Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (2024)

FAQs

What is Whiskeytown CA known for? ›

A Clean, Clear Lake and Much, Much More

Whiskeytown Lake's crystal-clear water is perhaps the most recognized feature of the park. However, water-based recreation is only a part of what the 42,000-acre Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has to offer.

The National Park Service (Park Service) addressed those sources of contamination by implementing a range of management practices that have improved water quality. As a result, California removed Whiskeytown Lake from its list of impaired waters in 2010. Figure 1. Whiskeytown Lake's Brandy Creek swimming beach.

Clear Creek below Whiskeytown Dam is catch and release only. Barbless hooks and artificial lures must be used. Daily limits are as follows: 5 kokanee salmon and 5 trout of any species, any combination of 5 largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, any combination of 25 sunfish (crappie and bluegill).

The Wintu and their indigenous ancestors inhabited the area now known as Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for centuries and probably knew about gold deposits, but in the late 1840s and early 1850s, a gold rush comprised mostly of white miners, primarily from the eastern U.S. and Europe, ensued.

Redding's lakes and rivers aren't just good for boating. Freshwater flowing throughout the region also welcomes swimmers looking to cool off from the sun. Lay out a blanket on a sandy beach at Whiskeytown Lake before floating in its waters.

Currently, the water temperature stands at 71º Fahrenheit.

The Glory Hole is an overflow drain designed to keep the lake level from rising so high that it spills over the top of the nearby dam. Water going through the Glory Hole is routed under the Clair A.

Maximum depth. 264 feet. Recreation at Whiskeytown is administered by the Na- tional Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year. Portable showers are not allowed. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, free cold showers or hot showers for a small fee are available at Oak Bottom Beach. Generators are not allowed.

Can you have alcohol at Whiskeytown Lake? ›

Leashed dogs (pets), alcohol and horse use are permitted in some areas of the park. Please look for signs and follow all rules. Follow the link above for more specific information. Enjoy your visit, stop by or call the Visitor Center for more information, (530) 246-1225.

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Boaters on Whiskeytown Lake. The lake offers boating, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. With 36 miles of shoreline and a full pool in the summer the reservoir provides excellent water recreation in a beautiful mountain setting. All federal and state boating regulations apply.

Whiskeytown Lake has two separate sources of water: 1) Clear Creek and its tributaries and 2) during the summer, Clear Creek Tunnel, a manmade tunnel that connects Whiskeytown Lake with the Trinity River watershed at Lewiston Lake.

Kokanee are not leader shy, so 10-15 lb test monofilament leader is standard. A good rule of thumb for leaders between the dodger and lure is 2 ½ times the dodger length – usually 9 to 24 inches long.

They disbanded in 2000 with Adams leaving to pursue his solo career. Whiskeytown gradually expanded its sound outside the confines of alternative country while still maintaining its alternative roots.

Divers at Whiskeytown Lake have discovered a human leg that is believed to be from the body of Bridget Jacobs, the missing woman who may have been murdered by her ex-husband, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office reported Friday evening.

Each October, federal water officials lower the water level to make room for liquid generated by expected storms. Starting in April, the lake's level is raised to accommodate summer recreation. Water depth is also important for wildlife.