Shimmy Lake Fishing Guide, Trinity County, California

• Overview

  California holds Shimmy Lake, in Trinity County. Country round the bank runs to rolling hill. The far bank is a conversation away, so keep low and quiet. On size it sits at the modest end of our Trinity County list. For supplies, Weaverville is 20 miles out. After that come Lewiston at 21 miles and Dunsmuir at 31 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Shimmy Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Trinity County include rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, brook trout, klamath smallscale sucker and bluegill. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Treat Shimmy Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 60°F and December about 33°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Shimmy Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Lilypad Lake, 1.4 miles out. Signs at Shimmy Lake carry more weight than any list.