The Fishing Show

Hosted by Denis Peirce | KNCO

KNCO’s Fishing & Outdoor Report with Denis Peirce brings Northern California anglers the latest fishing conditions, outdoor news and expert conversations. Covering Nevada County, the Sierra foothills, local lakes and the Yuba, Feather and Sacramento rivers, the show features practical fishing tips, conservation issues and timely information about salmon, trout, steelhead, fly fishing and outdoor recreation.

Saturdays

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September 2026

Sep 26·54:00

Salmon Fishing Insights on the Sacramento and Yuba Rivers

Join us for a deep dive into salmon fishing on the Sacramento and Yuba Rivers, featuring expert insights from Jeff Goodwin and Tom Page. In this episode of The Fishing Show, host Denis Peirce welcomes fishing guides Jeff Goodwin and Tom Page to discuss the current state of salmon fishing on the Sacramento and Yuba Rivers. Jeff shares his experiences fishing for salmon on the Sacramento, detailing the challenges and strategies for success this season. He highlights the importance of water temperature and flow conditions in determining fish behavior. Tom Page then provides an update on the Yuba River, noting the recent increase in salmon spawning activity and the beginning of the egg bite. He emphasizes the significance of environmental conditions and how they affect fish populations. Together, they offer valuable tips for anglers looking to make the most of the salmon season in Northern California.

Sep 19·54:00

Fishing Insights with Val Aubrey on Eagle Lake and Salmon Trends

Join us as Val Aubrey shares her recent fishing experiences at Eagle Lake, discussing water temperatures, fish behavior, and salmon fishing updates. In this episode of The Fishing Show, Val Aubrey returns to share her latest fishing adventures at Eagle Lake. Val discusses the current water temperatures and how they affect fish behavior, revealing that the surface temperature is around 60 degrees, which is ideal for fishing. She shares tips on where to find fish, including the importance of underwater structure and the impact of recent weather conditions on fishing success. Additionally, the episode covers salmon fishing trends in the Feather River and Trinity River, highlighting the effects of water flow changes on fish migration. Val emphasizes the significance of understanding local conditions to enhance fishing experiences, making this episode a valuable resource for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.

Sep 12·54:00

Salmon Fishing Tips and Fall Fishing Conditions

In this episode, Denis Peirce discusses salmon fishing techniques and the upcoming fall fishing conditions with guest Justin Leonard from Outcast Guide Service. Denis Peirce shares insights on the current state of salmon fishing as the fall equinox approaches. He discusses water temperature changes and their impact on fishing conditions, emphasizing the importance of cooler nights for better fishing. Guest Justin Leonard from Outcast Guide Service joins the conversation to provide expert tips on salmon fishing techniques, including the best lures and tactics for different water conditions. The episode also touches on the significance of understanding river flows and how they affect shore access for anglers. Justin shares his experiences and advice on where to find salmon in the Sacramento Valley, making this episode a valuable resource for local fishing enthusiasts as they prepare for the fall fishing season.

Sep 5·54:00

Salmon and Smallmouth Bass Fishing Insights

This episode features discussions on salmon fishing in local rivers and insights into smallmouth bass fishing at Lake Almanor with guest Mark Pilgrim. In this episode, Denis Peirce shares updates on salmon fishing in the Feather River and the impact of water temperature on fish behavior. He discusses the current fishing conditions and strategies for catching salmon, including the effects of recent weather changes. The episode also features an interview with Mark Pilgrim, a bass fishing guide at Lake Almanor, who shares his expertise on smallmouth bass fishing, including techniques and bait preferences. Mark discusses the recent changes in water temperature at Lake Almanor and how it affects fishing patterns. He highlights the importance of understanding the local ecosystem, including the presence of crawdads and pond smelt, which are key food sources for bass. The conversation provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced anglers looking to improve their fishing skills.

