Fat Shasta Lake Rainbow Trout are on the Menu

9-18-2025
Scott Caldwell

The September feasting continues. Shasta is pumping out limits of fat, hard fighting, great eating Rainbow Trout. 

The past few days (and all summer) have provided steady trolling action for Rainbow Trout in the 2 to 5 pound class. The closer these fish get to fall spawning time, the more they eat, amd the fatter they get. In September, we historically see football size Trout. This fish have been feasting on shad all summer and there bellies are stuffed, making them look like footballs. This healthy diet of fish makes these Shasta Lake trout some of the best tasting table fair around. 

Dodgers and small spoons lathered in Pro Cure anchovy gel, and tipped with a little nightcrawler has been the hot set up, the past couple weeks. Trolling slow and deep (100 plus feet) is where I have been finding the best action and fattest fish. Yesterday's trip, all the fish were between 2lbs. 10oz. and 3lbs. 8oz.. These Trout are coming from deep cold water and fight hard, many ripping drag and jump, when they get near the surface.

Now that school is back in session and labor day weekend has come an gone, boat traffic has been extremely light. The weather is wonderful,  especially in the morning as the sun is coming up. Temperature have been mid 50's to 90 degrees. Check out the pictures and give me a calll, and lets put your next fall fishing adventure together.

Give me a call 530 905 0758 or book online at Caldwellfishing.com 

Scott