Whiskeytown Lake Kokanee cruising the surface

Some quality Kokanee are in the mix already and this season should be one to remember!
Photo Credit: Capt. Jeff Goodwin

by Jeff Goodwin
2-3-2018
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Today we fished Whiskeytown Lake and found a good morning bite that lasted into the early afternoon.  The Kokes are spread out all over the lake so covering water is important for success.  With 100' setbacks, its hard to stay on a pod of fish because sharp turns just aren't an option with Kokanee on the surface.  Side planers pulling baits right on top saw some good early morning action, but that bite shut down when the sun hit the water.  I bounced around with depths and the Kokanee settled my adjustments at 15'.  Pinks and orange along with some chartreuse got the bites today.  Paulina Peak Tackle did a great job for us, especially the pieces with moon jelly UV tape.  Pautzke Fire Corn finished off our bait presentations and as usual were critical for the consistent bites.  Water temps of 47 degrees are holding down the fast action, but as this warm weather heats up, so will the Kokanee bite!

Jeff Goodwin is a full time Northern California fishing guide.  He guides year round for salmon, trout, steelhead, Kokanee, and bass on Northern California rivers and lakes. He fishes many bodies of water in the Redding area, but also guides the Sacramento River and Feather River during certain times of the year. Jeff can also be found on the California coast chasing ocean fresh King salmon and steelhead each year. To learn more about the fishing trips Jeff has to offer, please visit Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service.  You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or please feel free to call him anytime at (707) 616-1905.