Shasta Lake

Shasta County Trout, Salmon, Bass, Sturgeon, Crappie, Catfish, Bullhead

Shasta Lake Bite Meter

1 month ago

Brown Trout

Good

Rainbow Trout

Fair

Bass

Inconsistent

Shasta Lake Fishing Overview

Spanning over 30,000 acres and with depths plunging beyond 500 feet, Shasta Lake boasts a vast shoreline surrounded by dense forests, and a fishery perfect for a variety of anglers. Shasta Lake's trout fishery is exceptional, thanks to its deep, chilly waters and the CDFW's regular stockings of rainbow trout. Trolling is typically the best method for catching both rainbows and browns year-round, especially during late spring and summer. The cooler months bring the trout shallower as hold closer to shore. During this time, casting along the...

Spanning over 30,000 acres and with depths plunging beyond 500 feet, Shasta Lake boasts a vast shoreline surrounded by dense forests, and a fishery perfect for a variety of anglers.

Shasta Lake's trout fishery is exceptional, thanks to its deep, chilly waters and the CDFW's regular stockings of rainbow trout. Trolling is typically the best method for catching both rainbows and browns year-round, especially during late spring and summer. The cooler months bring the trout shallower as hold closer to shore. During this time, casting along the shoreline in the mornings and evenings can be particularly productive, especially for larger brown trout. King Salmon fingerlings are also occasionally stocked, with some trophys weighing in close to double digits.

Shasta Lake also has a robust warmwater fishery, notably for bass. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass populate the lake. Their activity level varies based on the lake's temperature and season. Largemouth bass are most active from late spring to summer, while smallmouth and spotted bass are more active during the transitional periods of early spring and late fall.

Shasta offers campgrounds, recreation areas, lodging, houseboats, and much more, attracting summer vacationers. It's important to note that dry winters can significantly affect Shasta Lake’s water levels, which in turn impacts boat launches, marinas, and other fisherman-friendly amenities. Always check water levels and launch availability before planning your trip.

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Species:

Rainbow Trout, King Salmon, Brown Trout, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Sturgeon, Channel Catfish, Bullhead, Crappie

Stocked Date:

Trout stocked 1 month ago - View Schedule

Forage / Baitfish:

Crawfish, Golden Shiner, Hardhead Minnow, Threadfin Shad

Structure / Terrain:

Coves, Docks, Points, Steep Banks

Trophy Fish:

Rainbow Trout: 8 lb 8 oz (2017)
Brown Trout: 10 lb 8 oz (2018)
Chinook Salmon: 8 lb (2018)
White Sturgeon: 190 lb (1977)
Spotted Bass: 8 lb 9 oz

Boating / Access:

Open to all boating

Regulations:

Quagga Mussel Inspection

Geography:

Max Depth: 517 ft

Surface Area: 30,016 acres

Surface Elevation: 1,067 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

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Shasta Lake

Feb 26

Shasta County

Public

Good Brown Trout bite

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass

44°F

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.

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6 anglers found this report useful

Shasta Lake

Dec 20, 2024

Shasta County

Public

Good Rainbow Trout bite

Trout, Bass

51°F

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.

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7 anglers found this report useful