Shadow Cliffs Reservoir Fishing Report

The trout action continues to be very good, with a fresh 1,000-pound plant of Lassen rainbows and lightning trout dropped in last week, and more plants are expected throughout May. Shore anglers are casting spinners, nightcrawlers, and PowerBait with moderate power. The trick is casting a few feet past the thickening weed line, which is creeping out fast as the lake warms. Some trout anglers are getting hit by big catfish as well.

Bass are still active, holding closely to cover, especially along the tules near the tube. It goes without saying, weedless baits are a must if you’re working this type of snaggy cover. Overall, the lake’s changing fast—thick weeds, warmer temps, and fish pushing tighter to structure.

Chuck Wolf of Western Outdoor News reports the trout bite at Shadow Cliffs remains very consistent, helped by another 1,000-pound Lassen plant this week. He notes the no-fishing zone around the tube has been extended, cutting off some previously accessible shoreline, but the dock, point, and shoreline to the swim beach are still open. A few bass are being picked off by off-shore anglers working the less-accessible shoreline. Water’s a bit stained with some weed growth, but conditions remain very good.

Locals say Shadow Cliffs received a Mt. Lassen stocking on Monday, and with a CDFW stocking also projected for this week, trout action should remain good into the new year. Anglers are using mice tails, Kastmasters, and jigs off the main dock and near the trout tube with decent success, but rainbow or green PowerBait has been the most consistent. Some anglers report that a garlic or corn scent is drawing more bites. Quite a few big Lassens being caught with state stockers peppered in.

Bass anglers are finding fish in the back lakes on natural-colored swimbaits, with or without an underspin. It's winter, so keep your retrieve slow.