Shasta Lake is the lifeblood of the Sacramento River, and forms the confluence of the McCloud, Pit and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Dammed in 1944, it has since held a healthy population of spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as brown and native rainbow trout. When Shasta is full, it sports 30,000 surface acres and 365 miles of shoreline to fish. It has become quite popular recently providing the local and travelling fly anglers with solid days chasing fish from fall through spring.
With the introduction of threadfin shad, the bass population exploded in the 1950’s, when the lake cools and turns over in the fall bringing huge schools to the surface, this lake becomes a fly fishing mecca where you can throw small shad patterns with an intermediate sinking line or fish them under an indicator using the popular float n’ fly setup and it will keep you hooked up to fish literally all day. The average bass may not be large, but the numerous spots will easily cork your six weight and the occasional bruiser will often break you off. Sight fishing for bait-busting gangs of bass and trout up in the coves can be as exciting as targeting yellowfin tuna bullying schools of anchovy or sardines, and all of this is literally minutes north of The Fly Shop®.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our guide service, private waters and school guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
