Shasta Lake - Shasta Lake, CA

Spot Information

Fish Species: American Shad, Chinook Salmon, White Sturgeon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Black Crappie, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Flathead Catfish
Shasta Lake, CA, is California's largest reservoir, boasting an exceptionally diverse fishery. It is renowned for its prolific spotted and largemouth bass populations, alongside excellent rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and landlocked Chinook salmon. Optimal angling for bass involves finesse techniques around submerged timber; for trout/salmon/kokanee, trolling with downriggers at specific depths is paramount. Water levels fluctuate significantly, impacting access and fish distribution. Water temperature dictates species location. Extensive public boat launches provide access to this vast lake. Adherence to CDFW regulations is crucial for sustainable management of this premier multi-species destination



Latest Photos

Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
9-23-2025
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
9-23-2025
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
9-23-2025
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
9-23-2025

Shasta Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Flathead Catfish 14 lbs. 9-07-2022 View Report
Brown Trout 10 lbs. 8 oz. 3-16-2018 View Report
Rainbow Trout 8 lbs. 8 oz. 9-04-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 8 lbs. 9-04-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 8 lbs. 8-27-2017 View Report
Chinook Salmon 8 lbs. 8-24-2018 View Report
Rainbow Trout 7 lbs. 8 oz. 8-30-2017 View Report
Brown Trout 7 lbs. 8 oz. 9-06-2017 View Report
Brown Trout 7 lbs. 2 oz. 8-04-2018 View Report
Rainbow Trout 7 lbs. 8-24-2017 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
10-20-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
10-06-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-19-2025Rainbow Troutcdfw 
5-12-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-12-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
11-18-2025 Good reports of trout and bass coming to shad patterns and Woolley Buggers
Good reports of trout and bass coming to... more »
The Fly Shop
11-12-2025 Trout will be congregating in preparation for their spawning runs and will be chowing on whatever is hatching
Good reports of trout and bass coming to... more »
The Fly Shop
11-5-2025 Good reports of trout and bass coming to shad patterns and Woolley Buggers
Good reports of trout and bass coming to... more »
The Fly Shop
10-28-2025 Good reports of trout and bass coming to shad patterns and Woolley Buggers
Good reports of trout and bass coming to... more »
The Fly Shop
10-22-2025 Good reports of trout and bass
Good reports of trout and bass coming to... more »
The Fly Shop

Detailed Map