Lake Shasta - 2008

Scott and I had planned a 5 day trip to Shasta and we were not disappointed! We had just installed the trolling motor on the boat, unfortunately our mechanic lost the remote foot pedal, so using the trolling motor would have to wait. No worries, this was Shasta Lake, the largest man made lake in California! On this trip we stayed in a Yurt. Though generally classified as a tent, the yurt is much stronger and weathertight. The Pacific Yurt is a circular structure that consists of a durable fabric cover, tension band and a wood frame that includes a lattice wall, radial rafters, central compression ring and a framed door. Very comfortable and kept us out of the heat, which was unbelievable. For 5 days straight, we had temps over 105 degrees, topping out at 108. Needless to say, we spent most of our time on the water.

The fishing was awesome! Because we had no trolling motor, we trolled Rapalas with the big engine and caught 4 different species of fish. Rainbow trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee and spotted bass. Most of the fish were caught off of points on the main lake, but we also caught fish up the McCloud River arm. The scenery is gorgeous and this is definitely the jewel of California!! I will be back to Lake Shasta!!

A bit more on Shasta:

Shasta Lake is a two-story impoundment and provides habitat for both warmwater and coldwater fishes. Habitat for coldwater fish species within the lake is considered good; however, habitat for warmwater fish species is limited by the lack of cover, steep-sided banks, and water level fluctuations.

Fish species within the lake are varied and abundant. Species known to inhabit the lake include: rainbow trout, brown trout, chinook salmon, largemouth bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, carp, Sacramento sucker, Sacramento squawfish, riffle sculpin, black fish, hardhead minnow, white sturgeon, channel squawfish, threadfin shad, white catfish, brown bullhead, golden shiner and green sunfish.

The basses and trout are the species most frequently caught by anglers. Even though there is some natural reproduction, the coldwater fish populations within the lake are largely maintained through Annual stocking by the California Department of Fish and Game. The warmwater fish populations are self-perpetuating.