Nestled in the shadow of Mount Shasta, Shastina Reservoir is a quiet gem for local anglers. But beneath its serene surface lies a secret with statewide consequences: this Siskiyou County waterway was ground zero for a 65-year-old ecological experiment that unleashed an invasive species, decimated California’s native delta smelt, and forced billions of gallons of water to be flushed into the Pacific Ocean—all while Southern California burns for lack of it. Historical records and scientific literature indicate that once wakasagi became established in Shastina Reservoir, they were considered a success by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), despite early warnings about ecological risks.