The Rogue Valley Bassmasters, a club dedicated to promoting bass fishing for anglers of all skill levels, continued their 2025 season with back-to-back tournaments on Shasta Lake, March 22 and 23. Hosting monthly events from March to October, the club offers a blend of competition, camaraderie, and skill-building against some of the region’s top anglers. These early-season showdowns—the third and fourth of the year—drew teams to Northern California’s premier reservoir for two separate days of action-packed fishing.
Shasta Lake: A Fisherman’s Paradise
Shasta Lake, near Redding, California, is a crown jewel of the region’s outdoor scene. Formed by the Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River, it’s the state’s largest reservoir, holding over 4.5 million acre-feet and sprawling across 30,000 acres when full. Fed by the Sacramento, Pit, and McCloud Rivers, plus smaller creeks, it boasts a rugged layout with four main arms—Sacramento, McCloud, Pit, and Squaw—and over 370 miles of shoreline, dwarfing Oregon’s Tenmile Lake. Nestled beneath the 14,179-foot Mount Shasta, the lake pairs volcanic vistas with deep, pristine waters, making it a stunning and challenging venue for bass fishing.
Saturday, March 22: A Tight Race at the Top
The Saturday tournament saw 16 teams hit the water, weighing in 62 fish—54 spotted bass, 5 smallmouth, and 3 largemouth—for a total of 149.89 pounds. No dead fish were reported, a testament to the anglers’ care.
- First Place: Jeff Conley and Zach Walker topped the field with a 5-fish bag of 4 spotted bass and 1 largemouth, weighing 13.36 pounds. Their 4.33-pound largemouth was the second-heaviest fish of the day, earning them 13.36 points.
- Second Place: Kevin Frauendorfer and Ty Cummins brought a 5-fish limit of spotted bass totaling 13.20 pounds. Their 4.52-pound spotted bass nabbed the big fish award, securing 13.20 points.
- Third Place: Rick O’Callahan and Ryan O’Callahan landed a 5-fish limit of spotted bass at 13.07 pounds, earning 13.07 points—just 0.29 pounds off first.
- Fourth Place: Mike Hess and Mike Hess Jr. weighed a mixed 5-fish bag—2 spotted, 2 smallmouth, 1 largemouth—for 12.79 pounds. Their 4.66-pound smallmouth was the day’s biggest fish and the largest of its species, netting 12.79 points.
- Fifth Place: Kevin Bigby and Joe Bigby posted a 5-fish limit of spotted bass at 11.02 pounds, with a 2.53-pound spotted bass as their best, for 11.02 points.
The top three teams were separated by less than a pound, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive season. Mike Hess and Mike Hess Jr.’s 4.66-pound smallmouth stole the spotlight as the heaviest catch of the day.
Sunday, March 23: A Dominant Performance
Sunday’s event drew 14 teams, with 53 fish weighed in—47 spotted bass, 5 smallmouth, and 1 largemouth—for a total of 111.43 pounds. Again, no dead fish were reported, highlighting the club’s commitment to conservation.
- First Place: Kyle Dearing and Kevin Dearing crushed it with a 5-fish limit of spotted bass totaling 18.96 pounds. Their 6.03-pound spotted bass was the tournament’s biggest fish, earning them 18.96 points and a commanding lead.
- Second Place: Rick O’Callahan and Ryan O’Callahan returned with another 5-fish limit of spotted bass, weighing 14.42 pounds, for 14.42 points—proving their consistency.
- Third Place: Kevin Bigby and Zeke Bigby landed a 5-fish limit of spotted bass at 14.24 pounds, including a 4.95-pound standout, for 14.24 points.
- Fourth Place: Logan Miles and Morgan Miles posted a 5-fish limit of spotted bass totaling 10.97 pounds, with a 3.98-pound spotted bass as their largest, earning 10.97 points.
- Fifth Place: Joe Meerten Jr. and Joe Meerten Sr. rounded out the top five with a 5-fish limit of spotted bass at 9.79 pounds, securing 9.79 points.
Kyle and Kevin Dearing’s 18.96-pound bag and 6.03-pound monster set a high bar, while the O’Callahans’ back-to-back podium finishes signaled they’re a force to watch this season.
A Season Heating Up
The Rogue Valley Bassmasters’ doubleheader at Shasta Lake showcased tight competition, big fish, and the club’s passion for the sport. From Saturday’s neck-and-neck leaderboard to Sunday’s dominant victory, the anglers embraced the challenge of Shasta’s vast waters. With monthly tournaments running through October, the club continues to foster a welcoming environment for pros and newcomers alike to hone their skills, share knowledge, and revel in the outdoors. Who’ll take the next win? The season’s just getting started!