Fishing at Don Pedro Reservoir, California
12,960-acre reservoir · Tuolumne County · 830 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
Don Pedro Reservoir sits at 830 feet in Tuolumne County, California, covering 12,960 acres of reservoir water. The state stocked the lake most recently on April 23, 2026, with 14,360 kokanee salmon averaging 9.4 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1990, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Don Pedro Reservoir:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2026 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 14,360 | 9.4″ |
| Jan 9, 2026 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 67,854 | 3.6″ |
| Sep 26, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 947 | 2.9″ |
| Aug 20, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 2,439 | 5.2″ |
| Mar 20, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 78,034 | 10.3″ |
| Nov 10, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 29,129 | 10.0″ |
| Oct 1, 2024 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 2,145 | 12.3″ |
| Jul 19, 2024 | 🐠 Largemouth Bass | 2,388 | 12.1″ |
| May 27, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 20,538 | 5.4″ |
| Feb 9, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 15,026 | 5.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🐠 Largemouth Bass — best in spring, summer
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Kokanee Salmon in California
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Don Pedro Reservoir, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Kokanee Salmon lakes in California
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in California
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in California
- Top Rainbow Trout lakes in California
Best Time to Fish Don Pedro Reservoir
For kokanee salmon, the best fishing on Don Pedro Reservoir is typically in summer, when surface temperatures fall in the 50–60°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with reservoir thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Don Pedro Reservoir. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Light kokanee trolling rod
- reel: Line counter reel
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' baitcasting rod
- reel: Baitcasting reel 7.1:1
- rod: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
Fishing Regulations
A valid California fishing license is required at Don Pedro Reservoir. Buy one online and check current regulations at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Don Pedro Reservoir?
Don Pedro Reservoir has been stocked with Kokanee Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout.
When was Don Pedro Reservoir last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Apr 23, 2026, when 14,360 kokanee salmon were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Don Pedro Reservoir?
Yes — a valid California fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.