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California · Fishing
Fishing near Macdoel sits in the shadow of Mount Shasta's northern reaches, and the options here are quiet, small-lake affairs rather than big-river spectacles.
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Fishing near Macdoel sits in the shadow of Mount Shasta's northern reaches, and the options here are quiet, small-lake affairs rather than big-river spectacles. The two main waters are Juanita Lake and Laird Lake, both offering lake fishing in a setting that sees far less pressure than the more famous Shasta-Trinity fisheries to the south. Juanita Lake is the more developed of the two, with a group campsite on-site that makes it a practical base for a multi-day trip, especially for families or small clubs who want to fish mornings and evenings without breaking camp each day. Laird Lake is a smaller, more remote option for anglers willing to trade amenities for solitude. This corner of Siskiyou County sits at elevation, which means the season has real edges to it — ice-out timing in spring and early cold snaps in fall matter more here than they do at lower-elevation waters. If you're driving up from Redding or the Central Valley, plan for conditions that can shift quickly and bring layers regardless of the forecast.
Both are listed as lake fishing destinations, but the specific species mix isn't confirmed in the available data for this page. Juanita Lake is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and has historically been stocked with trout — check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's stocking report at wildlife.ca.gov before your trip to see recent plants and confirmed species.
Yes, Juanita Lake has a group campsite directly on the lake, which makes it one of the more convenient setups in the area for anglers who want to fish early mornings without a long drive in. Laird Lake does not have the same developed camping infrastructure, so plan accordingly if that's your destination.
Juanita Lake Group Campsite
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Tree Of Heaven Campground
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Camp 4 Group Campground
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Castle Lake
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Juanita Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Salmon/Scott River Ranger District
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Laird Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Word Reservoir
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Tule Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Tule Lake
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Hill Reservoir Number One
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Salt Lake
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
The Macdoel area sits at elevation in northern Siskiyou County, so these lakes can hold ice into spring and cool down fast in September and October. Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times on calm, clear days when surface temperatures are cooler.
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing at either lake. Licenses are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods retailers. Check for any specific regulations that apply to these waters before you go, as rules can vary by water body and season.
Juanita Lake in particular is a good fit for beginners and younger anglers — it's a small, accessible lake with a campsite on-site, which keeps logistics simple. Shore fishing is straightforward, and you don't need a boat to cover the water effectively. Laird Lake is a reasonable step up in terms of access effort but is still lake fishing rather than technical river or stream work.
