California · Fishing
Fishing in Lakehead, California
Lakehead sits at the upper end of Shasta Lake, which makes it one of the more practical bases for fishing in the area — you're close to multiple launch points and shoreline spots without having to drive the full length of the reservoir.
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Lakehead sits at the upper end of Shasta Lake, which makes it one of the more practical bases for fishing in the area — you're close to multiple launch points and shoreline spots without having to drive the full length of the reservoir. The listings here cover a mix of lake fishing on Shasta Lake itself and river fishing on the arms and inlets that feed it, including spots like Lakeshore East, Nelson Point, and the Hirz Bay area on the northeastern shore. Hirz Bay in particular shows up across several listings, which reflects how consistently it draws anglers — the cove structure holds fish and the group camping nearby means it's a viable multi-day destination. Moore Creek and Ellery Creek round out the river-fishing options for those who prefer moving water over open lake. Shasta Lake is a large, warm-water reservoir, so expect to be targeting bass, catfish, and kokanee salmon depending on the season rather than cold-water trout species. Access to most of these spots is managed by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, so it's worth checking current conditions with the Shasta Lake Visitor Center before you head out, especially after wet winters when road conditions to some launch areas can be unpredictable.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of fish can I realistically expect to catch at Shasta Lake near Lakehead?
Shasta Lake is a warm-water reservoir best known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and kokanee salmon. Striped bass are also present and can run large. The lake does not have the cold-water characteristics of a designated wild trout or gold medal fishery, so if trout fishing is your primary goal, this may not be your best destination.
Is Hirz Bay worth the drive compared to spots closer to Lakehead?
Hirz Bay is on the northeastern arm of Shasta Lake and takes about 20-25 minutes from central Lakehead via Gilman Road. The cove structure makes it productive for bass, and it has two group camping areas nearby, so it's a reasonable choice if you're planning to stay more than a day. The road into Hirz Bay can be rough after heavy rain, so check conditions before committing.
What's the difference between the river fishing spots like Lakeshore East and Nelson Point versus the lake fishing areas?
Lakeshore East and Nelson Point are listed as river fishing spots, meaning they're likely on the upper Sacramento River arm or inlet channels where moving water meets the reservoir. These areas can hold different fish behavior than open-lake spots, and current speed varies significantly with reservoir levels. When the lake is drawn down, these areas fish more like a river; when it's full, they blend into the main lake.
Do I need a California fishing license to fish at these spots?
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing at any of these locations. Shasta Lake falls under standard California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, and some species like kokanee salmon may have specific bag limits. Check the current CDFW regulations booklet for Shasta County before your trip since limits and seasons can change year to year.
What time of day tends to be most productive for fishing around Shasta Lake?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most active windows for bass on Shasta Lake, particularly in summer when midday water temperatures push fish deeper. Kokanee salmon are typically targeted by trolling during cooler morning hours. Catfish are more active after dark, and the shoreline spots around Moore Creek and Ellery Creek can be worth fishing into the evening.
