Patterning Highland Reservoirs

BEOHBE · Post by **BEOHBE** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 8:09 pm

I live in Northern California and have the privilege of fishing Shasta Lake, a highland reservoir with a predominant spotted bass population.

I want to learn how to best approach any day of fishing there during any season. I’m always wondering what is the bait, the threadfin shad, the crawdads, and others up to? What are the fish doing relative to the weather and the temperature? What considerations am I missing?

Shasta goes through major elevation swings each year, today it’s 92’ from full pool. I consider myself a pretty technical guy, I’ve used Google Earth Pro to look at historical lake elevation data, created waypoints for variations of rock, ledges, ditches, channel swings, have converted that data and imported it into my Humminbird.

But it’s not enough for me. I want to learn the science and biology of the fish and the bait and how Shasta’s elevation changes and the weather’s changes affects all that. I want to have the knowledge any time I’m at the lake to know what is attractive to the spots, why and where. I love technical material, I’d love to have the Dr Keith Jones book Knowing Bass: The Scientific Approach to Catching More Fish, but have trouble with its cost.

I know I know, I want want want. I’m hoping the info is out there and that I just haven’t run across it. Much of the info I’ve currently found does not apply to Shasta. I’d love to be pointed at a book or YouTube videos that directly address all that I’m looking for. If you have ANY thoughts or info on what I’m looking for I’d be forever grateful. I’m willing to share my waypoints for the Pit and Sac arms of the lake in exchange for some good detailed info that addresses all that I’m looking for.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Chad Sweitzer · Post by **Chad Sweitzer** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:13 pm

I would definitely hit up some local trout guides and ask about the trout and Kokanee habits. Learning when they spawn and what size the fingerlings are when they enter the lake can really help narrow down bait selection.

WRB · Post by **WRB** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:15 pm

Lake Shasta is made up from 4 rivers; Sacramento, McCloud, Pitt and Squaw.
Each river arm fishes differently plus the main lake body.
Shasta also has populations of Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass.
Shasta is also a power generation and water supply reservoir. No simple simple lake classification definition.
Tom

Hookset5 · Post by **Hookset5** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:47 pm

TOW
Makes ya appreciate the entire process. A fish on the end of a hook is just the reward for the hunt. They're all different in my opinion. Current and healthy aquatic vegetation, food source, wind direction, moon phase.. lots of science but the fun is in the TOW

Fromthemill · Post by **Fromthemill** » Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:07 am

Sent you a PM.

WRB · Post by **WRB** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 3:09 pm

Fromthemill wrote:Sent you a PM.

PM Sent is the reason I rarely look at this site, as if there are any secrets that can’t be shared.
Tom

Clark Kun · Post by **Clark Kun** » Tue Feb 11, 2025 9:27 pm

Hello I'm interested in hearing what you have to say as well, if you wouldn't mind sharing that knowledge.

Thanks

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed Feb 12, 2025 1:35 pm

The best resource for lake Shasta is Phil's Prop Shop - honestly whenever i go to Shasta that is where i stop to learn and spend some $$ they tend to be very knowledgeable and giving of the information. It's all so seasonal as with most fishing, but the big Shasta spots are very palegic - throwing spooks and glide baits over a looooong tappering point in 100' of water and having them hook up is wild - than in two hours you can find a jig bite dirt shallow - or jerkbaits in the laydowns or or or or - it continues. I am not a Shasta affecinado but that lake is pretty damn awesome and if you break down one arm or section you can start to understand what turns that area on.