Shaver’s turning heads right now… and it’s not the kokanee getting the attention. A fourth trophy brown in under a month hit the net this week, and this one cleared 16 pounds. These fish aren’t showing up by accident. Years back, the lake was stocked with undersized browns, and now they’re thriving on an abundance of small kokanee and juvenile bass. That food base is doing exactly what you’d hope... building giants. Most of the big browns have come as bycatch on kokanee gear, but they’re clearly keyed in on the same forage.

Kokanee-wise, reports say third-year fish are limited this season due to the missed plant in 2023, but a few 18-inchers are still hanging around. Most of the current kokanee are second-year fish, but many are maturing ahead of schedule... which means more adult-size kokes to target… and more quality forage in the system for brown trout and bass to feed on.

Rainbow limits are still available for trollers and shorecasters soaking nightcrawlers or PowerBait. Smallmouth action is picking up too, especially on small reaction baits like cranks and underspins.

Shaver Lake is producing kokanee and rainbows for those willing to tough out the cold. The best action has been around Stevenson Bay, Boy Scout Cove, and Black Rock, where fish are somewhat scattered but active.

Downriggers set between 15-25 feet with 80-100 foot setbacks have been most effective. A top-line 200 feet back with a dodger has also picked up fish. Small spinners, trolling flies, and micro hoochies have all been producing, especially in bright colors like orange, green, and watermelon. Dodgers and rudders are helping with attraction and line control. Water temperatures are holding around 41.5°F, and trolling speeds of 1.3-1.6 mph are working best.