Shasta Lake got the major rain its been needing and is currently on the rise.  I fished Shasta Lake Friday anticipating the worst from the heavy rains and a rapid rise in water levels.  I found the bad weather, but the fishing was a welcomed surprise.  After launching at Packers, I quickly realized just how much the lake had changed over the span of a few days with heavy rain.  My usual parking spot was under water and the walk from the parking lot after launching the boat was much shorter.  After taking off and heading out into open water, I was pleasantly surprised by the water condition.  The wind was reasonably mild and seeing floating debris was not a problem.  After heading out to our starting point, it was clear that we would likely run into some dirty water with all the run off flowing into the lake.
 
  Fishing feeder streams and heavy run off was the key to success for the day on the water.  Swim baits and spinner baits were very effective all day, and my go to jigs were equally effective in most locations.  Some of the inlets and coves were filling with clear water, and they were equally productive for us.  After it was all said and done, I had one of the best days of bass fishing I have experienced so far this year.  I would expect the lake to continue to fish very well from now into the summer months.  Concentrate your efforts on sections of the lake that are close to running water.  When the sun comes out again and the water begins to warm, I think staying in the inlets and coves will continue to be the most productive areas to fish.
 
  This next weekend brings the Unhooked Bass Anglers tournament on Trinity Lake.  This should be another great tournament and plenty of big fish will be caught and weighed in.  If any of you are interested in fishing this tournament, sign up on Face Book at the Unhooked Bass Anglers page or contact Jared Gadberry at (707) 502-4966 to get sign up information.  I will be participating in the tournament and will be sure to get some great pics and provide a report on the event.
 
  Pictures submitted by Jeff Goodwin-  Jason Vallotton holds up a chunky spotted bass he caught on a Shasta Bass Baits finesse jig on Shasta Lake while using a Phenix K2 bass rod.  The author holds his catch of the day that he caught with a Phenix M1 series bass rod and a Shasta Bass Baits finesse jig.
 
  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.