10/12/25
The winter storm door has opened and planning outings is getting tricky. Local river salmon closed at the end of October with better than anticipated returns helping those who made the effort land their share of Kings. Ocean Dungeness Crab is open and the rockfish/crab combos have been productive. Snow over Donner Summit will require good pre planning for trips to Pyramid.
RIVER SALMON: With seasons closed the focus is on returns and hatcheries starting their spawning operations. Unfortunately for American River anglers, federal funding cuts have resulted in the Nimbus Hatchery cutting production in half for Kings and Steelhead. Reckless cuts at the Bureau of Reclamation will have a significant impact on American River salmon and steelhead returns in 2028. American River salmon represent 10 - 30% of the ocean population as well. The Feds have not offered any reasonable justification for the cuts. Bad timing given all the recent efforts and closures aimed at restorings salmon runs.
LCT: Pyramid continues to produce good numbers of quality Lahontan Cutthroats. Jigging and trolling are producing good action with lots of 6 to 10 pounders coming to the net. Larger fish are mixed in with a few over 15 pounds falling for both jigs and trolled offerings. Trollers have been using plugs and spoons with flatfish, apexes, and stick baits working too. Jiggers are using tube baits and jigging spoons to entice feeders to strike. Weather always plays a role in fishing at Pyramid. With more storms coming
in pick your dates and be ready to sit it out if the weather picks up.
CRAB/ROCKFISH - I took advantage of good weather and the Veterans Day holiday to make a trip to Bodega for a crab/rockfish combo. Fellow Roosters, Mike P, Mike S, Steve B, and Jamie S hopped on the Sea Prowler with Capt Brian Potter. We hit the dock at 6:30 and were underway to the crab grounds. After setting hoops we made a short run to rock fish. The initial stop was mostly smaller fish with a few
quality fish put in the box. After pulling the hoops we were short of crab limits so we reset on the most productive spots and went fishing again. This session resulted in much better fishing including lings and good size rocks including a few very nice coppers. Pulling the hoops filled the crab limits and we headed for the beach. A group effort to fillet fish and clean crabs made quick work of the catch. Capt Potter has
the equipment to steam the crabs, so with crabs in the pot, we had time to enjoy a few beverages and snacks before heading for home. Always a great time when I can get out on the ocean with friends and bring some saltwater bounty inland.
