Smokey Lake Fishing Guide, Shasta County, California

• Overview

  Smokey Lake sits within Shasta County in California. It stands 4,892 feet above sea level. It covers about 3 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is a small entry by Shasta County standards. Burney lies 17 miles from the water. McCloud is 23 miles and Dunsmuir 28 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Smokey Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Shasta County records list Chinook salmon, green sturgeon and rainbow trout among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Smokey Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 33°F to 64°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. On Smokey Lake that shapes the whole year. Weed growth peaks in late summer and changes where you can fish.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Lake Britton, 7.2 miles away. Confirm access to Smokey Lake locally before you travel.