Winter King bite on Shasta Lake surprisingly good!

Shasta Lake - Shasta Lake, CA (Shasta County)

Winter King bite on Shasta Lake surprisingly good!
Photo Credit: Jeff Goodwin Guide Service

by Jeff Goodwin
1-29-2025
Website

As of January 29, 2025, King salmon fishing on Shasta Lake is currently in its off-season, but fishing surprisingly good! We found all of our bites today at 100'-110' deep. Please note that peak activity typically occurrs from June through September. Anglers can always expect favorable conditions for targeting King salmon, which are often found in deeper waters ranging from 80 to 140 feet. Utilizing downriggers or Chinook Divers is recommended to effectively reach these depths. Trolling with dodger/flasher setups paired with Brad's cut plugs, super baits, or large plug-cut anchovies has proven successful. Early mornings are generally the most productive times for fishing but today our best bite window was from 10:00 to noon.

 

Shasta Lake also offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing year round. Recent reports indicate that anglers have been successfully catching big rainbow and brown trout and so have we. The lakes water levels are stable at 38' feet down, and the water color is a favorable green, with temperatures around 48 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are ideal for trout and salmon fishing, especially during the winter and early spring months. Summer water temps are much warmer and sometimes exceed 85 degrees on the lake surface  

 

For those eager to plan their King salmon or trout fishing trips, its advisable to start preparing for the upcoming summer season but it's actually pretty good right now. Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service will have multiple U.S. Forest Service-permitted guides available for Shasta Lake fishing trips this summer, aiming to accommodate numerous anglers in the coming months. To inquire about trip details and available dates, you can contact Jaynie at (530) 510-2925.

 

Remember to respect bag and size limits which is 5 trout and 5 salmon and adhere to all state fishing regulations to help maintain a healthy fish population in Shasta Lake. Bringing a cooler with ice can help keep your catch in good condition for consumption after a rewarding day of fishing. Each day on the lake is unique, and weather conditions can influence fish feeding habits and activity levels, so patience and consistency are key.

 

In summary, while King salmon fishing is currently in its off-peak season, it's currently very worthwhile for those looking to catch winter Kings on Shasta Lake. Shasta provides ample trout fishing opportunities to enjoy year round while waiting for  the peak salmon season to begin in the summer months ahead.

 

Photo Credit: Jeff Goodwin Guide Service
Photo Credit: Jeff Goodwin Guide Service
Photo Credit: Jeff Goodwin Guide Service

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.



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