Shasta Lake is producing Piggy Brown and Rainbow Trout

8-9-2026
Scott Caldwell

The past 10 days on Shasta Lake have been excellent for fat Brown and Rainbow Trout, up to 7 pounds. These pigs continue to feed heavily on the massive schools of shad that are all over the lake.

Trolling depths have remained steady. The early morning we have been picking fish up between 70 an 85 feet. Once the sun gets up and on water, 85 to 115 feet, has been the depths that have been producing best.

Trolling shad type plugs lathered in ProCure anchovy gel in the morning has been my go to all summer. Trolling speed has varied between 1.7 to 3.3 mph. Once the sun is overhead and shining on water I have been changing over to dodgers with hootchie spinners tipped with nightcrawlers and lathered up in shrimp krill gel. The key has been slowing way down to 1.0 to 1.7 mph.

These fish will continue feed on the shad through September. Trolling patterns won't change much until the lake begins to cool down and the fish decide to head to there spawning grounds. Currently surface temperature on Shasta have been 80 to 84 degrees. Especially this past week with air temps in the later afternoon being 100 to 108 degrees. Morning temps have been fabulous in the 60's.

Checkout the pictures then give me a call 530 905 0758 or book online at Caldwellfishing.com 

I can take care of all your needs. I have food and lodging options just call me and I can help you put your next fishing adventure together