid fishing during the four day salmon season from Point Reyes to Point Sur. Now the charter boats are back to targeting rockfish and lingcod with great results.

23 anglers caught 47 salmon to 27 pounds on September 5 while trolling aboard the New Sea Angler south of Point Reyes, reported Rick Powers of Bodega Bay Sportfishing. The 25 anglers bagged 32 salmon to 26 pounds while trolling anchovies the previous day. The weather conditions were excellent.

On his most recent rockfish adventure, the 14 anglers aboard the New Sea Angler bagged 140 rockfish, full limits, and 10 lingcod up to 14 pounds. “The fish were all quality bottomfish – there were no school fish,” Powers noted.

On his previous rockfish adventure, the 6 anglers fishing with Powers landed 160 rockfish, full limits, and 12 lingcod to 12 pounds.

The anglers have been catching quality canary, brown, copper and vermilion rockfish. Anglers are hooking the fish while using shrimp flies baited with squid strips, bars, jigs, swimbaits and other offerings.

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

In Tomales Bay, Willy Vogler at Lawson’s Landing in Dillon’s Landing reported spotty halibut fishing. He posted a report from “Swampy” that detailed the state of halibut fishing:

“Should have been here yesterday. It was a tough bite today, but plan C and D finally worked. We hit the bar and interior hard for two halibut. Jake, Swampy Jr, scored a 14 pounder and Alex got a clicker. We had a great time as always. She ain’t singing yet,” Swampy stated.

“The fat lady is surely warming up, though,” responded Vogler. “She’s not singing but she’s doing the throat exercises to get ready to sing. It sounds like gargling and wind. Solid work, Swampy family, snatching a few fish from the jaws of … well, the end of halibut season, such as it was.”

“This is one of those reports that I’ve been waiting for,” Vogler continued. “Chris DeTrani moved here from the East Coast a few years ago and bought a boat to go salmon fishing. It was bad timing, as he hasn’t been able to fish decent local salmon water since the purchase. But Saturday last DeTrani reported catching two salmon measuring 35” and 30”: ‘It was worth the ride down. 90’ of water and 40’ down just below Point Reyes,’ De Trani told Vogler.

Vogler fished salmon with Alec Bennett on the last day of the salmon season. “We finished with our four salmon, the largest about 15 pounds, right about where Chris went, just deeper. They finally went on the bite after noon in 160 feet of water,” Vogler concluded.

• Dan Bacher

Fisherman’s Wharf/Berkeley Take Your Pick of Stripers, Halibut or Rockfish

SAN FRANCISCO – Captain Craig Hansen of Argo Sportfishing tells me that he’s been navigating from his berth at Fisherman’s Wharf and drifting live bait with his customers at many locations in the bay and ocean depending on the tides and weather. Capt. Craig told me that he’s been finding stripers at Racoon Strait, and he’s been boating halibut at F-Buoy on the Berkeley Flats and on the North or South Bars out the Golden Gate.

Meanwhile, Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions tells me that he’s been putting his customers on striped bass at Angel Island and Red Rock in the bay drifting live bait. Capt. Ron continued to tell me that he’s been going out the Gate and drifting live bait at Seal Rock near the Cliff House and the North and South bars for halibut for his clients. Capt. Ron also stated that the weather and tides dictate where they are fishing.

Finally, I’d like to tell you about a couple of special days this author spent on the water recently thanks to the Roger Thomas Grant. If some of you may recall, Roger Thomas was the owner and captain of the fishing vessel Salty Lady out of Sausalito. Well, when Captain Thomas passed away his trust included a grant to take children out fishing.

The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA) manages these funds that are available to children’s organizations to take these youngsters out on the water where they have probably never been before. Since I’ve been a board member of the Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club (SBGC) in San Francisco’s North Beach for more than 22 years, and I did know about this fund managed by GSSA, I’ve been arranging trips for the SBGC for the past 5 years.

This month I was fortunate to help out Captain Don Franklin of SoleMan Sportfishing again on the 2 trips that were scheduled. On these two trips we fished live bait, another first for the children, in San Francisco Bay for halibut, striped bass, and rockfish.

I do have to tell you that the excitement and joy on the children’s faces was priceless when they reeled in a fish and finally when their catches were netted and brought aboard. These trips were truly very special outings for these children thanks to the late Captain Roger Thomas.

Meanwhile, the rockfish and lingcod action off the Marin County Coast has been excellent.

“We experienced an absolutely phenomenal day up the Marin Coast,” reported Aaron Anfinson, Captain of the Bass Tub. “Underground Construction had amazing lingcod fishing as well as Rockfish, scoring limits of both for 12 anglers plus some for the crew! These things were HUNGRY.”

“We had 2 trips out today,” reported James Smith, Captain of the California Dawn. “Both boats got onto some quality reds and lingcod while fishing in the southern waters. They also landed jumbo blues and black rockfish.”

The California Dawn 2 checked in with 19 limits of lingcod (38) to 15 pounds, 19 limits of rockfish (188), and 2 cabezon. The California Dawn 1 had 21 limits of rockfish (210), 8 lingcod and 1 halibut.

