Fishing Shasta Lake In Northern CA

AKA: Lake Shasta

Popular Fish Species
Shasta Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Shasta Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species Shasta Lake, CA

Shasta Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Shasta Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Brown and brook trout also reside her in decent numbers. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Shasta Lake Popular Fish - Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing

Chinook Salmon, like all Pacific salmon, die after spawning. Fishing for salmon can allow anglers the opportunity to catch large specimens. They grow large and put up a great fight when hooked. Chinook Salmon have been stocked in Shasta Lake for many years. Fish for chinook with down riggers to troll around the thermocline. Use flashers, trailed with bait for best results. The current California state record for chinook salmon stands at over 20 pounds. Chinook salmon are also known as king salmon.

Shasta Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Shasta Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Shasta Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, bluegill, green sunfish, chinook salmon and sturgeon at Shasta Lake in California.

As one of the premiere tourist attractions, Lake Shasta gets lots of attention from anglers and vacationers alike. It is a 29,700 acre lake, located near Redding, CA in Shasta County. This famous bass fishery is also home to excellent trout and salmon fishing. Add catfish, sunfish and the potential to catch a monster sturgeon, and you have a great place to go fishing in Northern California. Just a few miles off Interstate 5, it has easy access with lots of amenities. This is a great place for kayak fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Shasta Lake.

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Shasta Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Bridge Bay at Shasta Lake
Rentals: Fishing boats and patio boats
530 275-3021

Digger Bay Marina at Shasta Lake
Rentals: Fishing boats
530 275-3072

Holiday Harbor Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and patio boats
530 238-2383

Silverthorn Resort Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, deck boats and patio boats
800 332-3044

Marinas

Digger Bay Marina at Shasta Lake
15090 Digger Bay Rd
Shasta Lake, CA 96019
530 275-3072

Holiday Harbor Marina
20061 Shasta Caverns Rd
O'Brien, CA 96051
530 238-2383

Silverthorn Resort Marina
16250 Silverthorn Rd
Redding, CA 96003
800 332-3044

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bailey Cove Public Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, in the McCloud River Arm, west side, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Bridge Bay at Shasta Lake
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the south end of the Cascade Wonderland Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Centimudi Boat Launch
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Kennett Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hirz Bay Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, west side, off Hirz Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Holiday Harbor Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, in the McCloud River Arm, west side, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Jones Valley Public Boat Launch
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity Nra, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Packers Bay Public Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Packers Bay Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Sugarloaf Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Shore Drive, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.