🌅 When to Visit Shasta Lake & The Retreats

A Month-by-Month Guide to the Magic of the Lake

Shasta Lake and the Shasta Lakeshore Retreat is a year-round destination—and while summer is our busiest season, each month at the lake offers its own special charm. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, outdoor adventure, holiday celebrations, fishing, or family fun, there’s a perfect time of year for everyone.

Below is a guide to help you find the ideal season come to the lake and stay with us.

🌨 January – March: Cozy, Quiet & Underrated

This is the calmest and most peaceful time of year—and one of our best-kept secrets.

• Cozy fireplaces, outdoor gas firepits, and dry oak firewood provided in homes with indoor wood-burning fireplaces

• Rain common and some light snow at times, but rarely enough to affect travel

• Mount Shasta skiing is just a drive away

• Sunrises and sunsets are incredible, often glowing red and orange

• Local streams and creeks are flowing strong, including next to Retreats 1, 5, and 7

• Great time to take the ATVs out on the many trails.

• Golf courses remain open most of the year thanks to mild winters

• Basshole Grill and Lakehead Market stay open year-round

• Lake Shasta Caverns are open (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

• Great time for rainbow trout fishing

• All retreats have central heat, many have hot tubs

• Lowest rates of the year

We’re always surprised more people don’t take advantage of this magical time to recharge at the lake.

🌷 April: Spring Awakens the Lake

Nature bursts into life with blooming flowers and flowing waterfalls.

• A mix of spring rains and sunshine

• The lake rises dramatically and everything turns lush and green

• Wildlife activity increases

• Tulips bloom throughout the area

• Great time for hiking and waterfall exploring

• Trout remain active; bass start biting

• Mild temps: 60s–80s

• Lakehead Bunny Parade during Easter includes local floats and prize drawings for kids

• Cornhole games provided at every home for family fun

• Lower rates than summer months

☀️ May: A Perfect Balance of Beauty & Adventure

Warm weather, a full lake, and the start of boating season.

• Lake levels typically at their highest

• Sugarloaf Marina opens next to many homes

• Days in the 70s to 90s, mostly sunny

• Water temperature warms quickly

• Excellent for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing

• Bass, trout, and catfish all active

• Memorial Day weekend sells out every year

🛶 June: Summer Begins in Full Swing

Early June offers great value before the mid-month rush.

• High 80s to 100+, sunny and dry

• Water temp hits mid-80s by month’s end

• Great for all water sports and swimming

• Hang out on the floating island in front of the Lakefront Retreats

• Fishing strong for bass, catfish, and kokanee salmon

• Rates rise mid-month

• Booking Tip: June 15 – August 15 is our peak window—most homes begin to book 12+ months in advance

🎆 July: Peak Energy, Peak Fun

This is our highest demand month with virtually every night booked at every house. Please plan ahead!

• Classic summer lake vibes, full of families, reunions, and fun

• Daily temps in the 90s and 100s

• Fourth of July Boat Parade on the lake is a guest favorite (see our separate blog post)

• Water temp can reach 90°F

• Cornhole sets at every home for evening competition

• Morning and evening are best for fishing

• Booking Tip: Many families return every year—some homes book up 18 months ahead

🏖 August: Summer’s Last Hurrah

Similar to July, but with a little more space and quieter later in the month.

• Warm or hot weather continues

• Excellent for all lake activities

• Fishing for catfish, bass, and trout still strong

• Labor Day weekend sells out—always a popular farewell to summer

• Booking Tip: The first half of August fills quickly—early booking highly recommended

🍁 September: The Locals’ Favorite

Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

• High 80s to low 90s, crisp nights

• Marina remains open

• Great time for couples and adult getaways

• Bass and trout fishing is excellent

• Water is still warm for swimming and boating

• Rates drop significantly after Labor Day

• Booking Tip: Amazing value if you can travel midweek or post-Labor Day

🍂 October: Quiet & Golden

Warm enough for lake days, cool enough for cozy nights.

• Temperatures in the 70s and 80s

• Water temp in high 70s to 80°F

• Stunning fall colors and sunsets

• Excellent for photographers, leaf peepers, and anglers

• Bass and trout remain active

• Rates remain low with excellent availability

🎄 November – December: Holidays & Firesides

A peaceful and festive time of year.

• Cool and crisp with occasional light rain or snow

• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weeks book early

• Lake level is at its lowest, offering unique shoreline views

• Trout fishing returns to shallow waters

• Caverns open (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)

• We include Christmas trees and décor in every home

• Curl up by the fire, soak in the hot tub, and make holiday memories with family

• Great rates (except holiday weeks)

• 🎣 Fishing Seasons at a Glance

  Season	Best Fish	Pro Tips
  Winter (Jan–Mar)	Rainbow Trout	Active near inlets and creeks
  Spring (Apr–May)	Trout, Bass	Bass move to shallows as water warms
  Summer (Jun–Aug)	Bass, Catfish, Salmon	Fish early or late; night fishing is excellent
  Fall (Sep–Nov)	Bass, Trout, Salmon	Minimal boat traffic = better fishing
  Holidays (Dec)	Trout	Cool temps keep trout near the surface

✅ Why Guests Come Back Year After Year

Many of our homes are booked a year or more in advance by returning guests who want their same spot for the same week—especially in summer. Our calendar is open 18 months out, and high-demand homes fill up quickly for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends, as well as the June–August peak season.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for solitude, sunshine, snow adventures, or a festive holiday, there’s no wrong time to visit Shasta Lakeshore Retreat. With lower off-season rates, cozy fireplaces, hot tubs, family-friendly amenities like cornhole, and local charm all year long, we invite you to explore the seasons beyond summer and discover your own perfect time to stay.

Ready to book? Check availability here or contact us—we’d love to help you plan the perfect getaway!

Shasta Lakeshore Retreat offers 18 of the finest Lakefront and Lake View Homes on Shasta Lake available year around.  Dog Friendly.

August 7, 2025

David & Lori Raun
Shasta Lakeshore Retreat
www.shastalakeshoreretreat.com
Lori:  Cell/Text:  (925) 200-6934
ShastaRetreats@gmail.com