Plumas County Fishing Reports

Water temps are now pushing toward the 70s at Almanor, but the mixed bite remains fantastic if you know what you're doing. The water is crystal clear, which comes with its own challenges, as fish can be very spooky. But the big trophy brown and rainbow trout are there, along with aggressive smallmouth.

The hex hatch is happening as we speak, and fly anglers are taking advantage... throwing Hex Parachutes and Hex Nymphs from 5 PM all the way until dusk. Nymphs early, then dry flies as the sun dips. The west shore is typically best for these hatches. Non-fly anglers are still pulling fish on crickets and mealworms too.

The smallmouth bite has also been very good... near the dam or along any steep rocky shoreline. Crawdad imitations have been best... small jigs or tube baits are working well.

There's a solid trout bite at Almanor right now as water temps bump to the low 50s. Both rainbows and browns are moving up the water column feeding heavily on pond smelt from the surface down to 40 feet. Trollers are finding good numbers running needlefish, Speedy Shiners, and Rapalas either flatlining or using lead core line (or downriggers) to get in that deeper range. 1.5–2mph trolls have been most consistent. Shore guys are finding some big trout soaking floated nightcrawlers on a sliding sinker in the early mornings on the west side.