Baum Lake is like many other lakes managed as a put and take fishery by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Hit it right after the hatchery truck makes a visit and you can experience lights out angling.  Most all baits and techniques will offer success.  But be outside of the window and fishing becomes a little tougher, the remaining fish a little more cautious.

A quick visit to Baum yesterday afternoon proved to be the latter. A few anglers spoke of great numbers over the weekend, especially on Saturday but Monday was entirely different. I only saw one small rainbow landed and heard of one other trout caught from the anglers I spoke with.  For myself nothing, but that is not to say that the trout aren’t there. Standing on the bridge access to the powerhouse at the top end of Baum there were two trout visible below that easily topped the scales at over six pounds apiece. Anglers were swinging a variety of baits and lures by them with nary a sniff or follow.

The same story held along the canal of the Cassel Forebay just above the lake. A couple of fish caught most just enjoying a family day of fishing.   But even with fishing spotty at best, the scenery in the area is beautiful and perfect for those who enjoy kayaking and hiking. Baum is also a great place for bird watching as there a wide variety that frequent the lake. Eagles, osprey, hawks, herons, pelicans, as well as various waterfowl and songbirds are commonly seen around the lake.

CDFW is still not announcing the stocking schedule (to date) due to the Covid-19 protocols, so anglers cannot count for sure on a set schedule for stocking but logic would have it occur closer to the weekends.  All public campgrounds, the PG&E campground at Cassel and the U.S.  Forest Service campgrounds along Upper Hat Creek as well as Day Use Areas are still closed.  This includes all public restroom facilities.  Anglers fishing Upper Hat Creek should concentrate on those road side access points where CDFW can easily stock fish.  In the past the trucks could not gain entrance past closed locked gates of USFS areas.

There is discussion that the USFS facilities may open soon and more information on the region should be available this Friday, June 12. For those interested in visiting the area it is best to contact the Lassen National Forest office at 530-257-2151 or check out their facebook / homepage for current updates and announcements.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.