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How To Fish Whiskeytown Lake | Your Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Report

Whiskeytown Lake is a small reservoir in California that just 9.5 mils from Redding, 266 miles away from San Francisco, or 555 miles away from Los Angeles. 

Overall it’s a relatively quiet lake for its size and is known as the “locals lake” in California. During the summer it can get pretty popular on the weekends. Although it’s closer to Redding, it’s not as busy as some of the other lakes in this area, such as Trinity Lake or Shasta Lake. In this post you’re going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake.

So what are the best tips for fishing Whiskeytown Lake?  There are three important factors you must know  if you want to know how to fish Whiskeytown Lake successfully. First, you need to know what kind of fish is in Whiskeytown Lake. Second, it’s important for you to know which part of the lake each species can be found. Lastly, knowing what are the best baits that work on Whiskeytown Lake is vital.  However, tactics, baits, and locations will be different for each type of fish that you target. So let’s talk about the steps you need to take in order to give you the best chance of catching a fish on Trinity Lake.

Key Takeaways

This lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer, such as trout, salmon, bass, catfish, bluegill, and much, much more!

Here’s the most recent and updated Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Report – it gives you a quick and easy list of some really good fishing spots. If you’re looking for more detail on how to fish each spot scroll down into the article. 

  • Whiskeytown Dam
  • Whiskeytown Bridge
  • Midlake Ridges
  • The Bluffs
  • Oak Bottom

Here are some additional fast and helpful tips just for you: 

  • The easiest way to fish this lake is by boat, but there are areas to fish from the bank, or by kayak or float tube.
  • There are public boat ramps to use.
  • Camping and RV parking is available.
  • You can buy tackle and groceries at the lake or at one of the tackle shops in Redding.

About Whiskeytown Lake

photo: fs.usda.gov

Whiskeytown Lake’s main function is a part of California’s Central Valley Project, which supplies water for agriculture and generates hydroelectric power in the Central Valley.

Whiskeytown Lake is a deep body of water with the average depth being 120 feet and a maximum depth of 240 feet when the lake is completely full.

Fishing Whiskeytown Lake can be incredible when you have over over 3,400 acres to fish.

Important Lake Warnings

The lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing. Personal watercraft (such as jet skis) are not permitted in the lake, though.

Due to excessive mercury levels, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish taken in Whiskeytown Lake.

Algae blooms may be present which may affect fishing, swimming, and water contact in general. 

According to parks.ca.gov, “every one of California’s new laws requires boat operators to have a California Boating Card. The card is required for anyone under the age of 41 to operate a boat in California’s waters.”

If you are fishing and camping, fire bans may be in effect due to the ongoing drought conditions.

———HUGE FISHING BLUEPRINT NATIONAL PROMOTION!———

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What Kind Of Fish Are In Whiskeytown Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Kokanee (landlocked Sockeye Salmon)
  • Chinook Salmon (aka King Salmon)
  • White Catfish
  • Bullhead Catfish
  • Sunfish

Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Tips & General Strategies

It can be a challenge to break down this body of water… So that’s why I created this Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Report to help you to easily start catching fish fast! 

This lake’s water clarity can be nearly gin clear, with clarity ranging 12 to 20 feet.  At 50 to 100 feet, the thermocline forms in the summer, and turn over happens late in the fall.

The lake can be broken down into several sections. The main lower lake, the Clear Creek Arm, and the Whiskey Creek Arm.

There are smaller coves and creeks that are featured on this lake, however the majority of fishing will be in one of those general locations. 

Whiskeytown Lake is quickly being known to be one of the best kokanee salmon fisheries in the state.

You can also catch giant King (Chinook) Salmon by testing your luck by finding these beautiful fish suspended over deep water primarily by the dam. Luckily they also share the same water as the kokanee, so who knows what species you’ll catch! 

Many Anglers say the best time to fish for king salmon is in the middle to late spring.

There is a common saying on this lake that if you want to catch a King Salmon then you need to find the thermocline first, then the bait – the salmon will be close by.

Big rainbow trout also inhabit Whiskeytown Lake. They can be found near the dam and over deep water in the multiple river arms of Whiskeytown Lake.

There are also brown trout in this Lake as well. Unfortunately they are very hard to catch even for  experienced fishermen.

When the water cools especially during the fall and winter brown trout are the easiest to be caught. You can also catch them in the early to mid fall when they run up the rivers to spawn. 

These trout also suspend around the thermocline, so it’s not uncommon to catch both species of fish the same day while fishing the same location.

Spotted bass are the primary species of bass in this lake, followed by largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. 

Bass in this lake prefer five main types of cover; ledges and large rock piles facing north, rocky points that extend from the shore line down to the bottom of the lake, submerged trees, road beds, and finally wood log and floating debris mats or canopies. 

Most of the fish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish will spawn in the spring. 

Largemouth bass will spawn most commonly in the backs of coves where vegetation and gravel meet, normally in 1 to 8 feet of water. Whereas, spotted bass and smallmouth bass prefer deeper rocky points and banks 5 to 15 feet deep.

Bass will spawn in 1’-15’-feet of water notably on rocky structure, gravel flats, humps, and small creek inlets and cuts.  

If you can find the ideal spot at the ideal depth then it will most likely assist you in catching fish.

But Where Are The Best Places To Fish At Whiskeytown Lake?

And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Whiskeytown Lake.

DISCLAIMER:  The material provided is for general information purposes only. It’s important to understand that any information provided in this article can change at any time. Any maps or graphics featured are not to be used as navigational aids. Fishing Blueprint will not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage from any misuse of the maps or graphics provided.   It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish.  But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.

