Shasta Lake Fishing Report

Shasta Lake is in a transition phase, and while the fish are there, getting them to commit has been the challenge. Bass have been finicky—spinnerbaits have drawn some action shallow, especially when it’s windy, but actual hookups have been inconsistent. Anglers are also dropping swimbaits and other soft plastics for suspended fish around dropoffs and points in 25 feet and finding a few bites, but nothing worth getting too excited about. Water temps are still hovering in the mid-40s, which isn’t helping.

On the trout side, browns have been the most active, according to guide Jeff Goodwin, but rainbows should start to show more as the weather warms. The CDFW has dropped in a few big stocks lately as well. Right now, trolling has been best, with side planers and divers getting lures in front of fish. Goodwin reports that smaller spoons and stick baits have been the most effective. Bait has been hit-or-miss, so it’s best used as a backup plan rather than the main strategy.

With a warming trend on the way, expect a better bite in the coming weeks. Bass should respond to improving conditions, and rainbows will become more active as insect activity picks up.

Lake Shasta’s been on the rise after some heavy rains, jumping nearly 20 feet in just a month. Despite rising water levels, conditions are still good. Guide Jeff Goodwin reports water temps are in the low 50s, which has brought fish feeding closer to the surface—great news for anyone running side planers. Downriggers set at 30-40 feet are still picking up the occasional deeper fish. Spoons are doing most of the heavy lifting right now, along with stick baits. Ideal trolling speeds are in the 2.8-3.2 mph range.

For fly anglers, the brown trout action from shore has been very good lately. If you’re after spotted bass, they’re still biting, but cooler water is slowing things down a bit. Dropshots and small swimbaits fished from the surface down to 30+ feet are your best bet.

Conditions look promising for both browns and rainbows heading into late December and should stay good well into spring.

The bass and trout bite is very good at Shasta right now. Spots are keying in on shad from the shallows down to 30+ feet. Swimbaits, hula grubs, dropshots, and Ned rigs are all pulling quality fish. Reports indicate the eastern arms have been best.

The CDFW dropped in a rainbow stocking this week, and anglers are finding fish near Jones Valley. Boaters and shore casters are both tossing spoons and spinners with tons of action. Fly anglers are also catching fish. Holdover trout are moving out of the deep and up the water column... getting in on the shad. Most action is from 15 feet to the surface.