Shasta lake bridges and submerged structure

Most located off the Sac river arm between Sugarloaf and the bottom of the sac arm. The hot spot to visit the closest bridge and tunnel to sugarloaf is located about 1/2 mi south form the launch. Official sugarloaf closures happen at 140’ drawdown, but kayaks can manage thru the mud and dirt down to about 160-180’ somewhat comfortably. If I were to recommend a drawdown, it would be at about 145’-155’ down from crest to visit the bridges. Going thru the tunnel is a little sketch especially if boats are coming thru and waking. Sounds like a great way to die getting splatted against a submerged tunnel on Shasta. At about 160, the bridges become completely exposed above the water line. At about 120’, completely submerged. Many prop strike marks on the bridge to indicate plenty of boats had ruined trips. Cool little trip to do to watch when the Shasta levels start dropping from their current levels at 126’ down. Right off the I5. Currently catching record grade pikeminnow, decent mid-sized Shasta trout, and chunky bass not too far from the bridge on either side. Water temps are low 50s to mid 50s but getting to 58 in spots when the sun is out and weather is warm.

Bridges and fish

Edit: Bridge pics taken New Year's Day, 130' drawdown from crest approximately. Water temps were 45-48F during the day at the time.

cool pics...and fish!

That must be a snagfest when submerged. Can you restock your tackle box when it's exposed?

Thanks. Looks pretty cool. I saw a Youtube video on that tunnel about a year ago.

That must be a snagfest when submerged. Can you restock your tackle box when it's exposed?

Yeah, the soft plastics went straight to the trash with the line/hooks but I picked up a few juicy looking crankbaits with hooks embedded into the metal bridge. Threw away half of someone's prop at the launch trash can if they're looking for it.

Edit: Once lake levels start dropping again (they seem to have topped out at 126' the last month or two) due to spring flows, the first 2 weeks of drop usually give up PLENTY of jigs, spoons, and crankbaits all over the lake.

Dang those pics are very cool!    Have never been, but that sure looks like fun to go explore!  I was just reading the other day about these mines are exposed due to low water at Lake Don Pedro and thinking about making a trip to see it.

Looks like somewhere that I would enjoy paddling around. Thanks for sharing.