Shasta Lake trout and salmon bite picking up steam!

Rainbows, kings, and Kokanee headed for the BBQ.
Photo Credit: JG Fishing Team

by Jeff Goodwin
5-11-2021
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We're closing in on mid May and on low water years, Shasta Lake trout and salmon fishing really takes off.  We've been hooking 15-20 trout and salmon on most trips the past week and a half or so and the bite is just going to get more consistent as we head into June.  We had well over 40 takedowns today between 2 boats fishing the main body of Shasta Lake resulting in 29 trout and salmon for todays clients to take home.  Many of the rainbows were hooked in the 25 foot range, but several salmon were hooked at 40-50' feet.  Spoons trolled at 2.5 mph have been pretty effective, but the dodger spoon combos are working great as well.  I'm not marking a lot of Shad in the lower lake yet, but when they do show up, the small shad size spoons will really get them to bite.  The Kokanee bite has been good early in the morning and we're seeing more Kings biting now as well.  Water temps are great at 66-68 degrees and with all the wind the lake has been seeing, the water is colored up just enough to create the best visibility levels for a good bite, especially early in the day.  

Jeff Goodwin is a full time Northern California fishing guide.  He guides year round for salmon, trout, steelhead, Kokanee, and bass on Northern California rivers and lakes. He fishes many bodies of water in the Redding area, but also guides the Sacramento River and Feather River during certain times of the year. Jeff can also be found on the California coast chasing ocean fresh King salmon and steelhead each year. To learn more about the fishing trips Jeff has to offer, please visit Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service.  You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or please feel free to call him anytime at (707) 616-1905.