Whiskeytown Lake is home to two distinct strains of kokanee that make their presence known through their spawning cycles: one strain breeds in September, while the other in November. Stocking events occur only during lean spawning years, so the majority of the kokanee are wild, reaching up to 19 inches.

Rainbow trout are also abundant in Whiskeytown Lake, especially in the early spring when the annual stockings occur. Brook and brown trout also inhabit Whiskeytown. The browns can grow up to 10 pounds and typically stay shallow during the spring and fall. In the summer, they dive deeper to chase schools of kokanee.

Spotted bass are another prominent species in Whiskeytown Lake. They group in rocky areas along the shoreline, generally remaining in 15-20 feet of water. These tenacious fighters are active year-round, although spring and fall tend to be their most active times.

Smallmouth bass fishing can also be productive, particularly around points and rocky drop-offs, although Whiskeytown's smallmouth bass don’t typically grow past two pounds. While largemouth bass are less common, they can still be caught, especially during the warmer months.

Whiskeytown Lake offers boat launches, marinas, and campgrounds. For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, hotels are available in the nearby towns of Shasta and Redding. Although there are public shore fishing areas, many charge an access fee.