Cooling nights could strengthen the bite as summer gives way to fall
Shasta Lake, Calif. (Redding Times) —As anglers set out to Shasta Lake in September 2026, they can expect a fishery showing many characteristics associated with late-summer fishery: rainbow and brown trout heavily feeding on young shad in deep water and spotted bass fishing actively in shaded areas, such as the upper part of the arms.
The most significant changes in September might be observed at the end of the month as a result of growing nighttime hours and cooling water in Shasta Lake.
Reports in late August indicate that Shasta Lake enters September with a good forage base and active game fish. Trout fishing appears to be very productive at this time of the season. Bass fishing is estimated to be fair to good in Shasta Lake, especially in the headwaters of arms.
Trout remains the best choice in September
Both brown and rainbow trout fishing is expected to continue throughout the month and might require downriggers or other means of reaching significant depths.
According to a recent report in late August, trout were located approximately at 115 to 140 feet below the water surface after the water temperature of the surface layer reached the mid-80s. Just several weeks before, those fish were caught at depths ranging from 70 to 95 feet. The quick adaptation to the conditions is typical of Shasta Lake trout.
Another factor, which is quite significant, is the abundance of very small threadfin shad.
According to the recent reports, young shad about a quarter-inch to an inch in size appeared to be abundant in the trout’s diet in August. As a result, effective presentations became smaller and slower and include downsized shad-pattern plugs, small spoons, and hoochie-style spinners with tips consisting of nightcrawlers pieces. The trolling speed was around 1 to 1.7 mph.
It is obvious that September anglers should not ignore the opportunity of catching trout in Shasta Lake by matching the forage fish rather than relying on large trolling lures as it was done before.
In early September, the trout might remain below 100 feet depth in warm weather. During September with increasing nights, anglers should watch their electronic devices rather than adhere to any fixed depth since schools of shad might be much more important than any predetermined depth of downrigger.
Earlier, trout, including both rainbow and brown trout, were reported to have reached around 7 pounds and feed intensively on concentrated shoals of shad. Effective depths at that time ranged between 70 and 115 feet depending on the time of the day.
Brown trout might undergo the first stages of their fall migration
Another characteristic trait of September is the beginning of the season of migration of brown trout.
According to a recent report in mid-August, brown trout were already moving from Shasta Lake towards the river. This process may become more evident with the advance of September and the moderate water temperature.
This fact does not imply that fishing for brown trout at Shasta Lake finishes suddenly. Anglers should prepare to fish for the fish, which becomes increasingly associated with cool water, tributary approaches, and the upper parts of the reservoir arms with the progress of fall.
In early September, the fishing should continue as it is during summer. In late September, the difference between the main reservoir and incoming cooler water becomes more prominent.
Bass remains active, especially in the arms
According to reports, bass fishing in Shasta Lake stays very productive during September.
During fishing trips conducted Aug. 23, bass fishing was especially successful at the headwaters of arms. The surface temperature at this time was about 80 to 83 degrees with cooler water existing under the surface and further in the arms. Jigs, finesse worms, and small curly-tail plastics performed very well, especially when fished in shaded areas.
The topwater fishing became available as well.
Morning and evening periods provided the topwater action at shorelines and coves, while anglers fishing during daylight needed to go deeper or use slower presentations when fishing around rocky banks. Crayfish-style presentations turned out to be productive as well.
During September, the bass anglers should split the fishing day into two phases.
First of all, at first light, anglers should use topwater lures, small shad imitations, and reaction baits fishing around points, shaded banks, and coves. With the beginning of direct sunlight fishing in the water becomes more effective using finesse worms, jigs, and other slow presentations.
If September brings an extended period of cooling, bass might begin to feed at the higher levels of the water column because of the movements of forage fish upwards. However, if the warmer weather returns, the lake will remain in its summer regime.
The arms can provide the most productive opportunities
Since Shasta Lake is so large, anglers can expect a variety of fishing conditions within the same day.
Feeding with the Sacramento, McCloud, and Pit rivers, the arms of the reservoir combine main-lake habitats with tributary influence, rocky structure, and cooler incoming water. Besides, Shasta Reservoir is fed with Squaw Creek.
Based on the reports made in late August, the upper parts and headwaters of the major arms deserve special attention during bass fishing in September, especially where cooler water, shade, and baitfish coincide.
Concerning the trout, anglers using sonar should concentrate less on shoreline landmarks and more on locating the school of forage and temperature zones in deep water. Large concentration of shad in the open water can turn any featureless area into the fishing spot.
Salmon and kokanee become secondary targets
Shasta Lake is more than just a lake with bass and trout.
According to the reports earlier in the summer, catches of kokanee and Chinook salmon besides trout and bass were reported. According to the information of California Department of Fish and Wildlife compiled by NorCal Fish Reports, stocking of rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and kokanee occurs in spring and early summer.
These species should be considered as bonus fish and not as the primary targets in September. Typically, historically Shasta Lake is primarily known as a cold-water sport fishery for rainbow trout and Chinook salmon with somewhat moderate success in attempts to create the large population of kokanee salmon. Threadfin shad remains an important forage fish for predators at Shasta Lake.
Channel catfish, crappie, and bluegills can also provide some additional fishing opportunities for anglers, especially for shore-bound fishermen. The information provided by Forest Service indicates that catfish and bluegills populations remain relatively stable, while crappie numbers vary from year to year.
A lake with the long history of fishing
Reputation of Shasta Lake as one of Northern California’s top fisheries formed along with the formation of the reservoir.
The construction of Shasta Dam was begun in 1938 and completed in 1945. It created the largest concrete gravity dam in California with the storage capacity exceeding 4.5 million acre-feet. The reservoir collects the water from the Sacramento, Pit, and McCloud rivers and became the major component of federal Central Valley Project.
Bass appeared at the fishery of Shasta Lake almost from the very beginning of its existence. Historical records of California state show largemouth bass to be introduced to Shasta Lake in 1940. However, over the years, the dominance of spotted bass was established. Currently, according to the estimates of Forest Service, spotted bass constitutes more than 90 percent of the lake’s bass population, and smallmouth bass is the second. The population of largemouth bass became much smaller than it used to be.
Due to the reputation, Shasta Lake is the regular fishing destination for tournaments. According to the calendar of fishing contests in California for 2026, there will be held black bass events on the lake on September 19, 20, and Sept. 25-27. Therefore, anglers should expect increased tournament activity at the lake in September.
September outlook
For anglers, who are planning to fish in September 2026, the general outlook of the season appears favorable.
– Rainbow and brown trout: Good prospects especially for those fishing deep and locating the concentrations of young shad. The fish will remain deep during warm periods with the gradual upward or tributary movement as the month gets colder.
– Spotted and smallmouth bass: Fair to good entering September with the upper arms, shaded banks, points, and coves providing some fishing opportunities. Topwater action will be at its peak around sunrise and sunset, while finesse presentations will dominate midday.
– Chinook and kokanee: Possible but less dependable than trout and bass. While trolling deep parts of the reservoir when fishing trout anglers might encounter them.
– Catfish, crappie, and bluegill: Should be considered for shore-bound listeners and families, especially during mornings, evenings, and periods of decreased boating activity.
The key factor is going to be the temperature. September fishing at Shasta Lake usually begins as the extension of August and ends looking increasingly like fall. Those anglers, who can adapt depth, presentation size, and location according to the conditions, are going to have the best opportunity to catch fish.
Before going to the lake, anglers should check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations as well as weather and boating conditions. September can still bring warm afternoons around Redding.