If you would like to fish with any of these Captains or Guides, just do a search on the internet for their contact information.

If you would like more information about the California Striped Bass Association (CSBA), go to our website (www.striper-csba.org). You will be able to access all the information related to the 4 CSBA Chapters. New members only pay $25, that includes a one-time $5 initiation fee. After the first year of membership the annual dues are only $20.

Your membership helps to strengthen our mission to protect striped bass and our fisheries. Some Chapters will give you a free gift just for joining. The Isleton-Delta Chapter gives all new members two free Isleton Chapter decals and a Chapter hat as a thank you for joining our Chapter. Membership forms are available for each Chapter on the website. Just click on your Chapter of choice and go to the membership page, fill out the application, print it and send your application and payment to the address listed on the application.

The Isleton Chapter accepts credit cards online on the website for new memberships, membership renewals as well as our chapter’s events. The website also has Chapters’ newsletters, photos, interesting articles, and useful links that will help you plan your next fishing trip.

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

Half Moon Bay Rockfish Limits The Rule Off San Mateo County Coast

EL GRANADA – If you want to catch a limit of colorful rockfish, along with getting the chance to battle a big lingcod or halibut, the San Mateo County coast is a superb prospect at this time. The new groundfish regulations allow anglers to target rockfish and lingcod at all depths in state water.

The Queen of Hearts reported in with 120 rockfish and 2 lingcod for 12 anglers on their latest trip out of the harbor. The boat came back with 228 rockfish, 2 lingcod and 2 cabezon for 23 people on their previous trip, reported Wallace Klughers, Captain of the Queen of Hearts out of Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle. Another trip yielded 240 rockfish, 5 lingcod and 2 halibut for the 24 anglers aboard the boat.

Recreational Dungeness crab season is closed until the first Saturday in November, but the rock crab season is open all year using either hoop nets or snares. Anglers interested in catching rock crab can fish off the fishing pier inside the harbor as well as on the jetty.

If you’re interested in monkeyface eel, there are plenty of them available hidden in the jetty rocks for poke-pole anglers.

Groundfish Regulations Summary Update: Effective August 28, 2025: Recreational regulations allow take of rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod in all depths for state waters in the Northern, Mendocino, San Francisco, and Central Groundfish Management Areas through December 31, 2025.

There are temporarily different regulations for rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod in federal waters in these Management Areas. Regulations in federal waters may vary by management area. Before fishing, anglers should verify if their planned fishing location is in state or federal waters and what regulations apply in each water area. The state waters boundary line can be viewed on the Ocean Sport Fishing Map: https://cdfw.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c00c82e1f32a49e99c747e2411e3439e

• Dan Bacher

Monterey Bay Boats Target Halibut, Lingcod and Rockfish

SANTA CRUZ – Now that the four-day fall salmon season is over, anglers are back to concentrating on rockfish, lingcod and halibut in the Monterey Bay region. Limits of rockfish are the rule for anglers boarding party boats.

“The rockfish were on the bite up the coast near 3 Mile and 4 Mile Beaches,” reported Todd Fraser of Bayside Marine on September 13. “The halibut were a little more elusive today. There was some wind chop up the coast, which didn’t help the anglers drifting. There were a few halibut caught in Capitola and near Pajaro.”

On the previous day, Fraser said, “The anglers fished up the coast early for rockfish and lingcod. The lingcod were on the bite near Davenport. There were a few halibut caught near Davenport. The wind was up by mid-morning, making it bumpy near Davenport. The anglers who fished from Capitola to Pajaro found a few halibut and sanddabs.”

Charter boats out of Chris’ Fishing Trips in Monterey reported top-notch fishing for rockfish on trips. The boats are returning with daily limits of rockfish, along with a few lingcod. Anglers are using shrimp flies baited with squid strips, jigs, bars, swimbaits and other offerings to nail the bottomfish.

The Checkmate checked in with limits of rockfish (230), 3 lingcod, 1/4 limits of chilipeppers and 10 petrale sole for 23 anglers on Saturday, Sept. 13. On the same day, the Caroline tied up at the dock with limits of rockfish (230) and 8 lingcod for 19 anglers. The Checkmate returned with limits of rockfish (230) and 3 lingcod on September 12.

Salmon fishing for the charter boats was tough during the four-day salmon season, with 0 to 2 salmon reported per boat. The anglers were mooching with anchovies for the Chinooks.

UPDATE – Effective August 28, 2025: Recreational regulations allow take of rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod in all depths for state waters in the Northern, Mendocino, San Francisco, and Central Groundfish Management Areas through December 31, 2025: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

“Hey anglers, here’s your midweek update. 12 additional spots are planting fish, bringing totals to 11,000 lbs. of trout and 500 lbs. of catfish across 23 locations. That’s up from last week’s 5,000 lbs. of trout and 500 lbs. of catfish across 11 locations—trout plants more than doubled while catfish holds steady. Cooler temps are beginning to boost trout activity. Some spots like San Pablo are even seeing those deeper holdover trout pop up, but keep in mind that tropical storm Mario will bring some rainfall across California this week.”