What Hirz Bay offers and where to find it

Hirz Bay is a protected cove on the eastern arm of Shasta Lake, roughly 12 miles northeast of Redding near the town of Lakehead. The bay sits in a narrow inlet where Hirz Creek feeds the main reservoir, creating a natural funnel that concentrates fish and gives you a smaller, more manageable water body than the sprawling main lake. The cove is shallow enough near the creek mouth to wade in places, but drops off quickly to 40 to 60 feet, which makes it productive year-round.

Access is straightforward: take Highway 299 east from Redding toward Burney, then turn north on Hirz Bay Road. A small boat launch sits at the end of the road, with parking for about a dozen vehicles and a single-lane concrete ramp. There is no fuel dock or store at the launch itself, so fill up in Lakehead or Redding before you go. The launch fee is typically a few dollars, collected at an honor box.

Key Takeaways

  • Hirz Bay holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and kokanee salmon, with smallmouth being the most reliable year-round target.
  • The creek mouth and shallow flats near the launch are best in spring and early summer; deeper structure along the eastern wall produces in fall and winter.
  • Kokanee move into the bay in late summer and fall, and they respond to small spoons and trolling patterns rather than bass tackle.
  • The bay is protected from wind and large boat traffic, making it safer for small boats and kayaks than the main lake.
  • California fishing regulations apply; you need a valid license and must follow current size and bag limits for each species.

Smallmouth bass: the year-round foundation

Smallmouth bass are the most consistent fish in Hirz Bay. They live along the rocky points and drop-offs that frame the cove, and they respond to both live bait and artificial lures. In spring (March through May), work the shallow flats and the creek mouth with crawdad-pattern crankbaits or small swimbaits; the water is warming and fish are moving shallow to feed. Cast toward the rocks and let the lure work the transition zone between 8 and 15 feet of water.

Summer smallmouth (June through August) retreat to deeper structure as the water warms. Focus on the eastern wall of the bay where the bottom drops away, and fish the 30 to 50-foot zone with drop-shot rigs or vertical jigging. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, when the sun pushes fish deeper. Fall and winter smallmouth stay deep but become more aggressive as water temperature drops; they will chase larger baits and faster-moving lures.

Live crawdads and shiners work well if you prefer bait fishing. A simple rig—split shot and a small hook—lets the bait work naturally along the bottom. Bring a small cast net if you want to catch your own bait from the shallows near the launch; crawdads are abundant in Hirz Bay and free for the taking.

Largemouth bass in the shallow flats and creek channel

Largemouth bass are less abundant than smallmouth in Hirz Bay, but they concentrate in specific places. The shallow flats at the northern end of the bay, near where Hirz Creek enters, hold largemouth in spring and early summer. They hide in submerged brush and around fallen trees, so work topwater lures and soft plastics slowly through that zone. A frog pattern or a weedless soft plastic rigged Texas-style will get through the cover without snagging.

The creek channel itself—the deeper trench that runs from the mouth back toward the main lake—holds largemouth year-round. Fish it with a slow-rolling crankbait or a jig-and-pig combination, keeping your lure in the 15 to 25-foot zone. Largemouth in this part of the lake tend to be smaller than smallmouth, typically 10 to 14 inches, but they are willing biters and good for a fast, fun session.

Kokanee salmon in late summer and fall

Kokanee salmon enter Hirz Bay in August and stay through October, moving in from the main lake to spawn in Hirz Creek. They are not large—most run 12 to 16 inches—but they are fast, acrobatic, and fun on light tackle. Kokanee do not eat aggressively, so you need small lures and finesse presentations. Small spoons (size 0 to 1) in silver or gold work best; troll them slowly at 1 to 2 miles per hour along the creek channel and the drop-off where the bay meets the main lake.

Jigging also works if you locate a concentration. Use a small vertical jigging spoon or a tiny jig tipped with a small piece of bait, and work it in the 30 to 50-foot zone. Kokanee are sight feeders, so bright colors and flash matter more than exact imitation. Early morning is prime time; the fish are more active in low light and cooler water.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (March to May) brings rising water levels and warming temperatures. Fish move shallow, and the creek mouth becomes a focal point. Visibility is often poor due to runoff, so use darker lures and fish by feel. Water temperature ranges from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer (June to August) means clear water, warm temperatures (65 to 75 degrees), and fish pushed deep. Early morning and evening sessions are more productive than midday. This is also when kokanee begin to show, though they are not abundant until late August.

Fall (September to November) is excellent. Water cools, fish become more aggressive, and kokanee fill the bay. Visibility is excellent, and you can fish all day. Water temperature drops from 65 degrees in September to 50 degrees by November.

Winter (December to February) is slow but fishable. Water is cold (45 to 50 degrees), and fish are deep and lethargic. Vertical jigging and live bait fished on the bottom are your best options. The bay rarely freezes, and the protected cove is safer than the main lake in rough weather.

Tackle and technique recommendations

For smallmouth and largemouth, a 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braided line is ideal. Braided line gives you sensitivity in deep water and better hook sets. Pair it with a 6 to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility. Bring a variety of crankbaits (sizes 2 to 4), soft plastics (3 to 5 inches), and small spoons.

For kokanee, drop down to a 5.5-foot light-power rod with 4 to 6-pound line. Kokanee have small mouths and light bites, so sensitivity matters. Small spoons (size 0 to 1) and tiny jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) are essential. If you plan to troll, a trolling rod (5 to 6 feet, rated for 1 to 4-pound lures) works better than a casting rod.

A small boat (14 to 18 feet) or a kayak works well in Hirz Bay. The cove is protected, and the shallow launch area is easy to navigate. If you are in a kayak, stay in the northern half of the bay and avoid the main lake channel; the transition zone can get choppy when the main lake is windy.

Rules, seasons, and what to bring

California fishing regulations apply to Hirz Bay. You need a valid California fishing license (available online or at sporting goods stores). Current regulations allow five smallmouth bass per day with a 12-inch minimum size, and five largemouth bass per day with a 14-inch minimum size. Kokanee have a 10-fish daily limit with no size restriction, though most fish are too small to keep anyway.

The bay is open year-round, but spring and fall are most productive. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses—the water is clear and the sun reflects hard off the surface. A small cooler with water and snacks is essential; there are no facilities at the launch. If you are fishing in winter or early spring, wear a life jacket and bring a change of clothes; the water is cold, and the cove can get windy in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Hirz Bay from shore?

Yes, but it is limited. The launch area and a small stretch of rocky bank near the boat ramp allow wading and shore casting. You can reach the shallow flats and the creek mouth from shore, which is good for spring smallmouth and largemouth. For deeper structure and kokanee, you need a boat or kayak.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through October) is peak season: water is clear, kokanee are present, and smallmouth are aggressive. Spring (April and May) is also excellent for smallmouth. Summer is slower due to heat and deep fish, and winter is productive only if you are willing to fish deep and slow.

Do I need a guide to fish Hirz Bay?

No. The bay is small and easy to navigate, and fish are predictable. If you are new to the lake or want to learn kokanee trolling, a guide can save time and teach technique, but it is not necessary for smallmouth and largemouth fishing.

Is there a restaurant or store near the launch?

Lakehead, about 5 miles south, has a small market and a couple of restaurants. Redding, 12 miles south, has full services including fuel, tackle shops, and dining. Plan to bring your own food and water for the day.

What size boat do I need?

A 14 to 18-foot boat is comfortable and safe. Smaller boats and kayaks work fine in the protected cove, but avoid the main lake channel in windy conditions. The launch ramp is single-lane and can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early.