The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Lake
Shasta County, California · about 2,800 acres (4.4 sq mi)
55°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Big Lake
Big Lake spreads over about 2,800 acres in Shasta County, California.
From end to end it runs about 4.7 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 24 miles. Its surface is about 3,310 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Burney, is about 16 miles southwest. The closest city is Redding, about 58 miles away.
- Size
- About 2,800 acres (4.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 24 miles
- End to end
- About 4.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,310 ft
- County
- Shasta County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual California mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 55°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:51 am · sunset 4:48 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Lake
- Burneyabout 16 mi southwest
- Reddingnearest city, about 58 mi southwest
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Questions about Big Lake
What fish are in Big Lake?
Lakes like Big Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Lake?
About 2,800 acres, with about 24 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Lake?
Burney is about 16 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Big Lake today?
The surface was about 55°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
