What You'll Find at Antlers Boat Ramp

Antlers Boat Ramp is a developed launch facility on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The ramp itself is a two-lane concrete launch with good width and a moderate slope — it handles everything from small aluminum boats to larger center consoles without trouble. The facility sits in a cove with relatively protected water, which makes it one of the easier launches on the lake when conditions are rough elsewhere.

The ramp is open year-round, though water levels drop significantly in late summer and early fall. When the lake is full, launching is straightforward. By September, the ramp can become steep and the approach shallow, so you may need to back your trailer further than usual or wait for higher water if you're towing a deep-draft boat.

Parking is limited but usually adequate. There's a gravel lot that holds roughly 20 to 25 vehicles with trailers, plus additional day-use parking nearby. During peak summer weekends, the lot fills by mid-morning, so arriving early matters if you want a spot close to the ramp.

Key Takeaways

  • Antlers Boat Ramp is a two-lane concrete launch on the McCloud Arm, open year-round and suitable for most boat types.
  • Water levels drop significantly by late summer, making the ramp steeper and the approach shallower — plan accordingly if you're launching a deep-draft boat.
  • Parking is limited to roughly 20 to 25 trailer spaces, and the lot fills early on summer weekends.
  • The ramp has vault toilets and a day-use fee; no fuel, food, or overnight camping is available at the ramp itself.
  • The McCloud Arm is known for kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.

Facilities and Services at the Ramp

Antlers has the basics but not much more. Vault toilets are on-site and maintained seasonally. There is no fuel dock, no launch fee station (payment is honor-system or collected by ranger patrol), and no food or beverage service. If you need gas, food, or supplies, the nearest options are in Redding or at the Shasta Dam area, roughly 30 to 45 minutes away depending on which arm you're on.

A day-use fee applies — check current rates with the Shasta Lake Ranger District, as they vary by season and can change year to year. The fee typically covers parking and ramp use for the day. Overnight camping is not permitted at the ramp itself, but several campgrounds are nearby on the McCloud Arm, including Hirz Bay and Dekkas Creek, both run by the Forest Service.

Fishing the McCloud Arm from Antlers

The McCloud Arm is the most productive arm on Shasta Lake for kokanee salmon, especially in spring and fall. Antlers gives you direct access to deep water and structure that holds fish year-round. Smallmouth bass are also present and can be strong in summer and early fall, particularly around rocky points and submerged timber.

Spring (March through May) is prime kokanee season — fish suspend in 40 to 80 feet of water, and trolling small spoons or jigging works well. Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as fish move shallower before spawning. Summer can be slow for kokanee due to heat and oxygen depletion at depth, but bass fishing improves as the water warms.

The arm also holds rainbow trout and some brown trout, though they're less predictable than kokanee. Bring a depth finder if you have one — the McCloud Arm has significant drop-offs and underwater structure that a sounder will help you locate.

Water Levels and Seasonal Conditions

Shasta Lake's water level fluctuates dramatically between seasons. The lake typically reaches full pool (elevation 1,067 feet) in late spring or early summer. By late August, it often drops 30 to 50 feet or more, depending on irrigation demand and rainfall. This affects Antlers directly — the ramp becomes steeper, and the approach shallows out.

In low-water years, launching a boat with a deep draft (more than 2 feet) can be difficult or impossible without backing the trailer well into the water. If you're unsure about conditions, call the Shasta Lake Ranger District before you go. They can tell you the current elevation and whether the ramp is passable for your boat type.

Wind can be significant on the McCloud Arm, especially in afternoon hours during spring and early summer. The arm is somewhat sheltered compared to the main lake, but open water near the ramp can still get choppy. Check the forecast and plan your launch time accordingly.

Getting to Antlers Boat Ramp

Antlers is accessed via Highway 299 east of Redding. From Redding, take Highway 299 east toward Burney for roughly 15 miles. Turn north on McCloud Road (also called Forest Road 11) and follow it for about 8 miles to the ramp. The road is paved and well-maintained, though it narrows as you approach the lake.

GPS coordinates for the ramp are approximately 40.9167° N, 121.4833° W. Cell service is spotty in the area, so download offline maps if you're unfamiliar with the route. The drive from central Redding takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Nearby Camping and Lodging

Several Forest Service campgrounds sit within a few miles of Antlers. Hirz Bay Campground is the closest, about 3 miles south, with roughly 35 sites and a separate boat ramp. Dekkas Creek Campground is another option, roughly 5 miles away, with about 10 sites and a smaller ramp. Both fill quickly on summer weekends and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you prefer lodging with amenities, Redding has hotels, restaurants, and a full range of services. The trade-off is the 45-minute drive each way. Some anglers also use the Shasta Dam area as a base, which is closer to the main lake but farther from the McCloud Arm.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring more water than you think you'll need — there's no potable water at the ramp. A depth finder is valuable for kokanee fishing on the McCloud Arm. If you're launching in late summer, check water levels before you go and be prepared to back your trailer further than usual.

The ramp can get crowded on summer weekends, so arrive early or plan for a weekday trip if possible. Bring cash for the day-use fee — payment options may be limited. A current California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and you'll need a separate license for kokanee if you plan to keep them (check current regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Antlers?

Yes, but there's no dedicated kayak launch. You can carry a kayak down to the ramp and launch from the side, or use the boat ramp itself if it's not busy. The McCloud Arm is generally calmer than the main lake, making it reasonable for paddlers, though afternoon wind can pick up.

What's the best time of year to fish the McCloud Arm?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak kokanee seasons. Summer can be slow for kokanee but improves for smallmouth bass. Winter is possible but water is cold and fish are less active.

Is there fuel or food at the ramp?

No. The ramp has vault toilets only. Fuel, food, and supplies are available in Redding or at the Shasta Dam area, 30 to 45 minutes away. Plan accordingly and bring what you need.

What happens if the water level is too low?

Call the Shasta Lake Ranger District before you go — they can tell you the current elevation and whether the ramp is passable for your boat. In very low years, launching may not be possible without a shallow-draft boat.

Do I need a reservation to launch at Antlers?

No. Antlers operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There's no reservation system, but the lot can fill on summer weekends, so arriving early is wise.