Shaver Lake is a large, man-made reservoir nestled high in the Sierra National Forest of central California. Situated at approximately 5,370 feet, the lake was created in 1927 with the completion of the Shaver Dam as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project. Managed by Southern California Edison, the reservoir serves as a major hub for year-round recreation, attracting visitors for boating, camping, and its renowned cold-water fishery.
Primary Fish Species Found in Shaver Lake
The fishery is dominated by cold-water species, primarily trout and salmon, which thrive in the deep, cool waters of the high-elevation reservoir. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are the most numerous inhabitants due to consistent and heavy stocking efforts. These fish are generally caught at a “catchable” size, though the lake produces trophy-class specimens that can exceed ten pounds. They are sought after by anglers for their aggressive feeding habits and strong fighting ability.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) are also present, though they are fewer in number and generally more elusive than their rainbow counterparts. The population sustains itself through a combination of natural reproduction and periodic stocking of sub-catchable fingerlings. These fish are known to grow to substantial sizes by preying on smaller fish. Their predatory nature means they often inhabit different areas and feed on larger forage than the rainbow trout.
Shaver Lake has a thriving population of Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), which are essentially landlocked Sockeye Salmon. These fish are planted as small fingerlings and grow rapidly, with many reaching lengths of up to 18 inches by late summer. Kokanee are filter feeders, consuming zooplankton, and are typically targeted by specialized trolling techniques at specific depths. Their deep red, flavorful meat makes them valued by anglers, and they represent a unique component of the lake’s fish diversity.
The lake also contains a population of warm-water fish, including Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), Crappie, and Bluegill. Smallmouth Bass were introduced in the 1970s and tend to concentrate around rocky shorelines and structure. Individuals generally do not reach the large sizes seen in lower-elevation lakes. They provide an alternative fishing opportunity, especially during warmer months when cold-water species are driven to deeper areas.
The Role of Stocking in Population Management
Artificial stocking is a fundamental practice, serving to maintain a high-quality recreational fishery that natural reproduction alone could not support. The primary agencies responsible are the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Their joint management ensures a continuous supply of fish to meet the demand from local and visiting anglers throughout the season.
The stocking program employs two main strategies: “Put and Take” and “Put and Grow” plants. Put and Take stocking involves releasing catchable-sized Rainbow Trout, and occasionally larger trophy fish, to provide immediate angling opportunities. This strategy focuses on sustaining a high catch rate for shore and boat anglers throughout the core fishing season, typically spring through early fall.
Put and Grow stocking is used for Kokanee Salmon and Brown Trout, which are introduced as small fingerlings or sub-catchable fish. These smaller fish are expected to grow naturally, eventually reaching trophy size in subsequent years. This approach is necessary because the lake’s fluctuating water levels and artificial nature largely inhibit successful natural spawning, especially for Kokanee. Stocking generally occurs across the spring, summer, and fall months to ensure a staggered population structure and a sustained fishery.
Aquatic Habitat and Fishing Considerations
The high elevation of Shaver Lake directly influences its thermal properties and, consequently, the distribution of its fish populations. During the summer months, the surface water can warm considerably, creating a phenomenon known as thermal stratification. This is the formation of distinct temperature layers within the water column, with the warmest, least dense water remaining at the surface.
Below the surface layer, a distinct boundary called the thermocline develops, marking a rapid decrease in water temperature. Cold-water species like trout and kokanee, which require cooler, more oxygenated water, are forced to concentrate at or just above this thermocline during the summer. This critical depth often ranges between 35 to 50 feet below the surface, a zone that provides optimal conditions for their survival and feeding.
Anglers often target these specific depths with downriggers or weighted lines to reach the concentrated fish. The lake’s physical structure is also a significant factor in fish location. Structural features such as submerged timber provide cover and ambush points for predatory fish like Brown Trout. Rocky points and coves also attract various species, offering transition areas and feeding grounds where the lake bottom changes rapidly.