August 2026

Aug 29

Late-Summer Fishing Roundup: Northern California Waters

Join Denis Peirce for the August 29 edition of the Fishing & Outdoor Report , featuring the latest Northern California fishing conditions, Sierra foothills fishing updates, regional reports, and practical late-summer fishing tips. Learn how changing water and weather conditions are affecting local lakes and rivers as anglers prepare for the transition into fall. Whether you’re fishing for trout, bass, or simply planning your next Northern California fishing trip, this episode offers useful insight to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Aug 22

Lower Yuba Fly Fishing, Alaska Trip, California Salmon & More with Tom Page

Join Denis Peirce and special guest Tom Page on the Fishing & Outdoor Report for a wide-ranging conversation about fishing in Northern California and beyond. Denis shares highlights from his recent Alaska fishing trip to Ketchikan, followed by an update on California salmon fishing, river temperatures, and current conditions on the Lower Yuba River. The conversation also covers trout and steelhead behavior, fly selection and presentation, reading the water, and Tom’s guiding techniques for helping anglers have more successful days on the water. Whether you’re planning your next fishing trip or looking to improve your skills, this episode is packed with practical tips, local knowledge, and great fishing stories.

Aug 8

The Fishing & Outdoor Report: Summer Salmon and High-Country Trout

In this episode of The Fishing & Outdoor Report on KNCO Newstalk 830, host Dennis Pierce delivers a comprehensive Northern California summer fishing update covering Sacramento Valley salmon, Sierra trout, kokanee and changing conditions across several popular regional waters. Justin Leonard of Outcast Guide Service joins the program to discuss the arrival of fresh Chinook salmon in the Sacramento Valley and current conditions on the Feather River. While the number of fish is still building, Leonard reports that recently arriving salmon are in excellent condition—making this a period of quality over quantity. The conversation covers water temperatures, beginning trips early, fishing the colder sections of the river and using a boat canopy to provide relief from triple-digit temperatures. Leonard explains how water released near Oroville creates cooler conditions in the upper Feather River, while warmer temperatures can affect fishing farther downstream. Anglers also receive advice about locating salmon in deeper holes, traveling lanes and pinch points where sandbars or changing river structure concentrate fish. Pierce and Leonard compare anchoring, trolling and moving between locations, while emphasizing safe navigation and consideration for other anglers. Pierce then shares a detailed Eagle Lake trout report. Fish are feeding on small tui chubs, making lure size and trolling speed especially important. Shortened trolling flies, small grubs and presentations that closely match the available baitfish are producing better results. Increasing trolling speed to approximately two miles per hour has also triggered more strikes. Additional reports cover kokanee and trout fishing at Bucks Lake, Stampede Reservoir and Bullards Bar, along with summer conditions at Lake Almanor. At Almanor, trout are feeding heavily on pond smelt, with approximately 35 feet emerging as a productive starting depth. Pierce explains why that depth frequently holds fish during bright summer conditions and recommends using it as an initial target when electronics do not reveal a clear pattern. The Lower Yuba River is also producing rainbow trout on nymphs, caddis patterns and hopper-dropper presentations. Salmon are beginning to move into the river system as the seasonal run develops. Throughout the episode, Pierce emphasizes the keys to successful summer fishing: locate colder water, identify the depth where fish are holding, determine the size of the available baitfish and adjust trolling speed before abandoning a productive lure or fly.

Aug 1

Protecting the Lower Yuba River: The Daguerre Point Dam Fishway Debate

On this episode of KNCO’s Fishing & Outdoor Report, host Denis Peirce welcomes Frank Rinella of Nevada County’s Gold Country Fly Fishers for an in-depth discussion about the proposed Nature-Like Fishway around Daguerre Point Dam on the lower Yuba River. Rinella explains how the project is intended to improve passage for green sturgeon, Chinook salmon, steelhead and other native fish, while outlining concerns about striped bass and American shad entering protected spawning habitat upstream. The conversation covers Englebright Dam, Yuba Water Agency, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, irrigation diversions, fish screens and public-comment opportunities. Peirce also shares a Northern California salmon fishing report covering the Feather River, Boyd’s Pump and early-season conditions for local anglers.

July 2026

Jul 25

Salmon Fishing with Brett Brady

On this episode of the KNCO Fishing and Outdoor Report, host Denis Peirce talks with Northern California fishing guide Brett Brady of Bare Bones Guide Service about targeting king and Chinook salmon in Lake Oroville, the Feather River and the Sacramento River. Learn how water temperature, pond smelt, hatchery stocking and seasonal migration affect the bite, plus practical salmon trolling, spinner, plug, roe, bobber and back-bouncing techniques for Northern California anglers. Show sponsored by: Craig Johnson Plumbing