Fish Report for 4-17-2017

Two anglers fishing with Shasta Lake fishing guide, Anthony Cox, display part of their 5 fish limits on a recent trip to Shasta Lake.
Photo Credit: Anthony Cox

Shasta Lake bass report

4-17-2017
Jeff Goodwin

With all the changes in the weather this month, getting out on Shasta Lake can be a different experience each and every trip.  One day it will be sunny and warm and the next day feels like it just might be winter again.  These weather patterns can throw off the bass bite as I'm sure it has the bass confused about what time of year it really is.  Cool lake water temps in the low 50's are back and to top it all off, water managers are dumping more lake water to keep Shasta Lake from spilling over the dam.

The good news is that anglers are still having some productive days on the water.  It's getting easier to find the bass because they are definitely moving up and staging for the spring spawn.  Anglers have experienced some very good days on the water one day and not so good the next.  Overall, I would say the fishing is good right now and we can expect a sharp increase in bite activity in the coming weeks when we get into some warmer weather.

Look for the bass to be staging on main and secondary points right now, but don't overlook some of the coves, especially where there are submerged trees.  Look for the south facing banks to provide some good fishing on sunny days as the sun warms the rocks along the shoreline.  Lots of baits are taking bass, including Hula Grubs, tube baits, drop shot rigs, and spinner baits.  Look for the swim bait bite to really pick up when the water clears up a bit.



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 many bodies of water in the Redding area, but also guides the Sacramento River and Feather River during certain times of the year. Jeff can also be found on the California coast chasing ocean fresh King salmon and steelhead each year. To learn more about the fishing trips Jeff has to offer, please visit Jeff Goodwin's Guide Service.  You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or please feel free to call him anytime at (707) 616-1905.



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