Whiskeytown continues to produce well for Kokanee Salmon for downrigger trollers. Apex lures and Wiggle Hoochies at 50 to 80 feet are kicking out easy limits for most. Some anglers will add some Pro Cure scent and pegged corn to the offering, giving the bait that little something extra that may make the difference between an unseen follow or a hook up.

As usual, the most popular areas continue to be near the dam, cold water curtain at the northeast corner, and the channel on either side of the Highway 299 bridge. There are also reports of trout and bass fishing picking up at Whiskeytown.

Shasta is producing some nice rainbows and browns, many exceeding 2 pounds for those trolling in the 80 foot depth region. The thermocline is the key as is locating bait concentrations. Reports are that many of the trout caught are coughing up small shad. Small shad imitation lures and spoons are working well. Cripplures and Humdingers behind a Sling Blade Dodger, Wiggle Hoochies and Apex Lures are always popular this time of year as is small Rapala minnow imitations as well other spoons like silver blue Kastmasters. There are also some land-locked king salmon in the mix but getting down to the depth is key. The Gooseneck on the Sacramento Arm, Bridge Bay area, lower reaches of the McCloud Arm, the lower reaches of the Sacramento Arm and adjacent main lake area are all reported to be producing nice fish.

Bass fishing has been improving with some early morning topwater action and anglers using grubs, gitzits and worms at about 30 feet during the day. The lake is dropping, so use caution when boating as many islands and shallow extended points are appearing daily.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.