This past week on Shasta Lake has seen an improved bass bite, and a better grade of bass being taken has been the highlight! I saw water temps as high as 54 deg's this week and it has, in my opinion, tricked the bass into thinking its the beginning of spring on Shasta Lake. Finding the bass has still been a challenge, but if you have a "honey hole", you will probably find the bass to be very willing to accept your offerings. Thats been my pattern of late, and its just become a little too predictable. I have found that finding bass and staying on top of them has really paid off. There can be a lull in the bite, but keep at it, or give them a rest and come back and fish over them again. Its been a very productive approach. I'm finding bass all over Shasta, but I'm finding most of them in the coves now. In fact, if you know of a good area with flowing water coming in, I'd hit that area hard.

The swim bait bite has picked up along with the spinner baits tight to the shore line. I've done some plug fishing with minimal results, but by far the most productive method for catching a good number of descent sized bass has been by fishing a slowly presented spider grub or finesse jig. I've had several people on my boat this winter and arming them with a spider grub has brought limits to near limits for them on every trip thus far. Its just a bait the bass will eat regularly.

The lake conditions have been very good. With rising temps, good clarity, and a slow rise, its kept the fishing consistent. The current lake level is 67' below full pool and this weekends wet weather system will certainly put it on a quick rise again. This will undoubtedly cause a significant change in the current lake conditions and make the bass fishing a challenge until you can get them dialed in again. One word of caution, with the rise, there is a lot of wood debris on the lake making for hazardous runs up and down the lake. The storm will certainly add to the amount of water debris we already have to watch for. I'll be on the water again next week and will have another report for you all then.

Photos- Submitted by the author. (holding two bass) Anthony Cox, of AC Guide Service is holding a pair of Spotted bass that were caught by he and the Jeff Goodwin after a "double" hook up while fishing Shasta Bass Baits "dread grub".. (holding one bass) Jason Vallotton, of Redding, Ca. holding a nice Shasta Lake Spotted bass he caught while fishing with Jeff Goodwin. (bait pic) Shasta Bass Baits "dread grub" has been a top bait for Jeff Goodwins Guide Service while fishing for Spotted bass on Shasta Lake.

Jeff Goodwin is a full time Northern California fishing guide. He guides year round for salmon, trout, steelhead, Kokanee, and bass on Northern California rivers and lakes. He fishes primarily on the Sacramento River, but also spends many days of the year fishing on The Klamath/Trinity River systems. Jeff also guides on local lakes during certain periods of the year.

To learn more about the fishing trips Jeff offers, please visit Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service at www.jeffgoodwinfishing.com Facebook, Instagram, or feel free to call him anytime at (707) 616-1905.