Any current Shasta Lake info?

I noticed there's a couple guys in the Redding area on here. I'm heading up next week with the wife and kids to visit my Mom. She's near Packers Bay. I usually go up every year, but haven't done a Summer trip in awhile. I've never really done too well yak fishing around her area.
I was looking for any tips and wondering what's biting, etc.?
Also gonna bring my crawdad traps.
I usually do some freediving in Whiskeytown lake and really enjoy that, but haven't found any spots with clear water in Shasta.
Also, where's a good place to put in and pick up(two cars) to do a float down the Sac. River with the family?
And last, any locals have a must see/do recommendation for the area?
I've done most of the popular stuff, looking for something different.
Thanks Guys,
Pete G.
San Diego

PS- Shout Out to "GraniteDive" ...talked to you last month in the LaJolla kelp

Shasta is beautiful right now, filled up, nice and warm, but the only clear water you'll find is to tuck back into a cove with clean water coming in.  If you want to fish it get out early or late to beat the ski/board show.  Whiskeytown is slow but also nice and warm, and crystal clear (great snorkeling).  If you're looking for crawdads I'd head up to Britton, lots of crappie too.

To float the Sac put in at the Bonnyview Bridge and float down to the Anderson River Park.  With all the construction (river closures) on the bridges in Redding that's about your only option.  Takes about 3 hours non-stop, 8 hours if you fish it.  Nice float though, lots of access to gravel bars to get out and wade.

You mention you'll be near Packers, so I'd do some exploring on the upper Sac (Dunsmuir/Castella)...lots of nice trout water.  I'll be fishing there on Friday, will try to remember to post a report (non-yak).
tight lines,
beenfishin

Thanks! Much appreciated.

Is the salmon still hanging around the Shasta dam boat ramp? Britton is a good bet for lots of small crappie and some small mouth bass. My son and are heading up to Lake Britton on Sunday for the evening yak fish. It is cooler and the fishing picks up then. Let us know if you want to meet. We always see eagle, osprey and sometimes the otters.