Shasta Lake - Shasta Lake, CA

Lake 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
Shasta Lake
7-3-2026
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
Shasta Lake
7-3-2026
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
Shasta Lake
7-3-2026
8 lbs.
Kevin leads the pack with this Brown piggy
Photo Credit: Scott Caldwell
Shasta Lake
7-3-2026

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
Brown Trout 8 lbs. 7-03-2026 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

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
6-08-2026Rainbow TroutCDFW 
6-02-2026Chinook SalmonCDFW 
6-02-2026Kokanee SalmonCDFW 
6-01-2026Rainbow TroutCDFW 
4-27-2026Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-3-2026 Shasta Lake Fishing action doesn't get much better!
Shasta Lake is making my job look easy,... more »
Scott Caldwell
7-2-2026 Shasta Lake Red Hot fishing continues
What needs to be said is dont miss... more »
Scott Caldwell
7-1-2026 Shasta Lake Red Hot Hump Day
What needs to be said is dont miss... more »
Scott Caldwell
6-30-2026 Shasta Lake Red hot Tuesday Fishing
What needs to be said is dont miss... more »
Scott Caldwell
6-30-2026 Fair to good fishing
Fishing conditions:  Fair to Good Report: This is when things are... more »
The Fly Shop

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