Whiskeytown Lake

CA

National recreation area with clear water and waterfall hikes.

40.620°N 122.570°W1,202 ft
BoatingCampingFishingPaddlingSwimming
Storage98%of capacity · California Data Exchange Center
Lake level1,208.2ftCalifornia Data Exchange Center · down · history
Today72°FPartly Sunny · low 49°F
Wind0 to 3 mphESE · NWS
Rentals, stays & trips for Whiskeytown LakePartner links · same price for you
Rent a boat on Whiskeytown LakePontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near Whiskeytown LakeLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

Rent a boat on Whiskeytown LakeBoatsetter · partner link→
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · USGS 3DHP

Quick facts

Type
Lake
State
California
Elevation
1,202 ft
Boat ramps
1
Campgrounds
2
Fish species
1

Get on the water

Ramps & rentals

Boat ramp

· 0.2 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Brandy Creek Marina

· 0.2 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Boat rentals

Rent a boat for Whiskeytown Lake

Pontoons, ski boats and fishing boats from local owners, with or without a captain.

Affiliate link

Where to stay

Camp near the water

Brandy Creek Campground

· 0.4 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Dry Creek Campground

· 0.6 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Public sites full?

Private sites nearby

Ranch, desert and waterfront sites hosted by landowners.

Affiliate link
Rather sleep indoors?

Cabins and hotels near Whiskeytown Lake

Lake houses, cabins and hotels close to the water, with free cancellation on many stays.

Affiliate link
No rig? No problem

RV delivered to camp

Some owners will drop a trailer at the campground and pick it up when you leave.

Affiliate links

What's biting

Fishing by month

Native lives here naturallyWild introduced, reproduces on its ownStocked planted by the state
SpeciesOriginJFMAMJJASOND
Rainbow troutLast stocked Aug 2, 2026 Stocked

Lighter is slow, darker is peak. The outlined column is this month. "Reported" means only one verified catch record so far.

Guided trips

Book a fishing charter

Half-day and full-day trips with gear and local know-how.

Affiliate links
Recent stocking
  • TroutAug 2, 2026
  • TroutMar 29, 2026
  • TroutDec 14, 2025
  • TroutNov 16, 2025
CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Rainbow trout

Fly rods, reels and fliesTrident Fly Fishing→Fiberglass fly rods and kitsEpic Fly Rods→Spoons, spinners and minnow luresRapala→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Fishing rules · California

Limits & regulations

● Under review
Limits under reviewWe're confirming the current limits for this water. Until then, check the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov) before you fish.
⚑ Check before you go.We update these weekly, but rules can change at any time. For the official rules, see the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov).

Off the water

Nearby trails

Rock Creek Trailhead

fee: no
no · 5.5 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Trailheads from OpenStreetMap and hand-checked notes. Open the trailhead in your hiking app for full route details.

Before you launch

Gas, bait & supplies nearby

Gas and fuel docks

  • Tower
    8.7 mi
  • Chevron
    8.8 mi
  • Gas station
    9.1 mi
  • Valero
    9.2 mi

Bait and tackle

  • The Fishing HoleBait
    11.0 mi
  • The Hermit’s Hut 3184 Bechelli Lane, Redding
    11.6 mi
  • Sportsman's Warehouse 1659 Hilltop Drive · Mo-Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 10:00-18:00
    11.6 miCall
  • The Fly ShopBait
    12.4 mi

Groceries and ice

  • J's
    4.6 mi
  • Grocery OutletIce
    8.0 mi
  • Igo Store
    8.1 mi
  • Tower Mart 1495 Lake Boulevard, Redding
    8.7 mi

RV dump and fresh water

  • RV dump stationDump station
    2.4 mi

Ranger stations

  • US Forest Service Ranger Station
    21.1 mi

Hospitals and urgent care

  • Patients' Hospital of Redding 2900 Eureka Way, Redding
    8.4 miCall
  • Mercy Medical Center ReddingEmergency 2175 Rosaline Avenue, Redding · 24/7
    9.7 miCall
  • Dignity Health 2625 Edith Avenue, Redding
    9.7 mi
  • Shasta Regional Medical CenterEmergency 1100 Butte Street, Redding · 24/7
    9.9 miCall

Distances are straight-line from the water. Listings © OpenStreetMap contributors; hours change, so call ahead. In an emergency, call 911.

Trip planner

Build your weekend

Saturday74°FSunnyWind 1 to 7 mph ENE
Sunday72°FMostly SunnyWind 3 mph ESE

National Weather Service forecast. Afternoon wind builds on big lakes; plan crossings for the morning.

How many days
Who's coming
Main thing

Packing list

Don't forget

Good to know

Whiskeytown Lake FAQ

Can you rent a boat on Whiskeytown Lake?

Yes. Boat rentals for Whiskeytown Lake can be searched on Boatsetter, where local owners list pontoons, ski boats and fishing boats, some with a captain. Availability changes by season, so book early for summer weekends. Public launches include Boat ramp, Brandy Creek Marina.

Where can I launch a boat on Whiskeytown Lake?

Boat ramps and marinas listed for this water: Boat ramp, Brandy Creek Marina. Fees and hours change by season, so check with the managing agency before you tow.

Where can I camp near Whiskeytown Lake?

Campgrounds near the water include Brandy Creek Campground, Dry Creek Campground. When public sites are full, private sites nearby are listed on Hipcamp.

What fish are in Whiskeytown Lake?

Whiskeytown Lake has Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout is stocked by the state.

Is Whiskeytown Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. The most recent state planting report for Whiskeytown Lake lists Trout the week of 2026-08-02. Sign up on this page to get an email when it's stocked again.

What is the water level of Whiskeytown Lake today?

On 2026-10-19, Whiskeytown Lake was at 1,208.19 feet, 98% of capacity. That's down 0.55 feet from a week earlier. Source: California Data Exchange Center, updated daily.

Is there gas near Whiskeytown Lake?

The closest listed fuel is Tower, about 8.7 miles from the water.

Where can I buy bait near Whiskeytown Lake?

Bait and tackle nearby: The Fishing Hole (11.0 mi), The Hermit’s Hut (11.6 mi), Sportsman's Warehouse (11.6 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Do I need a fishing license at Whiskeytown Lake?

Yes. In California, anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.

Keep exploring

Nearby water

Upper Sacramento10 mi · 216 cfsShasta Lake16 mi · 51% fullLake Oroville92 mi · 44% fullClear Lake110 mi

Sources: USGS 3DHP, Recreation.gov RIDB, OpenStreetMap contributors, CDFW and AZGFD, GBIF, NWS. Photo credits are listed on the photo credits page. All outbound links are affiliate links.