Whiskeytown Dam

Fishing just outside the buoy line of Whiskeytown Dam can catch you an abundance of salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, and even some brown trout.

This section of the lake can get very windy. And even with the best trolling motor the wind can quickly blow you off your spot which will significantly decrease your chances of catching a fish..

That is why we strongly suggest buying a quality drift sock. For those who don’t know, a drift sock is like a parachute for the water. If it’s breezy to windy, you need to slow your drift otherwise your lure will not be in the strike zone long enough to catch a fish.

By the way, we found a really good quality drift sock made by Mythik Outdoors, and best of all they’re sold on Amazon.com. Go here to learn more about drift socks and read the reviews from actual customers.  

Look carefully at this spot using a topographic map…

The above picture will show you some of the structure the fish love to hold around; points, steep walls, and shelves with steep ledges.

Some of the effective baits for this area include: 

But wait! Before you tie on any bait nearly every professional fishing guide will strongly encourage the use of a fish attractor like a quality flasher or dodger 2-3 feet in front of any lure. This helps get the fish’s attention, kinda like ringing a dinner bell!

Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or  Hus-Lure. Trolling spoons have an unpredictable, minnow-like motion that delivers bone-crushing strikes. Even the slowest current brings these lures to life. Add extra motion by twitching the rod tip and enabling the bait to pop and dart forward and flutter back. 

Inline spinners such as the Bang-Tail and Shyster are non-twist spinners that boast an immediate spin blade design for incredibly rapid start-ups and the best slow retrieve performance.

Many anglers also place their confidence in the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax inline spinner. This little bait is a compact shallow running lure that performs best in 2 to 6 feet of water, depending on the speed of the retrieve or trolling speed. The patented two-part body emits low-frequency sound vibrations that attract fish. This lure is best used in lakes, rivers, and streams.

Minnow style baits also work very well either cast-and-retrieved or trolled. These perform best if the water is clear/slightly stained. The Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow are constructed from hard plastic, have a wide wobble action, and are extremely durable.  Whereas the Rapala Original Floating Minnow and the Ultra Light Minnow (all are slow sinking)  both give you a tighter wobble perfect for clear water and pressured fishing conditions. 

Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit! 

Now if you’re fishing from the shore, kayak, or even from the shore you should also consider using these additional baits: 

  • Real or artificial corn – great because it will never spoil or mold over 
  • Natural salmon eggs – it’s hard to beat natural salmon eggs when trout are eating salmon eggs, they’ll eat up jars of this stuff!
  • Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions
  • Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers
  • Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die)
  • Dough bait – great because they stay on the hook really well, it floats if you put enough on the hook, comes in a variety of colors and scents. 
  • Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface. 
  • Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. 

    • Steamer flies – These mimic larger animals found in streams, rivers, and lakes including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish.

    Oh, before I forget, did you know that there is an article about how to troll for salmon, trout, and kokanee the right way? Go here to find out more. 

    Located: south end of lake

    Structural features: deep open water, ledges, and drop offs 

    Best species to target: King salmon, lake trout, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout

    Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, float tube

    Whiskeytown Bridge

    This narrow section of the lake is home to trout, salmon and bass. 

    Trout and salmon are most commonly caught offshore or near the dropoffs, humps, and near the deep section of the dam. 

    Look carefully at this spot using a topographic map…

    Some of the effective baits for trout this area include: Fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Quick Fish, streamers and flies. You can also use real or artificial corn, natural salmon eggs, artificial salmon eggs, real worms such as meal worms or nightcrawlers, artificial worms, and dough bait. Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit!

    Located: north section of the lake

    Structural features: steep cold river channel, boulder piles, ledges, points and cuts.

    Best species to target: Trout, kokanee and salmon

    Most effective way to fish this spot: boat

    Midlake Structures

    This section of the lake has a line of submerged structure the trout, kokanee, or salmon love to hunt around. 

    The structure is best described as steep drop offs, humps, and ridges. 

    Fishing closer to the banks (ie over the boulder piles and ledges) are great during the late spring and early summer. Otherwise they will migrate to the main lake and suspend deep in 80-100-feet of water, so trolling with a good downrigger is a must in order to catch them. 

    In the winter and late spring trout will suspend between 20-40 feet in the middle of the river channel, so you can get away trolling without a downrigger. 

    Look carefully at this spot using a topographic map…

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    The Bluffs

    The Bluffs is located between Dows Gulch and Whiskeytown Dam. 

    One of its defining features is it is incredibly steep and drops into 180+ feet of water which makes this an excellent place to troll for cold-water fish like kokanee, lake trout, and king salmon. 

    Closer to the shore this area is phenominal for smallmouth and spotted bass. 

    Look carefully at this spot using a topographic map…

    Downriggers and drift socks aid in catching these trout that are suspended over deep water 80-150-feet deep during the late springtime all the way through late summertime.

    Some of the effective baits for this area include: Fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Quick Fish, streamers and flies. You can also use real or artificial corn, natural salmon eggs, artificial salmon eggs, real worms such as meal worms or nightcrawlers, artificial worms, and dough bait. Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit!

    Located: between West Bay and South Bay. 

    Structural features: Steep clay and rocky banks, deep channels and drop offs.

    Best species to target: Trout and salmon

    Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat Trolling with a downrigger, trolling without a downrigger

    Oak Bottom

    This section of the lake offers anglers submerged natural humps and ridges that are created by sharp channel turns of Clear Creek.

    largemouth bass will be caught in the backs of the bays, whereas smallmouth and spotted bass will be frequently caught along the rocky shoreline. 

    This area is targeted primarily for trout and salmon in deeper water, however the fish can be caught shallow in winter and early spring. 

    In the winter and spring this area can be great and trout will hold between 20-40 feet so you can get away trolling without a downrigger. 

    However, during the summer these fish will be holding deep in 80-100-feet of water, so trolling with a good downrigger is a must in order to catch them. 

    Look carefully at this spot using a topographic map…

    Some of the effective baits for this area include: Fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Quick Fish, streamers and flies. You can also use real or artificial corn, natural salmon eggs, artificial salmon eggs, real worms such as meal worms or nightcrawlers, artificial worms, and dough bait. Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit!

    Located: south section of the lake

    Structural features: natural humps, bars and ridges

    Best species to target: Trout, kokanee, and salmon

    Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak

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    How To Catch Fish In Whiskeytown Lake?

    Rainbow Trout

    California Department of Fish and Wildlife grows and stocks local lakes and reservoirs like this lake with Rainbow Trout.

    Due to this lake being relatively unpressured, deep, and colder, and most other desert reservoirs, the stocked trout do very well. 

    Furthermore, trout are produced in local fisheries, they are healthy and have no limit on the amount of trout that can be consumed.

    Typically trout are stocked frequently, however, it can vary. 

    Sometimes you’ll read this lake has steelhead trout, but no rainbow trout, or visa versa… 

    This can be confusing for a lot of people. Are rainbow trout and steelhead trout the same?

    Short answer, they are nearly the same species.

    But, if you have ever wondered, what is the real difference between a rainbow trout and a steelhead trout? We wrote a definitive report called, “What’s the Difference Between A Rainbow Trout Vs Steelhead”.  Click here to read it, so you can end the confusion once and for all. 

    General Trout Details

    Spawn: March-May

    Food: insects and crustaceans. 

    California State Record: 27 lbs 0 oz. Caught 10/02/2005 in Lake Natoma.

    Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

    Angling techniques:

    • Trolling with or without downriggers
    • Trolling flies
    • Fish attractor such as a  flasher or a dodger – great when trolling.
    • Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or  Hus-Lure – simple, easy to use, can be trolled or cast-retrieved at any speed.
    • Inline spinners such as the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner, Bang-Tail and Shyster – get a ton of bites.
    • Minnow style baits such as the Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow – known to hook up giant fish.
    • Real or artificial corn – great because it will never spoil or mold over.
    • Natural salmon eggs – it’s hard to beat natural salmon eggs at bait. When trout are eating salmon eggs, they’ll eat up a couple of jars in less than an hour!
    • Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions.
    • Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers.
    • Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die.
    • Dry flies (floating flies) – The insects that land, float, or live on top of the water, which are represented by dry flies. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
    • Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.  
    • Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.  

      • Steamer flies – They can also mimic larger animals found in streams and rivers, including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation. 

        • **The number one key to successful trout fishing, is to use light line (2 to 6 pound) and small hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers.

          Brown Trout

          In California, this is the only fish with both red and black patches on its body.

          A pale/off-white halo usually surrounds dark patches on the sides.

          On the back, the color ranges from dark to olive brown, dipping to yellow on the sides, and yellow or white on the belly.

          In larger fish, breeding males have lower chin that will create a hooked jaw. The corner of the mouth extends past the eye, resulting in a huge mouth.

          Brown trout are not native to California, nor to North America for that matter. They were first imported to California in 1893 and originated in Europe.

          Brown trout will commonly feed during the day if they are not bothered. Larger fish, on the other hand, are mainly nocturnal.

          Brown trout are very aggressive feeders and will readily eat a streamer fly, casting upstream or into the wind. 

          Artificial baits such as in-line spinners or small Rapala minnow bait work phenomenally.  

          Live nightcrawlers, or minnows on a #6-#8 hooks are excellent baits.

          If you can find any waterfall or spillway, spend some time fishing it because brown trout will often wait to ambush any prey that happens to drift over them in those areas.

          Likewise, if you’re in a boat on the main lake some of the best ways to catch brown trout is to troll for these behemoths. 

          General Trout Details

          Spawn: October-December

          Food: Insects, small fish and crustaceans. 

          California State Record: 26 lbs 8 oz. Caught 04/30/1987 in Twin Lakes.

          Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

          Angling techniques:

          • Trolling with or without downriggers
          • Trolling flies
          • Fish attractor such as a  flasher or a dodger – great when trolling.
          • Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or  Hus-Lure – simple, easy to use, can be trolled or cast-retrieved at any speed.
          • Inline spinners such as the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner, Bang-Tail and Shyster – get a ton of bites.
          • Minnow style baits such as the Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow – known to hook up giant fish.
          • Real or artificial corn – great because it will never spoil or mold over.
          • Natural salmon eggs – it’s hard to beat natural salmon eggs at bait. When trout are eating salmon eggs, they’ll eat up a couple of jars in less than an hour!
          • Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions.
          • Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers.
          • Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die.
          • Dry flies (floating flies) – The insects that land, float, or live on top of the water, which are represented by dry flies. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.
          • Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.  
          • Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation.  

            • Steamer flies – They can also mimic larger animals found in streams and rivers, including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish. Investing in a kit gives you a wide assortment of flies and a good selection of types and sizes allow you to quickly adjust to any situation. 

              • **The number one key to successful trout fishing, is to use light line (2 to 6 pound) and small hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers.

              Brook Trout

              Brook trout are the only fish in California with a vermiculate appearance on their backs and upper sides that appears wavy, almost worm-like.

              They have red specks encircled by blue halos and are olive-green to olive-brown in color, with reddish tints.

              Pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins with white-leading edges are the most prominent features of a brook trout.

              Brook trout are opportunistic eaters who eat tiny crawfish, worms, minnows, and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

              They eat whatever is accessible to them. Anglers love them because they can accept a variety of flies and lures and are not as finicky as other species of trout. 

              Brook Trout fishing is comparable to Rainbow Trout fishing in rivers or lakes.

              The best spinners are #0 Mepps,  #0 Blue Foxes, 1/16-ounce Kastmasters, Panther Martins, Small Cleos, even Mepps Syclops all are great.

              Worms and natural bugs like grasshoppers, woolly buggers, and floating flies are great patterns to consider.

              General Brook Trout Details

              Spawn: October-November

              Food: Insects, small fish, and crustaceans. 

              California State Record: 9 lbs 12 oz. Caught 09/99/1932 in Silver Lake.

              Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

              Angling techniques:

              Chinook “King” Salmon

              These landlocked salmon (commonly called King Salmon because they are the largest species of salmon found in the Pacific), with some fish weighing in at 10 to 12 pounds!  However, most of the fish will weigh in around 2-4-pounds.

              These fish may be found in deep water (40-80-feet) throughout the year, but they are particularly abundant in the main channel near the dam in March. Try trolling with live anchovies or shad, as well as shad-like lures and spoons.

              In the summer and fall, trolling shad is the easiest method to capture huge salmon and trout.

              Salmon and trout chase shad to the surface, which is one of the most well guarded secrets.

              If you notice them eating bait balls, you have to start trolling shad or something that can come close to matching the hatch.

              Sure, worms and egg sacks will catch them, but why not make it simpler on yourself and troll what they eat the most?

              Shad is a natural food source for these landlocked monsters.

              In a typical California reservoir, shad may be found in the vast majority of them, otherwise minnows and other small baitfish will work just fine 

              General King Salmon Details

              Spawn: September – December

              Food: Insects, small crustaceans, shad or other small fish. 

              California State Record: 65 lbs 4 oz. Caught 8/21/2002 in Crescent City.

              Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

              Angling techniques:

              Kokanee Salmon

              The landlocked Sockeye salmon are known as Kokanee.

              Kokanee salmon mature in lakes or reservoirs and move into streams in the fall to spawn, whereas Sockeye salmon mature in the ocean and migrate into streams.

              Kokanee were initially introduced to California waters as fingerlings in 1941.

              While our drought is a serious issue that is unlikely to go away anytime in the near future, there is more than enough water to target kokanee.

              Yes, the water level is at 50%, and the fish are not holding over the traditional fishing spots.

              So it’s just a matter of fishing the right locations at the right depth…

              That’s where having the right electronics really helps.

              We anglers must work harder than we’re used to in order to catch these cold-water beauties.

              Kokanee can be caught dodgers, spinners, spoons, and even simple red hooks. 

              To attract the attention of the fish, anglers will tip their spinners and spoons with bits of corn or use an attractant. 

              Because this fish has a mouth full of sharp teeth which can easily cut a line, a lead leader is strongly recommended.

              Kokanee will be seeking cooler water in June, which will most likely be 100-200-feet water depth, so trolling with a downrigger is absolutely a must.

              By the way, if you don’t know how to use a downrigger, that’s okay! A lot of fishing guides we talked to don’t like to talk about such an effective way to fish. Regardless, you deserve to know… click here to learn more

              General Kokanee Details

              Spawn: September – December

              Food: Zooplanton, insects, small crustaceans, shad or other small fish. 

              California State Record: 5 lbs 2 oz. Caught 7/20/2013 in Lake Tahoe.

              Table Quality: Depending on the fishes diet, the meat can be white to orange-red in color. The meat is firm, flaky, and is considered excellent eating.

              Angling techniques:

              On a Side Note: Tips For Trolling for Trout, King Salmon, or Kokanee

              If you have access to a boat or kayak, try to put as many lures in the water as possible (obviously, check local laws, regulations, and restrictions, as well as knowing if certain locations have limits) and as far away from the boat as feasible.

              Some utilize planer boards and even down riggers to keep the lines away from the boat.

              Here’s where a smart professional fishing-guide can and will hook you up with some of the biggest, toughest-fighting fish you’ll ever encounter.

              Having high-quality electronics aids in establishing the depth at which fish are continuously feeding, as well as which food source is being consumed the most frequently.

              If you examine the shoreline’s structure along with using your fish finder, study the underwater topography of the lake.

              If you notice a cliff, it’s likely that the water at its base is deep. 

              If you observe a chain of islands or exposed main lake humps, there’s a good chance there’s a shallow shoal or channel between them.

              Trout prefer drop-offs, channels, and ledges, so you’ll want to troll parallel to these locations rather than over them. 

              If you stumble upon a place and catch a trout, there’s a good chance there are more.


              Luckily there is an in-depth report that you can access, called How To Troll for Trout [A Beginner’s Guide], you’ll learn all the special tips and strategies many of the fishing guides will keep to themselves. Click here to learn more, so you can extend your fishing season all year long.

              Largemouth Bass

              You may be wondering… How do you fish for bass in Whiskeytown Lake?

              Largemouth bass is a carnivorous member of the sunfish family.

              California grows some MONSTER bass.  At any time you could hook into a bass that could be your all-time personal best.  

              In general, if the water clarity is clear to a slightly stained lake. Meaning finesse techniques (like drop shot fishing), small lures (like football jigs), and thin diameter line gets you the most bites when the wind is calm. 

              On the other hand, if the water is moderately stained or murky, then you need to choose darker lures. This also means you can get away with using thicker diameter line.

              Since the 1980’s this lake has been stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass. Bass fishing in this lake is not as popular as trout or salmon fishing. Luckily, you can still catch a giant bass by lobbying large swimbaits for glide baits in trout patterns. 

              Once your arm gets tired you can still catch a ton of fish by throwing a drop shot rig, small crankbait, or dragging a Texas rigged Senko around a fish attracting structure.

              If that doesn’t catchem, you can switch to either a drop shot rig or a Neko rig and target points, boulders, or channel swings. 

              That’s why we wrote this Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Report for you… so you can get the inside scoop about the top spots and best lures to use to help you out…

              If you’re still not sure how to catch a bass, don’t worry. A complete section on Bass Fishing 101 was written to help you out. In that section, you’ll learn about the top ways to get you catching bass fast.

              Read more: Beginner’s Guide To Bass Fishing Basics – Tips, Secrets & Things To Avoid

              General Largemouth Bass Details

              Spawn: Spring, March-May

              Food: Shad, minnows, small trout, small salmon, bluegill, perch, crayfish

              California State Record: 21lbs 12 oz. Caught in 1991 in Castaic Lake at the main boat ramp.

              Table Quality: Decent. Firm white meat. 

              Angling techniques:

              Smallmouth Bass

              Smallmouth bass are a sibling species closely related to largemouth bass. They have a pretty brown/golden color and carry the nickname of “bronzeback”. There are a few physical features that make it different from the largemouth bass. Aside from being bronze in color, they will have gray-brown vertical bands and the most defining feature is the jaw does not extend past its eye. 

              Overall, smallmouth bass are most likely going about half the size of largemouth bass. However, pound for pound, a smallmouth can be incredibly aggressive and will put up an amazing fight. 

              General Smallmouth Bass Details

              Spawn: March-May

              Food: fish, crustaceans. 

              California State Record: 9 lbs 13 oz. Caught 7/3/2007 in Pardee Reservoir.

              Table Quality: Similar to a largemouth bass it’s firm, white, flaky, mild-tasting

              Angling techniques:

              Spotted Bass

              Spotted bass is a cousin to a largemouth bass and shares some similarities and differences. 

              Both are extremely hard fighters and very fun to catch. 

              A spotted bass’ jaw does not reach over its eye line. The jaw of a largemouth bass is longer and extends over the eye line.

              On a spotted bass, the dorsal fin is clearly attached and has a mild slope. The dorsal fin of a largemouth bass is separate, or nearly so. This is most likely the most important difference between the two species.

              A connected irregular dark lateral line runs along the side of a Spotted Bass. There is no discernible lateral line in largemouth bass.

              Drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, and Mojo rig (which is a modified split shot rig that won’t damage your line) around fallen trees or rock piles. Senko’s along with peanut butter and jelly colored jigs are a great color all year round. 

              General Spotted Bass Details

              Spawn: March-May

              Food: fish, crustaceans. 

              California State Record: 11 lbs 4 oz. Caught 2/12/2017 in New Bullards Bar Reservoir.

              Table Quality: Similar to a largemouth bass it’s firm, white, flaky, mild-tasting

              Angling techniques:

              White and Black Crappie

              If you like crappie fishing, this lake is filled with them. 

              The best time to fish for crappie in this lake and other lakes similar to it is in summertime while you’re night using a submerged green light. If you don’t know what a green fishing light is, or if you’re unfamiliar, then click this link to learn more.

              Green light fishing at night in this lake is amazing. If you haven’t done it you are missing out. The nights are cool and the night sky is filled with stars…

              Anyway, I digress…

              White crappie tend to linger over submerged brush and timber and are found in schools. The white crappie are much more tolerant in warmer water than their black crappie cousins. 

              White crappie have a more “silvery” appearance and lack the dark vertical bars when compared to the black crappie.  

              Black crappie can be described as having irregular black dots and blotches on the back and have more of a “silvery-olive” background.

              Average weight of a white or black crappie in this lake is probably going to be just under a pound. 

              General Crappie Details

              Spawn: April – mid-June

              Food: Larvae, small fish, and crustaceans. Threadfin shad and minnows make up their main diet. 

              California State Record: 

              • White crappie: 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 4/26/1971 in Clear Lake using minnows.
              • Black crappie: 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 2/17/2021 in Clear Lake using minnows.

              Table Quality: The meat is excellent. It’s firm, flaky and white. 

              Angling techniques:

              • Live minnows under bobbers
              • Crappie jigs
              • Crappie tubes
              • Silver spoons
              • Spinners

              Catfish

              There are four species of catfish in California, the blue catfish, bullhead catfish, channel catfish, white catfish.   

              Catfish are predatory animals and scavengers. Some can get very big, while others remain small. They tend to spend most of their time on the bottom of the lake versus swimming higher in the water column suspended. 

              Catfish can have up to 8 whisker-like barbels by their mouths to help them detect food. 

              Blue catfish can get very big. They can weigh more than 100 pounds and grow to around 5 feet long. They have 8 whisker-like barbels by their mouths. They prefer larger cut bait and live bait 

              Conversely, bullhead catfish tend to be smaller and will weigh on average about 1-2-pounds, but can grow to around 4-5-pounds. 

              Channel catfish weight will range from 0.5-to-15-pounds in this lake, however the average weight will be between 1-4-pounds. 

              The smallest of all catfish in North America is the white catfish. These catfish are considered rare by anglers’ standards. They average 1-2 pounds and will grow to only about a foot.

              All species prefer warmer coves, but can also be found scavenging near the marinas, or around the dam.  

              All can be caught with live bait, cut bait or dough bait. Some of the best baits you can use are chicken livers, hotdogs, anchovies, mackerel or sardines, catfish stink-bait/dough baits, or even night crawlers. warm coves or near the dam. 

              General Catfish Details

              Spawn: March-June

              Food: Carp, bluegill

              California State Record: 

              Blue catfish –  72 lbs 14 oz. Caught 4/22/2003 in Colorado River (Riverside).

              Bullhead catfish – 4 lbs 8 oz. Caught 10/7/1993 in Trinity Lake.

              Channel catfish –  53 lbs 8 oz. Caught 9/22/2008 in San Joaquin River.

              White catfish –  22 lbs 0 oz. Caught 3/21/1994 in Land Park pond (Sacramento).

              Table Quality: Soft white meat. In the summer the meat will taste muddy.

              Angling techniques:

              • chicken liver
              • hotdogs
              • stink bait
              • small live bluegill, sunfish, or perch
              • Frozen cut bait; anchovies, mackerel or sardines.

              Bluegill or Sunfish

              Also known collectively as “panfish” or “bream”, these small fish are both predators and prey. They fulfill a mid-tier predator role in the ecosystem. 

              Panfish are highly aggressive and eat minnows, bass fry (newly hatched baby bass), and insects. 

              The bluegill has teal-blue coloring on the bottom portion of the chin and gill plate. It also has a solid black opercula flap just behind the gill plate.

              Fun fact: The oldest reported age for a bluegill is 10 years.

              With the exception of appearance and size, the redear sunfish is quite similar to the bluegill. The dorsal fin of the redear sunfish features tiny vertical bands that go downward. It has a black dorsal color and a yellow-green ventral tint. The male’s operculum has a cherry-red edge, while the female’s has an orange coloring.

              These panfish are found on the shoreline and prefer nearby structures. They are incredibly aggressive and will quickly attack anything that looks like it could be eaten. Due to their aggressive behavior, they are one of the easiest fish to catch and are a great way to introduce someone to fishing.

              General Bluegill/ Sunfish Details

              Spawn: April and May

              Food: Small fish and insects

              California State Record: 

              Bluegill – 3 lbs 14 oz. Caught 6/22/2008 in Rancho Murieta Reservoir.

              Sunfish (red ear) – 5 lbs 3 oz. 6/27/1994 in Folsom South Canal (Sacramento) 

              Table Quality: Firm, white meat 

              Angling techniques: 

              • Worms
              • Dough balls
              • Slim Jim sausages pieces on a small hook (not lying… it really works)
              • Small spinners
              • Trout flies

              Yellow Perch

              Sometimes called the “raccoon perch”, or even “ringed perch”, yellow perch can be best described as having six to nine vertical black bars draped over its golden colored sides.

              Particularly on spawning males, the bottom fins flash with a bright orange brilliance, kinda like hot metal being pulled out of a kiln.

              They are some of the most beautiful of all freshwater fish.

              Perch are found on the shoreline and prefer nearby structures, and are incredibly aggressive and will quickly attack anything that looks like it could be eaten. Due to their aggressive behavior, they are easy to catch and taste amazing.  

              General Perch Details

              Spawn: February thru July

              Food: Small fish and insects

              California State Record: 3 lbs 10 oz. Caught 5/22/1979 in Crowley Lake.

              Table Quality: Firm, white meat 

              Angling techniques: 

              • Worms
              • Dough balls
              • Slim jim sausages pieces on a small hook (not lying… it really works)
              • Small spinners
              • Trout flies

              Boat Ramps at Whiskeytown Lake

              Oak Bottom Boat Ramp

              Whiskeytown, CA 96095

              Brandy Creek Boat Ramp

              Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity Nra, Whiskeytown, CA 96095

              Whiskey Creek Boat Ramp

              Whiskey Creek Rd, Whiskeytown, CA 96095

              Marinas at Whiskeytown Lake

              Brandy Creek Marina

              Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity Nra, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
              (530) 359-2008

              Oakbottom Marina Llc

              13124 Kennedy Memorial Dr, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
              (530) 359-2671

              Whiskeytown Marinas, LLC – Oak Bottom Campground – Marina & Brandy Creek Marina

              12485 CA-299, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
              (530) 359-2008

              Tackle Shops Near Whiskeytown Lake

              You can buy tackle at any of the marinas near the lake.

              Hinkle’s Market & Sporting Gds

              1084 Market St, Redding, CA 96001
              (530) 243-2214

              Western Bait Farm

              3211 Veda St, Redding, CA 96001
              (530) 246-0270

              Phil’s Fishing Tackle

              3037 Twin View Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019
              (530) 275-4939

              Redding Sports Ltd

              950 Hilltop Dr, Redding, CA 96003
              (530) 221-7333

              Sportsman’s Warehouse

              1659 Hilltop Dr, Redding, CA 96002
              (530) 222-5500

              Big 5 Sporting Goods

              2500 Hilltop Dr, Redding, CA 96002
              (530) 223-2006

              Shasta Lake Bait & Tackle LLC

              3915 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019
              (530) 356-5575

              Fishen Hole

              3844 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019
              (530) 275-4123

              ———HUGE FISHING BLUEPRINT NATIONAL PROMOTION!———

              GET THIS CONSUMER AWARENESS GUIDE FREE!

              Click On the Picture To Learn More!

              Other Activities You Can Do At Whiskeytown Lake

              Fishing is not the only thing that brings people to the beautiful body of water. Here’s a list of other things you can do!

              • Biking
              • Bird watching
              • Boating
              • Skiing
              • Kayaking
              • Canoeing
              • Sailing
              • Swimming
              • Camping
              • Horseshoes
              • Picnicking
              • Hiking
              • Gentle walking trails
              • Nature photography trails
              • Wildlife viewing
              • Mountain biking
              • Stargazing
              • and most importantly… relaxing.

              In Summary...

              As you now can see Whiskeytown Lake fishing can be tough at times, but it’s not impossible and with the help of the Whiskeytown Lake Fishing Report… It definitely helps you get started on the right foot quickly and easily, so you can avoid wasting hours wondering where and how to get started.

              Did You Get All This?

              As fellow fisherman and content creator I thrive on helping others… I feel like I can do the most good by helping others… And frankly… I would feel like I did something wrong if you didn’t walk away feeling a little better about this lake.

              I truly want to over deliver for you…

              So Let Me Ask You Another Question… 

              After reading this helpful report:

              • Can you see how this could change the way you would fish this lake?… To make it easier, faster… and… with less headache, less frustration?
              • If nothing else, do you now have a better sense of where you can get started, even if you have have been here?
              • Do you feel that you have a good grasp of what species to expect in this lake?
              • Do you have a good understanding what baits are needed to catch each of the different species of fish?
              • Earlier we came up with some helpful spots to catch more fish, can you see yourself considering any one of those spots? Which ones are you the most excited about implementing when you get to the lake?
              • Is it fair to say that using these spots would give you a significant advantage over someone else who’s fishing this lake? 

              I Need To Ask A Favor From You And It’s Not Going To Cost You A Single Dime… 

              If you have gotten anything out of this free report; whether its knowing where to get started, what kinds of fish are in this lake, what baits to use, where to launch your boat, where to buy a frosty beverage, where to camp, and other things to do when you’re at this lake…

              Then I need you to do something that is going to help you your fellow angler…

              And that is share this report.  Please share it to as many people as you can.  It’s free to you and it really helps me out as a creator. 

              Lastly… thank you for spending your time reading through this report and I hope you have a luck on the water.  

              THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP ME THE MOST:  There’s a lot of information about this subject you have found helpful, and I’m sure you’ll be able to put some of the knowledge bombs to use.  But sharing this report helps drive traffic which in turn helps me at absolutely no cost to you.  I love creating reports like this for you, and you like reading these types of reports please share this with your friends, family, and fellow anglers.   

              Click on your favorite social media buttons to share this page now!

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              Other California Related Fishing Articles

              Accessories You’ll Need

              Fishing Rod

              Rod –The popularity of fishing is growing and people are becoming much more conscious of different rods that can help them.

              Fishermen want the best technique-specific rod for the money.

              Luckily, the report I wrote provides you with detailed information in order for you to make buy the rod for the money, and more importantly which rods to avoid at all costs.

              >> What Rods To Use For Bass Fishing? 10 Awesome General Purpose Rods Reviewed

              Fishing Reel

              Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important.  A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. There are several great reels on the market, but I recommend the a quality Shimano  baitcasting reel. It’s a great reel packed with great features. So much so that it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range.

              >>How To Choose A Great Bass Fishing Reel For The Money [and which to avoid at all costs]

              Fishing Line

              Fishing Line – Having a good line is just as important as having a good rod. I recommend fishing with a good fluorocarbon line. Furthermore, it’s super sensitive because it has little to no stretch, and underwater it’s invisible to the bass!  If pride or money is on the line I would use Sunline Sniper FC.

              >>21 Tips To Choose The Best Fishing Line

              Fishing Lures & Baits

              Fishing Lures – It’s pretty hard and darn near impossible trying to catch a fish without using some sort of lure or bait.  More importantly these baits you should never forget at home or it could lead to a horrible day on the water

              >>5 Bass Fishing Lures You Never Want to Leave At Home

              Tackle Bag

              Tackle Bag – You can’t carry all your gear in your pockets, so you need a reliable tackle bag to transport it. I wrote a complete review guide, Best Tackle Bag for Fishing, check it out by clicking here.   But if you don’t have the time to read the full guide then let me tell you I recommend the Lunker Bag by KastKing.

              >>15 Best Tackle Bags For The Money (Tested & Reviewed)

              Sunglasses

              Sunglasses – Do you find yourself fishing in variable light and water conditions? Fishing in open water? Fishing in the bright hot sun? Then, only to leave the lake with eye strain and a splitting headache?

              If so, I strongly recommend investing in a pair of Costa Sun Glasses. Thousands of anglers, charter guides, and tournament professionals put their trust into Costa, and so should you. Here’s why…

              Costa’s co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is robust and durable, as well as extremely comfortable to wear for all-day use. TR-90 nylon is an excellent material for sports and performance frames since it is heat and cold-resistant.
              Costa builds their glasses with class-leading technology. Their 580G glass lens sets them apart from the competition. These lenses are ideal for long days on the lake or sea since you won’t have to worry about scratches on the lens when you wipe the saltwater off. Needless to say they’re Costa’s most durable lenses.

              Anyone who spends time outside, especially on the lake, needs polarized lenses. However, not all polarized sunglasses are the same. Costa is 99.9% polarized, giving it the most effective possible in blocking reflecting glare, and minimizing eye strain and headaches.

              >>Click HERE to Claim Your Costa Sunglasses Right Now!

              Sunscreen

              Sun Screen – Skin cancer is a very real threat and it’s only getting worse. That is why you need a powerful sunscreen that is personally used and endorsed by hundreds of dermatologists from around the world. 

              That is why you should put your trust in Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen. The state-of-the-art Purescreen Technology absorbs, reflects, and scatters harmful sunrays in this specially designed water-resistant sunscreen lotion – and it’s created with 100 percent organically derived zinc oxide… it’s definitely not some test tube concoction the other competitors are trying to sell you. 

              Neutrogena’s sheer body sunscreen lotion is fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and chemical-free. Dry-Touch technology aids in the non-greasy drying of this thin sunscreen.

              For effective protection against the sun’s damaging rays, this hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free lightweight sunscreen is the number one dermatologist-recommended suncare brand.

              This zinc-based sunscreen lotion has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is mild enough for sensitive skin. It is suited for everyday use.

              >>Click HERE to Save Your Skin Before It’s Too Late!

              Fishing Pliers

              Fishing Pliers – Nothing will ruin a day quicker than getting a hook embedded in your hand, or worse your eye.  This tool is more than simply a pair of pliers; it’s jam-packed with functionality.

              It’s not only a pair of pliers is a lure tuning tool, a split shot crimper, and a side cutter for cutting tiny wire leads and hooks.

              The split ring tool on the nose makes replacing or upgrading hooks in the field a breeze. Soft grip handles provide a comfortable and secure grip. With an adjustable hand lanyard to hold them tight, the leaf spring opens the pliers for one-handed usage.

              That’s why I always recommend having good set-up pliers that won’t rust and won’t slip out of your hand.  I recommend the new & improved Rapala Fisherman’s Pliers.

              >>Click HERE to Claim Your Rapala Fisherman’s Pliers Right Now!

              Landing Net

              Landing Net – As you are reeling in that monster fish, you don’t want to injure yourself or knock the fish off the hook by trying to grab it.

              The PLUSINNO floating landing net is designed with foam padding on the hoop and provides buoyancy for fishermen. Now, If the net is dropped or blown overboard, the floating design makes it simple to retrieve – so you won’t have to be concerned about losing it! The rubberized net cannot be snagged. It keeps the fish safe for catch-and-release, and the non-absorbent covering avoids waterlogging and odor absorption in the net.  It’s collapsing design allows for easy storage.

              That’s why I recommend a dependable telescopic landing net.

              >>Click HERE to Buy Yourself A Floating Landing New Today!

              Fishing Weight Scale & Culler

              Fishing Weight Scale – Whether you’re going to keep your catch or just take a photo of it and brag to your friends it’s important to have an accurate scale. The Rapala Tournament Model Touch Screen Scale makes weighing and logging your catch easier and more convenient. The large digital scale has a lot of functions and is easy to use. simply keep track of your current catch and its place in your overall weight. To see the weight, just suspend the catch from the heavy-duty composite clamp or the accompanying stainless steel hook.  Adding the important details to your catch couldn’t be easier – simply input your catch’s weight and tap on one of the eight storage places. The culling process makes it simple to identify fish that should be released for the greatest overall weight.

              I recommend a Rapala Tournament Scale that has a large LED display like this one fishing scale here.

              >>Click HERE to Claim Your Rapala Tournament-Grade Fishing Scale & Culling System now!

              Fishing Scissors

              Fishing Line Scissors – Designed with sharp serrated cutting edge and oversized finger and thumb holes, these scissors actually grip and hold braided line for easy non-slip cutting.

              These heavy-duty scissors are top-notch and are razor sharp for effortless cutting. The stainless steel construction and large finger holes allow ease of use – even for guys with big hands!

              If you’re looking into quality fishing line scissors that can fit in your pocket, fishing vest, or fit comfortably in your jeans, these are the scissors you want. Many anglers like yourself use them to cut braid, mono, and even abandoned fishing lines that your lures have gotten stuck in.

              In summary, this is a good investment for a serious fisherman.

              >>Click HERE to Pick Up Your Rapala Super Fishing Line Scissors – quantities are limited

              Fishing Hat

              Wide Brim Fishing Hat – Nowadays, you have to protect yourself against the sun’s harmful rays.  That’s why I recommend the SA Straw hat. It fits any size head and it feels really comfortable.  Now you can keep the sun off your face while you enjoy your outdoor activities with UPF 50+ sun protection. Rest assured these lightweight and stylish hats give you 360-degrees of sun coverage. Both men and women can wear these hats.  As an added BONUS, these hats also include three face shields for UPF neck protection, which protects your skin from dangerous UV rays.

              This hat is well worth the money, and the craftsmanship is excellent.

              >>Click HERE to Confirm Availability – The SA Straw Hat with 360-degree of Sun Coverage sells out FAST!

              Fishing Sun Shirt

              Sun Shirt For Fishing – Don’t stop at only getting head protection, you also need to protect your chest, back, arms, and torso. According to the researchers finding skin cancers on the shoulders and forearms rank within the top-5 locations to get skin cancer.  That’s why the UV protective PFG Fishing Shirt by Columbia is strongly recommended.

              Nowadays, it’s so important to be safe at all times. Omni-Shade helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage by blocking UVA and UVB radiation. UV absorbent yarns and a tight weave architecture prevent the whole spectrum of damaging UV radiation. This is the finest in outdoor moisture control technology. Omni-Wick technology absorbs moisture from the skin and transfers it to the fabric, where it spreads throughout the surface and evaporates rapidly, keeping you cool and your clothes dry.

              I’m 6’0″ and 200 pounds, and I wear size XL. I ordered a size L and it fits well. Darker shirts provide a more subdued appearance. FYI.

              >>Click HERE to Claim Your Sun Shirt with Built Cooling Technology and UV Protection today!

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