Brown Trout

Chasing Brown Trout on Shasta Lake presents a unique challenge and reward. This massive reservoir, with its fluctuating water levels, demands adaptability. Spring and fall are prime times, as Browns cruise the shallows searching for forage after the spawn or preparing for winter. Focus your efforts around submerged timber and rocky points, especially where creeks feed into the lake. Shasta Browns can be quite selective, so natural presentations are key. Try trolling minnow-imitating crankbaits or casting small spinners. A local tip: pay close attention to the thermocline as it sets up in the summer. Browns will often hold just above it. Also, the Pit River arm of the lake is known to hold some particularly large specimens, so consider launching near there.