TUG IS THE DRUG – MONTHLY SHASTA FISHING REPORT JUNE-JULY 2025
Water temps are climbing, fish are active, and post-spawn patterns are shifting into full summer mode. Whether you’re casting early topwater or trolling deep for trout and kokanee, this is the time to be on the water.
The lake is busy with summer traffic, house boaters and people on vacation so be careful!
Reminder: California requires Boater Cards—stay legal and safe.
Golden Mussel Alert: Some Northern California water bodies have begun inspecting boats for Golden Mussels, an invasive species not yet established in the region. These mussels can damage infrastructure and fisheries if introduced. Be prepared for possible inspection checkpoints and follow all posted signage at launch sites.
Always check local inspection protocols before trailering between lakes and make sure you have the proper inspection documentation
More information can be found here –
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Golden-Mussel
Lake Shasta
- Water Temp: ~67–70°F
- Lake Level: ~19 feet from full pool
Fishing Report:
Bass: Spotted and largemouth bass are feeding aggressively. Early mornings are best with topwater baits like walking baits (VooDoo Walkers), and buzzbaits. Midday, shift to drop shot rigs, jigs, worms and shad-style swimbaits along points and submerged trees.
Trout & Salmon: Excellent early-season action continues. Troll 20–40 feet down with side planers or downriggers using hoochies, flashers, and spoons. Look for suspended schools off the main channel and near dam points. All can be found at Phils Propellers
Tip: Fish transition deeper after 9 AM—track thermoclines and use electronics to locate bait balls.
Whiskeytown Lake
- Water Temp: ~64–66°F
- Lake Level: ~2 feet below full
Fishing Report:
Kokanee: Consistent bite from 15–75 feet, with fish moving deeper each week. Troll pink or orange hoochies behind UV dodgers at 1.2–1.5 mph. Bite peaks early and fades by midday.
Other Species: Some reports of spotted bass on rocky banks and trout holding deep near creek mouths.
Tip: Add scent to your rigs and vary dodger size to trigger reaction strikes. Book local guides for your best chances at Kokanee!
Trinity Lake
- Water Temp: 62–68°F (fluctuating with elevation and wind)
- Lake Level: ~22 feet below crest
Fishing Report:
Bass: Improving steadily. Look for fish staging around creek mouths and submerged flats. Ned rigs, soft jerkbaits, and finesse jigs are working in 10–20 feet of water.
Trout: Still hit-or-miss. Best success from trollers running flashers and worms in 30–50 feet of water.
Tip: Focus your time early or late; midday surface activity slows dramatically.
Lake Britton
- Water Temp: ~68–70°F
- Lake Level: At or slightly above seasonal average
- Flow Alert: River below the dam is flowing at ~360 cfs—wade carefully
Fishing Report:
Trout: Excellent dry fly-fishing during evening hatches. Local fly anglers report rising rainbows and consistent surface activity. Nymph rigs and small streamers are producing during the day.
Bass & Crappie: Largemouth and smallmouth bass are active near rocky points and structure. Crappie are found around submerged timber and brush piles, try mini-jigs or small live minnows.
Panfish: Bluegill and perch are biting in the coves and along weed lines.
Tip: Early morning topwater near the bridge and inlets can be surprisingly productive for both trout and bass.
Quick Reminders:
- California Boater Card
- Clean, Drain, Dry – help prevent invasive species
- Launch early to beat the weekend crowd
Got a good catch? We want to see it!
Post it, tag us with #TugIsTheDrug #FishShasta, and share your haul. You might be featured in our next Shasta Fishing Report!
Tight lines out there – and always remember: The Tug Is The Drug!
Fishing-Friendly Hotels
Lodging options with plenty of space for your boats and toys.
Contact Us
Got questions about anything fishing-related in Shasta County, or want to share some of your photos? Please use the contact form on this page.
Shasta Fishing Report prepared by:
