How to Fish Shasta Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Shasta Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Shasta Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass actively transitioning from winter to spawning patterns, moving from deep winter haunts to staging areas near spawning flats Aggressive feeding behavior as fish prepare for spawning, with most active periods during warmer parts of day Fish relating strongly to transition areas between deep water and potential spawning flats	Secondary points with rocky structure leading into spawning pockets Steep rocky banks adjacent to spawning flats Shallow brush and timber in 5-15 foot range near deep water access	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky transitions Bladed Jigs around shallow cover and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on rocky banks Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in transition areas Small bluegill in shallow cover	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn largemouth are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are staging on structure near spawning flats, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock or boulder structure Secondary points leading into spawning bays with stumps or wood cover Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with hard bottom composition	Football Jigs worked slowly along points and rock transitions Lipless Crankbaits burned across shallow flats near staging areas Bladed Jigs worked through stump fields and wood cover	Shad schools congregating near points and transition areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Catfish are beginning to move from deeper winter holding areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following warming water temperatures and increasing activity levels Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Movement patterns follow old river channels and transition areas between deep and shallow water	Channel ledges and drop-offs in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Rocky points and boulder fields near deep water access Secondary points in major creek arms where shad are congregating	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or chicken liver, fished along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure and ledges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools moving into pre-spawn areas Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small bluegill and other panfish in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas, primarily in pockets and protected coves with suitable bottom composition Males aggressively guarding nests while females stage on nearby points and deeper structure Feeding activity peaks during morning and evening, with fish moving between spawning areas and staging points	Protected pockets and coves with rocky or gravel bottom, especially near points Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Steep rocky banks adjacent to spawning flats	Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas and transition points Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting visible beds and cover Spinnerbaits for covering water between spawning pockets	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Shad schools in staging areas Small bluegill around spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Fish moving shallow to spawn, staging on adjacent hard bottom areas and utilizing boulders as pre-spawn staging points Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, actively pursuing prey around rocky structure and points	Points and boulder fields near spawning flats Hard bottom areas in 2-8 foot depth range Transition areas between deep water and spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked along hard bottom areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around boulders and shallow cover Bladed Jigs worked through staging areas	Crawfish emerging in warming waters Shad schools in pre-spawn areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-75	Moving into shallower water (2-8 feet) seeking warmer temperatures for spawning, particularly in creek channels and coves Males actively guarding nest sites in protected areas, becoming more aggressive and territorial Feeding activity increases as water warms, with peak activity during dawn and dusk	Protected coves and creek channels with moderate current Rocky or clay bottom areas near old river channels Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or chicken liver Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) along shallow structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near spawning areas	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Small sunfish and bluegill Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Spotted bass recovering from spawn, transitioning to active feeding patterns with increased movement between secondary points and main lake structure Fish are becoming more aggressive, moving up to shallower water during prime feeding periods but maintaining access to deeper water	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with rocky structure Transition areas between spawning pockets and main lake points in 8-15 foot range Rocky banks and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structure Shad schools beginning to gather in creek arms	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing stumps and rock piles as transition points, actively feeding on shad in these areas	Stumps and timber areas near spawning flats, particularly in 5-15ft depth range Rock piles adjacent to deeper water Points with mixed rock and wood cover serving as transition routes	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked around cover Hard Body Swimbaits near structure Drop Shot for more finesse approach when fish are less aggressive	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage around shallow cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Post-spawn catfish are becoming more active and starting to establish feeding patterns, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones Fish are following shad schools and utilizing creek channels as migration routes, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Creek channel edges and ledges in 15-25 foot depths Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats near tributary inflows where shad gather	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or chicken liver Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active Small sunfish in shallow rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	71-73	Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, moving deeper (15-25ft) during midday heat Alternating between crawfish foraging near rocky structure and shad chasing in open water	Red dirt points in 15-25 foot depth range Rock piles and boulder fields Main lake points with quick access to deeper water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Finesse Jigs worked through rocky areas Hard Topwater (Prop) during low light periods	Crawfish - primary forage in summer months Shad - secondary forage, especially during early/late day	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Fish are adapting to low water conditions, holding tight to available cover in shaded areas and coves Active feeding periods occur early and late in the day, with fish seeking shelter during bright midday periods Bass are relating heavily to bottom structure and utilizing ambush points near shade	Protected coves with rock piles and wood cover Shaded areas near deeper water access Stumps and timber in 2-8 foot depth range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in coves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during shad feeding periods Frogs/Toads in shaded pockets with surface cover	Shad schools in creek arms and coves Crawfish around rock piles and hard bottom areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-82	Catfish are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours in summer, using their sensory abilities in the stained water conditions Fish are following established creek channels and utilizing ledges as primary travel routes, moving between deep holding areas and shallower feeding zones	Deep ledges and channel edges, especially those adjacent to flats Boulder fields near deeper water Points and creek channel intersections	Bobbers with natural baits during low light periods Live Bait Rigs near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along ledges	Shad schools in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish, small fish)	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Shasta Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	71-73	Spotted bass are actively feeding on crawfish in the 10-40 foot depth range, with increased activity during early morning hours Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water depending on time of day, following temperature comfort zones	Rocky points in 25-40 foot range Boulder fields in 10-15 foot zone Main lake structure with access to deep water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Baitfish - secondary forage option in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding and following shad schools into coves and creek arms as baitfish migrate to shallower water Moving between multiple depth zones throughout the day, relating to stumps and rock structure as staging areas Aggressive feeding periods during overcast conditions and early/late day, becoming more selective during bright periods	Main lake points with rock and wood cover adjacent to deep water Shallow creek arms with abundant shad activity Stump fields in 8-15 foot depth range near channel swings	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and through timber Spinnerbaits worked around shallow cover during overcast conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match prevalent shad forage Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through timber and rocky areas	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves Crawfish active on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	55-72	Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following shad schools and responding to cooling water temperatures Fish are transitioning to slightly deeper water, especially near channel edges and deep structure, but still making feeding movements into shallower areas	Deep channel edges near points and creek mouths where shad schools concentrate Boulder fields and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad may move during feeding periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or chicken liver, particularly during dawn and dusk Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges and structure Carolina Rigs with natural baits worked slowly along depth transitions	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small sunfish Dying or injured baitfish that are easier targets	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	49-57	Spotted bass are schooling in deep winter pattern, holding tight to bottom in 15-30 foot range, following shad schools and requiring very slow presentations Fish are congregating in areas where current meets structure, becoming more active during wind but staying deeper during calm, sunny conditions	Main lake and Pit River points that face into current, particularly those with boulder structure Steep rocky banks with boulders in 15-30 foot range Clean water areas in main lake body and Pit River arm, focusing on current breaks	Umbrella Rigs worked slowly around steep boulder areas Underspins dragged slowly along bottom Shakey Heads and Football Jigs worked with dead-stick presentation	Small 1-2 inch shad schools Suspended baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Largemouth bass are holding tight to deep wood cover and structure, requiring slow, methodical presentations with minimal movement Fish are showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations, particularly around depth changes and hard structure	Stumps and laydowns in 2-20ft depth range, especially near depth changes Boulder fields and ledges with nearby deep water access Protected areas with wood cover that maintain slightly warmer water temperatures	Drop Shot with minimal movement, letting bait soak near cover Texas Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements around boulders and ledges	Shad concentrations in deeper water Crawfish near rocky structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Catfish	38-48	Catfish move to deeper, more stable water temperatures in old river channels and deeper holes, becoming more lethargic but still feeding opportunistically Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering in large numbers in prime deep-water locations Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during slightly warmer periods of the day	Deep river channel bends and holes (25-40 feet) that provide stable winter temperatures Deep structure near tributary inflows where warmer water may enter Deep ledges adjacent to primary points where shad schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits near bottom structure Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live minnows Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges to locate winter schools	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small panfish Dead or dying baitfish that sink to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Shasta Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with rocky structure leading into spawning pockets	Steep rocky banks adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock or boulder structure	Secondary points leading into spawning bays with stumps or wood cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel ledges and drop-offs in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Rocky points and boulder fields near deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with rocky or gravel bottom, especially near points	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points and boulder fields near spawning flats	Hard bottom areas in 2-8 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves and creek channels with moderate current	Rocky or clay bottom areas near old river channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with rocky structure	Transition areas between spawning pockets and main lake points in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Stumps and timber areas near spawning flats, particularly in 5-15ft depth range	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel edges and ledges in 15-25 foot depths	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Spotted Bass	Red dirt points in 15-25 foot depth range	Rock piles and boulder fields
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves with rock piles and wood cover	Shaded areas near deeper water access
Summer	Catfish	Deep ledges and channel edges, especially those adjacent to flats	Boulder fields near deeper water
Fall	Spotted Bass	Rocky points in 25-40 foot range	Boulder fields in 10-15 foot zone
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with rock and wood cover adjacent to deep water	Shallow creek arms with abundant shad activity
Fall	Catfish	Deep channel edges near points and creek mouths where shad schools concentrate	Boulder fields and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Spotted Bass	Main lake and Pit River points that face into current, particularly those with boulder structure	Steep rocky banks with boulders in 15-30 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Stumps and laydowns in 2-20ft depth range, especially near depth changes	Boulder fields and ledges with nearby deep water access
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channel bends and holes (25-40 feet) that provide stable winter temperatures	Deep structure near tributary inflows where warmer water may enter

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near points and transition areas	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into pre-spawn areas	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Shad schools in staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Shad schools in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Small sunfish and bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structure	Shad schools beginning to gather in creek arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage around shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active
Summer	Spotted Bass	Crawfish - primary forage in summer months	Shad - secondary forage, especially during early/late day
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in creek arms and coves	Crawfish around rock piles and hard bottom areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish, small fish)
Fall	Spotted Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Baitfish - secondary forage option in deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves	Crawfish active on rocky structure
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small sunfish
Winter	Spotted Bass	Small 1-2 inch shad schools	Suspended baitfish near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrations in deeper water	Crawfish near rocky structure
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small panfish

Bait Colors by Season for Shasta Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

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