Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown, Shasta County, CA
5mi²
372.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Whiskeytown Lake is a popular recreational destination in Shasta County, California, situated approximately 8 miles west of Redding. The lake covers an area of 3,456 acres and has a capacity of 241,100 acre-feet, which is formed by Whiskeytown Dam on Clear Creek. The lake is part of the Whiskeytown Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, which offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Whiskeytown Lake is surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain and lush forests, making it an ideal location for hiking and nature watching. The lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and bald eagles. The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The James K. Carr Trail is a popular option, which provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Boating is another popular activity at Whiskeytown Lake, with several boat ramps available for public use. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing, and anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including bass, trout, and salmon. Whiskeytown Lake is also home to many picnic areas and campgrounds, making it an ideal location for family outings and overnight stays. The Brandy Creek Beach offers a sandy shoreline and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The lake's crystal-clear waters are also ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world and its unique aquatic life. Overall, Whiskeytown Lake is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Redding area, offering something for everyone, from hiking and boating to fishing and swimming. With its breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities, Whiskeytown Lake is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature.

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Current Conditions

85°F°
Feels like 85°F°
MostlyCloudy
Today's High
71°F°
Today's Low
51°F°

Water Temperature

62°F
Updated: (May 9)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Whiskeytown Lake is 62°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind4 mph W (Gust 12 mph)
Pressure
29.83 inHg
Visibility48 mi
Humidity19%
Cloud Cover83%

Forecast: Sunday, May 11

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
57°F°
10 AM
66°F°
1 PM
71°F°
4 PM
66°F°

Temperature

High
71°F°
Low
51°F°

Precipitation

Chance24%
Amount0.00"
Typerain

Wind

9mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
32mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed19 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise12:57 PM
Sunset3:17 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index5 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
4/5

Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

7:00 AM - 7:00 AM

2:23 PM - 4:53 PM

Minor Times (Good)

2:20 AM - 3:50 AM

11:37 AM - 1:07 PM

Outlook for Sunday at Whiskeytown Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 51°F to 71°F. There's a 24% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.00" rain. Winds will be averaging 9 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 32 mph. The maximum UV index will be 5 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 7:00 AM and 2:23 PM, or try the minor windows near 2:20 AM and 11:37 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Whiskeytown Lake.

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May 11th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
372 ft
Area
5 mi²
Coordinates
40.648, -122.595

Weather Forecast

Sunday

71°F
51°F

Monday

59°F
45°F

Tuesday

69°F
44°F

Wednesday

74°F
46°F

Thursday

79°F
50°F

Friday

80°F
56°F

Saturday

76°F
54°F

Sunday

77°F
48°F

Monday

84°F
52°F
Sunday - 5/11/2025
71°F
51°F
12am
67°F
62°F
29.81 hPa
11 mph
WNW
G: 24 mph
2am
65°F
62°F
29.83 hPa
7 mph
NW
G: 22 mph
4am
61°F
62°F
29.84 hPa
9 mph
NW
G: 17 mph
6am
58°F
62°F
29.83 hPa
8 mph
NW
G: 16 mph
8am
59°F
62°F
29.84 hPa
7 mph
NW
G: 11 mph
10am
66°F
62°F
29.83 hPa
1 mph
N
G: 5 mph
12pm
70°F
62°F
29.83 hPa
2 mph
SE
G: 11 mph
2pm
70°F
62°F
29.79 hPa
9 mph
W
G: 16 mph
4pm
66°F
62°F
29.76 hPa
19 mph
W
G: 32 mph
6pm
62°F
62°F
29.77 hPa
15 mph
W
G: 29 mph
8pm
56°F
62°F
29.79 hPa
13 mph
WNW
G: 29 mph
10pm
53°F
62°F
29.82 hPa
11 mph
NW
G: 20 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Whiskeytown Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

45°F

On Dec 1

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

58°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (82°F).
  • Coolest avg: February (47°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: June → July (+11°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-13°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm08162432

Wind Direction

296°

Pressure

1010 mb

Cloud Cover

98%

Visibility

45 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

SunMonTueWedThuFriSatSunMon0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whiskeytown Lake

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