What You'll Find at Lake Redding
Lake Redding is a 1,200-acre reservoir on the Sacramento River about 10 miles north of downtown Redding, created by Keswick Dam. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in warm water that stays fishable year-round. Unlike the cold tailwater below the dam, Lake Redding warms enough in summer to make it one of the few places in the region where you can fish comfortably in July and August without driving to the mountains.
The lake is shallow and weedy in many spots, which bass love but which also means you'll spend time picking vegetation off your lure. The water level fluctuates with dam operations, sometimes dropping 20 feet or more between spring and fall. That matters because it changes where fish hold and where you can safely launch a boat.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Redding holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with the warmest fishing from June through September when other Northern California lakes are still cold.
- The lake has two public boat launches—one at Keswick Park and one at Lake Redding Marina—and both charge a day-use or launch fee.
- Water level drops significantly from spring to fall, so check current conditions before launching and avoid shallow areas marked on the map.
- Weed growth is heavy in summer, so bring extra lures and use weedless rigging or topwater presentations to avoid constant snagging.
- A California fishing license is required, and the lake is open to fishing year-round with no special restrictions beyond state regulations.
When to Fish Lake Redding
Summer is the most popular season because the water is warm and the weather is predictable. June through September, largemouth bass move shallow in the early morning and late evening, and they'll hit topwater lures and soft plastics in the weeds. Smallmouth bass stay deeper but are active all day, especially around rocky points and the dam face.
Spring (March to May) can be excellent but unpredictable—water temperature swings widely, and the lake level is often high from snowmelt runoff. Fall (October to November) is underrated; the water is still warm enough to fish, crowds thin out, and bass feed aggressively before winter. Winter fishing is possible but slow; the water cools to the low 50s, and fish move deep.
Boat Launches and Access
Keswick Park is the main public launch on the north end of the lake. It has a two-lane concrete ramp, a parking lot, restrooms, and picnic areas. Day-use parking and launch fees apply; check the Shasta County Parks website or call ahead for current rates, as they change seasonally. The ramp is usable year-round but can get crowded on summer weekends.
Lake Redding Marina is a private facility on the east shore that also offers public launching for a fee. It has a single-lane ramp, fuel, a small store, and boat rentals if you don't have your own. The marina is open daily during daylight hours, and rates vary by season and boat size.
Both launches can become difficult or impossible when the lake level drops below a certain point in late summer or fall. Call ahead or check the Bureau of Reclamation website for current water elevation before making the drive.
What to Fish With
Largemouth bass respond well to topwater plugs, soft plastic worms rigged weedless, and crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range. Early morning and evening, throw topwater along the weed edges and let it sit—the strikes can be explosive. During midday, move to deeper water (8 to 15 feet) and use a Texas-rigged worm or a jig-and-craw.
Smallmouth bass prefer smaller lures: 2-inch soft plastics, small crankbaits, and tube jigs. Fish them around rocky outcrops, the dam face, and deeper structure. Catfish are active at night and will take chicken liver, cut mackerel, or prepared stink bait from the bank or from a boat anchored in deeper water.
Sunfish (bluegill and redear) are abundant and will hit small spinners, panfish jigs, or live crickets. They're a good option if bass aren't cooperating and a fun way to spend an afternoon with kids.
Dealing With Weeds and Water Level
Lake Redding's weed growth is heavy from June through September. Hydrilla and other aquatic plants create good habitat for bass but make fishing frustrating if you're not prepared. Use weedless rigging—Texas rigs, wacky rigs, or weighted hooks—and accept that you'll lose some lures. Topwater lures can be effective because they skip over the weeds instead of sinking into them.
The water level is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for power generation and water supply. It typically peaks in May and drops steadily through summer and fall. A 20-foot drop is common. Check the current elevation on the Bureau of Reclamation website before you go; if the level is very low, the boat ramps may be unusable, and shallow areas you fished last month may now be dry.
Rules and Licensing
You need a valid California fishing license to fish Lake Redding, available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most sporting goods stores. The lake is open year-round with no special closures or restrictions beyond state regulations. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no size limit and a 10-fish daily bag limit.
The lake is part of the Shasta Lake National Recreation Area, so some areas may have additional rules about camping, day-use parking, or boat operation. Check the U.S. Forest Service website or call the Redding Ranger District for details if you plan to stay overnight or use facilities beyond the boat ramp.
Getting There and What to Bring
Lake Redding is about 10 miles north of downtown Redding on Highway 299. From Interstate 5, take the Highway 299 exit and head east toward Redding, then north toward Keswick. Keswick Park is well-signed and easy to find. The drive from downtown Redding is about 20 minutes.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—the area is hot and exposed in summer. If you're fishing from a boat, bring a life jacket, a fire extinguisher, and a kill switch lanyard. If you're fishing from shore, bring a cooler, a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk, and a net if you want to land larger bass. The nearest gas station and food are in Redding, so fill up before you head north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish from shore at Lake Redding?
Yes. Keswick Park has shoreline access, and there are a few other spots along the lake where you can walk in from the road. Shore fishing is slower than boat fishing because you can't reach the deeper structure where bass hold during midday, but it's free and requires no boat license or launch fee.
What's the difference between Lake Redding and the Sacramento River below the dam?
Lake Redding is warm and holds warm-water species like largemouth bass and catfish. The Sacramento River below Keswick Dam is cold tailwater (50s year-round) and holds trout. They're completely different fisheries about 10 miles apart. If you want trout, fish the river. If you want bass and warm-water fishing, fish the lake.
Is Lake Redding good for beginners?
Yes. The lake is shallow in many areas, fish are abundant, and you don't need expensive equipment to catch them. Sunfish and catfish are easy to catch and forgiving of mistakes. Bass fishing has a steeper learning curve, but the lake's weed cover and structure make it a good place to practice.
What happens to fishing when the water level drops in late summer?
Fish concentrate in the deeper channels and holes, which can actually make them easier to find if you know where to look. The downside is that boat ramps may become unusable, and some shallow areas you fished in spring will be dry. Call the marina or the ranger station before you go to confirm the ramp is open.
Can I keep fish I catch at Lake Redding?
Yes, within the daily bag and size limits set by California. Bass must be 12 inches or longer, and you can keep five per day. Catfish have no size limit and a 10-fish daily bag. Sunfish are not regulated by size or bag limit. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for any updates to these rules before you fish.