Siskiyou is a prime area for anglers of every level. The fishing in Siskiyou is abundant, with numerous lakes, rivers, and wild streams to choose from. A variety of species – especially trout – and the area’s peaceful atmosphere make for a truly memorable experience.
We’ve spotlighted a few of the best fishing locations in Siskiyou below according to region. For even more choices, click here, then plan your next fishing adventure in Siskiyou!
WEST SISKIYOU
Home to inspiring waterfalls, volcanoes, forests and canyons, West Siskiyou also provides outdoor enthusiasts with a wide variety of fishing spots. The Klamath River – the second-largest river in the Golden State – features salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, green and white sturgeon, and Pacific lamprey.
Fly fishermen will want to head to Sugar Creek Ranch in Callahan. Year-round angling at the ranch’s eight lakes and ponds can be fished from the shore; the larger lakes are perfect for boats. Rainbow trout and steelheads are abundant in the winter and spring, but be sure to make a return trip during the summer – known as “prime time” – as the fish feed all day long.
One of the few high mountain lakes accessible by car, Kangaroo Lake features two stone fishing piers, or take your motorless boat and enjoy the peaceful water. Located near Weed, California, regularly stocked fish include brook, brown and rainbow trout. Ice fishing is possible in mid-winter when the ice is a safe thickness (at least 4 inches) to walk on.
EAST SISKIYOU
The 55-acre Juanita Lake is easily accessible from a 1½-mile paved trail that circles the lake, with two accessible fishing jetties. Regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout, this beautiful fishing spot also includes bass and catfish and is open year-round for fishing. Non-motor boats such as canoes and rowboats are allowed. Campsites are open from April to October, depending on weather conditions.
The only way to top Orr Lake’s abundance of fish is the view you’ll have while catching trout, bass and catfish. The beautiful background of Mount Shasta and the peaceful Orr Lake atmosphere makes this area popular with anglers. There are several jetties accessible by the scenic trail on the east edge of the lake. There is also a boat ramp and a hand-launch boat ramp for easy access.
SOUTH SISKIYOU
Winter ice fishing at Castle Lake is a rewarding experience, and other seasons offer plentiful opportunities to catch brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as gold shiners. Open year-round, this fairly secluded lake is perfect for fly fishing, and several access points are available to fish the Sacramento River for trout or chinook salmon, depending on your location. The beautiful 6,000-square-foot spires at Castle Crags State Park Wilderness Area, located above the lake, are spectacular.
Lake Siskiyou provides plenty of activities for the whole family, and the year-round fishing is practically second to none. Situated at the foot of Mount Shasta, the lake is home to smallmouth and largemouth bass, flathead catfish, crayfish and a variety of trout. No matter whether you’re fly fishing, bait casting or spinning, the possibilities are numerous, the waters are peaceful and the views of the mountain are incredible.
The McCloud River, open for fishing from April to November, is split into two divisions. The Upper McCloud River, home to the breathtaking McCloud Falls, offers rainbow, brown and brook trout, as well as the McCloud River redband trout, which are native to the area. The Lower McCloud tends to hold larger fish, with some rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches in length and brown trout averaging about 16 inches. The Lower McCloud can be challenging to wade in and the water is approximately 52 to 56 degrees year-round.
NORTH SISKIYOU
Mount Shasta serves as a backdrop for the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, a 4,700-acre region that includes seasonal wetlands, forest and wood land and deep water reservoirs. Two of the reservoirs – Trout Lake and Bass Lake – provide ideal conditions for rainbow trout and largemouth bass fishing. Among the wildlife often seen at Shasta Valley are sandhill cranes, waterfowl, raptors, deer, porcupines and coyotes.
The Iron Gate Hatchery releases salmon and steelhead to the Klamath River, where yellow perch can also be found. Salmon fishing is at its peak from September through March, and from Hornbrook to Happy Camp, there are eight river access points that provide access to the Klamath. The Iron Gate Reservoir and Copco Lake, both upstream from Iron Gate Hatchery, offer fishing year-round.
FISHING GUIDES
Anglers who have experienced the pleasure of fishing in Siskiyou know their favorite spots, but new visitors may benefit from the expertise of a fishing guide. There are numerous shops that sell a wide variety of rods, lures and all the accessories needed for a successful day of fishing, and a large selection of guides to show you the best places for the type of fish you hope to catch.
SC Guide Service is a one-stop shop for all your fishing necessities, and Scott Caldwell – guide and owner – offers fly fishing adventures and casting instruction for beginning- to expert-level fisherman at numerous lakes and rivers throughout Siskiyou.
Specializing in salmon, trout and steelhead fishing on the Klamath River, professional guide Mario Gomez from Ironhead Guide Service uses top-quality boats and fishing equipment for a first-class adventure. In addition to the Klamath River, Ironhead offers trips on the Smith, Chetco, Umpqua and Rogue rivers.
Wild Waters Fly Fishing, based out of Mount Shasta, offers year-round full-day trips to numerous rivers throughout the area, and has done so for 23-plus years. At Jack Trout Fly Fishing International, guided fishing trips include gourmet meals and more, and they’ll even book plane and hotel reservations and provide recommendations on where to dine locally.
When fishing in Siskiyou, remember to observe local fishing regulations, including catch-and-release rules, types of hooks and more. You’ll also need a valid California Fishing License, which protects the purity of the environment and the ecosystem.
PLAN TIME IN SISKIYOU
From camping and RV sites to lodges and hotels, Siskiyou offers a variety of places to stay while you enjoy your fishing adventures. Plan a getaway to Siskiyou and experience all the area has to offer.
