Whiskeytown Lake

Anglers know Whiskeytown Lake as one of the lesser-trafficked reservoirs of California, United States. The standard playbook on a reservoir this size is to start shallow at first light, work outward toward deeper water as the sun climbs, and circle back to the shallows before dusk. Surface activity at Whiskeytown Lake is a useful tell — boils, swirls, and rising baitfish point straight at the predator zone.

Location

40.6269, -122.5747 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Spotted bassLargemouth bassBluegillKokanee salmonSacramento pikeminnowRainbow trout

Fishing Techniques

• For Spotted bass

  When fishing for spotted bass in reservoirs, focus on points, humps, and channel bends where they often congregate to ambush prey.

• For Largemouth bass

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure presentation until you find what the bass are keying on, as their preferences can change daily based on weather and water conditions.

• For Bluegill

  Fish near structure like docks, weeds, or submerged trees where bluegill seek cover and food.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Whiskeytown Lake.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Whiskeytown Lake, make sure your licence covers California, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in California

See all fishing spots in California →

Other Fishing Regions in United States